040_Leading With Positivity and Purpose: Dr. Cie Armstead’s Approach to Healthcare Excellence

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Host: Jarvis T. Gray, The Quality Coaching Co.
Guest: Dr. Cie Armstead, Founder of Owlservations, DEI Expert

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, Jarvis T. Gray sits down with Dr. Cie Armstead, a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare leadership. Dr. Cie shares her personal leadership philosophies, her unique career journey, and offers practical insights on how healthcare leaders can navigate the evolving landscape with authenticity and resilience.

Key Topics & Takeaways

1. Leadership Mindset & Favorite Quote

• Dr. Cie's Core Value: Actively seek out, see, and amplify the positive—even in challenging conditions.
• Favorite Leadership Quote: From Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry:
• “Go forth with a spoonful of fear and return with a wagon full of competence. I stay comfortably afraid.”

2. Career Journey & Passion

• She previously held executive DEI roles at the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Healthcare Executives, and spent 24 years with the American Bar Association.
• Her career has been devoted to building and leading diversity initiatives from the ground up.

3. DEI in Healthcare: Trends & Challenges

• Diversity is a permanent part of healthcare—it's not just a trend.
• A key trend today: separating genuine DEI champions from those who only gave lip service, especially with changing political climates.
• Healthcare leaders must be steadfast in their commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity, regardless of external pressures.

4. Personal Leadership Lessons

• Dr. Cie overcame personal doubts about her accent and background, learning to embrace her identity as a leader.
• Self-reflection and authentic self-acceptance are vital parts of effective leadership.

5. Biggest Challenge & Opportunity in Healthcare

• The workforce: nurturing psychologically safe, inclusive environments so everyone can deliver their best.
• The opportunity lies in leadership creating these healthy workplace cultures, especially after gaining new skills through challenges like COVID-19.

6. Looking Ahead

• Dr. C is excited to pursue international travel (Dubai, Ghana, Australia), including a solo trip, and celebrates both big and small achievements regularly.

7. Special Project

• Owlservations is launching a new research study on how professionals of color are navigating 2025. Participation is open for virtual focus groups and an online survey.

Connect with Dr. C. Armstead

• Website: Owlservations LLC
• Participate in the 2025 Professionals of Color research study via the website.

Final Thoughts:
Dr. Cie reminds us that leadership is ultimately about influence and integrity—staying true to core values, championing others, and striving for inclusivity even when it’s tough. Her optimism and faith light the way for healthcare leaders

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