As I reflect on my journey to leadership, I am reminded that no one leads, or succeeds, alone. My path has been profoundly shaped by the people who invested in me, challenged me and exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, compassion and purpose. I am a firm believer in mentorship and just how far it can take you. In fact, I have had a few great mentors myself over the years. I started out here at the University of Louisville School of Medicine as a medical student, but I didn’t become a leader overnight. Many of those same people still influence who I am and how I lead today. It’s remarkable that some of these individuals who helped shape my path are still a part of the School of Medicine community today, continuing to serve, mentor and inspire.

This month, I find myself especially thankful for the mentors who modeled what it truly means to lead with compassion, humility and integrity. I want to take a moment and honor a few individuals whose guidance continues to influence my work every day: Toni Ganzel and Serge Martinez.

From the beginning, Toni Ganzel, emeritus dean, has been someone I deeply admire, not just for her accomplishments, but for her approach to leadership. She has always put people first. Toni is an excellent listener and an authentic leader who treats everyone with respect and empathy. She has a remarkable ability to see the best in people and encourage them to be their best selves.

From her, I learned that effective leadership begins with respect, is grounded in empathy and grows through trust. Her example reminds me every day that leadership in medicine is not about hierarchy, it is about service. It’s about caring for people, building relationships and doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

I’ve also been fortunate to learn from Serge Martinez, who serves on the UofL Institutional Review Board, and holds a deep commitment to upholding ethical standards in leadership. He is a superb example of an innovator and educator. He never stops learning and constantly engages with those around him to find new ways to improve.

Martinez has always been a connector. He invests in others and builds bridges for those he recognizes talent in. In fact, he was instrumental in recruiting emeritus Dean Ganzel to the School of Medicine. He genuinely cares for people, for patients and for students. He works tirelessly to advance ideas, strengthen teams and mentor others to reach their fullest potential. Watching his example reinforced for me that leadership and mentorship are deeply connected. True leaders don’t just guide; they invest in others so that everyone can grow.

The lessons I learned from both Ganzel and Martinez have shaped not only my leadership, but also my philosophy for how we move forward as a School. I strive to carry their example in my work daily by:

• Putting people first and keeping our focus on our mission
• Building and empowering inclusive, effective teams
• Recognizing and celebrating the contribution of others
• Leading with empathy and authenticity

These are the same values that have always defined our School of Medicine. They remind me that leadership is not a solo act; it’s a shared journey built on the wisdom, generosity and guidance of those who came before us.

As I look to the future, I hope to pass along a few of the lessons my mentors instilled in me, such as putting our people first, building and sustaining inclusive teams, taking ownership of growth and responsibilities and giving yourself the grace of time – for family, wellness and quiet time.

I am deeply grateful to the individuals who helped guide my journey from a medical student to the leader I am today. Their influence continues to shape who I am and who we are as a community. 

As we celebrate all forms of gratitude this month, I invite each of you to pause and reflect on the people who have shaped your path. Whether it’s a mentor, a colleague, a student or patient: take a moment to express your gratitude. Because in the end, it’s the people who make this work meaningful.