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I first connected with Dr. Malinda Shultice through email—an introduction sparked by our mutual interest in senior living. Little did I know that our online exchanges would lead to an enriching and thought-provoking conversation on the INNOVATION Insights podcast. From her unintentional entry into healthcare administration to her dedication to creating empathetic and practical leadership models, Malinda shared profound insights that resonated deeply with me.
roughout our discussion, I was struck by her journey—one that was not meticulously planned but evolved from an unexpected part-time job in a nursing home’s dietary department. What started as a way to combat loneliness in a remote Iowa town transformed into a lifelong career dedicated to improving senior living environments and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. As she recounted her experiences, I could not help but reflect on the power of serendipity in shaping careers and the importance of being open to unexpected opportunities.
The Power of Listening and Empathy in Leadership
One of the most impactful moments of our conversation centered around active and compassionate listening. Malinda emphasized that listening is not merely hearing words but rather a choice to engage deeply with another person’s experience. She described how true listening requires resisting the urge to prepare the following response and being fully present.
This concept resonated with me because it applies far beyond healthcare—it is a fundamental skill for effective leadership in any industry. Malinda’s ability to relate listening to leadership, staff retention, and patient care was eye-opening. She pointed out that while there is much discussion about clinical staff shortages, the real crisis creates environments where people want to stay. Leaders who actively listen and show genuine empathy foster workplaces that retain employees, leading to better patient outcomes.
Malinda’s insights reminded me of a simple yet profound truth: people want to feel valued. Whether in healthcare, hospitality, or corporate environments, employees stay in places where they are heard, respected, and supported. She also shared how she and her director of nursing built a culture of empathy that led to a staffing surplus even during the height of the pandemic. It was not about flashy incentives—it was about genuine human connection.
Empathy as a Leadership Standard, Not an Exception
Empathy was a recurring theme in our conversation, and it became evident that Malinda sees it not as an optional trait but as a leadership standard. She recounted stories of healthcare staff working long hours to send money home to their families, residents who formed deep bonds with caregivers, and leadership moments where simply offering a listening ear made all the difference.
Her approach to leadership—balancing accountability with empathy—challenged the traditional notion that authority must be rigid and detached. Instead, she demonstrated that high expectations and a compassionate environment can coexist, producing an engaged workforce and improved care.
This emphasis on empathy also extended to her work in academia. Malinda observed that many students have never experienced genuine, compassionate listening, and she actively integrates it into her teaching methods. As an educator myself, I found this to be a powerful takeaway. The classroom is not just a space for knowledge transfer but an opportunity to model the leadership and emotional intelligence students will carry into their careers.
The Overlooked Value of Senior Citizens in Society
Another key moment in our conversation was when we discussed society’s undervaluing of senior citizens. Malinda passionately spoke about how Western cultures often dismiss older adults as no longer relevant or useful, while many other cultures revere and integrate them into daily life.
I have witnessed this firsthand. Too often, when I am out with my mother, people direct questions to me instead of addressing her, even though she can fully answer for herself. Malinda confirmed that this happens regularly in healthcare settings, where staff speak about patients instead of to them. It is a troubling reflection of how society treats aging populations, often stripping them of agency and overlooking the wisdom they offer.
Malinda highlighted the joy and insight that older adults bring into our lives. She shared how intergenerational interactions—whether through mentorship programs or even simple conversations—can be profoundly enriching. I left our discussion with a renewed commitment to encouraging dialogue between generations. There is so much untapped potential in older adults' stories, experiences, and wisdom; we must create more opportunities to engage with them.
Innovation Through People-Centered Leadership
As we wrapped up our conversation, Malinda offered a perspective on the future of healthcare leadership that extended far beyond senior living. She predicted that the industry—and leadership in general—would have to shift toward a more people-centered approach. Emotional intelligence, effective communication, and psychological safety will become non-negotiable traits for future leaders.
Her insights mirrored my own beliefs about innovation. It is not always about technology or groundbreaking discoveries; sometimes, the most impactful innovations happen through shifts in mindset and leadership approach. The ability to create workplaces where people feel heard, valued, and empowered is an innovation in itself—one that has the power to transform entire industries.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
My conversation with Malinda left me both inspired and challenged. It reinforced the importance of listening as a leadership skill and a fundamental human practice. It reminded me that empathy is not a luxury but a necessity. It also encouraged me to think more critically about how we engage with and value older adults in our society.
So, here is my challenge to you: Talk to a senior citizen this week. Whether it is a grandparent, a neighbor, or someone in a care facility, take a moment to listen—really listen. You may be surprised by the wisdom, humor, and insight you gain from a single conversation.
To leaders in any field: Let us reframe leadership to be more empathetic, people-centered, and intentional about listening and engaging. Innovation is not just about what we create—it is about how we lead.
Malinda’s story is a testament to the power of accidental discoveries, the impact of compassionate leadership, and the necessity of valuing people at every stage of life. I am grateful for our conversation and look forward to applying these insights in my work with INNOVATION Insights.
Let us continue to innovate, not just in what we build but in how we lead.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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