At the Nashville Health Care Council we are honored to have a diverse community of healthcare leaders of every level. As healthcare evolves and grows, so does our Council membership. One way we support building and growing the healthcare talent pipeline is the Leadership Health Care (LHC) program. LHC fosters the next generation of healthcare leaders by creating educational and networking opportunities for members. We hosted an Executive Briefing series on August 20th featuring Fahad Tahir, President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas and Council Fellows Class 2019.
Tahir, a seasoned healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience, recently shared his professional journey and leadership philosophy during an insightful discussion hosted by the Nashville Health Care Council. His reflections spanned from the early days of his career to his current role at Ascension Saint Thomas, offering valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and the intrinsic values that drive success in the healthcare industry.
Leadership Insights from Fahad Tahir’s Journey in Healthcare
Fahad began by acknowledging the formative experiences of his early career, particularly the lessons learned from understanding the intricate economics of healthcare operations. He emphasized the importance of connecting with the industry on a deep level, beyond the complexities of healthcare economics, and focusing on the human aspect of healthcare. His career experiences and mentors reinforced his belief in a purpose-driven approach to leadership, one that prioritizes patient care and the well-being of the community.
“I’ve been doing this for 20 years and at different phases of my career I have been inspired, energized, saved, redirected, guided by various versions of what the Nashville Health Care Council’s LHC program does at different stages on one’s career.” – Fahad Tahir, President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas
A core theme in Fahad’s intentional leadership philosophy is the balance between innovation and tradition. While he is optimistic about the potential of technology, particularly AI and data-driven innovations, he stressed the need to integrate these advancements thoughtfully within the existing healthcare framework. Fahad’s approach is rooted in the belief that innovation should enhance, not overshadow, the primary mission of healthcare—caring for people.
Fahad also highlighted the importance of organizational culture, describing it as a critical driver of success. He shared a personal anecdote about the responsibility of making a small organization feel large, ensuring that every team member feels valued and connected to the broader mission. And a big organization feel small by doing things for the right reasons and remembering the human aspect. This approach, he believes, fosters a culture where individuals are motivated to go above and beyond in their roles.
“The ultimate measure of a leader is the culture of trust. At the end of the day, I don’t think any of us do what we are supposed to do. We always do a little bit more or a little bit less because as individuals we have the ability to control our intention and our effort – a culture of trust is when you want to do more than you have to, because you want to.” Fahad Tahir, President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas
In his current role, Fahad is committed to maintaining a balance between expanding Ascension Saint Thomas’ reach and staying true to the organization’s faith-based mission. He recognizes the challenges that come with this dual responsibility but views them as opportunities to grow and innovate while staying anchored to the core values of the organization.
“We don’t compromise what we have to do and how we have to do it. We are sensitive to doing the right things, for the right reasons and being on the right side of history – and that gives me a sense of meaning every day and energizes me to hold ourselves to a higher standard.” – Fahad Tahir, President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas
Fahad’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that thoughtful, values-driven leadership can have on both an organization and the broader community it serves. His journey underscores the importance of staying connected to the mission, fostering a supportive culture, and embracing innovation with a clear sense of purpose.
Inspired by Fahad’s people-centric leadership philosophy? He will be speaking during Nashville Healthcare Sessions Conference, October 7-9, 2024 in the Healthcare City. Limited-tickets remain, secure yours today to hear from inspiring experts, game changers and visionaries in healthcare. REGISTER TODAY.
Learn more about the Nashville Health Care Council program, curated specifically for young professionals and emerging leaders, Leadership Healthcare (LHC).