Name: Devyn Reggio Hart

Title: Vice President

Organisation: A Better Way In Home Care, Inc.

Location: United States

While studying Psychology at UCLA, I joined my mother's newly opened Home Care Agency. My passion for helping others found its place in the caregiving industry, contributing to our success over 25 years in a rapidly growing field. Our dedication and love for what we do, treating clients as family, have been key. Today, I balance this fulfilling career with raising three young boys.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Devyn's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader with a Type A personality, my greatest challenge has been adapting to the varied personalities and work styles of my team while learning to trust their capabilities. My natural inclination towards control and perfectionism means I've had to consciously embrace flexibility and delegate tasks, recognizing that diversity in approach can lead to innovative solutions and growth.

Trusting my team has been a journey of personal and professional development, teaching me the value of collaboration and the strength found in collective expertise.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to leadership was greatly influenced by the example set by my mother as she led our family's home care agency. As she began to step back from the business, I naturally filled the void, increasingly taking on more responsibilities.

My inherent drive for efficiency and excellence, coupled with a humorous self-awareness of my Type A traits, propelled me forward. I molded my leadership style through observation and direct involvement, gradually shaping the business with my distinct approach while stepping into my mother's footsteps, but with a clear imprint of my own leadership style.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I wake at 5:30am, promptly prepare my coffee, and venture outside for grounding and breathing exercises in the grass...definitely my "Me Time". Following this, I attend a 6:30am workout session, then swiftly return home to assist my three sons with their morning routines and school preparations, embarking on my workday around 8:45am. It is a priority for me to dedicate time to my husband and children starting at 5pm.

Despite my passion for my career, I am acutely conscious of the precious, fleeting moments with my children while they are still young. Our evenings are spent on walks with our three dogs, enjoying dinner together while discussing our days, perhaps a game of Yahtzee, followed by the children's bedtime routine, and then usually mine.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson I've embraced, both as a new realization and a reminder, is the importance of trusting my team and their expertise. Recognizing that I personally selected these individuals to join our company, and acknowledging the years of dedication they have contributed, has reinforced the necessity of relying on their skills and judgment.

This trust is not just about delegating tasks; it's about valuing their insights and giving them the autonomy to make decisions. This approach not only empowers my team but also strengthens our collective success, reminding me that leadership is as much about listening and trusting as it is about guiding and deciding.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

"Zero to One" by Peter Thiel profoundly impacted my leadership by underscoring the importance of building a strong foundation, not just in terms of business strategy, but also in fostering a cohesive team dynamic.

The book's emphasis on innovation and creating something entirely new encouraged me to look beyond conventional approaches, specifically how we collaborate and function as a team in the caregiving industry. Thiel's insights led me to prioritize establishing a solid foundation where each team member's unique contributions are valued, promoting a culture where innovation thrives.

This approach has not only differentiated our services but also ensured that our team operates seamlessly as a whole. Understanding that a strong foundation includes both innovative business practices and effective teamwork has been instrumental in guiding our company to stand out in a competitive field, enhancing our collective success and resilience.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

My advice to a young leader would be to continuously strive for learning and to remain agile with the adoption of new technologies and future trends. The landscape of leadership and business is ever-evolving, and staying informed and adaptable to technological advancements and shifts in societal expectations is crucial.

This mindset not only ensures that you are prepared for the future but also positions you to lead your team through changes with confidence and vision. Embrace the journey of constant learning and pivot as necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world. This approach will not only enhance your leadership skills but also ensure your organization remains relevant and competitive in an increasingly dynamic environment.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One of the most meaningful aspects of my leadership journey hasn't been a single event, but rather the recurring moments when clients share their appreciation for my staff's exceptional care. These instances serve as powerful reminders that the true strength of a leader lies in the quality of the team they build.

Hearing firsthand the positive impact my team has on our clients' lives reinforces the belief that we achieve greatness not in isolation, but through the collective effort and dedication of the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Each compliment from a client is not just a testament to the individual excellence of my staff members but also an affirmation of our shared values and commitment to service.

These moments are a profound reminder of the importance of fostering a supportive, skilled, and compassionate team, and they underscore the success we've built together in the caregiving industry.