Name: Pamela Seddio

Title: Director of Surgical Services

Organisation: Texas Health Arlington Memorial

Location: United States

I began my nursing career as an extern in Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White Plano. While at Plano I advanced in my role from extern, GN, staff RN, Charge RN, Supervisor, and Manager of Pre-Op/PACU/Endo.

After 7 years my family and I relocated to Rapid City, South Dakota and took a position as Assistant Director of Surgical Services. After 7 months in the cold winter, I was ready to relocate back to Texas and accepted a position as Director of Surgical Services at Baylor Scott & White, All Saints, Fort Worth.

After 5 years in that position, I accepted a position at Medical City Plano, a Level I Trauma center as Director of Surgical Services. I am currently serving at Texas Health Arlington Memorial as Director of Perioperative Services. I hold a professional certification as a perioperative nurse (CNOR) and serve on the advisory board for the University of Houston Baur College of Business.

I have a Master’s Degree in Business and Human Behavior and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. I am currently working towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. I am married to a wonderful husband. We have 4 amazing children. We also have 4 Grand Angels, and we have fur babies that include 3 Labs, 2 horses, and 3 hens. For fun I love anything outdoors. The beach is my happy place. During the months of August-December you can find me under the Friday Night Lights (TX HS Football). I am dedicated alumnus of the Allen High School and South Dakota State University.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

The most challenging part of being a leader is balancing time throughout the day. I am a leader who has a coaching leadership style. I enjoy coaching all levels and roles especially during rounding sessions. However, learning to balance daily business operational needs/meetings and being visible to the team members in all the units is challenging.

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

As a Graduate RN, I had an amazing CNO. I admired her style, passion, and wisdom. I wanted to be like her when I "grew up" in my career. I volunteered for projects I knew she led so I could learn her wisdom. I had the privilege of serving with her twice in my career.

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

Waking up is easy! I believe each morning is a new start and full of small wins which lead to big wins. As I prepare myself for the day, I skim emails before leaving the house to ensure nothing is immediately pressing. I review my calendar for the day to mentally prepare on what focus is needed.

After packing snacks, lunch, and energy drinks, I set out for my drive. I listen to audible books for first part of my drive. When I am approximately 10 minutes from hospital campus, I turn all noise off. I mentally review the day, priorities, and conduct a self-motivation talk. As I walk into the facility, I take a deep breath and say a prayer to guide me throughout the day. I have learned through the years to take a few moments each day and walk outside.

The fresh air and exercise restore my energy and focus. On my home, for the first half of the drive I have silence in the car. I mentally debrief about the days events, successes, challenges and what will need to be prioritized the next day. I enjoy the quiet debrief session so I can be present when I arrive home to my family who deserve my full attention as well.

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

A leadership lesson I was recently reminded of is being aware not all individuals want support in the same way. Being mindful of your audience as some individuals just need a leader to listen while others prefer active problem solving. Having meaningful conversations allows a leader to develop support tools that best fits the individual.

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?

It's Your Ship is the most profound book which impacted my leadership. The book demonstrated how empowering and trusting my team can lead to a more successful and efficient organization. This book inspired me to take control and make positive changes in my own work environments. The author explains and provided tools to motivate my employees to take responsibility for their actions.

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

I would advise the young leader to accept feedback and use the feedback as a tool to grow.