Meet the Leadership Summit Speaker: Nancy Ross
Learn more about laboratory quality and performance improvement at the 2022 Leadership Summit
MaryBeth DiDonna is managing editor, events for Lab Manager. She organizes and moderates the webinars and virtual conferences for Lab Manager as well as other LMG brands, enabling industry...
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As Lab Manager’s 2022 Leadership Summit draws closer, we invite you to get to know the laboratory and management professionals who will be speaking at this exciting event.
Nancy Ross, founder of Improov Consulting, will speak on “Laboratory Quality and Performance Improvement.” Nancy’s presentation will help lab managers define what "laboratory quality" actually means, and will offer tools that managers should utilize to keep track of quality indicators and provide a simple framework for driving performance improvement initiatives in the laboratory. This session will allow managers to bring ideas back to their labs that will enable them to continuously improve their lab's performance.
Read more about Nancy’s service in the US Navy, her experience working at a medical center in The Bronx, and her recommendation for where to find the best seafood dinner in Baltimore. Register today at https://summit.labmanager.com/leadership for your chance to learn from Nancy’s experience and insight at the 2022 Leadership Summit.
Q: How did you get started in your career?
A: I am a US Navy-trained laboratory professional. I joined the US Navy in the late 1990s looking for opportunities to go to college and pay for expenses. At the end of my Basic Corpsman school training, I graduated top of my class and was given an opportunity to select which specialization school to go to next. Laboratory was the only choice that seemed interesting to me at the time, turns out it was a good match for my way of thinking and abilities.
Q: What are you most excited about in regards to your Leadership Summit talk?
A: While I have had the opportunity to talk to an audience in the past in various scenarios, this is the first time I am talking about laboratory quality and performance improvement, which is one of my passions as a laboratorian.
Q: What is a typical day at work like for you?
A: I work as an operations manager at a very busy medical center in The Bronx, NY. My days are very busy, but I do enjoy the challenge. I often have to think through complex situations and problem solve with my various teams. The pandemic is an additional challenge as we are now faced with supply and staffing shortages in addition to the increased volume and other dynamics we are all facing.
Q: What five words best describe you?
A: Intentional, people-centered, fair, resourceful, problem solver.
Q: What is the biggest lesson learned in your professional career?
A: To put people first! Tasks and processes are not more important than people. A good leader is able to take care of the people so the people can then take care of the tasks at hand.
Q: Tell us about a great book, movie, song, or TV show you’ve enjoyed recently.
A: Anything quality and process improvement-related.
Q: Do you plan to do anything special in Baltimore while you are there for the Leadership Summit?
A: Visit family and friends—I used to live in Baltimore up until January 2020!
Q: You’re from Baltimore—fantastic! What do you recommend Leadership Summit attendees check out in Baltimore while they’re there?
A: The Inner Harbor area, and seafood restaurants—Rusty Scupper Restaurant in the Inner Harbor is my favorite!
Q: What is one important skill you think that all leaders should have?
A: Empathy.
Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of your job?
A: Salsa dancing!
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of strength. Also, be authentic with the people you manage; being yourself goes a long way.
Q: What do you like most about attending/participating in events like the Lab Manager Leadership Summit?
A: Networking with other professionals and learning valuable lessons from them.