Diversity on the Executive Path: Wisdom and Insights for Navigating to the Highest Levels of Healthcare Leadership

As the US population continues to diversify, the business case for diversity in healthcare leadership is becoming increasingly evident. Racially and ethnically diverse leaders are, however, still significantly underrepresented in today’s C-suites. How can healthcare leaders close this gap to enhance the cultural competence of their organizations and improve health equity for all?

In Diversity on the Executive Path, author Diane L. Dixon tackles this pressing issue by sharing the real-life experiences of 12 racially and ethnically diverse hospital and health system CEOs.

Dixon conducted in-depth, face-to-face interviews with this highly accomplished group of healthcare executives to discover what it takes to become a leader at the highest level. From their experiences, you will gain insight and learn practical lessons you can apply to your own career journey or the journeys of those you mentor, coach, or sponsor. The book delves into topics such as:

• Reflections on race and ethnicity in healthcare leadership
• The essential role of sponsorship
• Strategies for maximizing career mobility
• Navigating a career path when the going gets tough
• Leadership that makes a difference

Each chapter features executive commentary from additional healthcare leaders—practical advice for navigating the executive path—and concludes with questions that invite you to reflect on your own experiences and identify meaningful practices for building success.

The path to the C-suite is not a step ladder; it is a complex journey with many twists and turns. This book presents a unique opportunity to learn from the career trajectories of diverse healthcare executives. May they inspire and enrich your own journey.

About the Author

Diane L. Dixon,, EdD, is a leadership and organization development educator and consultant. She has more than 30 years of experience in the field of human and organizational learning, focusing on leadership and organization development, managing change and transitions, team development, and training and staff education in organizations of various sizes and complexity. Dr. Dixon has served on the boards of organizations and also worked with nonprofit boards at different stages of strategic planning. Before becoming a consultant, she was director of human resource development for the former Helix Health System (Union Memorial Hospital and Franklin Square Hospital Center, now part of MedStar Health) and worked in training and development positions for two global corporations, McCormick & Company and Warner-Lambert, Parke-Davis Group. Dr. Dixon is a lecturer at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, where she has taught healthcare leadership and communications for the master of health administration program. Previously, she was an adjunct instructor at Johns Hopkins University, where she taught leadership and organizational behavior in the former Business of Medicine Program and business communication in the Carey Business School. Dr. Dixon has given numerous leadership presentations on transformational leadership and managing organizational change and transitions. She has also presented on board diversity and inclusion for the International Leadership Association. Dr. Dixon holds a doctorate in education from the Executive Leadership in Human and Organizational Learning Program at George Washington University, a master of education degree in administration from Loyola University Maryland, and a bachelor of arts in sociology from Howard University.