Suzanne Rybczynski, M.D.

Associate Chief Medical Officer Kennedy
Krieger Institute

What about your leadership style has helped grow your career and how have you had to change your leadership role/style during the past year?

When I was named COVID-19 Task Force Leader, I had to switch gears completely. My focus became the safety of our staff, patients and students in the pandemic. I had to completely change my communication style to reach all areas of the Institute. I began a deliberate process of communication with everyone including leading daily zoom updates leaders throughout the organization. I helped host town hall for employees to connect with leadership about safety. And I used personal outreach to make sure folks understood why we were doing what we were doing to keep everyone safe.

During COVID we have heard the word “essential workers” used many times. Beyond just essential workers, Women are Essential in all industries from all backgrounds. We know that professional women have had to leave their job to help with childcare and sickness over the past year. What are your thoughts on how we work together so everyone knows Women are Essential in the workplace and we must make growing women leaders a priority?

Women have always been essential workers but it took the pandemic for everyone to become aware. The most import- ant thing a woman leader can do is to always be supportive of other women. Although I did not have young children that needed my constant attention to during the pandemic, I always tried to keep fellow women who were struggling in mind. Cutting people slack during this time is so important. It shows that you are a leader who understands and cares.