Welcome to episode 9 of Today is the Day Changemakers, 'The Road to Opportunity.'
In this episode my guest is Michael Pizzano. Michael's role at Kindred changed since this episode was recorded. He is now the CEO, Kindred Hospital - South Florida. Michael is also President of the American College of Healthcare Executives in NJ, professor at Centenary University and Saint Elizabeth University, where he teaches Master of Business Administration and Healthcare Administration courses. Michael loves being able to take the teaching outside of the book by sharing his first-hand experience.
Michael spend some time figuring out where his career path would take him. At one point he was heading towards becoming a U.S. Marshall, but another opportunity as a part time EMT led him in another direction.
There was a day in Michael's career that changed his life. The organization that he was working for where he felt he had great job let him go. It was a shock. He wrote an incredible recap of the events that happened that day titled 'My Long Walk Home'. It has been read by people across the country and beyond. You can find 'My Long Walk Home' on Michael's LinkedIn page. Michael's family, friends, network, and sphere of influence all supported him during this time. It is a great example of the importance of reaching out, connecting and leaning on those around us to help lift us up when we have our vulnerable moments. Michael went from unemployed in 2013 to becoming a first time CEO in 2015. The message here is, things happen for a reason. We may not know what the reason is at the time, but it may show up quicker than you think!
During this interview, Jodi shares something that her Dad taught her as a leader. He said, "be careful how you treat someone when you are responsible for the way they eat." It is about respect and the understanding of what you are responsible for when you are leading a team or company.
Network, network, network! When networking you are growing your personal support team, gaining advice from others in and outside your industry, possibly find new job opportunities, and so much more.
Mentorship is so important. This is a topic that is an ongoing theme on this podcast and Michael feels strongly about this topic as well. Michael is a mentor to so many, as well as, officially being a mentor to a Penn State student for a couple of months every year.
"Control what you can control", is something that a great leader told Michael. Seems simple, right? However, there are many times we may try to control it all. When trying to control everything it can lead us to put way too much pressure on ourselves, and spend too much time paying attention to things we are not able to change. Take note of what great leaders are saying to you and write them down.
Listen to Michael's "why not, my job" message. There is an important lesson in this message. We may not always give ourselves enough credit, so we may not be reaching for all that we deserve. Do we have to make a stop at every wrung on the ladder as we climb? Can we miss a few to get to the top? Why not?
Thank you to Michael Pizzano for sharing his story and his time. Go to Michael's LinkedIn page and read his incredible ' My Long Walk Home' story.
Congratulations to Michael for his new position at Kindred Hospital. Since this interview Michael became CEO of a Kindred Hospital for the second time!
Next week we have something very special planned for our listeners. Our new Inspire Series! We will have a double episode launch with Dennis Budinich, Chief Culture Officer, Investors Bank and Rob Scheer, Founder, Comfort Cases, author of A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a time, and 2018 CNN Hero. Hope you will listen in!