These five building blocks turn real-world experience and a bigger purpose into meaningful action.
Some of the best leadership journeys begin on the frontline, where problems are met head-on and solutions are developed based on real-world experience. As the co-founder and CEO of Phlow Corp., one of the first certified B Corporation pharmaceutical manufacturing organizations modernizing U.S. medicine manufacturing, I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing team focused on our mission of securing a reliable supply of critical medicines on American soil.
My path to this role started at age 17, volunteering as an emergency medical technician. On far too many rescue squad calls, I witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by shortages of basic, life-saving medicines. Those difficult moments shaped my belief that leadership must understand the real-world impact of the problem at hand and have the grit and resilience to not only address today’s challenges but also create a way forward for a better tomorrow.
Today, as I lead this purpose-driven organization, I’ve realized that empathy is a cornerstone of transformational leadership, driving innovation and strengthening communities. Whether you’re guiding a company or contributing to a local initiative, here are five building blocks for turning frontline experience and purpose into meaningful action.
1. Ensure each employee understands their role in the mission.
Empathetic leadership requires stepping into the shoes of those you aim to serve. Everything begins with taking a genuine interest in the concerns of your employees and your customers while going beyond traditional boundaries to consider others’ perspectives.
At Phlow, this means casting a purpose-driven vision and ensuring our employees understand the impact each one of them has on achieving our mission. It also means addressing the vulnerabilities in our nation’s medicine supply chain and truly understanding what that means for individuals and families across the nation.
When drug shortages threaten patient lives, it’s not just a health care issue – it’s a matter of national resilience. By embracing empathy, leaders can envision a future where the lives of others are prioritized, ensuring that the organization’s purpose aligns with its every action. Empathy can help transform the obstacles you’re sure to face into opportunities for innovation and growth, enabling real leaders to inspire teams and achieve bold goals.
2. Build partnerships rooted in purpose.
No leader succeeds alone. It takes collective action. The partnerships Phlow has built as an innovative contract development and manufacturing organization with public-private partners are rooted in a shared purpose. Together, we’ve operationalized state-of-the-art infrastructure in the United States to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients with tech-enabled, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Purpose-driven partnerships amplify their impact by uniting diverse expertise and aligning efforts toward the common good. In any industry, collaboration without ego strengthens resolve, drives innovation, and creates real change.
3. Be bold, but stay grounded in service.
Bold leadership requires relentlessly challenging the status quo. At Phlow, we’ve embraced advanced pharmaceutical development and manufacturing technologies to revolutionize medicine production in America. But boldness alone isn’t enough. True leadership is grounded in service — putting the needs of others above personal or organizational gain. As a medical clinician, I’ve seen the importance of serving first, whether responding to a crisis or fostering a culture of humility and accountability in the workplace. Leaders who serve empower those around them to achieve lasting results that benefit their organization, their community, the nation, and the world.
4. Create resilient systems.
Resilience is at the core of sustainability. Phlow has built deep infrastructure with the U.S. government to ensure the rapid deployment of APIs during national emergencies. Creating pharmaceutical sovereignty is more than a logistical achievement; it’s a symbol of our commitment to safeguarding public health. Resilient systems — whether in supply chains, teams, or business models — protect communities from disruption and enable organizations to thrive even in times of uncertainty. Frontline leaders find a way to always prioritize adaptability, transparency, redundancy, and innovation to build structures that endure the most difficult times.
5. Mentor the next generation of leaders.
Frontline leadership is not only about achieving lofty milestones; it’s about inspiring others to carry the torch. Whether training new paramedics or mentoring young professionals, I’ve seen the ripple effect of investing in others. Purpose-driven leaders find a way to create a legacy by fostering a workplace culture where mentorship and growth are integral. By empowering future leaders, we ensure that our impact extends far beyond our own tenure.
Turning Purpose into Action
Empathy-driven leadership, rooted in firsthand frontline experiences, has shaped my journey as a CEO, doctor, and lifelong volunteer paramedic. It’s a simple yet powerful model that transcends industries and redefines success as a leader by focusing on your lasting impact on the lives of others. In today’s complex world, real leaders have an opportunity to drive meaningful change by leading with empathy, forging purpose-driven partnerships, and empowering those around them. When leadership is guided by service and resilience, we unlock the potential to transform not just our organizations but entire communities.
To my fellow purpose-driven and frontline leaders, let’s focus not only on what we achieve but on how we achieve it.
