How to Confidently Lead Critical Conversations and Boost Your Career in Digital Health
Written by Rod on December 9, 2024
If you’re working in digital health, you already know how quickly the industry moves. Whether you’re managing data, driving tech innovations, or working with patient care systems, you’re constantly navigating high-stakes situations. But let’s be real—having tough conversations with stakeholders, leadership, or cross-functional teams is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the job. Maybe you’ve been avoiding it, or maybe you’ve found yourself in meetings where you know what needs to be said, but fear keeps you from speaking up. Does this sound familiar?
This is exactly where my client, Sam, found herself not long ago. Sam was a highly capable team leader working in digital health, leading critical tech integration projects that impacted both patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Despite her technical expertise, she felt like she was stuck in the shadows when it came to communication. Anytime she had to engage with higher-ups or bring up sensitive topics, fear would take over. Sam worried that her ideas might not land right, that she might step on toes, or worse, that she would be labeled as difficult. As a result, she often stayed quiet, and her fear of rocking the boat was holding her back from stepping into a leadership role.
Sam came to me because she knew this hesitation was not only impacting her work but also stalling her career. Together, we began by addressing the root of her fear. Sam wasn’t just worried about saying the wrong thing—she was worried about being seen as confrontational or not being able to navigate the tension that comes with difficult conversations. I helped her realize that these fears were normal but unnecessary. In fact, those conversations she was avoiding were the key to unlocking her next level of growth.
We worked on building her confidence step by step. I coached Sam on how to prepare for tough conversations in a way that felt authentic to her. This involved practicing how to frame issues in terms of solutions, learning how to listen actively, and understanding how to create a dialogue that was constructive rather than confrontational. Sam also learned how to emotionally regulate before these meetings, using techniques that helped her stay calm, grounded, and focused on her end goal.
Before long, Sam was taking charge of those hard conversations she once feared. She found herself speaking up in meetings, asking the tough questions, and bringing new perspectives to the table—things she’d never had the confidence to do before. Her ability to engage across the board, from leadership to technical teams, not only elevated her confidence but also got her noticed by the higher-ups. Within a year, Sam had successfully led multiple high-stakes projects and moved on to more senior roles where she now helps shape the hospital’s strategy.
Sam’s journey shows how confronting fear and learning how to lead critical conversations can transform your career. By finding her voice, she was able to command the respect of her peers and leadership, ultimately setting the stage for career growth.
If you’re ready to overcome your fear of tough conversations and take control of your career in digital health, I can help you get there. Book a call with me today, and let’s work together to build the confidence and communication skills that will elevate you to the next level.
