Just before COVID, I met with one of my clients, a solo female pediatrician. I ran through all of the typical consulting topics I cover - raise your prices, do more well visits, negotiate those contracts - and something clicked in my brain that I wasn't really listening to her. Her priorities weren't to "maximize revenue" or "add 5 clinicians." She wasn't trying to compete with the other practices in her area. She just wanted something large and viable enough to take care of her family and maintain the autonomy of her own practice. That's it.
It struck me like a bolt of lightning that so much of the perspective I bring to my work is because I am white and male. I'm not making some obligatory 'woke' confession, I just realized how much the demographics of my customer base had changed while I hadn't. If I want to stay relevant, I have to understand what my clients' perspective and values.
Every year since that visit to my client, I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone and welcomed my amazing opportunity to participate in the Women In Pediatrics Retreat. I've had the honor and privilege to present, carving out a tiny corner where my perspective doesn't get in the way. Take it from someone who has probably been to more pediatric events than anyone but the AAP presidents: there is no meeting like Women In Pediatrics. It's the most emotionally powerful, individually curated, replenishing, and personally beneficial gathering I have witnessed, bar none.
Every year I wish every woman I know could participate in these deeply meaningful moments. Then I realize that it's not just the women who need to hear and participate - it's the brothers, husbands, and co-workers of all those women.
Don't take my word for it, though. I asked Dr. Skinner, who produces the event, to share with me any comments she received in her post-event surveys. Try these on for size - unedited, unscripted.
"This was such a powerful and beautiful conference. It’s so hard to find time as professional women to find rest and restoration and this conference offered both. I felt seen and heard in a safe space with like minded women who have already accomplished so much."
"The conference was truly life-changing. I feel inspired, deeply connected to a community of like-minded women, and empowered to take the next steps toward upleveling my life, both professionally and personally. This experience has reignited my passion for balancing my career and home life with intention and confidence."
"This was an amazing group of women and empowering time to learn, grow and reflect. I walked away with new friends, new skills for running my business and my life, and a new outlook on how to reach my goals. THANK YOU for this transformational experience."
"I needed this time to connect with myself as a person working with in a wonderful, difficult field. Being able to share this with other amazing individuals going through the same things I am was also so reaffirming."
Seriously, I could have shared a few dozen more.
The event is that good. And there's still a little room. I hope I can see you there.