In honour of International Women's Day on March 8, Health System News is pleased to share personal insights from Melissa Farrell, President and CEO of Halton Healthcare and Ontario Hospital Association Board Chair, about women in health care leadership – the challenges they face and the importance of female voices at the leadership level. Melissa also speaks about her personal journey and the mentors who inspired and encouraged her along the way.
Can you share more about your health care journey and what inspired you to pursue a leadership role? What challenges have you faced as a woman in health care leadership, and how have you overcome them?
I come from a non-traditional health care background, having completed my master's degree in urban and regional planning. During my studies, I did a placement with the Southeastern Ontario District Health Council, which later evolved into the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and eventually Ontario Health. This experience ignited my passion for health care. I was doing planning work for them at the time and had always known I wanted a career in government. The experience I gained there gave me the skillset to join University Health Network in their Corporate Planning department and eventually led me to joining the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care where I worked for many years, eventually becoming Assistant Deputy Minister with multiple portfolios.
Early in my career, while still a student working at the District Health Council, I attended a community event where a hospital President and CEO spoke. I was inspired by their words and the positive impact they had on their community and the health care system. When the President position at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton opened years later, I seized the opportunity. Now, I am proud to be at Halton Healthcare.
Although I don't feel that being a woman has held me back in my career, there have been challenges, particularly in balancing my career with motherhood. I returned to work early from maternity leave due to concerns about the impact on my career. I also faced biases and feedback about my appearance and communication style. Despite these challenges, I remained true to myself and focused on my strengths, believing that the future of leadership is more diverse and inclusive. Being a woman in a leadership position, it is both my honor and responsibility to create space at the table for other women, particularly those who have been historically marginalized, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
Who have been your role models or mentors in your career, and how have they influenced your leadership style?
I've had several amazing informal and formal mentors who really helped me move forward in my career. Everyone I have ever worked for has been a mentor in some way or another. They have all taught me about different leadership styles and attributes – both those I aspire to replicate but also those I would like to avoid. For some of these leaders, they saw potential in me and gave me opportunities that have led me to where I am today. Having diverse mentorship has empowered me to develop my own unique leadership style, drawing inspiration and valuable lessons from each individual mentor along the way.
One example comes from an Assistant Deputy Minister I worked for earlier on in my career. When I was just starting out, I tended to keep information close – assuming in some ways that being the sole expert on an issue gave me power and authority. This leader, however, taught me the crucial value of sharing knowledge and opened my eyes to the power of working as a team. That lesson has profoundly shaped my leadership style, placing a strong emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and fostering a culture of shared success.
Why do you believe it is important to have female voices at the leadership level in health care? Can you share an example of how having diverse leadership has positively impacted your organization or the health care system as a whole?
It is crucial to have female voices at the leadership level in health care because the field is largely composed of women, especially on the front lines. We also know that half of the population we serve are also women. Having female leaders from all backgrounds and walks of life ensures that the perspectives and experiences of a significant portion of the population are represented at the decision-making table.
I have been fortunate to be part of organizations that value diversity in their leadership. When diverse perspectives are included, the conversations become deeper and more comprehensive, considering the various impacts and consequences of decisions.
In regions like Halton, where the community is becoming increasingly diverse, having leadership that reflects the communities we serve helps in making informed decisions that ensures the needs of our patient population are better understood and addressed.
How do you see the role of women in health care leadership evolving in the future?
There has definitely been a bias around what a traditional CEO or executive leader looks like, but I have seen that change over the last few years. With more diverse leadership tables, women will be driving innovation and positive change in the industry. This shift will not only benefit the organizations they lead but also the healthcare system.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter health care leadership roles?
My advice is to lean in and not underestimate your value proposition. It's common for women to doubt their abilities and think they can't balance work and life, but you can. There are trade-offs, but it's possible to have a fulfilling career and personal life. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your potential and quite frankly – cut the noise. If I had listened to all the people who told me what to wear, what to say, to wait my turn and just give it more time, I wouldn't be where I am today.
I remember when I first got pregnant, I was worried about how it would impact my career. But one of my mentors encouraged me to have kids and said that I could be both a great mom and a great leader. This support was crucial as I went into motherhood originally assuming having kids would be an insurmountable barrier to career growth. It's important to find mentors, colleagues and supportive family members (my husband in particular) who will encourage you to pursue your goals both personally and professionally and who will support that balance.
Don't count yourself out and remember that you can do it too. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way and always believe in your ability to succeed.