Welcome to another episode of the MGMA Women in Healthcare Podcast!

In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Kripa Krishnan to the show. Kripa is the Vice President of Operations at Northwestern Memorial Healthcare in Chicago and a seasoned healthcare leader with extensive experience in academic and clinical operations, physician partnerships, and leadership development. In this conversation, Kripa shares her journey from pivoting from pre-med to public health to leading complex healthcare operations.

She discusses the crucial difference between mentorship and sponsorship, emphasizing the importance of having advocates who champion your career growth.

Kripa also dives into the role of exposure, networking, and authentic leadership in advancing within healthcare organizations. She offers insightful advice on navigating leadership as a woman of color, handling workplace challenges, and building effective partnerships with physicians. For early career professionals, she stresses the significance of staying grounded, seeking mentorship, and embracing one’s unique leadership style.

Episode Highlights:

🔹 Kripa Krishnan's Career Journey and Current Role – 0:00

🔹 Sponsorship vs. Mentorship in Career Advancement – 4:07

🔹 The Role of Exposure and Networking – 7:09

🔹 Developing Authentic Leadership – 13:35

🔹 Navigating Barriers as a Woman of Color in Leadership – 27:18

🔹 Building Effective Partnerships with Physicians – 33:16

🔹 Advice for Early Career Professionals – 36:49

🔹 Final Thoughts and Reflections – 41:02

Join us for this insightful discussion on career growth, sponsorship, and creating meaningful connections in healthcare leadership.

As Kripa highlights, success is built on strong performance, strategic relationships, and intentional career moves. Subscribe now for more inspiring conversations!