Audrey Gregory is president and CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division – North Region. She joined AdventHealth in this role in October 2021.

What implications do you see for your organization resulting from the coronavirus and how are you mitigating the potential risks and challenges?

 Our workforce has been through so much over the past two years as they’ve cared for our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are investing heavily in our team, both clinical and nonclinical, to retain and develop talent. We are also working to ensure that there is an adequate supply of health care workers to meet the demands of tomorrow. We educate that future workforce at our very own AdventHealth University, and we partner with colleges and universities across Central Florida to support their clinical programs.

What actions have you taken or will take to return to the growth expectations you had as 2019 ended? When will it be achieved?

 With the changing presentations and variants of the coronavirus, and the ongoing pandemic, it is difficult to estimate when we will achieve a return to our pre-COVID levels.  

At our AdventHealth facilities we are open and available to care for our communities.  To return to pre-pandemic levels as soon as possible, we are focused on ensuring that consumers have access to our services, and that we have sufficient and appropriate services and facilities to meet demand. Our goal is to make sure consumers have a wonderful and exceptional experience every time they interact with AdventHealth.   

An organization’s culture flows from the top down. What leadership skills do you find effective in promoting the agency’s mission and vision to employees, clients and customers?

 As a faith-based organization, our mission is “Extending the healing ministry of Christ.” Like other AdventHealth leaders, I live by that mission, and work to exemplify it to my team through servant leadership. It is also critical, especially in these times that a leader listens and has a deep bench for empathy. 

 At EVOLVE we have a shared belief that leaders develop their success skills by overcoming the challenges and adversity they face. Do you believe that hypothesis and if so, what adversity have you faced and overcome that helped put you where you are today?

 I agree with the hypothesis. As a female, an immigrant, and a person of color, I understand adversity well. However, these difficulties have not being without purpose and have molded and taught me.  As a society, the last two years have been filled with adversities, sadness and challenges.  We have recognized that coming out on the other side makes us stronger. 

What closing comments or counsel would you offer to emerging business leaders and entrepreneurs to continue their path to success?

I would offer several pieces of advice:

Know your true north.  Know who you are and know your non-negotiables, so that character is consistent. You need to be able to look in the mirror and be okay with the person looking back at you.

Recognize that we do not know everything, and it’s good to be in a constant state of learning. Learn from those above you, from peers and those who report to you. Be a sponge and absorb all that you can.  Absorb and understand the good and learn from the bad.  

Networking is vital. Expand your network, and then be comfortable with leveraging that network to help you to grow professionally.  

Surround yourself with people who are committed to your success, and will, therefore, be honest with you.