39. Dr. Bellal Joseph

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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bellal Joseph, Martin Gluck Endowed Professor of Surgery, Chief of Trauma, Critical Care, Burns, and Emergency Surgery, and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Arizona. He shares his remarkable leadership journey, from his early passion for surgery’s human connection to his evolution as a leader on the national stage.

We discuss pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, the evolving expectations of surgical leaders, and the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and continuous learning. Dr. Joseph introduces the concept of “triple integration” — blending clinical excellence, education, and research — and offers practical advice on building trust within teams, leading through organizational change, and balancing delegation with maintaining influence.

Through powerful personal reflections, he highlights the importance of setting boundaries, leading yourself first, and staying true to your mission, even when challenging the status quo. This conversation is packed with timeless leadership lessons!

Takeaways

• Being clinically competent is essential for effective leadership in surgery.
• The concept of a 'triple threat' in surgical leadership is evolving towards a more integrated approach.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for effective leadership.
• Emotional intelligence involves self-management and the ability to remain calm in chaos.
• Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth as a leader.
• Building trust in teams requires recognizing silence as a potential trust gap.
• Alignment in teams is more important than mere agreement.
• Investing time in understanding leadership traits is essential for young surgeons. You build trust by being honest and real.
• Delegation is opportunity, not just a task.
• The hardest person to lead is yourself.
• Communication is key in leadership.