It Takes All of Us: Chuck Henderson on the Power of Teamwork and Collective Strength to Fight Diabetes
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Description
In this interview, Chuck Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), shares insights into his leadership journey, emphasizing teamwork and a mission-driven approach. Since joining the ADA in January 2020, Chuck has drawn on his private sector experience and athletic background to champion health equity, advocate for insulin affordability, and expand access to diabetes technologies. He discusses the importance of understanding all aspects of an organization while staying authentic and accessible as a leader. Chuck also reflects on the transformational changes he’s driven at the ADA, with a focus on health equity and increased transparency. He highlights the role of social media—particularly LinkedIn—in strengthening the ADA's brand and mission. Chuck also shares his personal connection to diabetes and the influence of his parents, as well as the organization's strategies for navigating remote work. The conversation concludes with a call to action for supporting the ADA during American Diabetes Month, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and resources to address the diabetes epidemic. Takeaways: Embrace a Team-Oriented Leadership Philosophy: Learning from Chuck's experience as an athlete, fostering an inclusive and team-centric environment is crucial. Ensure every member understands their role and how they contribute to the collective success.Maintain a Mission-Driven Focus: Chuck's daily reflection on his impact highlights the importance of grounding leadership decisions in the organization’s mission. Regularly ask yourself what you've done to advance your mission and set clear, impactful goals.Consistency in Communication: Regular touchpoints like monthly town halls, bi-weekly newsletters, and quarterly meetings are essential. This consistency keeps the team aligned, engaged, and informed about strategic directions and wins.Be Intentional with Engagement: Whether it's giving out personal contact information, being active on social media, or responding to both positive and negative feedback, intentional engagement fosters authentic connections and builds trust.Promote Organizational Brand: Use platforms like LinkedIn to share the organization’s achievements, highlight team members, and build new relationships. Prioritize showcasing the organization’s impact over self-promotion.Show Up Authentically: Your presence, both online and offline, should reflect genuine commitment and transparency. Authenticity builds credibility and trust, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.Adapt and Innovate Continuously: Being proactive about adopting remote work, investing in training, and listening to stakeholder feedback are critical. Innovation and adaptation help in staying ahead and addressing emerging challenges effectively. Quote of the Show: “No one person is greater than the team. It takes all of us, each one of us has a role to play in this fight.”  Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesdhenderson/ Website: https://diabetes.org/  Shout Outs: Champion Fire and Security: https://championfiresecurity.com/ Cotton Bowl Athletic Associaton: https://www.cottonbowl.com/ Texas A&M’s Letterman Associaton: https://www.aggielettermen.org/ Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ Tracey D. Brown: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceydbrown/Dions Dream: https://dionschicagodream.com/ Baxter: https://www.baxter.com/ Eli Lilly and Company: https://www.lilly.com/ Medicare:https://www.medicare.gov/ Medicaid: https://www.healthcare.gov/ 
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