Visionary leaders are responsible for creating a captivating and compelling vision to galvanize the hearts and minds of the staff and managers of organizations. Not only is the President responsible for creating the vision, but also assumes the role of ensuring the staff has the necessary resources to execute and assure the achievement of such audacious goals to transform the vision into a tangible reality. This support is imperative to help staff members align with a company that has a big, bold vision to give back. When staff members have a vested interest in the company’s vision and feel connected, they are naturally inspired to accomplish their best work. Jean Drummond, President and CEO of HealthCare Dynamics International (HCDI), ensures every team member feels empowered to strive toward HCDI’s vision: improving the quality of health for all, especially vulnerable populations.
Journey to Destination
Lending a helping hand and connecting with others through empathy always came naturally to Jean Drummond. Her passion for health and the greater good for all was fundamental in the pursuit of her career in healthcare and public health. Beginning her studies in respiratory therapy, she continued to become a dedicated Physician’s Assistant, delivering quality primary health care to those most vulnerable in her community. Serving for over 15 years in low-income areas that experienced health professional shortages, she experienced the devastating impact of health disparities on disadvantaged communities and sought drastic, systems-wide change to the health care system in the United States.
As a result, Drummond studied public administration and health care management at Bowie State University, graduating with a master’s degree. Drummond’s unique educational background and professional experience enable her to view the challenges across the health care continuum. She knew one thing for certain: those most vulnerable were often left out of economically driven decisions.
From a Dream to Reality: Founding HCDI
Two fundamental beliefs have shaped Drummond’s relationship with the world and her sense of purpose. As a global citizen, Drummond embraces our common humanity while celebrating the unique and different cultures, backgrounds, and traditions we share. This understanding guides her vision for the future of health care and an unwavering belief in destiny compels her to believe the best is yet to come.
Beyond her beliefs, both Drummond’s mother and grandmother served as role models who cultivated her entrepreneurial spirit. Jean considers herself blessed to come from a family with two strong women who demonstrated what it means to run successful businesses. Her grandmother ran a general merchandise store in her community and her mother had a business as a seamstress. Nonetheless, Drummond watched them build a life doing things for others and committed to doing the same. Later, her mother invested in Drummond’s dream by providing $400.00 to start HCDI. As her company grows, Jean cherishes the support she received from her mother during its inception.
The convergence of Jean’s experiences, unwavering faith, and persistent family support launched the foundation of HCDI as an award-winning business.
The HCDI Difference
The policy-to-practice strategy specialized by HCDI assists health systems and health plans to raise the standard of care provided at lower costs. Emphasizing both the social determinants of health and using data as the foundation for impactful interventions, HCDI understands the context needed to reach underserved populations improving access to necessary health services and education. The team of more than 200 staff members has in-depth knowledge, which benefits the communities they serve.
The power of pivoting is evident throughout Jean’s business. She understands a business must continually innovate if it wants to have a significant impact on public health. Drummond understands a public health consultancy must be responsive to the moment. She acknowledges the differences in every unique population and never forgets the people behind the statistics. This philosophy drives the community-based, on-the-ground interventions offered by HCDI. This multifaceted and targeted approach is what makes HCDI’s strategy so impactful within communities.
Faith in Every Moment
Jean Drummond’s faith is her ultimate guide in life. A good life is measured by positive impact and asks herself and her staff to consider how everyday action will manifest in abundant, lasting change in the world. Drummond strives every day to leave behind a meaningful legacy benefiting her family, community, and the world.
To accomplish this, she endeavors to make the most of every moment in life – every minute of every day. Drummond does not take any opportunity, relationship, or moment for granted. She knows time is a finite gift.
To be a true change-maker, one must take courageous action. While faith keeps her grounded, Drummond recognizes that making the most of her life requires both grit and flexibility. This is the blueprint for courageous action. Drummond’s receptive mindset unlocks her mind to course-changing life lessons that lead to a greater, more equitable future for all.
“You grow when you’re uncomfortable,” Drummond insists. “Living life courageously means using change to inspire and motivate!”
“Teamwork Makes the Dream Work”
Jean proclaims, “Having strong communication between departments, staff members, and the executive team is an important element of the ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ mentality.”
Part of building a good team is developing a system that can be replicated. Establishing replicable systems empower staff members to actively address problems. Instead of a segregated, lonely environment, fostering an integrated, collaborative atmosphere is essential.
Nothing demonstrated the significance of a cross-collaborative team more than the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside health partners, HCDI staff found themselves administering COVID-19 tests, conducting contact tracing interviews, and providing COVID-19 information and immunizations to both educate and vaccinate the population during this unprecedented crisis. HCDI had to respond without delay! Given the dire immediacy of the COVID-19 crisis, HCDI’s staff pivoted their organizational capabilities in response to unprecedented and urgent health care demands. Drummond recognizes the power of this rapid pivot, attributing replicable processes and effective communication as vital components of the response effort.
“Working with the most passionate, talented staff to turn our innovative and transformational ideas into a reality is an immense gift.”
Empowers Principle for Culture-Building
HCDI’s “Servant Leadership” philosophy keeps the greater vision in focus. Drummond and staff address the needs of communities. Drummond ensures that staff members understand the relevance of their daily work so they can lead – and work – by example. Like her belief in destiny, Drummond recognizes the power of purpose and reinforces the company’s vision as a motivating force.
Jean’s Leadership Advice
According to Jean, a leader should always consider two crucial points: learning never stops and a true leader never moves the world alone. By leading with humility, a good leader remains open to learning, adapting, and growing. In fact, Drummond believes everyone grows when they remain humble, open, and curious.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
