Jeanna Bamburg, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
The Woman’s Hospital of Texas | HCA Houston Healthcare
Personal Journey
Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to pursue a career in your field?
Early in my career I had the opportunity to work for a female hospital CEO. Because there weren’t many female hospital CEOs during the mid-1990s, I had never contemplated the possibility of advancing to a CEO position. She was a dynamic leader, she was a wife and mom, she was a great communicator, she was involved in the community and she inspired me in so many ways. I will be forever thankful to her for taking me under her wing and showing me the path. Now that I have the honor of serving in the same role, I try to emulate her every day.
Advice for the Next Generation
How important is networking, and what strategies do you suggest for building a strong professional network?
Networking has been one of my keys to success and I would recommend the next generation putting networking at the top of their professional growth plan. Strategies that I have found successful are:
• Getting involved in your professional society or organization. Along with attending meetings and events, I would recommend getting involved with committees and serving in leadership roles. By employing this strategy, I have a strong network of healthcare leaders throughout the nation. Along with job opportunities and friendships, this network was especially helpful to me as a hospital leader during the pandemic as I was able to learn response tactics from leaders who were experiencing COVID surges before Houston.
• Get an introduction to those you’d like to have in your network. A warm handoff is more likely to generate a conversation or meeting than a cold call.
• Give as you take. Reaching out to a social media connection and asking for a meeting is not likely to be fruitful without something to set you apart. Find a way to add value to the potential connection’s day and you will have a better chance of getting on their calendar.
• Perfect your elevator pitch. Have a concise introduction for yourself which includes anything that differentiates you from the rest of the pack. Use this pitch as you approach those you don’t know for an introduction.
Importance of Giving Back
How does being involved in the Chamber benefit both you personally and your organization?
Being involved in the Chamber has been such a wonderful experience for me! I was invited to a Chapter luncheon several years ago when I was working in the Pasadena community and I knew immediately that I wanted to get involved.
Personally, the Chamber connections have benefitted me immensely! I’ve gained many new friendships and connections which have invited me to become involved with organizations that are so fun and enriching.
Professionally, being involved with the Chamber has allowed me to sponsor events, participate in speaking engagements and showcase the great work at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. We have so many examples of impacting families by the care provided at Woman’s and I’m thrilled to have the platform to inform business and community leaders!
Additional Insights
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?
This is my 33rd year to work in a hospital and my 13th year to be a hospital CEO. It would be easy to sit back and relax into my success but that’s not my style. Continued growth and development keeps me excited in my work and keeps my patients safer and my colleagues more engaged. I would recommend others to define their current purpose (which changes as you become more mature) and to lean into how they can pour their knowledge and experiences into others. Also to continue to find the learnings in the familiar challenges and focus on tweaking yourself to be your best. Now that I’m a new empty nester, it’s a whole new world for my husband and I to explore!