Catherine Gaulton: Finding Our Way Through a Lens of Kindness

In a special year-end episode, HIROC's CEO, Catherine Gaulton sits down with Philip De Souza, Director, Marketing and Communications. The two talk about the strong culture at HIROC, a culture of caring – caring about those we serve, and those they serve (patients and families). As a leader, Catherine knows how important it is to build in moments of fun, to ensure staff have an opportunity to breathe. When asked why people stay at HIROC, Catherine called on the notion of service to a greater purpose. Catherine shares some top topics from recent meetings with Subscribers, including cyber and health human resources. She and the leadership team at HIROC are focused on inspiring healthcare boards and leaders to think differently, and to ask the right questions on the issues that matter most. As for 2022, Catherine is optimistic that HIROC can continue to help Subscribers, and that together we can turn the corner on safety. Quotables: "I have for the entirety of my working career been proud to be associated with this healthcare system in Canada. And this year, the past 18 months, has just made that all the more acute." – CG "The health human resources piece will be the issue; it is the issue." – CG "That notion of service and of a greater purpose means people stay... we have this universal approach to service to each other and to Subscribers that gives us a mission that creates this culture." – CG "HIROC is phenomenally privileged to be invited into boardrooms. These are busy people with a massive amount on their plate, and the fact that they make room for what we can offer means we have a big obligation to make our time with them very useful." – CG "Your people are the only way you're successful… you need to have it be as much of a priority as getting the to-do lists done." – CG "It's the fun that really will make the difference in the end… the fun together, both in how you feel about work but in how good your work is too." – CG "And people say to me, 'What would be your advice to parents?' It really is that you raise children who are kind and who find their way through a lens of kindness… There are all kinds of other measures of success, but I say kindness is a massive one." – CG "I get up every day feeling that today is going to be the day that turns the corner for so many things." – CG "I'm optimistic that we'll continue to take things off the plate of Subscribers… that we'll just respond to that need and free them up to do what they do best." – CG "I think this year will show us that we're strong, that we've come through horrible times, that we're better for it." – CG Mentioned in this Episode: 21 Questions: Guidance for Healthcare Boards on What They Should Ask Senior Leaders About Risk HIROC Recognized as One of Greater Toronto's Top Employers (2022) Access More Interviews with Healthcare Leaders at HIROC.com/podcast Follow us on Twitter, and listen on iTunes. Email us at [email protected].