When starting a search with a new client, we typically ask about the type of person who they believe would do well in the role, and in that org specifically. Usually we hear standard personas, like “builder,” “fixer,” “entrepreneur,” and the tried and true, “athlete.” But lately, a new one has been coming up more and more frequently: someone with "a chip on their shoulder." (We promise we’re not singling any one client out, this trait is being called out very frequently.)

Colloquially, “chip on their shoulder” can actually be a bit negative because it suggests defensiveness and resentment. This is a person who has been passed over and is now mad at the world. They’re likely combative, blame others, and don’t take feedback well. Not exactly the type of executive that anyone would want in their company.

But in this context, that's not exactly what's being asked for. Here, it's shorthand for executives who perhaps have been underestimated, have high untapped potential, or feel like they have something to prove. They’ve turned what otherwise might have been bitterness into fuel. It’s actually what propels them forward.

So in this light, when blended with the right mix of EQ and self-awareness, it actually shows up like an asset. Usually, when a client says that this is the type of individual they’re looking for, we know we need to look at some other adjectives - scrappy, competitive, ambitious, hungry and humble… all things that demonstrate that the executive will do what they must until they find a solution to a problem.

When evaluating leaders who you believe fit this mold, the biggest question to ask is, what have they done with that energy? - ie, did they just settle the score or did they actually build and create something with impact.

‍

• Rama Kondru, Ph.D. joins The Emmes Group, a technology-enabled clinical services and data solutions company, as Chief Executive Officer (Source)
• Bretton Lane joins Persante Health Care, a sleep management provider, as President & Chief Growth Officer (Source)
• Jeff Fox joins Porter, a healthcare information technology services platform, as Chief Growth Officer (Source)
• Element Science, a wearable cardiovascular device, appoints Paul Mandina as Chief Revenue Officer, Mark Hughes as Chief Operating Officer, and Eric Samuels as Chief Financial Officer (Source)
• Chris Edwards joins MedScout, a healthcare intelligence platform, as Chief Operating Officer (Source)
• Lisa Ritsky-Lamb joins Scene Health, a medication adherence solutions company, as Chief Financial Officer (Source)
• Nerissa Canonizado joins Medable, a clinical trial platform, as Chief Accounting Officer (Source)
• James Parr joins Centivo, a health benefits company built for self-funded employers, as Chief Commercial Officer (Source)
• Waystar, a healthcare payment software provider, appoints Todd Woods as Chief Commercial Officer and Amit Khanna as Chief Product and Technology Officer (Source)
• Quantum Health, a healthcare navigation company, appoints Jamie Hall as Chief Commercial Officer and Daniel Stein, MD as Chief Strategy Officer (Source)
• Rina Hahn joins Flo Health, a women’s health app, as Chief Marketing Officer (Source)

‍

• Reveleer, an AI-powered risk adjustment analytics company, is hiring an SVP, AI & Data
• Centivo, a health benefits company built for self-funded employers, is hiring a VP, Data Architecture & Integration
• Gabbi, a women's health company focused on breast health, is hiring a Head of Operations
• GRAIL, a biotech company focused on early cancer detection, is hiring a Head of Employment Law and Litigation
• Hippocratic AI, a generative AI company for healthcare, is hiring a Vice President, Customer Success (Provider), Vice President, Sales (Pharma/BioTech/MedTech)
• Stellar Health, a value-based care software company for providers, is hiring a Vice President, ACO Performance
• Talkiatry, a virtual psychiatry company providing mental health care, is hiring a Head of Quality & Training

‍