In healthcare, where every decision carries weight and every moment feels urgent, the challenges leaders face are not just logistical—they are profoundly human. Yet, amid the whirlwind of demands, there exists a deeper truth often overlooked: struggle is not an anomaly. It is the very thread that binds leadership to growth, teams to purpose, and effort to transformation.
This truth is universal, though it finds a unique resonance in healthcare. It is here, in this sector defined by both its complexity and humanity, that the inevitability of struggle offers profound opportunities—not only to overcome but to evolve.
Why Struggle is the Greatest Teacher
Struggle often arrives uninvited, disrupting plans and exposing vulnerabilities. Yet, it is in these moments of disruption that clarity emerges. Struggle forces us to reevaluate priorities, question long-held assumptions, and discover reserves of strength we did not know we possessed.
Healthcare leaders and their teams are no strangers to this phenomenon. Whether grappling with resource constraints, responding to unforeseen crises, or navigating the emotional toll of care, every challenge has the potential to teach. The key lies in recognizing struggle not as a roadblock but as a crossroads—a place where growth becomes possible.
A Personal Reckoning with Struggle
In 2014, my life unraveled. A decision made without full awareness of its implications led me to federal prison—a reality I never imagined for myself. My career, reputation, and identity were swept away in an instant. Yet, in that crucible of loss and reflection, I encountered the raw essence of struggle. It was there that I learned how to let go—of ego, of control, of fear—and how to rise from what felt like ruins.
This experience taught me that struggle strips away the superficial and reveals what truly matters. It demands courage, but it also offers a profound gift: the ability to see the world, and ourselves, with fresh eyes.
In healthcare, this lesson is mirrored every day. The challenges may differ, but the call to rise above, to recalibrate, and to rebuild is universal.
Leading Teams Through the Complexity of Struggle
Leadership in healthcare requires more than technical expertise or operational savvy. It requires an ability to harness the energy of struggle and channel it into something transformative. This means fostering environments where teams feel supported and emboldened, even in the face of uncertainty.
Here are some ways leaders can guide their teams through complexity:
1. Illuminate the Value of Reflection
In a fast-paced environment, reflection often takes a back seat. Yet, it is in moments of reflection that teams can distill lessons from their experiences and find meaning in their efforts.
2. Encourage Shared Ownership of Challenges
Leadership is not about carrying the burden alone. It is about creating space for teams to contribute their insights, creativity, and resilience to shared goals.
3. Prioritize Humanity Over Perfection
In the pursuit of excellence, the human element can become overshadowed. Leaders who center compassion and empathy create teams that are not only effective but also deeply connected.
4. Recognize the Strength in Vulnerability
True strength lies not in invulnerability but in the willingness to confront discomfort with openness and authenticity. When leaders model this, it inspires teams to do the same.
A New Narrative for Healthcare Leadership
Struggle is not the enemy of progress; it is its catalyst. It is what compels us to innovate, collaborate, and persevere.In healthcare, where lives depend on our ability to adapt and lead, embracing struggle as part of the journey is essential.
Leadership is not defined by the absence of challenges but by the response to them. To lead in healthcare is to hold space for growth amid difficulty, to guide teams toward purpose amid complexity, and to foster resilience where others might see only limitation.
A Final Thought
The unseen thread of struggle weaves through every story of growth and achievement. When we acknowledge its presence, we unlock its potential to transform not only ourselves but also the systems and people we lead. In healthcare, where challenges abound, this perspective is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
By leaning into the lessons that struggle offers, leaders can create a legacy not of survival, but of strength, vision, and profound impact.

Rashmi Airan
Rashmi Airan is a keynote speaker, consultant, and advocate for redefining leadership through the lens of growth and resilience. Her transformative RISE Process™ equips leaders and teams with tools to navigate complexity and thrive together.