In this issue of MedSurg Leadership Hub, we spoke to Laura Reline about her role at NDC, her leadership style, and how she’s grown in her career. Reline is the Vice President of Supplier Management at NDC and currently as the Board Secretary of PWH.
MSL: Tell me about your leadership style. What does it take to be an effective leader? What have you learned about leadership over the years and how have you implemented this for your career?
Laura Reline: My leadership approach is best described as transformational. I hold myself to high standards and naturally extend those expectations to others. I believe growth flourishes outside of one’s comfort zone and I seek opportunities to raise the bar to create better solutions and outcomes.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned (and continue to learn) is the importance of not reacting hastily to change or difficult messages. Practicing patience and exercising restraint in such situations is key. I’ve found that taking additional time, whenever feasible, to ponder a challenge overnight often leads to me to a more creative solution compared to my initial knee-jerk reaction.
Effective leadership centers on creating and nurturing strong relationships both internally and externally. Collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders is key to achieving project success and exceeding objectives. Throughout my career at NDC, I’ve been fortunate to benefit from the mentorship of several exceptional leaders who have played instrumental roles in my development. Their guidance has instilled in me the importance of supporting others on their journeys. Having advocates to champion your cause or opportunity for growth is invaluable.
MSL: What is your role at NDC? What does your day-to-day look like? How have you grown and developed in this role?
Reline: My journey with NDC began 16 years ago after a tenure in marketing/distributor relations for a healthcare manufacturer. I joined NDC in a director role managing the medical private brand program until we decided to strategically focus on manufacturer brand products. This transition expanded my responsibilities for additional supplier relationships and opportunity for growth with a later promotion to Vice President. NDC continues to advance as an organization and it has been exciting to be a part of the evolution.
In my current role as Vice President of Supplier Management, our department is responsible for the primary relationship with our supplier partners. Each day my focus is dedicated to connecting with our strategic supplier network to present solutions that create efficiencies and drive sales growth.
As a healthcare supply chain efficiency solution NDC has a diverse array of supplier solutions designed to assist healthcare manufacturers in better managing their business with downstream partners. We support our existing partners with efficiency programs and growth enablers as well as establish new supplier relationships that align with NDC’s mission and benefit our downstream partners. We continue to evolve from “box mover” to providing robust solutions through listening to our partners needs including recent expansion and investments in some exciting 3PL and contract management services.
MSL: What did you learn from your time chair as board secretary of PWH? What does that role entail? Biggest challenges? Biggest successes?
Reline: Since 2017, my journey on the PWH board has been outstanding. It all began with an unexpected invitation from Julee Prefer, then PWH Chair, to join a board meeting as a guest. Witnessing the dedication of the board members amidst their demanding day jobs left me amazed. Eager to contribute, I quickly assumed the role of Vice Chair on the Corporate Partners Committee, tasked with expanding relationships with our annual corporate partners. Later I was able to step into leading the committee as its Chair, guiding direction and outcomes.
In August 2023, an opportunity arose for me to step into the role of Board Secretary. Embracing this chance to step out of my comfort zone and broaden my skill set, I took on responsibilities such as recording board minutes and supporting the PWH Chair. With each transition in committee chairs, I strive to ensure smooth transitions by offering guidance on expectations, board protocols, and adherence to our bylaws. Additionally, I feel like I could contribute in being a bridge between committee chairs and executive board leaders, facilitating effective collaboration and timely decision making.
The growth and recognition of PWH as the premier resource for growing leaders in the healthcare industry is a huge accomplishment. As a 501c6 organization, our ability to reinvest in our members relies heavily on the support of our corporate partners. Demonstrating the value of investing in leadership development remains vital. Share Moving Media has been a great supporter of the PWH organization. Special thanks to Scott Adams and John Pritchard for their continued partnership.
MSL: How are you feeling about 2024? From your perspective, how will the election affect the business and healthcare landscape? Do you have any predictions about the industry for this year?
I normally try to avoid the subject of politics (especially in print) however with any big pending election healthcare is always a hot topic as it represents a large cost to Americans. I believe there will be upcoming changes in the ACA and future party control will determine the type of reform taken.
As HIDA recently commented, war and drought have created shipping bottlenecks around the world which create delays, so unfortunately 2024 may continue to be plagued with supply chain constraints for vital medical supplies. Given the understood sensitivity over the last few years, communication about any possible delays or disruptions from healthcare suppliers to distributors and then to providers will be essential.