My Career Journey: Lessons in Leadership

Written by Veronica Villarreal From the earliest stages of my career, I knew I wanted to lead in a way that created impact far beyond myself. What I did not fully appreciate at the time was that leadership is not a title, it’s a responsibility, often forged through challenges that test both resilience and character. My journey from frontline work to the executive suite was never linear, but every step and obstacle along the way helped shape the leader I am today.

A Defining Challenge That Shaped Me

One of the most defining moments of my career came during a period of intense organizational transition. Our health system was undergoing rapid growth, expanding services while balancing financial pressures and increasing demands from the community. I was leading a large segment of the workforce, and the responsibility weighed heavily.

At one point, a significant initiative I championed faced pushback. There were doubts about whether we had the resources, the right team alignment, or the ability to execute at scale. I remember lying awake at night, questioning myself: Am I ready to lead this at my age? Am I capable of guiding hundreds of people through uncertainty?

It was in that very moment of doubt that I realized leadership is not about always having the perfect answer, but about having the courage to move forward, to stand firmly in your vision, and to inspire confidence in others even when the path is unclear. I chose to double down — not by charging ahead alone, but by bringing my team closer into the process, listening more deeply to their concerns, and empowering them to own pieces of the work.

What started as one of my greatest professional challenges transformed into a defining moment that confirmed my purpose: to lead with courage, humility, and conviction. That project not only succeeded but became a foundation for future initiatives that further expanded access to care in our community.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Over the years, I have gathered lessons that continue to guide me:

1. Resilience is a leader’s greatest asset. Challenges will come — some visible, others unexpected. How you show up in those moments will set the tone for your entire team. Your ability to steady the ship, even when waves are crashing, gives people the confidence to keep moving forward.

2. Relationships matter more than results but relationships drive results. It is easy in the fast pace of healthcare or business to become overly focused on numbers, metrics, and dashboards. But behind every metric is a person. The trust, respect, and connection you build with your team will ultimately determine the outcomes you deliver together.

3. Never underestimate the power of humility. The higher you climb, the more tempting it is to think you should have all the answers. The truth is, the best leaders are listeners, learners, and collaborators. They know the strength of the team far outweighs the ego of the individual.

4. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Early in my career, I believed being the “first in and last out” proved my dedication. Over time, I learned that sustainable leadership requires self-care, boundaries, and balance. When you take care of yourself, you model to your team that their well-being matters too.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

To those who aspire to leadership, my advice is this: don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to step into your calling. Leadership is less about position and more about posture. It begins when you take ownership of your influence, however small it may seem.

Seek mentors who challenge you, surround yourself with people who see your potential, and do not shy away from opportunities that scare you. Growth always lives on the other side of discomfort. And most importantly, never measure your success solely by the title you hold, but by the lives you touch.

My Leadership Philosophy

My philosophy is simple yet powerful: lead with purpose, empower with trust, and serve with integrity.

I believe leadership is not about commanding from the top, but about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and inspired to give their best. When my team knows I trust them, they rise higher. When they feel seen as individuals, they show greater commitment. And when they know I will always choose integrity over convenience, they bring that same ethic to their work.

This philosophy has shaped not only my leadership style but also the culture of the teams I have been privileged to lead. Together, we have achieved milestones that were once considered out of reach — not because of me, but because of us.

Closing Thoughts

My career journey has been filled with both triumphs and trials, but every moment has reinforced that leadership is a calling, one that requires courage, resilience, and heart. As I share in C-Suite Bound, the path to the executive suite is not about the corner office or the accolades. It is about impact, legacy, and service.

To every aspiring leader: your journey will be uniquely yours, but remember this, challenges are not barriers, they are stepping stones. And with the right philosophy, you will not only reach your destination but also lift others along the way. Veronica Villarreal, MHA,MBA 

Assistant Vice President of Operations UT Health RGV