Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas

I found that one of the key skills for me in leadership is the ability to listen and really listen.

So a lot of times we listen in a way that we can quickly answer the question or to kind of end the conversation.

But that's not the goal of a conversation.

The goal of a conversation is for the person to share what they are thinking.

And, I mean, as a surgeon, I'm kind of like to the point and direct.

But when I'm with patients, I sit down, I relax.

There is no other agenda except this is that person's time to share what's going on.

And I learned that it doesn't just affect patients.

Everyone that you talk to, they're sharing something about their life.

Like we have limited days on this earth.

They are sharing a portion of their time with you.

And so the best thing I can do is listen, but actually listen to what they're saying while looking at their eyes, while looking at their mannerisms and figuring out, is this something that's

difficult for them to share?

Is this something that they're trying to pull the wool over my eyes?

But trying to get as much information as possible because then we can kind of move forward in that relationship and I can help them get where they need or get what they need from me.

My CV is a

I would say it's impressive.

I've done a lot with in a short amount of time, but I never come off as unapproachable.

I'm very open.

You can always ask me anything.