Michael J. Goar's upbringing as an orphan in South Korea who was adopted and moved to Minneapolis at age 12 continues to shape his worldview and guide his leadership today. Most importantly, he believes in the power of adaptability, collaboration, and transformation. Now, as President and CEO of Sisters of Charity Health System based in Cleveland, Goar may be facing his greatest challenge yet, helping to turn the Catholic organization from a traditional hospital-based clinical provider (whose roots date back to 1851) to one providing a range of social services to underserved communities. "In order to survive in a traumatic setting, you need to be flexible," he says. "I have taken those learnings into my leadership style . . . you as a leader need to be flexible, knowing that every circumstance and organization is different." While honoring the organization's history, Goar and colleagues are taking an entrepreneurial approach to the future, connecting with partners along the way who have a shared vision. It requires retaining the "muscle memory" of running hospitals while creating new muscles for collaborating and finding creative ways to address challenges with health, housing, education, and food insecurity for local residents. In this Impactful Leaders Podcast, WittKieffer Senior Partner Adriane Willig speaks with Goar about how his childhood, faith, and leadership experiences continue to drive him to adapt and impact the lives of others.

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