From the Gym to the Boardroom

People often ask me where I learned to lead a company, build teams, and manage high-stakes decisions. Some expect me to talk about medical school, residency, or my years in radiology. And while those experiences certainly shaped me, the truth is, a huge part of my leadership foundation was built on a volleyball court.

In high school and college, I played competitive volleyball. I was a setter, which meant I wasn’t just playing—I was orchestrating. The setter is like the quarterback of volleyball: always thinking ahead, reading the defense, and setting up others to succeed. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that role would give me tools that I still use today as the CEO of a radiology group.

Volleyball taught me strategy, patience, and how to build chemistry with people. It taught me how to bounce back from mistakes and how to lead under pressure. Those lessons stuck with me, long after the games ended.

The Power of Positioning

As a setter, your job is to make everyone else look good. You don’t always get the glory, but your decisions shape the entire outcome of the game. That mindset of enabling others translates directly into leadership. At our radiology group, I don’t see my role as the person who needs to have all the answers. I see myself as the one setting the ball—positioning others to perform at their best.

Whether it’s a radiologist interpreting a tricky case, a technologist working through a busy day, or a member of our business team managing operations, success comes when people feel supported and set up to win. Just like on the court, it’s about reading the situation, staying calm, and delivering what the team needs—sometimes fast, sometimes patient, but always intentional.

Volleyball taught me to think a step ahead and to trust the people around me. In business and medicine, trust and foresight are everything.

Communication Is Everything

You can’t win a volleyball match without strong communication. Everyone has to be in sync. A single misread can throw off the entire rhythm of a play. That kind of tight coordination is exactly what we strive for in radiology—whether we’re working with a hospital system, referring physicians, or internal teams.

In both volleyball and healthcare, clarity and consistency are key. You have to communicate early, often, and honestly. In our company, we’ve made it a priority to build a culture where people feel heard, ideas are shared freely, and feedback is part of the process.

I’ve also learned that communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you listen. The best setters are constantly observing, adjusting, and responding to what their teammates need. That’s the kind of leadership I try to model every day.

Handling Pressure with Poise

There’s nothing like a tied game and a high-pressure serve to test your nerves. As a player, I learned how to breathe through those moments, stay focused, and trust my preparation. That same composure is critical in both medicine and business.

In radiology, the stakes are high. A missed diagnosis can have serious consequences. In leadership, decisions around growth, partnerships, and people can shape the future of an organization. But pressure doesn’t have to break you—it can sharpen you.

What volleyball taught me is that confidence doesn’t come from being perfect; it comes from preparation and trust—in yourself and in your team. You train, you study, you show up, and then you let the moment unfold. That mindset helps me stay centered, even when the demands of leadership feel intense.

Team Chemistry Is the Secret Sauce

The most talented team doesn’t always win. Chemistry, trust, and shared purpose are what really make the difference. I saw that firsthand on the court, and I see it now in our organization.

Culture isn’t something you build overnight—it takes intention. We’ve worked hard to create an environment where people feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Where they know their work matters, their ideas are welcomed, and their well-being is prioritized.

That team-first mentality is what drives innovation and keeps us resilient through challenges. Just like on a volleyball team, everyone has a role, and the real magic happens when those roles sync up seamlessly.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Looking back, I’m grateful that I spent all those hours in gyms, practicing sets and running plays. I didn’t know it then, but I was training for more than just volleyball. I was learning how to lead.

Being a medical entrepreneur is a different kind of game, but the principles are the same—prepare, communicate, trust your team, and keep your eye on the bigger picture. Whether I’m navigating a tough case, a business decision, or a growth opportunity, I still find myself thinking like a setter: How can I help my team succeed?

Volleyball didn’t just teach me how to play—it taught me how to lead with vision, humility, and purpose.

And for that, I’ll always be grateful.