In this episode

With whiplash-inducing priority shifts taking place rapidly in healthcare, how do leaders balance innovation and the status quo? Sri Velamoor, president and COO at NextGen Healthcare, discusses his perspective as both a leader and a technology provider. In this episode, he discusses leadership through change, exploring how healthcare leaders can navigate uncertainty, adapt to shifting priorities, and embrace opportunities for innovation. He emphasizes the importance of strategic decision-making, resilience, and fostering a culture that supports transformation. Here are his takeaways:

• Leadership must evolve with industry changes.
• Shifting incentives require strategic adaptation.
• Growth and innovation depend on strong decision-making.

“There’s always tons of change in our sector. The key is not just reacting to it but shaping it in a way that aligns with your mission and vision.”

– Sri Velamoor

 

Key takeaways

Sri Velamoor discussed the balance between innovation and execution that technology providers must achieve to deliver healthcare outcomes. He discussed the following themes:

Embracing change as an opportunity allows leaders to remain proactive rather than reactive. 

Velamoor emphasizes that organizations that view challenges as chances to innovate will stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Leaders who resist transformation risk being left behind, while those who encourage adaptability foster growth and resilience within their teams.

By shifting their mindset to see uncertainty as a gateway to progress, leaders can help their organizations navigate change with confidence. Successful leadership through change requires a willingness to challenge outdated processes, experiment with new approaches, and remain open to learning. Organizations that prioritize agility and innovation will emerge stronger from periods of disruption. “Change is inevitable, but growth is optional,” Velamoor said.

Building trust through transparent communication is essential during times of uncertainty. 

Building trust through transparent communication is essential during times of uncertainty. “Great leaders don’t just react to change—they anticipate it,” said Velamoor.

Open and honest communication reduces anxiety among employees and helps them feel more connected to the organization’s vision. Velamoor highlights that teams are more likely to embrace change when they feel included in the process. By actively listening to concerns and providing clarity, leaders can create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged. Frequent and consistent communication is crucial, as uncertainty can breed fear and resistance. Leaders should not only communicate the “what” and “how” of change but also the “why,” helping employees understand the broader purpose behind transitions. Transparency fosters a culture of trust, making employees more willing to contribute their ideas and energy toward achieving shared goals.

Empowering teams to drive innovation leads to more effective problem-solving and creative solutions. 

Velamoor stresses that the best ideas often come from employees closest to the challenges at hand. Leaders should foster a work environment that encourages experimentation and collaboration rather than micromanagement.”The best ideas often come from those closest to the problem. Leaders need to create space for those ideas to surface,” he said.

By removing bureaucratic barriers and giving teams the autonomy to take initiative, organizations can become more agile and innovative. A culture of empowerment allows employees to feel ownership over their work, increasing motivation and engagement. Leaders should provide resources, mentorship, and a safe space for employees to test new ideas, knowing that not every experiment will succeed. The organizations that thrive are those that nurture a mindset of continuous learning and encourage employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of progress.

Learning from failure and committing to continuous improvement helps organizations grow stronger.

Mistakes should not be seen as setbacks but as valuable learning experiences that drive long-term success. Velamoor emphasizes that businesses must encourage a culture where feedback is welcomed, and processes are continuously refined. Leaders should model resilience by acknowledging failures openly, analyzing their root causes, and using them as stepping stones for future growth.

When failure is normalized as part of innovation, employees feel more comfortable taking initiative and thinking creatively. Organizations that prioritize ongoing learning will be better equipped to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing environment. Establishing structured mechanisms for learning—such as retrospectives, feedback loops, and knowledge-sharing forums—can help teams turn insights from past experiences into actionable improvements.

“Every mistake is a learning opportunity. The key is to reflect, adjust, and keep moving forward,” said Velamoor.

Velamoor underscores that the best leaders are those who embrace feedback, learn from missteps, and create a culture where growth is a constant process.