In this special episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, Steve Dickens, recipient of the MGMA Lifetime Achievement Award, offers a retrospective on his career journey. Speaking live from the Leaders Conference in Denver, Dickens shares the lessons and values that have guided him through decades of service with MGMA and the healthcare community. He reflects on the personal connections, pivotal moments, and resilience that have shaped his approach to leadership and helped him navigate a healthcare landscape marked by continual change.
A Journey of Connection and Growth
For Dickens, his career with MGMA has been defined by invaluable relationships and learning experiences. “I have had what I consider to be the ultimate MGMA experience,” he shares, explaining that his path—from local chapter leadership to state officer, and finally to board Chair—was both professionally fulfilling and deeply personal. He highlights the network of mentors and colleagues who have helped him along the way: "I have…worked with, been mentored by, [and] become friends with so many of the historical leaders of the association," he says. These connections, Dickens explains, have become an essential part of his life, offering him guidance, support, and a sense of belonging within a community committed to advancing healthcare leadership.
Building relationships and learning from MGMA’s leaders has been as rewarding as the formal roles Dickens held over the years. His extensive involvement, from local chapters to the board, exposed him to diverse perspectives and experiences, allowing him to witness firsthand how the healthcare field evolves and adapts. Dickens views this evolution as necessary, but one that also relies on preserving core values within an organization. The community and mentorship he found within MGMA gave him a sense of purpose that he hopes others will also find in their professional lives.
Sticking to Core Beliefs During Times of Change
Having witnessed considerable shifts in healthcare and MGMA’s own evolution, Dickens is no stranger to the challenges of adapting while staying true to foundational values. “I’ve learned to stick by your guns,” he says, describing his approach to leadership as one of balancing openness to new ideas with steadfastness in well-researched convictions. As Dickens explains, embracing change is essential, but so is standing firm when it’s rooted in thorough research and clear principles. "If you are prepared and have done the research…then you need to be steadfast in that," he advises, urging current leaders to resist wavering on their values simply to accommodate passing trends.
Acknowledging that the healthcare landscape will continue to evolve, Dickens emphasizes that adaptation should not mean abandoning what makes organizations effective. "Things do need to change," he says, highlighting that MGMA’s success lies in its ability to grow with the times without sacrificing its dedication to quality, community, and shared learning. The importance of both innovation and preservation is a theme Dickens believes should guide not only MGMA members but all professionals navigating industries subject to rapid change.
Private Moments of Impact
Reflecting on his career, Dickens emphasizes the smaller, personal moments as the most impactful. "The memories that really stick with me," he says, “are those people who will say, you know, you made a difference.” These quiet, one-on-one conversations remind him of the profound effect that mentorship, support, and encouragement can have on others’ lives. Dickens values these moments of genuine connection just as much as his public accomplishments, noting that such experiences underscore the deeper purpose of his work.
This recognition from peers and colleagues reinforces his belief in the importance of genuine mentorship. He values being able to share his experiences openly, inspiring others to pursue their goals even when the journey seems daunting. To Dickens, success in healthcare leadership is about more than knowledge or status—it’s about fostering relationships that empower others to excel.
Advice for Emerging Leaders
To those beginning their own paths, Dickens offers straightforward advice: immerse yourself in the available resources and build your network. He recalls the wisdom shared by a physician at the start of his career: “You will meet people there who can help us.” This encouragement to seek connections led him to discover the full depth of MGMA’s supportive network. Dickens stresses that the relationships he has built within MGMA have been just as essential to his career as any formal training, helping him to stay grounded and motivated during challenging times.
He encourages emerging leaders to “go to the meetings, talk to people,” pointing out that genuine networking within a community can provide insights, advice, and support that extend far beyond traditional learning resources. Dickens believes that building this type of support network is crucial, especially in a field as complex and evolving as healthcare, where shared experiences and guidance can make a meaningful difference.
The Importance of Mentorship
Throughout his career, Dickens has benefited from both being mentored and serving as a mentor. He sees mentorship as a mutually beneficial relationship, encouraging MGMA members to “find a mentor and be a mentor.” As Dickens explains, mentorship fosters growth on both sides, and relationships formed through mentoring often develop into friendships that go beyond professional obligations. "These are your peeps," he says, highlighting how meaningful connections in one’s field can have a lasting impact, enhancing both personal and professional lives.
For Dickens, mentorship is about more than just guidance; it’s about mutual investment in each other’s success. He sees mentoring as a responsibility, one that leaders should embrace to foster a supportive culture that encourages continuous learning and development within healthcare.
Looking Ahead
Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award has led Dickens to reflect on his journey, but he isn’t stepping back from the field. He remains passionate about his ongoing involvement in the MGMA community and eager to support the next generation of leaders. He leaves listeners with a message of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to talk to [people] and make those relationships and be willing to make those commitments.” For Dickens, success is as much about building connections and fostering a supportive environment as it is about individual achievements.
Resources Mentioned:
- Visit the MGMA Website for resources, educational materials, and upcoming events.
- Learn more about leadership opportunities and networking within MGMA by attending the MGMA Leaders Conference.
- Explore mentorship opportunities within the MGMA network.
- Insights on MGMA Awards
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