In this episode of the MGMA Member Spotlight podcast, Jojy Schless, Director of Operations at Geneva Eye Clinic, discusses her career journey, her role at Geneva Eye Clinic, and her approach to building a positive organizational culture.
Journey into Healthcare
Schless began her career with an undergraduate degree in psychology, aiming to become a therapist. "I started out with an undergraduate degree in psychology; my goal was really to become a therapist," Schless said. She earned a master’s degree in social work and worked with drug-using adolescents and their families. Her first managerial role in community mental health sparked her interest in business, leading her to management consulting and leadership coaching.
“I transitioned out of social work and moved into employee assistance programs, management consulting, and started my own leadership coaching business,” Schless explained. Eventually, she joined Geneva Eye Clinic.
Geneva Eye Clinic
Geneva Eye Clinic, located 45 minutes west of Chicago, is a multi-specialty ophthalmology practice with four fellowship-trained ophthalmologists and 45 employees. The practice values independence and work-life balance. "Our physicians prioritize work-life balance and are involved in academic and community activities," Schless noted. This focus has led to long-term retention, with many physicians spending their entire careers at the clinic.
“We have a unique model where we recruit physicians out of fellowship, and they tend to stay for the bulk of their careers. This stability is a key component of our success,” Schless said.
Leadership and Development
Schless, passionate about leadership development and mentoring her team, follows Jim Collins’s concept of “right people in the right seats,” believing in leveraging individual strengths. “Leadership coaching allows me to bring out the best in people. Whether someone is a seasoned manager or new to the role, there’s always room for growth and development,” Schless noted.
She also emphasizes recognizing when individuals may not be suited for specific roles and helping them transition to better-fit positions. “It’s crucial to understand that not everyone is a natural fit for every role. By helping individuals find the right seat on the bus, we can ensure that our team operates at its highest potential,” she said.
Operational Efficiency
As the Director of Operations, Schless ensures that the clinic runs smoothly daily while also planning for its future. “My role involves ensuring that our operations run smoothly and efficiently while also planning for future growth and development,” Schless explained. She collaborates closely with the physicians to align operational goals with the clinic’s mission and vision.
Schless emphasizes the importance of work-life balance for her team. “Our physicians and staff value work-life balance, which we prioritize in our practice. This not only helps in retaining talent but also in maintaining a healthy and productive work environment,” she added.
Fostering a Collaborative Environment
Schless believes in fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. “Creating a positive and collaborative culture is essential for the success of our clinic. It’s important that everyone feels valued and supported in their roles,” she said. She implements regular team-building activities and open communication channels to ensure all team members are engaged and motivated.
One key initiative she introduced is a mentoring program for new staff members. “Mentorship is a great way to help new employees acclimate to our culture and feel supported in their new roles. It also provides opportunities for our more experienced staff to develop their leadership skills,” Schless noted.
Work-Life Balance
Balancing ambition with presence is a crucial aspect of Schless’s approach to life. As a yoga practitioner and mindfulness advocate, she incorporates these practices into her daily routine to manage stress. “Yoga and mindfulness help me navigate leadership challenges with a grounded perspective. Being present allows me to make more thoughtful decisions and maintain my well-being,” Schless shared.
Sources and Resources:
- Geneva Eye Clinic
- MGMA Community
- The Deconstructed Woman Podcast
- MGMA Managing Stress Program (contact Daniel Williams at dwilliams@mgma.com if interested)
- Jim Collins Books
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