Name and how long you have been in the industry:
My name is Kim “Presley” Rowland and I am the VP of WIL (Women in Leadership).
I am honored to be nominated to tell the inaugural story for the W.I.L. “W.A.R. Story Wednesday” spotlight feature.
I began my journey in the Diagnostic Imaging Industry (now HTM) in 2004, 20 amazing and challenging years. This journey began with an all-star team at ReMedPar, Goodlettsville, TN. ReMedPar was one of the pioneers, as a Service Professional Training facility combined with the Sales and Service of Imaging Equipment.
Short background bio – How did you get into the industry? Anything that drew you in?
Even today, ReMedPar is still a substantial influence for my career, not just because of the team I got to learn from and lifelong mentors, but also for the opportunities to meet the students and the customers that understood the value of the “repaired parts market” especially in the early 2000s. The importance of these relationships only grew as we stayed connected. It is so exciting to see that most (maybe all of them) are in significant roles in hospitals, service organizations, etc, making a difference. It is awesome to be a part of the early beginnings not just in this third-party industry but more importantly, working with and getting to be friends with some incredible people that make this industry so special. All because the ReMedPar management team took a chance on a resume with no specific industry experience!
What milestones or contributing factors helped elevate you to where you are today?
Countless times it is repeated “what if it is your loved one on that table?”. The goal changes if you look at it that way.
When you make it personal, you understand that each one of us contributes to the quality. The quality of the scan, the importance of uptime and optimum performance for every single piece of equipment in our imaging and biomedical departments!
For me, without a doubt, it is about genuinely caring. If you are not in the hospital setting, it is easy to lose sight of why we do what we do – and ultimately it is about patient care! It was a big part of the culture and often emphasized. How you treat each “part request” or the “quality of training” for each student, etc. lend to a system repaired correctly.
What roadblocks did you have to overcome?
Being a female in a male dominated space has its challenges. The most challenging roadblock was proving that I had the knowledge and dedication to complete the tasks and jobs that were important and necessary to Industry Management and decision makers. This industry has grown, adapted and evolved so much but there is always room for improvement. In the early 2000’s, when I got started – there were just a handful of women in this space. Thankfully, it was a close group, and I was quickly welcomed in. I can give credit to every single one of them for taking the time to teach, to introduce, showing me paths to help me grow. The definition of “co-opetition” may not be original to our industry, but it is a way of life with us. Understanding how competing and cooperating (sometimes at the same time) is the foundation of what makes it so successful!
What do you feel makes a great leader in this industry?
Leaders do the right thing. I feel it is important to do our best to understand the strengths of people around us and to help define the areas that could use improvement and help guide the growth. Being an example of working hard and understanding that the core of anything is the health and wellness of our people – is critical to being a great leader – no matter what role you are in. This is a relationship business.
When I was very young, I heard the phrase “dress for the job you want”. I took it somewhat literally but more so; I took it figuratively – and it really stuck with me. My dad was a business owner – and also from an early age, I got to see an example of him working hard for his business and for his family. His leadership was never egotistical. He treated everyone with the same respect. So, I am not sure I am nearly as smart as I was lucky to have such a great example of what to do and how to do it!
What advice do you have for the other women in HTM?
Care about people. People are important in everything we do. Learn from everyone. Never underestimate the power of networking, having a mentor as well as mentoring, being a positive influence. Personal reputation matters. Your value system matters. Attitude is important and it is also a decision.
There is a theme to my journey, it is all about people and we all work together to help enhance patient care.
I am Kim Presley Rowland and I thank you for sharing your time with me and remember: “Never give up the opportunity to pay it forward!”.
Kimrowland18@gmail.com; 615-545-8435