Staff Spotlight
Supporting leaders for a stronger health care future
At Vancouver Coastal Health, leaders are supported by a dedicated leadership development team committed to guiding their growth, enhancing their skills and helping them thrive in complex, fast-paced environments.
One of the people at the heart of this work is Jane, Director of Leadership Development and Supports. Jane plays a key part in shaping the skills and capabilities of VCH leaders by designing and delivering a variety of in-house learning programs and services tailored to meet their unique needs.
Supporting leaders through meaningful work
Jane is passionate about the work she does and the people she does it with. “There’s a sense of purpose in helping develop leaders who shape exceptional care and foster a culture of making VCH a great place to work,” she says. “Health care offers so many opportunities to develop through real, meaningful work.”
She is especially proud of her team who set leaders up for success with a diverse set of skills and knowledge, including expertise in conflict resolution, psychological safety, inclusive leadership and emotional intelligence. “These skills shape how leaders show up, how they lead others and role-model values-based behaviours,” Jane explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and know it contributes to stronger teams and better care.”
Building connections through teamwork and communication
Jane’s dedication to leadership is reflected in the care she brings to her team of leadership coaches. “We share a common bond of making a difference and contributing through service to others,” she says. “I love that our work is constantly evolving, we build trusting relationships and we collaborate with many partners to ensure leaders have the knowledge and skills they need.”
This collaborative and evolving environment calls for specific strengths that help Jane in her role. Strong communication skills enable her to connect with diverse groups, even in challenging conversations. Equally important is her strategic thinking skills which helps ensure her efforts align with VCH’s broader organizational goals and the ever-changing needs of the health care system.
Recognizing the fast-paced nature in health care, Jane emphasizes the need for balance. “Prioritizing personal well-being is essential to sustaining the energy needed to support others,” she explains. “I feel very supported by senior leadership in taking care of my own well-being." Alongside her team, she models the behaviours they coach by promoting self-care, embracing continuous learning and celebrating achievements.
Leading through learning and mentorship
Starting her journey at VCH as a Leadership Coach, Jane gained a deep understanding of the complexities of the health care system and the challenges leaders face daily. She credits much of her growth as a leader to two foundational skills—self-awareness and strategic thinking—both developed through ongoing mentorship and meaningful feedback.
Jane’s growth and experience continue to shape how she supports and guides others on their leadership path. She encourages emerging leaders to embrace challenges and to view leadership as a journey, reminding them that, “You don’t have to have it all figured out when you step into a leadership role.” She also stresses the importance of building a strong support network and being willing to ask for help: “You are not alone—people want to help you.”
Join our team
Across VCH, leaders shape the future of health care through diverse roles. Whether your path leads to a position as a Director, Manager, or Leader in areas such as Facilities, Health Informatics, Quality Improvement, Project Management, or Clinical Operations, VCH offers opportunities to grow your career and make a meaningful impact.
