Some perioperative leaders are unaware of the numerous technological tools available to help them work – and lead – more efficiently and effectively. Some don’t have the time to investigate their options. And some are generally “tech-hesitant,” including a reluctance to embrace artificial intelligence tools, for a variety of reasons.

In this panel discussion, healthcare executives will examine how perioperative leaders can overcome fear and inertia surrounding tech adoption, real-world use cases of tech in perioperative settings that can boost productivity and leadership, how using tech tools safely, securely and compliantly can set an example and tone for those you lead, and how to justify investments in perioperative tech tools for the C-suite.

Developing a pipeline of new perioperative leaders who are prepared to step into key roles after their predecessors move on or retire is crucial to maintaining the stability of your surgical operations. However, many of today’s talented young staff view leadership roles differently than their more experienced counterparts do. Particularly, they may display “leadership hesitancy” – a fearful or self-doubting reluctance to take on the time demands and heavy responsibilities of a management position.

In this panel, veteran perioperative leaders will discuss what it really takes to attract, engage and develop today’s young talent into new, high-achieving perioperative leaders. They’ll explore how to redefine leadership for young staff who might wonder why they’d ever sign up to be a perioperative leader in the first place. They’ll discuss how to mentally prepare prospective young leaders for the trials and tribulations of management positions, how to address the fear, uncertainty and doubt that can feed their worries about “imposter syndrome,” and describe how to most effectively get young talent to jump at the opportunity to “lean into leadership.”

Learning objectives:

• Identify and address "leadership hesitancy" among emerging perioperative staff
• Redefine perioperative leadership to align with the values of the next generation
• Implement strategies to attract, engage, and develop high-potential perioperative talent
• Prepare emerging leaders for the realities and responsibilities of leadership roles

The Periop Networking & Innovation Hub is an epicenter of connection, collaboration, and discovery of new products and solutions for your perioperative suite, comprised of educational sessions, hands-on learning with exhibitors, networking events, parties, and a little healthy competition. The enhancements we have made will transcend your experience with exhibitors, your knowledge of clinical excellence and perioperative management, and your network of peer resources.

Step into the future of perioperative excellence at the Periop Networking & Innovation Hub – your ultimate haven for immersive, experiential education at Periop Leader Week!

This is where cutting-edge exhibitor product demonstrations, the latest research, and the brightest minds across perioperative services converge to elevate your clinical knowledge.

The stress, pace, and responsibility of perioperative leadership can weigh heavily on both the mind and body. In this interactive, informative, and fun session, healthcare leader Hazel Boyd — seasoned advisor, serial marathon runner, and professionally trained personal development and mindset mentor — will explore the personal impact of leadership in today’s healthcare environment.

Ms. Boyd will help participants gauge the level of burnout in the room, share practical strategies for leading high‑performing teams while managing fatigue, and outline steps leaders can take to strengthen their mindset, energy, and resilience.

If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or simply running low, this session will lift you up and equip you with tools you can carry through the days, weeks, months, and years ahead in your career.

The Periop Networking & Innovation Hub is an epicenter of connection, collaboration, and discovery of new products and solutions for your perioperative suite, comprised of educational sessions, hands-on learning with exhibitors, networking events, parties, and a little healthy competition. The enhancements we have made will transcend your experience with exhibitors, your knowledge of clinical excellence and perioperative management, and your network of peer resources.

Step into the future of perioperative excellence at the Periop Networking & Innovation Hub – your ultimate haven for immersive, experiential education at Periop Leader Week!

This is where cutting-edge exhibitor product demonstrations, the latest research, and the brightest minds across perioperative services converge to elevate your clinical knowledge.

Surgical services leaders work in one of the most intense and high-stakes environments in health care. Every decision, tone, and reaction can affect patient outcomes, staff morale, and overall team performance. This presentation explores how emotional regulation and emotional intelligence directly influence leadership effectiveness, communication, and culture in the operating room.

Through real-world examples, attendees will learn to identify emotional triggers, understand the science behind emotional response, and apply practical techniques to remain composed during high-pressure situations. The session reinforces the principle that “when you lose your composure, you lose your leadership,” and demonstrates how emotionally aware leadership fosters trust, stability, and improved operational results.

This session offers practical, evidence-based approaches to emotional regulation for leaders in surgical services. It bridges leadership psychology and real-world perioperative challenges to help leaders build stronger, more resilient teams capable of thriving under pressure.

 Learning Objectives:

• Identify common emotional triggers in high-intensity surgical settings.
• Understand the link between emotional intelligence, credibility, and team performance.
• Apply strategies to maintain composure and make clear decisions under stress.
• Strengthen leadership presence and team trust through emotional self-awareness.

Today’s perioperative teams are more diverse than ever, and that diversity can lead to team-damaging conflicts, misunderstandings, resentments and prejudices. As a perioperative leader, how can you overcome those interpersonal issues to build strong, harmonious, respectful, productive teams that truly focus and collaborate to provide consistently superior patient care?

This presentation is directed toward both new and experienced perioperative clinical leaders who are faced with interpersonal conflicts, staff retention concerns and productivity issues in the workplace. Among the issues Ms. Hickman will address are the divergent work ethics and personalities of Baby Boomer, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha staff, which can present challenges centered on stereotypes, technology gaps, communication styles and, essentially, how different staff members view the very nature of their work and each other.

During this highly interactive session, Ms. Hickman will present real-life scenarios and achievable strategies that can help leaders manage diverse staff, improve relationships, inspire motivation, and drive measurable and sustainable results in the day-to-day work environment.

Learning objectives:

• Identify challenges leaders face when leading clinical professionals
• Define four key areas of focus that leaders should consider when designing and building a team
• Provide evidence-based examples of managing cultural diversity, work-life balance and generational differences.

Partnerships with your educator and nursing professional development (NPD) can benefit perioperative leaders, staff, and patients. We'll explore how to develop this partnership and examine the types of projects that can be developed for success, including:

• Implementing residency/fellowship programs to address staffing needs
• Improving onboarding of new staff
• Enhancing staff competencies through novel educational strategies
• Encouraging staff development by providing them resources and coaching to improve their education and certification
• Improving patient outcomes through implementation of evidence-based guidelines
• Developing novel communication strategies to ensure consistent messaging
• Driving culture and perioperative outcomes