Dr. Ngozi Ezike shares how collaboration can help when making decisions

President and CEO of Sinai Dr. Ngozi Ezike

By Eddy "Precise" Lamarre
Jan 27, 2023
9:08 am

Dr. Ngozi Ezike shares how collaboration can help when making decisions — Dr. Ngozi Ezike (Photo courtesy of Sinai Chicago)

Dr. Ngozi Ezike is the president and CEO of Sinai Chicago. Her many years of experience in the medical field serving in various leadership positions has provided Dr. Ezike a perspective that is forward thinking and inclusive. Rolling out spoke with Dr. Ezike about leadership and the value of speaking a second language.

Please describe your leadership style.

My leadership style is very relational. Due to my love for people, I think it’s important to get to know everyone on a more personal level, which translates to a stronger working relationship. … I am very supportive and like to lead by example. I like a collaborative style of leadership. While I am very capable and confident to make decisions laterally, I feel we can move the organization further when there’s buy-in and all voices have been heard. I like to make decisions where we consider all the different sides. While it is difficult to find solutions that can make everyone happy, I think it’s extremely important to make sure that multiple voices have been heard, taking into account the different sides of an issue. I think a leadership table should be brought together by many individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives coming together to get the most robust answers.

Finish this sentence: Teamwork is important because …

Teamwork is very important to me personally and professionally. My whole life and career has put me in environments where I needed to collaborate with other people for ideas, problem-solving, goals, creativity, the list goes on. Teamwork allows for better productivity and efficiency while bringing a sense of unity in a group setting. If you can maximize perspectives, ideas and strategies, you are able to work closer to your goals and solutions. As president and CEO of Sinai Chicago, it’s all about teamwork every day with our caregivers, as well as our patients, putting them at the forefront of everything we do and every decision we make.

Finish this sentence: Speaking a second language is important because …

Our patients and visitors feel more welcome and comfortable when someone can speak their native language to them. It helps break down barriers. I knew at an early age that speaking a different language would be extremely beneficial for me and my career. Personally, I have always been in a position where I had opportunities to engage with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures where English may not be their first language. I speak Spanish and French and can also speak Swahili. At a place like Sinai Chicago, where just about half of our patients are Spanish speaking, it’s so important to be able to engage in conversation with anyone that walks through our doors. I continue to use my Spanish speaking skills more than ever here at Sinai Chicago.

Name your two favorite vacation destinations to relax and recharge.

The most incredible vacation spots are the ones where I am surrounded by my loved ones. It’s more about the people than the location. Vacation means I am able to put work aside while working on renewing and restoring myself.