There are many quotes that describe this universal truth—that great leaders create more leaders. Whenever I hear this statement, I immediately think of Becky Spee. Since Becky joined our team in Mayo Clinic, Florida, from Rochester, her impact within her home unit and on the larger hospital-wide team has been palpable. 

She is looked to as a valuable resource and mentor, not just by her own staff but even amongst her fellow leaders. She is a wealth of information, wisdom, and guidance. But more importantly, she truly knows how to lead in an empathic way that exudes our Mayo Clinic values through and through. Many of us in leadership, whenever we are faced with a challenging situation or having to make difficult decisions, often ask, “What would Becky do?” And true enough, her guidance helps us make sound and fair decisions. 

She never lets her personal ego get ahead of her. She stays humble even though she has been such an impactful leader within our institution—one who helped advocate for upholding staff safety and respect and helped build up the professional governance practice in MCF. She also never shies away from letting her team shine by supporting them, helping individuals bring out their potential, and shaping them to lead. 

But more than anything, when you see Becky connect with her team – it is truly apparent that she can provide genuine human connection. She is with her team through her “boots on the ground” leadership –answering call lights, toileting patients, preventing falls, assisting with difficult situations… She is also a true patient advocate who spends time with the patients admitted on her floor just to sit and talk with them and provide them company, and she certainly knows how to sincerely remain present. 

She is a gem within our institution and deserves to be acknowledged as a true servant leader and transformational NURSE LEADER. She is someone we all aspire to be, and we are very privileged to have someone like her serve alongside us.