One year ago, the Neuro Trauma ICU was going through a lot of change and in the process, we received a new unit director, Kayla. When she started, the unit was in a state of survival mode with very low staffing, a very high turnover rate, and low morale. As staff nurses, we had no idea what her leadership style was like or how the unit could change for the better with her stepping into the role of our director. Throughout this year Kayla has grown our team by filling a high number of vacant positions and then has maintained the team on Neuro Trauma. She strives for excellence and leads with high support and compassion. When Kayla hired me as her operations manager, I didn’t know her well. After six months in this position, I have to say that this unit and this position would be nothing without her as the Unit director. She will drop a meeting to come to a bedside nurse's side to help with a code or a trauma admission. She will sit by your side and guide you as you learn something new. She builds relationships not only with patients and their families but also with every single staff member she has. She truly cares about her people, and her words equate to her actions. Kayla has been amazing to work with and learn leadership skills from. She exemplifies the true meaning behind "lead by example." Although she is extremely humble and won’t acknowledge the impact that she has had on NTICU – the staff nurses and I see it and will acknowledge that for her. Thank you for the leader you are and for everything you do for Neuro Trauma ICU.