Roula Zoghbi Smith of Business Planning is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star leader. “I think people that are passionate about delighting those they come in contact with – through quality work, interactions, and customer service – possess a unique attribute that drives them to be true super stars,” Smith said. Read more of Smith’s interview and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.
Q&A: Roula Zoghbi Smith, April – June 2016 Leader
Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Roula Zoghbi Smith, Assistant Director in Business Planning. I have worked at Texas Children’s for six years.
What month are you Super Star for?
April – June 2016
Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
My leader, Paola Álvarez-Malo, scheduled a meeting with our Business Planning team. She seemed very serious at first as she instructed the team that she needed their help. She asked them to take down my birthday decorations because she needed them to plaster my office with stars and confetti because I had won the Super Star Leader award. I was in complete shock and disbelief! It was an incredible surprise, and I had the privilege of celebrating this great honor along with my birthday later that day with my team.
What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It is such an honor to be recognized at Texas Children’s as there are so many hardworking and talented employees within the organization. Texas Children’s has contributed to my ability to achieve my personal and professional goals through leadership development, mentorship from leaders across the organization, and by affording me a variety of opportunities to grow in my career.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
I think people that are passionate about delighting those they come in contact with – through quality work, interactions, and customer service – possess a unique attribute that drives them to be true super stars.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
My motivation for going above and beyond is rooted in the incredible people here at Texas Children’s – both patients and employees. My goal is to ensure that both our patients and employees have stellar experiences within our organization.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The best thing about working at Texas Children’s is working with one amazing team! I feel privileged to work with the Business Planning team (Aisha, Angie, Brad, Josh, Kathleen, Megan, and Paola) on a day to day basis. They are a complete joy to work with and put a smile on my face every day. Working with them and many others highlights what incredibly bright and committed people exist within our organization.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
I believe that every individual, regardless of role or title, has the opportunity to be a leader through actions and influence. Leadership is doing the right thing for your people, customers, and the organization, even when no one is watching.
Anything else you want to share?
I would like to thank all the wonderful people who have mentored me throughout my career at Texas Children’s as well as all of my team members (past and present) in the Business Planning, Pavilion for Women, and Leadership / Organizational Development teams. I would especially like to thank Chanda Cashen Chacón, Opera Wagner-Ross, Sarah Maytum, Perry Ann Reed, Diane Scardino, Mark Mullarkey, Alec King and most of all Paola Álvarez-Malo.