Success Leaves Clues: Building a Career in Healthcare Distribution
From navigating career-defining moments to stepping into leadership roles, industry executives shared anecdotes and insights from their own professional journeys during a recent HDA Employee Resource Network (ERN) virtual panel.
Moderated by HDA President and CEO Chip Davis, the discussion featured Jody Hatcher, CEO of Morris & Dickson and former chair of the HDA Board of Directors; Ammie McAsey, president of health systems at McKesson; and Steve Noetzel, senior director, trade strategy and operations at Johnson & Johnson.
Throughout the discussion, Davis returned to a central idea: “Success leaves clues.” Panelists shared clues from their own careers — the experiences and decisions that contributed to their growth in the industry. Their perspectives offered practical lessons on embracing unfamiliar roles, building influence and learning from the people around them.
Take on Roles That Develop New Skills
Career growth does not always mean moving directly up the organizational ladder. Reflecting on her recent career move into health systems at McKesson, McAsey encouraged attendees to think differently about advancement: “Don’t think you should just grow on the ladder. Make it a lattice.”
Noetzel shared a similar experience. After beginning at Johnson & Johnson in marketing, he pursued roles that “scared the heck out of me” because they offered opportunities to develop new skills.
Build Influence, Not Just Authority
Leadership isn’t defined by a title; it’s shaped by the trust and influence you earn from others. “The worst power that you can use as a leader is your positional power,” Hatcher said. “The greatest power that you can use as a leader is your power of influence and respect.”
Noetzel also emphasized direct feedback, sharing a phrase he learned from one of his employees: “Clear is kind.”
Learn From Other Leaders
The panelists’ experiences underscored how valuing learning and staying curious about the industry shaped their career trajectories. McAsey reinforced this idea, sharing that she is “always growing and learning by asking the next question and saddling up next to someone ... who understands it better and can teach.”
By investing in education and mentorship, stretching themselves beyond familiar roles and simply asking questions, the panelists were able to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and broaden their expertise.
Put Career Growth into Action
While career success rarely follows a single path, the panelists showed how meaningful growth comes from staying open to new opportunities, continually building skills and investing in the people around you.
HDA’s Employee Resource Network creates opportunities for member company employees to connect with peers, share experiences and grow as leaders within the healthcare supply chain. Sign up here to take the next step in your career.
Watch a recording of the panel discussion.
Learn more about HDA’s professional development opportunities at HDA.org.