083_Leading Through Change: Kevin Gordon on Healthcare Supply Chain Excellence

Host: Jarvis T. Gray, The Quality Coaching Co.
Guest: Kevin Gordon, VP of Supply Chain, Grady Health System

Episode Highlights

• Leadership Mindset:
  Kevin shares his guiding principles: “To whom much is given, much is required,” and never asking his team to do what he wouldn’t do himself.
• Career Journey & Supply Chain
  Kevin describes transitioning from roles in food & beverage and retail to healthcare supply chain at Grady. He discusses the wide-ranging scope of supply chain, including equipment, procurement, contracts, and social impact.
• Pivot to Healthcare:
  The move into healthcare was inspired by the desire for a steadier schedule, leading to a fellowship that revealed the 24/7 nature of healthcare—but ultimately proved to be a worthwhile decision.
• Defining Excellence:
  Building a results-driven, best-in-class supply chain team has been central to Grady’s recent recognition. Kevin credits success to assembling a strong team and focusing on best practices, rather than external accolades.
• Technology & AI in Healthcare:
  Discussing current trends, Kevin points to technology and AI as game changers, especially for supply chain processes like contract management and procurement, emphasizing that AI should enhance—not replace—human roles . He gives practical examples of how AI can save costs and minimize errors.
• Leadership Lessons:
  Two pivotal stories:
  • Choosing staff safety over operational loss when facing a hazardous situation in a previous job
  • Learning from a micromanager what not to do as a leader, building a leadership “bucket list” of do’s and don’ts.
• Influences & Mentors:
  Kevin Gordon emphasizes the importance of a strong leadership network and calls out multiple mentors from each stage of his career who provided key opportunities and guidance.
• Opportunities & Challenges:
  • Opportunity: Leveraging technology and improving supply chain processes remain critical for healthcare’s future.
  • Challenge: Political instability, changing regulations, and moving financial targets make strategic planning difficult, especially in supply chain (e.g., tariffs, government funding).
• Developing Future Leaders:
  Kevin Gordon describes creating an undergraduate internship program at Grady for exposure to non-clinical business roles in healthcare.
• Personal Why:
  His commitment to improving healthcare was galvanized by negative experiences his father faced as a patient, inspiring Kevin Gordon to do his part to improve patient care, even in non-clinical roles.

Connect with the Guest

• LinkedIn: Kevin D. Gordon
• Grady Health System: Visit their website or follow on LinkedIn.

Internship Program at Grady

• Paid, 9–10 weeks summer internships in finance, IT, supply chain, HR, facilities, and other non-clinical areas.
• Applications open between Thanksgiving and winter break; final project presentation to health system leaders.
• For more information, check Grady’s career page or contact Kevin Gordon on LinkedIn.

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