Season 3; Episode 7: How a Bike Accident Build a Leader with Gary Hamilton

Gary Hamilton is the Senior Vice President for WSP a global management and consultancy services for the built and natural environment. With 25 years of experience in designing and building healthcare facilities globally, Gary is passionate not just about his work but how he shows up as a leader and being a role model for others. Gary’s flair for connecting with people and pushing himself past boundaries is truly inspirational.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Be a Thought Leader

·      When I moved to the US after establishing myself in the UK, I had to do something different to stand out. Being a thought leader was brand new. Networking is a big part of that. 

·      The biggest challenge for me was determining what I wanted my path to be. I chose critical care environments because of a bike accident I had when I was 18. I became a thought leader on what the building/engineering needs are to prevent infections during surgeries by doing research on these things and writing about it.

My Bike Accident

·      After my bike accident, I didn’t think I’d ever play soccer again – doctors said I wouldn’t. But eventually through surgery, physical therapy, and training, I was able to, I even represented my university at collegiate games. 

·      Even against the odds, I became victorious. It created my mindset that I could do anything. So powerful!

·      It became the foundation for my passion in healthcare. And it gives me a point of connection with clients. 

·      It became my passion, what drives me. I created a non-profit called Dreams Reality Foundation. If I can give back and give access to underserved communities, I could change lives. Impact communities positively.

My Inspiration

·      Rick Romy, an incredible mentor: In 2019, I became a Fellow of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers in Baltimore. Biggest moment of my career. Early 40’s. Not a lot of Fellows look like me. Rick sat with my family at the ceremony. He had supported me in everything. Taught me to always show up and show out.

·      As a person of color, as an immigrant, I never used color as an impediment. I don’t see it as one, but I always feel like I have something to prove.

·      My mom is such an inspiration. 4 kids. Dad left when I was 10. She was alone without a job but she was entrepreneurial. I would sell in the market, take days off school, because I had to help the family. 

·      I lead with a smile, empathy, and compassion. I came from nothing, a ghetto community, I even wrote a book, “Ghetto Youth’s Bible”. I have no choice but to be appreciative and upbeat because I know the other side. It drives me to do my best and be my best. I never take the success for granted.

·      My experience in a career where I’m truly a minority also drives me. I was the first Black Partner for a company that was almost 150 years old. I didn’t realize what a feat that was, I didn’t know that no one had traveled that path, but I was completely fearless. I just wanted to do and be my best and continued to push through tough circumstances. It doesn’t matter your color, your background, if you’re doing your work, people will notice. 

“I am not the only one”

·      It doesn’t matter if you think what you’re going thru is truly unique, it’s not. There’s a lot of people who have been travelers in the same path and they have gone through similar challenges. 

·      Make sure you choose people that can help you, a circle of friends, supporters, and mentors that can assist you when you’re going through those circumstances. 

·      Be positive about it, that will help. Knowing that you are not the only one can actually drive a positive mindset. 

·      There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel even when it seems your darkest hour. That’s my mindset toward any circumstances, no matter how tough they might seem.

My past truly dictates my future

·      Leadership is not maintaining the status quo, it is building something truly unique, realizing your vision, and how you want to write your story. As long as you are committed to your goals and vision, you will win.

·      Be mindful of how you treat people, it shows who you are. There was a project that we didn’t do well on, and a team member was getting defensive with the client, but I promised the client we would do better, “I am a man of my word”. The client told me my reputation was known; I was known as a trusted client partner. 

·      People appreciate it that they see my heart, my passion, and that I am driven to do and be the best I can. Shines thru my job and how I lead. I have a team that I have a tremendous relationship with.

·      I continue to lead and challenge the status quo, not to go against the grain, but to prove to myself and to others that it is possible. If you approach or do it differently, you may achieve even better results.

Networking enhancing leadership

·      Networking is not just building your brand. Networking is building your reputation, building who you want to be. And continuing to live it.

·      For a young African American that chooses engineering, chooses leadership, chooses to take their career to the highest level – don’t be daunted by the fact that you might be a minority in leadership, or a minority traversing your path, if you push hard and work hard, and are truly committed to your craft, there is a route to be successful. I don’t use my start or my color as an impediment, I think you can use it as something that drives you and pushes you to the high point of anything you do. Keep pushing. That is my story.

·      My leadership style: I lead with a smile. I lead with compassion and empathy. 

·      I choose compassion over empathy when I’m leading because I want the people who work for me, to know that I’m going to stand side-by-side with them, figure stuff out with them rather than telling them I understand how they feel. I’m going to hold their hand, help them through whatever challenges, whatever decisions. And if they make the decision on their own, I’m going to support them. My employees appreciate this because I empower them to make decisions and empower them to be great. Compassion is everything.

Links & Resources:

·      Ghetto Youth's Bible: Wise Words For Ghetto Youth On The Rise

·      DTR Foundation

·      Your Network is Your Net Worth in Engineering: Seize Every Opportunity 

To learn more about my work in executive coaching, leadership development and team effectiveness check out my website, connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at winnie@winnifred.org.  

Reach out and tell me what was helpful about today’s episode or any suggestions you have for my show.

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I look forward to sharing another transformative conversation with you next week!

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