Karla R. Enderle, MHA, RRT, LSSGB, VHA-CM

I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to service, rooted in the example set by my mother, a nurse whose compassion and dedication shaped my earliest understanding of what it means to care for others. That inspiration guided me into healthcare and ultimately to the frontline of the VA, where I found my purpose in serving those who have served our nation.

My most defining growth occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I led a frontline respiratory team through the first year of one of the most demanding chapters in modern healthcare. The pressure was immense, but the experience reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork, clarity, and unwavering resolve. It also became a catalyst for my transition into healthcare transformation and executive leadership—where I could influence systems, strengthen culture, and advocate for the frontline voices that make healthcare work.

Today, I partner with organizational leaders to create environments that prioritize psychological safety, operational reliability, and staff empowerment. Along the way, I have been honored with recognitions such as the 2023 Respiratory Therapy Practitioner of the Year and a VA award for leadership during the COVID-19 response. These achievements reflect not only my efforts, but the teams and mentors who have shaped my journey.

At every step, my success has been driven by purpose, perseverance, and a deep commitment to improving the systems that care for people.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple, yet transformative: give yourself grace. It’s wisdom that has shaped not only my leadership, but the way I navigate every season of growth and challenge.

In healthcare—and especially in leadership—we often hold ourselves to impossible standards. We push harder, take on more, and expect perfection in environments that are anything but predictable. Early in my leadership journey, a wise women reminded me that grace is not weakness; it’s a discipline. If you cannot extend grace to yourself, you will struggle to offer it to others.

This advice changed the way I lead. It taught me that growth takes time, that mistakes are part of the journey, and that compassion must begin internally before it can be shared outwardly. Giving myself grace has allowed me to lead with steadiness during high-pressure moments and made me more present, more empathetic, and more intentional in the way I show up for others.

Grace creates space for clarity, resilience, and confidence. It reminds us that we are human—and in that humanity lies our greatest capacity to lead with authenticity and impact. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day and one I encourage every woman in healthcare to embrace: start by giving yourself the grace you so readily give to others.

My advice to women entering healthcare is rooted in determination and confidence: stay focused on your purpose, and don’t let obstacles deter you. This industry is incredibly rewarding, but it also demands perseverance. Challenges will come, and progress may not always be immediate, but your commitment to your goals will set the foundation for a powerful and meaningful career.

Believe in your abilities—even when others may underestimate them. Advocate for yourself, your ideas, and your professional growth. Seek out mentors, ask questions, and stay curious; every experience is an opportunity to build your expertise and strengthen your voice.

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to step into leadership roles. Healthcare needs women who are bold enough to speak up, skilled enough to influence change, and compassionate enough to lead with both strength and empathy. You are capable of shaping teams, transforming systems, and advancing care in ways that truly matter.

Determination, courage, and authenticity will carry you farther than you can imagine. And the impact you make—on patients, colleagues, and communities—will be well worth the journey.

Healthcare is entering a transformative era, and some of the most exciting opportunities center on technology, culture, and system redesign. Digital innovation—including remote monitoring, ambient AI, and virtual care—is opening new doors for improving access, efficiency, and outcomes. Leaders who embrace these advancements will help redefine how care is delivered.

Equally important is the opportunity to strengthen organizational culture. Prioritizing psychological safety, communication, and frontline empowerment is becoming a strategic advantage, not an optional goal. Organizations that invest here will see stronger engagement, reliability, and performance.

There is also tremendous potential in expanding high-reliability practices and process improvement. Streamlined workflows, reduced variation, and better system design can significantly improve both staff experience and patient care.

And as chronic disease continues to rise, whole-person, patient-centered models of care present a major opportunity to rethink how we support individuals across their health journey.

Together, these opportunities create a powerful moment for leaders who blend strategy, compassion, and innovation to shape the next chapter of healthcare.

At the core of who I am—both as a professional and as a person—are four guiding values: integrity, compassion, resilience, and purpose. These aren’t just words I live by; they are the foundation of how I lead, connect, and create impact.

Integrity is the lens through which I make decisions. It ensures that my leadership is rooted in honesty, transparency, and accountability—qualities that build trust and drive meaningful outcomes.

Compassion fuels my approach to people. I believe that listening deeply, supporting others authentically, and leading with empathy are not just strengths—they are necessities in today’s complex and human-centered work environments.

Resilience is what allows me to lead through uncertainty and challenge. In high-pressure situations, I remain focused, adaptable, and forward-thinking—turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.

And purpose is my anchor. It keeps me aligned with a mission greater than myself, ensuring that my work is not only productive, but also impactful. I strive to contribute to something lasting—something that elevates others and drives positive change.

These values shape how I show up every day. They define the leader I am and the one I continue to become: principled, people-focused, and purpose-driven.