Shayla Eberst
Shayla Eberst (She/Her) is a people-centered leader with more than a decade of experience driving impactful organizational change through strategic collaboration, operational excellence, and team empowerment. Currently serving as Chief of Staff, Shayla brings a proven ability to align strategy with execution—transforming vision into results. Her background spans both corporate and start-up environments, where she has cultivated high-performing teams, optimized operations, and strengthened company culture through purpose-driven leadership.
Throughout her career, Shayla has demonstrated a commitment to fostering environments where people thrive and organizations excel. She has successfully led large-scale strategic initiatives, implemented systems that improved efficiency and collaboration, and built frameworks for sustainable growth. Her expertise in communication, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership enables her to navigate complexity with clarity and compassion—helping teams stay focused, aligned, and adaptable in fast-paced settings.
A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Shayla believes that empowered teams create lasting impact. She is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, developing talent pipelines, and cultivating cultures of accountability and belonging. Known for her ability to balance empathy with execution, Shayla leads with authenticity, curiosity, and a deep belief in the power of people to drive meaningful change.
• Texas State University
• Cisco College
• Chamber of Commerce
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to leading with purpose, empathy, and a deep commitment to people. As Chief of Staff, I serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership—aligning teams, initiatives, and culture so organizations operate with clarity, accountability, and shared vision. One of the most defining moments in my career was leading through the COVID-19 crisis, supporting teams through uncertainty and burnout. That experience solidified my belief in people-first leadership and inspired me to co-found a nonprofit that helps clinicians advance their education and impact. Ultimately, my success stems from connecting strategy to people and process, ensuring that progress is both meaningful and sustainable. I take pride in knowing my leadership influences not only my teams but also my children—modeling that true leadership is about service, integrity, and growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead yourself first. Stay grounded in gratitude, know your value, and never underestimate the power of your voice. Leadership isn’t about force—it’s about influence, integrity, and consistency. Be intentional about who you are becoming, not just what you’re achieving, and surround yourself with people who challenge and elevate you. When you lead with purpose and authenticity, opportunities will align with your values and vision.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been navigating the emotional and operational strain the healthcare system faced during COVID-19. That experience tested every aspect of leadership—resilience, empathy, and adaptability—and ultimately pushed me to reassess my own calling. It became clear that my impact could extend beyond individual patient care, leading me to transition from nursing into organizational leadership. That shift opened the door to new opportunities: influencing culture, driving strategy, and empowering teams to thrive collectively. Today, I see the greatest opportunity in building people-centered organizations that balance performance with purpose and well-being.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me—both personally and professionally—are **faith, family, integrity, and balance**. I believe strong leadership starts with a strong foundation, and for me, that comes from staying connected to what matters most. I love spending time with my family, traveling, hosting game nights, and cheering on my kids at their baseball games. I’m also deeply involved in my church and community, which keeps me grounded and reminds me that leadership is ultimately about service. These experiences outside of work bring joy, perspective, and balance—qualities that I strive to bring into every aspect of my professional life.