Sierra Westfall MBA, MS

I attribute my success to a combination of strategic vision, relentless curiosity, and the ability to execute with both data and heart. Throughout my career—whether leading global growth strategy or driving M&A and business development initiatives in healthcare systems like HCA and AdventHealth—I’ve focused on aligning people, performance, and purpose. I believe success comes from seeing the bigger picture while mastering the details: understanding market dynamics, leveraging analytics to inform decisions, and building relationships rooted in trust and collaboration. I also credit my success to maintaining a growth mindset—constantly learning, adapting, and challenging the status quo. I owe much to my family, teams and mentors who have shared my commitment to excellence and innovation. Every milestone has been the result of collective effort, disciplined follow-through, and a deep sense of accountability to deliver meaningful impact.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Don’t chase titles—chase impact.” Early in my career, I was focused on climbing quickly, but a mentor reminded me that true leadership is measured by the value you create, not the position you hold. That shifted my perspective completely. I began focusing on solving meaningful problems, building people up, and creating measurable outcomes that move organizations forward. That mindset has guided every major decision since—whether leading growth strategy, developing high-performing teams, or driving expansion into new markets. It taught me that when you consistently deliver impact, the recognition, opportunities, and advancement naturally follow.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead with both confidence and curiosity. Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to take the next step—growth rarely happens in comfort zones. Speak up in the rooms you’ve earned a seat in, even if you’re the youngest or the only woman there. Your perspective is valuable. This industry—healthcare, and business development—is built on relationships and trust, so invest in both your competence and your character. Learn the business, understand the numbers, and don’t shy away from strategy or negotiation. But also build genuine relationships, because how you treat people will open just as many doors as what you know. Finally, find mentors who challenge you and peers who inspire you. The path isn’t always linear, but if you stay authentic, curious, and resilient, you’ll not only succeed—you’ll create space for others to do the same.

The biggest challenge—and opportunity—in healthcare staffing right now is navigating the balance between workforce shortages and the industry’s accelerating shift toward smarter, more sustainable staffing models. On one hand, hospitals and health systems are facing record vacancy rates, clinician burnout, and rising labor costs. On the other, technology, data analytics, and flexible workforce strategies are unlocking new ways to deliver care and control spend. The organizations that will win are those that rethink traditional staffing models—embracing hybrid solutions, predictive scheduling, and talent partnerships that prioritize both clinical quality and financial efficiency. For firms like ours, the opportunity lies in being a true strategic partner, not just a staffing provider. By leveraging insights, automation, and human-centered strategy, we can help healthcare systems move from reactive hiring to proactive workforce planning—improving outcomes for patients, providers, and hospitals alike.

The values that guide me most—in both my work and personal life—are integrity, accountability, and impact. I believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching, owning outcomes fully, and focusing on creating meaningful results for others. I also value growth and curiosity. Whether I’m leading a team, developing strategy, or building relationships, I’m constantly asking how we can do things better, smarter, and with more purpose. Continuous learning keeps me grounded and forward-thinking. I deeply value connection. The relationships we build—with our teams, partners, and communities—are the foundation of everything. Success is never a solo journey; it’s built through trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.