Vanessa Riley

I attribute my success to consistency, adaptability, and a willingness to learn across disciplines. Building a career that bridges nursing, leadership, and technology required staying curious, embracing discomfort, and remaining grounded in purpose. I also credit mentors who challenged me to think beyond traditional roles and communities that supported growth even when the path was unconventional.

Do not wait for permission to lead. That advice changed how I approached opportunities. Once I stopped waiting for validation and started acting on what I knew needed to be built, my impact expanded significantly.

Invest in your competence and your confidence equally. Learn the technical skills deeply, but also trust your voice in rooms where decisions are made. Do not shrink your ideas to fit existing systems. Many of those systems need to be redesigned.

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are implemented ethically and inclusively. At the same time, this presents a tremendous opportunity for nurses and clinicians to shape how technology supports care delivery, workforce sustainability, and health equity, rather than being passive recipients of tools designed without their input.

Integrity, clarity, and service. I value work that aligns with purpose and contributes to something larger than individual achievement. In both my professional and personal life, I prioritize honesty, thoughtful leadership, and creating environments where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to grow.