How Identity Has Influenced an Operations Excellence Manager at Sharp HealthCare's Career
Myron's experience as a gay man in healthcare administration reveals a fascinating evolution of self-expression in the workplace; navigating a traditionally conservative environment, Myron describes a journey from "going to work every day, very conservatively dressed," to finding opportunities to authentically express their identity, leveraging this authenticity to improve outreach and care for LGBTQ+ communities, while also acknowledging the sacrifices of previous generations and the ongoing work for future inclusion.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace, Leadership in Healthcare, Intersectional Identity, Generational Differences in Workplace Culture, Mentorship and Advocacy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Myron Soyangco
Manager of Operations Excellence
Sharp HealthCare
UCLA
UCLA Anderson SOM - MBA
Chemistry
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. "The healthcare industry is undergoing a revolution in self-identity and self-expression, presenting a challenge of balancing tradition with personal expression."
2. "The speaker's experience shows how expressing one's identity in the workplace can build trust and credibility, particularly when addressing issues of equity and inclusion within specific communities."
3. "Mentorship and intergenerational collaboration are crucial for progress in LGBTQ+ inclusion, leveraging the experiences of previous generations to pave the way for future generations."
Transcript
As a gay man, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
On my first day at the hospital, I was being introduced to many of my leaders. I remember meeting one of the vice presidents. After the initial greetings, I texted a friend, amazed to see another gay executive there.
However, within a couple of days, I learned that nobody actually knew he was gay. It was simply never a topic of discussion, and he presented himself in a very heteronormative way. While I don't want to discredit him, I picked up on it as someone in the community.
Navigating a career in healthcare presents an interesting challenge, especially for the new generation of workers. We're experiencing a revolution in self-identity and self-expression, and healthcare is a more traditional space. It's a delicate balance between tradition and personal expression.
Male nurses, for instance, face a strong identity clash. This is even more pronounced in healthcare administration. For me, this meant dressing very conservatively for work, not expressing myself as I would in social settings.
But then, invited to a manager's party, I considered wearing something brighter or perhaps a skirt and heels if I wanted. I realized there was an opportunity to show who I am as a person beyond just being an employee. This can pay dividends.
As we become more ready to discuss difficult conversations about equity in healthcare and how to reach out to at-risk LGBTQ+ communities, my openness becomes valuable. It provides comfort to people, knowing it's not just someone "ticking a box" but someone with lived experience.
Returning to the vice president, we had an interesting conversation. Everyone plays a role in this revolution of self-identity. For him, simply reaching his position as an LGBTQ+ individual was an achievement, and he couldn't express himself as openly as I can now.
We must acknowledge what our forerunners went through to allow me the space to participate as a member of this community. I also ask for grace, patience, and openness as I welcome the next generation, enabling them to do things I couldn't.
Consider the monkeypox pandemic. While not exclusively a gay disease, it initially grew within the community of men who have sex with men. We need to partner across generations of LGBTQ+ leaders, from the vice president's experiences to mine, and now to my younger staff members who can reach people through platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
How do we provide care that is sensitive and appropriate to this intersectional community? As a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) gay man, my experience applies to all communities and identities.
Do not be afraid. As a member of a marginalized community in your field, know that there are forebears who endured struggles and achieved victories. While you still have challenges, you also have a unique opportunity to express yourself and make who you are visible and normalized.
We have both a challenge and an opportunity for the next generation to keep this progress moving forward and ensure it doesn't regress.