40 Under 40: Previous winners offer advice to this year's class

Modern Healthcare’s 40 Under 40 awards program has had many iterations over more than 20 years.

First called Up & Comers, then Emerging Leaders, the awards honor healthcare’s young executives making a difference. Below, 10 previous winners still working in the industry offer their advice to this year’s winners.

Deneen Richmond
Class of 2004
Then: Executive director, Delmarva Foundation
Now: President, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center and chief quality, equity and population health officer, Luminis Health
Her advice: “Take time to acknowledge your accomplishments – you deserve it! Reflect on the attributes and actions that have led to your accomplishments so that you can replicate [them]. Finally, stay connected and grounded on what our communities and patients need and deserve from the healthcare industry and make that your North Star.”

Warner Thomas
Class of 2006
Then: President and chief operating officer, Ochsner Health System
Now: President and CEO, Sutter Health
His advice: “Be a constant learner. You’ll find new solutions through connecting with other leaders, both inside and outside your organization, and those relationships benefit from your curiosity. At the same time, approaching your leadership systematically — continually prioritizing, planning, reviewing and adapting — is key to consistent effectiveness as responsibilities evolve and expand.”

Terika Richardson
Class of 2007
Then: Associate administrator, Reston Hospital Center
Now: Senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, CommonSpirit Health
Her advice: "Fortune has always favored the bold.  Put your all into working to be the best at what you do. Be bold in your preparation and your pursuits.”

Marty Bonick
Class of 2008
Then: President and CEO, Jewish Hospital Medical Campus
Now: President and CEO, Ardent Health
His advice: "Healthcare’s future demands bold leaders who pair empathy with excellence and embrace change. Your growth as a leader is limitless — if you keep learning, adapting and innovating. Lead with integrity, inspire collaboration and always aim to improve the lives of patients and communities."

Damond Boatwright
Class of 2009
Then: CEO, Lee's Summit Medical Center
Now: President and CEO, Hospital Sisters Health System
His advice: "No matter how talented or skilled you are as a leader, always surround yourself with people who are smarter, more talented and more skilled than you are; this ensures you have the right team in place to face any challenge ahead. We are stronger when we work together."

Erin Asprec
Class of 2011
Then: CEO, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital
Now: Executive vice president and chief operating officer, Memorial Hermann Health System
Her advice: "Leadership starts and ends with people. Build a great team, keep them engaged, support them every step of the way and help them grow. When your team succeeds, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish together."

Dia Nichols
Class of 2012
Then: CEO, John Randolph Medical Center
Now: President, Advocate Health Care
His advice: "Enter the stage unknown … Leave the stage unforgettable. Be in the moment with your work and give it your all, and it will impact those around you. No matter how much success you achieve, the moment you stop growing is the moment you start stagnating. Embrace challenges, stay humble and keep evolving!”

Nathan White
Class of 2014
Then: Chief operating officer, Sanford Health
Now: Founder and CEO, Cibolo Health
His advice: “Since receiving this award, I would have never guessed how my career played out. During your career journey, keep both eyes open when opportunities present themselves. And if you see an opportunity that checks the boxes associated with your values [or] goals, take that risk. Have faith in yourself. You won’t regret it."

Dr. Sachin Jain
Class of 2015
Then: Chief medical officer, CareMore Health
Now: CEO, SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan
His advice: "Anyone entering healthcare should always prepare for the unexpected. A career of impact is more circuitous than linear. Along the way, beware of 'ethical erosion.' Remember why you entered this field and stay true to your values — they will be your North Star toward both success and fulfillment."

Bryony Winn
Class of 2019
Then: Senior vice president, chief strategy and innovation officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Now: President, Carelon Health, an Elevance Health company
Her advice: “Always start from a place of humility. As careers progress, leaders will be increasingly surrounded by a diverse array of experts and specialists. Take their counsel. Great leaders hire and develop people whose strengths they respect — and then trust and empower them.”