Wendy Watson

After a year of prioritizing connection with our people, I recently did something that also matters to strong leadership: I stepped away.

In December, I took some time away to travel to Argentina for a first-ever trip to South America. My time in Argentina was filled with adventure, moments of stillness, and new experiences. It reminded me that while leadership is about showing up for others, it is also about knowing when to pause, breathe, and renew.

Time away doesn’t weaken leadership—it strengthens it. It sharpens perspective, restores energy, and helps us return more grounded, more curious, and more present for the people we serve. In healthcare especially, where the work is demanding and the responsibility is real, our teams deserve leaders who show up whole, clear-headed, and deeply human.

Grateful for the space to reset. And a simple encouragement to fellow leaders: protect time for renewal as intentionally as you protect time for results. Our people—and our mission—are better for it.

My first year as president has been both exciting and humbling. Meeting with employees where they work was not just a professional goal, but a personal one. I started at Kaiser Permanente Northwest more than 30 years ago, and this organization has shaped who I am — both professionally and personally. I believe the best care, the strongest culture, and the right decisions come from paying attention to the real experiences of those who do the work.
 
What I heard throughout the year was both honest and inspiring. Employees spoke candidly about the pressures they faced; they shared thoughtful, practical ideas for how to improve things, and they shared their resilience, creativity, and commitment to our patients and to each other.
 
Spending time with employees reminded me that leadership exists at every level. The best ideas come from those closest to the work. My role is to listen, lift up those voices, and help make change happen.
 
In the new year, I will keep focusing on staying connected with our employees. When people feel heard, respected, and supported, we move forward together — and that’s how we build a stronger future for our organization, our members, and the communities we serve.
 
I’m deeply appreciative of our employees and clinicians who care for our communities every day. Happy New Year to all!