Leadership Greater Topeka | Craig Barnes
Photo by BRADEN DIMICK
Who is your greatest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is and probably always has been my mother. From a young age my mother always instilled a robust work ethic and the desire to want to improve my community. She is amazing at balancing her work as a healthcare provider and volunteering time in her community. It was her who got me started volunteering and interested in working in the health field.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
As a leader you need to ensure a culture of quality and excitement. Your team members should understand that your goal as a leader is to help them align their personal and professional goals to the benefit of the team and organization. If you are able to do that and you are able to ultimately empower your team to put forth their entire motivation, creativity, and passions into the overarching goal of the team and organization anything is possible. When individuals feel empowered and wholly part of a team; performance and innovation increase exponentially.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Josh Lucas
What do you love most about your work?
I love the opportunities to work with a variety of individuals and organizations from all different walks of life. Improving the health of the community isn't possible by working in silos; you must be able to collaborate effectively with a multitude of people and groups.
What led you to this career?
I started off in the clinical setting working one-on-one with patients but felt as though I could have a bigger impact. So, I started exploring opportunities to make larger more community level changes that would hopefully outlast me.
What is one piece of advice that has served you well in your journey?
The best advice I ever received was from a previous supervisor, which was to make sure that I never lose my passion and excitement for what I do, but to make sure that I find the natural balance between that passion and maintaining an appropriate work-life balance. I was told that my passion is contagious and that it is obvious that I love what I do, but be careful of exhausting myself and causing “burnout”. Everyone has probably heard the old adage before; “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Which is true in some aspects; however, I believe now that it is important to recognize that even if you are doing what you love it is still hard work, and it is always good to make sure that you take the time to enjoy all other aspects of your life and family.
What motivates you?
My biggest motivation in my both professional and personal life is to help create an environment in Topeka and Shawnee County where every individual has the best opportunity to live a healthy and prosperous life. My focus is not, however, on just this generation or the members of our community alive today; instead, I focus my efforts to ensure that future generations of Topekans have the best opportunity to have a high quality of life. As a father of two young boys this especially motivates me because I want to create opportunities where my children are encouraged to be outside and active like I was growing up. In turn, I hope that this will ultimately in some way help make Topeka and Shawnee County a more vibrant destination where people will continue to want to come and raise their families.
What’s the last series you binge-watched?
Drink Masters on Netflix
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