BY J.M. LEE
Dr. Alexandra T. Greenhill is one of Canada’s leading physicians in digital health innovation, the CEO/Chief Medical Officer of Careteam Technologies (www.getcareteam.com) and the Chair of the Board for the Vancouver Foundation. After a 15+ year career in director and C-level leadership roles, she has spent the last decade leading and advising Canada’s most innovative technology companies. Co-editor of “AI in Clinical Medicine” (Wylie, 2023), some of her recognitions include TEDx speaker, Top 40 under 40, Startup Canada Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, WXN Most Powerful Woman in Canada and Queen Elizabeth II Medal of Service.
“Changing healthcare for the better is massively challenging, as there are so many safeguards meant to protect patients that also impede change,” Dr. Greenhill attests. “There are factors like never enough funding, people overwork and burnout. And yet, I just MUST do it because my WHY is so powerful (always start with your WHY, as Simon Sinek says). My WHY starts with being a patient from age 11 months old to almost 11 years old. I see so many patients and families trying to figure out how to make the health system work for them, and I want everyone to have the best. I will not stop until that happens.”
TEDx: Digital Health for the Whole Human by Alexandra T. Greenhill:
She also believes that the universe puts us where we must help if we can; many of her leadership positions came from that. “Either seeing something wrong and stepping in to fix it, or seeing an opportunity for better and acting on it,” stresses Dr. Greenhill. “That is the core WHY of leadership, and by definition, it also implies the ability to lead, to pull people in with you, to quote Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Alexandra loves figuring out how to activate that initial small group into creating something new and massively impactful, like what she’s doing with her healthtech company Careteam, alongside other leaders like Meena Sandhu. Dr. Greenhill’s inspirations come from incredible historic leaders, like Angela Y. Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things that I cannot change; I am changing the things I cannot accept.” and Nelson Mandela: “It seems impossible until it’s done.” They give her strength: “If they could do it in much harder circumstances, then I can too!”
She also works to mentor and inspire others. “Everyone assumes mentoring needs to be intense and continuous, but it can be a quick key insight,” she emphasizes. “for example, giving you new ways to think of the old question of whether the glass is half full or empty. The glass can be filled, emptied, and refilled. You are also free NOT to answer the question and concentrate on what matters to YOU. Are you living A life of success or YOUR successful life?”
Courage, risk-taking, resilience, and managing ambiguity—are crucial for women to achieve a more prominent role in their organizations. “A strong professional network and wholehearted support on the home front will open doors and protect you when you face challenges. My family and friends have supported me—and I couldn’t do much without that!” Dr. Alexandra advises the younger generation of women who want to lead someday, “Go for your dreams, and never hesitate to ask for help along the way.”
TEDx: How to love longer, healthier and happier by Alexandra T. Greenhill:
That said, in the workplace, while there has been tremendous progress, much work remains to support women. “We all need to recognize two key aspects,” Dr. Greenhill emphasizes. “First, women have a different way of speaking and doing things, so no one should underestimate or reject their ideas just because they don’t fit traditional leadership patterns. This would be helpful to all aspects of diversity, not just gender. Second, women are often caregivers, so more flexibility at work is also critical. I remember the daily stress of rushing to work from daycare and to daycare from work despite traffic and bad weather. Work-wise, it wouldn’t have mattered much if I arrived a bit late or left early on some days, but that little flexibility would have made such a difference for me and my family! Still, it was not an option, as punctuality is being equated with professionalism and credibility. We must ask both men and women what flexible options can make their work-life balance work.”
As a mother, Dr. Greenhill appreciates how hard it is to raise excellent humans and how amazing all children are! “They are curious, creative, fearless, funny,” she smiles. “They come into this world with so much potential, and too many don’t get to fulfill it. It changes how you interact with others if you remember everyone was once a child, hopefully, loved, and especially if not, deserving further understanding.”
