Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary
Episode #321: Dr. Adaira Landry MD – From Mentorship to Micro Skills: Tools for Thriving at Work (Part One)
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Host: Vis Chen
Guest: Dr. Adaira Landry, Harvard Emergency Medicine Physician, Educator, and Co-Author of Micro Skills

Introduction

In Episode #321 of Chief Change Officer, host Vis Chen welcomes Dr. Adaira Landry, a distinguished Harvard emergency medicine physician and co-author of the book Micro Skills. This two-part series delves into effective mentorship, the pitfalls of waiting to feel ready, and the importance of owning one’s time and energy. Dr. Landry brings a wealth of experience from her diverse background in medicine, education, and technology, offering listeners invaluable insights into personal and professional growth.

Personal Journey and Career Highlights

Dr. Landry begins by sharing her early life in Rialto, California, emphasizing the lack of professional role models in her under-resourced community. Her parents prioritized education, leading her to excel academically. Accepted to Berkeley at 15 and matriculating at 16, Dr. Landry highlights the challenges she faced navigating higher education without understanding mentorship or networking.

Notable Quote:
"I didn't understand the concept of a mentor. That wasn't a word that was used in my house."
(04:34)

Her dedication to academics contrasted with her peers, who were building professional relationships, causing her to later recognize the importance of mentorship during her medical residency. A pivotal mentorship experience solidified her commitment to supporting others, inspiring her career as an educator at Harvard.

Passion for Medicine and Emergency Medicine

Dr. Landry explains her initial inclination towards medicine, heavily influenced by her mother’s aspirations and early exposure to healthcare. A transformative moment occurred during college when she assisted an unresponsive man, which instilled in her the desire to provide critical support in emergencies.

Notable Quote:
"I just want to offer that to more people. And I guess selfishly, I want to feel good about myself as I do it, right?"
(07:38)

Another significant experience involved sustaining burns while cooking, highlighting her vulnerability and the profound impact of having or lacking support during emergencies. These personal experiences drove her towards emergency medicine, where she could consistently be present during others' most challenging moments.

Collaboration with Dr. Reza Lewis and the Book Project

Dr. Landry discusses her collaborative relationship with Dr. Reza Lewis, detailing how professional networking and seizing opportunities led to their partnership in authoring Micro Skills. Their collaboration is likened to that of co-founders, navigating the complexities of co-authoring while balancing their demanding careers.

Notable Quote:
"We wrote our first book together. I want her to continue on as a writer, and I support all of her journey going forward."
(15:37)

She emphasizes the importance of mutual support and leveraging their differing experiences—Dr. Lewis’s extensive background with older generations and her own with younger professionals—to enrich their work.

Educational Background and Its Impact

Dr. Landry pursued a Master’s in Education at Harvard to bridge her passion for teaching with effective educational practices. She sought to transform her enthusiasm into evidence-based teaching methods, ensuring complex information was accessible and engaging.

Notable Quote:
"I didn't want to be one of those teachers who is in the front of the classroom speaking to themselves and the students are trying to follow along."
(23:46)

Her education focused on technology, innovation, and broadening her skill set beyond medical education, which later proved invaluable in her consultancy work with ultrasound technology companies.

Concept and Title of Micro Skills

The title Micro Skills originated from Dr. Landry’s medical training, where intricate, step-by-step procedures are crucial. She draws a parallel to the workplace, where mastering small, repeatable actions can significantly enhance communication, conflict resolution, and overall professional effectiveness.

Notable Quote:
"If you don't get into the weeds of it, then you can totally miss some really important skill sets."
(26:11)

Initially considering the title Chiseled, feedback led her and Dr. Lewis to opt for a more descriptive and workplace-relevant title that encapsulates their focus on detailed, actionable skills.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

The episode concludes with Vis Chen summarizing Dr. Landry’s journey and previewing the next part of the series. In Part Two, listeners can expect a deeper exploration of Micro Skills, focusing on how small, consistent habits can transform professional interactions and personal effectiveness.

Closing Remark:
"Today, Adara walked us through the life moments that shaped her from helping a stranger in an emergency to finding her own way into emergency medicine, mentorship, and education. In part two, we go deeper into micro skills, how small, repeatable habits and practices can change the way we work, communicate and live. Stay tuned."
(28:16)

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship Matters: Building and nurturing professional relationships is crucial for career development and personal growth.
• Embrace Micro Skills: Focusing on small, actionable skills can lead to significant improvements in workplace dynamics and personal effectiveness.
• Continuous Learning: Pursuing education and embracing lifelong learning are essential for adapting and thriving in evolving professional landscapes.
• Collaboration and Support: Successful partnerships, whether in authorship or other professional endeavors, rely on mutual support, leveraging diverse experiences, and effective communication.

Useful Resources Mentioned

• Book: Micro Skills by Dr. Adaira Landry and Dr. Reza Lewis
• Follow on Social Media: Chief Change Officer on LinkedIn, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

For those eager to delve deeper into actionable strategies for professional growth and effective mentorship, Chief Change Officer continues to offer enriching conversations with leading thinkers and practitioners. Stay tuned for Part Two of this enlightening series.