Dr. Derek Lee, Area Director and Partner at Spear Physical and Occupational Therapy, shares his journey into health care administration. Learn about Derek’s rapid ascension into management and what he believes it takes to be a transformative and inspirational leader. 

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🔍 Why Listen?

Host Scott Giles sits down with Derek Lee to explore his incredible journey from a small town—inspired by his great-grandmother's experience with physical therapy—all the way to a thriving career in New York City with Spear Physical and Occupational Therapy. Derek unpacks the realities of building a business, mastering financial management, and finding work-life balance, making this a must-listen for anyone ready to embrace new challenges.

🧠 What You'll Learn

• How early exposure to physical therapy shaped Derek's career path and decision to move to NYC.
• The core principles of building a business and navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
• Why self-awareness is the absolute foundation of effective leadership and mentorship.
• How to effectively manage your finances while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• The meaning behind Derek's unique concepts, including the "pick a face" strategy and the "five-foot rule" for team engagement.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Lead with Intention: Growth and leadership do not happen by accident. You must approach your development and how you guide others with clear, deliberate intention.
• Know Yourself First: You cannot effectively lead a team if you do not deeply understand your own strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. Self-awareness comes before team management.
• Embrace the "Bend, Don't Break" Mindset: Entrepreneurship requires immense flexibility. You must remain adaptable, continuously learn, and adjust to new situations without losing your core vision.
• Master Team Engagement: By applying concepts like the "five-foot rule," you can build stronger, more authentic relationships with your staff and colleagues, creating a supportive clinic culture.

🎙️ Memorable Soundbites

• "We really look at leadership and growth as very intentional."
• "So much of your ability to lead and help others is it is starts with you. Do you understand yourself?"
• "Be bendable and mashable and bend, don't break kind of mentality."

🚀 Actionable Tips

1. Get Uncomfortable: Push yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Embrace new challenges as opportunities for professional and personal development.
2. Implement the Five-Foot Rule: Start actively engaging with team members who come within five feet of you. A simple greeting or check-in goes a long way in building culture.
3. Practice Intentional Leadership: Set specific, measurable goals for how you want to grow as a leader this month, rather than just hoping you improve over time.
4. Audit Your Self-Awareness: Take time each week to reflect on your reactions and decisions. Ask yourself if your leadership style is truly serving your team.

💭 Conversation Starter

Derek Lee emphasizes that effective leadership starts with understanding yourself. What is one area of self-awareness you need to improve before you can become a better leader for your team?