From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
I started college at the University of Washington right after high school. At the end of my first year, I decided to stop taking classes, planning to return to college after a one-year break. That one year turned into 20 years before I went back to school. I graduated with my first college degree at the age of 39. By that time, I had four children and was working full-time.
I have endured some personal tragedies in my life, including the death of a spouse and the death of a child. These tragedies have shaped my focus on what is important in life and my priorities were rearranged. I am writing a book about this transformation called, The Day I Became the Spider Killer. I hope to have it finished and published within a year.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
This requires making a conscious choice of how to allocate my time. Because much of my work can be done from any location, it is difficult to keep professional tasks from seeping into family time. I've found that setting boundaries - times of the day and days of the week when I am "off the grid" is helpful. With today's technology, that's hard to accomplish.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
I was blessed with two amazing mentors in my professional life.
One was a woman named Jude Bulman. I worked with Jude when I was in a career transition. She taught me the value of stepping back and examining an issue from both sides, to remain objective, and to never make a decision based only on emotions. I dedicated my Medical Office Management book to Jude.
The other is a woman named Corrine Holden. Corrine was the director of the first college degree program I attended. When I met her to inquire about the program, I told her I didn't think I was smart enough to graduate college. Corrine has supported and encouraged me for over twenty years. She is a big part of who I am today.
Like many people, I've found that my mentors' guidance helped in my personal life as well.
I have to give credit to my children (Corey, Mallory, Molly, Ian, and Riley) for the inspiration they've given to me. No mother has been as lucky as I have.
Lastly, my husband Fred Low is an amazing, supportive, and understanding man. He helps me find the bright side of just about any issue and he backs me on anything I choose to pursue.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
Who or what inspires you?
In 1999, my third child, Ian, was injured due to medical negligence during his birth. Ian lived four years before succumbing to his injuries in 2004. This was the genesis of my work toward improving patient safety in healthcare. It was my experience with my son that motivated me to go back to college, earn several college degrees, write textbooks, and work on risk managment and patient safety education.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
Can you briefly share your professional journey?
I have over 30 years' experience in the healthcare field, having spent time working as a dental assistant, a medical receptionist, a medical assistant, an x-ray technician, medical clinic director, and as a consultant to healthcare providers, focusing on strategic management, efficient office flow, and human resource management. I was the director of specialty services, hospitalists, and palliative care teams in my last healthcare leadership role.
Since 2004, I have been teaching in the Health Professions Department at Everett Community College in Washington State. In my role there as a tenured instructor, I teach Medical Office Management, Computer Applications in the Medical Office, Medical Practice finances, Intercultural Communications in Healthcare, and Medical Law and Ethics. In 2006, I researched and developed a certificate program in Healthcare Risk Management. This series of three courses is offered via distance learning and provides the student who successfully completes the three courses a Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management.
In addition to my position at Everett Community College, I am the Program Director overseeing the BS and MS in Healthcare Administration at City University of Seattle. In that role, I create program and course learning objectives, as well as assessments and rubrics. I've sought out highly skilled members of the healthcare community to teach in my programs at City University of Seattle, which provides students with an excellent education.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
When I was a child, I wanted to be a dentist when I grew up. One of the smartest career-based moves I've ever done was to go to work as a dental assistant. It was in that job that I realized that not everyone takes care of their teeth and dental school was not for me.
Since then, I stayed in healthcare roles, enjoying the opportunity to help others on a daily basis. Working in higher education aligns with that same sense of pride and accomplishment.
I genuinely enjoy what I do though I recognize that change is constant and I may be in a different role tomorrow than I am in today.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
After earning my degree in Professional Management, I went on to earn a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA). After that, I earned a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) followed by my Doctorate in Applied Leadership (Ed.D). The degrees I have allow me the job opportunities available to me. That said, many of the skills I have are from the experiences and work I've done in my professional as well as personal life.
Education opens doors. Many employers require certain degrees before even speaking with candidates. One of my favorite things to say is, "Education is never wasted." No matter what courses or degree programs a person invests their time in completing, there is always something useful learned.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Writing is something I love to do so I always have writing projects going on. Currently, I am writing a book on surviving tragedies and coming out on the other side. I am also working on two textbooks - one on the use of telehealth in patient care and the other on the relationship between patient satisfaction and staff satisfaction. I often write journal articles for a variety of professional associations.
Lately, I am doing a lot of work designing higher education curricula on healthcare topics. I'm also preparing for three upcoming speaking engagements at healthcare conferences this year.
I am never at a loss for projects.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
For an individual looking to go into healthcare leadership, my advice would be to earn a Bachelors Degree in Business or a healthcare field. Then, go on to earn a Masters Degree - either in Business or Healthcare Administration. While working on those degrees, put together a career ladder. This is a tool that shows where a person is now and the steps it will take to get to their ultimate goal. The steps may be more education or training, or getting their foot in the door in the industry they are wanting to enter.
I encourage young careerists to join professional associations in their industry and earn certifications. I am a Certified Quality Executive with the Disney Institute, a Certified Medical Practice Executive with the Medical Group Management Association, a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, Certified in Lean Leader Training, a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, a Certified Post Secondary Instructor, and a Certified Allied Health Educator.
Having a professional network is vital to any career. My favorite platform is LinkedIn, where I have networked with over 3000 other professionals. Always be in search of new knowledge and never stop learning.
Find a mentor and, when the time comes, BE a mentor to those behind you.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
Know that you won't likely start out in a leadership role. Keep your ego in check and know that you will learn from others. Get into the industry you wish to be in and work hard. Show those around you that you have the desire to go into leadership roles. Take opportunities as they come to you, and maintain a high work ethic. Set an example and always model the behavior you wish to see in others.
Of course, get an education. The days of employees working their way up from the bottom simply because of their time with the company are in the past. Today, it takes an education to reach leadership roles.
Find a good career coach. This is someone who will help you design your resume, your social network sites, and teach you how to get the job you want.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee. Though this book was published in 2004, the concepts are just as true today as they were then. The book is about customer service, quality, and perception. Lee provides a number of examples of how Disney empowers their "cast members" to provide the best service possible to those who come into the Disney parks.
One of the most resonating examples is that Disney cast members, from the CEO to the groundskeepers, are all equally responsible for keeping Disney at its best. The phrase used is, "Don't pass it up, pick it up," when coming across trash in the parks.
This echoes my leadership philosophy completely - none of us is better than anyone else in the company. Every role is vital for the entire team to work well.
From the diary of Christine Malone's story
Life and Experiences
- Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Some fun facts and anecdotes from your life.
- Would you like to share one of your memorable pictures?
- How do you maintain the balance between your professional and personal life?
- Which people helped you to get where you are today and what did they do for you?
- Who or what inspires you?
Professional Career
- Can you briefly share your professional journey?
- Did your career turn out just the way you wanted it to?
- What impact has your educational background had on your professional activities?
- Can you share some of the interesting projects you are working on these days?
Leadership Advice
- What advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in your industry?
- In the Information Age, millennial s tend to be interested in leadership roles. Do you have any advice for millennial professionals starting their careers?
- What is your favorite book and can you explain what you like about it?
- What do you think about Executives Diary?
Christine Malone's story
What do you think about Executives Diary?
Executives Diary offers a look behind the curtain into the professional lives of those interviewed. There is no one book, no one degree, or even one path that gets an individual to their ultimate goal. By reading the stories of others who have traveled a similar path, the reader can hopefully take away one or two snippets to assist them on their own journey.
