40 Fast & Future Leaders: Staci Berman
For Staci Berman, Director of Perioperative Services at Doylestown Health, leadership is about more than just managing operations—it’s about building trust, fostering engagement, and empowering teams to perform at their highest level. With nearly two decades of experience in perioperative and clinical operations, Staci has established a leadership philosophy rooted in emotional intelligence, accountability, and adaptability.
Emotional Intelligence as the Cornerstone of Leadership
In the fast-paced environment of surgical services, emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword for Staci Berman—it’s a non-negotiable standard. “Being honest, attentive, and building relationships with my staff has helped foster an environment of trust,” Staci explains. By prioritizing transparency and active listening, she ensures that team members feel heard, valued, and empowered in their roles.
This commitment to trust extends beyond day-to-day interactions. “I listen and respect my staff’s views, we communicate openly, and they are heavily involved in decisions that affect them,” she shares. By involving staff in decision-making, Staci strengthens engagement and accountability, allowing teams to take ownership of their work and ultimately drive better patient outcomes.
Walking the Talk: The Key to Staff Retention
Retention is a challenge in perioperative services, but Staci has found a simple yet powerful solution: follow through on promises. “I walk the talk,” she says. “This type of engagement with my staff sets the expectations and shows that I care about what happens to my staff. This has been invaluable to my credibility as a leader and is the core of how I have been able to engage and retain staff members.”
Beyond promises, professional development plays a crucial role in retaining top talent. Staci ensures that staff members have access to continued education, workshops, and leadership opportunities, reinforcing a culture of growth and long-term investment in their team’s success.
Empathy as a Balancing Act
For Staci, empathy in leadership boils down to one word: flexibility. “Empathy is a give-and-take mindset—compromising between what the staff needs and how they feel versus what I would like to get accomplished,” she explains. By finding a middle ground, she creates an environment where both team members and organizational goals are supported.
This approach has led to the cultivation of a strong, committed team that understands the importance of collaboration and patient-centered care. “Creating a space where we can all feel like we are benefitting and providing the best care to our patients is the ultimate goal,” she says.
The Best Advice for OR Leaders? Listen.
“Best tip for OR leaders… LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN,” Staci emphasizes. A firm believer in collective intelligence, she encourages her teams to share their insights and ideas, recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to stronger outcomes. “I love that I am surrounded by individuals that have expertise in so many different areas. I always encourage and tell my staff that 12 heads are better than one! We all can learn from each other.”
By embracing open communication and valuing the expertise of her team, Staci has built a leadership style that not only drives efficiency but also fosters innovation and collaboration.
A Leader Shaping the Future of Perioperative Services
Staci Berman exemplifies what it means to lead with trust, accountability, and emotional intelligence in perioperative services. Her dedication to her team, ability to navigate complex challenges, and commitment to fostering a supportive work culture make her a standout leader in surgical services today.
Whitman Partners is proud to recognize Staci Berman as one of the 40 Fast & Future Leaders of Surgical Services. Her insights and leadership journey serve as an inspiration for the next generation of perioperative leaders, setting the standard for excellence in the field.
