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Betting on Yourself with Susan Galaraga

August 26, 2022

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Betting on Yourself with Susan Galaraga

A Whitman Partners Success Story

When client partner Greg Masson approached Susan Galaraga in 2018 to consider a nurse manager position at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut, she felt like she was taking a casual look at another opportunity. She was happy where she was. 

What she did not expect to happen was what recruiters refer to as a “love match.” They were wildly impressed with her, and she with them. When they made the first offer, she declined. Subsequently, there was a second offer. And a third.  

I basically had imposter syndrome

Susan Galaraga

“I basically had imposter syndrome,” said Galaraga, who – as can be guessed by now – ended up taking the position and eventually rising to Director of Perioperative Services at Danbury. “I said to myself, oh, they have more cases. Maybe I’m not good enough. The third time I highballed them financially so that they would be the ones to say no. I didn’t really want the money.” 

“We run into this every time. When you get to the finish line—even when it makes sense personally, even when by all objective measures it’s a better job professionally—it’s difficult to get yourself over that hump.” 

Greg Masson

“It was a clinical case of self-doubt and fear of change. Susan is a pleasure to work with, eager, compassionate, has a commanding presence, and is polished,” Masson said. “We run into this every time. When you get to the finish line—even when it makes sense personally, even when by all objective measures it’s a better job professionally—it’s difficult to get yourself over that hump.” 

So, what stopped Galaraga in her tracks from genuinely considering the offer? 

“After my counteroffer, Danbury was still willing to talk and meet me halfway. That meant a great deal. Greg was also the voice of reason for me,” Galaraga said. “He helped me realize that sometimes you are lost because you are overthinking and overanalyzing it. He told me that if I am that good, try it at Danbury. That would be the test to validate that I have been instrumental as a change agent. He saw something in me that I couldn’t see.” 

Greg was also the voice of reason for me,” Galaraga said. “He helped me realize that sometimes you are lost because you are overthinking and overanalyzing it.”

Susan Galaraga

“She wasn’t afraid to say, ‘Man, I’m scared. I think you’re right. I’m just scared to do this.’ And it’s okay to feel that way,” Masson said. “I will say this: those that accept the challenge they’re faced with, and find the courage to take it on, usually hit the ground running. And that’s what Susan did. She ascended quickly.” 

Galaraga accepted the manager position, and within six months, she significantly improved the OR’s morale. The director, who had already considered retirement, had the deal sealed for them when COVID started. For a time, Galaraga served as both manager and interim director, with an added twist: she also enrolled in a master’s degree program. It was a unique opportunity that included a scholarship from the University of Tennessee and the chance to observe healthcare research at Vanderbilt University. Though difficult, she completed the program and received her degree this summer.  

“I will say this: those that accept the challenge they’re faced with, and find the courage to take it on, usually hit the ground running. And that’s what Susan did. She ascended quickly.” 

Greg Masson

“It was the most stressful thing I have ever done in my life, but I had the best team,” Galaraga said. “We had each other’s back, which made my job easier. Plus, it was an opportunity to showcase my leadership capabilities.” 

This experience reflects an insight Galaraga already had about herself. It’s a paradox that many professionals face: cruising the path to promotion, becoming a rock star at what they do, but once at a particular crossroads, they freeze. But this is where the magic of a recruiter comes in. 

“I was afraid of being a director, felt like I wasn’t the face of a director, even though ultimately that’s exactly what I wanted to be,” Galaraga said. “But look where I am now. I am so grateful to Greg for helping me see what was really holding me back.”