Leadership Through Resiliency & Mentorship

Dr. Woodard describes early leadership roles, being raised by a single mother, the mentors who impacted his career, and how responsibility and service shaped his work ethic. He explains that leadership doesn’t require a title and recounts pivoting from limited departmental opportunities to national involvement through the Academy and ARS, including advocacy work. Woodard discusses burnout, executive coaching, emotional intelligence, delegation, mentorship and ultimately, how recognizing and embracing a changing purpose mid-career is a normal part of professional growth. Now Chair of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University at Buffalo, he practices “listening tours,” mentors faculty, and emphasizes how diversity drives excellence while highlighting mentorship and pipeline development.