Women Leaders Shaping the Future of Healthcare
On January 29, Women in Leadership Dinner devoted to “Women in Healthcare” brought together an inspiring group of leaders whose experience spans education, clinical care, patient experience, and health innovation. The evening offered a thoughtful and honest exploration of leadership in healthcare—its challenges, responsibilities, and immense opportunities for impact.
The panel featured three outstanding healthcare leaders:
- Ülle Ernits, Rector of Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences
- Liina Harjus-Soostar, Board Member, Head of Nursing and Patient Experience at Tallinn Children’s Hospital
- Kadri Haljas, Founder and CEO of Triumf Health, Mental Health Innovator
The discussion was expertly moderated by Olivia Kranich, Counsel at Sorainen Law Firm, who guided the conversation with clarity, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose.
Leadership journeys and defining moments
Each speaker shared personal insights into their leadership journeys, highlighting the key challenges they faced and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers. From navigating institutional change to building organizations from the ground up, the conversation emphasized resilience, values-based decision-making, and the courage to lead through uncertainty.
Crisis management and decision-making under pressure
The discussion also focused on leadership during times of crisis, drawing on real-world experiences from the healthcare sector. The speakers addressed how to make difficult decisions with limited information, balance urgency with empathy, and maintain trust and clarity during high-pressure situations. Crisis leadership, they noted, requires decisiveness, transparency, and the ability to stay grounded while guiding teams through uncertainty and rapid change.
Key takeaways for future leaders
The evening concluded with practical and inspiring advice for future healthcare leaders: stay curious, invest in people, seek mentors and allies, and don’t be afraid to challenge existing systems. The panel emphasized the importance of always being honest with your team as a leader, adapting quickly to a changing environment and evolving working lifestyles, and leading with empathy and integrity. Leadership, they agreed, is not about titles, but about responsibility, trust, and long-term impact.
A special thank you to our event sponsor, LaSpa Laulasmaa, for their generous support and for the thoughtful gifts provided to our speakers.