The dynamics of healthcare demand leaders who are astute and walk hand-in-hand with the latest trends and developments in the industry. In this rapidly evolving landscape, staying attuned to emerging technologies, evolving care models, and shifting patient needs is imperative. These leaders must proactively embrace innovation, champion patient-centric approaches, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Today, healthcare leadership has become multifaceted, and being a healthcare leader involves staying ahead of the curve and making informed decisions for the greater good. Such leadership understanding is exemplified by Sakif Shamim, whose philosophy is focused on a steadfast commitment to excellence in healthcare and anchored in several core principles.
Journey Towards Elevating Healthcare Services in the Nation
Throughout his career, Sakif’s professional journey has been defined by a commitment to revolutionizing the healthcare sector and achieving excellence. With a foundation in education from esteemed institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Chicago, Harvard Medical School, and BRAC University, he acquired a diverse skillset and knowledge base. Being at the core of Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Center in Bangladesh and Deputy Managing Director of Labaid Group, he harnessed his expertise to establish himself as a dynamic healthcare leader.
Through introducing innovative healthcare solutions and a people-first approach, Sakif has worked tirelessly to elevate healthcare services in Bangladesh. The numerous accolades, including the ‘Asia’s Greatest Brands & Leaders Award’ and ‘Game Changer’ recognition, testify his commitment to reshaping the healthcare landscape.
Sakif’s path to his current leadership role has been marked by transformative moments and hurdles. For instance, leading Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Center during the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point. Strict safety measures were implemented to protect vulnerable cancer patients, following international guidelines and assuring patients of a COVID-free environment. This taught Sakif the importance of adaptability and patient-centered care during crises. Upgrading cancer care with advanced services made top-notch treatment affordable. Looking ahead, his focus remains on patient-centric care, adopting new technologies, and expanding virtual healthcare. These experiences significantly shaped Sakif’s leadership and commitment to transforming healthcare in Bangladesh.
Unique Approach to Modern Healthcare Leadership
Sakif’s leadership is anchored in several core principles. Firstly, a steadfast commitment to excellence in healthcare, where patient well-being is paramount, forms the bedrock of his approach. Secondly, he believes in fostering a continuous learning and innovation culture, enabling the healthcare organization to remain at the forefront of medical advancements.
Ethical leadership, transparency, and a people-first approach are non-negotiables, as the organization prioritizes the patients’ welfare and the dedicated team’s growth. Lastly, he is dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare, a goal he actively pursues through strategic planning and establishing healthcare facilities across Bangladesh. These principles, underpinned by a relentless pursuit of excellence, guide Sakif’s leadership to create a positive and enduring impact in the healthcare sector.
In addition to the above, Sakif firmly ensures that his leadership style resonates with the team and stakeholders involving a multifaceted approach. He prioritizes maintaining an open and transparent communication channel with the team and stakeholders, including actively listening to their feedback, addressing their concerns, and keeping them informed about the organization’s vision, strategies, and progress. At the core, Sakif leads by example, demonstrating the values and principles he expects from the team while emphasizing the importance of integrity, ethics, and a people-centric approach in healthcare operations.
Leadership Aligned with Industry Dynamics
Given that leadership growth is a continuous journey, staying current is imperative. With that being said, Sakif’s leadership approach was significantly influenced by a recent learning experience where he realized that healthcare is not just about treatment; it’s about delivering hope and improving lives. He adds, “At Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Center, we are not merely providers of medical services but partners in our patients’ journeys towards better health. This perspective has reinforced my commitment to patient-centered care and has reshaped my leadership philosophy.”
As a modern healthcare leader, Sakif prioritizes ongoing self-improvement by regularly engaging in executive education programs and leadership workshops. He actively participates in healthcare conferences and forums, fostering networking and knowledge exchange with industry peers and staying attuned to the latest research and trends in healthcare and business. He dedicates time to reading industry publications and seeking insights from thought leaders.
Furthermore, Sakif encourages a culture of continuous learning and development within the team, promoting a shared commitment to staying current and adapting to the dynamic healthcare sector. This collective approach helps him remain relevant and practical while navigating the complexities of the business landscape and delivering the highest standard of care to the patients.
Moreover, to stay aligned with the dynamic healthcare landscape, Sakif prioritizes continuous learning and adaptation and encourages his team to stay updated with industry trends, embrace innovation, and seek opportunities for improvement. As the healthcare sector evolves, he believes that the ability to adapt and introduce new technologies and treatments becomes more crucial than ever.
Growth and Development–Paramount for Long-term Success
Being at the helm of Labaid Cancer Hospital, Sakif Shamim believes fostering growth and professional development among team members is paramount for ensuring long-term success. The hospital is committed to nurturing talent and empowering healthcare professionals to achieve their full potential. The hospital emphasizes continuous education and training opportunities for team members. It supports their participation in workshops, seminars, and courses that enhance their skills and keep them updated with the latest developments in the healthcare sector.
The hospital fosters growth and professional development among the team members to ensure long-term success through a multifaceted approach that includes continuous education and training, mentorship, coaching relationships, and a promotion-from-within philosophy. It encourages cross-training to broaden skill sets, support specialization, and offer performance feedback through regular appraisals. Its commitment to innovation, research, and leadership development ensures that the team remains at the forefront of the healthcare sector. “We also understand the importance of work-life balance and provide recognition and appreciation to keep our team motivated and engaged, all of which collectively contribute to our organization’s sustained success,” says Sakif.
Labaid Cancer Hospital’s dedication to nurturing talent and empowering healthcare professionals. This includes a comprehensive strategy to equip the team with the required skills, knowledge, and opportunities to excel in their careers and offer exceptional care to patients. In fact, Sakif believes that such an approach ensures the organization’s long-term success and contributes to the betterment of the healthcare sector as a whole.
Emphasizing Communication and Collaboration
As a healthcare and multi-dimensional business leader, Sakif prioritizes the importance of seamless and streamlined communication throughout the organization and has implemented several strategies to enhance communication within his organization. This includes holding regular staff meetings and check-ins, maintaining an open-door policy, and utilizing various communication channels like email, intranet, and messaging apps to keep employees well-informed and engaged. While active listening is a key priority, ensuring that staff concerns and ideas receive prompt attention fosters a culture of transparency and trust.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, while spearheading Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Center, Sakif faced one of his most demanding communication challenges. The task involved sourcing cutting-edge biomedical equipment and constructing a fully integrated cancer hospital. It required extensive coordination and communication with stakeholders, including international suppliers and the dedicated team.
Sakif ensured that all involved parties grasped the situation’s urgency and the importance of adhering to health and safety protocols. Through transparent and effective communication, they successfully overcame these hurdles, procured the necessary equipment, and established a state-of-the-art cancer hospital that has since substantially impacted healthcare in Bangladesh.
Uncompromised Innovation for Success
Innovation is essential in leadership for maintaining effective communication within the organization. Sakif’s ultimate goal is to drive innovation without compromising healthcare service stability and reliability, striking a delicate balance that demands constant adaptation and a commitment to excellence in the healthcare sector. To do so, he actively seeks and implements cutting-edge healthcare technologies, practices, and treatments while encouraging the staff to propose innovative solutions. Simultaneously, he recognizes the importance of stability in healthcare, upholding rigorous quality control, adhering to industry regulations, and emphasizing risk management to ensure patient safety. Moreover, his decision-making relies on data-driven insights, expert consultations, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. He values feedback from the team, stakeholders, and industry peers.
By valuing his team’s input and upholding clear communication, Sakif drives success in the ever-evolving healthcare sector. Additionally, he emphasizes creating a cohesive leadership team with a shared vision that promotes a collaborative organizational culture that values teamwork and diversity. This approach helps recognize that successful leadership relies on a unified team that propels the organization forward. Lastly, Sakif Shamim remains committed to a customer-focused approach, prioritizing patient satisfaction in healthcare services.
As one of the leading healthcare organizations in the nation, innovation, and adaptability are fundamental to Labaid Cancer Hospital’s sustained success, under which it nurtures a culture of innovation by actively promoting idea generation and providing training to empower the team with creative problem-solving skills. It also encourages cross-functional collaboration by bringing diverse perspectives and expertise together to drive innovation. It also allocates resources for research and development projects to improve patient care, technology, and treatment modalities.
‘Fail-Fast’ Approach for Recognizing and Rewarding Ideas
The organization also believes that recognizing and rewarding innovative solutions motivates the team to participate in a culture of innovation actively, and embracing a “fail-fast” approach allows them to learn from setbacks and grow. With that being said, Sakif Shamim sets an example by emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptation. He does so via regular evaluation and refinement of strategies to ensure that innovation remains a driving force in Labaid Cancer Hospital, enabling continuous enhancement of patient care and staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving healthcare sector.
Essentially, the organization has undergone a significant transformation initiative to become one of the leading players in the industry. Labaid Cancer Hospital’s goal was to meet international standards and surpass them, becoming a beacon of hope for cancer patients in Bangladesh and beyond.
Committed to affordability and excellence, the team rallied around this vision by introducing the latest technology, advanced operation theaters, highly trained surgeons, and centers of excellence for various cancer types. The dedicated staff embraced these changes, realizing the profound impact they could have on patients’ lives. Thus, the ‘Oporojoyi Abashon’ initiative provides affordable accommodation for patients and families, further solidifying the commitment to holistic care.
Looking forward to total digital transformation, Sakif Shamim believes that the organization’s HRM policies and modern corporate developments will enhance productivity and cement Labaid Group as an ideal place to work in the healthcare sector. He adds, “Our numerous awareness programs and charitable initiatives aim to uplift the well-being of our fellow citizens and foster a promising and prosperous Bangladesh.”
Multifaceted Approach for Higher Performance and Excellence
In addition, Labaid Cancer Hospital employs a multifaceted approach to maintain consistent high performance and achieve its goals through accountability. This strategy includes setting clear goals, regularly monitoring performance, maintaining transparent communication, establishing constructive feedback mechanisms, and recognizing outstanding performance.
The organization also invests in its team’s continuous learning and development, maintains crisis management plans, and leads by example. The commitment to accountability is a cornerstone of the organization, empowering individuals to take ownership of their professional growth and contributions, ultimately driving achieving objectives in the ever-evolving healthcare sector.
In addition to the above, open and transparent communication is prioritized among all Labaid Cancer Hospital staff members, fostering trust and collaboration. The HR team enforces clear conflict resolution policies and provides staff with active listening, empathy, and effective communication training.
Regular feedback and performance appraisals address issues and promote a collaborative culture, reducing conflicts from employee competition. At the core, Sakif leads by example and believes in proactive conflict management, aiming for a positive and productive environment. “My core mission is to provide high-quality patient care, and effective conflict resolution is instrumental in achieving that goal,” he affirms.
A Future Filled with Growth and Success
Over the past few years, Labaid Cancer Hospital has actively contributed to the healthcare industry—pioneering innovative solutions for cancer treatment. It is on a mission to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and accessible healthcare to the people of Bangladesh and beyond. According to Sakif Shamim, the team’s dedication, coupled with the organization’s innovative approach and commitment to professional development, has enabled it to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.
Looking forward, Labaid Cancer Hospital envisions providing cutting-edge cancer treatment, robotic surgery, and organ transplantation and expanding its services nationwide. It aims to challenge the notion that adequate healthcare is out of reach for the average patient and continues to lead in healthcare excellence. “Our journey is one of transformation, and I am proud to be part of a team shaping the future of healthcare in Bangladesh and beyond,” adds Sakif Shamim.
With that being said, Sakif also envisions a proliferative future for Labaid Cancer Hospital while aiming to inspire his peers to contribute immensely to the healthcare industry. As a young entrepreneur and second-generation leader to one of the successful healthcare facilities, he advises emphasizing the importance of integrity, ethics, and a relentless commitment to the organization’s mission.
For budding entrepreneurs and aspiring healthcare leaders, Sakif recommends fostering a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and open communication to leverage the team’s collective potential. While perseverance during challenging situations is significant, they must maintain a people-first approach where the well-being and growth of employees are central.
“I believe great leaders empower their teams to achieve excellence, ultimately driving lasting impact in the business world.”
Sakif Shamim.
