We recently connected with Dr. Tonicia Freeman-foster and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Tonicia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name LEIDOSWEL, pronounced (lead-us-well), is a reminder that being a leader extends far beyond a title or role. Leaders carry enormous weight as their decisions present intersections for positive or negative change, opportunities or barriers, thriving or oppression. For me, our brand is a reminder that leaders have one of the most honorable assignments: caring for the world’s most precious gem, human beings, and we should lead them well. It’s both an expectation and a responsibility. Team members, patients, and clients should expect and hold their leaders accountable for leading them well, and leaders should hold themselves responsible for leading well.

LEIDOSWEL’s logo and tagline were also intentionally developed. Leadership is an experience that creates a ripple effect in the lives of others. Water is cleansing, refreshing, and peaceful. The well and water represent a welcoming space where leaders can come (physically or virtually) to refill their cups, learn, share and obtain critical feedback, and grow in their authentic skin. The diversity of the people figures around the well represents community and was inspired by artist Angélica Dass’ photographic work, Humanæ. Being a leader can be lonely because as a leader grows, the pool of individuals with whom they can have vulnerable and relatable conversations decreases. I have experienced this as a leader and have spoken with many leaders who navigate loneliness and isolation. There is power and value in belonging to a healthy leadership development community. LEIDOSWEL’s tagline of foundational pillars, Learn Well – Lead Well – Live Well, reflects our steadfast belief that each of these elements are essential for leaders to thrive and inspire transformational change.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As the CEO and Co-founder of LEIDOSWEL, I bring over 20 years of experience in empowering healthcare leaders across the nation, helping them enhance their development and amplify their impact. I passionately believe that true leadership ignites positive change that transforms individuals, clients, organizations, employees, communities, and ultimately, the world.

I am a fierce advocate for equity and justice, driven since childhood by my disdain for generational oppression and belief in a world where everyone thrives freely. My passion fuels my commitment to supporting the health and well-being of historically marginalized individuals, groups, and communities, and I strive to elevate the voices that often go unheard. My experiences have taught me the importance of personal accountability, taking action, and modeling the way as a leader. Ultimately, this critical transformation begins with the leader in the mirror. Together, we can make the world a better and healthier place for everyone!

LEIDOSWEL is a healthcare and leadership strategy consulting firm dedicated to supporting healthcare leaders in driving innovative, transformative, and sustainable outcomes for their clients, colleagues, and communities. We partner with hospitals, clinics, social and human services, health and wellness organizations, colleges/universities, and government entities to drive excellence and innovation in healthcare.

What sets LEIDOSWEL apart from other consulting firms? Our LEIDOSWEL 360° approach to working alongside our clients to observe, identify, and address the root-level obstacles and threats to premier success. We believe in developing strategies that enhance success in a sustainable way, not just providing quick fixes. Data demonstrates topical solutions are unsustainable and can often exacerbate harm. Our passion for eliminating health disparities is evident in our commitment to cultivating memorable learning experiences that immerse our clients in real-life scenarios using practical applications and tools. We believe in stretching leaders to achieve success on purpose through their ideas, vision, values, and, most importantly, their actions.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the notion that, as a business owner, starting from scratch is a setback. A few years ago, I watched a YouTube video discussing how our experiences revolve around a clock from 1 to 12, where 1 signifies the beginner stage and 12 represents expertise. The speaker highlighted that many people remain stagnant in their growth because they fear returning to the beginner stage.

Although I am a leader and expert in my industry, I had to recognize that my expertise doesn’t automatically extend to running a business. There are things I don’t know because I’ve never learned them, and others that I have difficulties grasping because I lack the context and experience, which is okay. What isn’t okay is letting my pride, ego, or shame hinder my learning process or prevent me from seeking the support needed to thrive and align with my purpose.

I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with individuals who excel in areas where I am challenged and being bold enough to ask them questions. What might be challenging for me may come naturally to them, and vice versa. I’ve discovered that most people are generous and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge, expertise, and tips for overcoming obstacles. This makes my heart smile!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I am a cancer warrior! Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing event that reshapes your entire life and your mindset forever. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I gave myself two options: fight or fold. I chose to fight. Choosing to fight impacted my strength, faith, beliefs, treatment experience, and healing journey.

I continue to use this experience to navigate my life and career. When I feel afraid or defeated, I remind myself that I have navigated cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation, and I can navigate the current situation or season of my life, too. I remind myself that time is a precious gift that cannot be rewound, and experiences are a compilation of memories, opportunities, and lessons learned. I have learned that sometimes, the only thing that can silence or turn down the volume on fear is to be bold and leap. And I tell myself to leap because I can only be that afraid of the thing that’s causing me fear once. This propels me to keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leidoswel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leidoswel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toniciaff
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.toniciafreeman-foster7600

Image Credits

Crystale, E.Y.E. Imagery Studios