Full name: Christine Schuster, RN, MBA
Current title & company: President and CEO, Emerson Health
Did you have an “a-ha moment” in your career? Yes—very early in my career while working at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a consultant, I was part of a turnaround engagement for a struggling community hospital in Pennsylvania. I remember sitting in a meeting where the CEO outlined a long list of reasons why the hospital wasn’t performing well. In that moment, something shifted for me. Instead of seeing barriers, I saw opportunity—clear, actionable ways the organization could improve and regain its footing. That realization became my “a-ha moment.” It was then that I set a very specific goal for myself: to become a hospital president and CEO so I could lead that kind of transformation directly. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve achieved that goal—and I currently serve as the longest-tenured president and CEO of a hospital in Massachusetts. More importantly, that early moment continues to shape how I lead: focusing on solutions, accountability and the belief that, even in the most challenging situations, there is always a path forward.
Is there a mentor in your life who helped you get where you are today? Yes—there were actually two women hospital presidents and CEOs who played a pivotal role in shaping me as a leader. They were exceptional role models who set a high standard for both performance and integrity. What made their mentorship so impactful was their ability to strike the right balance between encouragement and candid, constructive feedback. That combination was critical to my growth and ultimately helped prepare me for the responsibilities of being a president and CEO. Great mentors do more than offer advice—they expand your perspective, challenge your assumptions and push you to think bigger about what’s possible. These women did exactly that. They believed in me at times when I questioned myself and they consistently pushed me outside of my comfort zone. In doing so, they accelerated both my confidence and my capability. That is the true power of mentorship; it doesn’t just support your journey, it elevates it.
What advice would you want a 20-year-old you to hear? I have two daughters in their twenties: One is a physician with an MD/MBA, who is a first-year Internal Medicine resident at Vanderbilt Medical Center. The other is a first-year health care consultant at Huron. Here is the advice I give to them: Early in your career, focus less on having all the answers and more on building the habits that will carry you forward—curiosity, resilience and a strong work ethic. Seek out environments where you will be challenged, not just supported. Growth rarely happens in comfort. Find mentors and sponsors who will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. The most valuable feedback is often the most difficult to receive, but it is also what accelerates your development. Surround yourself with people who raise your standards and expand your thinking. Don’t be afraid to take on roles that feel slightly beyond your reach. Confidence is built through experience, not before it. Some of the most defining moments in my career came from stepping into opportunities before I felt fully ready. At the same time, invest in your integrity. Your reputation is your most valuable asset and it is built over time through consistent actions, not titles or achievements. Finally, remember that leadership is not about position—it is about impact. No matter where you are in your career, you have the ability to make a difference. Focus on adding value, supporting others and contributing to something larger than yourself. The rest will follow.
What does success mean to you? Success, for me, is no longer about the title next to my name—it’s about the lives touched because of the work behind it. Early in my career, I measured success by achievement: the next role, the next milestone, the next step forward. But, over time, my perspective shifted. Today, success is about impact. It’s knowing that what I do every day truly matters—to patients, to families, to the communities I serve and to the people I lead. It’s knowing my patients receive exceptional care. It’s seeing my team come together in a difficult moment, or watching someone I’ve mentored grow into a strong, confident leader. Those are the moments that define success for me now. It’s also about how I show up—leading with integrity, staying grounded, continuing to learn and being present for the people who matter most in my professional and personal life. I’ve learned that success isn’t something you achieve once and hold onto. It’s something you experience when your work, your values and your purpose are fully aligned, and you leave things better than when you found them.
What is something you love doing: There are many things that bring me joy; however, at the center of it all is time spent with family and friends. Whether we’re traveling, playing a round of golf, enjoying a competitive game of Mah jong or cheering on the Boston Celtics together, those moments are incredibly meaningful to me. I also find great fulfillment in the quieter parts of life—spending time with my two dogs, working in my garden or reading a good book. There’s something grounding about those experiences that helps me reset and recharge. What I’ve come to appreciate is that these passions aren’t separate from my professional life; they strengthen it. They give me energy, perspective and balance, ultimately making me a better leader.