The ASCENT Leadership Development Program held its first session at the UBC Whistler Orthopaedic Summit on January 29, 2026, bringing together 10 ASCENT surgeons, facilitators Drs. Steven Waters and Peter Frick, and leaders Drs. Carrie Kollias, Nic Dea, and Kishore Mulpuri. For many, this was their first meeting, providing an opportunity to build new connections, share experiences, and commit to the leadership journey ahead.
Building the Foundations of Leadership
The session began with participants reflecting on their leadership strengths and motivations for joining the program. Dr. Waters emphasized that leadership is a shared practice across teams, not the responsibility of one individual. Referencing Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning (1946), he noted that understanding one’s purpose enhances authenticity and effectiveness in leadership.
The session covered key aspects of Emotional Intelligence, including self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills, as well as essential non-technical skills such as communication, task management, situational awareness, and collaborative decision-making. The message to “be of use” encouraged participants to lead with integrity, service, and a focus on meaningful contribution.
Participants discussed the importance of listening and recognized that conflict is inevitable. The group reframed conflict as an opportunity for growth and positive change.
“How you function in a group may be more important than individual achievement,” said Dr. Waters, emphasizing that leadership requires intentional learning and practice beyond clinical excellence.
Key Takeaways from Part 1
- Practice curiosity and active listening.
- Accept conflict as a natural, productive part of leadership.
- Negotiate with integrity to achieve sustainable outcomes.
- Shift from being “the smartest person in the room” to the person who listens.
- Understand your own emotional triggers.
- Embrace teamwork and collective success over individual accomplishments.
Exploring Leadership Through PRISM: Part 2
After a short break, participants met in pre-assigned groups to review academic literature on leadership.
The first group reviewed research indicating that positive relational energy—the ability to uplift, inspire, and renew others—is a key predictor of effective leadership. Unlike charisma or authority, this energy is rooted in authenticity and genuine care. The group discussed the importance of boundaries and self-care for sustainable leadership. Dr. Waters highlighted the need to understand what “fills your cup” to maintain an authentic, energizing presence.
The second group discussed the risks of charismatic leadership. While charisma can motivate, it may also conceal narcissism, misuse of power, and high-risk behavior. The group discussed how to lead those who are reluctant, suggesting strategies such as reinforcing team purpose, providing leadership opportunities, and helping individuals see their role within a larger mission.
After discussing different types of leadership, the group went on to review their PRISM personality assessments. Most participants felt that their results accurately reflected their tendencies, such as big-picture or detail-oriented thinking, and their behaviours under stress. The groups discussed differences between “preferred” and “under-pressure” personalities and agreed that self-awareness is essential for leadership growth. Understanding how one is perceived and responds in challenging situations was recognized as a valuable part of leadership development.
In Summary
Session 1 of the ASCENT Leadership Development Program established a foundation for transformative leadership, emphasizing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and purposeful practice. Through open dialogue and reflection, ASCENT surgeons began developing the mindset and skills that will guide their growth and enhance their impact within their teams and the orthopaedic community.
The next ASCENT virtual session will take place on Thursday, March 12, and will focus on Building and Leading Effective Teams with Trust and Psychological Safety. For more information about the program, email orthopaedics.admin@ubc.ca.
