047: A New Era of Co-Leadership
In this episode, Elena speaks with Nomsa Khalfani and Amy Moy, the co-CEOs of Essential Access Health, to discuss their unique approach to co-leadership and their vision for transforming organizational culture. Nomsa and Amy have a long history...
In this episode, Elena speaks with Nomsa Khalfani and Amy Moy, the co-CEOs of Essential Access Health, to discuss their unique approach to co-leadership and their vision for transforming organizational culture. Nomsa and Amy have a long history together, having worked side by side in senior leadership roles for the past 10 years. When the previous CEO left, the board made the groundbreaking decision to appoint Nomsa and Amy as co-CEOs, recognizing their strong partnership and dedication to the organization's mission.
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As co-CEOs, Nomsa and Amy prioritize the well-being of their staff. They lead by example, practicing mutual support, flexibility, rest, and vulnerability. This shift in mindset and focus on staff wellness has resulted in a more trusting, safe, and humane organizational culture. They also emphasize inclusion, community health, and freedom for all. Through coaching, fair compensation, and involving staff in decision-making, they empower their team to make a meaningful impact.
However, with this new style of leadership also come challenges. Nomsa and Amy stress the importance of being open to feedback, even when it's uncomfortable, and using it as an opportunity for self-reflection rather than defensiveness. They also recognize the need to embrace imperfection and allow for evolution in their leadership approach.
To measure their success, Nomsa and Amy look at metrics such as staff retention, feedback from employees about feeling valued, and recommendations of the organization. They believe that by creating an empowering culture, they can support their staff in doing their best work and ultimately make a significant impact.
Above all, Nomsa and Amy's vision for Essential Access Health is centered around respecting bodily autonomy and fundamental human rights and dignity for all. They believe that true freedom cannot exist as long as some individuals lack it. Their goal is to amplify voices and improve outcomes through courageous and pioneering leadership. Tune in to this enlightening episode to learn more about their journey and the transformative power of co-leadership.
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This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:
Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer
Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)
Jo van Eeden, Project Manager
Elena Armijo
Nomsa Khalfani, PhD
Co-CEO
Nomsa Khalfani, PhD, co-CEO, shares responsibility for providing strategic leadership for the organization in partnership with the Board of Directors and senior management team to establish corporate goals and strategies, long-range plans, and policies in collaboration with staff that support a value-based culture of excellence, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. Nomsa facilitates continuous improvement processes and oversees the new business development as well as the fiscal health of the organization. Also serves as organization’s representative and spokesperson.
Dr. Khalfani is an alum of the Southern California Coro Women in Leadership Program, the Blue Shield of California Foundation Clinic Leadership Institute Emerging Leaders Program, and the California Women’s Foundation Dr. Beatriz Maria Solis Policy Institute (SPI). Nomsa currently serves on the LA County Community Prevention and Population Health Taskforce and Anti-Racism, Diversity, Inclusion Initiative Community Input Advisory Board, and on the Board of Directors of Community Asset Development Re-defining Education (CADRE) and the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA). In 2020, Dr. Khlafani was recognized as one of Southern California’s Top 50 Diverse Leaders.
Nomsa Khalfani holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a Master of Arts from Phillips Graduate Institute, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Capella University, School of Public Service Leadership.
Amy Moy
Co-CEO
As Co-CEO, Amy provides overall leadership and guidance to advance reproductive equity and Essential Access Health’s mission, strategic priorities, and core values. Amy directly oversees the organization’s fund development, federal, state, and regional policy efforts, communications activities, and patient education and consumer awareness initiatives.
Prior to joining Essential Access in 2011, Amy developed and advanced community engagement and advocacy programs at Women’s Funding Network (WFN), and launched and directed the network’s national “A Future. Not a Past.” campaign to end child sex trafficking in America. Before her work with WFN, Amy had a 10 year career in public affairs at Planned Parenthood. Amy served as Associate Vice President of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood Golden Gate (PPGG) and Director of the PPGG Action Fund. Earlier, she led media relations, grassroots organization, and lobbying activities at Planned Parenthood of New York City.
Amy currently serves as member of the Executive Committee of the Family Planning Councils of America, and a member of the Board of Directors at the Heart and Home Collaborative, a women’s shelter serving unhoused women in the Bay Area. She is a recipient of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association’s Public Affairs Award
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