“Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail” - Paari Gopalakrishnan of GBMC Healthcare

In this episode of Land and Lead, Dr. Josh speaks with Paari Gopalakrishnan, President and CEO of GBMC Healthcare, about entering a high-stakes CEO role. Following a long-tenured predecessor, Paari shares how deliberate preparation before day one, including structured stakeholder listening and early board alignment, enabled him to accelerate learning while building credibility across the system.

The conversation explores the tension many new leaders face between listening and acting, particularly when external pressures demand rapid understanding and decision-making. Four months into the role, Paari reflects on earning trust through transparency, establishing data-driven operating rhythms, and laying the organizational foundation necessary before pursuing long-term strategic planning.

Rather than rushing, his approach highlights leadership as an intentional process of alignment, preparation, and continuous learning.

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