When you don't want to work with them
In this episode of the Visionary MD Podcast, executive coach Toyosi Onwuemene speaks directly to physicians who feel frustrated, stifled, or slowed down by the people they’re forced to work with. Drawing from a real coaching conversation, she reframes this tension as a leadership challenge—one that begins not with changing others, but with leading yourself first.
Key Themes
- Why physicians are fundamentally different—and why that matters in team dynamics
- The danger of trying to “fix” cultures that don’t support excellence
- Leading with presence instead of frustration or control
- Choosing intention over resentment when collaboration feels impossible
Five Leadership Strategies for Physicians
- Leave – If the environment tolerates what you can’t, it may not be the right place for you.
- Stay Well – If you stay, commit fully and adjust your attitude to protect your energy and health.
- Understand Who You’re Working With – Clarify others’ motivations and recalibrate expectations.
- Help Them Win – Lead through service, not dominance. Care personally to influence effectively.
- Design for Strengths – Create workflows that make the best use of others’ actual capabilities.
Core Takeaway
Transformation doesn’t start with changing the environment—it starts with changing how you show up. Physicians lead most powerfully when they combine presence, intention, and service to others.
About the Host
Toyosi Onwuemene is an executive coach who helps physicians lead with presence, speak with purpose, and bring healing and transformation to the communities they serve.
Connect
Find Dr. Onwuemene on LinkedIn: @toyosionwuemene. Listen for the next episode of the Visionary MD Podcast
