Mackenzie Bies, MHA, Manager, Allina Improvement System, Allina Health

What’s your current role?

I am fortunate to be celebrating over seven years with Allina Health. I began my career as an Operations leader within the Mental Health & Addiction services. In that role, I focused on improving delivery and access to mental health services across our community alongside a dedicated team of clinicians and leaders. Currently, as a Manager of Allina Improvement Systems, I lead a team of talented individuals who support the organization in identifying and implementing the standard tools and process that help us to run the business effectively today as well as transform and improve the business for tomorrow. We work collaboratively with leaders across the organization to lead the identification, planning and execution of improvement and transformation efforts and support leaders in fostering continuous improvement and building problem solving capabilities.

When did you join the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST and what roles have you held within the TRUST?

I joined The TRUST in the fall of 2023 after hearing it consistently praised by several exceptional female leaders in my network. Their enthusiasm made me curious to experience it firsthand — and I’m so glad I did. I was drawn to the atmosphere of support and empowerment that defines the TRUST. The connections I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had since joining have only deepened my appreciation for this community of female leaders.

I currently serve on the Associate Board and contribute to the Programming Committee. I was fortunate to be a part of the TRUST Mentorship Program in 2024 and am thankful for that experience as a mentee. I look forward to reengaging in that program in the future as a mentor. 

What has been your favorite part of the TRUST?

My favorite part of being a member of the TRUST has been witnessing the incredible power of women lifting one another up. It’s inspiring to see members connect over both personal and professional challenges and opportunities, offering support, wisdom, and encouragement to one another.

What is the best mentoring experience you’ve had?

A mentor of mine has taught me that what success looks like for a leader is to be a force multiplier. True value lies in building strong teams and investing in people — whether through thoughtful hiring, professional development, fostering psychological safety, or sharing credit generously. The moments when I see this take shape in my work are the ones that bring me the greatest professional satisfaction.

What was a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your leadership style?

A pivotal moment in my career occurred when I stepped into a leadership role supporting a team that had experienced significant leadership turnover. As a result, there was a deep sense of distrust — both in leadership itself and in how decisions were made. This experience quickly taught me the importance of meaningful connection, curiosity, consistent and transparent communication, accountability and the value of dyad leadership.

How do you foster innovation and creativity within your team or organization?

I find that the bright minds around me every day do think creatively and innovatively but so often our immediate reaction, even to our own creative or innovative ideas is, “it would never happen because” or “that probably wouldn’t work because”. I have started to interrupt that pattern by asking instead “but what if we did”? By reframing the discussion this way we focus first on the potential — the value, the impact, the opportunities — before feeling defeated or overwhelmed by the barriers. Starting this way can help us to see when our ideas have legs and are worth pursuing, even if they are hard.