Magda Surrisi, Program Office Lead, Medica via On-Demand Group Consulting

What is your current role?

I joined On-Demand Group Consulting in April 2026 and stepped into my current role at Medica shortly thereafter. This is work that I find genuinely energizing. As a strategic partner to leadership, I bring structure, accountability and clarity to a complex and strategic initiative that will help position Medica for further growth and success. My role operates at the intersection of business, operations and technology. That means aligning teams, coordinating with major vendor partners, assisting governance and keeping execution on track. What I enjoy most is helping leaders navigate ambiguity with confidence and keeping momentum alive even when the path forward isn’t perfectly clear.

Health care is a large, layered, and high-stakes environment, one where the pressure is real, and the complexity rarely lets up. In that context, I try to be the person who creates a little order out of the chaos: connects the right people, surfaces risks before they become problems, improves how teams communicate and make decisions, and helps everyone stay focused on what matters most. My background in health care strategy, operations and transformation has given me a deep appreciation for what thoughtful program leadership can actually do. Not just for organizational performance, but for the people at the center of it all.

Why did you join the TRUST?

I joined the TRUST in 2019 during an especially exciting time, as, Monica Engel, stepped into the role of TRUST President. Seeing someone I worked with and deeply respected invest so much energy and passion into the organization told me this was a community I wanted to be part of. I was drawn to the mission, the caliber of women involved, and the opportunity to learn from leaders who are committed to improving health care and strengthening our communities. I’ve been a member ever since and also served on the 2026 Forum Planning Committee.

What has been your favorite part of being a member of the TRUST?

The community. It is incredibly energizing to be surrounded by women who are intelligent, compassionate, driven and deeply committed to improving others’ well-being. The conversations are thoughtful, the relationships are genuine and a shared spirit of lifting one another up makes the TRUST truly special.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

“Don’t just solve the problem in front of you — understand the system creating it.”

That perspective fundamentally shaped how I approach leadership. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work with leaders who encouraged curiosity, asked hard questions and taught me to look beyond immediate deliverables to understand operational dynamics, incentives, culture and long-term impact. It helped me become someone who not only executes work, but also helps connect strategy, people, process and purpose in a meaningful way.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your leadership style or professional path?

One pivotal moment in my career was leading high-profile health care transformation and stabilization initiatives amid significant uncertainty and change. Those experiences taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers immediately; it is about creating clarity, building trust, staying calm under pressure and helping people move forward together even when the path is still evolving.

It reinforced my belief that strong leadership is equal parts strategic thinking and human connection. The best outcomes happen when people feel heard, aligned and empowered to contribute.

What emerging trend in health care are you most excited about and why?

I’m most excited about the growing shift toward more personalized, proactive and human-centered health care, especially the increasing recognition of women’s health, behavioral health and whole-person care.

For a long time, many areas of care were fragmented or underserved. We are now seeing meaningful momentum around integrating data, technology, care delivery and advocacy in ways that can improve both outcomes and quality of life. I’m especially encouraged by leaders and organizations willing to challenge outdated models and rethink how health care can better support people across every stage of life.

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

I think innovation happens when people feel safe asking questions, challenging assumptions and bringing forward ideas without fear of being dismissed. Some of the best breakthroughs come from creating space for curiosity and collaboration across disciplines that do not traditionally work closely together.

I also believe innovation is not always about the biggest or flashiest idea. Sometimes it is about simplifying a process, improving communication or helping teams see a problem from a different perspective. Creating clarity often unlocks creativity.

What strategies do you use to build effective teams and promote collaboration?

I focus heavily on creating alignment, trust and shared ownership. In large organizations, teams can unintentionally drift into silos, so I try to help people connect the dots between their work and the broader mission.

I believe effective collaboration comes from clear communication, transparency around priorities and risks and making sure people feel respected and included in the process. I also try to bring calm, positivity and practical problem-solving energy to teams, especially during periods of change or ambiguity.

What is something that not many people know about you?

I’ve lived parts of my life on islands. In England, where I earned my master’s degree from York University, and in Hawaii, where I worked for the Hawaii State Senate. Those experiences broadened my perspective and shaped how I connect with people and approach leadership.

I like to say I now have both a “Keep Calm and Carry On” and an “Aloha Spirit” stitched into my Midwestern heart.

Words of wisdom to life by?

“Leave people and places better than you found them.”

I’ve always loved the idea that leadership is not just about achievement. It is about impact, stewardship and how you make people feel along the way.