Robert Spadoni, J.D., L.L.M., is a strategic and compassionate healthcare executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in operational management, compliance, and business transformation within complex health systems and hospitals. Known for his ability to align diverse stakeholders, Robert has successfully guided healthcare organizations through operational optimizations, financial turnarounds, and service line expansions. With extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), compliance, and healthcare law, Robert has played a pivotal role in shaping healthcare operations at multiple institutions. When not focused on advancing healthcare solutions, he enjoys mentoring, traveling, golfing and cycling. Currently, Robert is advising and representing clients in the manufacturing and distribution industries with regards to operational management.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early with a structured review of priorities, ongoing projects, and operational challenges that need immediate attention. I spend time engaging with my team, analyzing financial and operational performance, and ensuring strategic initiatives stay on track. Productivity comes from a balance of structured time blocks for meetings, deep work, and problem-solving, allowing me to drive efficiency and innovation without distractions.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I take a data-driven and collaborative approach. Every idea starts with identifying a core challenge or opportunity. From there, I develop a structured strategy, engage key stakeholders, and ensure alignment with the organization’s objectives. The key is execution—ideas evolve through continuous feedback, real-world testing, and adaptive implementation.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The evolution of outpatient healthcare models and the increasing role of digital health in optimizing patient care. The ability to integrate AI-driven diagnostics, remote monitoring, and tech-enabled care pathways presents a massive opportunity to enhance efficiency while improving patient outcomes and experience.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Time management and prioritization. I break my day into focused work blocks, ensuring that critical projects receive dedicated attention. I also make time for reflection and strategic thinking, which prevents getting lost in day-to-day operations and keeps long-term goals in perspective.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace change and uncertainty. Healthcare is an ever-evolving industry, and adaptability is key. I’d also emphasize the importance of networking and mentorship—relationships are instrumental in career growth and learning.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that hospitals should take a more aggressive approach in adopting business strategies from non-healthcare industries, such as retail and finance. Healthcare often lags in consumer experience and operational efficiency, but by learning from other industries, we can drive better patient outcomes and financial sustainability.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I constantly seek opportunities for process improvement. Whether it’s evaluating hospital workflows or optimizing financial strategies, continuous assessment and refinement ensure that organizations remain agile and efficient.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from the immediate task, take a short walk, or engage in a quick conversation with a colleague to gain a fresh perspective. Sometimes, shifting focus momentarily helps in returning to the problem with renewed clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships and trust with stakeholders. Whether in M&A negotiations or hospital operations, alignment among leadership, physicians, and staff is crucial. Trust fosters collaboration and ensures that initiatives gain the necessary buy-in for success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my leadership journey, I was involved in a major operational change that faced resistance due to inadequate stakeholder engagement. The lesson? Communication and early involvement of key players are non-negotiable for successful implementation. Since then, I’ve prioritized transparency and collaboration in every initiative.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that streamlines hospital supply chain management through AI-driven predictive analytics. Many hospitals struggle with inventory inefficiencies, and an intelligent, automated system could drastically cut costs and improve resource utilization.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on project management tools like Asana and Microsoft Teams. They allow me to track multiple projects, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain seamless communication with teams across different locations.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I regularly listen to industry podcasts because they offers valuable insights from industry leaders on trends, challenges, and opportunities in healthcare management and policy.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed ‘The Last Dance,’ which highlights the leadership, resilience, and strategic mindset that drove the Chicago Bulls’ success. The principles of teamwork, perseverance, and adaptability translate well into business and healthcare leadership.
Key learnings
- Building trust and alignment among stakeholders is fundamental to organizational success.
- The healthcare industry can benefit from adopting business strategies from other sectors.
- Continuous learning and adaptability are key to long-term career and business growth.
- Process improvements, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration drive operational excellence.
- Embracing failure as a learning tool is crucial for personal and professional development.