Don Coleman’s career in leadership has been driven by his desire to learn and explore while helping others along the way. During his undergrad degree, he found a passion for both computer science and leadership while completing his studies and working as a senior community leader in on-campus housing. Shortly after graduating, Don began his career at Island Health, a healthcare authority in southwestern British Columbia, working in various technology leadership roles for over 12 years. Don began working with change management and the IHealth project, where he facilitated large-scale testing and integration development for the electronic health record.
Moving into a management role, Don led four teams that designed and operated critical systems and custom IT services. “During this time, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of talented leaders, technology experts, administrative staff, and medical professionals across numerous initiatives.” Don explains that in his career today, he is focused on the future, working to bring cloud-based technologies into his organization, safely and securely. This initiative “requires a fundamental shift in how we operate and challenges my leadership abilities in new and exciting ways.” Today, Don continues to complete an MBA in Executive Management at Royal Roads University.
When asked about his decision to pursue a healthcare career, Don admits he never planned on working in this specific field. After finishing his degree in computer science, Don began his first position at Island Health in IMIT, where he quickly realized the rewarding and challenging elements of healthcare. “Fast forward 12 years and I cannot imagine working anywhere but healthcare!”
Don is part of the CCHL Vancouver Island Chapter and was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Chapter Award for Distinguished Service in recognition of his contributions to the Chapter. Don explains he was invited to be a mentor for the mentorship program during COVID-19, presenting a challenge for everyone to navigate a time of uncertainty and isolation. Don shared that his overall experience with the Chapter’s mentorship program motivated him to become involved. The Vancouver Island Chapter “has so many members who inspire me with their service to people all over the island and I get to work with many of them through my involvement with the chapter!”
Don’s advice for aspiring health leaders is to exercise curiosity. “The health system is enormously complex and benefits from diverse perspectives at every level.” Don believes curiosity broadens your experience and leads you to new people, ideas and opportunities. “There are many skills you can focus on that contribute to great leadership, so it is important to reflect on what you do well, and where you can grow. It is an ongoing process for every health leader and your curiosity will help shape your future and the impact you have in your healthcare career”.
One of Don’s favourite quotes from the show Futurama is about how the best leaders and technologies empower and support the people around them: “When you do things right, people won’t be sure you’ve done anything at all.”
