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Inspire, Empower, and Deliver on Promises. The Key Qualities Business Executives Need to Lead

The Edge for October 2019

An Exclusive Article for NJ ChamberEdge

Job Candidates

It’s not easy to lead. So we asked business executives to tell us the key qualities commonly found in good business leaders. The secret sauce, so to say. Their answers boil down to three things: Inspire, empower and deliver. Read what the business execs said:

 

Daniel SchwartzInspire and Empower

When leaders effectively communicate their vision, it inspires; when they pair that vision with accessibility, it empowers. Successful organizations are driven by leaders with strong communication skills, an open door policy and a compelling vision for the future. These qualities set a tone that motivates existing employees and attracts dynamic new talent; promotes collegiality; and nurtures a ‘one-firm’ mentality where all personnel march in lockstep toward a common goal.

– Daniel A. Schwartz, Managing Member, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC

 

Gary HoranDon’t Micromanage

Successful management boils down to just a few concepts: Show leadership; be open to new ideas; and no matter how great the temptation, do not micromanage. Let those with ideas freely pursue them.

– Gary S. Horan, President & CEO, Trinitas Regional Medical Center

 

Brydget Falk DriganBe Authentic

Operate with integrity and transparency. No one wants to work for someone they don’t trust, or they believe is motivated solely by their own interests. If you want to lead people, truly care about them. Invest in building relationships, coaching, teaching and empowerment. Be authentic. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. You’re most relatable when you are yourself versus someone intimidating and unwelcoming. Focus less on proving why you’re in the leadership role, and more on motivating others to succeed.

– Brydget Falk-Drigan, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Peapack-Gladstone Bank

 

Paul MardenDeliver on Promises and Build Trust

Every leader casts a huge shadow and the best ones have high standards of integrity. Leaders need to deliver on promises and build trust. In any business, if a customer buys your product, they trust that they are going to get what they paid for. Integrity and genuine interest in the company’s success are significant factors in successful leadership.

– Paul Marden, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of New Jersey

 

Responses for this article were edited for space and clarity.

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Newsmakers

Hackensack University Medical Center has been named New Jersey’s top hospital for a fourth straight year – and the ninth time in the past 13 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. HUMC finished just outside the Top 20 rankings in the country, but it was ranked No. 6 in the New York metropolitan area. Atlantic Health Morristown, the only hospital to break HUMC’s grip on No. 1 in recent years, came in at No. 2. Atlantic Health Overlook came in at No. 3.

RWJ Barnabas Health was one of three systems to land two hospitals in the Top 10 of the prestigious U.S. News & World Report 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston each ranked No. 6 in New Jersey and No. 23 in the New York Metro Area.

Hackensack Meridian Health was selected to PEOPLE’s '100 Companies That Care' list for 2026, coming in at No. 48. The list recognizes companies for their commitment to employees, communities and the environment.

Atlantic Health has named Dr. Vicki LoPachin to serve as its executive vice president and chief medical officer, the health system announced.

Johnson & Johnson announced a contribution of $300,000 to Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden to modernize its simulation lab and establish scholarships for first-generation nursing students.

Johnson & Johnson named Tom Cavanaugh executive vice president and worldwide chairman of its Innovative Medicine division, effective Sept. 1. Cavanaugh, currently the company group chairman for North America, succeeds Jennifer Taubert, who is retiring after 21 years with the company.

Inspira Health announced it has completed an expansion, doubling the size of its maternity unit at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill. The expansion bumps up the number of maternity beds from 20 to 38.

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center unveiled most of a new emergency department following a $10 million, four-year project aimed at addressing rising demand for mental health and addiction services. The expanded facility increases capacity from 19 to 49 beds and will grow to more than 60 beds when the final wing is completed in 2027.

RWJBarnabas Health has been named a ‘World’s Top Disability Inclusive Business’ based on its performance on the Disability Index, the leading global benchmark for workplace disability inclusion. The recognition recognizes the health system’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace for its 45,000 employees, as well as inclusive patient experiences.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital has been honored with the American Heart Association’s prestigious ‘Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus’ quality achievement award. It recognizes the hospital’s continued dedication to ensuring stroke patients receive swift, research-backed treatment designed to save lives and mitigate long-term disability.

The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross of New Jersey to support disaster response efforts following recent severe storms.

Bank of America awarded a $50,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties to expand mentoring and workforce development programs serving more than 3,000 young people annually.

Moshe Kam, who has served as the dean of NJIT’s Newark College of Engineering since 2014, was named as the university’s interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Kam succeeds John Pelesko, who is serving as interim president, following the retirement of Teik Lim this summer.

Rowan University’s William G. Rohrer College of Business introduced a 30-credit Master of Business Administration pathway, set to launch this fall. It expands options for working professionals and full-time graduate students seeking a more streamlined, efficient route to a high-level business credential without sacrificing academic rigor.

Archer & Greiner announced the elevation of six attorneys to partner, effective Oct. 1. The newly named partners are Eimi Figlio, Timothy Horn, Rafael Llano, Matthew Nicodemo, Amy Pearl, and Scott Sears.

Rizco President & Partner Debra Rizzi has been named an honorary commander of the 305th Operations Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The program connects military commanders with civic leaders to strengthen understanding and relationships between the base and the communities it serves.

Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., is donating more than 200,000 pounds of food to support communities affected by devastating earthquakes in Colombia. In partnership with Global Empowerment Mission, Goya is helping provide essential food and supplies to individuals and families most urgently in need.

Stockton University has received a $2.4 million grant from the Pro-NJ Trust to upgrade its Marine Field Station and Coastal Research Center in Galloway Township. The upgrades are expected to expand coastal research and educational programming.

MWW, celebrating its 40th anniversary this September, has grown into a global communications firm, with more than 225 professionals across North America, Europe and Latin America, advising organizations on corporate reputation, crisis management, consumer marketing, public affairs and employee communications.

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