In a recent episode of my podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Suzanne Davenport, co-founder of Lucid Staffing Solutions and a seasoned clinical professional with over a decade of experience. Suzanne’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the importance of fostering meaningful connections. From driving growth in volatile times to creating a workplace culture that thrives, Suzanne shared invaluable lessons that are applicable across industries. Here are the key takeaways.
1. Driving Growth: The Power of Focus and Relationships
As a clinical operator-turned-entrepreneur, Suzanne’s perspective on growth is deeply rooted in her frontline experience during the pandemic. Lucid Staffing was born out of a desire to address the gaps she observed in healthcare staffing, emphasizing quality and connection over transactional relationships. She credits Lucid’s growth to building strong, trust-based relationships with clinicians and clients alike.
Suzanne also stressed the importance of focusing on your niche. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, organizations should hone in on their differentiators and strive to excel in their specialty. For Lucid Staffing, their edge lies in their team—composed entirely of clinicians who understand the challenges of healthcare firsthand.
Key Takeaways:
- Invest in relationships; they’re the foundation of sustainable growth.
- Identify your niche and focus on being the best at what you do.
- Treating people well may not always yield immediate profits, but it pays off in long-term loyalty and success.
2. The Impact of Culture: Creating Cohesion in Uncertain Times
Suzanne’s passion for creating a positive culture is one of the cornerstones of Lucid Staffing. Drawing on her experiences working across 30+ locations, including a transformative stint in Guam during the pandemic, she has a unique appreciation for the impact of workplace culture. At Lucid, this translates into a supportive environment where employees feel valued and empowered.
What makes Suzanne proudest is the cohesive culture they’ve cultivated—not just internally but externally with their clinicians and clients. She recognizes the toxic environments that can plague healthcare settings and is committed to making Lucid a place of respect, encouragement, and shared mission.
Key Takeaways:
- A strong workplace culture fosters loyalty, productivity, and shared purpose.
- In remote or distributed teams, intentional effort is required to maintain cohesion.
- Leading with empathy and creating a supportive environment pays dividends in morale and business success.
3. Balancing Work, Life, and Well-Being
Starting and running a business is no small feat, especially when your partner is also your co-founder. Suzanne candidly shared the challenges of maintaining balance in her life, from juggling responsibilities to finding moments for self-care. Her strategy? Be intentional about carving out time for yourself and recognize that prioritizing your well-being allows you to better support others.
Suzanne is also a proponent of integrating health and wellness into the workplace. From exercise “snacks” during the day to group breathwork sessions, she’s actively finding ways to make wellness a part of Lucid’s culture for her team.
Key Takeaways:
- Balance requires intentionality—schedule time for self-care, exercise, and reflection.
- Small, consistent wellness practices can make a big difference in managing stress.
- Leadership starts with leading by example; take care of yourself to inspire others to do the same.
4. Vision for the Future: Optimism and Innovation
Suzanne is optimistic about the future of healthcare staffing. She envisions a steady year of growth for the industry as it stabilizes post-pandemic and as organizations refocus on quality and meaningful relationships. Her goal for Lucid Staffing is clear: to help clinicians fall back in love with their profession and see staffing agencies as true partners in advancing their careers.
Suzanne’s excitement for 2025 stems from her belief in reinvesting in people and relationships. She sees immense potential in fostering innovation, identifying niches, and helping others succeed—a philosophy that encapsulates Lucid Staffing’s mission.
Key Takeaways:
- Growth in healthcare staffing will come from renewed focus on relationships and quality.
- Agencies play a crucial role in helping clinicians rediscover their passion and purpose.
- Optimism and intentional investment in people are the keys to shaping a better future.
A Fun Finale
Suzanne brought her vibrant energy to the rapid-fire segment of the podcast. Tune in to listen to the fun exchange.
Closing Thoughts
My conversation with Suzanne reinforced the power of connection, focus, and intentionality in business and life. Her journey from clinician to entrepreneur highlights the value of staying true to your purpose while fostering innovation and growth.
What strategies do you use to build meaningful relationships, create a strong culture, or balance well-being in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
