How You Make People Feel Is Everything with Kyle Dorsey
Description
Guest: Kyle Dorsey, President, Baptist Medical Center South
In this ABOVE CENTER® Leadership Podcast, hospital president Kyle Dorsey shares his powerful insights on leading through complexity, nurturing a values-driven culture, and building trust with both patients and teams. As President of Baptist Medical Center South—one of the top 5 hospitals in Florida—Kyle knows firsthand what it means to lead with clarity and care under pressure.
From staffing shortages to emotionally charged environments, healthcare leadership demands resilience and relational intelligence. Kyle leads by example, modeling the belief that everyone on the team is a care provider—from surgeons to housekeepers. And when the stakes are high, he believes it's not just about what you do, but how you make people feel.
Key Takeaways from Kyle’s Leadership Philosophy
🎯 Trust and Communication Are EverythingKyle emphasizes that every interaction in healthcare hinges on trust—between leaders, teams, and patients. Communication is critical, especially when expectations are high and outcomes matter.
💫 Culture is Built on ConsistencyFrom hiring practices to team accountability, Baptist South centers culture through "culture keepers" and shared rituals like open forums and leadership rounding. Everyone—regardless of role—contributes to the patient experience.
✔️ Relationships Before ResultsWhen onboarding new leaders, Kyle prioritizes relationships over performance in the first 90 days. Getting to know the team and building trust are foundational to long-term success.
➡️ Presence Over PerfectionKyle believes in being physically present—on nights, weekends, and across shifts. The result? People feel seen, heard, and valued. That presence builds emotional safety and deepens connection.
💌 Lead with Heart (and Handwritten Notes)During weekly rounds, Kyle and his team write personal notes to team members and mail them to their homes. This simple gesture creates a ripple effect of gratitude and meaning beyond the hospital walls.
📖 Favorite Quote“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
From building high-performing leadership teams to supporting individuals who fall "below center," Kyle's leadership centers on empathy, accountability, and service. His story is a masterclass in leading from within—with purpose, perspective, and the courage to care.
___________________About Kyle DorseyKyle Dorsey is the President of Baptist Medical Center South, one of Florida’s top-ranked hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. A seasoned healthcare executive, Kyle leads with a deep commitment to compassionate care, operational excellence, and team culture. His leadership oversees key hospital services including Labor & Delivery, Emergency, Surgery, Imaging, and the pediatric Wolfson Children’s ER. With a strong background in physician relations and healthcare management, Kyle is known for fostering collaboration, trust, and high-impact leadership in every corner of the hospital.
ABOVE CENTER® is brought to you by REVEL®, an Executive Search and Coaching firm that helps people and companies grow through the power of great leadership.
Our ABOVE CENTER® approach is about staying grounded, clear, and resilient, especially when the stakes are high. In this podcast, we feature leaders in corporate America who share how they navigate the pressures of leadership while living ABOVE CENTER®. We uncover the mindsets, strategies, and personal philosophies that drive high-performing executives to lead themselves and their teams to success. From hiring and retaining top talent to thriving in the first 90 days of a new role, these conversations go beyond leadership—they’re about building a career and a life with purpose, impact, and joy in the journey.








