In the swiftly changing healthcare sector, noble leaders are playing a vital role in shaping the convergence of health and technology by integrating data-driven healthcare solutions and advocating for the widespread adoption of technology-driven therapies, notably in urban spaces where innovation is blended with the needs of modern societies. Through their strategic leadership and commitment to excellence, they contribute to advancing modern healthcare practices and improving patient care outcomes in an increasingly interconnected world.
As leaders shape healthcare with technology and pioneering innovative solutions to address the complex challenges faced by smart cities, Erika Jordan stands out as a visionary leader at the forefront of this intersection, harnessing her expertise in the hyperbaric industry to revolutionize urban healthcare infrastructure.
Erika has proven her unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and change in the healthcare industry as Owner and Director of Hyperbarics Orlando and Hyperbarics New Smyrna, particularly in the context of urbanization city initiatives. Recognizing the pressing need for modern advancements, she embarked on a journey to democratize access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, strategically positioning her centers to address evolving healthcare demands.
With a visionary approach, Erika’s centers quickly became pillars of innovation, doubling in capacity and expanding their reach to embrace diverse communities, laying the foundation for a future of inclusive urban healthcare.
In this exclusive interview, Erika highlights her healthcare leadership journey. She unveils her dedication to her patients’ well-being and serves as a testament to her enduring legacy, a legacy rooted in compassion, accessibility, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in shaping the future of smart cities.
Here is a summary of the interview:
Can you please introduce yourself and describe your role in shaping the future of smart cities?
My name is Erika Jordan. I am the Owner and Director of Hyperbarics Orlando and Hyperbarics New Smyrna. After 10 years of working in the Hyperbaric industry, I decided to follow my dream and opened a state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen Facility in the middle of beautiful Orlando, Florida. I offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to anyone who needs help during their healing journey.
What initially sparked your interest in working towards the advancement of smart cities, and how has your journey unfolded in this field?
I chose Orlando, Florida, to open my first center due to its major growth in health and technology. There was a need for this great modern advancement in health care, so once I found the perfect location in the Dr. Phillips area of Orlando, I opened planning on growth.
Within the first few years, I doubled my chambers and team members. Soon after that, I opened a second location in New Smyrna Beach, FL, with plans to open more centers in the future as needs arise.
How do you approach leadership in the context of driving innovation and transformation within smart city initiatives?
I am taking an industry typically offered only in the hospital sector to a limited number of healthcare conditions and making it mainstream and available to more people.
We have the best of both worlds here. We can bill insurance for conditions that meet criteria and offer discounted cash prices to those who want to take a proactive approach to their healthcare and healing.
What do you believe are the most critical factors for the successful implementation of smart city solutions, and how do you ensure stakeholder buy-in and collaboration?
The growth of health and technology are critical factors for smart city solutions. We do our best by setting goals within our company to complete the task at hand properly and then start on other projects once completed. Collaboration and communication are key within any company; we encourage formal and non-formal meetings within all of our departments.
In your opinion, what role do technology and data play in shaping the future of smart cities, and how do you leverage them effectively in your work?
Technology and Data have a direct role in the growth of smart cities. Technology development means new advancements we can implement in healthcare, and the data to follow proves the results gained.
As new technology evolves in medicine, we implement those within our company. We are paperless, providing electronic medical records to our patients, offering state-of-the-art entertainment options, and treating our patients in the top-of-the-line Hyperbaric chambers.
As a leader, how do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within your team or organization to address complex urban challenges?
I foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within my team by defining a clear vision and purpose of our company and presenting it to new team members once hired. I encourage curiosity and learning across all my departments while empowering and trusting my team in the process. This combination is key to growth and success within our company.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders who are passionate about driving positive change and innovation in urban environments?
My best advice is don’t ever stop following your dream. If you know it’s possible within your heart, then do whatever it takes to make it happen. Just because it hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean it’s impossible!
How do you balance the need for technological advancement with considerations for inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in smart city initiatives?
When it comes to our industry, I strive every day to educate the community on the advancements of conditions treated within our field. Most think this is a new type of therapy, but it has been around as long as the 18th century.
We have been limited in where one can get treatment and what conditions can be treated. I solved this problem by having double the number of hyperbaric chambers than most hospitals and opening up treatment to anyone who needs it.
Lastly, on a more personal note, what motivates and inspires you to continue your work in shaping the future of smart cities, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind in this field?
My patients and the results they gain from our therapy are what motivate me to keep going. We are treating conditions deemed untreatable and getting results that forever change one’s quality of life. This is so inspiring to me, and it drives me to work harder to continue growing and offer the one treatment that everyone can benefit from.
I hope the legacy I leave behind is to be known as someone who didn’t give up and went above and beyond to help patients of all ages while changing the current stigma of hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Thus leaving the world with premier treatment centers to provide better access to treatment for those in need.
