By Shane Reeves, CEO, TwelveStone Health Partners
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, adapting to change isn’t just a nice-to-have skill—it’s a prerequisite for survival and success. Whether you’re a pharmacist, a business owner, or part of a growing healthcare company, the ability to navigate life’s inevitable shifts can mean the difference between thriving and merely getting by. This truth hit home for me years ago when I first picked up a little book called Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, published back in 1998. As a new pharmacist and entrepreneur, I found myself reflecting on its central metaphor: if “cheese” represents success and happiness, what must I do to keep up with the twists and turns of this industry?
For those unfamiliar, Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple yet profound parable about four characters facing change in a maze as they search for cheese. It’s a quick read (or you can check out a short, animated summary online), but its lessons are timeless. Here are seven key takeaways from the book and how they resonate with our work in healthcare.
1. Change is Inevitable (Healthcare is Constantly Evolving)
The healthcare landscape is a moving target—new competitors, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative treatment options pop up all the time. We can either sit back and react to these shifts or take the wheel and drive the change ourselves. I’ve always preferred the latter. Proactive adaptation beats scrambling to catch up every time.
2. Anticipate and Prepare for Change
Looking ahead, trends like the 340B program and hospital partnerships are poised to shape our industry in the next five years. We can’t afford to wait for these changes to hit us—we need to get ahead of them. Preparation today ensures relevance tomorrow.
3. Adapt Quickly (Be Nimble in Business Decisions)
When margins shrink, we might need to tweak budgets to stay financially sound. If a competitor enters our market, we could respond by enhancing patient experiences, adding services, or even expanding locations. Speed and flexibility in decision-making are critical to staying competitive.
4. Let Go of Fear (Embrace Bold Moves)
Growth often requires stepping into the unknown—whether that’s expanding operations, forging new partnerships, or adopting technologies like AI-driven scheduling or patient monitoring. These moves can feel daunting, but they’re often the very things that propel us forward.
5. Don’t Dwell on the Past (Reimagine Your Business Model)
The infusion landscape of five years ago? It’s gone. Clinging to outdated methods, contracts, or workflows might feel comfortable, but it can stifle scalability and profitability. Letting go of “how things were” opens the door to what’s possible.
6. Keep Moving Forward (Build a Resilient Culture)
Roadblocks are inevitable, but our focus should stay on solutions, not setbacks. As the saying goes, “The obstacle is the way.” Fostering a resilient team culture keeps us pushing ahead, no matter the challenge.
7. Enjoy Change (Make Growth Exciting, Not Stressful)
Over the past year, we’ve faced plenty of changes, but I see them as opportunities. With wins on the horizon, we should celebrate the journey—not just endure it. Embracing change with enthusiasm transforms it from a burden into a motivator.
I’m honored to be navigating this dynamic industry alongside all of you. Together, we’re not just surviving change—we’re thriving through it.
On a personal note, my daughter Emma-White turned 18 yesterday. Seeing her grow up reminds me of that saying, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Time flies, and it’s a reminder to embrace every moment—both in life and in business. Here’s to adapting, growing, and celebrating the journey ahead!
