HCI Webinar Recap: THE FAIRY GOD DOCTOR’S GUIDE TO A GOOD LIFE: A Prescription For The Working Woman, with Denise Brown

In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Denise Brown about her book, THE FAIRY GOD DOCTOR’S GUIDE TO A GOOD LIFE: A Prescription For The Working Woman. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!

Watch the episode here:

Quick Recap

Dr. Denise Brown, a physician and CEO, discusses her book "The Fairy God Doctor's Guide to a Good Life" in an interview, focusing on work-life integration and strategies for living a fulfilling life. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing key aspects of life, challenging workplace norms, and bringing one's whole self to every situation. The conversation explores the flaws in the concept of work-life balance, the impact of the pandemic on work practices, and the need for setting boundaries and taking inventory of commitments to avoid burnout.

Work-Life Balance Interview With Dr. Brown

The conversation begins with Jonathan and Dr. Denise Brown discussing the format of their upcoming interview about her book, "The Fairy God Doctor's Guide to a Good Life: A Prescription for the Working Woman." They briefly touch on the recent flooding in Austin, Texas, where Dr. Brown resides. Jonathan introduces Dr. Brown, highlighting her extensive experience as a physician, CEO, and chief strategy officer. Dr. Brown shares that she has been married for 28 years and has two children she adores, which she considers part of her definition of a good life. The interview is set to explore work-life balance and how to live a good life both at home and at work.

Journey to a Meaningful Legacy

Dr. discusses her journey to writing a book about living a good life, inspired by an interview about her legacy after selling her company. She shares personal experiences that shaped her perspective on workplace wellbeing, including her mother's death during medical school and making bold career choices. Dr. emphasizes the importance of being brave enough to ask for what you want and exploring possibilities with others, which she considers a unique approach to managing people.

Challenging Workplace Norms and Boundaries

The discussion focuses on the importance of asking for help and challenging established norms in the workplace. Dr. shares an example of a woman who was struggling with an early morning meeting, and how simply asking to move the meeting time significantly improved her life. Jonathan agrees, noting that such changes often benefit multiple people. They both emphasize that many workplace practices continue without good reason, and that people are often hesitant to speak up due to fear of appearing weak or standing out from the group.

Beyond Work-Life Balance

Dr. argues that the concept of work-life balance is flawed and sets people up for failure, as it implies a separation that doesn't exist in reality. She suggests that instead of trying to achieve balance, people should bring their whole selves to every situation and be open about their needs and constraints. Dr. emphasizes the importance of using language carefully when advocating for oneself, such as asking if something is "possible" rather than demanding changes.

Work-Life Balance: Prioritize What Matters

Dr. discusses the concept of work-life balance, sharing personal experiences from her time as a resident and later as a hospital practitioner. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing key aspects of life, such as spending quality time with family, rather than striving for an equal distribution of time across all activities. Dr. suggests that individuals should identify the three most important things in their lives and allocate dedicated time for them, even if it means working unconventional hours to accommodate these priorities. She concludes that this approach can lead to long-term benefits, particularly in maintaining important relationships.

Work-Life Integration Post-Pandemic

Jonathan discusses how the pandemic challenged traditional work practices and shifted people's priorities regarding work-life balance. He notes that while some companies are now enforcing strict return-to-office mandates, others are being upfront about their demanding work culture. Jonathan expresses a preference for the term "life-work integration" over "work-life balance," but ultimately concludes that the specific terminology used is less important than the concept itself.

Prioritizing for a Fulfilling Life

The discussion focuses on the importance of prioritizing and setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. Dr. emphasizes the need to take an honest inventory of commitments, as unconscious obligations can accumulate and lead to burnout. Jonathan agrees, sharing an example of an unrealistic list of strategic priorities. They both stress the importance of bringing one's whole self to chosen priorities and being open to shifting focus based on life stages. Dr. concludes by highlighting the benefits of this approach, including fostering curiosity, compassion, and collaboration, ultimately leading to a fulfilling life and career.

Listen to the webinar here: