Belk College of Business alumnus Chris Peek ’93, president and chief executive officer of CaroMont Health, said by finding one’s passion, opportunities will open.
“If you keep your values, your priorities, your passions, all of those things in order, you’ll get the change and the opportunity you want to see, and that you aspire for today,” Peek said, during his recent presentation as guest speaker for the spring 2021 CEO Speaker Series.
During the virtual conversation between Peek and Belk College Dean Jennifer Troyer, the CaroMont leader spoke about the challenges the health care system has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of preparation and opening the lines of communication within the organization.
“Quite candidly, I’m not sure anyone anticipated exactly what it ended up being,” Peek said. “The key was starting to open very effective lines of communication within the organization about what was happening. … With regard to the response, that has been an ongoing challenge, as it has taken numerous twists and turns.”
During the talk, Peek discussed his journey from Belk College student to CEO of a regional health care system based in Gastonia, urging students to “enjoy your journey.”
“I wish I had known to look past just the technical part of the work that I’m having to deliver and really learn from the interpersonal dynamics and the emotional intelligence skills that I was learning,” Peek said. “I wish I would have known to be a bit more conscious of that.”
A 30-year resident of Gaston County, Peek earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Belk College. He also holds an MBA from Amberton University.
Read more on the Belk College of Business website and view the spring CEO Speaker Series.