Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders who are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. These leaders are not only a catalyst for the change that is happening right now, but they are molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. FIRST & 42 is shining the spotlight on the region’s stars from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. All eyes are on the spotlight to learn about these leaders’ “firsts” in life as well as their answers to a few deeper questions about their leadership and vision for our community. Today we have the privilege of learning more about Jordan Greegor, associate quality manager at Stryker Medical.

As the Associate Quality Manager at Stryker Medical, Jordan and her team support all production lines of cots, beds, and stretchers and help when there are any urgent needs. Jordan supports her team of young engineers and strategizes with cross-functional partners to always improve the quality of products coming off their lines. To start each day, Jordan energizes with quiet reflection and devotional time with her Bible, equipping her to make the most of each day and lead to her fullest potential. One of Jordan’s leadership skills that is most important, especially outside of work, is the skill of listening. “A key part of leading others well is listening; really listening rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. The same goes for my interactions with people outside of work. I try to always listen and show compassion for what others may be struggling with,” said Jordan. In the future, Jordan hopes that leaders in our community will cultivate this skill and others to truly drive change. “In the next five years, I’d love to see our community of leaders come together to have open and honest discussions about how to truly drive change,” Jordan explained about her vision for our community. Read on to learn more about Jordan Greegor.

First Things First

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO IN THE MORNING?

I try to start each day with some quiet reflection/devotional time with my Bible and Jesus. When possible, I try to do this outside.

WHO IS THE FIRST PERSON YOU GO TO FOR ADVICE?

My husband. We are opposites in many ways and he’s always able to remind me of my strengths and potentially highlight my oversights in a kind and encouraging way. He always uplifts me and makes sure I’m helping uplift others.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU EVER ATTENDED?

I haven’t actually attended many concerts. I think the first would’ve been The Offspring when I was in my 20’s.

The Deep Dive

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? WHAT ARE YOUR DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES?

It’s been almost a year [that I’ve spent] in my current role as associate quality manager for our Stryker Medical Operations Quality team. On a day-to-day basis, my team is supporting all of our production lines of cots, beds, and stretchers and any lines down or urgent escalations. I’m supporting them through that and partnering with the operations leadership team to ensure right product and right quality every time. I’m also focused on helping develop my team of young engineers and strategizing with cross-functional partners about how we can continue to improve our product quality.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE HISTORICAL LEADER? WHY?

I’ve always admired servant leadership and have been fond of historical leaders who have led by example and really uplifted those around them. For those reasons, a favorite historical leader would be Nelson Mandela. Despite the numerous trials he faced and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, he was able to point others towards the bigger purpose. He made sure that the experiences he endured were used to better the human race in the long run rather than getting caught up in any violence or retaliation. When faced with change or conflict, he was able to keep everyone focused on the greater good.

HOW DO YOU USE YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I think a key part of leading others well is listening; really listening rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. The same goes for my interactions with people outside of work. I try to always listen and show compassion for what others may be struggling with. Sometimes people need to be reminded about what they’re good at and asked how they can be helped outside of work, so I try to make it a practice of checking in with those I care about but also with those I may encounter in a store or restaurant who seem to be hurting.

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU BEING CHALLENGED TO GROW AND ADAPT IN YOUR LEADERSHIP CURRENTLY?

The global pandemic has certainly pushed me outside of what I would’ve called my leadership comfort zone. Learning to keep a team engaged with the right frequency of touchpoints while also aiming to avoid burnout is a challenge I’m sure most leaders are facing. Additionally, I’ve been challenged recently with a lot of new cross-functional leaders joining the teams around me to continue to build my team’s brand without the in-person interactions that might’ve built relationships more quickly a few months back.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

It’s more evident than ever we’ve got a diverse community and unanswered questions, problems, and pain that has been building up for years. I think we’re often too quick to jump to the “ideal solution” without truly making sure we’ve got all the right perspectives represented in the upfront conversation. In the next five years, I’d love to see our community of leaders come together to have open and honest discussions about how to truly drive change. It’s going to take leaders across all layers and businesses committing to immediate actions as well as long term participation. Getting to know the Leadership Kalamazoo group in 2020 has proven to me that we have the right people in the right positions to take action and drive this vision forward.