In an era where leadership is too often defined by status or control, Bob Berbeco stands out for a radically different reason: his unwavering belief in people. As the Chief Information Officer of Mahaska Health — and with decades of experience in executive technology roles — Bob has led through complexity, crisis, and transformation. But ask him what matters most? Empowerment, trust, and staying curious.
In this episode of Top Innovator, host Josef sits down with Bob to unpack the leadership philosophy that shaped his journey from hands-on techie to high-impact CIO. Bob shares the unforgettable story of a collapsing healthcare IT project he turned around against all odds. This defining moment taught him the value of trust, adaptability, and humility in leadership.
Whether you’re a rising leader, a seasoned executive, or someone navigating the chaos of modern work, Bob’s insights will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to lead with more intention — and less ego.
Leading Through Chaos: How Bob Turned a Failing Project Into a Career Milestone
Most people avoid burning buildings. Bob Berbeco runs into them.
Years ago, Bob was asked to salvage a healthcare tech project that was already on life support. The initiative — aimed at digitizing bedside charge capture using early handheld devices — had everything working against it: outdated technology, poor workflows, disengaged providers, and a complete breakdown of trust between the teams.
He wasn’t offered more money. There was no guaranteed reward. Just a challenge. And that was enough for Bob.
Rather than impose a top-down solution, Bob listened. He conducted a complete SWOT analysis, spoke directly with frontline clinicians, and rebuilt trust one conversation at a time. He brought in a scrappy cross-functional team — not the usual polished experts, but people with drive and hunger from unexpected parts of the organization.
In his words, “It threw me an almost insurmountable challenge. I grew so quickly — and the people around me grew too.” That project not only succeeded — it launched careers, shifted company culture, and revealed Bob’s greatest strength: the ability to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion in the midst of chaos.
Empowerment Over Delegation: The Leadership Strategy Bob Swears By
Ask Bob about his favorite leadership tool, and he’ll tell you without hesitation: empowerment.
It’s more than delegation. It’s handing someone the reins, giving them room to lead, and making sure they know you’ll catch them if they fall. “I don’t just assign tasks — I ask people where they want to grow, what they want to lead, and then I put them in charge. I stay close, but I don’t hover.”
This approach isn’t accidental. It’s deeply intentional. From the near-failed charge-capture project to his current role as CIO, Bob has consistently used real-world challenges to accelerate his team’s growth. He selects people who may not have the résumé but have the spark — then he gives them the platform to lead.
And when mistakes happen? That’s part of the plan. “They’re not alone. We talk about it, we learn from it, and we move on stronger.”
By turning leadership into a shared experience rather than a top-down directive, Bob has built resilient, engaged teams that don’t just execute—they evolve. And in doing so, he’s creating future leaders who carry that same torch of empowerment forward.
Beginner’s Mind: Staying Humble, Curious, and Open After 30 Years in Tech
In a field driven by expertise, Bob chooses curiosity.
Despite decades of experience in healthcare technology, Bob has made it a personal mission to practice what he calls “beginner’s mind” — a mindset rooted in Buddhist philosophy that encourages approaching every situation as if for the first time.
“It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking ‘I know this, I’ve seen this,’” Bob admits. “But that shuts you off. You stop listening. You stop learning.”
Inspired by the teachings of the Dalai Lama, Bob fights his own instinct to pattern-match — especially with people. He shares how earlier in his career, he’d sometimes make snap judgments about someone’s abilities. Over time, he realized how wrong he could be. Now, he creates space for the unexpected — for hidden talents and quiet strengths that only emerge when you stay open.
Even in meetings, Bob intentionally quiets his voice to observe dynamics. “The loudest person in the room isn’t always the most informed. The ones listening are often the ones seeing everything.”
In a world that rewards certainty, Bob’s commitment to humility and curiosity is a rare and radical act — one that keeps him growing, relevant, and deeply human as a leader.
From “Doing” to “Influencing”: The Shift That Redefined His Leadership
Early in his career, Bob believed leadership meant knowing more and doing more than everyone else. He was the go-to technical expert — the guy who could fix anything. So when a director once told him, “I don’t do things — I influence things,” Bob was offended.
He later realized it was the most critical leadership lesson he ever learned.
As Bob rose through the ranks, he came to see the truth in that advice. Authentic leadership isn’t about being in every room or every detail — it’s about building systems and relationships that move things forward without your direct involvement. It’s about scale.
He still rolls up his sleeves when needed. Still, Bob now sees influence — earned through trust, credibility, and consistency — as the ultimate tool. “If you say you’ll do something, you’d better do it. That’s how trust is built. And without trust, you can’t lead anyone.”
This shift from doer to enabler didn’t come easy. But it’s allowed Bob to have a bigger impact, to mentor others, and to shape culture rather than just products. It’s how he turned leadership from a job into a legacy.
Leadership as Legacy: Igniting Sparks and Growing Others
When Bob talks about the future, he doesn’t mention titles, accolades, or business metrics. He talks about people.
“Sometimes all you have to do is see someone’s spark — see the fire in their belly — and give it a little more flame. Then step back and watch them grow.”
That’s his legacy. Not a name on a building, but a trail of leaders who found their voice because Bob saw something in them. He calls it “creating goodness around me.” And it’s the heartbeat of his leadership.
In five years, he hopes to look back and say not, “I achieved this,” but “They did.” His joy comes from knowing he helped someone’s career take off or gave them the confidence to lead in their own way.
This profoundly human approach — rooted in humility, generosity, and a belief in potential — is what sets Bob apart. He’s not building empires. He’s building people. And in the process, he’s leaving behind something far more potent than a résumé — a ripple effect of leaders who empower others, just as he did.
Bob’s leadership journey isn’t just inspiring — it’s actionable. He’s not talking theory from a pedestal; he’s lived through failure, built trust in the trenches, and helped others rise along the way. His approach offers a clear roadmap for leaders who want to do more than manage — leaders who want to empower, transform, and leave a legacy. Here are five powerful lessons from Bob’s story that any leader can start applying today:
- Run Toward the Fire: Don’t avoid messy projects. Embrace them as growth opportunities — for you and your team.
- Empower with Intention: Don’t just assign tasks — hand over ownership. Let people make decisions, and support them through the risk.
- Practice Beginner’s Mind: No matter your experience, approach situations with humility. Be open to new ideas, people, and perspectives.
- Earn Influence Through Trust: Say what you mean, and follow through. Trust is the foundation for authentic leadership.
- Build a Legacy of Leaders: Your success is measured not in your achievements, but in the people you grow. Invest in them.
Bob Berbeco doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a tech executive. He’s not in it for the title, the spotlight, or the power. He’s in it for the people.
From turning around high-stakes failures to nurturing future leaders, Bob’s journey is a masterclass in leading with empathy, courage, and deep purpose. In an age of noise and ego, his quiet clarity is precisely what modern leadership needs.
He may never want his name on a building. But he’s already left a mark — in careers sparked, cultures shifted, and people empowered.
Want to hear Bob’s insights firsthand? Watch the full, live podcast interview [click here]
