Dreamers, Doers, and Disruptors: Michael Lischke

Michael Lischke, EdD, is a 33-year veteran administrator and educator. He graduated from the Department of Health Policy and Management at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in 1992.

In his current primary role at Wake Forest University School of Medicine directing the Area Health Education Center, Lischke leads the center’s work to recruit, train, and retain the health workforce across 17 counties in the northwest corner of North Carolina.

Recognized as a community leader, change agent, straightforward communicator, and collaborator, Lischke serves on a number of domestic nonprofit organization boards. He also works internationally with the Consortium of International Management Policy and Development to help African governments and nongovernmental organizations partner for economic development and community health improvements.  

In this interview, Lischke discusses lessons learned during his long career.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career, and how did it pay off?  

In 1999, I reluctantly agreed to take the interim director role of the Northwest Area Health Education Center at the request of the dean of the School of Medicine at Wake Forest. I was to fill the role for 6 months. I still love this job 25 years later!  

When you hit a longevity mark like that in the same community, doing similar work, it's quite fun to start thinking about legacy and how you want that to look.

What is one failure or setback that ultimately helped you grow and succeed?  

A group of U.S. “do-gooders” funded and built a well for a small village, and I was part of a group who went to check on it after it had been in place for a year or so. The well was untouched. When asking the elders why that was the case, they really didn't have an answer. It took one very brave elderly woman of the village to say, “We didn't want it. We enjoy our walk to and from the water. It's hard work but it is the only time us women have to ourselves.”  

It will be forever engraved in my memory to always ask, “What do you want and need?” rather than assuming I know best.

How has your perspective on leadership evolved over time, and what qualities do you think are essential for a good leader?  

I've been very fortunate to attend several leadership development programs at the Center for Creative Leadership. Modeling the behavior and attitude is key. Here are some of the main things I’ve learned over the years:

1. Family should always be first on all priority lists. “Family” is whatever one defines for themselves. I define mine as a traditional one: spouse, four adult children, and extended family and friends who are family by choice. Some define their four-legged furry pets as their family. One is not more important than the other—just different.  
2. Always work hard and play hard without apology.  
3. Level of autonomy is only equal to level of expectation and accountability.  
4. Professional development for all is a requirement.