What does it take to build a successful career spanning over five decades? How do you earn promotions, stay relevant, and continue growing professionally well into your 60s? Chris Kaptur's remarkable journey from starting a babysitting business at age 12 to retiring as a director at AdventHealth offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to accelerate their career growth.
In this comprehensive interview, Chris shares the strategies, mindset, and principles that propelled her through multiple career transitions and leadership roles. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to reach the next level, her wisdom will inspire and guide your professional journey.
The Early Foundation: Starting Young and Learning Responsibility
Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset at 12
Chris's work ethic began remarkably early. At just 12 years old, she launched her own babysitting business, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and responsibility that would serve her throughout her career.
"I'm the eldest of five children... I had my own babysitting business at least five [years old]. I used to be able to buy my own school clothes, winter coats, shoes. My parents didn't have to worry about taking care of me."
This early experience taught her:
- Financial independence: Taking responsibility for her own expenses
- Business skills: Managing clients and building relationships
- Work ethic: Understanding that success requires consistent effort
- Problem-solving: Handling challenges independently
By age 15, she transitioned to working at a flower shop, continuing to build her professional foundation while still in high school.
The Career Evolution: From Nursing to Executive Leadership
Following Your Passion Over Prestige
Chris's career path wasn't linear, but it was purposeful. Initially enrolled in pre-med, she made a pivotal decision that shaped her entire career:
"I was enrolled in pre-med but I really decided that nursing was better for me as a person."
This decision highlights an important career principle: choose alignment over prestige. Chris recognized that nursing matched her personality and values better than medicine, despite the potential status difference.
Career Progression Timeline
- High School: Nursing aid co-op program
- Early Career: Critical care nursing (10-12 years)
- Specialization: Infection control epidemiology (10 years)
- Geographic Move: Relocated to Florida for better opportunities
- Leadership Roles: Patient safety, process improvement
- Executive Position: Director roles at AdventHealth
- IT Transition: Process architect (11 years)
- Final Role: Director of IT
When asked about her promotion success, Chris emphasized that advancement isn't automatic:
"It's not just somebody handing you a promotion. You do have to earn that right... I was always out there hungry, learned wanting to learn more, wanting to take on more responsibility."
Key Promotion Strategies:
- Be Self-Directed: Take initiative without waiting for instructions
- Demonstrate Hunger: Show eagerness to learn and grow
- Seek Responsibility: Volunteer for challenging assignments
- Work with Great Mentors: Find leaders who will invest in your growth
- Put in Extra Effort: Be willing to do the work others won't
The Difference Between Manager and Director Roles
Chris provides valuable insights into leadership progression:
As a Director, you:
- Attend more strategic meetings
- Make higher-impact decisions
- Have less direct team interaction
- Must consider broader organizational implications
- Need to be more careful with decision-making
- Must collect comprehensive information before deciding
"You get to make more decisions as a director, but you also have to be a lot more careful in your decision making. You have to make sure you're weighing everything, that you're looking at it from a high level."
Staying Organized and Productive: Systems That Work
The Power of Anticipation
Chris attributes much of her success to proactive thinking:
"I anticipate. My mind is always going to what could happen. I try to always scan the environment to see, to anticipate what could happen."
Practical Organization Tips
Task Management System:
- Use both digital (Outlook) and physical lists
- Keep paper by bedside for middle-of-the-night ideas
- Schedule reminders for important tasks
- Treat completed tasks as rewards
Avoid Procrastination:
- Never delay Friday afternoon tasks until Monday
- Complete important items early in the week
- Anticipate potential disruptions
"You have to make sure that you don't procrastinate because something's going to come on a Friday afternoon and things that you should get done for Monday aren't going to get done."
The Learning Never Stops: Staying Current in Your Field
Continuous Learning Strategies
Chris emphasizes that career growth requires constant learning. Her approach includes:
Reading and Research:
- Subscribe to industry newsletters
- Read Institute for Healthcare Improvement publications
- Follow health IT sites and resources
- Study books by thought leaders like Malcolm Gladwell
Inspiration from Early Mentors:
"My boss at the time when I was first hired, she was an ex-nun who had two master's degrees and she was very much into learning and research. She always gave us all an article to read."
Flexible Learning Formats:
- Physical books for deep reading
- Audiobooks during commutes
- TED Talks for inspiration
- Industry websites and white papers
- Professional newsletters
Faith and Purpose: The Guiding Force
Following Your Inner Compass
Throughout her career, Chris relied on what she calls "gut checks" and "heart checks" when facing major decisions:
"I always feel that God directed my path... Every night I thank him for directing my path and having opened up my ears to hear because I have had such a rich professional career."
The People-Centered Approach
Chris's success stems partly from her genuine interest in others:
"I'm pretty much a very open person, pretty transparent, and basically I like people and I believe very strongly and passionately in people."
This people-focused approach benefits her through:
- Strong collaborative relationships
- Effective coaching and mentoring
- Continuous learning from others
- Building trust and rapport
Facing Career Transitions: Retirement and Beyond
The Emotional Reality of Career Changes
As Chris prepares for retirement, she openly shares the complex emotions involved:
"I have a mix of excitement, sadness, scared... because I feel like what I do makes a difference and that makes me feel like I'm contributing."
What She'll Miss Most
"I think it's problem-solving. I love taking something and trying to fix it... that push for quality, making things better, that's what helped drive me."
Key Takeaways for Your Career Growth
1. Start Early and Stay Consistent
- Begin building work experience as soon as possible
- Develop strong work ethic early in life
- Take responsibility for your own success
2. Choose Alignment Over Status
- Select career paths that match your personality
- Consider your values when making career decisions
- Don't be swayed by external expectations
- Be self-directed and proactive
- Seek additional responsibilities
- Work with great mentors who invest in your growth
- Put in extra effort beyond minimum requirements
4. Master Organization and Anticipation
- Develop systems for task management
- Anticipate potential problems and opportunities
- Avoid procrastination, especially with important tasks
5. Never Stop Learning
- Read industry publications regularly
- Embrace multiple learning formats
- Learn from mentors and colleagues
- Stay curious and hungry for knowledge
6. Focus on People and Relationships
- Build genuine connections with colleagues
- Approach work with transparency and openness
- Look for opportunities to coach and mentor others
7. Trust Your Inner Compass
- Make "gut checks" and "heart checks" for major decisions
- Follow your sense of purpose and meaning
- Remember that setbacks and mistakes are part of growth
Conclusion: A Career Built on Continuous Growth
Chris Kaptur's 56-year career journey demonstrates that professional success isn't about luck or connections—it's about consistent effort, continuous learning, and genuine care for others. From her babysitting business at 12 to her executive roles at AdventHealth, she exemplifies the power of being self-directed, staying curious, and following your purpose.
As you navigate your own career path, remember Chris's fundamental wisdom: promotions aren't handed out—they're earned through dedication, learning, and the willingness to take on increasing responsibility. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reach the next level, her principles provide a roadmap for sustained career growth and professional fulfillment.
The most powerful lesson from Chris's story might be this: success isn't just about reaching the top—it's about the continuous journey of growth, contribution, and making a difference in the lives of others along the way.
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