Chris Price
Division Vice President at DaVita Kidney Care
“I realized I was doing the thing I was meant to do when the same things that exhausted me completely, energized me as well. Yes I am where I am meant to be.”
What was your original awareness point that heightened your desire to serve chronic care populations?
“I had been a hospital administrator and seen how distant I became from the real names and faces of patients. It alarmed me. When Parnassus called me about DaVita, I originally told them no that it wasn’t good timing and I didn’t sense that I needed to change. They spent time asking about who I was and who I wanted to be in in the midst of that, we stayed on the topic of repeat interaction with patients.”
Where did that realization lead?
“Well ultimately through the doors of DaVita. Parnassus played a big role in that. Chronic care leadership meant that I would see the same people over and over and could invest in their lives and connect to their stories. Invest in ways that true relationship would naturally develop and deepest care could actually occur.”
Where did that realization lead?
“I realized I was doing the thing I was meant to do when the same things that exhausted me completely, energized me as well. Yes I am where I am meant to be.”
The Parnassus Group is absolutely, 100%, truly unique. Little did I know 5 years ago that I would develop a friendship with John and the Parnassus Group. A brief call, which led to a short meeting, has turned into a meaningful relationship. I don’t think about the Parnassus team as a firm, I think of them as trusted advisors and friends. John has been a mentor to me, and someone that I think to call when I’m faced with difficult decisions, or I’m seeking an unbiased view. But it doesn’t stop with John, he’s developed a team that is bright, talented, and wants to provide a service that is unparalleled.
When I think about the time I’m with my family during the work-week, the amount of hours are precious. I’ve made a commitment (most of the time) to set my phone down when I walk in the house at the end of the day, and try not to pick it back up until the kids are in bed. While this may not sound like a lot, I’ve found it’s the little things that create the necessary boundaries.
What are some of the things that you have learned as a leader that involved your decision making process about coming to DaVita?
Over the years, I’ve heard the phrase, “life is a journey, not a destination”. This became true when I started working at Davita, and realized that the Village provided an opportunity to learn and grow, and be part of something bigger than an employee fulfilling a role in an organization.
Prior to DaVita, I spent a number of years in an organization wanting more, but unclear where I would find it, and how I would get there. When I learned about DaVita, I was intrigued by the concept of Teammates, and hearing stories about tenure and the ability to grow within the organization.
As I’ve experienced this journey first hand, I’ve found the experience to be more fulfilling than I could have imagined. Knowing that I can raise my hand to gain exposure to a project, be called on by Teammates outside my lane provides energy to continue to want to do more. This is an organization that encourages an entrepreneurial spirit, while never having to leave the organization.