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In 2021, I stumbled upon a posting for a lab HT/HTL lead position. At the time, I was newly enrolled in a master’s program in healthcare administration (MHA) and had been a certified HT/HTL for three years. I graduated with my first master’s degree in biomedical sciences in 2014 and had worked in labs since 2009 during my undergraduate years. However, I had no formal leadership experience.
I knew I wanted to pursue an MHA and potentially gain leadership experience through an internship. But for this role? There was no way they would pick me, right? To my surprise, they did. And so, my lab leadership journey began.
As 2025 begins, I’ve been reflecting on my career journey while shifting my focus to helping others navigate theirs. Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned as a young leader in the field of Anatomic Pathology:
1. Opportunities Won’t Always Be Perfect
The lab lead position was an evening shift, which likely worked in my favor since it wasn’t a popular choice. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard, “You’re so lucky. I can only work [insert preferred shift here] because of my partner/children/dog/sleep schedule/etc.”It’s okay if certain shifts don’t work for your life—I’m not here to judge or convince you otherwise. I once left a job because starting at 3 a.m. was setting myself up for failure. (Ask my mom—I’ve never been a morning person!)
The reality is that opportunities come in all forms. Know your limits but stay open—your ideal opportunity might look different from what you expected.
2. Be Humble
If you’re stepping into leadership for the first time, don’t come in with guns blazing, ready to implement every idea you’ve ever had. Even experienced managers fall into this trap. Take time to familiarize yourself with the lab culture, bond with your team, and learn as much as you can. Lean on your staff, especially in the beginning. Study those SOPs and ask your team what they need from you. Just because you’re the boss doesn’t mean you can’t learn from them.
3. The Lab’s Problems Are Your Opportunities
Challenges help us grow and evolve. They can do the same for your staff. Embrace problems instead of shying away from them. And please, don’t ever say, “That’s just the way it’s always been done.” As a former tech, I can tell you that’s one of the most demoralizing phrases a leader can use.
4. Perfection is Unattainable—for You and Your Team
Mistakes happen, and that’s okay. If you expect perfection from your staff, they’ll expect it from you—and you’ll inevitably fall short. Create a culture where it’s safe to learn and grow from mistakes.
5. Quality = Patient Care
In today’s fast-paced world, people expect speed. But in the lab, quality matters most. A fast diagnosis means nothing if it’s the wrong one. Your team will notice if all you value is speed, and cutting corners will always be faster. Focus on quality first—speed will come with time and experience.
6. Your Staff Have the Best Ideas
Your team is on the frontlines every day. Engage with them regularly and ask for their input. Simple questions like, “What would you do?” can open the door to valuable insights.
7. Use Your Platform to Advocate for Your Team
If you’re not willing to stand up for your team, you don’t deserve to be a leader.
8. You Don’t Know Everything—And That’s Okay
One of the most frequent phrases I use is, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” Admitting what you don’t know builds trust. Conversely, dishonesty will erode it. Your staff will forgive mistakes, but they won’t forget if you lie.
9. Be Prepared to Be Wrong (A Lot)
You’re going to make mistakes as a leader. What matters is how you handle them. Be honest, admit when you’re wrong, and learn from experience. I’ve borrowed this lesson from Dr. Noseworthy, former Mayo Clinic CEO: people remember good leaders—and bad ones—for years. Aim to be the kind of leader your team remembers fondly.
10. Have a Life
Work-life balance is a hot topic for a reason. As leaders, we face constant change and challenges. Taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of your team.
Leadership is a journey filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and personal growth. By embracing humility, focusing on quality, and staying open to feedback, you can make a lasting impact on your team and your organization. Remember, being a great leader doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being authentic, supportive, and committed to continuous improvement.
Written By: Cathay García Lauzurique, MHA, MSc, HTL(ASCP)
Cathay García Lauzurique is an Operations Supervisor managing four Anatomic Pathology labs during the evening shift at Mayo Clinic. She’s been passionate about laboratory science since 2009, when she started out as a research technician during her undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez. In 2018 she gained her Histology Technologist (HTL) certification from ASCP.
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