The Performer Laura Benson
By Sam Marie Engle

If you want something done, don't just ask any busy person, ask Laura Benson. The hard-driving leader currently and deftly juggles two jobs.
As interim vice president of imaging services since August 2022, she ensures all of Emory Radiology's clinical sites operate smoothly. She brings to the job expertise gained from her second job--one she's held for more than four years: ensuring imaging services at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital operate smoothly. The two jobs are synergistic and yet, in less capable hands, either could be overwhelming.
"I'm invigorated by the prospect of driving meaningful change," she says. "The challenges we face today require innovative solutions, and it's incredibly inspiring to see our team rise to the occasion with fresh ideas and sustainable approaches. Whether tackling long-standing issues or addressing emerging ones, the opportunities for progress are abundant, and I'm thrilled to be part of a group that's making a difference."
The leadership and organizational skills Laura has honed since arriving at Emory more than nine years ago help, as does the ability to call on a vast network of colleagues across the Emory enterprise. At all times, she's a fearless advocate for department staff.
"Advocating for my team’s needs is my favorite part of leading. The patient-facing employees are the backbone of our organization, and their contributions are invaluable to our success," she says. That's why, she says, her goals revolved around other people.
Driven for and by People
Top of Laura's to-do list, she says, is "Taking the support and well-being of our technologists to the next level. The work is essential. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the health-care landscape and the resulting economic and social upheaval placed signifcant burdens on these essential frontline health care providers. "I am committed to actively listening to their needs, concerns, and suggstions, and working collaboratively to find and implement solution," Laura promises.
This work will help all frontline providers, she says. "I hope to empower our techologists, radiologists and essential support team members by providing them with the resources, training, and support they need to excel in their roles." Doing so, she believes, "Builds a more engaged, motivated, and high-performing team better equipped to deliver exceptional care to our patients."
Leadership Lessons from the Front Desk
Powerful lessons in leadership can come unexpectedly. For Laura, the lessons started back when she worked the front desk of a surgical practice. "One of the most valuable lessons I learned from that experience was that we meet our customers on what is often their worst day. When people are sick, they can feel scared, anxious, and vulnerable. It's our responsibility to provide them with the care and support they need to navigate this difficult time," She says.
She learned something else, too: "In that role, I also learned the importance of recognizing and celebrating those who excel in caring for our patients. By finding ways to acknowledge their efforts and develop best practices that standardize care, we can create a more supportive environment that makes their work easier and more effective."
Both continue to guide Laura's approach to her work today, and she takes every opportunity to share them with others. Sometimes that's in one-on-one conversations with her team members. It also happens when she's advising emerging leaders going through the Radiology Leadership Academy, from which she graduated in 2017. For broader impact, she shares them as an instructor in Emory Radiology's Service Excellence Institute (SEI).
Empowerment and Equality
Laura lives what she believes. That's why you'll find her championing gender equality and elevating the leadership roles of women in and out of the workplace. "As the mother of three young men, I am passionate about raising them to be feminists who value and respect women as equals. I strive to teach them to listen, empathize, and support the women in their lives and to use their voices to advocate for gender equality. I am fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband who shares my passion for elevating the role of women in leadership. Together, we work to create a household where everyone's talents and contributions are valued, regardless of gender. We support each other's careers and share household responsibilities equally, modeling a true partnership and commitment to equality."
She enjoys mentoring young women and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. To help them achieve those dreams, she seizes every opportunity to remove systemic barriers to gender equality and equal opportunity. "My heart is fully invested in creating a world where women are valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to lead and influence. I believe this is not only the right thing to do, but also essential for creating a more just, equitable and thriving society for everyone."
Moving to the Music
With all the competing demands on her time, Laura turns to two things to recharge her. "Exercise and singing allow me to escape from the demands of my daily life and clear my mind," she says. Singing used to be with a band or church choir, but now, with her executive duties, she turns to singing apps and an occasional karaoke night with friends to belt it out. "I love the performance aspect and the challenge of learning something new," she admits.
Exercise releases coveted endorphins, nature's mood boosters. "When I find myself feeling overwhelmed, sweating it out makes me feel more like myself."
Laura's personal slogan, "Embrace the journey, fearlessly pursue excellence, and forgive yourself along the way," keeps her grounded while she's driving for change. That's important for finding balance in an unbalanced world. It also helps make sense of something bigger.
Laura is driven to achieve: she eagerly takes on more responsibility and new opportunities. But there's something else. What really motives Laura is not achievement for herself, but rather for others. "By prioritizing empathy, recognition, and best practices, I believe we can build a more compassionate and effective healthcare system that truly meets the needs of our patients and their families," she says.
As interim vice president of imaging services since August 2022, she ensures all of Emory Radiology's clinical sites operate smoothly. She brings to the job expertise gained from her second job--one she's held for more than four years: ensuring imaging services at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital operate smoothly. The two jobs are synergistic and yet, in less capable hands, either could be overwhelming.
"I'm invigorated by the prospect of driving meaningful change," she says. "The challenges we face today require innovative solutions, and it's incredibly inspiring to see our team rise to the occasion with fresh ideas and sustainable approaches. Whether tackling long-standing issues or addressing emerging ones, the opportunities for progress are abundant, and I'm thrilled to be part of a group that's making a difference."
The leadership and organizational skills Laura has honed since arriving at Emory more than nine years ago help, as does the ability to call on a vast network of colleagues across the Emory enterprise. At all times, she's a fearless advocate for department staff.
"Advocating for my team’s needs is my favorite part of leading. The patient-facing employees are the backbone of our organization, and their contributions are invaluable to our success," she says. That's why, she says, her goals revolved around other people.
Driven for and by People
Top of Laura's to-do list, she says, is "Taking the support and well-being of our technologists to the next level. The work is essential. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the health-care landscape and the resulting economic and social upheaval placed signifcant burdens on these essential frontline health care providers. "I am committed to actively listening to their needs, concerns, and suggstions, and working collaboratively to find and implement solution," Laura promises.
This work will help all frontline providers, she says. "I hope to empower our techologists, radiologists and essential support team members by providing them with the resources, training, and support they need to excel in their roles." Doing so, she believes, "Builds a more engaged, motivated, and high-performing team better equipped to deliver exceptional care to our patients."
Leadership Lessons from the Front Desk
Powerful lessons in leadership can come unexpectedly. For Laura, the lessons started back when she worked the front desk of a surgical practice. "One of the most valuable lessons I learned from that experience was that we meet our customers on what is often their worst day. When people are sick, they can feel scared, anxious, and vulnerable. It's our responsibility to provide them with the care and support they need to navigate this difficult time," She says.
She learned something else, too: "In that role, I also learned the importance of recognizing and celebrating those who excel in caring for our patients. By finding ways to acknowledge their efforts and develop best practices that standardize care, we can create a more supportive environment that makes their work easier and more effective."
Both continue to guide Laura's approach to her work today, and she takes every opportunity to share them with others. Sometimes that's in one-on-one conversations with her team members. It also happens when she's advising emerging leaders going through the Radiology Leadership Academy, from which she graduated in 2017. For broader impact, she shares them as an instructor in Emory Radiology's Service Excellence Institute (SEI).
Empowerment and Equality
Laura lives what she believes. That's why you'll find her championing gender equality and elevating the leadership roles of women in and out of the workplace. "As the mother of three young men, I am passionate about raising them to be feminists who value and respect women as equals. I strive to teach them to listen, empathize, and support the women in their lives and to use their voices to advocate for gender equality. I am fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband who shares my passion for elevating the role of women in leadership. Together, we work to create a household where everyone's talents and contributions are valued, regardless of gender. We support each other's careers and share household responsibilities equally, modeling a true partnership and commitment to equality."
She enjoys mentoring young women and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. To help them achieve those dreams, she seizes every opportunity to remove systemic barriers to gender equality and equal opportunity. "My heart is fully invested in creating a world where women are valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to lead and influence. I believe this is not only the right thing to do, but also essential for creating a more just, equitable and thriving society for everyone."
Moving to the Music
With all the competing demands on her time, Laura turns to two things to recharge her. "Exercise and singing allow me to escape from the demands of my daily life and clear my mind," she says. Singing used to be with a band or church choir, but now, with her executive duties, she turns to singing apps and an occasional karaoke night with friends to belt it out. "I love the performance aspect and the challenge of learning something new," she admits.
Exercise releases coveted endorphins, nature's mood boosters. "When I find myself feeling overwhelmed, sweating it out makes me feel more like myself."
Laura's personal slogan, "Embrace the journey, fearlessly pursue excellence, and forgive yourself along the way," keeps her grounded while she's driving for change. That's important for finding balance in an unbalanced world. It also helps make sense of something bigger.
Laura is driven to achieve: she eagerly takes on more responsibility and new opportunities. But there's something else. What really motives Laura is not achievement for herself, but rather for others. "By prioritizing empathy, recognition, and best practices, I believe we can build a more compassionate and effective healthcare system that truly meets the needs of our patients and their families," she says.