Mount Sinai Health System

Beyond the Badge - March 20, 2026

Beyond the Badge is a Mount Sinai internal series that spotlights employee stories during daily leadership huddles, reinforcing the system’s mission, vision and core values. Hosted by Steve Feto, the March 20, 2026 episode welcomed senior leaders—including Dr. Benjamin Abella and CIO Lisa Stump—to emphasize how intentional gratitude and public recognition energize staff across clinical and support functions. The program highlighted several key insights: frontline clinicians draw motivation from peer acknowledgment; the cyber‑security division, led by senior director “Boss,” recorded zero critical incidents in 2025 and cut phishing compromises by over 60%; and supply‑chain teams maintain operations even on holidays, illustrated by a festive parody shared by Kevin McConnell. These stories demonstrate measurable outcomes—improved safety metrics, faster incident response, and sustained service continuity. Notable quotes underscored the culture: Dr. Abella described gratitude as “a simple, intentional practice” that keeps his smile on during 5 a.m. shifts; Lisa Stump framed employee recognition as a leadership responsibility essential to a complex organization; and the cyber‑security leader likened his work to “an extension of saving lives,” stressing purpose over routine tasks. The holiday‑themed supply‑chain narrative added a human touch, showcasing teamwork behind the scenes. The implications are clear: systematic recognition cultivates engagement, reduces burnout, and directly supports patient safety and operational resilience. By publicizing concrete achievements—zero critical cyber incidents and robust supply‑chain continuity—Mount Sinai sets a benchmark for other health systems seeking to align employee purpose with organizational performance.