Todd Shafer, of HCA Healthcare Inc. and See Level, is one of the Nashville Business Journal's 40 under 40, class of 2018.
As one of two partners at See Level Consulting, Todd Shafer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company, including development, brand management and business strategy. In his role at HCA Healthcare Inc., Shafer develops new technology and techniques to improve the experience for the company’s nurses.
What is one statement you would say about yourself now that you would not have said 10 years ago?
“You are a professional.” It may have taken some time to polish off those rough edges, but I truly have become a professional (that still knows how to be a little unprofessional).
What was the first album you ever bought, and do you still listen to it?
Guns & Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” on cassette. Do I still listen to it? Absolutely! “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle” are some of the greatest rock songs of all time.
What book do you find yourself rereading repeatedly, and why?
The book I find myself reading right now is “Start with Why,” by Simon Sinek. As an extension of his popular TED Talk, he explores the ideas of leadership and inspiration, and I am really enjoying it.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
As a native, I definitely plan to still be in Nashville. Professionally, I would expect to have started a new venture, most likely in the space of health care innovation. I plan to still be involved heavily in the community. Finally, I will have a teenage daughter who is starting high school, and chances are she would probably be embarrassed by me.
What do you credit most for your success?
I would say not being afraid to make moves and take chances has provided me with the most opportunity for success. Multiple times in my career I have left stable positions for new ventures that were somewhat less defined. Not all of those turned out to be the best decisions, but they taught me a lot and set me up for the next position.
What advice would you give to a young professional about to enter the workforce for the first time?
Nashville is a relationship town. Make a point to create relationships with other business professionals and foster those relationships continually – not just when you need something. People are more likely to help you if you don’t only use them for asks.
Tell us about your ideal day off in Nashville.
I actually ask this same question as an icebreaker when I run focus groups. What would I do during a day in Nashville with no obligations? I would start out with a good cup of coffee, (probably 3Brothers or Well), then head over to Percy Warner Park to go mountain biking. Get cleaned up, and head to Baja Burrito for a late lunch. Then meetup with friends for an early happy hour at a relaxed place like Village Pub or Old Glory, and then home to see my family. My wife and I would make a nice homemade meal, and we would finish the evening with just the three of us.
What do you credit most for your success?
There are a number of things that have allowed me to find success. I am blessed with a very supportive family, I have great friends who have provided me with opportunities and knowledge, and I have simply been in the right place at least once. However, I would say not being afraid to make moves and take chances has provided me with the most opportunity for success. Multiple times in my career I have left stable positions for new ventures that were somewhat less defined. Not all of those turned out to be the best decisions, but they taught me a lot and set me up for the next position.
Nashville is growing fast. Where/how can the area’s young professionals have the most impact on the future of the city?
I would say that being a professional is not just about the job you have, or the groups you are connected to, but also about how you give back to the community. There are so many opportunities and ways you can contribute to this city. Find an area that you are passionate about, work to have an impact on it and make Nashville a better place.
When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an archaeologist, just like Indiana Jones. While applying to colleges, I realized there were no course that taught you how to be like Indiana’s.
What is the best career choice you’ve made?
Early in my career I changed fields into IT by accepting a job that was well below market value. That decision has allowed me to get where I am today.
What is the worst career choice you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?
Honestly, I am not upset with any of the career choices I have made. Obviously some where better, but each one taught me valuable lessons which has helped me build my career.
If you could go back in time 10 years and send yourself an anonymous text, what would it say?
“Give it every thing you have, but always be true to who you are.”
What is your motto for success in 10 words or less?
Failure is not getting up when you fall.
Title: Director of nursing programs, HCA Healthcare Inc.; partner, See Level Consulting
Age: 39
Email: tshafer61@gmail.com
Website: hcahealthcare.com
Twitter: @Tshafer61
Education: Middle Tennessee State University, B.S. in liberal studies