With nearly three decades of clinical cardiology experience and having educated over 300 cardiology Fellows, Ray Stainback provides a unique perspective on the transformative impact of the Leadership and Society Initiative (LSI) fellowship.
Based in Houston, Texas, Dr. Ray Stainback is an expert in cardiovascular medicine and echocardiography for complex valve disease and advanced heart failure. He has made significant contributions to advancing his field and found LSI as he was contemplating his next chapter of impact.
Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Ray to hear about his experiences as part of the 2024-2025 cohort and gain insight into his continuing journey through the LSI fellowship.
Ray: As a newcomer to the University of Chicago, I initially worried that the intellectual climate might be too intense, but it has been anything but that. The atmosphere is both fun and stimulating, allowing me to be part of so many conversations. It’s a very welcoming community and exactly what I had wanted to be a part of.
Ray: The greatest value of my experience so far has been developing stronger social connections, especially at this stage of life. I have an amazing set of new friends, and we’ve become very close. My connections outside of the fellowship are stronger as well. Being fully engaged and having time for social connections has been incredibly valuable for me.
Ray: The late summer and fall in Chicago were truly spectacular, but what surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the winter months. We’ve had some beautiful snow, and I have unexpectedly found myself falling in love with the city. Chicago is an incredibly interesting, historic American city with a deep sense of civic pride.
Ray: The most challenging part for me was transitioning out of my prior career. Last January, I serendipitously learned about LSI and applied almost on a whim. Within a few months I was being interviewed and accepted into the fellowship. As I began the process of leaving my prior roles, I realized the importance of communicating my opportunity and intentions with colleagues as soon as possible. They were surprised, very intrigued, and truly happy for me. I’d also like to think that by making this transition, I helped show others the importance of leaving a career with a good purpose plan in mind. This time in my life is just as important as any of the other phases of my career.
Ray: I clearly remember the significant moment when I realized I was at the University of Chicago driven by a sense of Aristotelian discernment, although I didn’t know it by that name at the time. That realization was powerful, and I knew I was in the right place. While I loved my career, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the tension between wanting to stay in that role indefinitely and needing to do something different.
Ray: I’ve come to realize that impactful leadership is about asking good questions, inviting others to speak, and showing up consistently. It’s not about projecting strength or intelligence; it’s about lifting yourself up by lifting others.
Ray: My purpose plan relates to the therapeutic aspects of nature and environment. Through this fellowship, I’ve learned about exciting things going on in Chicago around those issues, and I’m excited to continue to explore those ideas and networks.
Ray: I’m looking forward to helping lead in a purposeful effort without the tension of needing to be in charge. My top priority is showing up for my team and empowering others. I’m working around physical and mental health, and I am trying to bring a new perspective to this space as a mentor while learning more iteratively and trying to find new solutions.
Ray: If you aren’t a Chicago native, I have found the University and the Chicago-based Fellows in my cohort to be incredible resources when it comes to understanding and becoming a part of the city. It’s a unique aspect of LSI that I find myself appreciating very often.
Ray:I want to give a shout out to my incredibly warm and brilliant Executive Coach and my LSI Distinguished Mentor – I really admire and value them.
The University of Chicago Leadership and Society Initiative supports accomplished leaders in successfully transitioning from their longstanding careers toward purposeful next chapters. LSI Fellows immerse themselves in UChicago’s unparalleled environment of big ideas and multigenerational dialogue, gaining frameworks for learning from their past and planning for their futures.
Through LSI’s rigorous and customizable curriculum, Fellows engage with eminent faculty and expert practitioners to explore how their next chapter can be meaningful for them and for society. This fellowship is a commitment to personal growth, enduring wellness, and dynamic engagement with pressing societal issues.
Contact us to learn more about LSI.
Fellows in the Leadership and Society Initiative Imagine Pathway returned to Hyde Park for four days of rigorous inquiry, community, and deepening clarity about the next chapters they are working to shape.
The Leadership and Society Initiative welcomes two new team members, Michelle Argento and Kelly Morgan, who will strengthen recruitment and program operations as the Initiative continues to grow and expand opportunities for leaders pursuing purpose-driven next chapters.
Fellows returned to campus for four days of rigorous inquiry, renewed connection, and deepening clarity about the motivations and intentions for future leadership.