Associate Director at Banner Imaging Michelle Brady, BA, CRA, RT (R), (MR), was set to become an accountant until a class assignment opened her eyes to the world of diagnostic imaging.
“I originally set out working towards an accounting degree. My English professor assigned us to write a paper on a career that was different than our major of choice. In an effort to just get the paper completed, I reached out to a friend that was an X-ray technologist,” Brady explained. “I interviewed her, researched the job opportunities and was hooked. By the end of the semester, I decided that radiology was far more interesting than accounting.”
The decision to enter radiology continues to pay off even today.
“I love being a leader,” Brady said when asked why she loves her job.” Having the opportunity to coach and mentor my team is an honor and a privilege. I love sharing knowledge, lessons learned and watching them grow and become successful. It gives me a sense of fulfillment.”
Speaking of leadership, Brady aims to boost those she works with in a variety of ways.
“My approach to leadership is rooted in communication, empathy, and accountability. I believe strong leaders listen to understand, support, and set the tone for a culture of trust and continuous growth,” she said. “I aim to lead by example, maintaining high standards for myself, which hopefully empowers others to rise to their potential as well. I value open communication and believe that clear expectations, mutual respect, and honest feedback are essential to building a high performing team.”
Her approach is a reflection of how Brady was able to learn and advance her career.
“My mentors have helped shaped me by encouraging me to see the bigger picture, not by giving me answers, but by asking powerful questions to challenge my thinking which ultimately leads me to finding solutions and make my own path forward,” Brady said. “I do currently mentor other imaging leaders and find it very challenging and rewarding at the same time.”
Brady is also a leader outside of work.
“I have been married for 32 years. We have three boys. My husband and my children are my pride and joy,” she explains. “My greatest accomplishment has been raising my three boys alongside my husband and seeing them become happy, thriving adults. I am so proud of them!”
1. What book are you reading currently? I am about to start a book that was referred to me called “Dare to Lead” by Brene’ Brown.
2. Favorite movie? I have several favorites, but “Goodwill Hunting” is definitely one of my top picks.
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? Something my coworkers don’t know about it me is I played volleyball, basketball, track, the piano, clarinet, and saxophone and love physical activity; it is fishing that I love the most. It is so peaceful being out on the water, there is nothing like it.
4. Who is your mentor? I have the privilege of working with amazing leaders/mentors daily, but Beth Allen, director of operations for Banner Imaging, has been an incredible mentor. I have great respect for her. She encourages me to seek to understand, gain new perspective, and her experience and vast knowledge in imaging and leadership allows her to guide me through complex situations.
5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? I start my day early by having a few moments of meditation and then heading out to the gym at 4:30 a.m. This gets me going for the day and allows me to have done something for myself each day. It is not easy some mornings, but I never regret dragging myself there. Finally, I make my bed every day. This has been a habit since I was a child, and it always makes me feel good by completing at least one task successfully.
6. Best advice you ever received? The best advice I ever received was if you work hard enough you can do anything. There may be others that are more talented than you, but they should never out work you. I played sports throughout high school, and it had a profound effect on my work ethic and personal accountability.
7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My biggest influence on my life has been my husband. He has been my biggest supporter. He has encouraged me and cheered me on as I worked hard to reach my goals as a mother and in my career. He has been by my side every step of the way and I am forever grateful for him.
8. What would your superpower be? My superpower would be turning uncertainty into direction. I tend to stay calm under pressure so helping others break things down into small tasks allows them to focus when things get messy.
9. What are your hobbies? I have many hobbies but a few that I enjoy most are decorating, paddleboarding, working out, fishing, hiking, really anything outdoors.
10. What is your perfect meal? My idea of a perfect meal isn’t about what’s on the table but who is around it. I love having my family gathered around sharing stories, laughter and just simply being together.
