Leadership Secrets from Chelsee Bausley: The Power of Kindness and Drive

Some people wait for opportunities to come their way. Others, like Chelsee Bausley, create their own. Chelsee’s journey at HHS is a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity—and when leaders recognize and nurture potential. Her story isn’t just about career advancement; it’s about determination, resilience, and the power of a positive attitude.

From Temp to Director: A Journey of Self-Motivation

Chelsee’s path to success began with an average opportunity when she took a temporary position at Kendrick Hospital during HHS' transition into the account. It wasn’t long before she caught the attention of Brett Rogers, who was leading the transition.

“He interviewed me as a cook and asked what I wanted,” Chelsee recalls. “I told him I wanted to be a director right then and there. He kind of looked at me, but he saw how serious I was.”

Rather than waiting for promotions, Chelsee asked outright what it would take to become a director. Brett laid out the path—starting as a head chef, becoming an assistant director, and eventually moving into a director role. Armed with that roadmap, Chelsee got to work immediately. Within six months, she had mastered the head chef role, learning everything she could and taking full ownership of her responsibilities. When an assistant director position opened up, she was a clear choice.

A Relentless Work Ethic

Chelsee didn’t just do her job—she took the initiative to understand every aspect. She wrote menus, handled catering, supervised retail operations, and worked closely with clients. Her approach to learning was hands-on and immersive.

“I realized early on that because I didn’t have a degree, I had to be self-motivated,” she says. “I saw the difference between coming in with a degree and not having one. Not having one meant I had to work twice as hard—but I also got to learn more. The hands-on experience was the best way for me.”

She embraced every opportunity to grow, volunteering for extra shifts, working holidays, and tackling the busiest times head-on. "For the first year and a half, I made it a point to be available during the holidays," she says. "Those are the times you learn the most. You can make mistakes and learn how to fix them.”

Leadership Built on Kindness and Development

Now a director, Chelsee leads with kindness, knowledge, and a deep belief in her team’s potential—values shaped by her own journey.

“How you look at people, how you present yourself—it all starts with customer service,” she explains. “My foundation is kindness and humanity. You can know everything in the world, but if you’re a terrible person, nobody’s going to listen to you.”

For Chelsee, leadership isn’t just about personal success, it’s about lifting others up along the way. She encourages her team to ask questions, seek guidance, and embrace mistakes, creating an environment where learning leads to growth.

“I focus on being more of a leader and less of a boss,” she says. “If I’m the only one winning, that’s not leadership. My success is measured by how many people I can elevate.”

Creating Your Own Success at HHS

Chelsee’s rapid rise at HHS wasn’t an accident—it was the result of self-motivation, a willingness to learn, and a company that provided the tools for growth.

“I was given the information I needed to be successful, and I was given the space and time to develop,” she says. “I developed quickly because I’m ambitious. Once Brett laid out what it took to become what I wanted to be, that’s all I focused on. Everything else fell to the wayside.”

Her advice to those looking to follow in her footsteps is simple but powerful:

• Set your own goals and reach them.
• Surround yourself with people who actively support your growth.
• Never let someone else determine your altitude.

And most importantly, she carries a lesson her grandmother taught her in third grade:

“Your attitude determines your altitude.”