In this talk I will summarize the pearls, pitfalls, and lessons shared by leaders in my own life, both inside and outside of medicine. In my experience, leadership is not a particularly male or female quality. It is a trait of an individual. Individuals tend to dichotomize into leaders and into followers. And people know good leaders “You know the way you know about a good melon” When Harry Met Sally I will share with the audience my lessons and personal examples on leadership. Some of these include 1. There is never a need to publicly embarrass someone. Always give the person an out and speak in private. 2. Make a decision. Being indecisive is perceived worse than making a wrong choice. 3. Know your strengths and build on those. Know your weaknesses and identify people for whom those are strengths and bring them onto your team 4. “People may forget what you say, they may forget what you do, but they will never forget the way you make them feel.” Maya Angelou 5. Leaders must be comfortable with solitude 6. Leaders are not afraid to ask for what they need.