Archive · 15 Dec 2025
CEO Battling Cancer Shares Leadership Lessons
Jennifer Goldsack is the CEO of a company called DiMe.
She was diagnosed with a serious illness called late-stage colon cancer.
This changed how she leads her team.
Before, she worked very hard and never asked others to do more than she did.
But after her diagnosis, she learned to be more open about her needs and to take care of herself.
She started taking 5-minute breaks before and after meetings, which helped her feel better.
She also made sure her team knew when she had to cancel meetings because she wasn't feeling well.
This way, she created a kinder and more understanding work environment.
She is now on the path to recovery and regaining her strength.
Jennifer Goldsack, CEO of DiMe, was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer after an emergency surgery last year.
Her diagnosis led her to adopt a new leadership style focused on vulnerability, transparency, and self-care.
She introduced 'Take 5' as a company mantra, encouraging 5-minute breaks before and after meetings for self-care.
Goldsack blocks her calendar for health appointments and communicates openly with her team about her availability.
She is currently on a recovery path, regaining the muscles she lost during treatment and continuing to lead her team with a new perspective.
- Who
- Jennifer Goldsack, CEO of the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe)
- What
- A 42-year-old CEO battling late-stage colon cancer shares her leadership lessons and how her diagnosis changed her approach to work and leadership.
- When
- After an emergency surgery last year around Christmas and during her subsequent treatment and recovery.
- Where
- At the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) and in hospitals during her treatment.
- Why
- To inspire others and create a supportive work environment while managing her health.
- Name
- Jennifer Goldsack
- Age
- 42
- Position
- CEO, Digital Medicine Society (DiMe)
- Diagnosis
- Late-stage colon cancer
- Key Leadership Rule
- Take 5
- Weight Loss
- 40 pounds
- Recovery Focus
- Regaining lost muscles