Altaf Stationwala

After more than 14 years at the helm of Mackenzie Health, Altaf Stationwala is stepping into his new role as Unity Health Toronto’s President and CEO. Here, he shares his approach to leadership, the best advice he’s ever received and why he wears HOKA sneakers every day.

How are you feeling as you begin your new role at Unity Health Toronto?  

There are a lot of emotions right now. I really believe that it all comes down to relationships and trust — because that’s what makes it possible to take on bold, adventurous and substantive work together. One thing I keep reminding myself, and will share with the Unity Health team, is that building trust takes daily effort, humility and presence. That’s where I’m starting — knowing I have to earn it, every single day.

What drew you to Unity Health and the opportunity to lead here?

The reputation of all three hospitals was absolutely a draw. There are very few big academic centres like this. There’s something truly special about Unity Health. The sense of purpose and mission is so clear. It’s rooted in values that have guided this work for more than 160 years. As a person of faith, I deeply connect with those values. That shared foundation is what really inspires me and makes this work so meaningful.

What should we know about your approach to leadership?

I’ve spent my entire career in health care and hospitals, taking on progressive portfolios over time. I’ve been a frontline leader, and I really understand and value what that means. I believe strongly in engaging from the frontline up. That’s how I’ve always worked. It’s about staying connected to the people who deliver care and services every day. I’ve seen the downsides of top-down decision-making, and those lessons have stuck with me. That’s why I plan to be present and visible — listening, learning, and working alongside our teams.

Let’s switch gears a bit. I hear you rock sneakers at the office. Any style that you swear by?

I wear HOKAs because I tore my Achilles tendon so they’re the only shoes I can run with now. One of the things you’ll hear about me is that I’m always moving, and I don’t stop. I listen and I’m very thoughtful, but I’m always moving.

What smell or taste takes you right back to your childhood?

For taste, it would be cherry Nibs licorice. I used to walk home from school and we’d always stop by the corner store and eat those. For smell, we had a cherry blossom tree on our front lawn. Cherry blossoms take me back.   

What piece of advice has helped you the most?

The mentors who have served me the best have said, “Leadership can be learned but you are who you are.” Much of what you stand for is shaped early on, based on the values you learn as a kid. So I don’t try to change who I am. I’m grounded by how my parents raised me, influenced by my beliefs, and shaped by my experiences – and I use as all of that as the foundation for how I lead. I think that makes me a bit more authentic. My knowledge and my skill set build on that foundation, but it doesn’t change who I am.

Years ago, I was a competitive wrestler on the national team. My coach was a former Olympian. He taught me that there are a lot of things you can’t control – but for the things you can control, you’ve got to give your absolute best: things like practicing, preparation and physical stamina. If you perfect those things as close as possible to 100 per cent, the score and the outcome will take care of themselves. I still live my life that way. 

What is the best gift you’ve ever received or the best gift you’ve ever given?

I had a grandmother who lived to the age of 100. We grew up in a joint family, so she was always part of my life, and she only passed away a few years ago. Her father was a professor in India, so her command of the English language and world affairs was phenomenal. She was the Scrabble champion. She taught me the benefit of education and lifelong learning. In many ways, my grandmother was the greatest gift I’ve ever had. When I became a CEO, she was so proud of me. That pride, that connection, was such a gift.

When do you feel like your most authentic self?

I’m my most authentic self when I can have fun. The work we do is serious – and I take it very seriously – but I try not to take myself too seriously.

How do you avoid burnout during busy periods of life?

Regular fitness and exercise. I can’t run as much as I used to, but I run and take spin classes. It helps just to go hard and sweat and lose yourself in that physical challenge of getting out of breath. I find that really recharges me and keeps me healthy.

What scares you the most?

Letting people down. I can’t please everybody, I can’t make everybody happy, but I take it personally when I let people down.

Oilers or Leafs?

I’m a fanatical Habs fan – I was born and raised in Montreal so that’s my excuse. I can’t stand the Leafs. I’ve told you my best gift. My worst gift was that my Board [at Mackenzie Health] felt compelled to give me a Leaf’s jersey as a farewell gift because I was coming closer to Toronto.

Favourite food?

Cheeseburger. That’s why I make sure to get to the gym. It’s all about balance!

Best song or band to work out to?

I’m a big AC/DC fan.  

What’s your everyday superpower?

It doesn’t take me long to fix my hair in the morning. 

If we spot you in the hallways of our Unity Health Toronto sites, what should we do? 

Please come and talk to me! I’d love to meet you.    

As we close, is there anything you’d really like people to know?

This is a serious responsibility, so I approach it with a great sense of respect for the organization and its history. I don’t take this lightly and I feel a great degree of accountability to the whole Unity Health team.

This interview has been edited and condensed. As told to Hayley Mick