Molly PavlovichGet to know Kevin Cysyk, Messiah Lifeways’ Chief Experience Officer, in this Q&A about purpose, growth, and the value of helping others.
Q: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SENIOR LIVING INDUSTRY?
A: When I was in high school, I started working as a server at an assisted living community, and it changed my whole life. At the time, I thought I was going to do anything other than senior living as a career, but it just kept pulling me back. I spent most of my career in the for-profit side of senior living, but my goal was to always end up with a nonprofit, mission-driven organization like Messiah Lifeways.
Q: IF YOU WERE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN JUST ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A: Empathetic. I really try to understand people, and that fuels me. It’s the driver of what I do every day.
Q: WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
A: So many things inspire me, but I think my greatest inspiration is helping people grow—helping people figure out who they want to be and help them get there. I spend a lot of time helping develop people, whether they know it or not. I like to see other people be successful. I like to see other people be happy. There’s a lot of things to be unhappy about in the world. It’s refreshing to be able to be a catalyst for positive change and growth.
Q: WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LEARNING OR CURIOUS ABOUT?
A: I’m always learning and reading books, mostly nonfiction about leadership principles and team building. I’d love to say I’ve figured it out, but it’s a constant journey. I’ve been spending time thinking about organizational health at a high level and how we can continue to unify team members to think and function as one unit, because we do so much better when we’re all running in the same direction.
Q: WHAT’S A MANTRA THAT IS MEANINGFUL TO YOU?
A: “You must be the change you want to see
in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Q: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME?
A: I spend a lot of time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and sailing my boat at either Lake Clark, on the Susquehanna River, or the Chesapeake Bay. I also play bass. I used to play a little bit of everything, including the guitar and saxophone, but the bass has become my primary instrument.
Q: WHAT SONG WOULD BE ON THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
A: “Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash. That’s my ‘take me away’ song. It transports me to another place.
