OXFORD, Miss. – In an uncertain business world, the most
important lessons to learn are still the most basic ones:
be honest, dependable and responsible.
That was the message Bruce Moore, president of outpatient
services of Hospital Corporation of America in Nashville,
delivered to MBA students at the University of Mississippi
Thursday in a public lecture.
Opening the spring Otho Smith Lecture Series, the Ole Miss
alumnus encouraged the fledgling business leaders to be
persistent and determined in attaining their career goals.
Complacency is one thing that kills business, the Laurel
native said.
“I guarantee your competition is not resting,” he said. “As
soon as you think you’ve got the business model figured
out, it changes. The big thing executives look for is
creativity and employees who can look outside of the box
and think with a different twist.”
In discussing the characteristics of successful leaders,
Moore emphasized the importance of attitude, pursuing one’s
dreams and taking action.
“Make a list of things you want to do personally and
professionally and ask yourself what you want to do with
your life,” he said. “Leaders in business are looking for
the most effective people they can find. People recognize
passion and effort.”
Moore also discussed the 2006 transition of HCA from a
publicly held company to a private one. HCA is the largest
hospital corporation in the world, composed of locally
managed facilities with 170 hospitals and 113 outpatient
centers in 20 states and England. It has $26.9 billion in
revenue and more than 175,000 employees.
“We deliver quality health care to all of the patients we
serve,” he said.
MBA student Ragan Hayward said he felt Moore speaks the
same way he lives.
“He seemed honest, sincere and personable,” said Hayward,
native of Grenada. “I can tell that’s how he succeeded in
his business: because he was an effective communicator. You
hear a lot about health care, but it was interesting to
hear about the business behind the health care industry.”
Moore has worked for HCA for 25 years in various positions,
including vice president of compensation and vice president
of benefits. He assumed the position of vice president,
operations administration, in 1997; was made senior vice
president, operations administration, in 1999; and named to
his current position in 2006.
He is responsible for HCA’s companywide operations of
free-standing outpatient facilities, including ambulatory
surgery centers, diagnostic imaging and cancer center
operations. He also oversees physician recruitment,
practice management and real estate to support overall
company operations.
Moore graduated from UM in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in
finance. He resides in Nashville with his wife, Karen, and
their three children.
The Otho Smith Lecture Series, initiated in 1981 through a
grant from the Phil B. Hardin Foundation, brings prominent
business executives to the UM campus as guest speakers. It
is named for the late Meridian businessman, philanthropist
and former president of the UM Alumni Association.
For more information, visit