Boss Mode is a new regular feature spotlighting Lake Norman business executives in a fun and friendly way. Today we’re featuring Brian Wofford, who oversees the new Atrium Health facility in Cornelius.

Name: Brian Wofford

Company: Atrium Health Lake Norman

Job Title: President and Facility Executive

First thing you do when you walk into work?

The first thing I do when I walk into the hospital is round through departments and say good morning to our teammates. Nothing sets the tone like starting the day with our most important priority, our people.

Coffee, tea, or something stronger?

Coffee, coffee, and more coffee.

What part of your job would surprise people the most?

How much of my day is spent listening. Leadership looks decisive from the outside, but the real work is understanding people, perspectives and what’s not being said.

What small decision eats up way more time than it should?

Deciding when a conversation needs to be face‑to‑face instead of one more email, especially when a quick walk down the hall works just fine.

What’s always on your desk (besides a phone and computer)?

An electronic picture frame filled with family and friends that gets more attention than I do in meetings, and a bookmark with my leadership values: gratitude, integrity, authenticity, wisdom and respect.

Favorite quick lunch in town?

Cava or Sweetgreen! Quick, reliable and a lunch choice that doesn’t earn me “the look” from my wife when grabbing something nearby.

Best advice you’ve ever gotten about business?

Take care of your people and the rest will take care of itself. Titles don’t lead, relationships do.

A daily habit that keeps you sane?

Laughter with our executive leadership team. It’s a simple reminder that we’re human first, leaders second.

What’s the five-minute task you refuse to delegate?

Checking in on people. A quick conversation can change someone’s entire day and sometimes their direction.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

You’re not in control, so stop trying to be. Focus on learning, growing and doing the right thing. It’s advice I can still give myself today.