Dr. Pouya Hemmati
Cardiovascular Surgeon at Baptist Health
Dr. Hemmati literally has the precision of a robot. Using the Intuitive da Vinci robotic system, he performs minimally invasive heart surgeries, leading to less pain and faster recoveries. Surgically trained at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Dr. Hemmati is revolutionizing how Baptist Health treats abnormal heartbeats.
What responsibility do you feel to those you serve, and how does that shape the way you lead?
Cardiac surgery is very unique in that patients truly trust you with their life. Most open cases require you to stop the heart and then ensure that it 'starts back up' again. The day someone has heart surgery may be the most stressful day in their life. As the surgeon, this is a tremendous level of responsibility to accept and a privilege that you cannot take lightly. Therefore, I always remind myself to put the patients’ needs first, imagine that the patient is my family member and to advocate for my patients that way when managing their care with other providers, insurance companies, administration, etc.
If your younger self met you today, what would surprise him most?
I wanted to grow up to be an astronaut-surgeon-race car driver. He would be surprised that I only got one out of three, but he may be satisfied once he sees the surgical robotics technology that we use, since it looks like something NASA would use!
Kyle Boswell
Owner of Boswell Mourot Fine Art
From an early age, Kyle Boswell was drawn to art in its many forms. Though his professional path first unfolded outside the art world, his creative instincts never left him. Eventually, Kyle returned to his artistic roots and founded Boswell Mourot Fine Art. As a glass artist himself, Kyle brings a deep understanding of what it means to both create and present art. For 17 years, his gallery has championed local, national and international artists.
What responsibility do you feel to those you serve, and how does that shape the way you lead?
I serve and lead the public by presenting authentic, original artwork from mid-career regional artists through my business and 17 years of experience as a gallery owner. Drawing on my research and deep knowledge of working artists, I create an environment that encourages visual learning and openness to new artists and artistic genres. My responsibility is to thoughtfully market the artwork and connect each client with pieces that truly resonate with them.
If your younger self met you today, what would surprise him most?
From an early age, I was exposed to and deeply interested in art in its many forms. Although I initially pursued a degree in political science and international affairs and spent several years working in the public sector, I eventually felt a strong pull back to my artistic roots. Looking back, I believe my younger self would be proud to see that I have followed my passion and built a meaningful and successful path in the arts.
Dr. Alex Jones & Dr. Addison Walker
Orthodontists at Daniel & Jones Orthodontics
Dr. Jones and Dr. Walker are known for their orthodontic expertise and the respect and care they bring to each patient. Dr. Jones, who knew he wanted to be an orthodontist since sixth grade, joined the 30-year-old practice in 2020. Dr. Walker joined the team three years later, following his service as a dentist in the Air Force, and sees patients at the clinic’s Benton and Bryant locations. Together, their expertise and compassion create an experience that’s as thoughtful as it is precise.
What responsibility do you feel to those you serve, and how does that shape the way you lead?
Dr. Walker: We try to be prepared and set an example for the team in providing excellent care and patient experience, bringing a positive attitude and staying steady no matter what the day brings.
How do you define meaningful impact?
Dr. Jones: Each interaction with our patients and team members is an opportunity to add something positive in a world where people are facing so many other stresses and challenges. We hope that every person who comes into our office leaves with a positive experience.
If your younger self met you today, what would surprise him most?
Dr. Jones: I’ve wanted to be an orthodontist since I was pretty young, but the fact that I made it, along with the scope of our practice and the number of patients we can see in a day, would be amazing to my younger self. Managing a team, maintaining our buildings and all of the other parts of small business ownership aren’t anything I ever thought about taking on, but those are a huge and rewarding part of the bigger picture.
Dr. Walker: Being from the Carolinas, I never thought I would live in Arkansas or the other places we’ve been along the way, from New Mexico to San Antonio. The opportunity to be part of a practice that has such a strong legacy and community focus is exactly what I was looking for, and finding it here has been unexpected in the best way.
Bevan Keating
Executive Director for Wildwood Park for the Arts
Canadian-born conductor Bevan Keating brings the arts and nature into perfect harmony at Wildwood Park for the Arts. Before becoming Wildwood's executive director, he conducted operas on its stage. Now, he provides opportunities for West Little Rock’s local arts community to blossom in a beautiful setting.
What responsibility do you feel to those you serve, and how does that shape the way you lead?
I feel like I serve three distinct groups. To the artists in my community, I help provide a place to display their professional artistry and provide various performing opportunities, which, as paid positions, encourage our talent to stay in Arkansas. To the community at large, I feel it's my responsibility to provide a beautiful green space that the growing community of West Little Rock can enjoy from sunrise to sunset at no cost. To our staff and volunteers who help keep the park open 24 hours a day/seven days a week, I am fiercely loyal and work hard to support the incredible people who give their time and talents to Wildwood.
If your younger self met you today, what would surprise him most?
I’ve thought about this many times ... speaking to my younger self who was about to graduate with a doctorate in conducting, and now, finding himself amongst the trees at Wildwood, I would tell him to spend a little less time learning how to play the French horn and more time learning how to use a chainsaw. I try to instill this lesson upon my teenage twins, who are in intensive programs in athletics and the arts, to always keep an open door and open mind to whatever crosses your path. I could never have anticipated the joy of being the executive director of Wildwood Park for the Arts while I was studying to be the next conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Just proof that you never know where your true calling might be.
Looking back, I believe my younger self would be proud to see that I have followed my passion and built a meaningful and successful path in the arts.