Kathy Mays shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kathy, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
One of the things I’m most proud of building is our reputation for delivering seamless, high-quality medical programs that feel effortless to clients and attendees—even though they are anything but simple behind the scenes. In medical event planning, the stakes are high and the variables change constantly. We handle everything from last-minute KOL requests, to rebooking physician travel on a Saturday night, to organizing full dinner programs with sometimes only a week’s notice.
What I’m most proud of is how we have built processes, relationships, and attention to detail that allow us to stay calm, responsive, and solutions-focused no matter what comes up. The goal is always the same: create an experience where clients and attendees feel everything ran flawlessly. They may never see the countless hours, the late-night calls, or the quiet problem-solving that happens behind the scenes—and that’s exactly the point.
To me, that invisible work is what defines true excellence and it’s one of the parts of my career I’m most proud of.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
CAMCO Healthcare has been producing high-quality medical programs for 20 years.
We are medical event planning specialists with a strong focus on KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) management. From coordinating contracts with legal teams to completing financial reporting after each program, we support our clients every step of the way—ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a consistent experience from start to finish.
What makes me proud is not just the events themselves, but the level of commitment and reliability we’ve built into the company. Our clients know we go above and beyond, and that dedication is the foundation of every successful program we deliver. Creating that standard of excellence along with our wonderful relationships with both clients and KOLs, are our greatest accomplishments.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I had with my grandmother. She was the best person I have
ever known, and the lessons she taught me continue to guide me both personally and professionally. From her, I learned
true humility—not to think less of myself, but to think of myself less. She showed me the value of being a team player and
reminded me that leadership is as much about listening as it is about speaking. She also taught me to observe people’s
actions, because actions reveal beliefs, and those beliefs ultimately shape how individuals show up in their work and in
their lives. Her influence remains a foundational part of how I operate my business and how I strive to lead. “Show me your
actions and I will tell you what you believe” I still apply this today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering and Adversity have offered me insights that success alone could never provide. Over the years, I’ve had many
bullies that have belittled me, doubted me, or tried to diminish my worth—often at my lowest moments. Paradoxically,
these experiences have become invaluable. They refined my character, deepened my empathy, and taught me the
importance of treating others with dignity and kindness. I wouldn’t erase any of it. They have been such a blessing.
Those moments forged resilience, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to treat others better than I was treated.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I love this question!
Is the public version of me the real me? Without question—yes. What I share with the world is not a performance but a genuine reflection of my truest self. I have no interest in wearing masks or shaping illusions; authenticity is the foundation on which I choose to stand. In a world that often rewards pretense, I remain committed to aligning my actions with my values. The kindness I offer, the empathy I extend, and the encouragement I strive to give, are not curated qualities—they are the essence of who I am, in every space and every moment.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I often return to Maya Angelou’s profound reminder: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will
never forget how you made them feel.”
That truth has echoed throughout my career. I haven’t always delivered the most polished words or the most brilliant ideas
in every moment. But what I’ve consistently tried to offer is presence—genuine, compassionate presence. I’ve seen the
power of simply listening without judgment, of holding someone’s hand during a difficult moment, of stepping in quietly
and steadily when someone is vulnerable or unsure.
These small, human acts rarely make headlines, but they shape memories. Long after tasks are completed and
accomplishments fade, people remember the warmth, dignity, and empathy they were shown. They remember who
created space for them to be fully seen and supported.
If there is a story I hope others tell about me, it is that I made people feel valued, safe, and stronger than they knew
themselves to be. That my legacy was not just in what I achieved, but in the humanity I brought to every interaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://camcohealthcare.com
- Linkedin: Kathy-Bell Mays at CAMCO Healthcare
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
