Malia Tallett

Name Malia Tallett

Age 38

Town/Moku Hilo

Island Hawaiʻi Island

Social Media Handle @keolakinopt

Nominated by Shelby Hoota

Leadership Category Mauli Ola - Health, Personal & Family Development

Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.

I, Malia Tallett, PT, DPT, TPS am a doctor of physical therapy and sole owner of Ke Ola Kino Physical Therapy in Hilo, HI. Besides operating my office and working with patients, I volunteer as a Board of Director member for Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi, a member of the SHCC, as well as a member of the SHPDA for Hawai`i island. I am currently working on developing my own foundation named Ho'oikaika Kino Foundation with the goal of providing access to rehab services for community members who are unable to do so.

Outside of my career goals, I am a single mother of two young girls emphasizing the importance of education, worldly views, and understanding all aspects of our community with self sustainability perspectives.

Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?

Upon returning home to Hilo, HI it was very apparent that our community is lacking a wide variety of emerging health care options. The advancements in healthcare along with the understanding of our cultural holistic practices are powerful in helping heal our community members when these options are easily accessible. I am deeply disturb by the lack of support and assistance that our healthcare providers face working in rural Hawai'i. It is a huge disservice to our Native Hawaiian community. I am working to help bridge the gap and improve the health and active levels of my community through my profession.

Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.

When it comes to leadership, I value respecting all levels in the hierarchy of an organization. I emphasize the importance of teamwork in that no small job is insignificant. I whole heartedly believe that an organization, business, community, and government have the potential to uplift and elevate all members of its entity when people are allowed to flourish in their strengths and are guided in areas of their weaknesses. There is a time when each individual much be responsible for their own decisions and lack of productivity. However, leadership is not about dictating, but rather leading by example. It is imperative for the leader to be willing to work alongside each and every one of their employees or group members. I don't define a person by their job title. I recognize the person as the individual that they are and focus on accentuating their strengths towards the task at hand.

I don't believe that there is a single style of leadership that supercedes another. I value collaboration and encourage out-of-the-box thinking. I am ecstatic when a team member or employee develops efficiencies and recommendations that they believe will improve the productivity and overall performance of the organization. I'm not afraid of change. I encourage progressive evolution.

Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?

Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Kawekio I Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Cleghorn

What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?

Innovation

What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?

sustainability