POWER OF SMILES

No challenge is too great or too small for BRITTANY RISTUCCI WARNER, Chief Operating Officer for Warner Aesthetic & Reconstructive Institute, Director of Business Development for Karyo Biologics, President of VisAttain Consulting, and board member for The Volunteer Center of Northeast Chicago. This go-getter is now on track to achieve even more in her career—including a third degree in nursing and the opening of her new medical spa, The Skin Lounge by Warner Institute. The full-service medical spa is set to open on the North Shore this fall and will provide an elite level of aesthetic facial and body services.

What is the most important characteristic of an effective leader? Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” I have always been relentless in my pursuit to be better and do better. I find comfort in being uncomfortable—it’s the only path to personal growth.

What was a pivotal moment in your career? Witnessing one of the most phenomenal surgical successes—a microvascular facial reanimation—alongside mission director and my husband, Dr. Jeremy Warner, in Kathmandu, Nepal. After examination by the medical mission team, it was determined a child suffered a brain tumor paralyzing the nerve in her face impairing her ability to smile. A surgical plan of dissecting a healthy nerve from her leg and implanting it into her face was decided. After several hours in the operating room, the child woke up in the recovery bay with her family and the medical team at her side—her new smile changed my life! I vowed that each day I would strive to make someone smile—one month later, I was back in college. With graduation just around the corner, I will provide perioperative nursing care for Warner Institute and open our new medical spa, The Skin Lounge. The spa will provide facial rejuvenation which promotes a glowing face and a beautiful smile!

For more information, visit warnerinstitute.com.