Business

Empowering Future Operators Through Mentorship with Naftali Zanziper

In the complex world of healthcare operations, mentorship often determines the difference between short-term management and long-term leadership. This is especially true for Naftali Zanziper, who has made it a priority to guide younger professionals through the intricacies of the business. With years of experience in nursing home operations, his focus goes far beyond day-to-day oversight. He works to equip administrators with the tools they need to lead confidently and independently, regardless of their starting point.

Many of those he mentors enter their roles with experience limited to compliance or staff scheduling. Recognizing this gap, Naftali Zanziper introduces them to the financial and systemic layers that govern healthcare operations. He explains how billing systems function, how reimbursements are delayed or denied, and what strategies can improve cash flow without compromising care. Rather than shielding these new leaders from complexity, he brings them into it—knowing that only exposure can build the kind of informed decision-making they’ll need.

His belief in mentorship is rooted in his own experience. Early in his career, he leaned on communication skills and interpersonal strengths, but he came to understand that success required more. Later in life, he pursued formal training in areas outside his comfort zone, including a full year of study to become a certified paramedic. That process reminded him of the value of stretching into unfamiliar territory—something he now encourages others to do at earlier stages in their careers.

This philosophy has led him to develop training frameworks that go beyond simple instruction. When mentoring new administrators, he walks them through actual case examples and financial scenarios. He asks them to think critically, to question why certain systems operate the way they do, and to anticipate how small changes can affect larger outcomes. For Naftali Zanziper, teaching is not just about transferring knowledge—it’s about changing how people think and approach their roles.

The emphasis on mentorship also informs his hiring practices. He looks for potential, not perfection. If someone shows integrity, curiosity, and the willingness to learn, he’s willing to invest in their development. That might mean allowing space for failure early on, so long as lessons are drawn from it. His commitment to second chances isn’t just about compassion—it’s about the long-term return on investing in people who are motivated to grow.

This approach extends to his work in community service as well. As a paramedic, he trains alongside volunteers who may not have medical backgrounds but share a desire to serve. He believes the same principles apply: with proper support and structured guidance, almost anyone can rise to meet high expectations. The key is providing real opportunities, constructive feedback, and consistent encouragement.

His mentorship philosophy also appears in the mental health support organization he’s helping to build. Though not clinical in focus, the organization is structured to train case managers to navigate sensitive family situations. By creating clear pathways for professional development, Naftali Zanziper ensures that the support offered is consistent, thoughtful, and sustainable—even as the organization grows beyond its early stages.

Through mentorship, he reinforces one of his core values: that leadership is not about control, but about enabling others to lead. Whether guiding an inexperienced administrator or a volunteer entering emergency care, his focus remains the same—preparing people to take ownership of their roles with confidence, competence, and clarity. In doing so, Naftali Zanziper builds not just teams, but legacies of leadership that will last well beyond his direct involvement.