How Volunteer Work Shapes the Leadership Style of Naftali Zanziper
Balancing multiple roles with a clear sense of purpose, Naftali Zanziper integrates his extensive volunteer work into his broader philosophy of leadership. As a nationally certified paramedic and a long-time volunteer EMT, his professional and community endeavors are deeply intertwined. This experience on the front lines of emergency response has refined his decision-making, strengthened his attention to detail, and reinforced his belief in human potential. These values have become a defining element of how Naftali Zanziper approaches both business and community leadership.
Beyond clinical competence, his paramedic work demands an ability to remain calm under pressure and respond decisively. This has translated into his management style, where he encourages his teams to address challenges head-on, remain focused in high-stakes situations, and act with a sense of accountability. For Naftali Zanziper, the mindset required in emergency medicine—seeing complexity clearly and acting without delay—is directly applicable to running organizations, particularly in high-responsibility sectors like elder care.
Throughout his career, Naftali Zanziper has demonstrated a consistent emphasis on giving people second chances. This belief—often in contrast with more conventional leadership norms—has led him to invest in team members others might have given up on. He views each individual as capable of growth, especially when provided with the right tools, time, and mentorship. The patience and belief required in community work, particularly in high-pressure medical settings, inform this perspective. While some leaders prioritize immediate results, Naftali Zanziper underscores the long-term value of nurturing talent, even in imperfect conditions.
His approach to organizational development reflects this same philosophy. In nursing home operations, where he plays an executive role, he encourages staff to understand financial systems even if they fall outside their direct responsibilities. He emphasizes that knowledge-sharing across departments—particularly about complex reimbursement systems or billing processes—empowers individuals to make informed decisions. This operational transparency also stems from his broader leadership model, one that blends humility, openness, and strategic discipline.
The rhythm of Naftali Zanziper’s day reflects his commitment to structure and service. Mornings begin early with prayer and study, followed by active involvement in his family’s morning routine. He then transitions into business operations at the Anglo office in Brooklyn, maintaining consistent hours while ensuring time for evening routines with his six children. This deliberate pacing ensures presence in both professional and personal spaces, reinforcing the integrated nature of his commitments. Even with such a demanding schedule, he continues to respond to emergency calls at any hour, exemplifying his commitment to both community and continuity.
Outside his professional and volunteer roles, he also supports mental health initiatives, contributing to the development of a case-management-based model designed to help families navigate complex psychiatric diagnoses. His recent efforts with a new organization, Beacon of Life, aim to provide structure and support for individuals living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other chronic conditions. These efforts reflect a commitment not just to acute care but to long-term systems that uplift vulnerable populations.
Underlying all of his work is a strong belief in self-awareness and intentional development. He encourages others to push beyond comfort zones, drawing from his own experience of returning to school at age 41 to earn paramedic certification. His advice to younger professionals often emphasizes the importance of mastering tools like Excel early on, not just for technical skill but for cultivating the habit of learning. In both mentorship and self-reflection, Naftali Zanziper stresses the value of incremental growth and lifelong curiosity.
Whether responding to emergencies or managing complex business operations, his consistent attention to detail and belief in individual potential define his leadership. In an era where rapid results are often prioritized, Naftali Zanziper remains grounded in a patient, purposeful approach—shaped equally by his community service and his commitment to building systems that serve people over time.