Devys Rivera on Direct Communication, Growth and the Power of Why

For Devys Rivera, PhD, CLC, communication is not simply about getting a message across. It is about creating the understanding that allows people to work together and continue moving forward. As Director of IT (Site) and Senior Advisor, IT&S Client Services at Northwell Health, she brings a direct style to her professional relationships, grounded in honesty, clarity and a willingness to keep learning.

That directness is an intentional part of how Devys engages with others. She values straightforward communication and appreciates receiving the same in return. She also recognizes that people can respond differently to a blunt approach. Some may appreciate it immediately, while others may need time to become comfortable with it. For Devys, the purpose is not bluntness for its own sake. The larger goal is to build good working relationships, address what needs attention and make progress.

Directness with a purpose

Clear communication can reduce uncertainty, but Devys’s perspective adds an important qualification: delivery matters. People do not all process information in the same way, so a message that is obvious to one person may not connect as readily with someone else. Recognizing those differences creates room for a more thoughtful approach without abandoning honesty.

This balance between candor and awareness shapes how direct communication can support collaboration. The point is not merely to state a position. It is to help another person understand what is being communicated, why it matters and how it relates to the work at hand. That makes clarity a shared responsibility rather than a one-sided exchange.

For Devys, providing a clear “why” is essential to genuine alignment. An instruction or decision may explain what must happen, but the reasoning behind it gives people context. When that purpose is made visible, a conversation can move beyond compliance toward a common understanding of the intended direction.

Making feedback part of growth

The same preference for honesty informs Devys’s approach to constructive criticism. She actively seeks feedback because she wants to identify areas where she may be falling short. Rather than treating criticism as something to avoid, she views it as information that can support improvement, both personally and professionally.

That stance requires openness as well as confidence. Asking for useful criticism means making space for perspectives that may be uncomfortable or unexpected. It also means looking beyond reassurance and inviting others to identify opportunities for change. In Devys’s view, knowing where improvement is needed is a necessary step toward acting on it.

Her emphasis on constructive input also connects back to communication style. Feedback is most useful when its purpose is understandable and its delivery helps the recipient process it. Directness can identify an issue, while context can clarify why the issue matters. Together, those elements can turn criticism into a practical starting point for growth.

Looking toward the next challenge

Growth is a central focus for Devys, along with a readiness to look for the next challenge. Her outlook does not frame development as a finished achievement. Instead, it reflects an ongoing process of listening, adjusting and seeking opportunities to improve.

This approach brings several parts of her philosophy together. Honest conversations can reveal what needs attention. Constructive criticism can provide direction. Awareness of different communication styles can make a message more effective. A clear explanation of why can help people understand the purpose behind a request, decision or change.

None of those practices removes the complexity from working relationships. Direct communication may still require adjustment, and feedback may still be difficult to hear. Devys’s perspective is grounded in engaging with those challenges rather than avoiding them. Her aim is to communicate clearly while maintaining the relationships needed to move the work ahead.

Clarity that supports connection

At the center of Devys’s approach is a practical idea: clarity and connection do not have to compete. Honesty can coexist with attention to delivery. Directness can be paired with an understanding that each person receives information differently. Criticism can become constructive when it is offered and received with improvement in mind.

For colleagues navigating different perspectives, priorities and communication preferences, that combination offers a useful framework. Say what needs to be said, remain open to feedback and explain the reasoning behind the message. For Devys, those habits support both stronger alignment and continued growth—while keeping people focused on what comes next.