John Robertson: The Extra Inch
A Special Series from PEP Talks
Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood?
We often tell the stories of our patients, but behind every Moffitt patient experience is someone who shows up each day with compassion, purpose, and heart.
So… who are the people in your neighborhood?
- The teammate down the hall who always goes the extra mile.
- The quiet hero working behind the scenes.
- The one whose story has shaped the way they care for others.
In this new series, we’re turning the spotlight inward, sharing the stories, the “why,” and the heart of the people who make Moffitt what it is.
And here’s where you come in: We want you to introduce us.
Who do you know that we need to meet? Email us at peptalk@moffitt.org and tell us about your neighbors.
Because someone in your neighborhood has a story worth telling… and we can’t wait to hear it.
When John Robertson came to Moffitt for prostate cancer treatment, he was frightened and looking for signs that something might go wrong. Instead, he found strength everywhere he looked.
The care he experienced, from the smallest interactions to the most critical moments, left John with more than gratitude. It left him determined to understand how Moffitt creates a culture where people feel consistently seen, supported and cared for.
John shares how his experience at Moffitt inspired him to bring those same principles of intentional care to an organization serving vulnerable children and families across Florida, and why making a meaningful difference may not require going the extra mile, but simply taking the extra inch.
What we learned from John’s story:
- People experience an organization through individual moments. A brief interaction can carry enormous weight for someone who is frightened or vulnerable.
- The spaces between major events matter.
- Every role contributes to the experience; patients don't separate clinical care from valet service, navigation, registration, transportation, or environmental support.
- Eye contact, clear communication and genuine acknowledgment can reassure someone that they have not been forgotten.
- The extra mile may begin with an extra inch. Pause. Notice. Ask one more question. Respond to the person who is actually standing in front of you.
For more stories, search for "Pep Talks with Moffitt" wherever you get your podcasts, or tune in and subscribe via our show page.
