Spotlight on Women in Healthcare Leadership: Candy Costas

Join Everly for our inaugural Spotlight on Women in Healthcare Leadership event, where we get to know Candy Costas, President & Co-Owner of Privatus Care Solutions. From starting her career as a registered nurse to leading a healthcare company, Candy's journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and growth. She has done it all while navigating personal challenges, raising a family, and maintaining her incredible sense of fun and fashion.

Career Beginnings & Inspirations

What did you want to be when you grew up?

As a young girl, I was very much a "girly girl" — I loved Barbie Dolls, the theater, and dreamed of being an actress on Broadway. But as I got older, practicality set in. I remember thinking, "I love the hospital environment, maybe I'll be a doctor." My mom, however, suggested nursing was a solid career for a woman — "a good fallback." For some reason, I listened to her.

But it didn't last long. I worked on a cardiothoracic floor at Tufts and later did spinal cord injury work, witnessing many tragic accidents. While my work was rewarding, I felt that I was capable of more. I knew that I was a creative person, someone who thought outside the box, and I felt that a task-focused career wasn't fulfilling my potential. So, I transitioned into medical sales, using my nursing background but in a different, dynamic way.

Each day I traveled, met new people, and encountered new challenges – I loved the variety and sense of adventure — this was before cell phones and GPS, so I relied on a beeper and a paper map while driving north to Bangor, Maine!

Leadership Journey & Mentorship

Do you remember a moment or turning point where you decided to pursue leadership?

I never decided to move into leadership; it wasn't a conscious choice. I simply wanted to love what I was doing and make a lot of money. But as time passed, I realized that leadership could allow me to create greater impact and do what I loved on a larger scale.

Who inspired you or mentored you in your career?

It was my dad who inspired me most. My mom believed that a woman's place was at home, raising children, but my dad was a self-made entrepreneur. He didn't graduate from college, but he worked tirelessly, long hours, rising through the ranks in the supermarket industry before buying his own store.

He was highly respected and was never afraid to take risks — I admired his work ethic, integrity, and the way he treated his employees.

Career Lessons & Accomplishments

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Without a doubt, I've learned not to be intimidated by anyone, regardless of their title - men and women alike. People may have more formal education, or a different education, but that doesn't make them smarter than me. Women should never feel less capable — put your mind to learning and growing, and you can achieve anything.

What was your biggest professional challenge?

The most significant challenge was dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, we had to rethink everything. We had to lay off staff and make some very tough decisions. But the greatest success was that we got through it. We kept all eight offices open, including Boston, Cape Cod, Manhattan, Greenwich, Westchester County, New Jersey, Long Island, and Palm Beach.

What’s your biggest personal challenge?

My biggest personal challenge came when after twenty years of marriage, my husband left me for my best friend. I never saw it coming. Despite the heartache, I refused to let it hold me back. I kept moving forward, never missed a day of work, and stayed committed to the things that brought me joy — like tango and swing dancing. With the support of my family and a good therapist, I made it through this difficult time as a stronger and wiser person.

What’s your greatest personal accomplishment?

Two-fold. First, my relationship with my current husband — I took a bold step and called him to make the first move, and after 21 years we have a relationship that couldn’t be better. Second, my children. They’re both entrepreneurs, and the bond we share, the way we support each other, fills me with great pride. They often reach out to me for advice, and we very much enjoy spending time together. I’m truly blessed.

What advice would you give to a woman just starting her career in healthcare?

Do what you love. Make sure that when you wake up, you’re excited to go to work. If you don’t feel that way, start thinking about a change. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

A Moment for Fashion....

I've always loved style and fashion. As a teenager, I wasn't afraid to wear what no one else was wearing. In adulthood, I’ve always been vocal, sometimes offering unsolicited opinions. One day my daughter encouraged me to start a blog, so I created ‘Ginger-Bred’ as an outlet for my passion for style. The name was inspired by my mother, Ginger, who was very stylish in her own right.

The Fun Questions

What sound or noise do you love?

I listen to music every single day, every morning as I am getting dressed. Besides that, I love the sound of laughter. When I visit our offices and hear people laughing, it tells me that they’re happy and enjoying each other’s company.

What sound or noise do you hate?

I can’t stand silence. At home I need music or TV on. Quiet offices, quiet homes, or even quiet restaurants — I just can’t do it. It feels off to me.

What’s your last meal?

A medium-rare, juicy cheeseburger — that's my go-to comfort food.

Who would play you in a movie?

Lady Gaga. She's versatile, strong, bold, and has a multifaceted personality — just like me!

What’s your motto or mantra?

The style side of me likes, "When the sun goes down, the heels go up” and “The special occasion to dress up for is life!” In relationships, my motto is "Those who play together, stay together." But the primary mantra that I live by is: Work hard, play hard, enjoy every day.

How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as a kind person who lived every day to its fullest — right until the end.

Candy Costas' journey is so inspiring, showing that resilience, passion, and hard work can lead to success — not just in business, but in life. Her story reminds us all to take bold steps, embrace creativity, and, most importantly, to live each day to its fullest.