Story 8 - Leadership and Innovation with Dr. Gregory Mueller
Growing up in Ogallala, Nebraska, as the youngest of five siblings, Dr. Gregory (Greg) Mueller’s path to becoming a world-renowned plastic surgeon was shaped by pivotal experiences and influential mentors. Among these was his introduction to NHRI by his Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity pledge dad, John O’Holleran.
Greg participated in the NHRI Lakeview Project and found himself surrounded by leaders whose drive and purpose resonated deeply with him.
When asked what he remembered about first joining NHRI, Dr. Mueller shared, “Everybody who was in Foundation was very involved; they were going places, and that attracted me to the organization—the leaders.” This became true for Dr. Meuller as well. He was a leader on campus as he was an ASUN senator, New Student Orientation Leader, Biology Teacher’s Assistant (TA), just to name a few of the ways he served UNL.
Learning and Leading Through NHRI
Dr. Mueller credits NHRI as one of the most impactful experiences of his college career. From participating in mentoring relationships to taking Dr. Dodge’s influential class on leadership principles, NHRI became a cornerstone of his personal and professional development. A concept that particularly stuck with him was the self-fulfilling prophecy.
“One of the best experiences of my college career was taking Dr. Dodge’s class and serving as a TA the following year. Teaching the concepts forced me to learn them deeply and that was incredibly powerful.”
Dr. Dodge lecturing during one of his many classes
Self-fulling Prophecy
The phrase "self-fulfilling prophecy" describes the mysterious force that operates in diverse fields, including politics, economics, athletics, medicine and international relations.
Almost any assertion you make about a person -- including yourself -- can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We are constantly making predictions about what we can and cannot do. That is also true of most of the everyday challenges we face. Some mornings we say, "This just isn't my day," and everything goes wrong. Other mornings, we feel that the world is our oyster; and everything goes swimmingly. We fulfill our own prophecy. Priceless People, 1986 (page 19)
Skills and Strengths
Dr. Mueller also learned the importance of team dynamics and that everyone has different skills and strengths. He shared, “building a team means recognizing and drawing on those strengths to achieve something greater together.”
Strengths are any skills, talents, abilities, or personal traits which help individuals express themselves or function more effectively within their environments. Strengths are power -- power to act in a variety of areas: physical, intellectual, creative, emotional, and vocational. Skills and talents that help us relate effectively with people are indispensable if we are to function successfully within our environment. An exhaustive listing of strengths would be almost impossible, for human potential is virtually boundless. Priceless People, 1986 (page 43)
Nebraska to California
After graduating from UNL, Dr. Mueller attended medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He completed his surgical residency and trauma fellowship at UC Irvine before pursuing a two-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at USC.
Despite competing in a demanding field, Dr. Mueller remarks, “I realized my educational background in Nebraska was excellent and I can compete with anyone including the Ivy League schools.”
For the past 25 years, Dr. Mueller has practiced as a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. During this time, a passion grew for improving and innovating new techniques for neck rejuvenation. His groundbreaking technologies include advancements in neck lift procedures and AI-based body scanning for skin cancer evaluation, making him a leader in his field.
Applying NHRI Principles in Medicine
Dr. Mueller often draws on lessons learned at NHRI in his medical practice. His ability to connect with patients, assess their motivations, and ensure their psychological readiness for surgery reflects his deep understanding of human nature—skills he credits to his NHRI experience. “I think I’m good at reading people because of what I learned at Foundation.”
“It’s all about relationships, no matter your profession. Everyone wants to be heard and listened to.”
Surrounded by Difference Makers
Dr. Mueller’s success is also rooted in the mentors and role models who shaped his journey. What I learned from NHRI is the importance of seeking out role models whose values are in the right direction and quality. “I intentionally align and distance myself from those going in a different direction. These difference makers have and continue to influence many different factors in my life.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has maintained close ties with his NHRI friends, SAE pledge brothers and family in Nebraska. Recently, Dr. Mueller was featured in our Retreat Story. He reflected on a number of occasions where he hosted friends at his family’s homes in Lincoln and Scottsdale in college and the fun they all had together.
Dr. Mueller’s story exemplifies the NHRI’s mission of developing leaders and investing in meaningful relationships no matter where life leads.