Healthcare Leadership Excellence: Recent Episodes
Karl Pister
The Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast was created to share valuable insights around leadership, communication, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. Karl Pister, with over 30 years of coaching experience, is a passionate advocate of excellent and influential leadership. In each episode, Karl discusses real-life leadership challenges through the lenses of outstanding healthcare professionals. He is committed to empowering every healthcare leader lead with integrity, excellence, and inspiration.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jamie Hardy, a pharmacist, speaker, and wellbeing strategist known as the โLifestyle Pharmacist,โ to explore what happens when high-performing healthcare leaders spend too long operating under constant stress.
Dr. Jamie shares her own wake-up call: experiencing what she thought was a heart attack while sitting at her desk in the hospital. Although her heart was fine, the experience forced her to recognize that while she was helping lead others, she had stopped effectively leading herself.
We discuss what chronic stress does to the body and brain, including how prolonged elevations in cortisol and adrenaline can affect judgment, empathy, decision-making, and performance. More importantly, Dr. Jamie explains why leaders cannot simply push through depletion indefinitely.
She also shares practical ways leaders can begin taking better care of themselves without completely overhauling their livesโfrom how they spend the first 60 to 90 minutes of the morning to hydration, movement, nutrition, strategic rest, and building habits that actually last.
A key takeaway from our conversation is simple: leadership starts with self-leadership. If we expect ourselves to consistently show up for our teams, organizations, and patients, we have to build systems that allow us to perform without continually depleting ourselves.
And this conversation is only the beginning. Dr. Jamie will return for part two, where weโll move beyond individual wellbeing and explore what organizations can do to create healthier, more sustainable cultures for their leaders and teams.
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In this episode, I sit down with Mitchell Jeffery, founder of The Ember Collective, to discuss one of the most difficult transitions in healthcare leadership: moving from being a respected peer to becoming the leader of the team. Drawing from his background in behavioral health, HR, and organizational development, Mitchell shares practical advice for new and experienced leaders who want to build trust while leading effectively.
We explore why technical expertise alone is not enough to lead people well. Mitchell explains the shift from tactical thinking to strategic leadership and why the best clinicians are not always the best managers. He offers practical strategies for earning credibility, finding mentors, and developing the interpersonal skills that leadership requires.
A highlight of the conversation is Mitchell's memorable "What Car Does She Drive?" principle. A simple but powerful reminder that leaders must genuinely know the people they work with. We discuss how curiosity, empathy, and authentic relationships can transform difficult working relationships and create stronger, more trusting teams.
We also dive into topics including organizational culture, employee experience, performance reviews, conflict conversations, communication breakdowns in healthcare, and why asking thoughtful questions often leads to better leadership than rushing to conclusions. Throughout the conversation, Mitchell reminds us that great leadership is ultimately about making work better for the people we lead while creating an environment where both individuals and organizations can thrive.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
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๐ Contact us on our website.
๐ Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel.
Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Gilkes-Smith, healthcare operations consultant, doctoral candidate, and founder of The Focused Leader, to explore what truly shapes the patient experience and why it starts long before a patient enters the exam room. With more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Melissa shares practical insights on improving operations while creating cultures where both patients and employees thrive.
We discuss the importance of understanding the entire patient journey, from the first online search to the final bill, and why leaders must look beyond satisfaction scores to identify the moments that matter most. Melissa explains how small operational issues often have a greater impact on patient perceptions than the quality of clinical care itself.
Our conversation also focuses on leadership development in healthcare. We talk about the challenges clinicians face when they transition into leadership roles, the difficulty of managing former peers, and why organizations need to invest intentionally in developing leaders rather than assuming clinical excellence automatically translates into leadership success.
Finally, we explore the connection between employee experience and patient experience, discussing why culture, emotional intelligence, recognition, and effective conflict management are essential for building engaged teams that consistently deliver exceptional care. Melissa also shares the philosophy behind her Focused Leader coaching program and her passion for helping emerging healthcare leaders grow with confidence.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
๐ Follow us on LinkedIn.
๐ Contact us on our website.
๐ Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel.
Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with MaryCay Durrant to explore an unconventional but deeply practical approach to leadership. Drawing from decades of experience in Fortune 100 companies, MaryCay shares how nature provides a powerful framework for leading people through change, building trust, and creating healthier organizations.
We discuss why many workplaces continue to operate like machines, even though people are living, dynamic systems that thrive through connection, purpose, and relationships. MaryCay introduces her Return on Energy (ROE) framework, challenging leaders to think beyond productivity and instead consider how their leadership either restores or depletes the people around them.
Our conversation also explores lessons from nature and horses, including the importance of trust, healthy pressure, creating space for reflection, and understanding that meaningful growth often happens through small, intentional changes rather than dramatic transformations. MaryCay explains why the strongest leaders are not those who control the most, but those who remain grounded, consistent, and connected under pressure.
A key takeaway is that leadership is less about pushing people harder and more about creating the conditions where people can do their best work. By learning from the patterns found throughout nature, leaders can build organizations that are more resilient, more innovative, and ultimately more human.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
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๐ Contact us on our website.
๐ Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel.
Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with Adeste Sipin, Director of Academic Support at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, to explore an important leadership challenge: how to use data and artificial intelligence without losing sight of the people behind the numbers.
Adeste shares how he built an academic support program from the ground up by listening first to students, understanding their experiences, and using data to guide better decisions rather than define a person's worth. We discuss why failure should be viewed as information rather than identity, and why metrics should always serve the mission instead of replacing it.
We also dive into the growing role of AI in education and leadership. Adeste explains how he's teaching future physicians to use AI as a thinking partner rather than a shortcut, helping them develop stronger reasoning, better questions, and deeper self-awareness instead of simply accepting answers.
A key takeaway is that great leaders balance accountability with genuine care. Data provides direction, but understanding the story behind the data is what allows leaders to coach, develop, and help people reach their full potential. Throughout our conversation, Adeste reminds us that every metric represents a person, and leadership is at its best when we never lose sight of that.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Contact us on our website.
๐ Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel.
Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with Lon Hecht, CEO of Care2You, to discuss what it takes to lead innovation in healthcare while staying grounded in humility, ethics, and service. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare services, and executive leadership, Lon shares lessons from leading one of healthcare's most innovative care delivery models.
We explore how Care2You is bringing emergency department and hospital-level care directly into patients' homes, improving access, reducing costs, and creating better experiences for patients, providers, insurers, and hospitals alike. Lon explains why solving healthcare's biggest challenges requires creating value for every stakeholder, not just one.
Our conversation also turns to leadership. Lon reflects on becoming a CEO, the importance of knowing both your strengths and your limitations, and why great leaders surround themselves with people whose expertise complements their own. He emphasizes that humility is not a weakness but one of the foundations of effective leadership.
We also discuss innovation, creative problem solving, and the growing role of artificial intelligence. Rather than allowing AI to replace critical thinking, Lon believes leaders should use it as a thought partner while continuing to develop their own judgment and decision-making skills. Finally, we discuss conflict, ethical leadership, and the guiding principles that have shaped his career, including kindness, transparency, accountability, and doing what is right even when it is difficult.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Contact us on our website.
๐ Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel.
Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Deborah Kozik, pediatric cardiac surgeon and bioethics expert, alongside returning guest Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer and family physician, to explore the ethical challenges healthcare leaders face when there are no clear or easy answers.
We discuss how clinicians balance patient care, family wishes, professional judgment, and organizational realities in high-pressure situations. Through real clinical cases, Dr. Kozik and Dr. Kuhl share how thoughtful collaboration, open communication, and ethical reasoning help guide difficult decisions when lives are at stake.
We also explore moral distress, the importance of psychological safety within healthcare teams, and why leaders must create environments where people feel safe to speak up, question decisions, and learn without blame. The conversation highlights how slowing down, listening carefully, and bringing together diverse perspectives often leads to better outcomes for both patients and care teams.
A key takeaway is that ethical leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about making the best possible decision with the information available, remaining grounded in your values, and having the courage to reflect, learn, and improve after every difficult situation.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
๐ Contact us on our website.
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Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
For this special 200th episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I welcome back Dr. Britt Berrett, Managing Director of the Healthcare Leadership Program at Brigham Young University and one of the earliest guests on the podcast. Over the past several years, Dr. Berrettโs insights on leadership, culture, and organizational transformation have continued to shape how I think about healthcare and the leaders who serve within it.
We begin by discussing the state of healthcare today and the mission of the Healthcare Leadership Program at BYU. Dr. Berrett shares why he believes this is one of the most exciting periods in healthcare history and how leaders can navigate change by focusing on people, purpose, and service.
Drawing from his experience leading major healthcare organizations, Dr. Berrett reflects on the transformation of a struggling Texas hospital that went from a toxic work environment to becoming one of the top-performing hospitals in the country. We explore the leadership principles behind that turnaround, including building trust, investing in employees, creating accountability, and developing future leaders.
We also discuss the ideas behind his bestselling book, Patients Come Second, and why exceptional patient care begins with creating exceptional teams. Dr. Berrett explains how leadership culture directly influences organizational outcomes and why leaders must balance compassion with the courage to address toxic behaviors that undermine performance.
Another key theme is the future of healthcare leadership. We talk about the next generation entering the profession, the opportunities created by innovation and technology, and why Dr. Berrett remains optimistic about the future despite the challenges facing healthcare organizations today.
As we celebrate this 200th episode, there could be few guests more fitting for the conversation. Dr. Berrett brings together experience, humility, and a deep belief in the power of leadership to shape organizations, develop people, and improve the future of healthcare.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
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Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Medford Medical Center, for a conversation about conflict, communication, and leadership. Using a set of conflict-resolution cards created by mediator Kimberly Best, we explore practical ways leaders can navigate difficult conversations more effectively.
We begin with the idea of choosing generous assumptions and why assuming good intent creates space for understanding rather than judgment. Through real-world examples, we discuss how curiosity, humility, and thoughtful questions can help de-escalate tense situations and keep conversations productive.
We also talk about apologies, misunderstandings, and feedback. Dr. Kuhl shares why apologizing for the impact of a message can be different from apologizing for the action itself, and how simple questions like, โTell me what you heard,โ can uncover misunderstandings before they become larger conflicts.
Another key theme is the difference between disagreement and opposition. We discuss why healthy teams make room for differing perspectives, how leaders can create cultures where people feel safe speaking up, and why strong relationships are often the foundation of productive conflict.
The takeaway is simple: conflict is not something leaders should avoid. When approached with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen, it can become one of the most powerful tools for learning, growth, and better decision-making.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
๐ Follow us on LinkedIn.
๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
๐ Contact us on our website.
๐ Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel.
Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with Tara Austraat-Churik, a healthcare and life sciences leader whose career has spanned consulting, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, AI, and organizational transformation.
We discuss the importance of critical thinking in leadership and why many organizations spend too much time solving symptoms instead of root causes. Tara shares practical approaches for defining problems more effectively, creating space for deeper thinking, and avoiding the trap of constant reaction mode.
We also explore self-leadership, the challenges of leading across generations, and what younger professionals need most from today's leaders. Tara offers insights on mentorship, career development, and building environments where people can grow and contribute at a higher level.
A significant part of our conversation focuses on artificial intelligence. We discuss how leaders can use AI as a tool without outsourcing their judgment, where healthcare may see the greatest impact, and why critical thinking, communication, and human connection will remain essential skills regardless of technological change.
Finally, Tara introduces the concept of compound expertiseโthe idea that combining experiences across multiple disciplines can create unique value and open new opportunities in an increasingly uncertain future.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
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Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down again with my longtime mentor and friend, Jay Youell. Jay was actually the very first guest on this podcast, and after nearly 200 episodes, I wanted to return to someone who had a tremendous influence on both my leadership and my life.
We talk about integrity, trust, listening, and the importance of having a moral compass. Jay reflects on lessons from his father, how his faith transformed the way he leads, and why honoring your word still matters. He also shares practical wisdom on handling conflict, slowing conversations down, and truly listening to people instead of simply waiting to respond.
A major theme throughout the conversation is culture. From leadership to cowboying to surfing to relationships, Jay explains how respect, consistency, humility, and humanity shape the environments we create around us.
Toward the end, Jay offers guidance for younger leaders on choosing the right influences, managing priorities, and staying grounded in values that last over time.
This was a deeply personal conversation for me, and one I believe will stay with listeners long after it ends.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
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In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Jason Kuhl to talk through one of the most important leadership skills: how to handle conflict when the stakes are high.
We discuss why tough conversations often go sideways, especially when people feel rushed, defensive, or unheard. Dr. Kuhl and I talk about the need to slow the process down, name the tension in the room, and create enough safety for people to think clearly.
We also explore the importance of preparation before difficult meetings. Leaders cannot just walk into conflict and hope it goes well. They need to understand the people, the motivations, the emotions, and the real problem underneath the surface.
A key takeaway is that psychological safety is not the absence of threat. It is the presence of relationship. When leaders build trust before the meeting, they have a much better chance of guiding people through tension when it matters most.
The conversation is practical, honest, and full of reminders that influence under pressure starts with preparation, curiosity, humility, and the willingness to slow down long enough to get it right.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
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Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I continue my conversation with Dr. Barry Davis, physician, prevention scientist, and author of The Preventioneers. Dr. Davis shares more of the stories behind the people who recognized preventable harm and pushed through enormous resistance to create change.
We begin by discussing auto safety and the doctors who first connected the injuries they were seeing in hospitals to the need for safer car design. Dr. Davis explains how ideas like seat belts, safer dashboards, and structural protections faced years of resistance before eventually becoming standard.
A major part of our conversation centers on persistence. Whether discussing public health, smoking, or hypertension research, Dr. Davis highlights a common pattern: people resisted change until enough evidence, communication, and persistence finally broke through.
We also talk about curiosity and why progress often begins when someone notices that โsomething is offโ and refuses to ignore it. Dr. Davis explains that many breakthroughs in prevention started with people simply paying close attention to repeated problems and asking better questions.
We close with a discussion on suicide prevention and the importance of intervening early, creating barriers to harm, and recognizing that even small interruptions can save lives.
The takeaway from this episode is that prevention rarely starts with certainty. It starts with curiosity, persistence, and people willing to challenge what others accept as normal.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Barry R. Davis, physician, prevention scientist, and author of The Preventioneers. Dr. Davis has spent decades studying how problems develop and what leaders can do before those problems become disasters.
We talk about why most major failures begin with smaller warning signs that people either miss or ignore. Dr. Davis explains the process of recognizing harm, gathering evidence, understanding causes, and building systems that help prevent the same issue from happening again.
We also discuss critical thinking, resistance to change, and why people often hold tightly to old systems even when the evidence points in a different direction.
A major part of our conversation focuses on the stories inside his book, including Benjamin Franklinโs work in fire prevention and Ignaz Semmelweisโ early discovery that handwashing dramatically reduced deaths during childbirth. Both stories reveal the same leadership challenges: observation, persistence, communication, and resistance from others who do not want to change.
The larger takeaway is this: prevention usually starts small. It begins with someone paying attention, asking better questions, and having the courage to act before the larger crisis develops.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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In this episode, I sit down with Stevenson Carlebach, a faculty member with Harvardโs Program on Negotiation, to talk about whatโs really happening when people resist.
We begin with his path from theater into negotiation work. What stands out is how closely those worlds connect, both are about understanding behavior and how people respond under pressure.
A core idea we explore is resistance. Stevenson explains that resistance is not stubbornness, itโs a protective reaction. When someone hears a proposal, they are asking: Does this make sense? Does it meet my interests? Do I trust this person? If the answer to any of those is no, resistance shows up. Most of us respond by pushing harder, which only makes it worse.
This leads into the Influence Equation. Influence is not just about the strength of your ideas, but your ability to understand and reduce the other personโs resistance. That shift moves you from arguing to getting curious.
We also talk about positions versus interests. People argue over what they want, but the real work is understanding why they want it. Until you get to that level, you stay stuck.
A big part of that comes down to listening. Not listening to respond, but listening to understand whatโs driving the other person. Most people think they do this, but they donโt.
The takeaway is straightforward: conflict moves when you understand whatโs underneath the resistance, not when you push harder.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
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In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Medford Medical Center and a returning voice on the podcast. Our conversation centers on real-world scenarios, situations leaders face every day, and how to navigate them with judgment, awareness, and discipline.
We begin with a simple but powerful idea: being right is not the same as being effective. Dr. Kuhl shares a moment where a physician raised valid concerns, but the tone and delivery were working against any real resolution. That leads us into a deeper discussion on emotional intelligence, what it actually looks like in practice and why it determines whether you keep your seat at the table.
From there, we explore how strong leaders handle tension. Instead of reacting with judgment, Dr. Kuhl emphasizes curiosity. Asking better questions, assuming good intent, and recognizing that many issues that look like individual mistakes are often system failures underneath.
We also talk about restraint in leadership. In high-stakes environments, the instinct is often to move quickly and assign blame. But Dr. Kuhl makes the case for slowing down, validating the facts, and protecting both people and process before jumping to conclusions.
The conversation closes with a broader look at culture and how leaders create environments where people can speak openly, handle pressure, and still treat others with respect.
The takeaway is this: strong leaders donโt just aim to be right, but they aim to be effective, thoughtful, and intentional in how they lead.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
๐ Contact us on our website.
๐ Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel.
Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Medford Medical Center. Every time we talk, we get into what leadership really looks like when things are hard.
We begin with a reflection Dr. Kuhl shared with his team, drawn from Forged in Crisis. The stories of Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Shackleton, Frederick Douglass, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rachel Carson all point to the same idea: leadership is formed in difficulty, not comfort. Dr. Kuhl highlights Lincolnโs ability to turn opponents into allies and Shackletonโs commitment to his people.
From there, we move into a challenge many leaders faceโfeeling like they have no control. Dr. Kuhl reframes this through the idea of agency. Even in a broken system, you can improve what is directly in front of you. Small, consistent improvementsโwhat he calls aggregation of marginal gainsโadd up over time.
We also talk about balancing realism with hope. Healthcare is under real pressure, but leaders still choose how they show up. You may not control the system, but you control your response.
Finally, we discuss emotional discipline, staying present in difficult conversations, and managing your reactions so you can lead well.
The takeaway is simple: you may not control the system, but you always have a choice in how you lead within it. Small actions, done consistently, still matter.
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
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Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with Ed Speedling, Principal and Executive Advisor at ES Healthcare Consulting. Ed brings a unique blend of clinical experience and senior leadership, giving him a practical perspective on a topic many leaders avoid: mental health in the workplace.
Ed began his career working directly with children and families, and that experience continues to shape how he approaches leadership. Today, he advises health systems, private equity groups, and organizations across the country, helping leaders find solutions that work for both the business and the people inside it.
We talk about a situation most leaders have faced, but few feel prepared for. Someone walks into their office with a personal issue, and suddenly, the leader who can handle complex operations feels out of their depth. Ed explains that the issue is not competence but that most organizations never teach leaders how to respond in those moments.
We also explore what it looks like to take mental health seriously as an organization. Ed makes a clear point: mental health is health. He walks through how leaders can move beyond good intentions and build systemsโprevention, early intervention, and measurementโthat support both employees and performance.
A key part of the conversation centers on belonging and psychological safety. Ed connects this directly to results, showing that strong outcomes require strong teams.
If you are a leader focused on results but have not spent much time on the human side of leadership, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you practical ways to lead more effectively.
Get in touch with Ed: https://www.eshealthcareconsulting.com/
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
๐ Contact us on our website.
๐ Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel.
Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. S. Irfan Ali, CEO of Pioneer Medical Group, whose journey from humble beginnings to leading multiple healthcare organizations offers a grounded and thoughtful view of leadership.
We begin with his story, coming to the United States as a trained physician but working jobs like carpet cleaning and pizza delivery while rebuilding his path. Dr. Ali shares how he stayed focused through setbacks, viewing failure as data and emphasizing that discipline is not intensity or motivation, but structure in the absence of emotion.
We then explore how his values show up in leadership. He explains that people need three things to do their best work: to feel appreciated, to feel safe, and to see a glimpse of the future. When those are present, engagement follows. He also challenges the idea of leadership as a title, reminding us that leadership is about understanding your role and respecting the roles of everyone around you.
A key part of our conversation is thinking. Dr. Ali talks about setting aside dedicated time each week to sit and reflect without distraction. He sees this as essential, not optional. Without it, leaders stay reactive instead of becoming clear and intentional in how they lead.
We also discuss the frustration many feel in healthcare today. Dr. Ali acknowledges the challenges but focuses on choice: leaders can stay in cynicism or move toward solutions. He encourages understanding what drives behavior, often fear or insecurity, and responding with curiosity rather than judgment.
The takeaway is simple: leadership starts with discipline, humility, and clarity. When your values are aligned and you make time to think, you create an environment where people can grow and perform at a higher level.
Get in touch with Dr. Ali:
https://www.instagram.com/drirfanaliofficial
https://irfanalimd.com/
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
๐ Who is Karl Pister?
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
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Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.
In this episode, I sit down with Christy Pretzinger, founder of WG Content and The Better Leader Project. Christy has spent more than two decades in healthcare, but her real focus is on helping leaders create environments where people can thrive.
We begin with a common tension in leadership: do culture and soft skills really matter, or do people just need to do their jobs? Christy makes the case that these โsoftโ skills, like empathy, vulnerability, and emotional awareness, are actually what drive trust, connection, and performance.
We also talk about AI and where it fits. Christy sees it as a helpful tool, but not a replacement for judgment. Leaders still need to think, question, and bring humanity to their decisions.
A key part of our conversation is vulnerability. Christy explains why people resist it and why it takes practice, often in community, to develop. She also introduces her idea of the Cultural Balance Sheet, a simple way to think about how leaders build strong cultures through daily choices.
The takeaway is straightforward: leadership is not about being perfect. It is about making better choices, one moment at a time.
Get in touch with Christy: https://www.christypretzinger.com/
๐ Download The Leaderโs Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence.
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๐ Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game.
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In this episode, I sit down with Susan Inouye, a leadership coach who has worked with over 600 companies across 40 industries. Susan brings a unique perspective shaped by her early career in film and her focus on helping people become the best version of themselves.
We begin with a challenge many leaders face today: working effectively across generations. Susan explains that while younger employees may seem different, their core needs are not. People want to feel heard, use their gifts, and be part of something meaningful. The issue is not the generation, itโs how we lead.
From there, we discuss her Sawubona approach, meaning โI see you,โ and the shift it requires from leaders. She walks through key changes, including moving from control to connection and from conformity to truly seeing individuals. Instead of forcing performance, she challenges leaders to understand what each person naturally does well and build from there.
We also explore practical examples, including a leader ready to fire a high-performing employee who wasnโt meeting traditional metrics. By stepping back and recognizing his strengths, the organization improved both retention and overall performance.
The takeaway is simple: leadership today is less about directing people and more about understanding them. When leaders take the time to truly see their people, performance and engagement follow.
Get in touch with Susan: https://susaninouye.com/
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Katherine Meese, bestselling author of Gen Fluence: How to Lead a Multi-Generational Workforce. With a background in organizational behavior, healthcare research, and leadership development, Dr. Meese brings both research and practical insight to one of the biggest challenges facing leaders today: how to lead well across generations.
We talk about the reality of todayโs workforce, especially in healthcare, where four generations are now working side by side and a fifth is on the way. Dr. Meese explains why so much of the current tension gets pinned on Gen Z, and she helps separate myth from reality. Some of what leaders are feeling is real, but her reframe is powerful: instead of seeing younger workers as fragile, perhaps we should see them as brave.
We also discuss what leaders can do to better support younger employees without lowering standards. Dr. Meese shares practical ideas around feedback, communication, work design, and expectation setting. She explains why many younger employees need more frequent encouragement, clearer training, and stronger support systems, especially in high-pressure environments like healthcare.
One of the strongest moments in the conversation is her insight on conflict and communication. She talks about the importance of helping people carry their own message instead of always passing concerns up the chain. She also introduces the idea of โsailing rules,โ a helpful framework for understanding why direct communication in urgent situations is not always personal, but often necessary.
The larger takeaway is this: leading a multi-generational workforce is not about stereotypes or frustration. It is about understanding the world people are coming from, adjusting where needed, and creating the kind of culture where trust, hope, accountability, and growth can actually take root.
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Smith, a physician from Australia and The Charting Coach for Physicians and Clinicians. Dr. Smith has practiced medicine in both Australia and Canada and has experienced firsthand the growing administrative burden that many physicians face.
After years of long evenings and weekends spent finishing charts, Dr. Smith began asking a simple but powerful question: Is this sustainable? That question led her to rethink how clinical days are structured and eventually develop practical strategies that help physicians complete their documentation during the workday instead of hours later.
We talk about the reality of modern clinical practice, seeing large numbers of patients while managing charting, inbox messages, results, and administrative demands. Dr. Smith explains why the math of the clinical day often doesnโt work and how small adjustments in workflow, teamwork, and mindset can begin to close the gap.
One of her core ideas is simple but challenging: see the patient and close the chart. While that may sound impossible at first, she explains how incremental changes and better questions can gradually make it achievable.
The larger takeaway is this: while the system may be imperfect, physicians still have choices in how they approach their day. Sometimes the first step toward sustainability is simply asking, What small change could make today better?
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In this episode, I sit down with Cary Sparrow, Founder and CEO of WageScape and a former nuclear submarine officer. Cary brings a unique blend of technical thinking, leadership experience, and insight into todayโs labor market.
We begin with a challenge many organizations face: hiring people who actually stay. Cary explains that leaders often focus heavily on technical experience in interviews while overlooking something just as importantโunderstanding their own culture. When the reality of the workplace doesnโt match what candidates expect, employee churn is almost inevitable.
From there, we discuss what drives retention today. Cary highlights the importance of both culture and competitive pay, noting that leaders must understand their environment and the real labor market if they want to attract and keep strong people.
We also explore leadership lessons from Caryโs time in the Navy and in business. He emphasizes humility, self-awareness, and the willingness to admit when youโre wrong. In fast-moving environments, he says, the biggest risk is often not moving fast enough.
The takeaway is simple: strong leadership requires knowing your organization, making decisions with imperfect information, and building an environment where people can succeed.
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In this episode, I sit down with President Cameron Martin of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. We first connected at a healthcare leadership conference at Brigham Young University, and after one conversation I knew I wanted him on the show.
President Martin shares the story behind Rocky Mountain University and the vision that built it. We talk about the difference between training great clinicians and developing strong leaders, and why that gap matters so much in healthcare.
A major theme in this conversation is his leadership philosophy of loving and lifting those in need. He explains that leadership starts with seeing people, meeting them where they are, and listening well. Those principles matter not only in patient care, but also in how leaders treat colleagues, teams, and staff.
We also spend time on the difficult transition from strong individual contributor to leader. President Martin offers practical insight for those stepping into new roles, especially people who suddenly find that relationships shift, feedback feels harder, and confidence gets tested. His counsel is clear: know your strengths, stay teachable, welcome perspective, and address the problem rather than attacking the person.
We close with a simple but important reminder: leadership is messy. But if you are willing to face conflict early, lead with authenticity, and keep people at the center, that mess can become a place of growth, trust, and real impact.
If you want, I can make it one more step shorter so it matches the style of your recent episode summaries even more closely.
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In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Medford and a returning guest on the podcast. Every time we talk, the conversation leads to thoughtful insights about leadership and the realities of healthcare.
We begin with a story from Dr. Kuhlโs early neuroscience researchโwhat he calls โlife in the rat lab.โ After months of failed experiments, the breakthrough came when he stepped back and changed the approach, quite literally โflipping the rat.โ That moment becomes the metaphor for our conversation.
From there, we discuss a challenge many healthcare organizations face: complaint and event-reporting systems that sometimes replace direct communication. Dr. Kuhl shares how creating buffers and encouraging conversation before formal reports are filed can improve culture and trust.
The takeaway is simple but powerful: when a system isnโt working, it may be time to rethink the approach. Sometimes leadership requires us to step back, ask better questions, and look at the problem from a completely different angle.
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In this episode, I talk with Radhika Dutt, MIT-educated engineer, startup founder, and author of Radical Product Thinking, about how leaders solve complex problems by changing the way they think, not just the way they act. She shares lessons from her early startup years and the โproduct diseasesโ that trap teams into chasing big logos, funding, and metrics instead of meaningful outcomes.
Radhika reframes a product as a mechanism for creating change, which applies just as much to healthcare as it does to tech. We walk through how leaders can clarify the problem, challenge the status quo, define the end state, and then design workflows and processes that actually move the system forward. We also dig into her newer idea of puzzle thinking, replacing goal-and-target obsession with better questions and real understanding.
We close with practical ways to build psychological safety without settling for fake harmony, and a simple loop for improving any process: How well did it work? What did we learn? What will we try next?
This is crucial learning for all leaders regarding an area that is often overlooked. We look forward to having you join our audience of listeners.
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In this episode, I sit down with someone I genuinely admire, Rick Burris, founder of Leaders Fuel and author of Leaders Fuel Daily. Rick and I go back several years, and every time we talk, I walk away sharper.
This conversation centers around something deceptively simple: questions.
Rick shares how reflective questions became the foundation of his work. Not as clever prompts, but as tools for clarity, alignment, and growth. We talk about how leaders can move from gathering more information to developing deeper insight. We unpack the difference between perception and perspective and why your โmapโ is never the territory.
We also tackle a timely topic: AI. Rick introduces his practical โ30-40-30โ approach: you lead with 30% context, let AI assist with 40%, and then you refine the final 30%. The message is clear: AI is a tool, not an oracle. Leaders must stay in charge of their thinking.
One of the strongest moments in this episode is Rickโs challenge around success and peace:
"Where have you been building success at the expense of peace? What would shift if peace became part of your strategy not just your reward?"
For leaders in healthcare, especially those who are driven, accomplished, and action-biased, this question lands.
We close with a reminder that excellence is not a destination. Itโs a continuous journey. Lifelong learning matters. Listening matters. And peace matters just as much as performance.
This episode is one you may want to revisit, preferably with pen and paper.
Get in touch with Rick: https://www.leadersfuel.com/contact
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In this episode, I sit down again with my friend and what may soon be our โperiodic co-host,โ Dr. Rob Orman. Rob is a physician, coach, and host of the Stimulus Podcast, and he works extensively with physicians facing burnout, behavioral challenges, and high-stakes pressure.
We focus on one central idea: how to expand the space between stimulus and response. So many talented clinicians and leaders arenโt struggling with competence, theyโre struggling with reactivity. Rob walks us through practical, research-backed tools for regaining control under pressure, including objective self-observation instead of forced positive affirmations, performance-based visualization that improves technical precision, and the intentional use of cue words to anchor calm focus.
We also explore what Rob calls โstate gratitudeโ. Not a personality trait, but a deliberate shift in the moment that reduces limbic activation and lowers stress response. For leaders in healthcare, especially those operating in emotionally intense environments, this is not soft thinking; it is physiology.
We close by discussing breathwork. Specifically, the one-to-two inhale/exhale ratio through the nose, as a direct way to downregulate the nervous system when thinking alone isnโt enough. This conversation is about maturity under pressure, about responding rather than reacting, and about building the internal discipline that high-stakes leadership demands.
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In this episode, I sit down with Lee Angus, President of Medi Leadership, a firm that has spent the last 25 years coaching healthcare executives in one of the most complex leadership environments in the world.
Leeโs journey is not a straight line. With a masterโs in accountancy from Brigham Young University, he began at Deloitte auditing and implementing SAP systems, watching firsthand how leaders either created the conditions for integration or sabotaged it. He saw something early in his career that has stayed with him ever since: you can build the best system in the world, but if leaders donโt prepare the culture for change, it will not work.
We talk about what healthcare leaders can do today to lead more effectively. Many rise through technical excellence with little formal leadership training. Lee argues that the first shift is intentionality. In an environment that forces leaders into constant โheads downโ reactivity, they must deliberately create โheads upโ space to think strategically. Without it, leadership becomes survival mode.
We also explore the danger of overused strengths. The expertise that got you promoted can limit your influence if you rely on it too heavily. Lee contrasts the โheroic leader,โ who believes they must have the answer, with the โgardener leader,โ who cultivates conditions, experiments, and builds coordinated movement in complex systems.
If you are a technically excellent leader who has suddenly found yourself responsible for people, culture, and coordination across silos, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you practical ways to lead differently.
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Leo Spector, practicing surgeon and CEO of OrthoCarolina, to talk about what happens when physicians step into real leadership. Dr. Spector shares his path from the OR to the executive seat, why he pursued an MBA, and what it feels like to learn administration the same way we learn medicine: through a kind of internship and residency in real time.
We get into the hard parts quickly: how to invite younger physicians into leadership when they donโt want โextra stuff,โ how to engage smart people without chasing consensus, and how to make decisions that half the room may dislike. Dr. Spector lays out a simple anchor that keeps him steady: please the purpose, not the people. We also unpack why good leaders protect the decision-making processโclear problem definition, real input, transparent criteriaโbecause outcomes can get hit by factors you canโt control, but a strong process is repeatable.
Dr. Spector also talks candidly about ego, people-pleasing, and the need for thicker skin. We explore what a real apology looks like (no rationalizing, no defense), how trust is built with peers who can match you step for step, and why emotional intelligence is not โsoftโ, itโs the foundation for self-awareness, reading the room, and leading humans who bring their whole lives to work.
Finally, we address a real tension in healthcare today: the OR demands command mode at times, but people can still feel unsafe. Dr. Spector offers practical guidance on how surgeons lead firmly for the patient in the moment and then circle back after to check in, reset, and keep the team intact.
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In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Joseph Michelli for the fifth time, and we focus on a topic that explains a huge percentage of leadership breakdowns I see in real organizations: emotional intelligence. Dr. Michelli and I talk about why EI is still treated as โsoftโ even though it solves the hard problems of miscommunication, defensiveness, mistrust, stalled execution, and unresolved conflict.
We get specific about what emotional intelligence actually is: regulating personal emotions, reading the emotions of others, and using both to improve the relationship and reach a shared goal. We also talk about how AI is already reading sentiment and behavior at a level that keeps advancing, which means leaders have to double down on what makes humans effective: presence, empathy, and the ability to stay grounded under pressure.
Dr. Michelli gives clear coaching for common leadership traps: using introversion as an excuse to avoid people skills, hiding behind โI donโt have time to develop others,โ and confusing emotional intelligence with people-pleasing. He calls it what it isโcompassionate assertivenessโnot aggression, and not being a doormat.
We also walk through practical language leaders can use immediately: noticing behavior without accusing, asking for help interpreting what youโre seeing, and aligning words with actions so commitments donโt quietly die after the meeting ends. We close with how EI helps in high-conflict moments, managing the bodyโs stress response, lowering the heat, and guiding the conversation toward something constructive instead of escalating it.
If you want to follow Dr. Michelliโs work, he shares how to connect with him on LinkedIn and access his newsletter, where he regularly writes on leadership, AI, and the human side of customer and patient experience.
Dr. Michelli's LinkedIn
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In this episode, I sit down with Nancy Griffin, founder of Women Worth and Wellness. Nancy began her career as one of the first female managers at Procter & Gamble Canada and later built a successful wealth management practice focused on women.
We talk about the connection between financial confidence and self-worth band why health and wealth are leadership issues, not side conversations. When leaders have clarity around their health, finances, and long-term plan, they lead with greater confidence and steadiness.
Nancy introduces the shift from compete, to collaborate, to co-create. Competing is common. Collaboration is better. But co-creationโstarting with the ultimate goal and working backward togetherโchanges how silos dissolve, and influence grows.
We also address โtall poppy syndrome,โ especially for new leaders who suddenly find themselves isolated or criticized. Nancyโs advice is direct: hold your ground, protect your health, stay kind, find a mentor, and keep going.
This conversation is about worth, influence, and the long game of leadership. If youโre stepping into a bigger role or trying to lead with more confidence thereโs something here for you.
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In this episode, I sit down with Laura Sicola, author of Speaking to Influence, to talk about something I hear in almost every organization: โWe need to communicate better.โ
Everyone agrees. Everyone nods. And then everyone goes back to the same habits.
Laura and I dig into why communication so often misses the mark, especially in healthcare environments where people are tired, rushed, and under real pressure. We talk about the illusion that communication has occurred, and why what you intend to say often has very little to do with what people actually hear.
We explore the expertโs curse, how deep expertise can work against you and the habit many leaders fall into of talking to themselves while other people are in the room. If youโve ever left a meeting wondering how the message got twisted, this will feel familiar.
We also get into executive presence. What it really is, why it matters, and how leaders can develop it. Laura offers practical ways to see how youโre actually coming across, not how you think you are, and we talk candidly about the double standard many women face in leadership.
We close with a reframing of branding for healthcare leaders. Laura offers a definition worth sitting with: a brand is the promise of an experience, consistently delivered.
This is an episode youโll want to listen to more than once, with ideas you can use immediately in meetings, huddles, and the conversations that matter most.
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In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Medford Medical Center, to talk about something every healthcare leader faces: conflict, and how to lead it instead of avoiding it.
I open with a moment thatโs stayed with me for years: watching Dr. Kuhl navigate a tense physician call with calm, discipline, and persistence until the right outcome happened. Itโs a clear example of what this episode is about. Conflict isnโt the exception in healthcare, itโs part of the job. The real question is how leaders show up when it happens.
We talk about why conflict often comes with change, why avoiding it erodes trust, and why healthy organizations donโt eliminate conflict, they use it to build clarity and alignment. Dr. Kuhl shares how trust is built long before conflict appears, why preparation and curiosity matter, and how separating the problem from the person changes everything.
We also dig into practical leadership tools: slowing conversations down, creating space for hard discussions, and using shared agreements to reduce friction over time. Dr. Kuhl explains why compassion, authenticity, and grace arenโt soft ideas, but cultural foundations that directly affect performance and patient care.
If conflict is something youโre facing or something youโve been putting off, this conversation offers a grounded, realistic way forward.
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In this episode, I sit down with Amos Balongo, a leadership consultant whose work spans corporate America, senior levels of the U.S. military, and global philanthropic efforts. Amos brings a rare combination of discipline, humility, and clarity to leadership, shaped by years of working in environments where performance, trust, and execution truly matter.
We talk about why leadership so often breaks down when it becomes overly complicated, and why simplicity is not a lack of sophistication but a sign of mastery. Amos shares practical guidance on narrowing focus, identifying the few priorities that create the greatest impact, and avoiding the trap of assumed communication. He explains why leaders, especially new leaders, must learn to listen before they act.
Our conversation goes deep into the shift from doing to leading. Amos explains why many high performers struggle when they step into leadership roles, and why strategic thinking requires intentional white space, reflection, and a willingness to remain a student. We also discuss servant leadership, motivation, inspiration, and what it really takes to move people toward meaningful change, particularly in high-stakes environments like healthcare.
We also explore Amosโs philanthropic work through the Camp Ohana Foundation, where he focuses on developing future leaders through mentorship, education, and opportunity in both the United States and Africa. His work with children reinforces one of the central themes of this episode: leadership works best when it is clear, human, and grounded in service.
This is a practical, grounded conversation for leaders who want to simplify their thinking, lead people more effectively, and create impact that lasts.
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In this episode, I sit down with Kim Bohr, President and Chief Operating Officer of SparkEffect, for a very real conversation about trust and why leaders canโt afford to treat it as a โsoftโ topic anymore.
Kim and I talk about SparkEffectโs newly released 2025 Trust in Organizations Report, and what immediately stood out to me is this: trust is measurable, it affects the bottom line, and it breaks down faster than most leaders realize. We explore why trust rises and falls most dramatically at the direct-leader level, how small missteps can undo years of credibility, and the real cost of what Kim calls vague leadership.
We work through practical scenarios healthcare leaders face every dayโnew nurse leaders managing experienced staff, teams navigating disruption and AI uncertainty, employees quietly cutting corners, and organizations handling layoffs without realizing the damage theyโre creating. Kim introduces ideas like trust elasticity, trust as influence rather than title, and how leaders can actually increase trust during disruption instead of losing it.
This conversation is about what leaders can do today. Not theory. Not slogans. We talk about clarity, consistency, curiosity, and transparency and how those show up in real conversations, real decisions, and real moments that either build trust or break it.
If you lead people in healthcare and feel the pressure of constant change, this episode will give you practical ways to think differently about trust and lead with more intention when it matters most.
- Listener landing page: sparkeffect.com/healthcare
- Kim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbohr/
- Kim's Company Website: https://sparkeffect.com/
- Courage to Advance Podcast: https://sparkeffect.com/sparkeffect-podcast-courage-to-advance/
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In this episode, I sit down with Dianna Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Cylient, and one of the early pioneers in the coaching profession. Dianna brings decades of experience helping leaders step into the conversations they most want to avoid, and shows why those conversations are often the ones that matter most.
We talk about the real cost of the conversation that doesnโt happen. Not just in dollars, but in stalled initiatives, broken trust, and teams that never quite move forward. Dianna challenges the idea that coaching is a โnice to haveโ and reframes it as a practical way to help people think, choose, and act differently when complexity is high.
A major part of our conversation centers on Diannaโs Untying the Knot framework. A simple but powerful way to approach sticky conversations one layer at a time. Instead of trying to force agreement, we explore how leaders can slow things down, build shared understanding, and create enough trust to move forward together.
We also dig into what really gets in the way of productive dialogue: fear, outdated leadership habits, and the urge to treat people like problems to be fixed. Dianna explains why curiosity, compassion, and calm are not soft skills, but essential leadership tools in todayโs unpredictable environment.
If you lead people through tension, disagreement, or change and especially if you feel pressure to โjust get resultsโ, this episode offers practical ways to think differently about conversations, conflict, and the human side of leadership.
Get in touch with Dianna: https://www.cylient.com/contact-us/
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In this episode, we step into new territory for the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast and take on medical and biomedical ethics as it actually shows up in real clinical life.
My guest is Dr. Deborah Kozik, a pediatric cardiac surgeon Iโve worked closely with over the past year. Alongside performing some of the most technically demanding surgeries in medicine, she also earned a Master of Science in Bioethics from Harvard University.
We talk about why ethics rarely feels urgent until a crisis hits. Most leaders donโt think about ethics day to day, yet when emotion, identity, power, and life collide, many feel unprepared. Dr. Kozik walks us through a practical Ethics 101, including the tension between duty-based and outcome-based thinking, and why ethical decisions are often about competing goods rather than right versus wrong.
A central theme is decision-making under emotional pressure. We explore how clinicians support parents facing life-altering decisions for their children, why surgeons cannot answer the question โWhat would you do if this were your child?โ, and how honoring autonomy means respecting each familyโs values and circumstances.
We also dig into communication failures that create ethical crises unnecessarily. Dr. Kozik explains how fragmented conversations, unclear language, and lack of team alignment can escalate conflict, and how slowing down, using multidisciplinary conversations, and asking families to repeat back what they understand can change outcomes.
We close with a simple primer on the four core principles of Western medical ethics, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, and why none should outweigh the others.
This is a challenging but important conversation for physicians, nurses, administrators, and executive leaders alike. Ethics shows up any time decisions affect real people in irreversible ways. My hope is that this episode gives you clarity and language you can use before the crisis arrives.
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In this episode, I do something a little different. Instead of sitting down with a single guest, I bring together the team that makes the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast and much of the work I do with leaders, actually happen. With more than 185 episodes behind us, this felt like the right moment to look back, and reflect on the year together.
We talk honestly about what stretched us last year. That includes deeper work in team facilitation and mediation with academic medical centers, growing our YouTube presence from scratch, and watching leadership principles move from theory into real life. I ask each team member to describe the year in one word, which leads to some thoughtful and personal reflections.
We also spend time on something we donโt talk about enough: how the talents we carry outside of our job titles, music, art, reading, listening, creativity, shape the way we lead and connect. Those skills matter more than we often realize.
We close with a conversation about leadership itself. Not leadership by title or org chart, but leadership rooted in empathy, adaptability, and influence. The kind of leadership that starts with people, not process, and recognizes that nothing meaningful happens without trust.
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork that makes this work possible, and a reminder that excellence in healthcare leadership is always a collective effort.
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In this episode, I sit down again with Laurie Baedke to tackle a topic that hits close to home for many leaders: control. We start with an honest admission: what makes us successful early in our careers often involves tight control, precision, and personal ownership. The problem is that those same habits quietly stop working as our roles expand.
Laurie walks through why high-achieving professionals, especially physicians and executives, struggle to let go. We talk about the psychology behind control, the discouragement that comes with needing new skills, and why leadership plateaus feel so tempting. She lays out a clear business case for releasing control, grounded in scalability, team engagement, burnout prevention, and succession planning.
We bring it to life with real examples from a fast-rising executive whose overwork masquerades as dedication, to a surgeon whose precision in the OR becomes a liability in leadership. We close by getting practical: replacing control with clarity, building trust through role definition, and shifting identity from being the hero who delivers outcomes to the leader who builds teams that can deliver without you.
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In this episode, I turn the mic over to my own coach, Andy Hall, for a conversation about conflict and why leaders struggle with it. Andy and I talk about my path into mediationโfrom early lessons reading Fisher and Uryโs Getting to Yes to the intensive week I spent training with the Harvard Program on Negotiation. That experience shaped how I work: long preparation, deep listening, and slowing conversations down so people can actually be understood.
We look at the most common leadership mistake: pretending conflict isnโt there and hoping it resolves itself. We talk about why even seasoned leaders get thrown off when emotion enters the room, and how the fear of โnot being seen as a good personโ drives avoidance. From there, we walk through the essentials of resolving conflict well: get buy-in from the top, meet privately with each party, set clear structure, remove interruptions, ask clarifying questions, and take time to build a solid foundation before moving to solutions.
Awareness is a major theme. Leaders must recognize what they bring into the room, learn to read others, and practice Coveyโs Habit 5โseek first to understand. Questions, not arguments, move conversations forward. And healthy teams need conflict; agreeing too quickly is often a sign that real concerns are hiding under the table.
We close with one practical step for anyone facing conflict right now: take a pad of paper, sit down with the other person, and focus only on understanding their story. Until you do that, every step that follows is built on sand.
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Medford Medical Center. We revisit a project we did together in Medford that became a model for breaking down silos: getting leaders in a room, listening first, and then building an agenda from what they actually needed rather than what I assumed they needed.
Dr. Kuhl walks through how that work continues today through an acute care medical leadership council, an innovation center, and a structured way of thinking about problems that blends structural design and project management. We talk about allostatic load, redlining in our personal and professional lives, and what it really means to โmetabolizeโ emotional trauma as a clinician.
We also dig into psychological safetyโhow reporting systems can be weaponized, why tough conversations still matter, and how leaders model personal fallibility so teams feel safe speaking up without drifting into false harmony.
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In this episode, I talk with Dr. Michelle Griffin, CEO of Griffin Resources and an industrialโorganizational psychologist who built her HR firm one year before COVIDโand still grew it to seven figures by year three. Michelle brings real, applied experience from navigating healthcare regulations, staffing crises, rapid change, and the financial pressure that hit small and mid-size organizations during the pandemic.
We get into what she learned leading clients through chaos, how she approached the numbers without an MBA, and why culture is always a choice. Her phrase โchoose wiselyโ shows up again and again. Michelle explains why emotional intelligence still predicts turnover, performance, and conflict outcomes, and how leaders can develop EQ in practical ways through coaching, feedback, and intentional behavior.
We also talk about the common traps new leaders fall into: avoiding conflict, ignoring career conversations, and treating people like โresults machines.โ Michelle makes a clear case for a people-first cultureโnot as a soft idea, but as a direct driver of patient experience, safety, and retention.
Itโs a grounded and practical conversation for anyone who wants to lead with clarity in a difficult environment.
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Scott Ellner, a former trauma surgeon who now leads physicians as president of Integris Health Medical Group in Oklahoma City. We start with a life-changing moment on the Pacific Coast Highway, in southern California, when Scott is a 21-year-old surfer and witnesses a Harley-Davison motorcycle accident. A trauma surgeon pulls over, places a breathing tube in the middle of the highway, and saves a life. That single act changes the entire direction of his career.
From there, we walk through the big ideas in his book, Wipe Out, Rise Up. We talk about what surfing teaches leaders: scanning the waves, building situational awareness, and knowing when not to โtake offโ โ as a surgeon and as an executive. Scott explains the difference between resilience and true anti-fragility, how to โfind comfort in discomfort,โ and why boring routines come before brilliance.
We also go straight at mental health. Scott shares honestly about suicidal thoughts earlier in his career and how getting help, practicing gratitude, and living his values shape the way he leads today. We close with the four cardinal virtues, the hard work of letting people go, and why trust and follow-through sit at the center of effective leadership.
This episode is for clinicians, physician leaders, and executives who are tired of white-knuckle resilience and want something deeper; for people navigating stress, uncertainty, and tough calls; and for anyone ready to use adversity, values, and daily practice to lead with more wisdom, courage, and clarity.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I sit down with author Graham Alcott to explore why kindness is not softโit is a driver of real performance. Graham is known worldwide for Productivity Ninja, but his newest book, Kind, looks at how trust, truth, and grace fuel team effectiveness.
Graham shares the moment in Rome where an audience of investment bankers asked about the secret to his success. His answer surprises even him: โWhen you are kind, you win.โ That sparks a room-wide divide between people who see kindness as strength and those who believe only pressure gets results. That tension shapes our entire conversation.
We dig into Grahamโs core distinction: nice vs. kind. Nice tells people what they want to hear. Kind tells them what they need to hear. Kindness requires truth, courage, and skillโespecially when giving feedback. We talk about why leaders avoid hard messages, how psychological safety grows from daily actions, and why humility keeps high performers learning.
Graham closes with the โcafรฉ sospesoโ idea from Naples: small acts can ripple through a whole system when leaders make it easy for people to be kind. Productivity may start with managing attention, but sustained performance grows from the culture that leaders create.
Get your copy of KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work
Book Graham to speak
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I sit down with coach and podcaster Curtis McCullom to dig into human potentialโwhat really changes behavior and how leaders can reach flow on purpose. Curtis shares his path from 35+ years in financial services to coaching with hypnotherapy, NLP, and Mental & Emotional Release (MER).
We clear up myths about hypnosis, talk about the conscious vs. subconscious split, and look at why language shapes state, which shapes behavior. Curtis explains anchoring, self-hypnosis, and a โlearning/peripheralโ state leaders can use before high-stakes work. We also press on evidence, sustainability, and how to work with skeptics. Curtisโ LEGIT frameworkโLearning, Growing, Expanding, Transformingโgives a simple arc for change, and his bespoke approach meets each leader where they are. I leave with practical ways to condition the mind daily, not just in the moment.
Show notes:
- Curtisโ path: sales records โ coaching โ certifications in clinical hypnotherapy, NLP (master practitioner), MER
- Clearing myths: stage hypnosis vs. therapeutic trance; why we slip into trance all day long
- The 5% / 95% idea: conscious goals vs. subconscious patterns and habits
- NLP in practice: the language we use โ internal representation โ state โ behavior
- MER basics: find the root event, get the learning, release the stored charge, cascade the learning forward
- Sustainability: daily โmental supplementโ audio + self-hypnosis to condition the new pattern
- Entering flow on purpose: anchoring peak states; brief trance; widening peripheral attention (โlearning stateโ)
- Working with skeptics and hard-charging cultures: start with values, model of the world, and bespoke pathways
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Carla Fowler, MD PhD, a performance coach with a medical and research background, to break leadership into four practical buckets: strategy, execution, mindset, and biology. We talk about ten-minute strategy, why dialogue beats top-down directives, how capability, visibility, and influence drive execution, and why biology sets the floor for performance. We also get into how great leaders think: when to trust pattern recognition and when to slow down for deeper work. If you are new to leadership or you are rebuilding your approach, this conversation gives you tools you can use today.
Key Takeaways
- Ten-minute strategy: define success, surface the 3โ4 highest-leverage priorities, and name what you will not do.
- Execution lives in the how: align to team capabilities, give visibility, and share influence on approach.
- Biology sets the platform: sleep, breathing resets, daylight, movement, connection; pair stress with purpose.
- Mindset reframes stress: beliefs about stress shift whether it becomes inflammatory or fuels learning and connection.
- Thinking like a leader: create space to write; use prompts to move from reacting to understanding.
- Clarity motivates: write the goal and priorities, share V1 with the team, refine in one-on-ones.
Learn more about Dr. Carla Fowler:
- https://www.thaxa.com/p/healthcare-leadership-excellence
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-fowler/
- https://twitter.com/DrCarlaFowler
- https://www.instagram.com/drcarlafowler/
- https://www.youtube.com/@drcarlafowler
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Emma Jones, author of The Phoenix Blueprint and a triple-boarded hospice and palliative care physician in Boston. She brings clear, road-tested practices that work for clinicians in the trenches.
Dr. Jones shares her story of hitting burnout a dozen years into practice and how she builds her way back without gurus or gimmicks. We unpack a core distinction: intention vs. attachment. Set a clear aim, hold the plan with an open palm, and pivot when Flight 274 gets canceled. She explains the science behind this shift (neuroplasticity) and why many of us have grit but not true resilience until we re-pattern our brains.
We get practical. She teaches portable resets you can do in a parked car before a shift: box breathing, alternate-nostril breathing, a quick โsoundtrack of awesomeโ to change state, and the mindset to โredoseโ during the day. We reframe work-life balance into blend, then into integration: โWhere my feet are, my brain is there too.โ Presence becomes a leadership advantage, especially in conflict and high-stakes conversations.
Dr. Jones also outlines her work at Recharge Studio and the Healthcare Visionary Academy, built to care for the people who care for patients. If burnout is close to home, this episode gives you language, tools, and hope you can use today.
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In this episode, I sit down with my longtime colleague and EOS Implementer Mike Urness for a practical walk-through of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)โa framework that helps leaders run their organizations with clarity and consistency.
We unpack the six key components of EOS, focusing on the Vision section and its eight questions: core values, core focus, long-term target, marketing strategy, 3-year picture, 1-year plan, 90-day rocks, and issues. Mike explains how to identify true core values using the โwho would we clone?โ exercise and how to use the People Analyzer to ensure the right people are in the right seats.
He also shares how leaders can simplify strategy and communication by defining their core focus, clarifying their target audience, and naming their three uniques. We explore tools like GWC (Get it, Want it, Capacity), Delegate & Elevate to remove busywork, and the quarterly conversation that replaces traditional performance reviews.
Mike closes with two powerful reminders every leader needs: simplify and align.
Resources:
- https://www.eosworldwide.com/mike-urness
- The basic EOS Model
- EOS Workbook
- IDS Definitions
- The Issues Solving Trackโข Tool Video
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, Iโm joined by Oli Johnson, founder of PrescribeLife.AI and a technologist dedicated to preventing burnout and building resilience through innovation and culture. Drawing from his own leadership journey, Oli shares how AI, data, and organizational design can work together to help leaders create healthier, more sustainable teams.
He discusses how technology, when developed with empathy, can reduce the hidden workload behind burnout, streamlining communication, supporting mental health, and allowing clinicians and leaders to focus on meaningful work. Oli also explains why psychological safety, reflection, and human connection remain essential even in an AI-driven workplace.
A central theme of our conversation is that burnout prevention starts with design, not recovery. Oli outlines practical ways organizations can use data to predict stress, foster resilience, and create cultures where people can thrive. He reflects on the role of leadership in balancing performance with well-being and why the future of healthcare depends on integrating intelligence, both artificial and emotional, into how we lead.
If youโve ever felt the weight of burnout, this conversation offers a new way forward, blending innovation with empathy to help you lead with clarity, balance, and purpose.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, Iโm joined by Dr. Mickey Lebowitz, a board-certified endocrinologist with 40 years of clinical practice and author of The EQ Prescription. Dr. Lebowitz shares how emotional intelligence, often dismissed as a โsoft skill,โ is actually grounded in science and vital for preventing burnout, strengthening resilience, and improving patient care.
He presents his framework called the โEQ Zone,โ which combines emotional intelligence with resiliency strategies to help physicians and healthcare leaders perform at their best in high-stress environments. He explains how the EQ Zone provides clinicians with tools to regulate emotions, make clearer decisions, and build stronger relationships with both patients and colleagues.
One of the driving insights in our conversation is that emotional intelligence isnโt optional, itโs essential. Dr. Lebowitz outlines practical ways healthcare professionals can assess and grow their EQ, including self-awareness, stress management, and empathy-driven communication.
In our discussion, Dr. Lebowitz reflects on lessons learned from his medical journey and why developing EQ is just as critical as advancing medical knowledge. He encourages healthcare leaders to invest in emotional intelligence, not only to safeguard their own well-being but also to foster teams that are resilient, collaborative, and equipped to thrive in todayโs demanding healthcare landscape.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, Iโm joined by Ghazenfer Mansoor, Founder and CEO of Technology River, a healthcare software development firm specializing in HIPAA-compliant applications and AI integration. Ghazenfer shares what it means to build solutions at the intersection of compliance, innovation, and clinical usability, and why trust, not just encryption, is the true core of HIPAA.
He talks about the burden physicians face with electronic medical records and how AI can now generate SOAP notes directly from patient encounters, cutting hours of after-hours documentation into minutes. He also explains how role-based access, audit logs, and mobile device management protect patient data in ways far beyond a simple checklist.
A central theme of our conversation is that AI is only as good as the data and processes behind it. Ghazenfer outlines why organizations must start small, train their people, and clean their data before expecting big gains from automation. He also walks through the questions every clinic manager or healthcare executive should ask when vetting vendors, from data retention policies to integration with EMRs.
Throughout the episode, Ghazenfer points to leadershipโs role in preparing teams for AI adoption. He urges healthcare leaders to view AI as a mirror: it reflects the quality of your workflows and culture. He reflects on why starting with small wins builds confidence, how early adopters can gain an edge, and why waiting too long risks being permanently left behind.
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In this episode, Julio Martinez-Clark joins me to talk about how love, forgiveness, and unity can shape leadership especially when the work is hard. As CEO, author, and healthcare entrepreneur, Julio brings both global experience in telecom and a deep perspective from building his own company in healthcare.
We start with his journey from Colombia to the U.S., his engineering and MBA background, and how mentors and books like Power vs. Force and A Course in Miracles reshaped how he thinks about leadership. Julio shares how moving from cognitive to emotional to spiritual intelligence helped him navigate brutal markets and demanding organizational challenges.
We cover how leaders can show up after layoffs, why communication matters as much as the decision itself, and what it means to walk into the room as โan island of peace and a beacon of light.โ Julio reframes forgiveness, not as a license for bad behavior, but as a mindset shift that frees leaders to lead without resentment.
We also talk about building trust before the hard conversations, why people want a leader who โknows the way out of the cave,โ and how hope, like at the bottom of Pandoraโs vase, must always be part of the leaderโs message.
If youโre facing tough decisions and wondering how to bring steadiness, compassion, and clarity to your leadership, this conversation will give you both encouragement and practical starting points.
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In this episode, I sit down with Ursula Taylor, former commercial litigator and founder of Conflict Reimagined, to unpack why most of us avoid tough conversations and how to handle them with clarity, courage, and control. Ursula draws a straight line from results to human emotion: every dispute sits on top of fear, pride, scarcity, or insecurity. The work starts inside (observing yourself, noticing the physical cues (tight jaw, hunched shoulders), and releasing the charge) so you can show up neutral, not defensive.
We explore the โinner gameโ (self-awareness, self-love, presence) and the โouter gameโ (framing, tempo, and timing). Ursula explains why taking breaks is an intelligent strategy, not a weakness; why โbeing rightโ rarely serves the business; and how pre-work with each party builds trust before anyone sits down together.
Try this this week
- Before a hard conversation, scan your body and breathe until the surge settles.
- Open with: โHow do you see it? What do you need next?โ Then listen fully.
- If heat rises, call a brief pause and schedule part two; progress > theatrics.
If this episode helped, share it with a leader whoโs got a tough meeting on the calendar and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.
Keep learning, keep leading, and keep showing up.
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In this episode, I sit down with Professor Linda Macomber, a pioneer at the crossroads of healthcare and technology. From her early days as an ICU nurse to becoming a HIMSS Life Fellow and professor, sheโs spent four decades showing whatโs possible when curiosity meets preparation. For Linda, AI isnโt a threat. Itโs a renaissance.
We talk about why she built the Renaissance Health Resource, a living library of tools, case studies, and digital health innovations designed to help students and professionals keep pace with change. She shares why leaders should view AI as an assistant in their pocket, how to start experimenting without fear, and what it takes to move from efficiency to transformation, earlier diagnoses, personalized care, and fewer errors that cost lives.
Our conversation goes deeper into leadership: why critical thinking is non-negotiable in the age of AI, how to balance evidence-based practice with the courage to try something new, and what it means to be a modern-day pioneer in healthcare.
If youโve ever felt hesitant about AI or wondered how technology and humanity can truly come together in healthcare, this episode will shift your perspective. Itโs not about what the tech can do, itโs about what we can do with it.
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kamaljit Kaur, a physician who decided the system wasnโt working for her or for her patients and had the courage to build something different. Instead of accepting the limitations, she opened a membership-based practice where prevention and relationship come first.
We talk about the reality of โswimming without floatiesโ, what it takes to step out on your own, the financial risks, and the grit required to keep going when the pressure is heavy. Dr. Kaur shares how her support system, especially her husband, has been critical in keeping the vision alive on the hardest days. We also dive into imposter syndrome, a struggle many leaders face when theyโre suddenly handed responsibility they donโt feel ready for. Her advice? Say yes, lean on your strengths, and grow as you go.
Our conversation touches on leadership lessons that go far beyond medicine: why listening matters more than titles, why patience and humility are the marks of great leaders, and why collaboration always outperforms ego. Dr. Kaur also pulls back the curtain on her practice model, smaller patient panels, proactive outreach, and the kind of accountability that keeps people well instead of simply reacting to illness.
If youโve ever wondered whether the system is too big to change, or if youโre a leader wrestling with how to hold onto your purpose when the pressure mounts, this episode will give you perspective and hope.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, Iโm joined by James Dismond, President and CEO of MiraSol Health. James shares what it is like to step into executive leadership at a young age and lead an organization that grew from serving 40 patients a day to more than 200.
He talks about the challenge of guiding a five-generation workforce and why leadership begins with active listening. James explains the difference between checking in and checking up and how leaders must step back from the trenches to see strategy and culture clearly.
A central theme of our conversation is what James calls compassionate accountability. He describes how holding people to high standards while caring for them personally creates a stronger culture and healthier results. He also outlines how professional development plans replaced annual evaluations and gave staff a way to grow in alignment with the organization.
Throughout the episode, James points to culture as the foundation for every performance metric. At Marisol Health, the โfive Csโโcompassion, community, commitment, collaboration, and caringโshape the environment and guide daily decisions. He also reflects on managing high turnover in his first 90 days, battling imposter syndrome, and why real leadership means developing people so well that others want them and then creating a culture where they choose to stay.
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In this episode, Ernesto Gรณmez joins me to talk about unlocking the untapped potential in your team and why most leaders leave 40% of it unused. As former CHRO for a $9 billion company with 83,000 employees, Ernesto brings decades of experience leading across the Americas.
We start with the story that connected us: the book Endurance and Ernest Shackletonโs legendary ability to pivot when the plan no longer worked. That same adaptability, Ernesto says, is essential for leaders today.
We cover why most people operate at just 50โ60% of their capacity, the hidden cost of that lost potential, and how leaders can close the gap. Ernesto shares his three-part culture model: creed, context, and stewardship, plus insights on balancing ego with truth, building psychological safety without sugarcoating, and creating space for your team to challenge the status quo.
We also dig into his โremoveโrerouteโregrowโ framework for recalibrating when performance stalls, and why talent, culture, and mindset are the three levers leaders must align for lasting results.
If you want a culture that consistently performs at its full capacity, this episode gives you a roadmap, starting with one shift: measure leadership by how much potential you unlock in others.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, Iโm joined by two seasoned pros, Neil Marshall and Kurt Mosley, who have spent decades interviewing and placing thousands of healthcare executives across the country. What theyโve uncovered is this: the first 90 days of leadership matter. A lot more than we often realize.
Now, you might be thinking, โKarl, Iโve been in my role for five years, this doesnโt apply to me.โ But hereโs the challenge Iโd offer: what if your next 90 days started today? What if you approached your work with the kind of clarity, intention, and presence that defines great leadership not just at the beginning, but every single day?
We dig into:
- Why those first 90 days set a tone that people will remember long after.
- One CEOโs silent decision to pick up trash and how that one act shaped the culture of an entire organization.
- What not to do in your first 90: moving too fast, missing sacred cows, or trying to fix culture before you understand it.
- The myth that โculture doesnโt matterโ in medicine and why that mindset is costing brilliant clinicians their influence.
- How to lead in a multigenerational workforce by understanding, not assuming.
This episode is packed with insight, not fluff. These arenโt theories. These are time-tested, behavior-backed leadership moves that work, if youโre willing to show up, stay humble, and lead with intention.
If youโre ready to reset the clock and make the next 90 days count, this is the conversation for you.
To connect with Neil and Kurt, visit healthsearchpartners.com.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I welcome back Dr. Chika Oriuwa, physician, poet, keynote speaker, and author of Unlike the Rest: A Doctorโs Story. She joined us just a few months ago, and we knew right away weโd need to bring her back.
This conversation gets to the core of something many leaders quietly struggle with: why soft skills feel so hard and why they matter more than ever.
Chika walks us through what she calls โthe hard science behind the soft skills.โ She breaks down the neuroscience behind empathy, authenticity, and innovation, showing that leadership isnโt just about behavior. Itโs about biology. Leaders shape the emotional and cognitive space around them, whether they mean to or not.
She introduces her Innovation Blueprint, a three-part framework to help leaders unlock creativity and resilience in their teams. It starts with what she calls an archaeological dig into your own values, assumptions, and story.
We explore:
- How to prime your mind for curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking
- Why emotional safety is a biological requirement for innovation
- The science of mirror neurons and what your presence as a leader activates in others
- Why the best leaders do the inner work first, before asking anything of their teams
Chika also shares more of her own story, being the only Black student in her medical school class, and what it means to lead from that place of difference with courage and clarity. She speaks with precision and warmth, and her insights are backed by research, lived experience, and deep personal reflection.
If youโre leading people right now, youโre in the middle of more than just strategy and performance. Youโre shaping thought, safety, and culture, whether you realize it or not.
This episode will help you do that with more intention, and more impact.
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In this episode, I speak with Artuฤ Acar, a mechanical engineer, startup advisor, and former executive at Amazon Robotics, RightHand Robotics, and Mercury. Artuฤ was named one of Business Insiderโs top 10 leaders transforming North America, and after this conversation, itโs easy to see why.
Artuฤ shares how leadership and problem-solving intersect and why your ability to build trust will always matter more than technical brilliance. He explains that the best leaders donโt need to be the smartest in the room, they need to ask the best questions, stay close to the work, and create cultures where others can thrive.
We talk about how to let go of ego, lead without micromanaging, and coach people into greater ownership without overwhelming them. Artuฤ introduces the concept of nemawashi, a Japanese term for quietly building alignment before making a big decision. Itโs one of the best explanations Iโve heard of how to truly sell an idea, especially in systems that resist change.
He also shares how he developed emotional intelligence over 20+ years, not through a textbook, but by learning from mistakes and choosing to invest in people first. One line stands out: โYou win the people first. Then you solve the problem.โ
We explore how to build no-ego teams, when itโs time to let go of high-performing culture mismatches, and how AI can support (not replace) what great leaders do best: connect.
Artuฤโs insights are clear, direct, and timely, especially for healthcare leaders solving complex problems with limited time, tight margins, and evolving teams.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I sit down with Micah Remley, CEO of Robin, for a conversation that hits right at the heart of what so many leaders are wrestling with: the workplace. Not just the policies. The experience.
Micah leads the countryโs top workplace management platform, and he brings a mix of data, practicality, and lived leadership that makes this episode one of the most relevant weโve had this year.
We talk about:
- Why โhybridโ is still a fuzzy term and why the fuzziness is driving tension between leaders and teams.
- The research behind in-person performance and what actually happens when you work near high performers (itโs not just a feeling).
- How culture breaks down when people are remote and disconnected, and what leaders can do about it.
- The difference between an office thatโs a mandate and one thatโs a magnet, and how Robin made the shift themselves.
- Practical ways to reduce workplace drama, increase purpose, and create real clarity, even in high-variability environments like healthcare.
- A powerful story of climbing Kilimanjaro and how it reframed what Micah believes about resilience, family, and leadership under pressure.
If you're leading teams, managing space, or just trying to keep people engaged without forcing their hand, this episode will challenge how you think and give you tools to take the next right step.
This isnโt just a facilities conversation. This is leadership. And itโs one we need to keep having.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, Shandy Welch returns to unpack one of the most powerful and personal leadership ideas weโve explored yet: Shedding is not optional for growth. Itโs essential for survival.
Shandy shares what it really means to let go, not just in theory, but in practice. From releasing a 25-year professional identity as a nurse practitioner to navigating institutional resistance to change, this conversation is both deeply personal and strategically relevant.
We dig into:
- Why reinvention is not failure, and how calling it โfailureโ is just a convenient excuse to stay small.
- How to navigate the emotional and professional weight of letting go, even when the world tells you to hold on.
- Five seconds of bravery: what it looks like for a seven-year-old girl on a mower, and what it means for you in a leadership role.
- The invisible cost of โ30 prioritiesโ and why great leaders must shed to focus.
- What it takes to lead change in systems that resist it and how to play the strategic game that unlocks forward motion.
This is one of those episodes youโll want to bookmark, re-listen to, and share. Especially if you're holding onto something that got you hereโฆ but wonโt take you further.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ann Hirsch, physician, coach, peer review chair, and a leader Iโve worked alongside in some high-stakes settings. With over three decades of clinical experience, Ann brings a powerful combination of bedside wisdom and real-world leadership insight.
We talk about what it means to lead under pressureโwhen the stakes are high and the tone in the room matters more than the title. Ann shares why โyouโre never not a leaderโ in medicine, how clarity calms chaos, and what it looks like to model steadiness in the middle of crisis.
She doesnโt shy away from hard truths. We get into moral injury, peer review done poorly, the impact of anonymous complaints, and the disconnects between physicians and nurses that hurt care. She also speaks to the transition from friend to leader, from bedside to charge nurse, and how to do it without losing trust.
For leaders trying to keep the place afloat while the pressure builds, Ann offers practical ways to move forward, small changes that create real momentum. If youโre doing the work and carrying the weight, this conversation is for you.
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In this episode, Dr. Judy Wright joins us with a perspective thatโs both practical and powerful. As a practicing family physician and trusted consultant on physician wellness and leadership, she speaks from lived experience, not just theory.
We get into the heart of what makes teams stay or walk away. Dr. Wright explains how emotional intelligence directly impacts retention, safety, and trust, and why leaders who treat it as optional often find themselves out of touch and out of time.
She pushes back on outdated leadership models rooted in control, and instead makes the case for self-awareness, vulnerability, and presence. Her take: When your attitude walks into the room before you do, people notice. And it shapes everything.
We also talk about burnout. For Dr. Wright, wellness isnโt about a yoga class, itโs about reclaiming agency, time, and joy in the middle of demanding systems. Her reminder that โself-care is healthcareโ lands with real weight.
If youโve ever felt like influence only comes with a title or struggled to lead in a culture built on compliance, this conversation offers clarity, challenge, and encouragement. Dr. Wright brings wisdom, warmth, and no-nonsense truth.
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In this episode, I sit down with Tom Lawry, author of Hacking Healthcare and the just-released Healthcare Nation: The Future Is Calling. Tom brings decades of global leadership experience, from senior roles at GE and Microsoft to his current work advising healthcare leaders worldwide. But what sets Tom apart is how clearly and courageously he challenges us to think differently.
We cover everything from AIโs real-world promise (and hype) to the unsettling truth that a citizen in Mississippi may have a shorter life expectancy than someone in Bangladesh. He unpacks why the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any nation yet ranks last in performance, access, and outcomes, and what needs to change at both the system and leadership levels.
Tom also explains:
- Why AI isnโt a tech project. Itโs a leadership and workflow revolution
- What C-suite leaders often get wrong in AI strategy
- How AI can reduce burnout by returning time to nurses and clinicians
- Why healthcare is Americaโs "largest escape room"โand how we start getting out
If youโre a nurse leader, physician manager, or frontline executive walking into the hospital today, this episode gives you something practical and powerful to think about. We dive deep into what must shift, how we fund healthcare, how we measure performance, and how we stop wounding the very people keeping the system afloat.
Tomโs call is clear: we need to stop waiting for someone else to fix healthcare. We need to find our voices, challenge the incentives that no longer serve us, and begin designing the system we all entered this field hoping to build.
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What does a 2,700-mile bike race across the Continental Divide teach us about leadership?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Ty Hopkins, chair of the Department of Exercise Science at Brigham Young University, elite endurance athlete, and someone who knows firsthand what it means to push past limits. After reading his article in the BYU alumni magazine about racing the Tour Divide (a grueling ultra-distance bike race from Canada to Mexico with nearly 200,000 feet of elevation gain), I knew we had to bring his voice to this podcast.
But this isnโt just a story about athleticism. Itโs about whatโs under the surface: the mindset required to train for nearly a decade, the breaking point he hit in a Colorado meadow, and the transformation that followed.
We cover:
- Why physical and mental endurance are learned through discomfort, not inherited by talent.
- The hard truth that there are no shortcuts and why that's actually freeing.
- How process-based leadership, not goal-chasing, creates resilient departments.
- What โdonโt coastโ means as both a cycling principle and a leadership mindset.
- The power of journaling and reflection as leadership tools.
- And the unforgettable moment when Dr. Hopkins nearly quit, only to wake up in a mountain meadow and find his whole outlook changed.
Dr. Hopkins offers sharp insight into how great leaders build confidence: not by wishful thinking, but by giving people real wins earned through effort. His story reminds us that the pain of growth, when processed well, becomes the fuel of transformation.
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Chika Oriuwa to explore why the so-called soft skills of leadership, authenticity, vulnerability, curiosity, and compassion arenโt soft at all. Chika brings a unique background in psychiatry, neurobiology, and public leadership, and she shows us the hard science behind how great leadership actually works.
She explains how mirror neurons, cortisol regulation, and the prefrontal cortex all influence the way we lead, connect, and make decisions. We talk about how modeling vulnerability activates trust, how compassion becomes contagious, and how authentic leaders are actually wired to make better choices under pressure.
One of my favorite parts is her concept of the โarcheological digโ, a brilliant metaphor for examining our own biases, triggers, and internal wiring. Itโs a powerful call to lead from self-awareness and intentionality.
We also get practical. Chika shares micro-habits that help leaders spark curiosity, unlock creativity, and strengthen critical thinking, even in the most stagnant environments. Whether itโs writing a haiku, listening to unfamiliar music, or allowing yourself to daydream, these are small steps that build real leadership muscle.
If you're leading a high-performing team or trying to shift a culture that resists change, this episode gives you tools you can use right away, tools grounded in neuroscience and full of heart. Leadership starts on the inside, and Chika shows us exactly how to begin.
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On this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, we welcome David Norris, co-founder and CEO of Afinion Health, a company revolutionizing how providers manage the relentless burden of their inbox through AI. David brings decades of experience in tech and healthcare and shares how his team is building tools that not only reclaim five hours a week for clinicians but also reduce cognitive overload, without asking them to change a single part of their workflow.
This isn't a sales pitch. It's a conversation about what leadership looks like at the intersection of innovation and practicality. From triaging medical inboxes to reading a patientโs 10-year history in seconds, David walks us through how AI, when done right, becomes a true partner to providers, not a replacement. We talk trust, data integrity, and the critical difference between probabilistic and deterministic AI when human lives are at stake.
We also shift gears into what it takes to lead seven startups, how to build cohesive teams of brilliant minds, and why culture isn't a soft skill; it's a strategic advantage.
Whether youโre a healthcare leader, tech skeptic, or just curious about the future of medicine, this episode offers clarity and inspiration.
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Cynthia Pong joins us, and what a conversation. A former public defender in New York City turned career strategist, author, and executive coach, Cynthia brings a distinctive voice and deeply practical lens to leadership, especially for those navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments like healthcare.
We dig into how to lead from wherever you are even in massive systems that feel immovable. Cynthia challenges the idea that leadership is about following protocols. Instead, she shares how to reverse the norm, inject your own thinking into the work, and treat your career like a business, whether you're a neurosurgeon, charge nurse, or director. Her concept of โbeing the CEO of your careerโ isnโt just catchy, itโs a fundamental reframe of ownership and intention.
What stands out is Cynthiaโs clarity around values, identity, and how we actually think. She breaks down the real reason behavior doesnโt change: because we havenโt paused to understand the thought patterns behind it. Her coaching on intention, the five whys, and the grief of not being able to do it all at once? Itโs gold. This episode is about the hard stuff: making conscious choices, leading even when youโre not in charge, and holding onto what matters in a world that wants compliance over creativity.
We also touch on DEI, self-care, and how to lead in a VUCA world without losing yourself. If youโve ever wondered how to break out of the โthis is just how we do things hereโ mindset, or if youโve felt boxed in by a role thatโs too small for your thinking, this episode will speak directly to you. Cynthia is smart, honest, and full of energy. Tune in and be ready to rethink your approach to leadership.
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In this episode, I speak with Lorraine Armijos, a seasoned Lean consultant, executive coach, and founder of LAR Insights. Lorraine brings nearly 20 years of experience helping healthcare leaders apply Lean in meaningful, lasting ways. She explains that Lean isnโt just a set of tools; itโs a mindset grounded in respect for people and continuous improvement.
We talk about how Lean often fails when it becomes a โflavor of the monthโ initiative with no long-term commitment. Lorraine makes it clear that real Lean work starts with humility. Leaders must go see, ask questions, and listen deeply to those closest to the patient. It's about honoring the expertise of frontline staff and creating the conditions for them to solve problems.
Lorraine also stresses the importance of daily reflection. She encourages leaders to take five minutes a day to consider what went well, what didnโt, and what could be improved. This simple act creates a habit of growth. She adds something I strongly agree with: if you're not actively developing yourself, itโs unlikely youโre developing your team.
We explore how to start the day with intention, how to lead change effectively, and why physicians must embrace their influence, even without formal titles. Lorraineโs insights are practical and timely, especially for busy leaders managing both patient care and organizational demands.
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In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Joseph Michelli, bestselling author and global authority on customer experience. From Ritz-Carlton and Zappos to Starbucks and One Medical, Dr. Michelli has worked with some of the worldโs top brands to understand what truly drives service excellence and why those lessons are essential for healthcare leaders today.
We explore insights from his newest book, All Business Is Personal, which chronicles One Medicalโs journey from a tech-forward primary care provider to a $4 billion Amazon acquisition. Dr. Michelli explains how simple questions like โWhy do we do it this way?โ led to innovations that prioritized empathy, reduced patient friction, and delivered outcomes with Ritz-Carltonโlevel satisfaction scores.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Michelli shares actionable strategies for healthcare teams, from creating value in every patient interaction to navigating internal resistance with what he calls โassertive compassion.โ His stories from Zappos, Starbucks, and the clinical world make it clear: empathy is a trainable skill and a bottom-line driver.
For leaders at any level, this episode is a powerful reminder that exceptional care starts with human connection and the courage to rethink whatโs always been done.
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Dr. Rob Orman is back, and weโre talking about something most of us notice but rarely talk about in healthcare: customer service. Or, as Rob reframes it, the โpatient experienceโ. We swap stories, both stellar and frustrating, and dig into why simple things like eye contact, clear communication, and listening can make or break trust.
Rob explains the difference between giving people what they want versus what they need, and how great care requires both compassion and clarity. He shares what it takes to lead tough conversations, especially during end-of-life care, and how to stay grounded, even when the pace is relentless.
This one is packed with practical wisdom for anyone who works in high-pressure environments. It's not about doing more. Itโs about being fully present when it matters most.
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In this episode, I sit down with Dan Fox, Managing Director of Healthcare at Drips, to explore the real-world impact and potential of AI in healthcare.
Dan brings over a decade of AI experience and explains whatโs changed in the last few years to bring artificial intelligence to the center of the conversation. We break down key terms like large language models and deep learning in a way that makes sense, and we talk about what healthcare leaders need to know right now.
We dig into real concerns from clinicians: Can we trust AI with diagnoses? Will it help reduce burnout, or just add to it? What does a meaningful integration of human touch and AI actually look like?
Dan also shares:
- Where AI is already making a difference in healthcare communication
- What leaders should watch out for (like bias and over-reliance)
- How to use AI as a creativity and productivity enhancer, not a replacement
- Why understanding prompting is more important than mastering the tech
This episode isnโt about hype or fear. Itโs a practical, grounded conversation to help you lead better in a world where AI is already part of the equation.
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In this episode, I sit down with La Tonya Roberts, founder of Harmony Consulting Group, who brings nearly two decades of global experience in coaching, organizational development, and transformation across 30 countries. We dive into what it takes to lead in the middle of healthcareโs daily pressures, where leadership training is often assumed but rarely taught.
La Tonya offers insight into how leaders can listen beyond the words, notice whatโs not being said, and communicate in ways that build trust. She shares how to reset during a crisis, lead with empathy, and avoid repeating mistakes by learning from past triggers.
We also get into the real meaning of DEI, how to make it practical, personal, and relevant for team leads, section heads, and front-line staff. For anyone who's put their own learning on pause, La Tonya has a clear message: if it's been years since you've invested in your growth, youโre behind.
This conversation is full of practical wisdom, grounded strategies, and just the right amount of challenge for leaders who want to keep getting better.
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In this episode, I welcome back Kevin Torf, CEO of T2Group, for a deeper dive into his book Getting the Job Done. Last time, we only scratched the surface. This time, we explore the full โPROJECTSโ framework heโs developed over decades of project leadership in healthcare and tech.
Kevin walks us through each letter in the acronym: Planning, Reflection, Organization, Juggling, Empowerment, Communication, Teamwork, and Standards. What stands out is his clarity; each principle is practical and grounded in experience. Whether itโs understanding the difference between planning and organization, or why multitasking actually slows you down, Kevin makes it real with examples from his work and life.
We also get into what makes a meeting meaningful, how leaders can delegate without micromanaging, and why reflection isn't a luxury; it's essential. One of my favorite parts? His take on ego in leadership and how true teamwork requires letting go of needing credit.
This episode is loaded with insights for early- and mid-career leaders trying to navigate complex projects and build high-functioning teams.
As Kevin says, โโYou don't want the plan to be articulated and dictated by a single individual because then the team doesn't have that burden of responsibility. You want the entire team to feel that they are accountable for the success of that plan and responsible for executing it.โ
Thatโs a message we could all reflect on.
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Shandy Welch joins me again for a deep dive into Positive Intelligence, a framework that helps leaders better understand the internal habits that shape how we show up. If youโve ever been told you're โtoo intense,โ โtoo nice,โ or โnot present enough,โ this oneโs for you. Shandy walks us through how Positive Intelligence helps uncover the saboteurs (those mental habits that sabotage our impact) and how to shift into our sage powers instead.
We explore how this shows up in healthcare, especially with common patterns like the pleaser, avoider, and hyper-achiever. Shandy shares powerful personal stories, including how she learned the hard way that leading people the way she wanted to be led wasnโt working and what changed when she started asking her team what support looked like for them.
We talk about judgment (of self, others, and circumstances), how our survival brain hijacks our best intentions, and what to do about it. Shandy introduces the concept of โPQ repsโ, short, practical exercises to shift from reactivity to intentional action, and how theyโve transformed her own leadership.
We close with the five sage powers: empathize, explore, innovate, navigate, and activateโand how to bring more of those into our day-to-day decisions.
If you're serious about self-awareness, reducing stress, and showing up better for your people, this episode gives you a roadmap. And it starts with one simple question: whatโs really driving your reaction?
Get in touch with Shandy here.
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Shandy Welch is back with me for a second round on Endurance, the incredible story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and what it teaches us about real-world leadership. In this episode, we pick up where we left off and dig deeper into what it means to lead through chaos, change, and uncertainty. Shandy brings sharp insight on what leaders today can learn from Shackletonโs ability to pivot without creating whiplash for his team.
We talk about how leaders can respond to constant change without losing trust, clarity, or momentum and why holding too tightly to control is often the thing that sinks us. Shandy offers practical, honest advice for nurse managers, physician leads, and anyone new to leadership who feels pressure to "have it all figured out."
This oneโs full of grounded wisdom: how to build trust, lead with vision, and use your teamโs strengths, especially when things donโt go to plan. Shackletonโs story isnโt just inspiring, itโs a real template for what healthcare leaders need right now.
Get in touch with Shandy here.
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In this episode, I sit down with Maz, our Director of Outreach and the mastermind behind the podcast. We explore what success looks like outside of work and how our personal passions shape who we are as professionals. She brings up some thoughtful questions that pushed me to reflect on my own tendency to overwork.
We talk about the idea of work-life blend versus balance, and how blending our professional lives with what we love outside work can actually make us better at both. I share stories about my time with family, my love for language and missionary service, and the hard lesson I learned after missing my sonโs first steps. Maz opens up about winning a tennis championship and the intentional systems she built to make time for her passion. We also touch on sharpening the saw, being truly present, and building habits that support the life we actually want.
If you're high-performing and struggling to make room for what matters, this conversation is for you.
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Today, I sit down with Dr. Mark Guadagnoli, a cognitive psychology and human performance expert, to discuss the science behind elite performance. Dr. Guadagnoli shares his journey from working with top athletes, including Olympians and professional golfers, to helping corporate leaders and medical professionals optimize their performance.
We break down key concepts like the Performance Formula (Ability - Interference = Performance) and how interferenceโmental distractions, self-doubt, or stressโlimits our ability to perform at our best. Dr. Guadagnoli explains how techniques like breath control, gratitude practices, and structured challenge-based learning can help leaders and professionals reduce interference and excel under pressure.
We also explore imposter syndrome, why most people spend too little time on recovery, and how the Elite Performance Cycle (20% training, 2% competing, 78% recovery) can be applied beyond sports to leadership and business. He introduces the Personal Legend Roadmap, a tool to align goals and values for long-term success.
If youโve ever struggled with performance anxiety, imposter syndrome, or wanted to improve your leadership presence, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Connect with Dr. Guadagnoli here: mark.guadagnoli@unlv.edu
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In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Torf, CEO of T2Group and author of Getting the Job Done. Kevin didnโt come on the show to promote his book, but after reading it, I knew our listeners needed to hear about it. This book isnโt just theoryโitโs 174 pages of actionable insights that leaders can apply immediately.
We start by diving into Kevinโs background, from growing up in Johannesburg and learning electronics from his father to launching his career in technology and eventually moving to the U.S. He shares how he became immersed in healthcare IT, leading complex projects like migrating entire hospital systems to the cloud. Kevin explains the massive challenges of implementing new technology in hospitals, ensuring systems work seamlessly without disrupting patient care.
Beyond technology, we get into the core leadership challenges that healthcare professionals and leaders in every industry face. Kevin discusses the difficulties of stepping into leadership roles without training, how to manage strong personalities and egos, and how to break down silos in high-stakes environments. He introduces a fascinating Montessori-style approach to team leadership, where experienced professionals learn from those with fresh perspectives and vice versa, creating a culture of shared growth.
Kevin also shares practical advice for problem-solving and decision-making. He explains why overthinking leads to procrastination, how leaders can avoid analysis paralysis, and why momentum is the key to making progress. He introduces his PROJETS framework: Planning, Reflection, Organization, Juggling, Empowering, Communication, Teamwork, and Standards, which he outlines in his book.
This episode is filled with real-world leadership lessons, from navigating tough organizational dynamics to handling major projects with confidence.
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In this episode, I sit down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Ron Cooper, a former F-4 fighter pilot with 300 combat missions under his belt. Ron shares powerful leadership lessons from his military and business career, showing how to lead with confidence without crossing into arrogance. He explains how mindset shapes decision-making in high-stakes situations and why leaders must stand by tough choices, even when they aren't popular.
We also talk about the impact of words and tone in leadership, how insecurities shape decision-making, and the importance of encouraging critical thinking in teams. Ronโs personal journeyโfrom struggling with self-doubt to leading with convictionโgives valuable insights for leaders in any field, including healthcare.
If you're facing a tough decision, preparing for a high-pressure situation, or looking to sharpen your leadership approach, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways. Tune in to learn how to think, act, and lead with purpose.
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In this episode, I welcome back Shandy Welch to discuss one of the most compelling leadership stories in historyโthe journey of Ernest Shackleton and his crew. While Endurance isnโt a leadership book in the traditional sense, Shackletonโs Antarctic expedition provides some of the greatest real-life lessons in resilience, vision, and team leadership.
Shandy shares how she first discovered the story and why it captivated her. We walk through Shackletonโs bold mission, the unforeseen challenges his team faced, and the remarkable way he kept his men unified and hopeful despite overwhelming odds. His ability to pivot from exploration to survivalโwithout hesitationโoffers a crucial lesson for todayโs leaders: the importance of adaptability, clear vision, and prioritizing the team over personal validation.
We also explore the concept of โmental medicineโโhow Shackleton infused camaraderie and purpose into his teamโs daily struggles, ensuring that morale remained strong even in dire circumstances. The parallels to modern leadership, especially in high-stakes environments like healthcare, are striking. Leaders who recognize the human element, who are willing to admit uncertainty while rallying their teams around a common goal, are the ones who build true followership.
This conversation was so rich that we couldnโt fit everything into one episode. Stay tuned for Part 2, where weโll dive into the balance between being liked and being an effective leader.
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I welcome back Dr. Rob Orman, emergency physician and host of the Stimulus Podcast, for another insightful conversation. Rob and I dive deep into decision-makingโwhy itโs often more complicated outside of clinical settings and why intelligent people still struggle to make the right calls.
We break down the role of uncertainty, the brainโs instinctive reactions, and the difference between clinical and administrative decision-making. Rob shares practical strategies like the Five Whys technique to get to the root cause of problems and the importance of stress-testing assumptions with othersโespecially those who challenge us.
We also explore how emotions drive most decisions, even when we believe weโre being purely logical. Rob explains how gut feelings, shaped by years of experience, can be valuable but also misleading in unfamiliar situations. He introduces a triage approach to decision-making, distinguishing between high-stakes, time-sensitive choices and those that require deeper analysis.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for healthcare leaders who want to improve their decision-making, align choices with their values, and develop more confidence in uncertain situations. Robโs wisdom is always worth revisiting, and I know our listeners will get a lot out of this one.
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In this episode, I welcome back my longtime colleague and friend, Shandy Welch. Shandy has an incredible ability to deliver tough truths with warmthโwhat I call a โconfrontive warm fuzzy.โ We dive into a key insight from her recent Weekly Wisdom: "If you want something to be different, you need to do something different."
Shandy challenges us to move beyond autopilot thinking and take intentional action in our lives and leadership. We discuss practical ways to become deliberate thinkers, speak with purpose, and hold ourselves accountable for the choices we make. She shares a simple yet powerful mindset shift: every decision we make leads us somewhereโso where do we want to go?
Whether youโre leading a team, navigating personal growth, or looking for that one-degree shift to get unstuck, this conversation will give you the tools to think and act with greater clarity.
Get in touch with Shandy: https://www.fresheyes.solutions/
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In this episode, I sit down with Luke Sommer, a student at Brigham Young University with a passion for healthcare leadership and experience design. I met Luke at a healthcare leadership seminar, and his insights on problem-solving and patient experience immediately stood out. I knew I had to get him on the podcast.
Luke introduces the concept of experience design, a structured approach to solving people-centered problems creatively. He breaks down the five-step design thinking processโempathize, define, ideate, prototype, and testโand explains how healthcare leaders can use this framework to improve patient and staff experiences.
We dive into a real-world example: a nurse leader facing declining patient satisfaction scores. Luke walks us through how to start by gathering real data through empathy, defining the actual problem (not just surface symptoms), and brainstorming creative solutions. He stresses the importance of psychological safety in ideationโallowing every idea to be heard without immediate judgmentโand explains how to manage egos while refining and implementing solutions.
Luke also highlights the role of AI in identifying patterns within data, the value of prototyping small-scale changes before full implementation, and why leaders must embrace iteration rather than expect a one-time fix. Throughout our conversation, he reminds us that effective leadership starts with empathy and a willingness to listenโwhether to patients, staff, or colleagues.
If youโre a healthcare executive, nurse leader, or anyone working to improve the healthcare experience, Lukeโs insights offer practical strategies you can apply today. The future of healthcare leadership is in great hands with voices like his. Tune in to learn how experience design can transform your approach to problem-solving and innovation.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I speak with Vinay Patel, a pharmacist, leader, and advocate for affordable healthcare solutions. Vinay shares his journey from academia and pharmacy practice to founding an innovative company focused on providing cost-effective medicines through a "Cost Plus" model. His work prioritizes local pharmacies and creates accessible healthcare solutions for self-funded employer groups.
Vinay discusses the challenges of breaking away from the status quo in pharmacy benefits. He describes how his company partners with mom-and-pop pharmacies to deliver a personalized patient experience while addressing inefficiencies in pharmacy reimbursement models. Hearing how patients save money and rediscover trust in local pharmacies is the most fulfilling part of his work.
A key theme in our conversation is leadership in the face of adversity. Vinay talks about the importance of aligning team members with a companyโs mission and taking a โhire slow, fire fastโ approach to building a cohesive culture. He emphasizes servant leadershipโleaders doing the work they ask of their teams and ensuring every employee feels supported and heard.
Vinay also shares how personal growth supports professional success. He encourages leaders to reflect on what they enjoy about their roles, identify challenges, and stay connected to their purpose.
Finally, Vinay talks about bridging generational differences in the workplace and creating understanding. He believes in providing optionality and personalization for employees, allowing them to feel valued as individuals. His approach centers on connection, trust, and showing up for others.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I speak with Richard Kedziora, COO and co-founder of Estenda, a digital health platform. Richard shares his journey from programming in the 1980s to leading advancements in AI-driven healthcare. He clarifies misconceptions about artificial intelligence. He highlights its long history and its role in supporting human intelligence rather than replacing it.
Richard discusses how AI can improve healthcare. He highlights practical uses such as automated note-taking, summarizing patient records, and identifying candidates for clinical trials. These tools help ease the administrative load on clinicians and enhance patient care. He also explains the importance of safeguards to address potential errors.
One of the key ideas Richard shares is viewing AI as a helpful "second opinion" for healthcare providers, allowing them to work more efficiently. He encourages healthcare leaders to explore available tools like ambient listening technologies that integrate with existing systems to reduce workloads and improve processes.
Richard concludes by inviting listeners to connect with Estenda to discover how AI can address healthcare challenges. His insights provide a clear vision of AIโs potential to support healthcare professionals and improve outcomes.
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In this episode of The Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mike Murphy, a seasoned senior leader and the driving force behind Sunstone Management Advisors. Mike shares insights from his extensive 30-year leadership journey, marked with successful transformations, navigating change, and innovation across major organizations.
Mike talks about his career evolution from working within large corporations to entrepreneurial ventures where he discovers his passion for building and fixing companies. His focus now, through Sunstone Management Advisors, involves helping companies improve their valuation and ultimate success through strategic guidance and leadership development.
A core theme of our conversation involves transformation and change management. Mike stresses the critical importance of alignment. All stakeholders must agree on both the objectives and the necessary level of intervention. He introduces the concept of "twos and eights." Some team members underestimate the level of change required. This often results in resistance and organizational stagnation.
Mike offers practical advice for leaders facing transformation challenges, including the importance of honesty in difficult conversations. He highlights the need to recognize when high-performing team members may not adapt to new leadership demands and the importance of respectful yet clear communication.
The conversation also explores leadership qualities, including emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and maintaining a sense of peace with oneself. Mike explains the importance of calm, steady leadership during crises and shares personal anecdotes about overcoming significant professional challenges through manageable steps.
This episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, transformation, and the mindset required to inspire teams and drive successful change. Mike's insights provide a roadmap for leaders seeking to navigate complex challenges with clarity and purpose.
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In this year-end episode of The Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I sit down with Devan Baker, a leader Iโve had the privilege of working alongside for years. Devanโs unique combination of technical expertise and people skills makes him a standout, and itโs been remarkable to see the impact heโs had on his organization. Today, he shares valuable lessons on leadership, solving problems, and building strong, resilient teams.
Devan highlights the importance of asking the right questions and challenging assumptions. He explains how leaders often jump to conclusions and try to fix surface-level issues without understanding the root cause. Taking the time to involve others and truly examine processes allows for better decisions and smoother operations. He also speaks to the need for simplicity, noting that while itโs difficult to create, a clear and straightforward process makes all the difference.
One of Devanโs strongest qualities is his ability to navigate difficult conversations with honesty and care. He believes that being upfront is not only necessary but also one of the kindest things a leader can do. Mistakes are part of the process, and he stresses how important it is to own them and address them openly. This approach creates trust and fosters a culture where people feel safe to grow and improve.
As we wrap up, Devan shares his thoughts on the balance between work and personal life. He reminds us that leadership doesnโt mean making work your entire identity and that taking care of life outside of work strengthens your ability to lead effectively. His insights are practical and inspiring, offering a roadmap for leaders looking to make a lasting difference. Itโs been an honor to hear his perspective and share it with our listeners.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Pamela McAfee, a seasoned healthcare leader, diversity specialist, and CEO of Stella Versed Consulting. Dr. McAfee shares her expertise on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) in healthcare, explaining why meaningful progress requires more than policies.
Dr. McAfee explains that while many organizations have DEIAB initiatives, they often struggle to make a real impact. She emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to understand how their own biases and beliefs affect patient care and team dynamics. Sharing powerful personal experiences, Dr. McAfee reveals how moments of reflection and openness helped her overcome challenges and grow as a leader.
She also offers practical advice that can build the foundation for more thoughtful and inclusive leadership. Additionally, Dr. McAfee highlights the importance of independent learning about different cultures and encourages leaders to connect with individuals outside their usual circles.
For those looking to take their DEIAB efforts to the next level, Dr. McAfee provides one-on-one consulting to help leaders navigate this complex but rewarding journey. Her thoughtful and strategic approach inspires listeners to view DEIAB not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to build stronger, more equitable organizations.
Resources:
https://stellaversedconsulting.com/
https://stellaversedconsulting.com/all-for-the-love-of-books/
Pamela's Book List of Leadership and DEIA&B:
- Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS by Myeongseok Kang
- Collective Wisdom: Lessons, Inspiration, and Advice from Women Over 50 by Grace Bonney.
- The Calling: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and the Future of Healthcare by Dr. Chris Chen and Dr. Gordon Chen
- The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhonda Joy McLean.
- Speak: Find Your Voice, Trust Your Gut, and Get From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be by Tunde Oyeneyin.
- The Diversity Gap: Where Good Intentions Meet True Cultural Change by Bethaney B. Wilkinson
- The Business of Race: How to Create and Sustain an Antiracist Workplace - And Why It's Actually Good for Business by Margaret H. Greenberg and Gina Greenlee
- The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett
- DEI deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right by Lily Zheng
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I speak with Micki McMillan, co-founder and president of Blue Mesa Coaching. Micki shares her journey from teaching to executive leadership and coaching. Her approach centers on helping leaders align their personal values with their professional roles to achieve clarity, trust, and meaningful growth.
Micki explains the critical distinction between coaching and consulting. While consultants provide solutions based on expertise, coaches focus on guiding individuals to uncover their own principles and motivations. She highlights how this self-awareness allows leaders to build trust and lead with authenticity.
A key takeaway from our discussion is the power of vulnerability in leadership. Micki challenges the notion that vulnerability is a weakness, instead describing it as a source of strength and trust. She teaches us leaders can earn respect and strengthen relationships within their teams when they support humanity and leaning into difficult conversations
Micki closes with practical advice for healthcare leaders: she urges them to protect their time and prioritize self-compassion. She reminds us that leadership is not about perfection but about aligning actions with core principles. Her wisdom is a powerful guide for anyone navigating the complexities of healthcare leadership, and I encourage listeners to explore her work through Blue Mesa Coaching.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I welcome back Dr. Rob Orman for his fifth appearance. Rob shares lessons from his article, โFrom Hot Mess to Night Shift Boss,โ inspired by a nocturnist physician, Alice, who thrives in the toughest shifts.
Alice approaches challenges like night-shift sign-outs with energy and efficiency, a stark contrast to the dread many feel. Rob explains how adopting Aliceโs mindset changed his own experience. Instead of avoiding sign-outs, he reframed his attitude, deciding to tackle them proactively and efficiently.
Rob highlights three key lessons:
- Self-Efficacy - Believing you can succeed improves performance.
- Act As If - Modeling Aliceโs behavior helped Rob change his mindset and habits.
- Learn From the Masters - Observing skilled role models provides a clear path for growth.
Rob connects these lessons to leadership, encouraging reflection and intentional behavior modeling. He highlights that change is a gradual process and requires consistent effort, but it can transform both personal and professional challenges into opportunities.
For those feeling stuck, Rob offers practical tools and coaching to help leaders grow and thrive. This episode is a great guide for anyone looking to enhance their mindset and leadership skills.
Get to know more about Rob and sign up for his mailing list at https://roborman.com/
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I welcome Laurie Baedke, a healthcare executive, leadership coach, author, and speaker. Laurieโs journey is extraordinaryโshe became a hospital vice president at just 22 and now focuses on developing strong leaders in healthcare.
Laurie addresses the challenge of promoting high performers into leadership roles without equipping them with critical skills like communication, accountability, and influence. She emphasizes self-awareness as the foundation of effective leadership and encourages leaders to invest in understanding themselves to better lead others.
Humility and vulnerability are central themes. Laurie explains that admitting mistakes and seeking feedback builds trust and strengthens teams. She also offers practical advice on transitioning from being a "doer" to an "influencer," stressing the importance of delegation and trusting your team to avoid burnout.
Laurie highlights the power of apologizing, showing how it demonstrates character, repairs trust, and fosters better relationships. She reframes networking as building meaningful relationships, encouraging leaders to have intentional conversations with mentors and peers to grow professionally.
Laurieโs insights are practical, inspiring, and deeply valuable. I highly recommend her book, The Emerging Healthcare Leader, for anyone looking to lead with purpose and impact in the healthcare field.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I welcome Todd Holzman, founder of Holzman Leadership, a consultancy that focuses on leadership development in industries like pharma, biotech, and finance. Todd brings a wealth of knowledge on building effective leadersโa skill thatโs often underdeveloped in healthcare, where technical training tends to take priority over leadership skills.
Todd shares his philosophy of "leaders building leaders," which is especially relevant for many new healthcare leaders who find themselves leading teams without much guidance. He explains that leadership is about mobilizing people to tackle problems and make the world better, an idea inspired by his work with professors at Harvardโs Kennedy School. For Todd, leadership is not just about managing tasks but empowering people to achieve their best, both within and beyond their official roles.
A key takeaway from our conversation is Toddโs advice on setting clear expectations and holding regular, collaborative performance discussions. He suggests that leaders check in with their teams regularly to ensure everyone is aligned with evolving role demands, especially as the healthcare field has faced rapid changes since COVID-19. Todd believes that by assessing development areas and creating open channels for feedback, leaders can help their teams grow and deliver better patient outcomes.
We also dive into some of the major challenges leaders face, like handling conflict and solving complex problems. Todd talks about feeling overwhelmed and advises leaders to make problem-solving a team effort. He shares his โreal work process,โ a method that starts by clarifying the problem, gathering relevant data, and understanding whatโs at stakeโall before jumping to solutions.
Toward the end, Todd offers insight into why so many change efforts fail. He says that leaders often skip the essential step of building agreement on the problem itself, leading to weak buy-in and limited impact. By focusing on gaining consensus early on, Todd believes leaders can create more meaningful, lasting change.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I welcome back Rahul Karan Sharma, a habits expert with a unique approach to personal transformation. In our last conversation, Rahul shared so much valuable insight that we didnโt have time to explore his real area of expertise: the power of habits. Today, he dives deep into how small, intentional changes can create lasting impact.
Rahul explains that if we want to change our lives or pursue our dreams, we need to change our habits. He shares research showing that only 8% of people achieve their dreams, largely because they stay within their comfort zones. He introduces the concept of โunlearningโโletting go of outdated beliefs to create space for growth. Rahul compares our minds to a jar: if itโs already full, we canโt absorb anything new.
One of the highlights is Rahulโs advice on setting small, manageable goals, especially for tasks that feel challenging. He describes how he breaks his swimming laps into smaller sets, focusing on completing just a few at a time, which keeps him motivated and makes the process feel achievable. This technique, he suggests, can help listeners avoid feeling overwhelmed and build momentum.
Rahul also emphasizes self-reflection, gratitude, and conscious listeningโhabits that enhance both leadership and personal growth. He encourages us to focus on small, consistent actions that align with our values and purpose, helping us design a life we truly want.
In closing, Rahul calls on us to lead by example and share our learnings. By teaching others, we strengthen our own growth and create a ripple effect that benefits everyone. For anyone looking to make meaningful change, Rahulโs insights offer a simple, powerful starting point. Thereโs no better time than now to take that first step toward designing your life, your way.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I have the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Rob Orman, an expert on physician burnout. Today, weโre tackling an issue that hits home for so many in healthcare: the overwhelming weight of burnout. Too often, solutions offered are superficialโrecommending yoga mats or meditation apps for quick fixes. But burnout is deep-seated, and what Dr. Orman brings to the table is a truly comprehensive, thoughtful approach to not just coping, but preventing burnout, in a meaningful way.
Dr. Orman shares his concept of "N+1," which I find compelling and invaluable. The idea is simple yet powerful: in addition to the core clinical work, healthcare professionals can enhance resilience by nurturing an โN+1โ pursuit. This โplus oneโ can be a passion project, a creative endeavor, or an advocacy role, so long as itโs something that invigorates rather than drains.
We also touch on the importance of subtraction in managing burnoutโsometimes the best move isnโt adding an activity but removing those extra obligations that drain more than they give back.
For anyone experiencing or witnessing signs of burnout, I encourage you to pause and take stock. Burnout doesnโt just resolve itself, but with the right approachโone thatโs purpose-driven and deeply personalโyou can reignite your passion for healthcare.
Robโs contact information is in our show notes, and I urge anyone feeling the strain or seeing it in a colleague to connect with him.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, we are privileged to have Shandy Welch back on the show. We dive into a topic weโve never explored before: the role and value of older professionals who are approaching or even past typical retirement age but remain active in the workforce. This is a group that often goes unnoticed in leadership conversations, and today we aim to shed light on the unique strengths they bring.
Shandy and I discuss insights from Arthur Brooks' book, Strength to Strength, which highlights the shift from "fluid intelligence"โa stage in our younger years filled with energy, innovation, and rapid learningโto "crystallized intelligence" as we grow older. This later stage isnโt about decline but about clarity and wisdom.
Shandy emphasizes that leaders in their 40s, 50s, and beyond should focus on harnessing the strengths that come with age, such as strategic thinking, mentoring, and big-picture problem-solving, rather than the drive for constant achievement that younger professionals often experience.
We also touch on the challenges that come with making this mindset shift. Many high achievers struggle to let go of the need for constant validation and busy schedules. Shandy and I explore how crucial it is to align oneโs work with personal values and to find clarity in this phase of leadership. Itโs about focusing on what truly matters and subtracting what no longer serves a meaningful purpose.
For younger leaders, Shandy offers a reminder: seasoned professionals bring invaluable experience to the table, and itโs essential to create environments that value diverse perspectives. We wrap up with practical steps on identifying and aligning with personal values and encourage listeners to pursue intentional growth at every stage of their careers.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I speak with Vanessa Roknic, Senior Commercial Innovation Executive at Novo Nordisk. Vanessa shares her journey from studying medical microbiology and immunology to leading commercial innovation, always driven by her curiosity and desire to understand "why."
We discuss the importance of defining innovation within your team and organization. Vanessa emphasizes that innovation isnโt just about technology or AIโit includes new ways of thinking, working, and building relationships. She introduces three key questions to spark innovation: โHow might we?,โ โWhy not?,โ and โWhat if?โ
Vanessa also shares strategies for handling resistance to change, highlighting the value of empathy and asking thoughtful questions to ensure everyone feels heard. We explore the difference between alignment and consensus, where alignment allows teams to move forward even if not everyone fully agrees.
This episode provides practical insights into leading innovation and navigating challenges in healthcare. Vanessaโs advice is invaluable for leaders looking to drive meaningful change in their organizations.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Rahul Sharma, a leadership and habits expert with over 25 years of experience in learning and development. Rahul shares powerful insights into the importance of mindset in both personal and professional growth.
Rahul dives into the psychology behind mindset. He explains that the mind cannot distinguish between real and imaginary thoughts. He discusses how focusing on positive outcomes leads to positive actions, while negative thinking often attracts negative results. He also highlights the need for action beyond mindset, encouraging listeners to take consistent steps, even if they are imperfect, to achieve their goals.
We then explore emotional intelligence and its connection to mindset. Rahul provides examples of how emotional energy impacts interactions, whether at work or at home, and stresses the importance of leaders being present and empathetic to create a positive environment. He addresses common challenges in corporate and healthcare settings, such as resistance to change and managing emotions effectively.
For those stepping into leadership roles, Rahul offers practical advice, such as seeking mentorship, reading, and investing in personal development. He believes leadership is about serving others and creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued and heard. Toward the end, Rahul gives a preview of his upcoming book, Habits for Miracles, which outlines eight habits that can lead to success.
This episode is a great listen for healthcare professionals and leaders who want to develop their skills and make a lasting, positive impact.
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In today's episode of The Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I have the privilege of speaking with Dino Watt, a keynote speaker and expert in team transformation. We discuss his journey into healthcare leadership and the importance of creating lasting, positive shifts within organizations. One of the interesting themes Dino shares is the power of understanding peopleโs unique "currenciesโ which are what motivate them beyond the paycheck.
Dino then explains how leaders can create sustainable change when they intentionally connect with their team members on a personal level. He also shares practical tips for overwhelmed leaders that manage large teams.
We explore the impact of perfectionism and mindset shifts. Dino reminds us of the need to rewire our thinking to break free from limiting beliefs about work, money, and relationships. He introduces the concept of "perturbationโ and explains how pushing through challenges is key to personal and professional development.
Finally, Dino shares his key to leadership: โDonโt go at it alone.โ He reminds us of the importance of engaging team members in brainstorming and decision-making process.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, Iโm joined once again by Shandy Welch. Today, we dive into a topic that shapes much of our work: mastermind groups.
We discuss how mastermind groups provide leaders with a space to connect, brainstorm, and support each other in a small, judgment-free setting. These groups bring together individuals from different industries, but their challenges often resonate with everyone. The diversity of perspectives is what makes them so powerful.
Shandy and I share a story from a recent cohort, where a CEO gained crucial insight from participants who werenโt at his executive level. This shows that leadership is about collaboration, not just titles, and how different viewpoints can help solve complex problems.
We also reflect on the origins of mastermind groups in Napoleon Hillโs The Law of Success. As Shandy notes, โWe are the average of the five people we spend the most time with,โ and these groups help us engage with high-level thinkers who elevate our growth.
Mastermind groups are more than passive learningโthey challenge you to think differently. Participants often take the lead, sharing their expertise and offering new angles on familiar problems. This kind of dynamic interaction drives personal and professional growth.
If youโre interested in joining Shandy and me for our Fall Mastermind Group, please contact us through the links in the show notes:
- Fall Mastermind registration link
- Contact Karl
- Contact Shandy
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In the latest episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I sit down with conflict resolution expert DeVere Sheesely. We discuss the challenges leaders face when managing conflict within their teams, especially in healthcare, where personal dynamics and high stakes often clash. DeVere emphasizes the importance of "soft skills" like building trust and open communication, highlighting how crucial they are for effective leadership in conflict situations.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the power of active listening and genuine curiosity. These two skills may seem simple, but as DeVere explains, theyโre tough to master and even harder to consistently practice.
DeVere also introduces a powerful idea: when mediating conflicts, the real "client" is the relationship between the people involved, not just the individuals. This shift in perspective allows us, as leaders, to focus on improving the dynamics between people, clarifying their roles, and fostering stronger, more productive interactionsโrather than just addressing individual issues.
We also touch on common conflict patterns like violated expectations, feelings of victimhood, and the tendency to vilify others. DeVere shares strategies for handling these, such as making expectations clear upfront, managing emotional reactions, and reframing situations to help both parties find common ground. We, as leaders, can prevent conflicts from escalating by recognizing these red flags early and controlling our emotions.
Thanks, DeVere for this superb episode on conflict resolution!
Resources:
- Questions Are the Answer: A Breakthrough Approach to Your Most Vexing Problems at Work and in Life
- A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas
- The Book of Beautiful Questions: The Powerful Questions That Will Help You Decide, Create, Connect, and Lead
- In-Accord Website
- https://www.inaccordnw.com/resources/infree-resources/
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome back Shandy Welch, a remarkable leader in healthcare known for her empathy and organizational brilliance.
Throughout the episode, Shandy reminds us that as leaders, our whispers are often heard as shouts, and the responsibility we have in choosing our words carefully is immense. With real-world examples, we discuss how words can either build or break trust, and how intentional communication can shape a leaderโs legacy.
We dive into the complexities of leadership beyond skills and experience. Shandi discusses the shift leaders must make from doing tasks to orchestrating, elevating others, and seeing people differently.
Our conversation also highlights how successful leaders create environments that help others grow. Shandy shares insights on recognizing the unique talents of team members and offers practical advice for new leaders on how to navigate this transition.
Finally, Shandy emphasizes the power of intentional communication and the responsibility leaders have to positively influence others through their actions and words.
Resources:
- Words Matter
- Leadership, Aging, and Wisdom
- Deep Listening- Impact Beyond Word
- Oscar Treimboli podcast
Shandy's website: https://www.fresheyes.solutions/
Shandy's contact information: https://www.fresheyes.solutions/contact-8
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa, author of Inner Mastery, Outer Impact and Columbia University professor. Dr. Wadhwa's book has made a significant impact with its blend of deep historical insights, personal experiences, and academic knowledge.
Dr. Wadhwa discusses his unique perspective on integrating the inner and outer dimensions of lifeโhow spiritual and material aspects can harmoniously coexist. His work emphasizes five core energies: purpose, wisdom, growth, love, and self-realization. He explains how these energies are essential for personal and professional development and how they transcend traditional business and leadership concepts.
We talk about the genesis of his popular Columbia class, Personal Leadership and Success, which combines timeless truths with modern scientific insights. Dr. Wadhwa elaborates on why his class resonates so deeply with students.
He contrasts the traditional view, where truths were imposed from external authorities, with the modern emphasis on personal freedom and authenticity. However, Dr. Wadhwa stresses that freedom comes with the responsibility to understand and align with natural laws to avoid negative consequences.
Dr. Wadhwa reflects on societal changes, particularly around gender equality, and how caregiving roles should be recognized as valuable experiences that enhance leadership skills. He argues that caregiving should be seen not as a gap but as a crucible for developing leadership abilities that contribute significantly to professional environments.
In the final part, Dr. Wadhwa suggests that understanding the scientific evidence of employee motivation and engagement could help shift this perspective, emphasizing that meaningful connection and understanding within an organization can significantly impact overall performance and effectiveness.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I welcome Penny Steele, a seasoned healthcare professional with more than four decades of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership. Penny shares her remarkable journey, which began with her joining the Army. Over the years, she has held roles from unit secretary to nurse manager.
We discuss the challenges new nurses face, including navigating workplace dynamics and the importance of mentorship. Penny shares the value of curiosity and continuous learning for new nurses. She advises them to seek mentorship and engage with more experienced colleagues. She also highlights the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Our conversation also delves into leadership styles, with Penny advocating for transparency and servant leadership. She stresses that effective leaders should be genuinely invested in their teams, cultivating an environment where staff feel supported and valued, and ultimately enhancing patient care.
Throughout this episode, Pennyโs insights, drawn from decades of experience, offer valuable lessons for both new and seasoned healthcare professionals. Her focus on real leadership, team inclusion, and patient-centered care provides a roadmap for creating a positive and effective healthcare environment.
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Today, we mark a special milestone on the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcastโour 100th episode. Iโm thrilled to have Maz Antolin from our Coaching Group team with me to look back on our journey and highlight some of the memorable moments from these first hundred episodes.
Maz and I revisit how the podcast started and the story behind the name โHealthcare Leadership Excellence.โ This name reflects our dedication to improving leadership in healthcare through inspiration, integrity, and excellence.
We share highlights from notable interviews with leaders like Jay Youell, Lisa Halvorsen, Brad Henry, Britt Berrett, and Will Guidara. Each conversation has offered valuable lessons and reinforced the importance of a learning mindset. Our goal has always been to provide actionable insights and fresh perspectives for our listeners.
Looking forward, weโre excited to continue delivering inspiring interviews and practical advice from top leaders. We deeply appreciate your support and engagement. Hereโs to many more episodes filled with meaningful conversations and insights!
Episodes highlighted:
Holiday Episode: Success Leaves Clues
Episode 97: Leadership Operating System with Eric Pfeiffer
Episode 1: The Foundation of Excellent Leadership with Jay Youell
Episode 11: Infusing Joy into your Teams with Lisa Halvorsen
Episode 13: Leading with Your Heart with Brad Henry
Episode 44: Operations Equals People with Mitesh Parikh
Episode 88: Leading Through Calm and Crisis with Dr. Joseph Michelli
Episode 89: Leading With Love, Humor, and Transparency with Dr. Joseph Michelli
Episode 32: Patients Come Second with Britt Berrett
Episode 69: Leadership Resilience in a VUCA World with Dr. Barbara Bell
Resources mentioned:
https://patientscomesecond.com/
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I am delighted to have our Head of Marketing and Outreach, Maz Antolin, join me in a conversation about leading through conflict and conflict management.
We discuss common sources of conflict in executive teams and share insights about the work of the late Roger Fisher, a negotiation expert who identified five key areas that often cause conflict: appreciation, affiliation, autonomy, status, and role clarity. We emphasize how understanding and addressing these aspects can help resolve conflicts by meeting people's deeper needs and acknowledging their humanity.
We explore proactive measures leaders can take to prevent conflicts, like building strong relationships. Knowing and understanding our colleagues create an atmosphere of trust that can mitigate conflicts. Emotional intelligence is another crucial aspect we discuss, which includes being self-aware, understanding others, and maintaining authenticity.
Finally, we talk about the value of executive coaching in managing and resolving conflicts. Like top athletes, leaders benefit from coaching to gain different perspectives and enhance their skills.
If you find yourself facing challenges in conflict leadership, donโt hesitate to reach out. Our team has extensive experience in coaching and is ready to support you in becoming a more effective leader.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I welcome Dr. Michael Brown, an NYU Medical School graduate with a strong background in internal medicine and a pioneering approach to electronic medical records (EMR). With over a decade of experience as a CIO at a major healthcare organization, Dr. Brown shares his journey from Johns Hopkins undergrad to Harvard University Health Services, where he played a crucial role in advancing healthcare technology and mentoring future leaders.
Dr. Brown discusses his unexpected career path and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. He reflects on his early days in EMR, where he had the opportunity to shape the technology to meet clinicians' needs. He explains how that experience influenced his later work in healthcare management and coaching. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brown highlights the challenges physicians face with EMR systems today, particularly the overwhelming administrative burden that can lead to burnout.
Dr. Brown addresses burnout and stresses the need for systemic changes in healthcare to alleviate pressure on physicians. He advocates for listening to the concerns of healthcare professionals and suggests targeted improvements to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary tasks. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of culture in healthcare organizations, noting that a positive culture can lead to better outcomes and a more engaged workforce.
As the conversation unfolds, we explore specific strategies for managing the EMR workload and improving physician well-being.
This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare leaders looking to improve their organizations and support their teams in managing the complexities of modern healthcare. Dr. Brownโs blend of technical expertise and compassionate leadership provides a roadmap for making meaningful changes that benefit both physicians and patients.
Dr. Brown's website:
https://www.michaelbrowncoaching.com/
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I interview Eric Pfeiffer, a seasoned leadership coach with a unique perspective on leadership development. Eric shares his journey from a young professional struggling with personal baggage and leadership challenges to becoming a respected mentor and coach. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the need for leaders to upgrade their "leadership operating system."
Eric's approach centers around simple, visual tools that help leaders diagnose their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately guiding them to become better versions of themselves. He draws parallels between these tools and the operating systems in smartphones. He explains how an effective leadership operating system can enhance the application of various leadership principles and strategies.
Listeners are encouraged to approach leadership with specific questions in mind. They also need to focus on what works well for them and what doesn't, both personally and for their teams. Eric's philosophy is that effective leadership begins with self-leadership, and by upgrading their internal operating system, leaders can significantly improve their ability to influence and inspire others.
For those interested in further developing their leadership skills, Eric's company, MPWR Coaching, provides a comprehensive toolkit designed to equip leaders with the practical tools and mindset needed to excel in any area.
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In today's episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I chat with Dr. Joe Sniezek, a distinguished surgeon at the Swedish organization in Seattle. Dr. Sniezek's leadership journey began at West Point, followed by medical school at Vanderbilt, a five-year otolaryngology residency, and a fellowship in head and neck surgery. His career took him to hospitals like Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, where he served as residency program director and department chair. In 2014, he joined the Swedish organization, where he now leads as the medical director of head and neck endocrine surgery and chairs the Surgical Quality Review Committee.
We discuss Dr. Sniezek's leadership approach, shaped by his military training, which emphasizes serving those you lead. He shares the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a clinical role to a leadership position and talks about the importance of maintaining confidence, even when faced with the fear of not being likedโa common struggle for many new leaders.
Dr. Sniezek offers practical advice for new leaders, including finding a mentor, building a peer support network, and engaging in continuous professional development. We also explore the difficult but necessary task of handling conflict and providing feedback, especially in challenging conversations with peers or direct reports.
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Sniezek discusses setting clear values and expectations within a team, creating an environment where it's okay to make mistakes, and encouraging innovative thinking. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating different perspectives to lead diverse teams effectively. This episode is filled with practical insights for both new and experienced leaders in healthcare, offering a unique perspective from Dr. Sniezek's blend of military and medical leadership experience.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Podcast, I welcome Thom Rowe, a retired nurse leader with over three decades of experience in healthcare.
Thom starts by recounting his journey from a bedside nurse in a critical care unit to a leader in surgical services. His leadership path began during a hectic shift when he was unexpectedly put in charge. This ignited his passion for leadership.
He talks about the mentorship from a nurse manager who believed in him, helping him develop his skills, ultimately leading to roles as a nurse manager and later a house supervisor in various hospitals.
Throughout the episode, Thom shares invaluable insights into his leadership philosophy. He believes in the importance of listening, observing, and understanding the needs and concerns of staff members. Thom's approach is deeply rooted in compassion, inclusiveness, and genuine care for his team. He recounts instances where he helped struggling units regain their footing by addressing their concerns, correcting mistakes, and fostering a culture of trust and respect.
We also discuss the challenges of transitioning from a peer to a leader, especially when leading former colleagues. Thom encourages new leaders to stay true to their calling and navigate leadership complexities with empathy and respect. He stresses building relationships beyond the professional realm and creating an environment where staff feel valued and heard.
This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and create positive, lasting change within their organizations.
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In this engaging episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I welcome the remarkable Judi Church. Judiโs journey is one of resilience, innovation, and unyielding dedication. The episode kicks off with me reminiscing about a serene patio conversation in Scottsdale, Arizona, where I first meet Judi and am captivated by her story of beating the odds to run her own successful business.
Judi shares her inspiring path from being a Christian Science nurse to becoming an innovative entrepreneur. She recounts the challenges and sacrifices she makes during her training and early career, including financial struggles that lead to her groundbreaking idea for a more comfortable bedpan. Judiโs story is a testament to perseverance and the power of a single idea to bring about significant change.
Throughout our conversation, Judi stresses the importance of continuous learning, even when faced with obstacles. She shares valuable insights on transforming ideas into reality and highlights the necessity of patience, persistence, and the willingness to learn new skills. Judiโs narrative focuses not just on her innovative bedpan but also on leadership, problem-solving, and the courage to follow through on oneโs vision.
I believe listeners will feel inspired by Judiโs determination and her practical advice for overcoming challenges and turning innovative ideas into tangible products. Her story powerfully reminds us that with the right mindset and dedication, anyone can make a lasting impact in their field.
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Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back Adriano Pianesi, an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University. In our last conversation, Adriano left us with a powerful quote by Ron Ivins that has stuck with me: โPeople love change, what they hate are lawsuits.โ This idea set the stage for a profound discussion on the nature of change, resistance, and the importance of asking the right questions.
Often, the resistance we encounter isn't about the change itself but about what people fear they might lose in the process. Adriano made a compelling case that skepticism and resistance are crucial, as they can highlight what's truly valuable within an organization.
We then explored the common pitfalls of change initiatives. Adriano pointed out that many efforts at change skip essential steps, jumping straight to solutions without fully understanding the problems or involving the people who will be most affected. This brought us to the adaptive leadership framework, where consultants like Adriano facilitate change, but the real work happens within the organization. It's about engaging the people on the ground, understanding their perspectives, and letting them drive the change.
One of the most enlightening parts of our conversation was Adriano's focus on asking the right questions. He introduced the concept of "living questions," which create space for inquiry and invite broad participation. Living questions allow us to up a dialogue that can lead to more thoughtful and sustainable change.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I'm delighted to welcome Doug Stoddard, the Habit Breaker Expert. Our conversation kicks off with Doug sharing his journey, from business challenges and personal struggles to becoming an expert in breaking habits. He emphasizes the significance of habits in our lives, both positive and negative, and how being intentional about them is crucial for change.
Doug opens up about a challenging period when his business faced legal issues due to another company's misconduct, which deeply affected him and his family. He explains how this experience heightened his negative self-talk and impacted his communication with others. This revelation leads to a discussion on the importance of self-awareness and how internal dialogues shape our interactions and energy levels.
A key point Doug brings up is the concept of Return on Energy (ROE) and its impact on Return on Investment (ROI). He explains how negative habits of thinking can drain energy. He further explains how negative habits reduce overall productivity and effectiveness. Doug shares practical examples and strategies for recognizing and shifting these habits to help leaders improve their energy levels and performance.
We delve into the neuroscience behind habits of thinking and how they create automatic responses that drive behavior. Doug provides insights into how these habits are formed and offers techniques for creating new neural pathways to foster positive change. Doug gives actionable advice on handling triggers and expanding the space between stimulus and response. He empowers listeners to make intentional choices and lead more effectively.
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Dr. Rob Orman, a renowned expert in handling difficult conversations, joins me once again on the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast. He hosts the Stimulus Podcast and sends out phenomenal newsletters. Today, we dive into why people often struggle with conflict.
Dr. Orman explains that our natural response to uncomfortable situations is largely driven by our limbic system, often called the "lizard brain." This part of our brain triggers fight-or-flight responses, making it difficult to stay calm and rational during conflicts. He emphasizes that understanding this biological reaction is the first step toward improving how we handle tough conversations.
During our discussion, Dr. Orman shares practical tips on managing these instinctual responses. We can approach conflicts more thoughtfully and constructively when these methods are applied.
Dr. Orman also highlights the importance of empathy and active listening in resolving disputes. He believes that by truly listening to the other person's perspective, we can find common ground and foster a more productive dialogue. This approach not only defuses tension but also leads to more meaningful and effective communication.
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In the latest episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I welcome Adriano Pianesi, an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University. Adriano brings a wealth of experience in leadership and organizational change. He shares his journey from Italy to the U.S., discussing how his diverse background has shaped his expertise in adaptive leadership.
Adriano emphasizes the importance of understanding that many modern challenges in organizations require more than quick fixes. He advocates for a deeper understanding of the systems at play and the patience required for meaningful change. Adriano explains that leaders must focus on creating robust systems to achieve their goals.
We also delve into the necessity of embracing conflict as a productive force for change. Adriano highlights the value of running multiple experiments to discover effective solutions and learning from failure. He shares insights from his teaching, illustrating how acknowledging and addressing losses can facilitate smoother transitions.
Throughout our conversation, Adriano's reflections on his immigration experience provide a powerful backdrop for his teachings on change and leadership. His emphasis on resilience underscores the broader theme of embracing complexity and staying open to different perspectives. This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare leaders striving to navigate and lead through change.
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In this episode, I have the pleasure of having Dr. Joseph Michelli, a New York Times bestselling author, in our podcast for the third time. We pick up from our last discussion with a profound thought from Dr. Michelli: "Leading is loving." He elaborates on how transparency, honesty, kindness, good stewardship, and even humor play pivotal roles in business. Dr. Michelli underscores that driving profits begins with creating value for others.
Dr. Michelli highlights the necessity of transparency in leadership, explaining how being clear and honest, even about uncertainties, builds trust. We also touch on the role of humor in business, where Dr. Michelli advocates for capturing life's natural humor to create a more enjoyable work environment. Our conversation moves into the importance of transparency during difficult times, such as downsizing, and the art of communication, especially in crisis situations. He emphasizes that senior leaders must be particularly thoughtful about their messaging, as their words carry significant weight.
Storytelling emerges as a key theme, with Dr. Michelli pointing out its power in connecting with an audience, whether through emotional engagement or data-driven narratives. We delve into vulnerability in leadership, where appropriate vulnerability can foster trust and authenticity. The discussion then shifts to mission statements and their relevance, with Dr. Michelli providing practical advice on ensuring these statements are meaningful and integrated into daily operations. He emphasizes living one's purpose to maximize impact and legacy, rather than being distracted by other paths.
We explore the importance of trust and reciprocity in business. Dr. Michelli explains how extending trust to customers can enhance their loyalty and create a culture of mutual respect and trust. In the final part of our discussion, we revisit the importance of empathy and compassion in leadership. He Michelli stresses that empathic listening combined with compassionate action can significantly impact how leaders connect with and support their teams.
Dr. Michelliโs insights are invaluable for leaders navigating today's complex business environment, emphasizing transparency, storytelling, and empathy for effective leadership.
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In the latest episode of Healthcare Leadership Excellence, I have the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Joseph Michelli, a renowned expert on customer experience and a New York Times bestselling author. Dr. Michelli's work spans insights from companies like Mercedes-Benz, Starbucks, Airbnb, and Ritz Carlton, where he delves deep into their customer engagement strategies. During the pandemic, he wrote "Stronger Through Adversity," a comprehensive guide on navigating crises, drawing from decades of experience and 140 interviews with top leaders such as Brian Cornell of Target and Hans Vestberg of Verizon.
Dr. Michelli and I discuss the critical importance of self-awareness and a growth mindset for effective leadership, especially during crises. He emphasizes that leaders must understand their values and strengths to lead authentically and evolve their leadership styles. This introspective journey, often supported by coaches or mentors, is essential for developing the resilience needed in unpredictable times.
Self-compassion emerges as a recurring theme in Dr. Michelli's book, resonating with hard-driving leaders who often neglect their own well-being. He explains that leaders need to be kind to themselves, as harsh self-criticism can hinder their ability to lead effectively. This self-compassion also impacts how they interact with their teams, promoting a healthier and more supportive work environment.
We also touch on the importance of asking for help, a challenge for many high achievers. Dr. Michelli notes that admitting one's limitations and seeking support is crucial for effective leadership. Dr. Michelli also explains the optimism bias, where people tend to underestimate the impact of crises. Leaders need to prepare for the worst while maintaining a positive outlook to guide their teams through difficult times. This balanced approach, combined with self-awareness, self-compassion, and consistent growth, forms the foundation of effective leadership in any situation.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I speak with Luka Yancopoulos, co-founder of Grapevine. Luka, deeply impacted by his parentsโ frontline roles during the pandemic, shifted his focus from global issues like climate change to the immediate challenges faced by healthcare workers. This personal connection led him to tackle the supply chain shortages and price gouging that left many unprotected.
Luka discusses the importance of maintaining a beginnerโs mind, even as one gains experience. He reflects on the challenge of keeping a fresh perspective and the value of bringing diverse backgrounds and new viewpoints into the team. His drive to innovate in the healthcare sector stems from a deep-seated belief in being on the right side of history and making a meaningful impact.
When it comes to leadership, Luka highlights the significance of assembling a motivated and trustworthy team, often comprising people he knows personally. He believes in leveraging their shared passion for solving pressing issues. Keeping the team aligned and motivated is rooted in their shared commitment to making a difference rather than focusing solely on financial metrics.
He addresses the generational gap in healthcare, advising young professionals to recognize the value of established practices while introducing innovation where itโs welcome. Luka underscores the human nature of preservation and the desire for oneโs work to have a lasting impact, advocating for a balanced approach that respects past contributions while fostering progress.
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Today, I'm thrilled to have David McGlennen as our guest. I met David at a conference over a year ago through a mutual acquaintance, attended a seminar he led in Atlanta, and was thoroughly impressed.
David's journey to expertise includes many pivotal moments, starting as a business owner with his father for 19 years until his father's sudden passing made him CEO overnight. This spurred his commitment to personal growth. He also refined his leadership and coaching skills in a wellness startup.
David emphasizes the importance of fundamentals in leadership, defining behaviors that represent organizational culture through an eight-step framework. He shares how defining and practicing behaviors like "respect" through actions such as "blameless problem-solving" and "listening generously" is crucial. He highlights creating rituals, selecting the right people, effective integration, and consistent communication.
David also discusses the challenge of accountability and the importance of maintaining cultural integrity, even if it means tough decisions about personnel.
He shares a personal story about his son, a professional musician, who practices fundamental sound exercises daily to maintain excellence, illustrating the importance of continual practice.
David provides invaluable insights into leadership fundamentals, emphasizing defining behaviors, consistent practice, and leaders as examples and teachers. Thank you, David, for sharing your expertise with us today.
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In today's podcast episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Susan Strauss, an expert in workplace dynamics, particularly focused on harassment and bullying. Dr. Susan's wealth of experience and knowledge is evident from the get-go as she shares insights into creating healthier work environments.
We kick off the conversation by exploring her background, which includes extensive work as a registered nurse and her transition into consulting and expert witness roles. Her journey highlights the evolution of her expertise in addressing workplace misconduct.
As we delve deeper into the discussion, she breaks down the distinction between harassment and bullying, shedding light on the legal nuances and the detrimental effects on employees. Her clarity on these issues is invaluable for anyone navigating workplace dynamics, especially new nurse managers, CEOs, and charge nurses.
Throughout the episode,she emphasizes the need for systemic changes within healthcare organizations to combat toxicity and foster respect among colleagues. Her insights into conflict resolution strategies and the importance of ongoing training resonate deeply with listeners seeking to cultivate healthier work cultures.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I have the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Katie Swenson, an impressive figure in both clinical practice and leadership at the University of Utah. Dr. Swenson's background is as diverse as it is remarkable, having served as an aircraft maintenance officer during overseas operations before transitioning into the healthcare field.
As the executive clinical director of surgical specialties at Intermountain Health, Dr. Swenson shares her insights into the fascinating intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss the potential of AI to enhance surgical care outcomes through data analytics and digital capabilities, while also addressing concerns about its reliability and ethical implications in patient care.
We also talk about the challenges faced by healthcare leaders, with Dr. Swenson emphasizing the importance of managing both reactionary and proactive aspects of leadership. She highlights the need for a culture of trust and embracing a growth mindset to navigate conflicts and bring positive change within healthcare organizations.
Dr. Swenson offers valuable strategies for critical thinking and problem-solving in high-pressure environments, whether in the trauma bay or the administrative setting. She underscores the significance of developing frameworks, considering multiple perspectives, and recognizing patterns to effectively address complex challenges.
This episode provides invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of healthcare leadership, highlighting the role of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in driving positive outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations alike.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I'm thrilled to speak with Lisa Blue, Chief Clinical Innovation Officer for Providertech. Lisa's journey from trained nurse to healthcare innovator is captivating. Beginning at the bedside, she immersed herself in hands-on patient care, notably in the cardiovascular ICU and cardiac cath lab.
However, her pivot towards patient engagement and healthcare innovation is where the story truly unfolds. With experience at a federally qualified health center, Lisa recognized the dire need for better patient engagement tools. Her role at Providertech now focuses on optimizing programs for FQHCs, aiming to engage patients earlier and consistently throughout their healthcare journey.
Our conversation delves into crucial aspects of healthcare leadership, particularly emphasizing patient engagement. Lisa highlights the importance of simplifying patient education and navigation through the healthcare system. She stresses the significance of understanding patients' challenges, including social determinants of health, and tailoring communication and support strategies accordingly.
Lisa shares a valuable insight: โshame is not a motivator.โ Instead, leaders should celebrate successes and reframe discussions to include positive aspects. Through patient-centered leadership and innovation, Lisa's journey underscores the transformative potential within healthcare. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your expertise with us today.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, we welcome back our guest Katie Lawrence to speak about the complexities of managing employee engagement and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Drawing on insights from our previous conversation, we delve into the challenges of bringing diverse cultures together and the critical role of employee engagement in organizational success. We discuss the financial implications of disengaged employees and highlight the importance of addressing behavior that undermines workplace culture, especially for newer leaders navigating these challenges.
Our conversation takes a practical turn as we engage in a role-playing scenario and dialogue between a leader and a marginally engaged employee. Through this exercise, we explore strategies for holding employees accountable while creating a supportive work environment.
Katie introduces the concept of a "clearing conversation" as a conflict resolution technique borrowed from high-level negotiations. It highlights the importance of firm yet empathetic leadership in managing difficult conversations and building trust within teams.
As the discussion unfolds, we delve into the broader theme of leadership responsibility in nurturing employee well-being and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, we have the pleasure to hear from Katie Lawrence, head of the Willow Strategy Group. Katie brings over two decades of healthcare experience to the table, sharing insights on managing change and fostering a positive organizational culture.
Katie's journey into healthcare began unexpectedly, transitioning from the construction industry to healthcare administration. Over the years, she's navigated various roles within healthcare organizations, emphasizing adaptability and collaboration as key drivers of success.
Our conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the rapid adoption of telehealth. Katie highlights the importance of effective communication and teamwork in implementing these changes seamlessly.
We also explore the significance of organizational culture and its impact on employee behavior and performance. Katie stresses the need for leaders to align values with actions and set clear expectations to create a supportive work environment.
Throughout our discussion, Katie underscores the importance of intentional leadership and continuous improvement in healthcare organizations. Her insights serve as a valuable guide for leaders seeking to navigate change and drive positive outcomes in their respective organizations.
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Today, Iโm delighted to welcome Coach Tim Alpers back to our podcast. Coach Tim is a mentor and role model in both sports and leadership. His career, spanning college basketball coaching and leadership development, offers a wealth of insights into effective leadership. His emphasis on personal connections, drawn from his experiences in coaching, highlights the power of the importance of memory in building trust and fostering strong relationships.
Tim shares anecdotes from his coaching days, illustrating the importance of remembering people's names and interests. Through genuine connections, he emphasizes, leaders can establish trust and enhance productivity. As he describes his Transition from coaching to broader leadership roles, he highlights humility as a key trait in effective leadership.
Furthermore, Tim discusses the significance of fostering learning and development among employees. By engaging them in higher-level conversations and valuing their input, leaders create an environment conducive to growth. Drawing parallels between coaching and public service endeavors, he underscores the importance of teamwork, delegation, and strategic planning in achieving optimal results.
Timโs insights into the use of memory skills, humility, continuous learning, and effective leadership offer invaluable lessons for aspiring leaders in healthcare and beyond. His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for anyone striving to make a positive impact through leadership excellence.
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In this podcast episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Jill Arena, a notable figure in the healthcare industry. Jill's journey from accounting and finance to healthcare leadership is unconventional yet inspiring. Her passion for managing doctors' offices led her to found GreenField Health, Oregon's pioneering concierge medicine practice, and later established Healthy Practices, dedicated to supporting medical practices nationwide.
A highlight of our discussion is the Physician Leadership Project, co-founded by Jill and Dr. Craig Wright. This program empowers physicians transitioning into leadership roles, offering sessions on executive presence, finance, governance, and leading change. Through their expertise, Jill and Dr. Wright provide invaluable support, equipping physicians with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of healthcare leadership.
Our conversation sheds light on physicians' challenges and opportunities in leadership roles. Jill underscores the Physician Leadership Project's role in helping physicians thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape by emphasizing the importance of specialized training and support.
About Jill
Medical Money Matters with Jill Arena - Podcast
_____
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Today, we're thrilled to welcome back a special guest for the third time, Dr. Rob Orman, who founded the Stimulus Podcast and has won multiple awards for his lectures.
In our conversation, Rob shares insights from his recent blog post on D-Day, particularly focusing on the remarkable leadership General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. displayed during the Normandy invasion. Despite facing challenges and landing a mile off course, General Roosevelt's rallying cry, "We'll start the war from right here," epitomizes resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Transitioning to the everyday challenges of healthcare, Dr. Orman delves into the overwhelming nature of emergency room environments. He discusses the concept of "task saturation" and emphasizes the importance of managing overwhelm by breaking tasks into manageable steps and maintaining a positive attitude.
We explore the biological mechanisms behind stress regulation, emphasizing the significance of deep breathing in activating the parasympathetic nervous system to promote calmness and clarity of thought.
Dr. Orman also shares practical strategies for leaders in high-stress environments, highlighting the importance of team cohesion, communication, and resource allocation. He stresses the value of addressing stressors proactively and empowering team members to manage their workload effectively.
In addressing perfectionism and decision-making in clinical settings, Dr. Orman advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes patient safety while acknowledging the limitations of individual practitioners.
________________
Dr. Rob Orman's podcast: https://roborman.com/stimulus-podcast/
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, we're joined by Katie Swenson, Ph.D, an Air Force Academy graduate currently serving as the Executive Clinical Director of Surgical Specialties and Digestive Health at Intermountain Healthcare. Dr. Swenson's journey from the military to healthcare leadership offers unique insights into the blending of leadership and medical training.
Dr. Swenson speaks about the importance of building trust and meaningful relationships as key elements in developing a strong organizational culture. She also emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership, prioritizing people, and advocating for psychological safety within organizations. Her insights highlight the role of leadership in shaping organizational culture and driving positive results in healthcare.
Dr. Swenson sheds light on the importance of identifying one's passion as a guiding principle. She discusses the significance of authenticity and transparency in leadership. Through her personal journey and experiences, Dr. Swenson illustrates how values informed decision-making and contribute to organizational culture.
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Today, I'm truly excited about our guest, Tim Alpers, also known as Coach Alpers. Tim holds a special place in my heart as we not only share a hometown but also a profound connection, particularly after he reached out to me during a difficult time of loss last year.
Tim's journey from humble beginnings in our small town to coaching at the NCAA D1 level in baskestball is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite facing health challenges during his childhood, his passion for the sport drove him towards success. He highlights the importance of communication, confidence-building, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, skills that he honed on the basketball court and later applied to his roles in business and government leadership.
What truly stands out in Tim's story is his resilience and unwavering belief in himself and others. He emphasizes the significance of self-confidence and discipline, drawing parallels with iconic sports figures like Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods. Despite facing setbacks such as polio and a career-ending injury, Tim's advice is simple yet powerful: focus on what you can control and keep moving forward.
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In this episode, we meet Kamya Elawadhi, an expert in communication with a background in both executive leadership and advertising. Kamya shares her journey from being fascinated by ads as a child to her current focus on healthcare communication.
We discuss effective communication strategies for leaders, with Kamya emphasizing the importance of listening. She advocates for a 70% listening and 30% speaking approach. She highlights the need to understand others' perspectives, especially in managing large teams.
Moving on to cultivating a thinking mindset, Kamya stresses the value of observation and learning from diverse experiences. She urges leaders to create environments where team members feel comfortable yet challenged.
Kamya also addresses the tendency to stay in comfort zones. She suggests inspiration from children's curiosity and adaptability to promote personal growth.
She shares insights on revisiting basics, balancing comfort and discomfort, and persistently pursuing goals. Kamya emphasizes communication's role in building healthy relationships, managing conflicts, and fostering a supportive team environment.
Kamya's leadership and communication approach provide a thoughtful framework for guiding teams through challenges and towards success. Join us in this episode for learn more about leading with clarity and excellent communication.
About Kamya Elawadhi:
Kamya Elawadhi, Chief Client Officer, Doceree, has an illustrious experience of 14 years in the global media & advertising ecosystem. Prior to joining Doceree in 2019, Kamya served as the Client Servicing Director at HS Ad, responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of brands. In her extensive professional journey, Kamya has extended her strategy acumen for over 30 diverse brands from the consumer and healthcare industry. Known for her expertise in business development, Kamya takes pride in being a specialist of offering measurable solutions to brands with optimal results. Her eclectic experience is supported by leading and manging skills that make her pivotal in driving Docereeโs success and growth in the last four years of operations, since its inception. Along with Business aesthetics, Kamya is responsible for managing Platform & Corporate Strategy at Doceree in US. To speak about Kamyaโs educational background, she is a graduate in Mass Communication & Journalism from Hisar University, India. Hailing from the United States, Kamya lives in Parsippany with her family. Apart from work, Kamya is also a fitness enthusiast & an ardent music lover.
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In today's podcast, our guest, Eric Miller, is a financial expert specializing in assisting practitioners. He highlights the foundational importance of effectively managing financial resources in the medical field.
He explains that even though healthcare workers are great at their jobs, they often struggle with managing their money. Eric helps them figure out how to be smart with their money so they can focus on helping patients without worrying about cash flow or business success.
Eric shares some important ideas. One is that healthcare workers must have a clear plan for their money. They need to know how much they want to save, spend, and invest. He also talks about a clear financial strategy tailored to individual goals and circumstances. He also addresses the need for healthcare workers to understand basic financial concepts like profit and loss.
Another key point is the importance of having the right people on your financial team. Eric says that just relying on accountants or financial advisors might not be enough. Healthcare workers should surround themselves with experts who understand their specific needs.
Overall, Eric emphasizes that money isn't just about numbersโit's about using it wisely to achieve your goals and help others. He encourages healthcare workers to see money as a tool for making a positive impact in their lives and the lives of their patients.
Websites: www.wealthforpracticeowners.com
www.econologicsfinancialadvisors.com
Social Media:
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/FinancialBeast
- Facebook - facebook.com/econologicsfinancial
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/ericisyourbfff
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In this episode, Dr. Alen Voskanian, Chief Operating Officer at Cedars Sinai, shares his journey from refugee to healthcare leader. He discusses the impact of burnout on healthcare professionals and patients, emphasizing the need for purpose, compassion, and resilience in medicine.
Dr. Voskanian emphasizes the importance of remembering one's purpose in healthcare amidst the various pressures and distractions. He highlights the significance of being fully present with patients and delivering compassionate care, which can often be hindered by burnout.
The conversation explores the factors contributing to burnout, including administrative burdens such as electronic health records (EHR), and highlights the importance of empathy, leadership involvement, and collaboration with EHR vendors to address these challenges.
Through personal anecdotes and insights from his book, "Reclaiming the Joy of Medicine," Dr. Voskanian offers valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of healthcare leadership and fostering a culture of excellence and fulfillment in the medical field.
Overall, this episode humanizes healthcare leadership. It advocates for supportive cultures that prioritize well-being and virtuous practices to enhance patient outcomes and clinician satisfaction.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I speak with Aaron Bujnowski, a seasoned healthcare strategist whose journey from chemical engineering to healthcare administration brings unique insights to the industry. Aaron emphasizes the crucial role of strategic thinking amidst the rapid changes in healthcare. He stresses the importance of making informed choices within resource constraints to maximize outcomes. He also advocates for prioritization and clarity of purpose within organizations.
Aaron delves into the significance of integrated delivery systems. He highlights the enduring importance of local care delivery alongside the advancements in telemedicine. He predicts a future with increased digital enablement while emphasizing the need for seamless integration to deliver value-based care effectively. Drawing from his experiences, Aaron underscores the importance of strategic alignment and clear communication in transitioning to value-based care, advocating for incremental progress and involving employees at all levels in the process.
Despite his wealth of experience, Aaron remains committed to lifelong learning and exemplifying the essential traits of intellectual curiosity and humility in effective leadership. Join us in this episode for valuable insights into healthcare strategy and transformational leadership.
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In this episode, I engage in a great conversation with Traci Bernard, President of Texas Health Resources. Traci, with over 40 years of experience in healthcare leadership, shares invaluable insights into navigating industry changes and fostering effective leadership.
Traci emphasizes the importance of strategic leadership in adapting to evolving healthcare landscapes and advocating for proactive change management. She underscores the significance of authenticity, lifelong learning, and leveraging strengths to mitigate weaknesses in leadership roles.
The discussion highlights the essential role of mindful leadership in driving organizational success. We also discussed trust-building and fostering a culture of growth and development. Traci emphasizes authenticity and lifelong learning in leadership and highlights the significance of leveraging strengths and surrounding oneself with complementary team members.
We conclude by discussing the importance of focusing on one's purpose and collaborating with diverse talents. Traci is a person who has lead from both the trenches and the C-suite. This is a must-listen!
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We are delighted to once again have Dr. Jared Warren, the creator of MyBestSelf101.org, for a discussion on leadership and well-being on the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast. We delve into the essence of leadership and its role in positively influencing others' lives. Dr. Warren explains how his website aids leaders in understanding and enhancing their impact by personalizing leadership development through evidence-based resources.
Dr. Warren speaks of the significance of positive psychology in improving individual and team well-being and debunks common misconceptions about its effectiveness. We explore the three pillars of human flourishingโperspective, people, and powerโand discuss key topics derived from positive psychology research. Dr. Warren underscores the importance of supportive relationships and self-compassion in fostering personal and professional growth.
Our conversation covers practical tools available on MyBestSelf101.org, such as the Strategy Selection Tool, designed to help individuals identify areas for improvement aligned with their well-being goals. We also discuss leveraging character strengths and embracing positive psychology principles to enhance fulfillment and meaningful living. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the value of intentional practice and experimentation in developing essential leadership skills for sustainable success.
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In this episode, Dr. Barbara Bell returns to discuss leadership challenges in the dynamic VUCA environment. She emphasizes the need for leaders to navigate ambiguity and prioritize crisis management and communication plans.
Dr. Bell shares insights from her experiences, particularly her role as a Navy program manager overseeing global air traffic control equipment. She underscores the importance of accountability, maintaining connections with the larger organization, and practicing values-based leadership. The discussion delves into the loneliness at the top and the value of accountability partners for leaders.
The interview concludes with Dr. Bell highlighting the significance of leaders remembering their calling to serve, even during challenging times. The episode offers valuable advice on communication, self-care, and prioritizing essential values in leadership.
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Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Barbara Bell, a former naval aviator and current professor at the Naval Academy. We explore her insights on leadership, ethics, and her extraordinary journey as a pioneer.
Dr. Bell emphasizes the paramount importance of ethics in leadership, urging leaders to internalize ethical principles through daily practices for trust building.
We delve into her remarkable journey and highlight lessons on resilience and determination as a trailblazer in the armed forces. Dr. Bell introduces the concept of "leaning into the hill," encouraging leaders to embrace challenges and offers practical advice for new leaders.
Our conversation covers the transition from expert to leader and effective communication of personal values and vision. Dr. Bell shares a personal story about handling workplace incivility and the courage needed to uphold ethical standards.
Today's episode provides practical advice for leaders at different career stages. It focuses on continuous development, effective communication, and an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. I invite you to reflect on your values and leadership approaches as we navigate the complexities of our professional journeys.
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After a fantastic holiday season, let's kick things off with three compelling stories. These stories come together to make powerful points about success and self-discovery. From the quest for King Tut's tomb in Egypt to the pursuit of diamonds and gold, each tale holds valuable lessons as we start 2024.
The overarching theme is clear โ success often lies closer than we think. Rather than always seeking the new and different, I encourage you to look within yourself. What are your diamonds, gold, or great discover? Reflect on what you do exceptionally well and leverage that as you move forward to success!
Happy New Year, everyone!
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As we approach the end of the year, I want to thank each of you for being part of this podcast journey. Your time and engagement have been instrumental in shaping the success of the show, and I'm genuinely grateful. Wishing you a fantastic holiday season, regardless of your faith or traditions. Let's carry these leadership lessons into 2024, learning from each other and growing together. Cheers to a great year ahead!
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Today, we have the pleasure of hearing from Sebastien Girard, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer of Common Spirit Health, Mountain Region. In this episode, Sebastien shares his journey, transitioning from a for-profit executive to making a significant impact in non-profit healthcare. His Gretzky-like thinking, inspired by the legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky, takes center stage as he emphasizes the importance of leadership in predicting and proactively addressing future trends, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.
Sebastienโs discussion extends beyond the conventional as he tackles the challenges of leading in a time where disruptions have become a monthly occurrence. He sheds light on the critical distinction between innovation and disruption and urges leaders to become change enablers rather than mere managers.
Drawing on real-world examples and facts, he addresses the pressing issues of the current healthcare workforce, offering insights on navigating the tight employment market, retaining talent, and adapting to the shifting dynamics of the healthcare industry.
Join us for an engaging conversation that transcends traditional leadership discussions and provides valuable takeaways for leaders at every level in healthcare.
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In this insightful conversation, Ben Smalley, Chief Operating Officer of Intermountain St. Mary's Hospital, shares his journey from college to becoming a healthcare executive, emphasizing the influence of his social psychology background in his leadership role.
We delve into the challenges of merging health systems, drawing on Ben's experience with the Intermountain and SCL Health merger. His unique perspective as a connector between two systems provides valuable insights into integrating best practices.
One highlight of our discussion is the application of social psychology principles in leadership, particularly the fundamental attribution error. Ben provides practical advice on approaching difficult conversations with curiosity rather than judgment, fostering a more grace-filled and effective communication style.
For those aspiring leaders in healthcare or any field, Ben recommends resources such as the book "Crucial Accountability" to develop crucial conversation skills. We also explore the importance of embracing silence in accountability conversations and how it can lead to more thoughtful and productive outcomes.
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On this podcast, I speak with Dr. Keith Thurgood, retired Army two-star general and currently the Program Director of the Healthcare Leadership and Management Program at the University of Texas, Dallas.
In this episode, Dr. Thurgood shares his rich leadership experience, from the military to Fortune 200 companies and healthcare organizations. He explains how having skilled leaders and good strategies go hand in hand. We dig into his journey, getting deep insights into how leadership principles and organizational success work together.
We focus on the idea of self-leadershipโDr. Thurgood believes that true leadership comes from personal honesty and character. He emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values and morals. For leaders at any level, he suggests making intentional choices, using personal strengths, and understanding how self-leadership can strongly influence and guide others.
Our talk covers practical advice for leaders, mixing in real stories like his experience with Burger King. It's a conversation for leaders at any stage, whether you're dealing with high-level executive challenges or just starting out in a leadership role. This episode is packed with valuable insights to help you on your leadership journey.
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Step into an engaging episode as I sit down with the insightful Dr. Katie Arnold, PhD, discussing the intricate world of psychological and organizational assessments. With a diverse career spanning academia, non-profit, and private consulting, Dr. Arnold brings a wealth of experience to the table. We delve into the critical question of navigating the sea of assessments saturating the professional landscape, emphasizing the need for alignment with specific goals and cautioning against oversimplification.
Dr. Arnold, an industrial-organizational psychologist, provides nuanced insights into the effective use of tools like Myers Briggs, DISC, and the Hogan assessments, stressing the importance of accuracy in targeted development. The conversation extends to address common concerns about reliability and time commitments. Join us for a concise yet profound exploration, where Dr. Katie Arnold and I unravel complexities, debunk myths, and offer practical guidance for leaders navigating the challenging terrain of psychological and organizational assessments.
Dr. Arnold's contact information:
Email: katie@bloomccs.com
Website: https://bloomccs.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-arnold-bloom/
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, we hear from our guest, Dr. Stowe Shoemaker, the recently retired Dean of the Harrah's College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Shoemaker introduces his latest book, "Hospitable Healthcare," co-authored with Dr. Peter Yesawich. The book, released on September 5, 2023, delves into the intersection of hospitality and healthcare, challenging conventional thinking. Dr. Shoemaker shares his rich background in hospitality, from working in kitchens to earning a Ph.D. from Cornell University, and his extensive experience in executive education for large multinational organizations.
We explore the high-end principles of hospitality, emphasizing that the book provides valuable insights for a broad spectrum of healthcare providers, from hospitals focusing on Medicare patients to those serving high-end individuals. Dr. Shoemaker details the meticulous approach taken, including qualitative surveys with industry leaders and a comprehensive survey of 1,200 individuals across healthcare, hospitality, and more. The discussion highlights the concept of the "hospitality deficit," revealing disparities in areas such as understanding the cost of services, customer appreciation, and the welcoming reception experience.
The conversation unfolds with a focus on the gap analysis conducted in the book, revealing essential data that challenge preconceptions and encourage a rethink of approaches in both healthcare and hospitality.
Dr. Shoemaker shares anecdotes and practical examples, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intangible cues that shape our perceptions of service. We invite listeners to explore the intricacies of hospitable healthcare and rethink their perspectives on the intersection of these two seemingly disparate worlds.
Resources:
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Hospitable Healthcare by Peter Yesawich and Stowe Shoemaker
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In this episode, we have the honor of hearing from New York Times #1 bestselling author, Dr. Joseph Michelli. We delve into the transformative power of leadership, drawing insights from Dr. Michelli's experiences with organizations like UCLA and the Ritz Carlton. We also discuss the importance of painting a compelling vision that inspires and aligns teams, breaking through the challenges of healthcare to create environments of safety and vitality.
Dr. Michelli shares how leadership is about influence, not control, and offers practical strategies for leaders to manage the sideshow, engage their teams, and foster a culture of service excellence.
Join us on this enlightening journey to elevate your leadership and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, Dr. Jared Warren, from the Department of Psychology at Brigham Young University, comes back to our podcast and delves into the world of mindfulness and its connection to psychology and positivity.
Dr. Warren explains that mindfulness is about awareness, allowing individuals to observe their thinking habits, emotional experiences, and interactions with others. This awareness provides flexibility and resilience, enabling individuals to choose their responses to challenging situations rather than reacting impulsively. He emphasizes that mindfulness is not an instant solution but a skill that develops over time, much like physical trainingโฆand a skill that is foundational for leaders.
Dr. Warren offers resources for those looking to embark on a mindfulness journey, such as a free mindfulness module on his website, MyBestSelf101.org. He also introduces the "Mindfulness for Humans" course, a structured program to help individuals develop mindfulness skills and personalized strategies.
Resources:
What is Mindfulness? | Mindfulness for Humans
https://mybestself101.org/
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In today's episode, I am excited to introduce a fantastic guest, Dr. Jared Warren, who is not only a clinical psychologist but also an outstanding nature photographer. Dr. Warren introduced me to an incredible resource, mybestself101.org, a website that is a treasure trove of teachings and insights on resilience which I encourage you to check out as well.
In our discussion, we delve into the definitions of key concepts such as positive psychology, resilience, and flourishing. Dr. Warren highlights the importance of strong relationships and connections in our lives, emphasizing that the quality of these relationships matters significantly. We explore thinking habits like growth mindset and self-efficacy, which play a pivotal role in resilience. Moreover, we touch on the power of perspective and awareness, particularly in the context of mindfulness.
This episode provides valuable insights into the science of well-being and how understanding and implementing resilience and positive psychology principles can enhance our personal and professional growth. If you are passionate about leadership and personal development, this episode is a must-listen.
Stay tuned for part two, where we dive deeper into the fascinating world of mindfulness.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Tracee Perryman, who shares her incredible journey and insights into effective leadership. Dr. Perryman emphasizes the importance of values, competence, and passion in leadership, encouraging leaders to examine their values and ensure they align with their organization's mission. She stresses the significance of making sure you are in the right environment and ecosystem that validate your goals.
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Perryman discusses how to work with and build with your team, identifying the individuals who share your organization's values and focusing on aligning values with the mission. She offers valuable advice on dealing with difficult conversations, managing board relationships, and implementing retention strategies in the context of the great resignation.
We also delve into Dr. Perryman's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she emphasizes finding efficient ways of working and maintaining a positive organizational culture. She shares insights on how leaders can support their employees' mental health and address sensitive topics. Dr. Perryman's wisdom and experience shine through in this episode, making it a valuable resource for leaders at all levels in the healthcare industry.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, we bring together two exceptional guests, Rob Orman, MD, ACC, and Shandy Welch, PCC, to discuss the challenges and benefits of coaching in the healthcare industry.
This episode dives into the critical role of coaching in healthcare leadership and the common issue of coaches being called in too late when bridges have already been burned. We emphasize the need to shift the perspective on coaching from being punitive to a growth opportunity. We also make mention of the significant return on investment (ROI) when organizations invest in coaching.
Rob and Shandy share their insights on coaching executives and individuals with behavioral issues. Rob emphasizes the importance of understanding the mindset and expectations of clients, while Shandy discusses the need for creating a supportive environment for coaching, involving leaders and colleagues, and building trust.
Our conversation also explores the challenge of working with clients who resist change and believe they are already successful. We then discuss the importance of building trust and slowly introducing change to help clients see the value of coaching. Shandy adds that it's essential to help clients recognize the cost of their beliefs and behaviors and focus on the leadership transformations that can come with these insights.
Thank you Shandy and Rob for a great conversation on the transformative power of coaching.
Connect with Shandy: https://www.fresheyes.solutions/
Connect with Rob: https://roborman.com/
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Great leadership can be learned from all sectors, and today we learn from one of the best.
In this podcast interview, Garrett Blood, CEO and Founder of KAJAE, shares his journey from starting an ice cream company to founding KAJAE. He explains how his experience with Arctic Zero, a protein-based ice cream, led to his exit from California to Utah, where he began scaling companies in various sectors. It wasn't until he read books by Clayton Christensen that he realized he needed a change in his life to align with his passions.
Garrett named his current company KAJAE after his children. The company focuses on connecting top talent from around the world with organizations in the United States. Garrett teaches the importance of creating opportunities for individuals in countries with talent but limited opportunities.
Our interview discusses how KAJAE has taken over 125 team members from poverty to the middle class in 60 days or less. Garrett's leadership approach includes paying team members 5 to 10 times more than a living wage in their countries, providing premium healthcare, and offering mental health support.
We also discuss the challenges of working in diverse cultures and honoring local values while maintaining a strong mission, vision, and values for the organization. Garrett stresses the importance of understanding cultural nuances and adapting leadership styles accordingly.
Garrett shares insights on conflict resolution, emphasizing active listening, composure, and setting a positive example as key approaches. He discusses how KAJAE's internal team actively addresses conflicts and works towards resolutions, helping maintain a low attrition rate.
Notes:
- Garrett Blood started a protein-based ice cream company, Arctic Zero, which became a success with 18,000 grocery store placements.
- His exit from California to Utah prompted his career change, influenced by books by Clayton Christensen, Prosperity Paradox and How Will You Measure Your Life?
- Garrett founded KAJAE, a company connecting global talent with organizations in the United States.
- KAJAE's mission is to lift individuals from poverty to the middle class in 60 days or less.
- The company's approach includes paying team members generously, providing premium healthcare, mental health support, and active conflict resolution.
- Garrett emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and adapting leadership styles when working with diverse cultures.
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In this episode, we welcome back Shandy Welch, PCC. We dive into the topic of coaching and explore why it's a valuable investment for personal and professional growth. Shandy and I discuss the misconception that coaching is only for individuals facing performance issues, emphasizing that coaching is for anyone looking to elevate their game and reach their full potential.
We draw inspiration from Atul Gawande's TEDx talk and his New Yorker article, which teaches the importance of coaching in breaking down performance into critical individual components. We emphasize that success often hinges on the small details and deliberate practice, even for highly accomplished professionals and leaders.
Our conversation underscores that coaching isn't punitive; it's a superb opportunity for professional growth. It's about investing in oneself and recognizing the value of external perspectives to expand possibilities. Coaching involves building trust, connection, and collaboration, which are vital for success in any industry.
We conclude by reinforcing the idea that coaching is a powerful tool for reaching one's full potential, and it's not limited to specific career stages or situations. We urge listeners to consider coaching as a means to enhance their leadership skills which are so vital to their professional lives.
Resources
- Atul Gawande's TEDx talk: Why Use a Coach
- Atul Gawande's New Yorker article: Personal Best
- Book recommendation: "Ignore Your Customers and They'll Go Away"
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Episode 53: Acknowledge the Reality, Cast the Vision
In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, my colleague Maz Antolin and I discuss the crucial principles of acknowledging reality and casting a vision in leadership. We talk about the importance of genuine and empathetic communication in leadership and the role of trust in creating a healthy work culture.
We also draw insights from historical leaders who effectively employed these principles, including Winston Churchill during World War II, John F. Kennedy's vision of landing a man on the moon, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the Civil Rights Movement.
The key takeaway from this episode is that effective leadership involves acknowledging the current reality while casting a hopeful vision for the future. It highlights the significance of continuous communication, trust-building, and perseverance in achieving leadership goals.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, I interview Jonathan Sachs, CEO of WUWTA, exploring the essence of leadership and its vital role in patient-centered healthcare.
We discuss leadership's impact on creating a patient-centric approach, with Jonathan recalling an influential encounter with President Dan Mote, former president of the University of Maryland, and stressing the importance of leadership permeating all organizational levels.
Our conversation also delves into the allocation of resources in healthcare, highlighting the key differentiator as the people. Jonathan identifies a disconnect between healthcare professionals and patients' emotions, emphasizing the importance of empathy to bridge this gap.
He discusses the three essential experiences for effective hospital leadership: personal experiences as a caregiver, former patient, or caregiver for someone outside the healthcare system.
The podcast concludes with a moving story, challenging the perception of patient experience as an "extra" and asserting its integral role in caregiving, especially when modern medicine can't save a life.
Jonathan encourages healthcare leaders to understand that excellence requires meticulous design and unwavering commitment to patient emotions and experiences.
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In this episode, I interview Ben Ogles who has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a background in academic leadership. He is also an expert in listening and communication. Our conversation revolves around the importance of effective listening skills in leadership, particularly in healthcare settings.
Ben introduces the concept of motivational interviewing, a technique that involves helping individuals discover their internal motivations for change rather than imposing external motivations. He emphasizes the value of open-ended questions that encourage people to elaborate on their thoughts and concerns. He discusses how motivational interviewing, often used in patient interactions, can be just as beneficial in leadership situations, such as communicating with employees.
We discuss a scenario involving a new nursing leader who must manage a team of nurses in a challenging environment. Ben suggests that reading books like "Listening Well: The Art of Empathic Understanding" by William R. Miller can be a good starting point for improving listening skills. He also mentions the availability of motivational interviewing training and mentors to guide new leaders in honing their skills.
Our talk ends with the two sides of listening: building genuine partnerships and using communication for understanding and change. Ben emphasizes these skills in professional, personal, and societal interactions.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, my colleague in The Coaching Group, Maz Antolin, and I delve into the topic of addressing the stigma around emotional health in workplaces. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of leadership in creating a supportive environment for employees dealing with these challenges.
We discuss how emotional health is just as vital as physical health, yet workplaces often lag behind in addressing this issue. There is a high prevalence of anxiety in Generation Z and leaders need to take proactive steps in providing resources and support for employees struggling with these conditions.
Leaders have a dual role: they must provide immediate support to employees facing emotional health challenges and, at the same time, help build resilience in the workforce. Instead of removing obstacles that might trigger anxiety, leaders should focus on helping employees develop problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and conflict-resolution abilities.
Lastly, we talked about a key item I learned from a recent meeting which is: high expectations and high caring from leaders motivate employees to strive for excellence.
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In this podcast episode, my colleague Maz Antolin and I discuss a thought-provoking topic from the document "Because I Am a Leader." This document comes from the great thinking of nurse leaders that I've worked with over the last decade.
The first principle we highlight in the document is the concept of being fully present. We discuss the challenges leaders face in staying present amidst their myriad responsibilities. Reflecting on how embracing presence in the current moment can profoundly enhance a leader's capacity to lead with excellence.
Our conversation then shifts to the critical skill of navigating difficult situations. We emphasize the need for authentic connections and that investing time and effort in developing relationships during good times lays a sturdy foundation for addressing challenges.
We then talk about the importance of having a teachable mindset and how this plays a role in leadersโ growth. I share a story of a great leader I worked with before who sets the perfect example of this principle and how a teachable mindset impacted the success of her organization.
Lastly, we tackle the detrimental nature of gossip head-on and stress its imperative avoidance for leaders who aspire to foster a healthy and thriving leadership environment.
Join us in this podcast episode as we explore these essential principles, aiming to inspire leaders to navigate their roles with excellence and integrity.
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In this insightful podcast episode, my colleague in the Coaching Group, Maz Antolin, and I explore the concept of M.O.M.B.A (My Own MBA), a personalized approach to continuous learning and professional development for leaders. This episode emphasizes the message that continuous learning is the lifeblood of leadership excellence, from the organization's highest levels to its newest members.
Our discussion underscores the vital role of circulation in both physical and emotional health, drawing parallels between maintaining a healthy flow in the body and the importance of ongoing learning in leadership.
We delve into practical strategies for integrating continuous learning into the busy lives of leaders. Additionally, we showcase a real-life example of how a leader's commitment to ongoing learning positively impacted an entire organization's culture and revenue.
Lastly, we encourage leaders to embrace continuous learning, accountability, and intentional self-improvement as essential components of effective leadership.
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In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence Podcast, my colleague Maz Antolin and I discuss the importance of learning and growing as leaders through the help of others, particularly mentors.
We reflect on the quote by Sir Isaac Newton, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants," highlighting the significance of acknowledging the contributions made by those who came before us.
Our discussion also highlights the value of one-on-one mentoring, which provides unique insights that books and formal training cannot replicate. They both stress the need for humility in leadership and the importance of being open to learning from experienced individuals.
We then delve into recognizing and honoring mentors' contributions, emphasizing the role of mentors in shaping leadership styles and the importance of expressing gratitude for their impact.
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In this podcast interview, leadership expert Victor Prince and I discuss the significance of historical perspectives in shaping effective leadership. He emphasizes the value of studying history to learn from past leaders' successes and failures, drawing inspiration from figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Martin Luther King Jr. Victor.
Victor stresses the importance of serving one's team and practicing empathy and active listening. He outlines essential values for top leadership, such as giving credit to others, avoiding ego, leading by example, and taking responsibility for decisions and actions.
We also explore how historical lessons can be creatively applied to modern-day leadership challenges. Victor recommends his books "Lead Inside the Box," "The Camino Way," and "Executive Farm," each offering valuable insights on leadership methodology, drawing lessons from the Camino de Santiago trail, and exemplifying teamwork and leadership.
Victor highlights the significance of learning from history and adopting historical values to shape effective leadership in the present and future. Current leaders can enhance their abilities and positively impact their teams and organizations by understanding the experiences of past leaders and incorporating timeless values.
Resources:
Victorโs LinkedIn Page
Lead Inside the Box
Executive Farm
The Camino Way
Are you transitioning into a leadership role? If so, this podcast episode is for you.
In this episode, my colleague in the Coaching Group, Maz Antolin, and I discuss the transition from being a doer to becoming a leader. We explore the challenges that leaders face when moving up the ranks and delve into the fundamental differences between a leader and a doer.
We then discuss the balance between being a hands-on contributor and a leader, highlighting the insight that leaders should focus their efforts on finding great people, understanding their needs, and empowering them to accomplish tasks.
Maz and I then talk about the concept that everyone can do tasks, but not everyone can effectively lead others to accomplish them. Being a leader requires a shift in mindset, where success is measured by the success of the team.
Resources mentioned:
The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
CEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller and Vikram Malhotra
Leadership at Scale by Claudio Feser, Michael Rennie, and Nicolai Chen Nielsen
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In this podcast episode, we have the privilege to hear from Mitesh Parikh, the Chief Operating Officer of Providence Medical Group Northwest Washington. Our conversation revolves around leadership in healthcare, strategic and operational leadership, navigating matrixed organizations, and the key qualities of successful leaders.
Mitesh shares insights on effective problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of first determining if the right problem is being addressed. He highlights the significance of understanding core objectives, articulating them clearly, and ensuring that every conversation and problem aligns with the organization's overall goals.
We then delve into Miteshโs approach to leadership and his ability to balance relationships and results. He emphasizes the importance of caring for one's team, nurturing relationships, and understanding individual values and motivations. He believes that success lies in clear communication, articulating the vision, and engaging with employees at all levels.
Finally, Mitesh speaks about the significance of self-care and work-life balance for healthcare leaders. He recognizes the demanding nature of these roles and urges leaders not to neglect their own well-being. He emphasizes that taking care of oneself is vital for effective leadership and the ability to support teams while providing quality care to patients.
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In this podcast, Dr. Henry Buchwald, patient healthcare advocate and author of the book โHealthcare Upside Downโ, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and potential solutions within the healthcare system.
Our conversation revolves around the need to restore the doctor-patient relationship, prioritize patient care over profits, and address the current business-driven model.
Dr. Buchwald highlights the value of mentorship and leadership in attracting individuals with a genuine calling for healthcare. The discussion also explores the shortcomings of socialized systems and the potential for a more compassionate approach within a capitalistic framework.
Ultimately, Dr. Buchwald encourages a shift in mindset where caring for people is viewed as a calling and a profession, rather than just a job. We conclude with the insight that by focusing on what patients truly want and need in times of illness, the healthcare system can undergo a transformation that prioritizes personal care, empathy, and a deep commitment to patients' health and well-being.
Dr. Buchwald's book:
Healthcare Upside Down: A Critical Examination of Policy and Practice
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In this episode, we have the privilege of learning from one of the worldโs best coaches. Andy Hall coaches executives around the world on the importance of personal and professional leadership. I have had the opportunity of being coached by him for the last two years. In our conversation today, Since all leaders need to know how to coach their employees in the day-to-day business situations, Andy emphasizes the importance of focusing on the needs and wants of the individual being coached. He acknowledges that while asking questions and actively listening are crucial coaching skills, there are instances where clients may seek their insights and experience.
We then discuss the qualities that make a great leader. Andy believes that effective leaders, with a coaching approach, understand that asking insightful questions taps into the potential of their team members. We delve into the significance of spending quality time with team members as leaders.
Finally, Andy shares a crucial trait of a successful leader: the commitment to personal and professional growth. He reminds us of the value of investing in oneself and in the development of one's team members.
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In this episode, Dr. Rob Orman, host of Stimulus Podcast, and I delve into the inner dialogue and self-image associated with perfectionism. Dr. Orman explains that the underlying thought often revolves around feeling inadequate, believing that "I am not enough." While this negative motivation can drive achievement, it doesn't contribute to joy and well-being. The first step in addressing perfectionism is developing awareness of the inner voice and recognizing its presence.
He explains that addressing the perfectionist voice is an ongoing process. It's about developing a relationship with it, listening to it without necessarily believing its criticisms, and getting to know it over time. The goal is to find a balance where the voice becomes less influential in draining resilience and more supportive in moving forward.
Dr. Orman highlights the complementary nature of coaching and therapy. While coaching primarily focuses on the present and the desired future, therapy can explore deeper aspects, including childhood experiences and family dynamics if the client chooses to address them.
He then emphasizes the need for both leaders and frontline workers to understand each other's perspectives and goals. Managing up and cultivating open dialogue can bridge the gap between leadership's focus on metrics and regulatory issues and the frontline workers' dedication to patient care and work-life balance.
We talk about the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and address the common misconception that highly intelligent individuals don't have habits. We discuss the external motivators and the need for individuals to personally recognize the negative effects of their habits.
We conclude with a reflection on the transformative power of healthcare professionals and their ability to positively influence patients' lives. Dr. Orman highlights the significance of reconnecting with the joy of practicing medicine and finding fulfillment in one's current role before considering a career change.
Rob's podcast: https://roborman.com/stimulus-podcast/
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In this episode, we delve into the topic of boldness and owning your leadership role. Our guest, Nicole Keller, Director of Medical Staff Services at Seattle Children's Hospital, shares her insights and experiences with navigating challenging situations and making impactful decisions.
Nicole reveals how she developed her boldness and ability to cut to the chase without causing offense. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, analyzing data, and understanding information before engaging in conversations. Nicole also shares her approach to managing fear and worst-case scenarios, highlighting the potential consequences of not being bold in critical situations.
She suggests that when entering a new leadership role, it is essential to adopt a listening and observing approach for the initial three months. Despite the natural inclination to take immediate action and identify areas for improvement, she emphasizes the value of curiosity and learning during this period.
We then delve into the power of data and its role in empowering individuals and driving organizational success.
Finally, Nicole shares her insights on handling high-pressure situations and deescalating tense interactions. She emphasizes the importance of validating emotions and remaining compassionate while also focusing on the facts and what is within her control.
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In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Michael Lalor, Chief Medical Officer of Trellis Supportive Care in North Carolina.
Dr. Lalor discusses the challenges that healthcare professionals often face when moving from individual contributor roles to leadership positions. He emphasizes that being an excellent individual contributor does not automatically translate to being a successful leader.
He highlights the importance of addressing issues rather than allowing them to fester. He talks about maintaining consistency in actions and communication when resolving conflicts and a three-step approach for addressing rule-breaking behavior.
Dr. Lalor then shares his perspective as a hospice doctor, acknowledging the difficulties of his profession. He explains how professionals in this field should separate themselves from the task at hand, focusing on delivering comfort and fulfilling patients' needs.
Finally, Dr. Michael Lalor emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and clear communication as essential skills. He reminds us of the importance of focusing on others and looking out for the organization and the people under our care.
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We have the privilege of hearing from Dave Underriner, EVP of Oahu Operations for Hawaii Pacific Health and CEO for Kapi'olani, Straub, and Pali Momi Medical Centers. He shares his insights into the challenges and strategies for working effectively within complex organizational systems.
Dave and I discuss promoting engagement and helping individuals see the bigger picture. Dave emphasizes the importance of clarifying accountability and responsibility within and across the organization. He suggests asking questions, actively listening, and creating a safe space for people to express their thoughts and ideas.
Our conversation then touches upon the stages of forming, storming, and norming. Dave provides guidance for younger leaders navigating these phases.
Dave is well-known for his ability to bring people together, push forward difficult initiatives, and deliver incredible results. His discussions on how to work with culture were some of the best we've heard yet on this podcast.
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Episode 37: Inspired Accountability
Join us, as Maz Antolin and I delve into the concept of accountability in this engaging episode. We explore the crucial role leaders play in setting an inspiring example for their team members.
The discussion highlights the importance of leaders being at a higher level, not in terms of skill, but in their perspective and ability to envision greater possibilities. By sharing a compelling vision, leaders can motivate their teams to strive for higher performance and accountability.
We then explore alternative approaches to fostering accountability without resorting to the traditional notion of "holding people accountable."
Resources mentioned:
Inspired to a Different Level (E-book)
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
In this episode, Dr. Charlie Peterson, former President and Chairman of Proliance Surgeons, shares his insights on getting physicians to understand the concept of servant leadership, particularly in patient care.
He highlights the role of coaching, seminars, peer discussions, and quality assurance committees in helping surgeons recognize areas for improvement.
Dr. Peterson discusses his views on leadership and the importance of staying true to oneself in crucial conversations. He talks about the significance of flexibility and knowing when to pivot or continue discussions.
Finally, Dr. Peterson explains his philosophy of cherishing, loving, and honoring family, repairing broken people, and leaving the world a better place. He believes in keeping things simple and focusing on a few core values that are important to each individual. These values serve as a guide when facing challenges and making decisions.
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Join Shandy Welch and I in this episode as we explore the value of curiosity, a skill that often is strong with children, but diminishes as we move along in our school systems which often promote the โone answerโ concept.ย We delve into the benefits of curiosity and how it can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling experiences in our professional lives.
As leaders, we can foster curiosity by openly discussing its importance, modeling curiosity ourselves, demonstrating humility, and encouraging questions from others. Engaging with fellow leaders and seeking input can provide deeper insights and strengthen relationships.
Tune in to discover more about the power of curiosity.
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In this episode, Dr. Bonnie Wilson, founder of Xceeding the Mark executive coaching, speaks about the important topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She explains the foundation points about how to start a DEI path individually and within organizations.
Dr. Bonnie also answers the common questions asked about DEI and gives guidance on how to educate oneself in this area. She provides insights on how to address unconscious biases in the workplace.
This episode emphasizes that DEI initiatives are much more than just hiring diverse candidates and require ongoing effort to maintain and promote a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Thank you, Dr. Bonnie, for this insightful discussion!
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Our episode today with Will Guidara, author of Unreasonable Hospitality, is inspiring in all senses of the word. Here is one individual who took his enterprise, the Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York City to being the top restaurant in the world. He takes us on a personal journey of learning and leading that is almost unparalleled in our podcast.
He discusses the balance between providing information and inspiration, which is essential for achieving greatness in any organization. Towards the end of the episode, Will draws an interesting parallel between hospitality and healthcare, suggesting that healthcare organizations should embody the principles of unreasonable hospitality.
Will's insights and experiences are truly exceptional, and we are grateful for his contribution to our podcast. His book, Unreasonable Hospitality, is a must-read for anyone interested in hospitality and leadership.
Thank you Will, for personifying what you wrote about in your marvelous book.
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In this episode, we have Britt Berrett, author and passionate advocate for excellence in healthcare, sharing his insights on creating a strategic culture and leading teams with inspiration.
He speaks about his book Patients Come Second and outlines the principles of building culture and teams in healthcare. He talks about the leadership responsibility of engaging and inspiring teams despite the pressures that healthcare brings.
Britt also speaks about the importance of understating your โwhyโ. He believes that understanding oneself gives the strength to move forward as a leader.
Thank you, Britt, for a game-changing conversation about building excellent culture and teams in healthcare.
Get connected with Britt: britt.berrett@byu.edu
Resources mentioned:
Patients Come Second
It's Not About The Nail
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In this podcast, Dr. Craig Wright discusses leadership and maintaining optimism in challenging times. He also highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and respect when dealing with significant changes. He talks about the idea that leaders can choose happiness and control their own behavior.
He also shares about The Physician Leadership Project, which he co-founded, aiming at developing physician and clinical leaders. It provides a curriculum for clinicians interested in leadership and includes monthly meetings to help with growth and development.
Finally, Dr. Wright reminds us that leadership is more of a marathon than a sprint and that it is imperative to find mentors and coaches who can give hard feedback.
Thank you Dr. Craig Wright for sharing your leadership insights with us.
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In this podcast episode, Dr. Brent Jackson, Chief Medical Officer at Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California, shares his insights on developing self-awareness and becoming a better leader. He stresses the importance of being deliberate and less reactive. He explains how he learned to identify his 'inner critic', process his emotions and respond to situations in a more thoughtful way.
Dr. Jackson also emphasizes the value of active listening and understanding others' perspectives. He offers advice to those who are just starting their leadership path, and those who feel stuck in their current role. Lastly, he addresses the challenge of teaching leadership skills to those who are resistant to change, using real-life examples and success stories.
Thank you, Dr. Jackson, for sharing the depth of experience that you bring to your daily leadership responsibilities.
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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Farrokh Farrokhi, a neurosurgeon in Seattle, Washington, and who is affiliated with Virginia Mason Medical Center. As a surgeon, Dr. Farrokhi notes that admitting mistakes and seeking feedback from colleagues can help flatten hierarchies and improve the quality of care. He cites the success of a coaching program he launched where surgeons observe and coach each other, resulting in decreased complication rates, improved morale, and reduced burnout.
Thank you Dr. Farrokhi, for sharing your valuable knowledge and leadership insights in the healthcare arena.
Resources mentioned:
The Coaching in the Operating Room by Atul Gawande
Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error by Kathryn Schulz
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As a leader, it is essential to understand the difference between โobjectโ behavior and โagentโ behavior. Object behavior is when people are acted upon and have no control over their environment. In contrast, agent behavior is controlling a situation by taking charge of the variables so that things turn out in a better direction.
Listen to this episode as I discuss the significance of being an agent and smart decision-making.
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In this episode, we explore the valuable skill of maintaining calm in the face of chaos and how it can positively impact our ability to lead others through crises. I share four powerful real-life examples of leading through difficult situations and discuss what the โexecutive brainโ is as opposed to the โlizard brainโ.
Make sure to listen to the full episode to discover how cultivating calmness can be a game-changer in your leadership.
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Too many people look at leadership as if it's positional. I hear all the time, "Karl, I don't have anyone reporting to me. Why are we talking about leadership?"
Leadership is one life influencing another as stated by John Maxwell. If you approach your leadership with the fact that every person you meet needs to be uplifted, inspired, and cared for, every single day there are leadership opportunities.
Listen to this episode as my colleague Maz Antolin and I discuss leadership at its best.
Resources mentioned:
Rookie Smarts by Liz Wiseman
Impact Players by Liz Wiseman
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In this episode, Shandy and I discuss critical thinking, an important topic listed in the top ten skills by the World Economic Forum in 2015. They predicted that by 2020, artificial intelligence would be the fourth industrial revolution and identified certain skills needed to excel in it. Interestingly, none of the skills they identified were technical. Over the next few weeks, we will explore these skills and their importance. We will also provide valuable teaching points for you to apply them in your work.
Today, we focus on several key points around critical thinking, including the importance of making time for it, creating value around critical and creative thinking, harnessing the power of great questions, and separating emotional and strategic thoughts.
Resources mentioned:
How to Create Space, with Juliet Funt
Questions Are The Answer by Hal Gregersen
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We are privileged to have Dr. Nicole Brooks from Providence Medford Medical Center, share her insights with us today. Dr. Brooks discusses effective relationship-building despite a busy schedule, emphasizing the importance of being interruptible - taking the time to stop what you're doing and fully engage with your staff.
Additionally, Dr. Brooks will offer her perspective on communication and compromise, emphasizing the value of gaining a deep understanding of others as the key to successful compromise.
Thank you, Dr. Brooks, for sharing your valuable insights with us today.
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Today, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Richard Jamison, the Chairman of the Board of The Oregon Clinic. As the leader of this multidisciplinary clinic comprising more than 1400 healthcare professionals and support staff, he has effectively steered the organization through the challenging times of the Covid pandemic with remarkable flexibility and modesty.
Dr. Jamison strongly believes in granting physicians the autonomy to combat burnout and stresses the significance of venturing beyond one's comfort zone instead of taking the path of least resistance.
Thank you, Dr. Jamison, for your exceptional leadership and valuable insights.
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Today's podcast episode with Dr. Rob Orman, a seasoned emergency room physician and medical leader, delves into the crucial concept of agency across three levels - personal, professional, and systemic. He emphasizes the significance of establishing connections between these levels and being aware of individuals' agency and its source.
Additionally, Dr. Orman provides valuable insights on navigating challenging situations where one knows they are right, but must help others understand the significance of their perspective. He asserts that collaboration on differing views is a vital aspect of successful leadership.
Finally, he offers practical advice for conducting productive meetings as healthcare leaders.
A huge thank you to Dr. Rob Orman for what he teaches us in todayโs episode.
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In this episode, I speak with Monica Guidry, Associate Vice President of Employee Assistance and Well-Being Programs at UTHealth Houston. She also talks about state of mind and self-awareness to help improve leadership.
She shares her background as a competitive swimmer and how her experience as an athlete prepared her for her career. In order to help leaders transition from being positional to influential, Monica believes that you have to understand their fears, goals, and values. She explains clearly how to assist with that pathway.
The teachings in this episode come from a superb and respected expert in her field. Well worth the time of listening!
Thank you, Monica, for sharing your expertise with us.
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In this episode, I talk with Janice Burger, recently retiredย CEO of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and Providence Milwaukee Medical Center. She focuses on her mantra of leadership: love your people. Janice talks about using bedrock values of honesty, devotion, and service that she learned from her father and has personified through nearly four decades of leadership within the Providence system.
She shares her insights about being perfect versus being human, and the importance to allow apology and reconciliation to go through our leadership skills. Finally, we talk about the importance of relationships and developing those as a foundational basis for top-level executive performance
Thank you, Janice, for sharing with us what you have exemplified throughout your leadership career.
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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Bonnie Wilson, principal and founder of Xceeding the Mark executive coaching. She shares what she believes are the most important aspects leaders should model such as pursuing personal development and getting a coach. She also explains how imperative delegation is as one transition from being a โdoerโ to a โleaderโ.
The highlight of our conversation is the art of crucial conversations. Dr. Bonnie talks about her years of experience in conflict leadership and dealing with difficult situations. She suggests being comfortable with silence and being an active listener when navigating through difficult conversations.
Thank you, Dr. Bonnie, for the insightful discussion.
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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer for Providence Medford Medical Center. He shares the lessons he learned from the pandemic and how he leads in such challenging situations. He believes that in order to develop and design a system that works during crisis situations, you need to surround yourself with other leaders who exemplify traits of strategy, transformation, and collaboration. Dr. Kuhl then proceeds to explain what those traits are.
We talk about setting up clinician leaders for success and how imperative it is to provide the training and resources for them to be great leaders. Dr. Kuhl shares insights on how to engage people. He talks about knowing their motivation and creating an improvement plan that focuses on what they are passionate about.
Finally, Dr. Kuhl shares what he wishes he had known earlier in his career that he now continues to learn which is work-life blend.
Thank you, Dr. Jason Kuhl, for teaching us. Your leadership is inspiring!
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In this episode, I talk with Chris Pizzi, Chief Executive Officer of Providence Medford Medical Center. He talks about leading people but letting them problem-solve. He believes that with development and training, people are able to engage themselves in providing solutions to challenges that the organization is facing.
He also discussed collaborating and learning from colleagues. As he says, โAs a leader, it is important to surround yourself with others that are more expert in their areas.โ
The highlight of our conversation is the important topic of being out there with your people. Chris speaks about spending the time to be with his people to know their burden and see and feel what is happening. In order to provide support, he mentions that he needs to experience the challenges for himself.
Thank you, Chris, for leading your people on the frontline and for reminding us of the vital principle of communication, listening, and being transparent.
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Success leaves cluesโฆthese are the words of my coach and mentor, Paul Martinelli,
which he shared with us in late November. Many of those I work with can produce volumes on what their gaps and failures have been. However, when asked why they have been successful, they use a 3x5 cardโฆ
As you go into your holiday breaks, can you dedicate some time to thinking what clues you can see from the successes you have had? And, what can you continue to do, and what have you stopped, just from attrition, that could certainly boost success in 2023? Because, if you donโt catch that, you can anticipate, again in the words of Paul, โmass producing what you donโt wantโ.
I'd also like to take this time to let you know that I have a few openings for coaching services for 2023. Perhaps something to include in your retrospection. Whether youโre newly appointed to an executive position or a seasoned leader in your organization, please reach out if you are interested in working with me next year.
To close: follow the wise words of a superb colleague of mine who said recently, in
anticipation of some challenges in 2023 with a very significant request for her senior leadership, that she was going to be looking for inspiration while on a zip-line in Central America. Donโt underestimate the creative thoughts that such diversions can bring.
Just remember them, note them, and we will talk more in 2023.
Until then, lead well.
Karl
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In this episode, I speak with Dr. Ndidi Musa, Interim Co-Section Chief, Cardiac Critical Care at Seattleโs Childrenโs hospital. She believes that leadership is all about influence and shares her way of influencing those she is in charge of.
When asked how she delivers sad news to her patients and their families, she mentions that it is possible to deliver bad news in a positive light. She starts her day with a positive quote and brings that positivity to work.
Dr. Musa also shares her fair share of failures in life and how they were learning opportunities for her. She says, โFailure can make you feel like there is something wrong with you but if you begin to look at it as a learning opportunity, it changes the way you view things.โ
At the end of our conversation, Dr. Musa highlights important principles of leadership such as listening, adopting a culture of humility and empathy, and always showing gratitude.
Thank you Dr. Musa for always looking for opportunities to influence people positively.
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In this episode, I talk with Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director, of Washington Physicians Health Program. He shares his journey as president of the Federation of State Physician Health Plans and what he considers his biggest takeaways.
Dr. Bundy speaks about collaborative relationships which is also the highlight of our interview. He believes that in order to collaborate with people, you have to build trust in them. When asked about how to network well with like-minded professionals, he says that he sees it as collaboration and relationship-building rather than networking.
One question that Dr. Bundy answers is โwhat makes you come alive as a leader?โ. He references his Sparketype assessment results as he speaks of the nature of work that he is most engaged in. He shares a powerful statement of โleadership is all about inspiring and exalting othersโ.
In the later part of the episode, he talks about the proverbial topic of addressing burnout in healthcare professionals. He shares his insight on how taking care of people in the organization yields dividends. Finally, he gives his advice to healthcare professionals who are just starting their careers. Pieces of advice such as adopting an attitude of curiosity, being quick to apologize, and taking responsibility when you screw up.
Thank you, Dr. Bundy for an informative and truly inspiring conversation.
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In this episode, I speak with Benjamin McLain, Vice President of Operations at the Springfield Clinic in Illinois. This episode brings incredible insights from a 25-year veteran of senior healthcare leadership.
Truly a servant leader, Benjamin explains some of the ways he runs his organization of over 650 doctors throughout central Illinois. He talks about three major questions he asks to bring people together: โWhat are we doing well?โ โWhat can we do better?โ โWhat can we do more of?โ
He talks about three items that have driven his leadership: listening well, hearing needs, and having the humility to do what he calls a โco-creationโ type of leadership.
We discuss the importance of improving communication to be able to think at a higher and more mature level and be the person who can drive performance from a servant leadership aspect. Finally, he talks about being a responsive leader as opposed to being reactive.
Thank you Benjamin for leading your organization so well.
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In this episode, I talk with Brad Henry, Chief Executive Officer of Providence Willamette Falls Hospital. He is known for the quote he always uses that says โlead with your heartโ. In the first part of the episode, he shares what it means to him.
We discuss the important topic of attracting and retaining people in healthcare amidst the pandemic crisis. Brad believes that you have to figure out the culture you want to build to be a successful organization, especially during crisis situations.
Another topic we talk about is dealing with difficult conversations where Brad shares the vital role of managing relationships. He mentions maintaining a one-on-one relationship with the people around the table to understand their perspectives and where they are coming from.
Finally, he shares the values that lead him throughout his career, including the Providence values of compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity.
Brad,ย thank you for leading with a heart and for inspiring those around you to do the same.
In this episode, I speak with Jennifer Burrows who is the Chief Executive Officer of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. She talks about reflection as a vital aspect of learning, most especially in the early parts of your career.
We then discuss resolving conflict, which I have seen her handle superbly in the past years that we have worked together. Jennifer shares that the only way through conflict is to find a place where there is compromise. She also mentions how imperative it is to realize that people think differently as they solve problems together.
The highlight of our discussion is her post-pandemic leadership. She speaks about recovery as individuals and as teams. She strongly advocates reviving the human connection that we lost due to the effects of a global pandemic on workplaces.
Finally, Jennifer shares her values of integrity, honesty, compassion, and excellence that guide her leadership. Thank you, Jennifer, for the exemplary leadership through very challenging times!
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In this episode, I talk with Lisa Halvorsen, Chief Nursing Officer atย Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon. She shares her values and an inspiring question from her family member that she always uses: โWhat good did you do today?โ
Lisa speaks of the STAR (Stop Think Act Review) Model when listening to subtle differences in caring for patients. We also roleplay to highlight great leadership skills in these challenging situations.
In the latter part of the interview, Lisa talks about infusing joy into her team and what this looks like in the past years of her leadership.
Thank you, Lisa, for this conversation on aligning your teams, listening to subtle differences, and leading a culture of joy in your organization.
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Welcome to the second part of the Leadership Lessons From The Pandemic. If you havenโt listened to the first part, please take some time to listen. In part 1 of this series, I share my insights on leadership fundamentals and thinking change that leads to behavior change, all in the context of leading through the pandemic.
If in any way I can be of assistance to your roles, please donโt hesitate to reach out to me through LinkedIn and on my website below.
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Welcome to the first part of my first solo series where I share with you the lessons I have learned from a global pandemic, working with superb healthcare leaders.
Many of you, in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, experienced what might have been the greatest test of your leadership skills.
Allow me to share with you a quote by best-selling author Stephen Covey:
โSuccess is when you realize obstacles you face are challenges to help you become better - and your response equals the challenge.โ
Reflect on your responses to the challenges brought by the pandemic. Did they make you better as they should? Have you taken the time to connect with your people, and know how they are dealing with their own challenges? Have you lightened their burden as you quietly lighten yours?
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In this episode, I talk with Dr. Donna Smith, President of Franciscan Medical Group and Senior Vice President of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. She shares with us some of the best leadership practices she has learned over the years such as spending intentional time to get to know her staff and always listening with compassion and curiosity.
Dr. Smith also tackles the topic of emotions and how medical professionals need to be comfortable with emotions if they want to excel in their careers. As she says, โHealthcare is an emotional business because we are dealing with humansโ.
In the latter part of the episode, she discusses how to combat burnout. She then gives profound suggestions such as engaging people in solving problems, setting the foundation for hope in the future, and creating space for acknowledging them.
Dr. Smith is one of the outstanding leaders I have had the privilege to work with. Thank you, Dr. for such an inspiring discussion on excellent and compassionate leadership.
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In this episode, I talk with Dr. Marty Brueggemann, Chief Medical Officer of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, about his challenges and life lessons as a leader of change and crisis management.
He shares his own experiences connecting with his people. A common theme throughout this episode is of taking the time to listen, acknowledging what your people do, and weaving it into great organizational work.
He also discusses an imperative lesson of staying calm in crisis situations, focusing only on what one has control over, and not letting โmissilesโ distract you from your purpose. In times of ordeal, he suggests two questions to ask: โwhat can I control?โ and โwhat canโt I?โ.
Dr. Brueggeman, thank you for sharing your inspiring stories of leadership and the core principles that guided you to become one of the best healthcare leaders out there.
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In this episode, I talk with Shandy Welch, principal and founder of Fresh Eyes Consulting, and one of my go-to persons in the world of executive coaching. Shandy shares her influential leadership journey as someone who worked with healthcare organizational programs for over twenty years.
We discuss how challenging leading people can be. Shandy is an advocate of genuine relationships that are built on integrity and honesty. She shares important thoughts on how to understand and connect with your people.
Finally, we talk about Positive Intelligence, which is a key aspect of her healthcare executive coaching practice. Shandy believes that Positive Intelligence is an opportunity to reframe how we show up in the world.
Thank you, Shandy, for an informative discussion and for sharing your leadership stories that will certainly benefit and inspire our listeners.
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In this episode, I speak with Helene Anderson who is the Regional Director for Capacity and Throughput of Providence St. Joseph Health in Oregon. In the first few minutes, Helene shares what influential leadership is and how great things happen if we create a culture where everyone is heard and where people are met where they are.
We talk about her success and involvement in two hospitals getting their Magnet designations. She explains the important factors that drive this success such as good caregiver engagement and quality outcomes.
Importantly, Helene shares with us the best practices in helping teams understand what Magnet is and actively engaging them in an environment that allows them to achieve professional excellence.
Thank you so much, Helene, for sharing your insights about influential leadership that inspires your teams to do such incredible work.
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In this episode, I talk with Dr. Chuck Douville, Division Chief of Surgery at Providence St. Vincent, who is an advocate of servant leadership.
Dr. Douville shares with us the influences that made a positive impact in his life and his career in the healthcare arena. He shares what he believes as the factors that drive excellence in people which include listening and understanding, being a learner, and being consistent.
We discuss teams and dealing with difficult situations. He then explains how listening and empathy play a great role in setting up people for success.
Finally, Dr. Douville enlightens us about the โsacred trustโ that is earned from patients and teams. He shares the three important questions that make leading teams sacred: โDo you care about me?โ โCan I trust you?โ โIs there hope?โ
Thank you Dr. Douville for inspiring us with your leadership style and insights. We canโt wait to invite you again for another episode.
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In this episode, I talk with Dr. Doug Koekkoek, brilliant leader and Chief Physician Executive of PeaceHealth. He discusses his leadership values, and why listening and understanding your peopleโs motivation is essential in effective leadership.
Dr. Koekkoek speaks about his transition from one healthcare organization to another. We discuss what drives the success in these leadership transitions.
Thank you, Dr. Koekkoek, for taking the time to share with our listeners your valuable, front-line,ย experiences in healthcare leadership!
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In this episode, I speak with Devan Baker who is an Executive Director of a large orthopedic practice. He shares lessons he learned leading more than two hundred people over the course of pandemic.
He highlights the principles of servant leadership, forgiveness, humility, and putting his people first. We talk about addressing burnout, and collaborating with other leaders to take care of the people's well-being.
Thank you Devan for sharing with us your leadership through the pandemic. We sure learned a lot for you!
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In this episode, I talk with Carole Peet, brilliant leader and CEO of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.ย Carole shares her leadership journey and her insights around horizontal leadership.
She shares her valuable knowledge in leading and helping people solve complex problems. We discuss her expertise in being able to see big problems and figuring out how to get from the beginning to the end.
Thank you, Carole, for sharing your insights around learning as a leader, and the importance of always asking well-thought questions. What a great conversation!
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On our very first episode, I talk with Jay Youell, who was the very first leader in my career, although I didnโt even really know what a leader was supposed to be. With few words, but exemplary actions, Jay laid a foundation of the principles of leadership that have served me for decades.
We discuss about his leadership path in his multi-decade career, lessons from his mentors, various leadership challenges, and the foundations of excellent leadership.
Jay, thank you for reminding us to be servant leaders. Putting our people first and cultivating an environment of trust, integrity, and genuine relationships.
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Hello and welcome to the brand new podcast "Healthcare Leadership Excellence". My name is Karl Pister and I am your host. Each week, we will take a deep dive on everything inspirational leadership with brilliant leaders from the healthcare arena.
Healthcare Leadership Excellence will help you see leadership at its finest. It's not about positions. It's not about titles. It's about influence, vision, and inspiration.
This is for new leaders. This is for seasoned leaders. This is for challenged leaders. This is for all kinds of leaders. Wherever you are in the leadership journey, if you are looking for a place to ponder, think, and be inspired, Healthcare Leadership Excellence is for you.
Stay tuned for our first episode.
Until then, lead well.
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The most common leadership question I get is โKarl, I donโt have anyone reporting to me, exactly how am I a leader?โ
For more than two decades, I dedicated myself to helping people understand that leadership is not positional. It is a set of skills that can be learned by literally anyone who wants to influence and inspire people.
Come and join me and many brilliant healthcare leaders in the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, and together, letโs inspire. One leader at a time.
Make sure to check the link below to subscribe and learn more about our podcast!
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