Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw

"What's the problem we're trying to solve? Because oddly enough, sometimes that's not really understood." Before Mercedes Ikard solves a problem, she asks a question most leaders skip: Are we even solving the right problem? In a world demanding immediate action, she's built her leadership on something more powerful: the discipline to pause, listen, understand, and ensure everyone's calibrated on what actually matters before moving forward. As Senior Director of US Benefits Operations at The Walt Disney Company, Mercedes leads benefits strategy for one of the world's most complex workforces—six generations, cast members in theme parks and executives in boardrooms, each with different needs. For Mercedes, this complexity requires constant calibration. "Empathy I think is important. And I think it's important to be a decent human. If we start out to be a decent human, that really is a good barometer and we really make decisions a lot easier." This is where calibration begins. Not with spreadsheets or plan designs, but with a fundamental check: Are we being decent humans? When issues explode in the cultural ethos, Mercedes does a gut check: Is this really an issue within this organization? She's learned to calibrate signal from noise, solving problems that actually impact her workforce rather than chasing topics du jour. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, discover why constant calibration might be leadership's most powerful skill. Not as hesitation, but as disciplined checking that everything stays aligned with what actually matters. From bifurcating work and home with precision to extending grace in postmortems, Mercedes has built her career on understanding before acting, clarity before speed, grace before perfection. Her superpower isn't speed. It's the wisdom to calibrate constantly on the right problems, with empathy, and with grace. Key Insights: Why "what's the problem we're trying to solve?" eliminates most organizational chaos How listening to understand rather than respond creates scalable solutions The discipline required to separate workforce-relevant issues from topics du jour Why plain language and "side streets" serve six generations better than complex plan details How bifurcating your day prevents the exhaustion of never decompressing Why showing yourself grace isn't optional for sustainable leadership About the Guest: Mercedes Ikard serves as Senior Director of US Benefits Operations at The Walt Disney Company, leading benefits strategy for one of the world's most complex and diverse workforces. Her leadership philosophy centers on calibration: constantly checking that she's solving the right problems, leading with empathy, and extending grace to herself and others navigating the high-pressure demands of corporate leadership. Health Podcast Network Chapters 0:00 Intro 2:05 Why Benefits Leadership Matters 4:03 Finding Her Passion in Healthcare and Retirement Benefits 6:59 Managing Disney's Multigenerational Workforce 10:42 Problem-Solving Framework for Complex Workforce Challenges 13:26 Leadership Skills That Matter: Empathy and Listening 15:03 The Power of Processing: Resisting the Urge to Act Immediately 18:29 Work-Life Balance and Decompression Strategies 21:11 Career Advice: Be Yourself and Show Grace Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Mercedes Ikard on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I had no idea. I didn't know what an HSA was, all the acronyms—HRA, HSA, HDHP, ERISA. I really had to learn all of that." When Tammy Sun pitched her fertility startup a decade ago, the category she was building didn't exist. Investors dismissed it as a lifestyle business, a niche play unworthy of venture capital. After 99 rejections, she raised her first million. Today, Carrot Fertility operates in 170 countries, serving millions in a market that didn't even have a name when she started. This conversation arrives at an inflection point. Women over 40 represent the only demographic having more babies, while one in six couples confronts infertility—a number experts believe vastly undercounts reality since you're only counted if you can afford to seek care. Sun saw these contradictions not as obstacles but as opportunities. Without a male co-founder, without prior startup experience, without even knowing basic healthcare acronyms, she built one of the most valuable fertility companies in the world. Her secret wasn't expertise. It was embracing what she didn't know. "Having a beginner's mind and coming in with curiosity and excitement and imagination around the art of what is possible—I can't think of an area of the world that needs it more now than healthcare", Sun explains. From that first million that was "the hardest million dollars I ever raised" to expanding beyond fertility into what she calls "post reproductive fertility care" with their menopause product—which became their fastest growing product ever—Sun has earned the right to her radical advice about imposter syndrome: "You can totally ignore it. You can pretend like it doesn't exist, and you can just act the way that you feel like you should act." In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, discover how a non-professional founder transformed a personal fertility crisis into a global healthcare platform. From recognizing that "half of all infertility is related to male factor" to launching Sprints at the nexus of metabolic and fertility care, Sun reveals why the future of women's health isn't about incremental improvements to a broken system. It's about having the audacity to imagine something entirely new. For Tammy Sun, building in the space between naivete and expertise isn't a disadvantage. It's the only way to create categories that don't yet exist. In a world where knowing too much can blind you to what's possible, she's proof that sometimes the best qualification for changing healthcare is not knowing why it can't be changed. Key Insights: Why the fastest-growing fertility demographic reveals everything about modern family planning How embracing ignorance became a competitive advantage in healthcare innovation The hidden truth about male factor infertility that affects half of all cases Why imposter syndrome is a luxury founders can't afford How moving from California to Arkansas changed everything What GLP-1s mean for the future of fertility and healthcare About the Guest: Tammy Sun is the Founder and CEO of Carrot Fertility, now operating in almost 170 countries after starting with 12. Without prior founder experience or healthcare expertise, she transformed a personal fertility journey into a category-defining company. She built Carrot into one of the most valuable fertility platforms globally, expanding from fertility into menopause and metabolic fertility care. Chapters 2:03 The State of Women's Health and Political Landscape 4:51 Origin Story: Building a Category from Scratch 8:01 Fertility Trends and the Education Gap 11:41 Raising the First Million: The Founding Journey 15:11 Embracing the Beginner's Mind in Healthcare 16:41 The Future: From Fertility to Lifelong Care 22:38 Advice for Women Founders: Throwing Away Imposter Syndrome Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Tammy Sun on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"By 2030, 2035, they're saying we're gonna have more older adults than children in this country. And if Medicaid cuts happen, where are people gonna get care? Their first resort is gonna be going to the emergency department." Dr. Sarita Mohanty knows exactly what's coming—she sees it every shift in urgent care. As President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, she's racing to transform how America ages while still practicing medicine because, as she puts it, "clinical work gives me an opportunity to really engage on the ground versus being at the 50,000 foot level." Her non-linear journey from LA County General Hospital—where patients waited for days with lines wrapping around the building—through health plan leadership at LA Care and Kaiser Permanente, to now running a major philanthropy, taught her one crucial lesson: the system wasn't built for the people who need it most. Now, with potential Medicaid cuts threatening services like adult day health centers and in-home support, she's watching decades of progress hang in the balance. "When everything costs money, many people just avoid going to see a doctor if they can," shares one older adult through The SCAN Foundation's "People Say" platform—a stark reminder of what's at stake. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Dr. Mohanty reveals: Why she still practices urgent care despite running a major foundation ("I get to see how patients come in, what their challenges are") The coming demographic crisis that will reshape America's healthcare system How COVID proved what's possible when stakeholders drop their silos and move fast Why she went back to business school with three small kids to transform her leadership The power of elevating older adults' voices directly to policymakers How impact investing can catalyze innovation when traditional approaches fail after 30 years Her philosophy: "Leadership isn't about having all the answers, but by listening and collaborating" "Medicine teaches you to avoid mistakes. But leadership requires you to take risks and sometimes fail forward," Dr. Mohanty reflects on her transformation from exam room to boardroom. From treating uninsured patients at LA County to leading a foundation that's reimagining aging in America, Dr. Sarita Mohanty embodies the physician-leader who refuses to choose between ground-level care and systems change. At The SCAN Foundation, she's not just preparing for the silver tsunami—she's ensuring that when it arrives, America's older adults can age with the dignity, purpose, and support they deserve. Her mission isn't just professional—it's personal. With three kids and an aging mother, she's fighting for the healthcare system she wants them to inherit. One where aging isn't a crisis, but a universal reality we're prepared to honor. Chapters 03:35 - Still Practicing Medicine While Running a Foundation 05:33 - The Non-Linear Path from Physician to CEO 08:28 - America's Aging Crisis: More Seniors Than Children by 2035 10:05 - When Medicaid Cuts Hit: Real Impact on Real People 12:20 - Influencing Policy in Today's Political Environment 16:35 - Leading Differently: Doubling Down in Challenging Times 19:31 - Finding Energy When Optimism Seems Impossible 23:32 - Paying It Forward: Advice for Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Sarita Mohanty, MD, MPH, MBA on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Approximately one in four people will face a cancer diagnosis. For most, the hardest part won't be the treatment itself but the waiting, the 3 AM questions, the logistical maze of care coordination that can mean the difference between hope and despair. Ann Stadjuhar knows this truth from both sides of the stethoscope. When Ann navigated her own cancer diagnosis, she had every advantage: 20 years of healthcare expertise, knowledge of case volumes, connections to top surgeons at Optum. Yet even she found the system overwhelming. Her uncle in rural New Mexico wasn't as fortunate; by the time he reached MD Anderson, inadequate local care had sealed his fate. These parallel experiences crystallized Ann's mission at Reimagine Care: ensuring no one faces cancer alone, regardless of their zip code or insider knowledge. This conversation comes at a critical moment. As cancer increasingly strikes younger populations, with many cancers now appearing in people's 20s and 30s rather than their 50s, we need innovators who understand that technology without empathy is just expensive machinery. Ann represents a new breed of healthcare leaders who see AI not as a replacement for human connection, but as a way to multiply it. "The worst part of cancer is the wait," Ann explains. "We can be there 24/7 to understand whether there may be social determinants of health needs. I need a ride to treatment. I need someone to watch my dog. I have issues paying my electric bill. Sometimes people are honestly more comfortable telling the bot they're having these challenges." After two decades revolutionizing digital health from women's health to pandemic response centers, Ann calls cancer care her "capstone." She's witnessed how the 18-month health system adoption cycle literally costs lives. Now, armed with Meta glasses and AI tools that multiply her capabilities "times four," she's racing against a broken system where your uncle's zip code shouldn't determine whether his cancer stays operable. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, discover how one woman's journey through cancer transformed into a mission to democratize access to the kind of insider knowledge that can save lives. From the Cancer X Accelerator to Reimagine Care's AI companion REMI, Ann reveals why the future of cancer care isn't about choosing between humans and machines. It's about creating technology sophisticated enough to know that sometimes, the most advanced intervention is simply helping someone find a dog sitter so they don't miss chemotherapy. For Ann Stadjuhar, reimagining cancer care isn't about replacing human connection. It's about multiplying it. In a healthcare system where staying curious might be the difference between innovation and stagnation, between treatment and tragedy, she's proof that the most powerful technology is the kind that remembers to be human. Key Insights: Why patients confess more to AI than to their doctors, and what that means for care How social determinants of health become matters of life and death in cancer treatment The hidden complexities even healthcare insiders struggle to navigate Why the next generation needs emotional intelligence more than technical skills How one woman's cancer diagnosis became a blueprint for system-wide change About the Guest: Ann Stadjuhar brings 20+ years of digital health innovation to her role as Chief Growth Officer at Reimagine Care. From launching pharmaceuticals to scaling population health tools, she's run what she calls "the gauntlet" of healthcare transformation. Her personal cancer journey while at Optum revealed the gaps even insiders face, inspiring her mission to ensure 24/7 companionship for every cancer patient through AI-powered human care. Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Ann Stadjuhar on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Dr. Mitzi Krockover has been the first in every leadership role she's taken—from founding UCLA's Women's Health Center to becoming Humana's first Vice President of Women's Health to now investing in women-led healthcare companies. In this powerful conversation with Laurie McGraw, Dr. Krockover reveals why she's optimistic about women's health innovation despite recent funding challenges, sharing how the "train has left the station" on progress that can't be reversed. Dr. Krockover breaks down the expansive definition of women's health beyond reproductive care—from the fact that 66% of Alzheimer's patients are women to how female inflammatory responses differ fundamentally from men's. She connects the dots between women's health investment and economic returns, citing studies showing a potential $14 billion ROI from modest research increases. Key Takeaways: Why women's health encompasses far more than reproductive health—and the three critical buckets every leader should understand How the 1993 NIH Revitalization Act changed everything, yet we're still recovering from decades of exclusion The economic case for women's health: from workforce retention during menopause to trillion-dollar market opportunities Why Dr. Krockover sees women as investors, not just philanthropists, in health innovation The career advice that shaped her path: "If it's not challenging you and scaring you a little, it's probably not worth doing" From navigating being "the first" in multiple sectors to building Arizona's women's health innovation ecosystem, Dr. Krockover demonstrates how connecting the dots between health, economics, and leadership creates unstoppable momentum for change. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 03:50 - Being the First: Navigating Uncharted Leadership Territory 05:44 - Beyond Reproductive Health: Redefining Women's Health 08:21 - From NIH Mandate to Investment Boom: 30 Years of Progress 11:22 - The Perfect Storm: Why Women's Health Finally Took Off 13:37 - Arizona's Women's Health Innovation Ecosystem 15:05 - From Treating Patients to Investing in Solutions 18:09 - Finding Optimism Despite Political Headwinds 23:09 - Say Yes First, Figure It Out Later: Advice for Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Mitzi Krockover, MD on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Emmy-nominated journalist Julia Boorstin spent years interviewing thousands of executives before discovering something unexpected: the most successful women leaders had no playbook. After 25 years covering business transformation at Fortune and CNBC, Julia set out to understand why women receive only 2% of venture capital despite outperforming their counterparts—and what she found changed everything she thought about leadership. In this conversation with Laurie McGraw, Julia reveals insights from her book "When Women Lead" and the 60 extraordinary women who defied impossible odds. From wearing fake glasses to be taken seriously to discovering that gratitude correlates with long-term decision making, Julia unpacks why there's no single formula for female leadership success—and why that's exactly the point. Key Takeaways: Why vulnerability and transparency matter more than performed strength in uncertain times The surprising link between gratitude and strategic long-term thinking How "turning down your confidence" to gather information leads to better decisions Why the data proves female-led companies outperform—returning profits a year earlier on average The "water supply problem" approach that transforms how you solve any challenge Why communal leadership isn't weakness—it's a statistical predictor of success From the CNBC Changemakers list to her new podcast launching September 30th, Julia continues amplifying voices of women who are rewriting the rules of business. Her message is clear: authenticity isn't about fitting a mold—it's about understanding your unique strengths and leading from that truth. Chapter Markers 03:31 - Why Business Journalism Reveals Social Change 05:58 - The Myth of One Female Leadership Playbook 09:32 - Gratitude as a Strategic Leadership Skill 11:55 - Why Purpose-Driven Companies Outperform 14:12 - Leading Through Crisis with Data, Not Emotion 18:23 - Building the CNBC Changemakers Movement 22:08 - Finding the Water Supply Problem 25:29 - The Arbitrage Opportunity in Female Leadership Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Julia Boorstin on LinkedIn Check out Julia's new podcast, CNBC Changemakers & Power Players: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cnbc-changemakers-power-players/id1840209228 Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I bleed purple at work. I don't bleed Republican red or Democrat blue—I bleed purple, the color of my company." When two of healthcare technology's most influential policy voices join forces, you get the unvarnished truth about how healthcare transformation really happens in Washington and beyond. Leigh Burchell (VP Policy and Public Affairs at Altera Digital Health) and Leslie Krigstein (VP Communication & Government Affairs at Transcarent) have spent decades translating between Silicon Valley innovation and Capitol Hill regulation. Their combined influence has shaped everything from meaningful use to digital health adoption. In this revealing episode, Leigh and Leslie discuss: Why they're still counting clicks in 2025 Humanizing corporate interests while maintaining credibility The delicate dance between innovation and regulation in the age of AI Why "pledges" are back under Trump 2.0 How consumerization is revolutionizing healthcare Being "the sharpest person in the room" while staying honest "Every policy maker wants to talk about digital health," Leigh notes. "It's massively exploding at the state level too." With AI "bullet training down the tracks," both women navigate the balance between enabling innovation and avoiding regulation that could "cut us off at the knees." Their secret to influence? Collaboration and genuine relationships. "We all want the same thing. People can sense that, so we hold hands and run in the same direction," says Leigh. Leslie adds: "There are lasting relationships with folks on Capitol Hill that started with simple coffee." Both have stood up to CEOs, defended patient interests over profits, and maintained integrity when commercial pressures mounted. For aspiring policy influencers: Be an advocate in all facets of life. Find your passion. Build trust through honesty. Chapters 03:45 - From Hill to Healthcare Tech: Finding Your Policy Passion 06:29 - Making Complex Policy Personal for Lawmakers 10:06 - Bleeding Purple: Navigating Bipartisan Corporate Advocacy 13:16 - The Deregulation Cycle and State-Level Explosion 15:00 - AI and the Consumerization Revolution in Healthcare 21:44 - Building Collaborative Networks for Policy Impact 24:42 - The Power of Being the Trusted Expert in the Room 29:20 - Finding Passion in Policy: Career Advice for Advocates Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Leigh Burchell on LinkedIn Connect with Leslie Krigstein on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Emily Shields dropped her kids off at school this morning—an eighth grader, a fifth grader, and a toddler—before stepping into her role as Chief Strategy Officer at OSF HealthCare. It's a balance she's perfected through years of strategic career moves and honest self-assessment about what matters most each week. Starting as a physician recruiter at OSF, Emily built relationships across the entire health system that would prove invaluable. "I worked with leadership, hospital presidents, regional leadership in all of those markets. It uniquely positioned me to build trust and confidence across the system," she reflects. The pivotal moment came when an executive sent her a simple note: "This person is retiring. You should think about this." That nudge toward the Vice President of Business Development role changed everything. "It was like something exploded in my office," Emily recalls. She seized the opportunity, moving from recruitment into mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures—territory she'd never navigated before. "I'm definitely not afraid to say when I don't know something and to pull in a team to surround me to help," Emily shares. Under the mentorship of Michelle Conger (OSF's incoming CEO), she learned to distinguish between skills that can be taught and the innate hunger to learn that makes leaders successful. In this candid episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Emily also reveals: Why "mission and culture always win"—even when walking away from lucrative deals How OSF's innovation committee fast-tracks partnerships and pilots The power of being "at the right place at the right time" AND seizing the opportunity Why asking for help isn't weakness—it's strategic leadership How to think in "week chunks" when balancing career and family The critical importance of always signaling you're ready for more "You have to demonstrate you can do more than what you're currently doing. That does mean taking on projects outside your official job duties—that's how other people know you're capable," Emily advises. Now overseeing marketing, planning, and business development as Chief Strategy Officer, Emily is bringing previously siloed functions together to drive strategic outcomes. Her latest achievement? A 100-bed behavioral health joint venture opening next spring, addressing a critical gap where 2,000 patients were leaving the service area for psychiatric care. For women navigating their own career trajectories while raising families, Emily's message is clear: "Give yourself grace. Work hard and seize those opportunities when they're in front of you. Recognize that the path you set out for yourself in your head is not the one you're gonna take." From recruiter to C-suite in one organization, while raising three children and driving multi-million dollar deals—Emily Shields proves that with the right support, strategic thinking, and self-compassion, you can build an exceptional career without trying to be perfect at everything, every week. "There are weeks where work wins, and there are weeks where being a mom wins. And that's okay." Chapters 03:23 - Asking for Help as a Strength 05:26 - From Physician Recruiter to System Leader 07:39 - Always Signal You're Ready for More 09:33 - The Power of Right Place, Right Time 12:38 - Building Strategic Partnerships in Behavioral Health 16:37 - When Mission and Culture Trump Growth 18:55 - Breaking Down Silos Through Collaboration 20:58 - Give Yourself Grace and Seize Opportunities Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"This transition was about more than just a business model. It was about trust for the community." When Deborah Visconi took the helm at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, she wasn't just changing a hospital's tax status—she was rebuilding an institution's soul. Tasked with transforming a for-profit hospital into a true safety net for New Jersey's most vulnerable communities, Deborah brought something unique to the challenge: she'd lived it. "Growing up in a Latinx household in an underserved community, I understood what it meant to navigate barriers and be overlooked," Deborah shares. That lived experience became her North Star as she rebuilt Bergen New Bridge from the ground up, ensuring no one would be turned away based on ability to pay, language, immigration status, or circumstance. Seven and a half years later, the transformation is remarkable. Under Deborah's leadership, the hospital now accepts every type of insurance available in New Jersey. They've opened a Depression Center of Excellence, launched comprehensive addiction treatment programs, and created specialized care for eating disorders—all while operating as a non-profit in challenging economic times. "We don't innovate here with glitzy towers and glass buildings. We innovate around people," Deborah explains. During COVID-19, while the world was falling apart and people were dying at their doorsteps, her team remained that "beacon of health, hope, and healing" their community desperately needed. In this powerful episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Deborah also reveals: How "Chief Engagement Officer" became her real title—and why her phone is always on Why technology will never replace compassion in healthcare The three pillars of transformation: partnerships, training, and redefining success beyond financials How holistic care transforms outcomes for addiction and mental health Why building your own table beats waiting for a seat at someone else's The invisible barriers women still face in healthcare leadership Her bold vision for the next generation of women leaders "Equity isn't an initiative—it's embedded in everything we do," Deborah states firmly. Even as DEI becomes a polarizing term, she refuses to waver: "Being able to provide equitable care equals excellence and quality care delivery." For women aspiring to leadership, her advice is direct: "It takes courage to take those steps and not be afraid to use your voice. If you're not given a seat at the table, bring your own seat—or better yet, build your own table." From frontline phlebotomist to transformational CEO, Deborah's grassroots journey proves that the most powerful healthcare innovations come not from technology or buildings, but from leaders who understand their communities' struggles firsthand. "I want future leaders to see they belong at the helm of major institutions, particularly women and Latinx women," she reflects. "I want my legacy to be one of inclusion, respect, and extraordinary relationships." At a time when healthcare faces unprecedented challenges, Deborah Visconi is showing what's possible when hospitals truly serve as safety nets—catching everyone who falls, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Chapters 01:40 - Leading a Hospital Transformation 03:52 - Personal Background Shaping Leadership 05:58 - Building Innovation Through Community Focus 08:24 - Trust Through Engagement and Action 12:33 - Transformational Programs and Patient-Centered Care 18:30 - Breaking Barriers for Women Leaders 24:33 - Legacy of Inclusion and Lifting Others Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Deborah Visconi on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I believe when you put yourself in uncomfortable situations is when you grow the most. Living in a rural village, no running water, no electricity, and essentially being a doula in a middle Atlas Mountain Village for two and a half years, different language, different religion, you know, you just learn a lot about people." From Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco to CEO of Oxeon—the executive search firm reimagining healthcare leadership—Sonia Millsom has spent 30 years proving that the most uncomfortable paths lead to the greatest transformations. Her journey through healthcare's biggest successes (including helping scale Maven to unicorn status and Iora Health to a billion-dollar exit) taught her one critical truth: companies don't fail because of bad CEOs—they fail because the wrong people are at the wrong tables. Now at Oxeon, Sonia is fixing that problem by placing leaders at ALL the tables that matter: executive teams, boardrooms, and cap tables. Because after 13 years of data, she knows exactly what makes leaders successful—and it's not what most people think. "High performing teams have high degrees of psychological safety," she explains. But in today's world of AI disruption, multi-generational workforces, and constant pivots, that safety is harder to build than ever. Her solution? Stop looking for the CEO with three unicorn exits. Start looking for leaders who can "think again" like scientists, not preachers or prosecutors. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Sonia also reveals: The 5 key attributes that predict leadership success (hint: clock speed matters more than credentials) Why women will control $34 trillion by 2030—and how that changes everything about healthcare What Peace Corps taught her about patient care that Harvard Business School never could The real reason companies pivot faster now (and why your old playbook won't save you) How ambient listening cameras preventing patient falls signals healthcare's AI future Why "life begins at the end of your comfort zone"—advice she's passing to her daughters The pattern recognition trap that causes investors to miss breakthrough leaders "Nothing is up and to the right all the time," Sonia admits. "When those times of when things go down is actually where you learn the most." From serving as a doula in rural Morocco to orchestrating billion-dollar healthcare transformations, Sonia Millsom proves that understanding people—whether patients in villages or executives in boardrooms—is the key to driving real change. At Oxeon, she's not just filling leadership positions; she's architecting the future of healthcare by ensuring the right leaders are at every table where decisions get made. Her motto? "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Her mission? Making sure healthcare's next generation of leaders—including her own daughters—are ready to be uncomfortable, curious, and kind enough to transform an industry that touches us all. Chapters 01:30 - Why Leadership Diversity Drives Healthcare Success 03:45 - Five Key Attributes of Successful Leaders 07:20 - Psychological Safety in Uncertain Times 10:15 - From Peace Corps to Healthcare CEO 13:00 - Pivoting in Healthcare: Lessons from Iora and Maven 16:30 - AI and the Multi-Generational Workforce 19:45 - Women's $34 Trillion Financial Future 23:00 - Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Sonia Millsom on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I was reading this report and it was the same old women who are making steady progress in leadership, but we're not making it fast enough. After all these years of being a leader, of being a mentor, of being a coach, of helping other women. I was just frustrated. How can this be?" After 30 years in healthcare technology leadership and reading yet another McKinsey report showing glacial progress for women, Laurie McGraw had enough. That frustration became fuel—launching the Inspiring Women podcast over four years ago to amplify the voices and stories of accomplished women leaders. Now, after 200+ conversations with extraordinary women across healthcare, technology, and business, Laurie shares what she's learned about accelerating women's advancement into leadership. The patterns are clear: every successful woman has moments of doubt before breakthrough, no one is "done learning," and the most accomplished leaders are often the most driven to contribute more. "The moments in these conversations that I love the most—every accomplished woman when you see them speaking so impactfully and powerfully, it seems easy," Laurie reveals. "But I like to draw out those moments in time when that same person wasn't all that they are. How did they make that leap?" In Part 2 of this special Q&A episode, Laurie discusses: The McKinsey report that sparked her frustration—and action—to create Inspiring Women Why she chose podcasting as the platform to accelerate women's leadership advancement The surprising patterns discovered across 200+ conversations with accomplished women How even the most powerful women still have "next levels" they're trying to reach Why men listening to the podcast has become an unexpected catalyst for change What listeners tell her about those breakthrough "nugget" moments that change careers Her ultimate vision: more women in leadership creates a more just and equitable society "I get as many comments from men who listen to Inspiring Women as I do from women, because it helps them understand what people are dealing with and how they can be supportive," Laurie shares, highlighting how allies are crucial to systemic change. With women's funding still at a paltry 2% and progress remaining frustratingly incremental, Laurie's message is clear: "Why is having women in leadership important? When we have more women in leadership, we have a more just and equitable society. Full stop. That is why I am doing this." Four years, 200+ episodes, and countless transformed careers later, the Inspiring Women podcast continues its mission—one conversation, one story, one breakthrough moment at a time. Chapters 00:30 - Why I Started the Inspiring Women Podcast 02:45 - The Simple Concept Behind the Show 03:50 - Patterns from 200+ Conversations 05:30 - Even Accomplished Women Keep Growing 06:15 - Vision for the Inspiring Women Community 07:45 - Dream Dinner Guest: Katie Couric 08:30 - Be a Voracious Learner 09:15 - How Can We Be Bolder? Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I think my media roles have resulted in trust, but that's not why I got into it. I got into it because what an incredible platform to have... to educate the public. On average, about 80,000 people at a time." When Dr. Archelle Georgiou was in clinical practice, she did the math: 15 patients a day for 30 years. The number didn't feel impactful enough. So this Johns Hopkins-trained physician made an unorthodox choice—leaving patient care to join the very managed care industry that frustrated her, determined to fix the system from within. From associate medical director at Cigna to leadership at UnitedHealth Group, Dr. Georgiou discovered that sometimes the best way to heal healthcare is to understand how it's financed and delivered. But her most powerful platform came through an unexpected channel: television. For over 16 years and 2,000 segments, she's been translating complex medical information for millions, becoming a trusted voice in America's living rooms. When COVID-19 struck and the world watched Johns Hopkins count cases and deaths, Dr. Georgiou saw what was missing: real-time hospital data. In one weekend, she and a colleague built what the entire healthcare system hadn't—a national hospital tracking dashboard that informed policymakers, appeared in major publications, and generated 12 peer-reviewed studies. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Dr. Georgiou reveals: Why America's "paternalistic culture" makes us listen to doctors—and why we need to listen more critically How she went from treating 15 patients daily to educating 80,000 people at a time The weekend project that solved COVID's biggest data gap when no one else would Why managed care's influence on healthcare delivery shocked even an industry insider How creating annual strategic business plans for yourself can drive reinvention What really determines impact: degrees and titles, or understanding your core talents Why solving patient care problems remains her "true north" across every role From humble beginnings with parents who didn't finish elementary school to becoming a national medical correspondent, board member, and strategic advisor, Dr. Georgiou proves that maximizing your impact sometimes means leaving the traditional path behind. "Every single year I work with myself to create a strategic business plan," she shares. "A $10 million business has a business plan every single year. So why don't you?" A calculated risk-taker who's never afraid to walk through doors that inch open, Dr. Archelle Georgiou continues to reinvent what it means to be a physician leader—one who measures success not in patients seen, but in lives transformed through education, advocacy, and evidence-based truth. Chapters 2:15 - From Physician to Managed Care Leader 5:40 - Why Healthcare is So Hard to Navigate 9:30 - The Power of Media: Reaching 80,000 People at Once 13:45 - COVID Crisis Response: Building the Hospital Data Dashboard 18:20 - Leadership Across Five Tracks 20:50 - Annual Personal Strategic Planning 23:30 - Finding Your Core Talents Beyond Your Degree 26:00 - The Storyteller-Healthcare-Data Formula Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Archelle Georgiou, MD on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

From four-time Olympian to Fortune 500 advisor to record-breaking masters athlete at 62, Joetta proves that reinvention has no expiration date. After hanging up her spikes in 2000 following 28 straight seasons of middle-distance running, Joetta built a thriving business helping corporations apply athletic principles to achieve excellence. Then, 25 years later, her daughter's simple request—"Mommy, I want to see you run"—sparked an extraordinary comeback. "There's a difference between being healthy for someone in their sixties and competing at a level again," Joetta reflects. But compete she does, crushing records in the 100 and 200 meters, winning national championships, and showing the masters circuit what excellence looks like when you refuse to slow down. The daughter of the late Dr. Joe Clark (immortalized in the film "Lean On Me"), Joetta learned early that "anything associated with the Clarks has to be excellent." This mantra has driven her from Olympic tracks to corporate boardrooms, where her signature "Joetta Effect" transforms organizations through what she calls the three S's: understanding skill sets, developing strategy, and building staying power. "I'm a four-time Olympian, but I tried out six times," she shares. "I had to have staying power those other two times to get to the third time, which was my first time making the Olympic team." Now, as CEO of JoTyme Fitness and a sought-after speaker, Joetta doesn't just preach wellness—she embodies it. Her mission extends beyond personal achievement to lifting entire communities, especially youth who need to understand that success in sports extends far beyond going pro. In this powerhouse episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Joetta also reveals: The "reverse role play" technique that transforms toxic workplace dynamics Why your "why" must outweigh your "how" to achieve any goal The direct connection between physical wellness and professional productivity How to build a personal brand that stands alone (think Madonna, Oprah, Socrates... and Joetta) The critical difference between being a leader and "merely taking a walk" Her "Garden for Success" framework featuring rows of peas, squash, lettuce, and turnips From urban to suburban to rural communities, Joetta's message resonates: "It's not about being an Olympic champion. I don't have a gold medal from the Olympics, but I got the Gold Medal of life." Her approach to continuous reinvention challenges conventional wisdom about aging, retirement, and what's possible when you know your purpose. "When you wrap yourself around yourself, that's a small package," Joetta explains. "But when you wrap yourself around more people, that's a big package, and that's the gift I want to give." Whether she's breaking masters records, advising Fortune 500 companies, or mentoring youth about the billion-dollar sports industry beyond playing professionally, Joetta Clark Diggs exemplifies what happens when you plant good seeds and refuse to stop growing. At an age when many are slowing down, she's just getting started—again. Chapters 00:22 - Mission to Advance Women Leaders 02:14 - From Olympic Track to Breaking Records Again 06:41 - Reinventing Yourself at Any Age 08:46 - The Joetta Effect in Corporate Leadership 13:19 - Why Youth Development Matters 18:22 - Finding Your Why to Fuel Motivation 20:45 - Building and Protecting Your Personal Brand 23:32 - The Garden for Success Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Joetta on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"You have to show up and do the work. There is nothing more satisfying than getting good work done." From helping scale Allscripts when less than 5% of physicians used technology to now serving as Chief Commercial Officer at Transcarent, Laurie McGraw has spent decades transforming healthcare through technology. Her journey spans from being the sole woman in countless boardrooms to becoming a fierce advocate for pulling other women up the leadership ladder. "Early on it was so notable to me in a way that was just frustrating," Laurie recalls about being the only woman in the room. But that frustration transformed into fuel. Today, she's not just occupying C-suite positions—she's using her hard-won confidence to push other women to level-jump, not just climb. The turning point? A mentor who challenged her to take an "undesirable" implementation and support role instead of staying comfortable in product development. "What are you gonna be? Is this your vision for yourself?" her mentor asked. That lateral move became the stepping stone to becoming president of the company. Now at Transcarent, Laurie is focused on making healthcare accessible and affordable—but her mission extends beyond business metrics. With women still representing only 20% of top healthcare leadership positions, she's done being polite about the pace of change. "I'm more aggressive now. It's less about coaching. I'm like, come on, we have to get going on this. Push for that C-suite position. You earned it, you deserve it, you're more than capable." In this special episode of Inspiring Women, host Laurie McGraw turns the mic on herself and reveals: Why the end of DEI initiatives means women must work harder to pull each other forward The cold truth about confidence: "I can trust in myself to get the job done" What she really thinks about women who reach the top and pull the ladder up behind them Why bold leadership—not incremental moves—is what women need in 2025 How to build your "tribe" of truth-tellers, not just cheerleaders The surprising power of taking jobs you don't initially want "We are in a time where bold leadership is required of us. And as women, we are uniquely equipped—empathetic leadership, inclusivity, hearing all the voices in the room. Women are particularly good at this." But Laurie doesn't sugarcoat the challenge. With DEI becoming "a trigger word" and supportive laws being repealed, she's clear about what's needed: "It's up to us. We have to do more to pull the next generations of extraordinarily capable women forward into leadership." For women struggling with confidence, her advice is direct: "Develop your tribe of people who will help you. Not just friends who say 'great job,' but coaches and mentors who can reflect back the cold, hard truth." From a development team leader to healthcare transformation executive, Laurie McGraw's journey proves that showing up and doing hard work isn't enough—women need to claim their space, demand their worth, and most importantly, bring others with them. "We shouldn't be shooting for the next career move. We should be level jumping—two above." Chapters 00:43 - Core Leadership Principles: Show Up and Do the Work 02:46 - Evolution of Leadership Style Through Experience 04:19 - Challenges as a Woman in Health Tech Leadership 06:20 - Accelerating Progress Toward C-Suite Representation 08:11 - Women Supporting Women vs. Competition 09:47 - The Mentor Who Changed My Career Path 11:52 - Why Women Need Bold Leadership Now 14:11 - Building Your Tribe for Confidence and Success Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"Women are 80% of the healthcare workforce in the US, up to 70% globally. So I always say if women aren't healthy, the entire world is at risk of not being healthy." Mary Stutts has spent decades dismantling barriers for women in healthcare—first as a senior executive at Stanford Healthcare and multiple biopharma companies, now as CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA). But what she's seeing today has her more concerned than ever: for the first time in 20 years, the number of women in C-suite roles is declining. "The challenge isn't just getting women into leadership," Mary explains. "It's helping them stay in leadership and thrive there." The culprit? A perfect storm of broken systems: the "broken rung" that blocks women's first promotion to manager, the "concrete ceiling" at director level, and a generation gap that's creating chaos in the workplace. Mary reveals a startling insight about today's young professionals: "They're digitally native but corporately naive. We give them managerial responsibility for a head count, but we haven't trained them how to manage. They take a punitive approach—'You don't do it the way I do it, so you're doing it wrong.' Then everyone gets frustrated and leaves." The stakes couldn't be higher. With a $1 trillion economic gap between women's and men's health, and young women increasingly choosing social media influencer careers over healthcare professions, the industry faces a crisis that threatens everyone's wellbeing. In this essential episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Mary also shares: Why less than 20% of professionals have a development plan—and how this simple tool can transform your career trajectory The 15-minute mentoring rule that changed everything for busy executives Why there's no such thing as a "perfect mentor" and what you need instead The five critical experiences women aren't getting access to that block their path to leadership How to bridge the five (soon to be six) generations currently in the workforce Why "meritocracy is a three-way street"—and what that means for companies trying to retain talent Mary also reveals the innovative work of her nonprofit, The Center for Excellence in Life (T-CEL), which created virtual internships during COVID for students who never thought they'd attend college—many of whom are graduating now. "Keep focusing on describing the very needed work we are doing," Mary urges. "We still need leadership acceleration. We still need talent development. We still need workforces that are representative of the patients and communities we serve. At the end of the day, people most trust people who look like them. That's not bias—that's human nature." From writing "The Missing Mentor: Women Advising Women on Power, Progress and Priorities" to leading HBA's mission to achieve gender equity in healthcare leadership, Mary Stutts is the powerhouse executive rewriting the rules for women's advancement. Her message is clear: Don't lose focus. The work is more critical than ever. "Your development plan is yours alone," Mary insists. "If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you've arrived?" Chapters 02:13 - From Engineering to Healthcare Leadership 05:31 - Digital Innovation to Genomic Revolution 09:05 - Transforming Lung Cancer Detection 13:39 - Women Leading in Biotech 16:54 - The Reality of Being CEO 20:05 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Mary Stutts on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I come from a long line of medical doctors... but I myself was driven by things that move fast in terms of technology." From a family of physicians, Susan Tousi chose a different path—one that would eventually revolutionize how we detect cancer. After decades building multi-hundred million dollar businesses at HP and Kodak, digitizing how the world captures and shares memories, she made a leap that surprised many: trading the consumer tech world for the promise of genomic medicine. "Healthcare was moving fairly slowly in terms of technology adoption," Susan recalls. But when Illumina came calling, she saw her chance to change that. As Chief Product Development Officer and later Chief Commercial Officer, she helped drive the cost of human genome sequencing from over $100,000 down to just $100—making the technology accessible in 155 countries worldwide. Now, as CEO of DELFI Diagnostics, Susan is tackling one of healthcare's deadliest challenges: lung cancer kills more people annually than breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers combined—yet 94% of those who should be screened never get tested. Her solution? A simple blood draw that can detect cancer at stage one, powered by AI and whole genome sequencing, at a cost of just a few hundred dollars. "If you can get blood drawn, you can get our test," Susan explains. "These tests should be in the few hundreds of dollars, easily covered by the healthcare system, available to patients without copay. Everyone's cancer should be caught early. It should be an annual process." In this powerful episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Susan also reveals: What happens when you reduce genome sequencing costs from $100,000 to $100 and why it matters for every patient Why blood-based testing will make cancer detection as routine as annual physicals—no radiation, no invasive procedures The surprising ways AI and machine learning are uncovering cancer signals in blood How to build diverse leadership teams naturally What really changes (and doesn't) when you become a biotech CEO Why the hardest CEO decisions are about people and focus, not technology From engineering at HP to revolutionizing digital photography at Kodak to detecting cancer at its earliest stages, Susan's journey proves that the fastest-moving technology innovations can transform the slowest-moving healthcare challenges—when you're willing to take the leap. "There's no greater mission than advancing the improvement of people's healthy lifespan," Susan reflects. "We need women at the table. These are long-term investments. We need to make sure that the diverse population of patients and clinicians who are going to use our tests are represented in the people who develop the tests. That diversity makes us better." A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Susan Tousi is reshaping how we think about cancer detection—making it accessible, affordable, and available anywhere you can have blood drawn. This is the future of healthcare, and it's happening now. Chapters 00:02:13 - From Engineering to Healthcare Leadership 00:05:31 - Digital Innovation to Genomic Revolution 00:09:05 - Transforming Lung Cancer Detection 00:13:39 - Women Leading in Biotech 00:16:54 - The Reality of Being CEO 00:20:05 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Susan Tousi on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"You might not have been born for this, but you almost died for it." When Gina Jacobson's husband spoke those words, he captured the profound transformation that turned a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis into a mission. Given just one to two years to live, Gina didn't just survive—she discovered why work matters so deeply when everything else falls apart. Now, as Program Director for Working with Cancer, she's tackling an uncomfortable truth: there's a massive gap between what well-meaning colleagues want to do and what actually helps. When people don't copy you on emails to "spare" you, when they assume you can't handle meetings, when they reduce you to your diagnosis—the isolation can be as devastating as the disease itself. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Gina also speaks about: Why "Can I work?" is the second question cancer patients ask after "Will I live?" How manager training can build organizational empathy that extends far beyond cancer it means when 80% of Americans choose to work through cancer treatment Why creating confidence before diagnosis changes everything How simple accommodations can preserve identity during treatment What happens when your biggest pitch becomes helping others through their darkest hour Chapters 02:14 - From Potato Cravings to Stage 4 Diagnosis 03:43 - The Gap Between Intentions and Impact 05:20 - What Organizations Really Need to Do 07:39 - The Workforce Cancer Crisis 08:59 - "You Almost Died for This" 10:37 - Creating Confidence Before Crisis Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Gina Jacobson on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Standing at a hospital desk at 17, facing a Hodgkin's disease diagnosis, Rae McMahan heard words that would reshape her entire life: "We don't have your prior authorization on file." That broken moment in a broken system launched a career dedicated to fixing what fails patients every day. Now, as Senior Vice President of Payer Solutions at Prescriptive, Rae is revolutionizing how 260 million Americans access medications—because no one should discover what their life-saving prescription costs only when they reach the pharmacy counter. But her journey wasn't straightforward. Expected to "get married, have kids and stay home," Rae chose a different path—one that led from nearly becoming a physician to mastering the business of healthcare transformation. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Rae also speaks about: Why pharmacy benefits are the number one utilized benefit and first indicator of health problems How text message prescriptions are disrupting decades of pharmacy confusion What happens when technology costs go down everywhere except healthcare Why connecting lab tests, AI, and genetics could eliminate medication guesswork How to choose your own journey when it doesn't match family expectations What it means to say "no" in a culture that expects women to say "yes" Chapters 04:02 - A Teenager's Cancer Diagnosis Meets a Broken System 06:33 - From Patient to Healthcare Revolutionary 08:22 - The Reverse Technology Paradigm in Healthcare 10:57 - The Magic Wand: Personalized Medicine Without the Guesswork 13:35 - Choosing Your Journey Over Others' Expectations 15:55 - Finding Your Village and Your Voice Guest & Host Links Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Rae McMahan on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

What happens when you realize you've stopped caring about the very people you're meant to serve? For Brenda Munoz, that moment came when a laborer asked her to leave and find someone else to help him. "You're very nice," he said, "but I can tell you're trying to rush this." That wake-up call transformed not just Brenda's career, but how she thinks about leadership itself. Today, as Associate Benefits Director at the Laborers' Fund of Northern California, she oversees benefits for 30,000 workers who build America's infrastructure—and she's reimagining what it means to serve a workforce that's largely male, Hispanic, and often working far from home. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Brenda also speaks about: Why language barriers and literacy challenges make benefits accessibility a social justice issue How empowering 53 employees (mostly women) creates ripple effects for thousands of families What it means to lead for both the laborers AND the women who serve them Why self-reliance and having a voice are the foundations of workplace empowerment How Hispanic women can transform from "doing the paperwork" to leading the organization What changes when you shift from "What do I want?" to "What will help us become better?" Chapter Markers 02:05 - An Accidental Benefits Career 04:09 - The Counter Call That Changed Everything 05:36 - Choosing Impact Over Comfort 07:21 - Understanding the Laborers: Who Builds America 10:59 - The Stress of Benefits Work 12:31 - Leading for Two Communities 14:19 - From Siloed to United: Creating Vision Together 19:21 - The Power Within: A Message to Hispanic Women Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Brenda Munoz on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

When Amee Devani watched her mother battle colorectal cancer in Kenya, she witnessed firsthand the stark reality of healthcare inequity. That experience would reshape her entire career trajectory—from investment banking at UBS to founding a digital health startup that's revolutionizing how hospitals manage post-acute care. "I faint when they take my blood," Amee admits with characteristic candor. Yet today, as CEO and Co-founder of WellBeam, she's tackling one of healthcare's most persistent problems: the black box of care that swallows patients after hospital discharge. This conversation with host Laurie McGraw reveals how a chance meeting on a Stanford cycling training ride led to a partnership that's now bridging the dangerous gap between acute and post-acute care. Amee and her co-founder Pascal—both Kenyans who met thousands of miles from home—shared more than a homeland. They shared mothers fighting cancer and a determination to fix a broken system. What started as rejected startup ideas in Stanford surgeons' offices evolved into WellBeam after one crucial conversation with pancreatic surgeon Dr. Brendan Visser. His frustration was clear: exceptional inpatient care followed by total blindness once patients left the hospital. Fax machines. Phone tag. Patients bouncing back to the ER before anyone knew there was a problem. Now, WellBeam serves as the critical infrastructure connecting hospital EMRs with home health, hospice, and skilled nursing facilities. The result? A 20-30% reduction in readmissions and millions in recovered revenue for physicians doing work they couldn't previously bill. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Amee also discusses: The unexpected value of "having too much fun" at Cambridge and how it shaped her leadership approach Why she left the prestige of investment banking and consulting to work out of a shoebox office in London How catching the "startup bug" at Pavegen prepared her for the healthcare innovation journey The importance of building a village of mentors, especially as a female founder in healthcare Why healthcare's biggest problems aren't glamorous—and why that's exactly where innovation is needed Navigating slow healthcare sales cycles while maintaining startup momentum Leading as a new mother and CEO: ruthless prioritization and trusting your team Chapter Markers 00:54 - Introduction & Background 04:17 - The Stanford Connection & Finding a Co-founder 07:13 - WellBeam's Origin & Solution 11:28 - Business Model & Market Approach 14:06 - Leadership as a Female CEO & New Mother 21:39 - Advice for Aspiring Female Founders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Amee Devani on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

What makes this conversation urgent is what's at stake. When people with lower trust in healthcare turn to friends and family instead of medical professionals, when young adults say they'd leave their doctor over political beliefs, when misinformation spreads faster than facts—we're not just facing a communications challenge. We're facing a health crisis. But Courtney, who's spent 15 years bridging policy, advocacy, and communications, sees opportunity in the challenge. Organizations that share accurate information, take visible action on problems, and paint an optimistic future can still build trust. The question is: will they act fast enough? In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Courtney also speaks about: Why your employer might be your most trusted source of health information (especially if you're a woman) How political polarization is breaking the doctor-patient relationship What the shift from polarization to "grievance" means for healthcare Why women care about healthcare affordability 20 points more than men How to communicate health information when no one trusts the media What leaders must do now to rebuild trust before it's too late Chapter Markers 04:05 - From Policy to Trust: A Career Arc 05:32 - The Misinformation Crisis 08:18 - High Trust vs. Low Trust 10:30 - From Polarization to Grievance 12:11 - Building Trust in a Zero-Sum World 14:27 - Women, Employers, and the Trust Gap 16:12 - A Path Forward for Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Courtney Gray Haupt on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

When Colleen Bowman didn't get into her dietetics internship—twice—she thought her career was over before it began. Instead, that rejection became the catalyst that launched her into becoming a transformative HR leader at one of the most unique companies in America. "I had a little too much fun in college," Colleen admits with a laugh. But that social experience—building networks, connecting with people—turned out to be the foundation of everything that followed. Today, as VP of Human Resources at IAC, she oversees benefits for a portfolio of brands you know and use every day: Angie's List, People Magazine, Food & Wine, and dozens more. This conversation with host Laurie McGraw isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder—it's about how the detours define us. For Colleen, those detours included a boss who told her she wasn't ready for a promotion (spoiler: she was), mentors who took chances on her, and the realization that sometimes you have to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them. What makes Colleen's leadership philosophy unique? "Empathetic with expectations." She leads with understanding but refuses to treat her team "too preciously." She believes in them too much for that. She sets high standards because she knows they can meet them. Now, as healthcare costs explode and benefits become the single largest line item on corporate balance sheets, Colleen is tackling one of business's biggest challenges: How do you get employees to care about their health before it's a crisis? How do you communicate complex benefits to diverse populations—from magazine editors to home repair professionals? And how do you treat a benefits program like the multi-million dollar business it actually is? In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Colleen also speaks about: Why saying "yes" to everything early in your career is essential—and when you need to start saying "no" How to build trust and partnerships that actually move the needle in organizations What happens when benefits become too big for leadership to ignore Why HR's "seat at the table" debate misses the real point How to navigate the coming healthcare crisis with transparency and trust What "fake it till you make it" really means for women leaders Chapter Markers 03:37 From Nutrition Dreams to Benefits Reality 08:17 When Your Boss Says You're Not Ready 10:51 Building Relationships as a Leadership Superpower 14:49 Raising Your Hand vs. Reaching for Opportunities 16:24 Empathetic with Expectations: A New Leadership Model 19:38 The Business of Benefits in Divisive Times Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Colleen Bowman on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

When Karen Lynch became CEO of CVS Health, it was more than a milestone, it was a signal. Millions were watching. She led through the pandemic. She raised wages. She centered the patient. She broke glass ceilings again and again. “I remember the day Karen became CEO,” says host Laurie McGraw. “I think the world stood still for a minute. I smiled. I took notice. And so did everyone else.” The accolades poured in: Forbes Most Powerful Women, Fortune’s Most Admired. But the impact went far beyond headlines. This conversation isn’t just about what Karen accomplished at the top—it’s about the experiences that shaped her long before she got there, and the values driving how she leads today. Like many leaders, Karen’s path was forged in her beginnings. For her, those beginnings were marked by unimaginable loss: losing her mother to suicide at age 12, and just a decade later, losing the aunt who raised her. That grief left an indelible mark—a sense of urgency to fix a healthcare system she had experienced not as a leader, but as someone failed by it. That lived experience has been her North Star. From her early days in finance to leading one of the largest healthcare organizations in the world, Karen has consistently asked: What does the patient need? And how can we make it simpler? As a leader, she learned that courage isn’t a talking point, it’s a practice. And sometimes, it means making a hard decision that costs you. When her tenure at CVS ended, it wasn’t scandal. It wasn't a failure. It was a choice, grounded in accountability. Because real leadership isn’t just about celebrating the wins—it’s about owning the moments that hurt. Now in a chapter of reinvention, Karen is clear: she’s not stepping back, she’s stepping into purpose. From helping future CEOs find their voice, to launching a women’s leadership institute, to urging healthcare leaders to rebuild public trust before it's too late, she is focused on impact over position. The title may be different. The mission is not. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Karen also speaks about: What would healthcare look like if we designed it around the patient? Can simplicity heal what complexity has broken? How do we rebuild public trust in healthcare—and what happens if we don’t? How can we better prepare the next generation of women leaders? Is technology the single most powerful lever for healthcare transformation? What does it take to navigate reinvention with optimism, purpose, and grace? Thank you Karen Lynch. You are an Inspiring Woman. Chapters 03:11 - From Tragedy to Healthcare Leadership 05:42 - Patient-Centered Philosophy 08:46 - Pandemic Response and Transformational Change 10:02 - Mentorship and Women's Leadership 14:57 - Accountability and Resilience in Leadership 22:53 - Technology Revolution and Giving Back Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn About Karen Lynch Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.

"Who mentors the mentors?" "There's no such thing as a cold call in WBL." "How can I help you?" These powerful mantras echo through the halls of Women Business Leaders (WBL), the longest-standing executive forum for women in healthcare leadership. And for our landmark 200th episode of Inspiring Women, we're going back to where it all began. Twenty-five years ago, Lynn Shapiro Snyder found herself one too many times as the only woman at the decision-making table. Instead of accepting this reality, she picked up the phone and made 60 cold calls to the most influential women in healthcare. One by one, they answered with a resounding "yes." And WBL was born. Join us for an intimate conversation with the visionaries who started it all: Lynn Shapiro Snyder, Jeannine Rivet, Carrie Valiant, and Marcia Nusgart. With candor, wisdom, and plenty of laughter, these pioneers share how their initial gathering evolved from a one-time retreat into a powerful network that has elevated thousands of women into leadership positions. When women lead, we create a more just and equitable society—full stop. And today, WBL's mission remains as vital as ever. This 200th episode isn't just a milestone; it's a love song to trailblazing women everywhere—those who stand tall, who lift their voices, and who use their power to push, guide, and pull us all forward. Join us for this celebration of legacy, leadership, and the sisterhood that continues to transform healthcare and beyond. Chapter Markers 01:09 How WBL Was Born from One Cold Call 04:01 Planning the First Retreat—and Why It Almost Didn’t Happen 10:32 Saying Yes to Something Bigger Than Yourself 17:56 The First Summit: Envelopes, Oprah Moments, and Self-Promotion 29:33 Why WBL Matters Now More Than Ever 34:52 What WBL Has Meant to Us—Founders Reflect Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Lynn Shapiro Snyder on LinkedIn Connect with Carrie Valiant on LinkedIn Connect with Marcia Nusgart on LinkedIn Learn more about Jeannine Rivet, RN, MPH, FAAN Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.

What if the same data that helps sell cereal could also save a life? Kathleen Ellmore asked that question long before most people thought to—and long before healthcare caught up. With roots in consumer marketing, she was using behavioral science to influence buying habits when the term “micro-segmentation” barely existed. But when she stepped into healthcare in the early 2000s, everything changed. As the mother of a daughter with cerebral palsy, Kathleen knew what it felt like to navigate a system that didn’t see her, didn’t remember her, and didn’t connect the dots. Kathleen’s daughter needs a wheelchair. She recalls all too well the months of time it took to get the right approvals for the appropriate wheelchair her daughter needed. Until something happened, a changed job, a new insurance plan, and then being told she would need to start the many month process ALL OVER again. It is hard to hear this story without feeling the agony of this mother for her child. This proverbial straw led to this realization: data wasn’t the problem; disconnection was. That moment became the heartbeat of Kathleen’s work. She began applying the tools of influence not to sell more products, but to build trust. Her early experiments, like discovering that a male voice on a robocall led to an 86% increase in screenings among Hispanic populations, proved that small shifts, driven by empathy and insight, could drive massive impact. It wasn’t about big data; it was about meaningful data. Today, as cofounder of Engagys, Kathleen is leading a new era of engagement—layering AI on top of decades of behavioral science to ensure health plans don’t just reach people, but truly connect with them. For her, AI is not a shortcut; it’s a tool to scale human-centered care. And while others chase automation, she remains laser-focused on trust. You’ll also hear from Kathleen on: Why most health plans already have the data they need, but fail to use it meaningfully How behavioral science can transform call center scripts into trust-building tools What it really took to launch a profitable consultancy—no funding, no incubator, just mission and grit How Kathleen balances technical innovation with ethical guardrails in a system under pressure This conversation isn’t just about data. It’s about care, courage, and what happens when you decide to build something better because the system failed you. Chapters 01:52 Applying Consumer Marketing to Healthcare 03:04 Building Engagys from the Ground Up 06:32 Trust, Data, and Personal Motivation 11:00 A Mother's Experience with a Broken System 13:10 AI, Behavioral Science, and Human-Centered Care 20:00 Leadership, LinkedIn, and Advice for Founders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Kathleen Ellmore on LinkedIn About Engagys Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.

After losing both her sister and a close friend to cancer in the same year, Carissa Rollins knew she couldn’t stay where she was. As CIO of UnitedHealthcare, she had scale and power, but not proximity to the technology that might have changed those outcomes. So when the call came from Illumina, a company pioneering genomic sequencing, she listened. And then she leapt. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Carissa shares how grief reshaped her career and how purpose—not title—has always been her compass. She talks candidly about what it means to walk away from the “biggest job of your life” to chase deeper impact, and how she’s now using her insider knowledge of the payer system to open doors for patients who would otherwise be left out of the genomic revolution. Carissa also reflects on the turning points that built her leadership style—from writing a three-page letter to fight for a promotion, to insisting on coaching even when her boss said she didn’t need it. She’s quick to credit the mentors who pulled her forward—but equally passionate about pulling others up behind her. “Why are you sitting in the back?” she recalls asking one young woman. “Your voice is important.” Now at Illumina, she’s helping her teams think critically about how AI can reduce burnout—not by cutting jobs, but by removing outdated, burdensome processes and freeing people to do more meaningful work. It’s a nuanced, systems-based view that resists the hype and centers on impact. You’ll also hear Carissa speak on: Why she sees restlessness as a sign it’s time to grow The alarming drop in women in tech—and what we can do about it How the Grand Canyon Conservancy helps her stay grounded (and where she thinks tech could help the parks) What it really takes to make space at the table—and why women can’t afford to close the door behind them This conversation is full of hard-earned wisdom, honest reflections, and a fierce belief in using every ounce of power to move others forward. Chapters 03:52 Overcoming Restlessness & Seeking New Challenges 10:05 Impact, Market Access & Personal Fulfillment 14:59 AI’s Role in Operations & Efficiency 15:53 Inspiring Young Women in Technology 17:38 Challenges & Setbacks for Women in Tech 19:52 Empowering Advice for Future Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Carissa Rollins on LinkedIn About Illumina Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.

Sophia Kim has spent her career breaking molds, and building better models for leadership and care delivery. From her early start navigating journalism and consulting to leading high-growth teams in healthcare, Sophia’s path has been shaped by adaptability, ambition, and a commitment to creating change that matters. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Sophia shares her journey from balancing a demanding consulting career with raising two young children to finding her footing in healthcare leadership - without a clinical background, but with a deep understanding of people, systems, and what real innovation requires. She talks about: How she’s helping rethink access to heart care through virtual-first models — and why bold ideas are needed to meet today’s healthcare challenges. The leadership lessons she’s carried from consulting rooms to executive suites — including why being able to “be like water” has been essential to growth. How women leaders can create space not just for themselves, but for the next generation. Why technology must always serve people first — and how to balance innovation with the human experience. Sophia’s story is about more than business growth. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and the power of leading with both strategy and heart. Chapters 00:01:27 Sophia’s Immigrant Story & Early Career Background 00:08:32 Leading Through the Pandemic 00:11:28 Complexity of Cardiovascular Health 00:12:39 Cardiologist Shortage & Access Issues 00:15:06 Role of AI in Cardiology & Patient Engagement 00:19:54 Sophia’s Leadership Style Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Sophia Kim on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.

What happens when the system meant to care for everyone, doesn’t? Healthcare equity isn’t theoretical. It’s about who lives, who dies, and who gets a chance. For Rita Johnson-Mills, this isn’t abstract. It’s the work of a lifetime. As a former Medicaid executive, CEO, and now board leader, she has spent decades fighting to ensure Black and Brown communities receive the care, dignity, and leadership they deserve. Rita’s not just breaking glass ceilings. She’s questioning who built the ceiling in the first place. Her leadership spans public health, corporate boardrooms, and the lives of the women she’s mentored into executive roles. Her impact is structural. Her mission is urgent. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Rita speaks about: In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Rita speaks about: What happens when DEI becomes too controversial to talk about in healthcare? What does it take to succeed when the systems were never designed for you? How can we protect the lives of Black mothers and babies when health equity is under threat? How can leaders build a legacy by mentoring the next generation of women executives? Why does boardroom diversity matter, and how do we make sure it’s more than lip service? Rita’s leadership isn’t just impressive. It’s necessary. She’s not just creating space—she’s changing the system itself. Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Rita Johnson-Mills on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.

When a diagnosis is shared, the questions come fast: What happened? How can I help? For families in crisis, support is critical—but often chaotic. Without a structure to manage communication or coordinate care, caregivers are left to navigate emotional overwhelm and logistical complexity at the same time. That’s where CaringBridge steps in. In this episode of Inspiring Women, CEO Tia Newcomer joins Laurie McGraw to talk about what it takes to bring real support into the healthcare experience—not as a nice-to-have, but as essential infrastructure. Under her leadership, CaringBridge is expanding its reach, embedding into points of diagnosis and discharge, and protecting trust in a space where many would trade it for scale. With two decades of executive leadership across Fortune 100, VC, and private equity–backed health tech and consumer brands, Tia brings a sharp operational lens to deeply human problems and a clear vision for what care can look like when support is treated as essential, not optional. Key themes explored: How can caregiver support become a standard part of the care journey? What does it take to grow a mission without compromising its core? Why is trust a strategic choice and how do you protect it? What can cross-sector leadership unlock in healthcare innovation? Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Tia Newcomer on LinkedIn About CaringBridge Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.

Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, the sixth president of Morehouse School of Medicine and first woman to lead as president and CEO, cuts through the noise with her refreshingly direct approach to diversifying healthcare. "If Morehouse School of Medicine is not part of the DEI story, I don't know what the DEI story is," Dr. Rice says, refusing to back down from her mission despite today's challenging climate. She brings receipts too—showing exactly how diversity in medicine delivers measurable benefits in economic impact, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes. Dr. Rice shares her practical wisdom for staying focused when leadership gets tough: "Sometimes you have to put on blinders so you don't become distracted and put earplugs in and only turn up the volume for things that are gonna keep you moving forward." She emphasizes the importance of regular connection with those she serves, keeping her calendar open on Friday afternoons for 15-minute conversations with anyone who needs to speak with her. Her journey from rural Georgia to the pinnacle of medical leadership is remarkable—transitioning from a degree in chemical engineering to attending Harvard Medical School after realizing she needed to follow her own path rather than others' expectations. This willingness to pivot and trust herself has defined her leadership style, as she's moved through numerous academic and clinical roles to her current position. Dr. Rice discusses the critical importance of trust in medicine and how physician diversity directly improves health outcomes: "The foundation of any relationship is trust." She explains how physicians who understand their patients' backgrounds can "meet them where they are" to create more effective care plans. From tackling physician representation to building patient trust through cultural concordance, Dr. Rice offers a masterclass in purposeful leadership. She reminds us why this work matters now more than ever, summing up her philosophy with the powerful question she asks herself daily: "What would you do if you could not fail?" This conversation isn't just about healthcare—it's about leading with conviction when the path gets rocky and remembering your "why" when challenges mount. Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Dr Valerie Montgomery Rice on LinkedIn Learn more about Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG About Morehouse School of Medicine Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.

Art school isn’t the typical starting point for a tech industry leader, but for Jessica Neal, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix, it was the first step in an extraordinary career. In this episode, Jessica shares how she transitioned from an aspiring artist to headhunter to leading Netflix’s talent strategy during its explosive growth. Jessica emphasizes the critical importance of providing clear direction and context when it comes to leadership. “If you don’t give the right context and your team isn’t doing well, guess whose fault it is? Yours.” Jessica doesn’t sugar coat the reality of what it takes to lead well and effectively today. Empower your teams? What does empower mean? How about let people do their work and get rid of bureaucracy? Jessica provides a masterclass in adaptability and strategic thinking. She reveals how Netflix’s unique culture of “freedom and responsibility” shaped its success and how she implemented the “context, not control” philosophy to empower teams. As a current venture partner at TCV, board member for cutting-edge companies, and co-host of the TruthWorks podcast, Jessica offers invaluable insights on: Identifying and nurturing top talent in high-growth environments Creating a culture of clarity and context to drive business success Evolving HR practices to meet the demands of modern, global workforces Navigating the complexities of DEI initiatives in today's political climate The future of work and how leaders can prepare for ongoing changes Guest Resources: TCV TruthWorks Podcast LinkedIn Instagram About Jessica: Jessica Neal is a seasoned talent and human resources executive who has made significant contributions to some of the most innovative companies in the tech industry. Currently serving as a Venture Partner at TCV (Technology Crossover Ventures), a leading growth equity firm, Jessica brings her extensive experience in talent management and organizational culture to help scale high-growth companies. Jessica’s career journey is as unconventional as it is impressive. She began her professional life as an artist, earning a BFA in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her path took an unexpected turn when she discovered her talent for identifying and nurturing top- tier talent in the tech industry. Jessica is perhaps best known for her transformative work at Netflix, where she spent over 11 years across two tenures. As Chief Talent Officer (CHRO), she played a pivotal role in shaping Netflix’s renowned culture during its explosive growth from a DVD-by-mail service to the world’s leading streaming entertainment company. Under her leadership, Netflix’s workforce expanded from 250 to over 10,000 employees globally. Between her stints at Netflix, Jessica held key leadership positions at other innovative companies. She served as Chief People Officer at Scopely, a mobile gaming company, and as Vice President of Talent at Coursera, an online education platform. These experiences further honed her skills in building and scaling teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Today, Jessica leverages her expertise as a board member for several companies, including JFrog, a DevOps platform, and Public.com, a social investing platform. Her board service allows her to share her insights on talent strategy, organizational culture, and scaling operations with the next generation of tech leaders. Jessica is also passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with a broader audience. She co-hosts the “TruthWorks” podcast with Patty McCord, where they explore pressing issues affecting the modern workplace, from AI and mental health to layoffs and toxic cultures. Known for her candid approach and deep understanding of what makes great companies tick, Jessica Neal continues to be a influential voice in reshaping how we think about work, talent, and organizational culture in the 21st century. Connect with Laurie McGraw – Inspiring Women: Podcast YouTube Instagram Linkedin

“We need to be more ambitious….” Margaret “Peggy” O’Kane transformed healthcare quality measurement in America when she created NCQA 35 years ago. As she reflects on what it has meant to create the foundations for quality measurement, she is also clear that the complex state of healthcare requires leaders across payers, health systems, employers, and providers to do more. Disruption is required. In this revealing conversation with Laurie McGraw, O’Kane reflects on her journey from respiratory therapist to healthcare quality pioneer, the development of HEDIS® as the nation’s most widely used quality measurement tool, and her passionate advocacy for addressing racial disparities in healthcare outcomes. As she prepares to retire at the end of 2025, O’Kane shares candid insights on the challenges facing healthcare quality improvement and her vision for the industry’s future. Discover why this legendary leader believes that despite progress, “so much work that’s undone” in creating a trusted, quality healthcare system. O’Kane’s unwavering commitment to health equity shines through when she addresses recent pushback on measuring disparities: “There are undeniable differences in health outcomes among different population groups… I think people need to be determined to push through, to learn about how to approach this.” Her call for persistence resonates powerfully as she urges healthcare leaders to “follow the data, avoid the noise… and stay ambitious and courageous” in addressing healthcare disparities. Key Takeaways: 1. Quality Measurement Evolution: O’Kane’s journey with NCQA began by addressing the disorganized state of healthcare, evolving from basic preventive measures to comprehensive digital quality metrics that can transform population health management. 2. Digital Transformation: The future of healthcare quality lies in digital reporting and enablement, moving beyond traditional HEDIS® measures toward more ambitious, customized approaches that can better serve diverse patient populations. 3. Health Equity Imperative: Despite political pushbacks, O’Kane emphasizes the critical importance of continuing to measure and address healthcare disparities through data-driven approaches, including innovative methods like using zip codes when direct demographic data collection faces challenges. 4. System Transformation Challenges: O’Kane acknowledges that transforming healthcare requires changing deeply ingrained practices, noting that “everybody’s been trained to work in the current model” and meaningful change requires persistence, curiosity, and willingness to adapt when approaches aren’t working. Guest Resources: National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) LinkedIn About Margaret (Peggy) O’Kane: Margaret “Peggy” O’Kane is the founder and president of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an organization she established in 1990 to transform healthcare quality measurement and improvement in America. After recognizing the disorganized state of healthcare during her early career as a respiratory therapist, O’Kane pursued a master’s degree in public health and health policy from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, which equipped her with the knowledge to revolutionize healthcare quality standards. Under her visionary leadership spanning 35 years, NCQA developed the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®), now the nation’s most widely used quality measurement tool. Today, more than 216 million people—approximately 65% of the U.S. population—are enrolled in NCQA-Accredited plans that use HEDIS to assess and benchmark care quality. O’Kane has been a passionate advocate for addressing racial inequities in healthcare outcomes, emphasizing the importance of data collection and measurement to identify and reduce disparities. Her pioneering work has established NCQA as the foremost authority in healthcare quality assessment, with more than 10,000 entities—including health plans, health systems, primary care practices, and technology vendors—accredited or recognized through NCQA’s evaluation programs. After more than three decades of dedicated service, O’Kane has announced her retirement at the end of 2025, which coincides with NCQA’s 35th anniversary. As she prepares for this transition, she remains committed to advancing digital quality measurement and expanding NCQA’s focus to more ambitious goals in population health management and health equity. Connect with Laurie McGraw – Inspiring Women: Podcast YouTube Instagram Linkedin

Human Resources is NOT the next obvious step if you began your career as a nutritionist. Yet for Colleen Bowman, VP of HR at IAC, her unconventional path took her exactly there. And when you hear Colleen’s story, it really does all make sense. Colleen started as an athlete. So being competitive and working as a team came naturally. She always had high expectations – of herself and of others. Key skills needed for leadership – building trust, having empathy, having confidence in yourself – these are core to who Colleen is. Nutrition is where she started but then she loved the complexity of what she started learning in the world of Human Resources. Complex benefits design, needing to work across functions like finance and legal and senior management. Colleen also goes back to those first times when she was making the big leap to a management role. Even for her, confidence was not as strong as she wanted. So “Faking it” until she made it became her mantra, and for Colleen, it worked. Colleen has a lot of responsibility in her leadership role today, but it’s really quite likely that she has only just begun!!! Key Leadership Takeaways from Colleen Bowman: Lead with Empathy: Understand your team’s perspective while setting clear expectations. Build Relationships: Foster strong partnerships to navigate complex challenges and gain support. Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay curious, seek knowledge, and adapt to evolving industry trends. Fake It Til You Make It: Project confidence, even when nervous, to build self-assurance and inspire trust. Proactively Seek Opportunities: Advocate for your needs and take initiative to advance your career. Guest Resources: LinkedIn IAC Related Companies About Colleen: Colleen Bowman is the Vice President of Human Resources at IAC, a diverse holding company with brands spanning media, publishing, and technology. In this role, she partners with IAC’s portfolio of companies to provide HR, benefits, and talent acquisition support, with a particular focus on navigating the complexities of healthcare benefits and ensuring employee well-being. Colleen is dedicated to simplifying complex information, fostering employee engagement, and optimizing HR practices to drive business success. Prior to joining IAC in July of 2024, Colleen served as Vice President of Human Resources at Related Companies, a leading real estate and lifestyle company, where she oversaw total rewards, HR technology, and HR operations. Her extensive career also includes leadership roles at Revlon and Tiffany & Co., where she honed her expertise in benefits and wellness. Colleen’s career began in the nutrition and corporate wellness space, reflecting her long- standing commitment to promoting health and well-being. Colleen holds a Masters of Public Health in Public Health Nutrition from the City University of New York-Hunter College and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Boston University. Her unique background and diverse experience have shaped her empathetic and strategic approach to HR leadership. Colleen is passionate about building trust, fostering transparency, and inspiring the next generation of women leaders in the HR field. Connect with Laurie McGraw – Inspiring Women: Podcast YouTube Instagram Linkedin x6bOYM781yPqQ56CPN5A

Spoiler alert: trust is declining – in government, established institutions, and in media. For 25 years Edelman has been studying trust given its importance as the ultimate currency of a business with its stakeholders. In this Inspiring Women episode, Laurie is speaking with Courtney Gray Haupt, the Global Health Chair and US Co-Chair of Health from Edelman. In discussing the Edelman Trust Barometer, Courtney underscores several key issues impacting women. Key among them are heightened concerns about healthcare affordability (20 points higher than men) which makes sense when you consider the critical role women play in family health decisions (80% made by women). The polarized world we live in also described as a growing “crisis of grievance” can be exhausting. Yet, Courtney offers solutions. Learn how employers can better support women’s healthcare needs, and how women leaders in particular can foster trust with their stakeholders. Share this episode to elevate the conversation! Key Takeaways: Women are significantly more concerned about healthcare affordability than men. Employers are trusted sources of health information, especially for women. A “crisis of grievance” is impacting trust in institutions, leading to a “zero-sum” mentality. Building trust requires understanding audience needs, acting collaboratively, and recognizing the special role women play in healthcare decisions. #InspiringWomen #HealthcareAffordability #WomenInHealthcare #Leadership #EdelmanTrustBarometer Guest Resources: LinkedIn Edelman Trust Barometer Edelman Health About Courtney Gray Haupt: Courtney Gray Haupt is a dynamic leader at Edelman, where she serves as the Global Health Co-Chair and US Chair, Health. In this role, she leads Edelman’s US Health team, specializing in corporate positioning, thought leadership, public affairs, and reputation campaigns. Courtney brings deep expertise in biomedical innovation, health policy, and consumer health and wellness to her work, guiding organizations through the complex and ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Courtney oversees a team of over 400 health specialists, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and solutions-focused thinking. Her passion extends to mentoring and growth opportunities for her team, ensuring they are equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare sector. Her dedication to cultivating talent and driving innovation has made her a respected figure in the industry. Throughout her career, Courtney has partnered with a diverse range of organizations, including global biopharmaceutical companies, trade associations, schools of public health, foundations, and advocacy groups. She has spearheaded highly successful campaigns that bridge the public and private sectors, engaging policymakers, healthcare professionals, patients, and other key audiences. Her work has driven action and informed stakeholders on critical health issues such as vaccine policy, drug pricing, and mental health. Courtney’s extensive experience includes supporting prominent organizations across the health community, such as Johnson & Johnson, Amgen, Merck, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. With specialties in biopharma innovation, public affairs, health coalition building, and corporate storytelling, Courtney Gray Haupt is a driving force in shaping the future of healthcare communications and advocacy. Connect with Laurie McGraw – Inspiring Women: Podcast YouTube Instagram Linkedin

She is a Latina. She is a leader. She is a visible member of her community. She is a daughter. She is a servant leader. And Brenda Munoz is also, so much more than all of that. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Laurie McGraw speaks with Brenda Munoz, Associate Benefits Director at the Laborers Funds Administrative Office of Northern California, Inc. From a temporary administrative analyst to a key leadership role, Brenda’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Brenda’s story reminds us of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve gender equity in leadership. The weight of her position, representing her family, her community, and the hopes of future Latina leaders, fuels her dedication to serving the laborers and transforming the lives of her team. Did you know that while women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, Latina women hold only about 2% of management or executive positions? This stark reality underscores the weight Brenda feels to lead and represent her community. Brenda shares the pivotal “wake-up call” that shifted her focus to servant leadership and her deep connection to her Hispanic heritage, which fuels her passion for empowering women and ensuring access to vital benefits. Brenda’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles, but about impact. She reveals how she fosters self-reliance within her team, champions open communication and strives to create a better experience for both employees and the union members they serve. Discover how Brenda’s vision is shaping the future of benefits administration and empowering the next generation of leaders. Key Takeaways: The power of a personal “wake-up call” to redefine your purpose. How servant leadership can transform organizations. The importance of empowering women and fostering self-reliance. Creating a vision for improved member and employee experiences. Believing in your own power and potential to lead. Guest Resources: Laborers Funds Administrative Office of Northern California, Inc. LinkedIn About Brenda: Brenda Munoz serves as the Associate Benefits Director at the Labor's Fund of Northern California, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the benefits administration for approximately 30,000 laborers. With over a decade of experience in the organization, Brenda’s journey began as a temporary administrative analyst, where her dedication and passion for service quickly set her apart. Her rise through the ranks exemplifies her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of workers and their families. Brenda is a firm believer in the principles of servant leadership, which guide her approach to management and team development. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and empowers her team by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Her focus on creating a supportive environment fosters not only individual growth but also enhances the overall member experience. A proud daughter of immigrant parents, Brenda is deeply connected to her Hispanic heritage, which inspires her advocacy for equitable access to benefits and resources. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art/Art Studies from Colgate University, blending creativity with analytical skills to drive innovative solutions in benefits administration. Through her work, Brenda continues to inspire others, championing women in leadership and striving to create positive change within her community. Connect with Laurie McGraw – Inspiring Women: Podcast YouTube Instagram Linkedin

Growing up, Rae McMahan’s parents had plans for their daughter on what it meant to be a good girl. But then, life took a different turn. Facing a life-threatening illness, receiving great care, and even then realizing that not everyone had the same access that she did, Rae decided she wanted a different path. She changed the definition of what it meant to be a good girl. Rae McMahan, a senior executive at Prescryptive, shares her inspiring journey, from battling Hodgkin’s disease as a teen to revolutionizing medication access. She describes how Prescryptive empowers patients with transparent, individualized prescription information. What can women learn from Rae’s career path? Key Takeaways: How Rae’s health challenges fueled her passion for accessible healthcare. Why transparent medication pricing empowers patients. The future of personalized medicine: connecting diagnostics with prescriptions. Rae’s advice for women navigating leadership and prioritizing self-care. Guest Resources: Transcarent Partnership with Prescryptive LinkedIn Prescryptive About Rae: Rae McMahan is a strategic and accomplished executive in the healthcare industry, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Payer Solutions at Prescriptive. Driven by a deep commitment to improving patient access and affordability, Rae is a recognized leader in developing and implementing innovative solutions that address the complexities of the pharmacy benefits landscape. Rae’s extensive experience spans pharmacy, PBM, health plan, health system, and pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. She is adept at starting up and turning around organizations, integrating acquisitions, and positioning businesses for growth. Known for her collaborative approach, Rae effectively partners across companies and business units to implement cost-effective solutions that meet critical business challenges. Throughout her career, Rae has consistently demonstrated a talent for generating and executing innovative programs that reduce costs, expand market share, extend lines of business, and drive revenue. She excels at commercializing medical and pharmacy management products and is skilled at reorganizing and reinvigorating underperforming units, leveraging technology, and creating efficiencies to achieve significant savings and revenue growth. As a transformational leader, Rae oversees both small and large teams, from strategic and operational roles to customer service and executive leadership. She is committed to building and leading diverse teams, fostering a culture of openness and transparency through clear and consistent communication. As a valued member of any senior team, Rae is known for her direct, open, and collaborative style. Connect with Laurie McGraw – Inspiring Women: Podcast YouTube Instagram Linkedin

Discover how Gina Jacobson, a stage 4 cancer survivor, is revolutionizing workplace support for cancer patients. In this powerful episode of Inspiring Women, Gina shares her personal battle with colon cancer while managing a high-stakes career. Learn about the Working With Cancer initiative and how its breaking down stigmas, fostering organizational empathy, and creating supportive work environments. Gain valuable insights on: Navigating a cancer diagnosis in a professional setting The surprising desire of many cancer patients to continue working Practical steps for companies to support employees with cancer Building organizational empathy that extends beyond cancer support Whether you’re a cancer survivor, caregiver, or business leader, this episode offers essential perspectives on transforming workplace culture. Join host Laurie McGraw for an inspiring conversation that will change how you think about cancer in the workplace. Consider signing up for, sharing or making your workplace a part of the Working With Cancer Pledge. The Working With Cancer initiative is transforming company cultures, creating safe spaces for difficult conversations, and positively impacting health outcomes for employees facing cancer. Learn how you can join this global movement and make a difference in your workplace. Resources: Gina on Instagram Linkedin Gina on Substack Working With Cancer Pledge About Gina: As one of the founding forces behind Publicis Groupe’s Working with Cancer initiative, Gina creates and oversees the programs associated with delivering against the WWC Pledge internally. She’s committed to creating a multi-faceted, best-in-class example of supporting employees impacted by cancer—whether directly or as caregivers—through individual and group coaching, training, and community engagement. Using this foundation, she also recruits and guides other companies to take and activate the pledge. Gina’s previous title at Starcom was Chief Growth Officer, but she always preferred to think of herself as more of a “Chief Potential Officer.” In that role, she oversaw both new business and organic growth, uncovering new opportunities and inspiring companies and colleagues to pursue what’s possible—an experience that prepared her perfectly for her current role. Over the past (nearly) three decades, Gina has thrived in a broad range of roles within Publicis Group—including overseeing media at Starcom and creative development at Leo Burnett. She is known for her critical strategic thinking, digging into her clients’ business, and having a passion for building and nurturing teams who deliver engaging, strategic work. During her tenure, she has led results-driving and award-winning work across categories as diverse as hospitality, insurance, CPG, tech, toys, retail, and mobile—and across clients including Four Seasons, Beam Suntory, Esurance, Kraft Heinz, Kellogg, and Nintendo—among many others. In the Fall of 2018, Gina was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. She’s outlived her initial prognosis by several years and intends to keep living a joyful and purposeful life, while helping others recognize and realize their full potential. You can read about what she’s learning from the best-worst thing that ever happened to her through her blog, weareallmadeofstars.net, and via her Strive for Five Substack, a look back at her 4+ year journey as she approaches the 5-year survival milestone. Connect with Laurie McGraw – Inspiring Women: Podcast YouTube Instagram Linkedin

Can a million peer supporters transform mental health care for children and adolescents in America? Obi Felten, CEO and founder of Flourish Labs, believes it’s possible. In this eye-opening episode of Inspiring Women, host Laurie McGraw delves into Felton’s groundbreaking approach to solving the mental health crisis for youth. Felten, a former Google X executive, shares her journey from developing moonshot technologies to tackling one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges. Learn how Flourish Labs is revolutionizing mental health support by training young adults with lived experiences to become peer supporters, creating a more diverse and relatable workforce. Key takeaways: The staggering gap in mental health care: 20 million teens and young adults with mental health issues, but only half receive care How Flourish Labs is breaking barriers by securing contracts with Medicaid plans The power of peer support in addressing critical issues like post-ER care for suicidal youth Felten’s vision for scaling peer support to help millions of underserved individuals Discover how Felten’s unique blend of tech innovation, healthcare expertise, and peer support culture is reshaping the future of mental health care. This episode is a must- listen for anyone interested in mental health, healthcare innovation, or inspiring entrepreneurial journeys. Visit Obi Felten’s website Learn more about Flourish Labs Visit Peers.net About Obi: Obi Felten is the founder and CEO of Flourish Labs, a healthcare company on a mission to scale professional peer support with telehealth and AI to address the mental health crisis. Flourish Labs provides telehealth peer support for teenagers and young adults at Peers.net and expands the mental health workforce with accredited peer supporter training. Obi serves on the board of Springer Nature, a global academic publisher, and is an advisor on youth mental health for the Chelsea & Westminster NHS trust. She previously served on the board of Marathon Health, a primary and behavioral health provider group, and various mental health nonprofits. Before founding Flourish Labs, Obi led technology moonshot projects at Google X, was Director of Consumer marketing for Google in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and set up ecommerce businesses. Obi grew up in Berlin, has a BA in Philosophy and Psychology from Oxford University and lives in California with her family.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing hospital operations with Bree Bush, GM of Command Center at GE HealthCare. In this eye-opening episode, Bree shares her journey from mechanical engineer to healthcare innovator, revealing how GE HealthCare’s AI-driven command centers are transforming patient care and hospital efficiency. Key takeaways: Learn about GE HealthCare’s groundbreaking command center technology and its impact on healthcare operations Understand how AI is being used to optimize resource allocation and improve patient experiences Gain insights into the challenges of managing complex hospital systems and the role of data-driven decision making Hear about Bree’s career path and her advice for aspiring healthcare leaders From reducing wait times to predicting bottlenecks, Bree Bush explains how GE HealthCare’s command centers are tackling healthcare’s most pressing operational challenges. Don’t miss this fascinating look into the future of hospital management and the power of AI to transform healthcare delivery. About Bree: Bree Bush is a founding member of the GE HealthCare Command Center Platform and is now the General Manager. Bree and the Command Center team help top-performing healthcare organizations level up their operations by streamlining patient flow, optimizing capacity, eliminating inefficiencies, and improving access to care. Bree is also General Manager of GE HealthCare’s Digital Pharma Solutions business where she leads a team specifically focused on partnerships with Life Sciences companies around the development and deployment of digital solutions to improve precision health. Since 2006, Bree has led healthcare organizations through operational transformation initiatives with GE HealthCare. Whether her efforts were focused on improving the OR block schedule or reducing LOS for inpatient or streamlined OP clinic scheduling, she has leveraged simulation modeling and systems engineering methodology to drive measurable results and create a culture of continuous improvement. Bree earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. She joined GE HealthCare through the Edison Engineering Development Program, a highly selective program designed to grow future engineering leaders.

No issue unified women across the U.S. more than what was at stake in the 2024 election – that is, whether the freedom to manage our own bodies and health continue to be stripped away. Women were on the ballot and women healthcare executives aimed to do something about it. In the fall of 2024, during a heated presidential election cycle… Six women healthcare leaders came together around three key issues. The preservation of reproductive freedom, Medicare & Medicaid preservation, and having affordable health insurance. From there another 550 women executives signed their names openly to support the protection of these issues. Many of these leaders have worked across the aisle on deep healthcare issues and many are either currently or have in the past worked in the political sphere at the state and federal level. And now it is 2025 with a new administration in the White House. Hear from the Women Healthcare Leaders for Progress (WHLP) founding members to understand the issues and why they remain important to Women and to Americans. Our hearts may be broken, but our resolve is not. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day on the same day of the Inauguration, we wish to thank our departing President and Vice President for their service. A great way to honor the legacy of Dr. King is to also wish for our incoming President great success in building a better country and a better world. That world includes the enduring support and preservation of the WHLP issues we care most about. Founding Members of Women Healthcare Leaders for Progress:  Miriam Paramore, Founder & CEO, RXUtility & Health Tech Investor  Missy Krasner, Digital Health Investor, Former Amazon, Google, Box & Senior Advisor ONC/HHS, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)  Molly Coye, MD, Former Board Member, Aetna, AHA, Former Chief Innovation Officer, UCLA Health, Commissioner of Health NJ & CA State Department of Health Services  Audrey Mann Cronin, Advisor & Communications Expert to CEOs, Creator of Voice-Driven App, LikeSo: Your Personal Speech Coach  Laurie McGraw, EVP, Transcarent, Founder & Host Inspiring Women Pod, Former American Medical Association, Allscripts & IDX  Lori Evans Bernstein, 3X, VC-backed Founder in Women’s Health & Tech, Former Aetna Exec, Deputy Commissioner NYS Dept of Health & Senior Advisor, U.S. DHHS

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Ellen DaSilva, CEO and Founder of Summer Health which aims to increase the supply of pediatric care to care for the 75M children in the United States who need healthcare. Laurie and Ellen spoke at the HLTH 2024 conference. Ellen lives, eats and breathes Summer Health ever since she, someone with access and means – was UNABLE to get the care she needed for her child. Ellen quickly understood the magnitude of the problem – a decreasing supply of pediatricians to support the 75M kids in this country. A third of children who live in places without any access to a pediatrician. Nearly 40% of children who have chronic conditions. And then there’s the wait….days, weeks, months to get care for your child to a pediatrician. It may be a classic supply and demand conundrum, but Ellen was clear – there must be a better way. And so…Summer Health. On demand, asynchronous, text first, and always on, always open. Ellen is rapidly growing the company with many lessons learned from her work at other large enterprises. And, it may be hard to build a company, but Ellen is no stranger to this hard work. What’s new with this time around of Summer Health? The market is moving fast, perhaps faster than ever. She is also impressed with the caliber of talent she is able to bring to Summer Health – based on their mission and innovative approach to the problem. Ellen closes this conversation with advice for other women entrepreneurs and CEOs which is doubling down on your conviction that the hard problems are worth solving. And while it may not feel like it today – the hard journey of innovation, leadership, and vision…. well, it is indeed worth it. About Ellen: Ellen is the Founder and CEO of Summer Health, a company with a mission to raise the healthiest generation of children. Summer Health offers message-based pediatric services within 15 minutes. Learn more at www.summerhealth.com. Previously, Ellen served as the Head of Business Development at hims&hers, where she focused on strategic partnerships and business growth. She's also an active angel investor, serving as a Sequoia Scout for Seed and Series A consumer tech companies. Ellen earned her MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School. While at HBS, she was a Partner at Rough Draft Ventures, General Catalyst’s pre-seed fund. Before business school, she managed a unit of the Business Operations team at Twitter, and prior to that, she worked at Barclays Capital. Ellen co-authored "Pitching & Closing: Everything You Need To Know About Business Development, Partnerships, and Making Deals that Matter"—a guidebook for business development and revenue-generating partnerships at tech startups.

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Dr. Jenny Schneider and her Home[ward] Grown mentee, Nathalie Gouailhardou, co-founder of Neurode — a wearable headband that can track and treat ADHD symptoms. This episode rounds out a full year of the Home[ward] Grown Mentorship series where every quarter, Dr. Jenny Schneider selects a CEO/Founder into this mentorship program. Now if you are in healthcare, and as long as you haven’t been living under a rock, then you know Jenny – mom, physician, athlete, and accomplished serial entrepreneur and leader. And busy!!! So very busy. AND STILL, Jenny created Home[ward] Grown to support women CEOs, mentoring someone new every quarter. Because that job is hard. And Jenny knows a thing or two. So she makes the time. Its just that important. Key Takeaways: 1. Neurode’s Mission: Nathalie, a neuroscientist with ADHD, founded Neurode to provide a drug-free, side-effect- free solution for ADHD. The device combines non-invasive brain stimulation and brain activity tracking to improve focus and executive function. 2. ADHD Awareness: ADHD affects both children and adults, especially women, yet existing treatments were developed primarily for young boys. Neurode fills a critical gap in personalized ADHD treatment. 3. The Mentorship Experience: Nathalie shared how Dr. Schneider’s guidance during critical stages of Neurode’s beta launch provided actionable insights, including strategies for user acquisition, team leadership, and scaling the business. 4. Home[ward] Grown Program Impact: Dr. Schneider emphasized the importance of mentorship as a tool to help women advance faster and tackle challenges in leadership roles. There is no problem that Nathalie could not figure out on her own, providing mentorship coupled with experience can lead to solving things faster. And speed matters. 5. Nathalie’s Key Take Aways: The value of storytelling in engaging investors, users, and team members; Leaning into speed and progress, even when the pace feels daunting. (“There will be time to slow down later”) 2025 Home[ward] Grown Applications: Applications for the 2025 Home[ward] Grown mentorship program are STILL open. Details here → https://lnkd.in/g2KGf6Er About Nathalie: Nathalie is the CEO and co-founder of Neurode, a company pioneering a wearable headband that treats and tracks ADHD. As a neuroscientist with ADHD herself, she combined her expertise in brain-machine interfaces with personal insights to create a user-friendly and innovative device. Neurode was born from firsthand experience with the side effects of medication feeling her determination to build an alternative that doesn’t have these same downsides. With her co-founder Damian and the Neurode team, they have validated Neurode’s technology through clinical trials. Now, Nathalie is focused on expanding Neurode’s private beta, giving people the chance to experience a new way to improve focus and memory. Learn more at neurodelabs.com About Dr. Jenny Schneider: I am CEO of Homeward, a technology-enabled healthcare provider delivering care to those who don’t have it, starting in rural America. Previously, I served 5 years as the Chief Medical Officer and President of Livongo. At Livongo, I was responsible for product, data science, engineering, marketing, clinical operations, and our growth strategy. In my final year at Livongo, we led the company through the largest consumer digital health Initial Public Offering in history, a secondary offering, a convertible debt offering that raised over $540 million, and the industry’s largest merger ever between Livongo and Teladoc Health, valuing Livongo at $18.5 billion and beginning a new era of consumer centric virtual care. I was honored by Modern Healthcare as one of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives and by Fierce Healthcare as Woman of Influence for our work empowering women and modeling diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In October of 2020, I joined the Board of the Health Assurance Acquisition Corp., a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) with Hemant Taneja, Glen Tullman, Dr. Stephen Klasko, Quentin Clark, and Anita V. Pramoda. Our mission is to partner with leading health and care businesses leveraging technology. We aim to support their efforts to become iconic category winners that accelerate the digital transformation of existing healthcare into a new system of health assurance.

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Leslie Snavely, CEO of CHG Healthcare, the largest physician and clinician staffing organization in the U.S. Leslie shares her journey of rising through the ranks over 14 years at CHG, transitioning from roles in marketing and sales to leadership and eventually CEO. She credits her success to continuous learning, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to take risks when opportunities arose, such as stepping into a leadership role in technology despite it being outside her comfort zone. Key Insights: 1. Career Growth: Leslie emphasizes the importance of finding the right company, working hard, staying curious, and being willing to take leaps into new challenges. She highlights how the pandemic served as a pivotal moment, building her confidence and purpose for assuming the CEO role. 2. Leadership Philosophy: Leslie encourages women to reflect on their “why” to move from uncertainty to a confident “heck yes” when pursuing leadership opportunities. She advocates for authenticity and surrounding oneself with mentors and colleagues who enable you to be your true self. 3. CHG Healthcare’s Mission: Leslie provides an overview of CHG’s work, particularly its focus on placing locum tenens (temporary) physicians in areas of need. The organization plays a vital role in addressing the national clinician shortage and ensuring access to quality care, especially in rural and underserved communities. 4. Challenges in Healthcare Staffing: Leslie discusses the burnout crisis among healthcare workers and the challenges of recruiting in a constrained talent pipeline. CHG’s approach involves supporting physicians with career planning, credentialing, and licensure to let them focus on patient care. 5. Building a Strong Workplace Culture: Under Leslie’s leadership, CHG has implemented inclusive policies like gender pay equity, flexible work arrangements, and expanded parental leave. These initiatives have driven business success, including higher retention rates for postpartum employees, saving millions in recruitment and training costs. Leslie closes by advising young professionals to focus on finding environments where they can be their authentic selves and invest their energy into the work, rather than projecting an image that doesn’t align with who they are. About Leslie: CHG Healthcare has announced the promotion of Leslie Snavely to president, taking on more responsibility in the leadership of CHG, the nation’s largest physician staffing company. Snavely currently serves as chief sales officer, a role that will now be filled by Bill Heller. They will assume their new roles effective July 1. “Since joining CHG, Leslie has continued to bring a deeper significance to each position she has held,” said Scott Beck, CEO. “I have every confidence that her extensive sales and marketing knowledge and commitment to our people and our culture will further strengthen our company as she takes on the role of president.” Snavely joined CHG in 2010 as vice president of marketing and communications. She has held a wide range of positions within the company, including senior vice president of marketing and business development and chief strategy and digital officer. As a member of CHG’s executive leadership team, Snavely led the development of CHG’s strategic plan and the acquisition of two tech companies, Modio Health and Locumsmart. Prior to being named president, she served as chief sales officer. Snavely is also an executive sponsor of CHG’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. “Putting people first is a huge part of who we are at CHG Healthcare. I’m so appreciative of the role this company has played in my life and the role our people have played in the healthcare community,” Snavely said. “I look forward to continuing to drive our business, grow our people, and strengthen our culture as president of CHG Healthcare.” Snavely made Utah Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40” in 2014 and was named CXO of the Year in 2021. She is passionate about elevating the status of women’s leadership and previously served as the vice chair of the Women’s Leadership Institute of Utah. She has also volunteered with the Park City Community Foundation. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting.

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Deborah Di Sanzo, President of Best Buy Health. Deborah grew up in technology. Decades of technology, healthcare, business, executive leadership. She understood the potential of technology when she watched her systems at work in the surgery theater. She is a professor who teaches AI at Harvard. She knows how complicated all of the connected systems can be. What excites Deborah? Taking all of the complex and making it easy and simple. Bringing technology to the home, connected to other systems, bringing the human back to care. Deborah describes the great progress at Best Buy Health which is only the beginning. In this Inspiring Women episode, we talk about the future of care delivery at home – except that future is today. And then we delve into aging. Deborah has so many ideas for how AI – which never gets tired and is empathetic – can be that helpful bot for the aging. As she looks to the future, Deborah sees great promise. What is required? Spoiler alert: Being Bold. Being very, very bold. About Deborah Di Sanzo: Deborah Di Sanzo is president of Best Buy Health for Best Buy Co. Inc. She is responsible for the company’s health technology business. Best Buy Health enables care at home for everyone across the continuum of care based on Best Buy’s core competencies. Integrated technology, personalized caring centers and technical services, logistics, supply chain, and omnichannel experiences create the plumbing which enable consumers to develop meaningful connections with their caregivers, insurers, and clinicians. Her business includes Lively!, the brand of connected health and personal emergency response services to the aging population, which Best Buy acquired in 2018 as well as Current Health, a leading care at home technology platform which Best Buy acquired in 2021. Deborah is an innovative leader with more than 30 years' experience at the intersection of health care and technology. Prior to Best Buy, Deborah was the General Manager of IBM Watson Health, ad prior to IBM, she was the CEO of Philips Healthcare. She teaches AI in Health and Managing Information in Health Care at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. Deborah holds a bachelor of science degree from Merrimack College and an MBA from Babson College. She is a Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow and serves on the board of AstraZeneca.

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Dr. Abbey Vandersall, VP of Quality and Clinical Services at AMSURG. The path to medicine and quality began in …. the hospitality business. The “how did I get here” story for Dr. Vandersall is not your typical path. An early degree in nutrition is what turned her onto medicine. Seeing the graph of outcomes and the ties to nutrition was a light bulb moment. Management consulting at Bain was something she absolutely loved – using data, optimizing, business implications, and actually impacting outcomes. But her love for healthcare and innovation drew her back to medicine. Abbey describes the road to becoming a physician as The Yellow Brick Road – you know the path to get there. But her interests in operations and outcomes – were steps off that road. And while the path is not clear, the journey has been amazing! At AMSURG the largest network of ambulatory surgery centers, Abbey talks about the hard problems she faces every day. Improving clinical metrics and quality metrics across a multitude of factors is the focus every single day. She shines light on innovation and Patient Experience as critical to what she is driving in her work at AMSURG. What is Abbey’s True North? Being a supportive daughter, friend, family member. What does the future look like? The focus is innovation……and perhaps a few more detours off of the Yellow Brick Road. This Inspiring Women episode was recorded at the 2024 Nashville Sessions at the Country Music Hall of Fame. About Dr. Vandersall: Abbey Vandersall, M.D., M.S., is the Vice President, Quality and Clinical Services for AMSURG, one of the nation’s largest ambulatory surgery center operations in the delivery of essential, high-quality care to patients. Dr. Vandersall joined AMSURG from the Envision Medical Group team of Envision Healthcare, where she served as Chief of Staff to the President and Chief Medical Officer before being appointed as Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Head of Envision’s Clinician Value Institute. In her role as VP, Clinical Strategy, Dr. Vandersall defined the organization’s near and long-term clinical strategies, translating them into tactical annual priorities, including designing and scaling innovative value-based care pilots, while simultaneously supporting ~25,000 clinicians in her role as Head of Clinician Value. Prior to her time at Envision, Dr. Vandersall worked at Bain & Company as a consultant where she supported business strategy for companies across multiple industries including healthcare, software and aerospace. Dr. Vandersall earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Biology and a Master of Science in Nutritional Biochemistry from Columbia University as well as a Doctor of Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Laurie McGraw is speaking with the Inspiring Women pioneers of public radio Breeze Richardson and Marty Durlin. These special interviews were aired on KGNU’s It’s the Economy and highlight the importance of public radio. Both Marty and Breeze provide their reasons for coming into public radio – the true town square, the opportunity for storytelling and creative expression and the ability for anyone and any walk of life to tell their stories that are relevant and speak to the concerns and triumphs of people in the community. The world of social media, podcasting, and digital media has long changed the game of where and how people get their information. And yet, people still listen and tune into community radio. Marty and Breeze know why and share how providing authentic and relevant voices and great story telling stands the test of time. About Marty: A pioneer in community radio, Marty Durlin came to KZYX after serving as manager of KZMU in Moab UT. Her longest tenure was at KGNU in Boulder CO, where she helmed the station for more than 20 years, cofounded the Grassroots Radio Conference and served as chair of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, the Pacifica National Board, and the Rocky Mountain Community Radio Coalition. Also a print and radio journalist and a musical playwright, Durlin has spent her career in community media and community theatre. About Breeze: Breeze joined the Aspen Public Radio team in June 2021. Highly-respected in public media for her strategic planning and communications background, she has a passion for telling stories and producing community-focused programming. Since arriving in the Roaring Fork Valley, Breeze has been on stage exploring disability and inclusion with 1A’s Jenn White, discussing the importance of local journalism for Aspen Institute’s Society of Fellows, and in conversation with Tockukwu Okafor , Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, and 2023 Aspen Words Literary Prize winner Jamil Jan Kochai for Aspen Words. In February 2023, she took the stage at the Wheeler Opera House with NPR's Ailsa Chang to lead a conversation about making big career changes, representation in media, and the impact of investigative journalism. Breeze currently serves as President of the Rocky Mountain Community Radio coalition, and is an elected member of the Western States Public Radio Board of Directors. In 2024, she completed the Public Media Diversity Leaders Initiative (PMDLI) hosted by the Riley Institute at Furman University, and is a proud alumni of the Aspen Institute Hurst Leaders Forum. Before returning to public radio, Breeze worked as director of marketing and communications at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Missouri, and from 2013-2017 she worked for the Kansas Board of Regents, gaining extensive experience in state government communications and higher education while serving as the agency’s public information officer.

Speaking with Miriam Paramore, a Nashville executive powerhouse, Founder and CEO of RxUtility – a new company that aims to cut through the confusing medication costs and bring LOWEST cost medicine to you! Miriam’s smarts, energy, and passion suggests she can do it!! She also is the Founding OG of Women Healthcare Leaders for Progress. Now 500 plus women executives strong… WHLP supports PUBLICLY Kamala Harris for the White House. Why? Reproductive rights!!! Protecting Medicare And Medicaid. AND the Affordable Care Act… Healthcare is on the ballot. Women are on the ballot. Miriam is all about rolling up her sleeves and digging in!!

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman US Congresswoman and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. Whip Clark is one of the 28% of women to hold office in the United States Congress, she is the second woman to ever hold the position of Whip (second only to Nancy Pelosi), she is a key member of the leadership of the House and she wants you to know: Women on are on the ballot. And your voice matters. Reproductive freedom is at stake, more so than ever. Women’s rights are at stake, Healthcare is at stake. And your voice has never been more important. Thank you for your leadership Congresswoman Clark.

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Dr. Geeta Nayyar, nationally recognized chief medical officer and author of Dead Wrong: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare’s Misinformation Illness. We are dropping this episode at HLTH2024 where Dr. Nayyar provides both the diagnosis and the treatment for misinformation illness and how this can impact the entire system and ultimately the patients being served. About Dr. Nayyar: Geeta Nayyar, MD, MBA, is a globally recognized chief medical officer, technologist, and bestselling author who helps leaders leverage a human approach to innovation, including rapid advances in AI, to achieve better health and business outcomes. A widely sought- after speaker and author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller “Dead Wrong: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare’s Misinformation Illness,” Dr. G has appeared on CNBC, CNN, FOX, CBS, and other prominent media outlets. She has served as chief medical officer for Salesforce and AT&T, among other executive roles. She currently serves on the board of the American Telemedicine\ Association and as an advisor to the American Medical Association.

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Rebecca Darr, CEO of Wings, the largest organization in Illinois focused on breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Wings provides housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence with tremendous success when people seek help. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. The definition of domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. And you may be surprised to know how prevalent it is. Every minute 24 people are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. That’s over 12 million people every year. In Chicago alone, the police receive 500 calls per day regarding domestic violence. Further, over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Domestic violence does not discriminate and begins with a power imbalance. Rebecca discusses the stark reality of what it means to get out of an abusive situation and then how Wings can help. Rebecca has been doing this work for decades and became CEO of Wings in 2014. When people come to Wings for help – they receive it. Housing, counseling, and more. This Inspiring Woman discussion with Rebecca is filled with hard to hear statistics, very real human stories and an inspiring message of hope. Breaking the domestic violence cycle is the objective and after all of these years, Rebecca remains committed to expanding the programs and impact at Wings. About Rebecca: Rebecca Darr is a tireless advocate for families confronting domestic violence. Darr was named CEO of WINGS in 2014, after serving as the agency’s executive director for 15 years. Under Darr’s leadership, WINGS has dramatically increased its ability to serve the needs of families in crisis because of domestic violence. The agency has tripled in size and secured new funding sources, including three resale stores that generate revenue to support WINGS’ programs. Darr led the WINGS team in building the first domestic violence shelter in Chicago’s northwest suburbs in 2005. This shelter has since helped thousands of women and children move from abuse to freedom. She also played a key role in the 2016 opening of the WINGS Metro shelter on Chicago’s southwest side. Darr is closely involved with numerous organizations and task forces committed to leading the fight to enact stronger legislation and to secure increased resources to combat domestic violence. These include the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence. Darr is a sought-after speaker and expert on domestic violence issues and on programs that can break the cycle in families. To inquire about speaking engagements for Rebecca Darr, please call 847-519-7820. Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Rebecca Darr on LinkedIn Learn more Wings and breaking the cycle of domestic violence Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify