Best Ideas Win

Welcome to International Women's Day 2025!

This first episode of Series 3 of The Best Ideas Win Podcast, brought to you by Csuite Growth Advisors, blends personal experiences with insights into AI, healthcare, and leadership. Hosted by Scott Perryman alongside co-hosts Brian Paradis and Brian Spisak, this episode features guest Laura Edell, Chief Data Scientist, AI and Machine Learning, New Markets at Microsoft. The discussion covers key takeaways from the HIMSS Global Conference 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where AI in healthcare was a major focus. Topics include leadership-first approaches to AI adoption, engaging CFOs in AI investment, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in innovation. The episode also announces an upcoming book by the team on AI and leadership. Additionally, Laura highlights the significance of mentorship and sponsorship for women in tech, while upcoming industry events are previewed, including AI conferences and leadership summits.

Join Csuite Growth Advisors @:

HPN USA 2025

• Omni La Costa San Diego, CA, July 9-11, 2025
• Fontainebleu Miami, FL, September 8-10, 2025
• Info: https://hpn-usa.com
• Register: https://hpn-usa.com/register-to-attend/

AIMed 2025 in San Diego, CA

• Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, CA, November 10-12, 2025
• Info: https://aimed.swoogo.com/AIMed25
• Register: https://aimed.swoogo.com/aimed25/begin

Join Scott Perryman @ "Playing with AI in Healthcare" - Play Without Borders, The 2025 Strategic Play Conference, Nita Lake Lodge Whistler, BC, Canada, April 23-24, 2025

• Info: https://www.strategicplay.com/2025-strategic-play-conference-whistler
• Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/whistler-canada-strategic-play-conference-2025-play-without-borders-tickets-1039228629807?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Laura Edell @ "Keynote" - Optimized AI Conference (formerly known as the Southern Data Science Conference), Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, Apr 14-16, 2025,

• Info: https://www.oaiconference.com
• Register: https://www.oaiconference.com/event-details/optimized-ai-conference

Join Brian Spisak @:

• "10 KPIs to Improve and Ensure Data Quality" - American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) 2025 Congress on Healthcare Leadership, George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas Houston, Texas 77010, March 24–27, 2025, Register: https://congress.ache.org/aaStatic.asp?SFP=UFpUSktKTk5AMjA0NjlAUmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uIHwgQUNIRSAyMDI1IENvbmdyZXNzIG9uIEhlYWx0aGNhcmUgTGVhZGVyc2hpcA
• "AI and Leadership: Incorporating Generative AI into Crisis Leadership Course," Harvard University National Preparedness Leadership Initiative, Begins May 13, 2025, Register: https://npli.hsph.harvard.edu/our-programs/ai-and-leadership/
• "Keynote" - 2025 American Hospital Association (AHA) Leadership Summit, JW Marriott Nashville, 201 8th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37203, July 20-22, 2025, Register: https://leadershipsummit.aha.org/registration-ls

Episode Takeaways:

• AI Adoption Strategy: AI should be implemented with a leadership-first, technology-last approach.
• CFO Communication: Successful AI investment depends on translating technical benefits into financial value for CFOs.
• Interdisciplinary Leadership: AI-driven healthcare innovation requires collaboration across clinical, financial, and technological domains.
• Mentorship Matters: Sponsorship and mentorship are crucial for empowering women in STEM fields.
• AI and Healthcare Trends: Governance, data quality, and real-world AI applications were key themes at HIMSS and other industry conferences.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: AI and cybersecurity must evolve together to protect patient data and healthcare infrastructures.
• Upcoming Book: The podcast team is co-authoring a book on AI and leadership, emphasizing practical frameworks for innovation.
• Industry Events: Key upcoming conferences and leadership summits will explore the future of AI and healthcare.

• Workforce Retention
• Trends in Supplemental Benefits
• Addressing Employer Challenges
• Technology in Benefits Delivery
• Holistic Approach to Employee Benefits
• Understanding Employee Needs
• Evolving Client Relationships
• Cross-Functional Collaboration in Benefits
• Strategic Asset of Employee Benefits
• Same Day Pay and Innovative Solutions
• Understanding Employee Financial Needs
• The Importance of Financial Literacy
• Dynamic Benefits for a Diverse Workforce
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Support
• The Future of Healthcare Benefits

Summary

In this episode, Scott Perryman and co-hosts Brian Paradis and Brian Spichak engage with Shauna Washington, who leads workforce development at Trinity Health. They discuss the evolution of workforce development in healthcare, the distinction between talent acquisition and workforce development, and the importance of creating career pathways for entry-level roles. Shauna shares insights on navigating barriers to workforce development, the significance of community partnerships, and the challenges posed by state-specific policies. The conversation also touches on innovative solutions for workforce housing and the metrics that keep leaders awake at night. Shauna emphasizes the need for courage in addressing workforce challenges and the importance of advocacy for supportive policies.

Takeaways

• Workforce development is essential for addressing healthcare shortages.
• Creating career pathways for entry-level roles can enhance retention.
• Community partnerships are crucial for removing barriers to employment.
• Understanding state-specific policies is vital for effective workforce development.
• Innovative housing solutions can support workforce stability.
• Talent acquisition and workforce development serve different but complementary roles.
• Engaging in policy advocacy can advance workforce initiatives.
• Navigating barriers requires collaboration with community resources.
• Courage and creativity are necessary for workforce development leaders.
• Continuous investment in workforce development yields long-term benefits.

Topics

• Introduction to Workforce Development
• Understanding Talent Acquisition vs. Workforce Development
• The Importance of Entry-Level Roles in Healthcare
• Navigating Barriers to Workforce Development
• Community Partnerships for Barrier Removal
• The Role of Housing in Workforce Development
• Metrics That Matter in Talent Acquisition
• Addressing Workforce Shortages
• Tailoring Workforce Development for Rural Communities
• Future Goals in Workforce Development
• The Importance of Co-Creation and Community Engagement

• Flexibility in work schedules is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.
• Healthcare organizations must focus on employee engagement and value.
• Technology can enhance workforce flexibility but must be user-friendly.
• Patients today prioritize access and convenience in healthcare services.
• Primary care plays a vital role in navigating the healthcare system.
• Healthcare systems should design access thoughtfully to improve patient care.
• Caring about employees leads to better retention and organizational culture.
• Simplicity in healthcare processes can lead to better outcomes.
• Strategic planning is essential for addressing community health needs.

Summary

In this episode of The Best Ideas Win Podcast, we sit down with Tim Chou, a visionary who has journeyed from tech to pediatric healthcare with one bold mission: to transform children's healthcare worldwide. Tim shares the story behind the ambitious Pediatric Moonshot initiative, designed to combat healthcare inequity through powerful AI applications. He dives into how real-time data access and collaboration can revolutionize care for children everywhere and sheds light on the unique challenges of engaging healthcare leaders and pioneering AI-driven solutions in pediatric specialties. From reimagining medical record management to enhancing clinical trials, Tim highlights the game-changing role of AI in healthcare—and why asking the right questions and sparking curiosity are key to breakthrough solutions. Listen in as Tim calls on us all to support the development of distributed AI labs, propelling pediatric care into a new era of innovation and improved outcomes for children around the globe.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pediatric Moonshot
02:50 Tim Chu's Journey into Healthcare
05:45 The Challenge of Pediatric Healthcare
09:10 Setting Ambitious Goals for Healthcare
12:00 Real-Time AI Applications in Medicine
14:52 Building a Global Healthcare Infrastructure
18:05 Harnessing Collective Knowledge in Pediatrics
21:08 Creating a Platform for Future Medical Technologies
23:57 Engaging Healthcare Leaders in Innovation
26:53 Distributed AI Infrastructure in Healthcare
31:28 Transforming Patient Records with AI
37:16 Innovations in Pediatric Clinical Trials
43:38 The Art of Asking Questions
49:29 Curiosity as a Driver for Learning
53:20 Building a Distributed AI Lab
01:00:57 Connecting with the Pediatric Moonshot

Introduction

• Host Scott Perryman introduces the episode and guest, Retired General Mark Hertling.
• Brief overview of General Hertling's background: 38 years in the Army, former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, leadership roles in healthcare since retirement.

Key Themes & Discussion Points:

1.    Leadership Parallels between Military and Healthcare:

o   Gen. Hertling shares how military principles of logistics and team cohesion can improve healthcare operations.

o   Discussion on the importance of cross-functional collaboration in healthcare, similar to military units working cohesively.

2.    The Role of Logistics in Effective Healthcare:

o   Gen. Hertling explains the concept of "Total Asset Visibility" from military logistics and its relevance to healthcare.

o   Insights on predictive logistics: ensuring essential supplies are available when needed, not just relying on "just-in-time" methods.

3.    Addressing Fragmented Structures in Healthcare:

o   Challenges of healthcare's decentralized leadership structure compared to the military’s command structure.

o   Suggestions for streamlining communication and operations across diverse healthcare roles.

4.    Developing Leadership Skills in Healthcare Professionals:

o   Gen. Hertling’s program on training physicians to be leaders.

o   The "Four Circles" leadership framework: self-awareness, team-building, organizational fit, and reciprocal support from the organization.

o   Importance of interprofessional education to bridge gaps between doctors, nurses, and administrators.

5.    Actionable Takeaways for Healthcare Executives:

o   Hire a logistics expert or chief logistics officer to ensure efficient resource management.

o   Foster collaboration by understanding and aligning the different roles within a healthcare system.

o   Prioritize leadership training that encourages cross-functional understanding and trust among healthcare professionals.

6.    Q&A with Gen. Hertling:

o   Examples of effective crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shelley Trumbo, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer at Blue Zones, LLC, leads efforts to improve well-being and longevity in communities worldwide. Blue Zones collaborates with local communities, employers, and healthcare systems to create sustainable changes in lifestyle and environment that promote healthier living. Shelley shares how these efforts address social determinants of health, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce healthcare costs.

Drawing on her background as a musician, Shelley discusses the parallels between her artistic experiences and her leadership role in driving collective impact. She highlights the power of community in fostering healthy habits and explains how Blue Zones works with organizations to create lasting transformations in social networks, built environments, and workplace policies. From encouraging physical activity and healthy eating to cultivating purpose and social connections, Blue Zones applies data-driven strategies based on longevity principles from the world’s healthiest regions.

The discussion also touches on challenges like resource allocation and leadership in implementing these initiatives, along with a new partnership focused on bringing Blue Zones principles to primary care settings. Shelley also explores how Blue Zones can support patients with GLP-1 therapies, offering pathways for both starting and sustaining healthier behaviors.

Check out more about Blue Zones LLC and the Blue Zones Project here:  https://www.bluezones.com

You can follow Shelly on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-trumbo-0b19a495/

1. AI governance in healthcare is a pressing topic, with a need for both regulatory bodies and industry self-regulation.
2. Health systems should develop an AI strategy and engage in executive education to navigate the complexities of AI adoption.
3. Committees focused on responsible AI and technical risk can help organizations manage the challenges of AI implementation.
4. The role of a chief AI officer requires a strategic perspective, understanding of governance and policy, and business acumen. A Chief AI Officer should have a combination of strategic and governance skills, as well as a deep understanding of technology and the specific domain of the organization.
5. Integration of AI into business units requires collaboration and integration with various departments, such as finance, pharmacy, clinical operations, and nursing operations.
6. The polarization in society can affect collaboration in the AI space, but it is important for industry leaders to take the lead in driving collaboration and demonstrating the right ways to approach AI.
7. Pull-through and adoption of AI in healthcare organizations can be facilitated through collaborative initiatives, such as ValidAI, which bring together multiple health systems to share best practices and learn from each other.
8. Dennis Chornenky's background in epidemiology and finance has provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and healthcare.

• The Role of Regulatory Bodies in AI
• The Need for Industry Self-Regulation
• Getting Started with AI in Healthcare
• Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption
• Engaging with Regulatory Bodies
• The Experience of Insurance Companies with AI
• The Role of Committees in AI Governance
• The Role and Qualifications of a Chief AI Officer
• Integrating of AI into Business Units
• Challenges of AI Integration
• Polarization and Collaboration

1. AI governance in healthcare is a pressing topic, with a need for both regulatory bodies and industry self-regulation.
2. Health systems should develop an AI strategy and engage in executive education to navigate the complexities of AI adoption.
3. Committees focused on responsible AI and technical risk can help organizations manage the challenges of AI implementation.
4. The role of a chief AI officer requires a strategic perspective, understanding of governance and policy, and business acumen. A Chief AI Officer should have a combination of strategic and governance skills, as well as a deep understanding of technology and the specific domain of the organization.
5. Integration of AI into business units requires collaboration and integration with various departments, such as finance, pharmacy, clinical operations, and nursing operations.
6. The polarization in society can affect collaboration in the AI space, but it is important for industry leaders to take the lead in driving collaboration and demonstrating the right ways to approach AI.
7. Pull-through and adoption of AI in healthcare organizations can be facilitated through collaborative initiatives, such as ValidAI, which bring together multiple health systems to share best practices and learn from each other.
8. Dennis Chornenky's background in epidemiology and finance has provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and healthcare.

• The Role of Regulatory Bodies in AI
• The Need for Industry Self-Regulation
• Getting Started with AI in Healthcare
• Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption
• Engaging with Regulatory Bodies
• The Experience of Insurance Companies with AI
• The Role of Committees in AI Governance
• The Role and Qualifications of a Chief AI Officer
• Integrating of AI into Business Units
• Challenges of AI Integration
• Polarization and Collaboration