Every hospital, pharmacy, clinic, and home delivery relies on something we often take for granted: the quiet but essential machinery of healthcare distribution. 

In this episode, Jon Lange speaks with Mike Kaufmann, former CEO of Cardinal Health, about what it takes to lead one of the largest and systemically important healthcare services companies in the world. From building resilient supply chains to navigating COVID-19, Mike shares leadership lessons, behind-the-scenes insights into the distribution sector, and the high-stakes responsibility of delivering life-saving products when every moment counts.

Key Takeaways:

• Cardinal Health plays a critical role in delivering pharmaceuticals and medical supplies across the U.S. and globally.
• The drug distribution market is dominated by three key players, with Cardinal and its peers evolving through strategic diversification and consolidation.
• During COVID-19, Cardinal’s leadership team had to navigate the particularly difficult challenge of keeping the company’s 50,000+ employees safe while giving them the support they needed to continue providing essential products and services to providers and patients across the US.
• Transparent communication, authenticity, and remaining calm under pressure were essential as Cardinal’s leadership navigated through COVID and other crises.
• Mission-driven leadership is critical in healthcare companies, where daily operations can improve patient care and save lives.