In this episode of Lead Well MD, host Ashley Wendel talks with Dr. Sergio Zanotti, Chief Medical Officer for Critical Care at Sound Physicians and host of the podcast Critical Matters, about what it takes to build what he calls a “Fearless ICU.” 

Drawing on decades in critical care leadership, Dr. Zanotti shares why psychological safety is the single most important factor in high-performing ICU teams - and why it’s not about being “soft,” but about creating an environment where people can speak up, learn from mistakes, and still be held accountable to the highest standards.

The conversation explores how psychological safety impacts patient outcomes, team performance, and clinician well-being; the quiet cues that signal whether a team feels safe; and practical leadership actions that foster trust, inclusion, and learning in high-stakes environments. 

From COVID-era lessons to everyday ICU rounds, Dr. Zanotti offers both strategic insights and tactical tips - like inviting the quietest voice in the room to contribute - that any clinical leader can apply immediately.

Whether you lead an ICU, a clinic, or a cross-functional team, this episode will challenge how you think about authority, vulnerability, and the real cost of silence in healthcare.

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In this powerful episode of Lead Well MD, we step outside of medicine and into the world of military leadership — but stay firmly rooted in what matters most: building trust in high-stakes, high-pressure environments.

Ashley is joined by Colonel Randall Wickman, a retired U.S. Army Infantry Officer, combat-wounded veteran, and former Pentagon leader who now works in healthcare leadership development. With nearly 30 years of active duty, Colonel Wickman has led soldiers in some of the most intense environments on earth -  and he brings battle-tested wisdom directly to clinician leaders navigating the chaos and responsibility of modern healthcare.

Together, they explore:

• Why trust is everything when the stakes are high
• A three-part framework for trust: competence, character, and reciprocity
• How quiet teams - not loud ones  - are often the ones in crisis
• How structured reflection builds accountability and prevents blame
• What it means to truly earn the title of "leader" - in the OR, on the floor, or in combat

If you’re a physician leader navigating burnout, team dysfunction, or the isolation of responsibility, this conversation will change how you think about trust - and how you build it.

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How does a clinician leader balance being professional with being an authentic, vulnerable leader that builds trust? In this episode of Lead Well MD, we sit down with Dr. Greg Johnson, the System Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, to talk about just that. 

In our conversation we discuss this delicate balance between being real and being professional and offer strategies for how leaders can build trust and connection by being their authentic selves ... without crossing the line into oversharing.

We dive into how vulnerability can be a strength in healthcare leadership, and share some practical guideposts for those navigating this complex space. Dr. Johnson offers insights from his career and personal experiences, emphasizing the value of human connection in achieving better outcomes for teams and patients alike. 

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into leadership, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you show up for your team.

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In healthcare today, change is constant—and emotional fatigue is real. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Karen Weiner to explore what it really takes to lead when clinicians are stretched thin, burned out, and wondering if the work is still sustainable.

Karen shares hard-earned lessons from her journey—from primary care pediatrician to CEO of a large medical group—leading through organizational transformation, a Fortune 6 acquisition, and the unprecedented pressures of the pandemic.

We talk about:

• Why resistance to change often hides fear, not defiance
• The deep link between burnout, moral injury, and autonomy
•  How opting into leadership can restore meaning and agency
•  Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness
•  Practical ways to build trust and resilience in your teams

If you’re leading change, navigating tough seasons, or wondering how to stay grounded while doing this important work—this conversation is for you.

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In this open and candid conversation, Dr. Holly Beeman shares her evolution from being a hands-on problem-solver to becoming a more empowering and emotionally intelligent leader. Drawing from her journey as an OBGYN turned senior healthcare executive, Dr. Beeman reflects on early leadership missteps, the role of vulnerability in building trust, and how creating psychological safety can transform team culture and performance.

We talk about the temptation to "fix" things as a leader, how to lean into humility and curiosity instead, and what it truly means to create space for others to shine. Dr. Beeman also shares practical, hard-earned insights—from owning tough decisions to building inclusive teams—and why expressing accountability might just be the most powerful leadership move of all.

Whether you're a physician leader or supporting clinical teams, this episode is a masterclass in leadership growth, self-awareness, and creating a culture where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

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Healthcare is facing a crisis—not just of resources, but of culture. Burnout, disengagement, and top-down leadership structures are leaving clinicians feeling disconnected from their purpose. But what if we could reimagine healthcare leadership as something radically different?

In this episode of LeadWellMD, I sit down with Dr. Apurv Gupta, a physician leader, consultant, and founder of the Loving Organization Consortium, to explore how trust, compassion, and human connection can transform the way we lead in healthcare.

We discuss:

• Why traditional leadership models in healthcare aren’t working—and what needs to change
• The concept of a “Loving Organization” and how it creates a thriving workplace
• How clinician leaders can cultivate trust, connection, and purpose within their teams
• Practical strategies to move beyond burnout culture and build leadership with meaning.

Dr. Gupta challenges the traditional, hierarchical leadership models in medicine, advocating for a new paradigm—one that prioritizes relationships over rigid structures. 

If you’re a clinician, leader, or changemaker looking for fresh ideas on how to create meaningful, human-centered leadership, this episode is for you.

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In the debut episode of LeadWellMD, we discuss the importance of emotionally intelligent clinician leadership. Drawing on her 17 years of experience as a physician leadership coach and consultant, Ashley Wendel, MA, narrates three stories to illustrate the impact of these core relational skills in leadership.  She examines how leaders can either excel by cultivating these skills, or be derailed by their absence. She emphasizes that leadership growth requires intentionality, effort, and a commitment to confronting challenges. 

Future episodes will further explore the role of emotional intelligence in clinician leadership with insights from esteemed guests across healthcare, offering practical strategies and inspiring stories to empower leaders at every level. 

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