As we wrap up an inspiring season of Moments Move Us, host Rebecca Coren reflects on the invaluable insights shared by healthcare leaders throughout Season 4. This recap episode highlights the defining qualities of effective leaders—authenticity, vulnerability, and a strong commitment to creating meaningful connections.

Throughout the season, we’ve heard from incredible leaders who exemplify the power of connection, not only within their teams but also with the communities they serve. The conversations reinforced that leadership, especially in healthcare, isn’t just about decisions—it’s about relationships. These leaders shared how staying true to themselves, fostering trust, and prioritizing people have helped them navigate challenges, inspire innovation, and create lasting change.

This season has reinforced the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. By leading with authenticity and putting people first, we can build stronger, more resilient teams and ultimately improve the entire healthcare ecosystem. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Key takeaways from Season 4's leadership conversations

• The importance of human connection in leadership

• How authenticity and vulnerability shape great leaders

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:50) Voice for the voiceless

(01:32) People-centric healthcare

(02:13) Transforming healthcare with authenticity

(03:14) Valuing caregivers

(04:05) Leading with love and humility

(05:04) Empowering innovation

(05:40) Personalized authenticity in leadership

(06:29) The power of human connection

Erica DeBoer, Chief Nursing Officer at Sanford Health, believes that true leadership starts with connection, authenticity, and a commitment to innovation. In this episode, Erica shares her journey from a nursing assistant to a healthcare leader, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped her career. From caring for her grandfather as a CNA to navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she highlights the impact of mentorship, the value of reducing administrative burdens through technology, and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of safety.

Erica also explores how choosing joy can transform both patient care and workplace culture, offering insights for healthcare professionals looking to make a lasting impact.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Erica’s early experiences shaped her leadership philosophy
• Why innovation and automation are key to the future of nursing
• How healthcare leaders can create a culture of joy and connection

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro: Erica DeBoer’s mantra, “Choose Joy”

(01:00) Becoming a nurse: Erica’s journey from CNA to healthcare executive

(02:30) Starting the nursing journey in South Dakota

(04:00) Discovering a passion for ICU care

(06:00) Transitioning to leadership and education roles

(07:30) Navigating the Chief Nursing Officer role during COVID

(09:00) Core values of integrity and authenticity in healthcare leadership

(10:30) The importance of joy in leadership and patient care

(12:00) Innovation in healthcare: The role of automation and virtual care

(14:00) Rural healthcare challenges and the high reliability journey at Sanford

(16:00) Leveraging technology to improve patient care in rural communities

(18:00) Advice for aspiring nurse leaders and embracing change

(20:00) Continuing education and pursuing a doctorate in healthcare executive leadership

(22:00) The importance of making authentic connections in leadership

(24:00) Recognizing the impact of mentorship and meaningful work

(26:00) Reflections on Sanford’s growth and community impact

(28:00) Final thoughts on choosing joy and making a difference in healthcare

Dr. Steve Davis, President and CEO of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, believes in the power of prevention, innovation, and people-first leadership to drive meaningful change in healthcare. In this episode, Dr. Davis shares his journey from aspiring biomedical engineer to pediatric healthcare leader. A pivotal moment in medical school shaped his commitment to pediatrics and reinforced his belief that investing in child health is the key to lifelong well-being. As a leader, he reflects on lessons from the pandemic, the impact of empowering frontline employees, and the role of AI in reducing clinician burnout and improving patient care. Dr. Davis also offers advice to future healthcare leaders, emphasizing the value of lifelong learning, collaboration, and staying connected to the people they serve. In this episode, you will learn:

• Why prevention in childhood is key to lifelong health

• How empowering frontline employees fuels innovation

• The role of AI in improving patient care and reducing burnout

Things to listen for: (00:00) Intro

(00:55) Dr. Steve’s early life and education

(01:20) Choosing a medical path

(02:10) Defining moments in medical school

(03:23) The shift to pediatrics

(09:41) Leadership and innovation during the pandemic

(10:59) Empowering employees for better healthcare

(19:05) Transition from provider to administrator

(29:08) Addressing burnout and embracing AI

(37:16) How to stay open to opportunity

(40:13) The impact of leadership

Rhonda Brandon, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Duke University Health System, champions the power of purpose, resilience, and values-driven leadership in fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen and valued.

In this episode, Rhonda shares her transformative journey, from her formative years at Hampton University to her early career challenges at IBM. Rhonda highlights the nurturing environment of her HBCU alma mater and how it instilled in her a sense of purpose, resilience, and self-worth. 

As Rhonda advanced in her career, she confronted burnout and realigned her values to prioritize faith, family, and fulfillment. She emphasizes leading with love, kindness, and humanity while acknowledging the importance of self-work to build self-worth. Lastly, Rhonda offers insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and the significance of seeing oneself and others for their true value.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Lead with love and toughness to balance care and accountability, creating a valued and resilient team
• Recognize every individual by fostering kindness and inclusion in daily interactions
• Reject imposter syndrome to build confidence and approach challenges authentically

Things to listen for: (00:00) Intro

(01:00) How Hampton University ignites ambition

(04:47) Using setbacks as stepping stones

(09:15) Balancing career and family

(17:03) Leading with love and kindness

(25:47) Imposter syndrome and self-worth

Dennis Pullin, President and CEO of Virtua Health, emphasizes the critical role of health literacy and community-focused care in cutting costs and improving health outcomes.

In this episode, Rebecca speaks with Dennis, whose career in healthcare leadership highlights the power of informed consumers and the need for continuous learning. Dennis shares insights from his experiences, including Virtua's development of "navigators" to guide patients through complex healthcare systems.

Dennis also highlights innovative projects like Virtua's mobile grocery store, which tackles food deserts with the help of employee-driven solutions. His leadership approach is grounded in community engagement, teamwork, and being a supportive, approachable presence for both staff and patients. In this episode, you will learn:

• Empower through education by creating informed healthcare consumers, like Virtua’s "Healthy Schools, Healthy Families," to lower costs and improve care quality
• Be a change agent by advocating for health equity, learning from experiences, and surrounding yourself with a dependable team
• Promote community-centric care by addressing social determinants of health, like food insecurity and health literacy

Things to listen for: 

(00:00) Intro

(01:04) How to raise future leaders

(06:32) The importance of continuous learning

(10:40) Creating a culture of service

(19:32) Health literacy and community wellness

(25:09) Innovative approaches to health equity

(29:31) From doubt to impact

Jeremy Segall, Assistant Vice President and Chief Wellness Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, exemplifies the power of small actions and authentic leadership in transforming healthcare. In this episode, Rebecca speaks with Jeremy, whose path weaves through New York's vibrant musical theater scene, hospitality, and life coaching, ultimately leading to a deeply meaningful career in healthcare. Jeremy shares the lessons he’s learned from his unique experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and fostering genuine connections within teams. Jeremy also reflects on the seismic shifts brought by COVID-19, revealing how the pandemic exposed healthcare workers' struggles and spurred crucial conversations around trauma and resilience. His focus on mental health, kindness, and self-care has reshaped workplace culture, reducing burnout and fostering a sense of purpose among healthcare staff. In this episode, you will learn:

• Embrace diverse perspectives to foster innovative problem-solving and stronger team dynamics
• Lead with empathy and kindness by practicing active listening and building personal connections with your team
• Promote psychological safety by encouraging transparency, admitting mistakes, and focusing on recovery and growth

Things to listen for: 

(00:00) Intro

(00:57) The impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers

(01:27) Jeremy Segall, from life coach to drama therapist

(03:42) Innovating healthcare with creative arts therapies

(10:13) How to navigate change and build relationships

(13:59) The power of authenticity and vulnerability

(30:01) How to lead with compassion and integrity

(34:25) The importance of recovery and empathy

Chanda Chacón, CEO of Children's Nebraska, navigates pediatric healthcare with not just strategy, but a human touch that changes lives. In this episode, she reflects on the pivotal experiences that ignited her passion for transforming patient care, emphasizing the power of authentic, people-centered leadership.

From navigating culture shifts across diverse healthcare environments to leading with both grit and grace, Chanda highlights the profound impact of putting people first at every level. It’s a reminder of how small, authentic actions can collectively revolutionize healthcare and elevate patient experiences.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Prioritize human connections by fostering genuine relationships that reduce isolation and build a support network through personal engagement and care
• Embrace transparency and authenticity to strengthen trust, improve engagement, and create a culture where people feel valued and motivated
• Balance professional and personal roles with "grit and grace," focusing on what truly matters and embracing imperfection for greater impact in leadership

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:28) Starting a successful professional journey

(03:06) Becoming a change agent in business

(04:01) Leadership strategies for culture transformation

(10:36) How to build a people-first organization

(19:37) Navigating the new normal in the workplace

(23:17) The impact of purpose-driven work

(23:35) Why authentic leadership matters

(23:42) Connecting with and mentoring young professionals

(26:54) How to navigate leadership challenges

(30:40) Embracing individuality and diversity in healthcare leadership

When she first set foot in the United States, Ekta Vyas never dreamed she'd transform entire organizations with her courage, resilience, and strategic vision.

In this episode,  Rebecca speaks with Ekta, Chief Human Resources Officer at Keck Medicine of USC, who has faced and overcome immense adversity to carve her place in the world of HR leadership. Ekta's journey, beginning from her dream of becoming an Indian Administrative Services Officer to relocating to the United States, is filled with moments of vulnerability, persistence, and remarkable courage.

Throughout our conversation, Ekta transparently shares the challenges of navigating workplace politics and presenting bold visions as an emerging young leader. You’ll also hear her valuable lessons in diplomacy, patience, and the art of persuasion to drive transformational change.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Challenge the status quo and take calculated risks to drive transformational leadership.
• Blend positional power for decision-making with personal power to build trust and authenticity.
• Turn seemingly impossible challenges into triumphs through persistence and hard work.

Things to listen for: (00:00) What it takes to be a transformational leader

(03:03) How to navigate academic equivalency

(13:04) Why courage and bravery are crucial traits in leadership

(15:45) How to conquer Stanford's toughest HR Challenges

(20:28) Challenging the status quo fuels success

(27:12) The role of personal power in effective leadership

(37:06) How to integrate cultures in transformations

(43:57) Valuable lessons from a transformation expert

Vulnerability, authenticity, empathy, and connection—these four pillars form the foundation of genuine leadership in the healthcare realm.

As we conclude another inspiring season of insightful conversations with healthcare leaders, we've delved deep into these core themes once again.

For instance, as we explored the defining qualities of excellence in healthcare leadership, it became evident that authentic, vulnerable, and curious individuals are often the ones who put people first.

We've also examined the powerful impact of effective listening and communication strategies, bridging the gap between patients, care providers, and leaders. Understanding the driving force behind leaders' commitment to their teams has been a remarkable journey in itself.

The discussions have reinforced our belief that by nurturing these qualities, not only are the standards of healthcare leadership elevated, but also create a more compassionate and efficient healthcare ecosystem.

Personal experience plays a pivotal role in one’s career path.

The good, bad, and in-between all drive a person toward creating meaningful change.

In this episode, Dr. Airica Steed, Chief Executive Officer and President at The MetroHealth System shares how losing loved ones and experiencing a broken healthcare system fueled her determination to address health inequities and reverse historical injustices.

As the first female, person of color, and nurse in a powerful position, Dr. Steed is dedicated to paving the way for future leaders by amplifying voices and increasing representation.