The Chaos Whisperers of Healthcare

By Dr. Megan Carter DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Join Dr. Megan Carter and healthcare industry innovators who are leading the charge on healing the broken US healthcare system as Chaos Whisperers.

Chaos Whisperers are clinicians and leaders who are ... more

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FAQs about The Chaos Whisperers of Healthcare:

How many episodes does The Chaos Whisperers of Healthcare have?

The podcast currently has 10 episodes available.

The Chaos Whisperers of Healthcare episodes:

July 14, 2025S1 EP9: AI Won’t Solve Chaos — But It Might Clear a Path
Summary
In this episode of Chaos Whispers of Healthcare, Dr. Megan Carter interviews Rich Kenny, a nurse leader and AI expert, discussing the
evolving landscape of AI in healthcare. Rich shares his experiences in leadership, the importance of relationships in chaotic situations, and how
curiosity and frustration drove him towards innovation. The conversation delves into the significance of AI in healthcare, the challenges leaders face in keeping up with technology, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI deployment. Rich emphasizes the need for nurses to be involved in AI
development and the potential benefits and threats AI poses to patient care.
Takeaways
Curiosity and frustration can drive innovation.

Nurses must advocate for better tech integration.

AI is already present in many healthcare tools.

Clinician documentation burden is a key area for AI implementation.

Greatest gift: AI can (and should) help alleviate non-essential task burden for all clinicians so they can get more direct care time with patients (research shows more direct care time leads to safer outcomes)

Greatest threat: AI tools are capable of potentiating pre-existing bias in healthcare systems that can further harm marginalized communities (“digital redlining”)

Nurses play a vital role in AI deployment success.

Ethics and liability in AI are critical considerations, including “missed use” opportunities
Chaos Whispering Practical Tips
1.     AI literacy: speakers/workshops/virtual events (such as Rich Kenny)
2.    Where to get reliable AI information. 3 P’s (Publications, People, Pilots):
a. New England Journal of Medicine
b. AONL (Leadership Innovation Technology Transformation) committee/resources
c.  Robbie Freeman (CNIO Mount Sinai): https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbie-freeman-rn/
d.  Michael Carey (DUSON): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cary-98262375/
e.  Micky Tripathi (Chief AI Implementation Officer Mayo Clinic ): https://www.linkedin.com/in/micky-tripathi/
f.    Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS): https://www.himss.org/
g.  Health systems with innovative AI pilots/adoptions: Kaiser Permanente, Intermountain Health, Mayo Clinic
h.  Health Management Academy (HMA): https://hmacademy.com/
3.     Key facts about AI every healthcare leader should know:
a.  AI is already here (sepsis/deterioration indices, CT scanners, etc) so it’s not about getting ready but more about embracing it and implementing it in an ethical way as it evolves
b. There is significant industry focus on leveraging AI to relieve documentation burden on physicians through scribing, but it’s coming to nursing and will be complex
c.  Nurses are KEY to the adoption/implementation of AI tools. Always ensure a nurse and/or nurse leader is at the discussion table.
d.  Considering ethics and liability: not only is misuse of AI a focus but also missed use (as in, has the health organization missed an opportunity to leverage AI to improve outcomes)
Connect with our Guest:
You can find Rich Kenny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgkenny/
Connect with Dr. Carter:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/
Company Website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com
Podcast official website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com/cw-podcast
Keywords
healthcare leadership, AI in healthcare, nurse leadership,
innovation, technology integration, chaos in healthcare, healthcare challenges, nursing informatics, healthcare technology, patient care
...more
29min
July 07, 2025S1 EP8: Toxic Leadership in Scrubs: Breaking the Silence in Healthcare
Summary
In this episode of Chaos Whispers of Healthcare, Dr. Megan Carter interviews Dr. Dan Weberg, an expert in healthcare innovation and toxic
leadership. They discuss Dr. Weberg's journey into healthcare innovation, the challenges of toxic leadership in healthcare settings, and practical strategies for addressing these issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing toxic behaviors, the impact of leadership on workplace culture, and the need for accountability in healthcare leadership.
Takeaways
Dr. Weberg's journey into healthcare innovation began in nursing school.

Experiencing barriers can drive innovation and change.

Toxic leadership creates a chaotic and unproductive work environment.

Recognizing toxic behaviors is the first step to addressing them.

Documentation of toxic behaviors is crucial for accountability.

It's important to have conversations about toxic leadership.

Leaving a toxic environment can be liberating and necessary.

Healthcare leaders must hold themselves accountable for their actions.

78% of employees may quiet quit due to toxic leadership.

Leadership should be treated with the same scrutiny as clinical quality issues.
Chaos Whispering Practical Tips:
1.     Understand the definition of what “toxic leadership” is (and what it is not)-See chapter in Leadership for Evidence Based Innovation 3rd Edition
2.     Document (for yourself) the behaviors you are observing in your leader that are causing concern
3.     If you feel safe to do so, meet with your leader and share your observations. Use evidence-based communication strategies (such as Crucial Accountability).
a.     An example would be “On these occasions, I have observed XYZ behavior. The impact on me has been that I feel (insert your feeling). Is that your intention?”
b.    If the conversation does not go well, consider including a third party such as HR or another leader for the next conversation.
4.     Consider seeking your peers’ feedback on whether they are experiencing similar toxic behaviors from this leader.
5.     If no attempts at resolution are resolved, or ifthere is no support structure in place, it may be time to consider a different work environment where you can feel safe and thrive.
6.     Know that you are not alone and the impact of toxic leadership is clearly established in leadership literature.

Connect with our guest: Dr. Dan Weberg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnursedan/
Instagram: @DrNurseDan
Website: www.drnursedan.com
Listeners get a 20% discount on the book mentioned in the podcast, “Leadership for Evidence Based Innovation 3rd Edition” by going to: https://drnursedan.com/publications
Connect with Dr. Carter:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/
Company Website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com
Podcast official website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com/cw-podcast

Keywords
healthcare innovation, toxic leadership, healthcare leadership, nursing, healthcare system, leadership strategies, workplace culture, healthcare professionals, mental health, organizational behavior
...more
20min
June 30, 2025S1 EP7: What Comes After the Exit: Leading Without a Title
Summary
In this episode of the Chaos Whisperers of Healthcare podcast, Dr. Megan Carter engages with Patches Seely, a seasoned healthcare leader, to explore the complexities of career transitions in the healthcare sector. They discuss the emotional turmoil associated with unexpected job changes, the importance of community support, and practical strategies for resilience. Patches shares her journey as a healthcare innovator, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence in leadership and the value of maintaining connections throughout one's career. The conversation highlights the significance of laughter and joy in navigating
the challenges of the healthcare industry.
Takeaways
Innovation is driven by cognitive curiosity and emotional understanding.

Career transitions can evoke feelings of self-doubt, fear and shame (this is to be expected!).

Building a supportive community is crucial during career changes.

Reflecting on personal contributions can help regain confidence.

Engaging with a network can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Self-care and professional help are vital during stressful transitions.

Maintaining connections can provide emotional support and guidance.

Laughter and joy are essential for well-being in healthcare.

Understanding the emotional impact of layoffs is important for resilience.

Proactive networking can open doors for future opportunities.
Chaos Whispering Practical Tips
1.     Proactively build community throughout your career so that this group can be your support during a career pivot (whether expected or not).
2.     Nurture your community connections on a regular basis, even if it’s a quick text/email/virtual chat. Be willing to offer support/help as often as you can.
3.     In the first 30/60/90 days of a career transition, reach out to your community and ask them for their insight:
“What do you believe are my performance strengths?”
“What domains of knowledge do you believe I am an expert in?”
4. Lean on past sources of gratitude/acknowledgement to remind yourself of the impact you have made on others.
5.     Acknowledge that you are in a high-stress phase of life and seeking professional support for your mental health is a best practice.
6.     Recognize signs of spiraling (obsessive thoughts, inability to move past a moment in time) and lean fully into self-care and grace.
Connect with our Guest:
You can find Patches Seely on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patches-seely/
Connect with Dr. Carter:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/
Company Website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com
Podcast official website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com/cw-podcast
Keywords
healthcare, career transitions, innovation, resilience, emotional impact, community support, nursing leadership, healthcare technology, burnout, personal growth
...more
31min
June 23, 2025 S1 EP6: From Resistance to Readiness: Leading Change with Curiosity
Summary
In this episode of Chaos Whisperers, Dr. Megan Carter engages with Dr. Jamie Parks, a healthcare leader and business coach, discussing the challenges of leadership in the healthcare sector. They explore the chaos of leadership moments, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for human-centered leadership. Dr. Parks shares her experiences with team dynamics, resistance to change, and the significance of authenticity in leadership. The conversation also highlights the value of humor and community support in navigating the complexities of healthcare leadership.
Takeaways
Leaders must have the courage to reflect on their impact on their teams, especially when there is turnover.
Resistance to change is a universal trait of humanity, but leaders can help bring their teams along in the process.
Resistance is driven by fear of the unknown and fear of loss of control so this can be addressed in 2 ways:
Getting (and staying) curious when faced with resistance to change allows leaders to facilitate team dynamics more effectively.
Letting go of how the change is rolled out (allow the team to decide when they can)
Be crystal clear about who you are and how you will choose to show up as an authentic leader every day

Chaos Whispering Practical Tips
1.     Lead with curiosity instead of pressure: Questions to ask your team when they are resisting a new change:
a. Help me understand what concerns you have about this change…
b. What would need to be different about this change for it to work better?
2.     Let go of controlling the “how”
a. Give the team some level of autonomy over how the change is rolled out
b. Delegate some of the roll-out tasks to help grow your direct reports
3.     Be intentional: make time to periodically reflect on who you are, your values and how that informs your leadership approach when coming to work each day
Connect with our Guest:
You can find Dr. Jamie Parks on the following sites:
Company website: https://jamieparks.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimeparks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jaimeparks/
Scaling Her Empire podcast: https://jaimeparks.com/podcast/
Connect with Dr. Carter:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/
Company Website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com
Podcast official website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com/cw-podcast

Keywords
healthcare leadership, change management, self-discovery, leadership challenges, female entrepreneurs, human-centered leadership, healthcare innovation, team dynamics, resistance to change, leadership strategies
...more
24min
June 16, 2025S1 EP5: Align Before You Accept: Boundaries That Build Trust"
Summary
In this episode of Chaos Whispers of Healthcare, Dr. Megan Carter interviews Dr. Christopher Kodama, a seasoned physician leader and
innovator. They discuss the challenges of being asked to take on additional work, the importance of prioritization and managing expectations through intentional conversations. Dr. Kodama shares his journey from clinician to entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for creating internal “statements of work” and the significance of building relationships with physician colleagues. The conversation highlights the importance of candor and personal connection in fostering a positive working relationships, especially in high stress environments.
Takeaways
Healthcare leaders must intentionally set aside time to prioritize their top tasks and work focus regularly.
Leaders should negotiate their workloads with their leader through transparent conversations about priorities and workload.

Understanding personal motivations enhances team dynamics.

Building relationships with physicians is crucial for success.

Candor in communication fosters trust and accountability.

Personal connections are key to navigating difficult conversations.
Chaos Whispering Practical Tips:
When being asked to take on additional work or roles, use the following steps to ensure a realistic workload:
Prioritize: Capture all of your projects, tasks, committees etc and keep them in one place (word document, project tracker, whiteboard, etc). Determine what your top 10 priorities are based on due dates, etc.
Manage expectations: Be transparent with your leader(s) and clearly discuss what your top 10 priorities are currently. Document what you both agree to focus on, what can be paused and what can be eliminated. This becomes your internal “statement of work.” Keep your leader updated!
Discipline: plan ahead each week by reviewing your list of priorities against any new meeting requests or tasks assigned. If the new request doesn’t fall into one of the top 10 priorities, either decline it/delegate it/re-negotiate your priorities with your leader.
Managing working relationships with physicians/physician leaders:
Spend time getting to know each other beyond your work role/title.

Consider sharing simple facts about yourself like your hobbies, favorite music, or even why you chose a career in healthcare.

Building a solid foundation of trust proactively helps create a safe space for candor when discussing challenging patient
situations, clinician behaviors, etc.

Demonstrate your appreciation for their time and expertise by stating “I recognize your time is valuable, so I want to provide this feedback/seek your input on this situation…what are your thoughts?”
Connect with our guest: Dr. Christopher Kodama through his website at: https://eversparq.com
Connect with Dr. Carter:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/
Company Website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com
Podcast official website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com/cw-podcast
Keywords
healthcare leadership, chaos management, physician relationships, healthcare innovation, burnout prevention, strategic planning, prioritization, communication skills, healthcare system, leadership strategies
...more
32min
June 09, 2025S1 EP4: Let Go to Lead Well: Delegation, Gratitude, and Growth in Healthcare
Summary
In this episode of Chaos Whispers of Healthcare, Dr. Megan Carter engages with Dr. Joni Watson, a healthcare innovator and entrepreneur, discussing her non-linear career path, the chaos of healthcare leadership, and practical strategies for managing burnout and administrative overload. They explore the importance of gratitude, the Eisenhower Matrix as a decision-making tool, and the need for healthcare leaders to embrace change and foster supportive environments. The conversation emphasizes the value of personal reflection and the power of community in navigating the complexities of healthcare leadership.

Takeaways
Healthcare leadership is often non-linear and chaotic.

Finding your unique path is essential for success.

Leaders must prioritize self-care and mental health.

Delegation is crucial to managing administrative overload.

The Eisenhower Matrix helps prioritize tasks effectively.

Gratitude practices can combat burnout and improve morale.

Change is constant in healthcare; leaders must adapt.

Building supportive systems is vital for team well-being.

Reflection on experiences can lead to personal growth.

Community and connection are key in healthcare leadership.
Chaos Whispering Practical Tips
1. Eisenhower Matrix tool link: https://joniwatson.com/eisenhowermatrix/
2. Gratitude practices:
“Name 3 Good Things that happened today” use this daily for yourself or for your family/team.
Finding “gold in the dirt” to reframe a challenge you are facing at work
Start keeping any thank you notes/positive comments or performance appraisals, awards etc in a location you can get to easily. On the toughest days, grab one of those items and read it to yourself.
Block a few minutes each week on your work calendar to capture specific “thank you’s” for your co-workers and write them down. Send them to your co-workers every week. Remember to be specific on the
situation and what they did that made you feel gratitude.
Consider using short video “thank you’s” to send to your co-workers or direct reports (especially Gen Z)!
Create a new Receiving Tracker note in your smartphone. At the end of the day, add 1 or 2 moments that turned out to be a gift. It can range from “I hit all the green lights on my way to work” to “Someone actually thanked me.” Review over time to remind yourself of what’s been working in your favor all along.
Consider a “device free” day with your loved ones to reconnect

Connect with our Guest:
You can find Dr. Joni Watson on her company website: https://joniwatson.com/ or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joniwatson/

Connect with Dr. Carter:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/
Company Website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com
Podcast official website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com/cw-podcast

Keywords
healthcare leadership, burnout, innovation, gratitude, Eisenhower Matrix, change management, administrative overload, nurse leaders, healthcare systems, chaos management
...more
42min
June 02, 2025S1 EP3: AI, Outcomes and Leadership On The Line
Summary
In this episode of Chaos Whispers of Healthcare, Dr. Megan Carter interviews Dr. Maria Granzotti, a seasoned healthcare executive and innovator. They discuss Dr. Granzotti's journey into healthcare, the challenges of leadership in chaotic environments, and the impact of AI on healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem before seeking solutions, the need for effective governance in AI implementation, and the significance of maintaining the human touch in healthcare. Dr. Granzotti shares valuable insights and resources for healthcare leaders navigating the rapidly changing landscape of technology and patient care.

Takeaways
Instincts play a crucial role in chaotic healthcare situations.

AI in healthcare presents both challenges and opportunities.

Understanding the problem is key before implementing AI solutions.

AI governance should align with organizational values and goals.

Healthcare leaders must stay informed about AI developments.

Collaboration across departments is vital for effective AI governance.
Chaos Whispering Practical Tips & Tools:
Before searching for an AI tool for your organization, be crystal clear on the problem you are trying to solve: quality, safety, people, patient experience or finance?

Establish a governance structure for AI implementation in your organization:
Include stakeholders from all disciplines and departments

Connect the group’s work directly to the organization’s mission/vision/values

Refer to professional organizations (like HIMSS) for ethical standards and criteria for AI/tech implementation
Healthcare leaders should not wait for a tech/AI demonstration to decide if it’s the right fit. Instead, have a list of specific problems the organization is trying to solve and narrow the AI/tech solutions from there.
Connect with our guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariagranzotti/
Connect with Dr. Carter on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/⁠
or her company website: ⁠https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com ⁠

Keywords
healthcare, leadership, AI, emergency medicine, patient
outcomes, governance, chaos management, innovation, healthcare technology, clinical decision support
...more
27min
May 25, 2025S1 Ep1: From Corporate to Chaos: Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff
Summary
In this episode of Chaos Whispers of Healthcare, Dr. Megan
Carter engages with Dr. Adam Probst who shares his journey of going from the corporate world to operational leadership. They discuss his harsh realization of just how chaotic operational leadership is, the importance of maintaining a first 90-day mindset, and practical strategies for accountability conversations. The conversation emphasizes the pain points of “the way we’ve always done it” and accountability conversations when you inherit a new team. They also discuss finding laughter in life (and the role of terrible movies).
Takeaways
--Healthcare leaders face extreme time management challenges when trying to balance what matters most
--Leaders should continue to challenge the status quo of unhealthy workloads
--The first 90 days perspective can be sustained in a leadership role through “GROSS” conversations (Get Rid of Stupid Stuff)
--Accountability conversations can keep both parties whole with the right framework
--Finding joy in leadership helps combat stress.
--Human factors engineers partnering with operational leaders can lead to innovative efficiencies for the entire team
Chaos Whispering Practical Tips:
Use the “GROSS” acronym as a standing agenda item for your meetings with your team. “Get Rid of Stupid Stuff” keeps that
first 90 day mindset and helps them remember to bring up inefficient or
unnecessary work over time so you can all get more protected time during the week.

Prepare for accountability conversations by doing the following:
Acknowledge your own experience level and possible discomfort
Seek support from someone outside the situation who can help you practice or role play prior to the meeting with the affected employee
Start the conversation by acknowledging both parties’ humanity
Declare your intention and goal for the conversation
Clearly state the behavior/situation from an objective place
Tie the deviation in performance to the organization’s values
Clearly state the desired behavior moving forward
Seek the employee’s insights and perspective
Close with an accountability plan/check in moving forward

Connect with our guest: Dr. Adam Probst on LinkedIn
at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-adam-probst-phd-ms-cpps-0a92a08/

Connect with Dr. Carter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/
or her company website: https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com

Keywords
healthcare leadership, human factors, chaos whisperers,
accountability, burnout, healthcare innovation, operational leadership, team dynamics, performance improvement, healthcare system
...more
36min
May 25, 2025S1 EP2: From Busy to Better: A Practical Guide To Smart Prioritization
Summary
In this episode of Chaos Whispers of Healthcare, Dr. Megan
Carter speaks with Lyndsey Cunningham, a healthcare operations leader and founder of STR Solutions Consulting. They discuss Lyndsey's journey into healthcare innovation, the chaos she led through the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of prioritization and self-care for healthcare leaders. The conversation also highlights practical tools for managing workloads and the significance of finding joy and humor in the demanding field of healthcare leadership.
Take-Away’s
Lyndsey Cunningham's journey began with a role in a state health organization right after graduate school which gave her a powerful perspective of our system.
Lyndsey led several teams through the pandemic to stand up vaccine clinics & provide rapid care delivery amidst uncertainty.
Self-care is essential; neglecting it leads to
burnout.
The “2x2 matrix” is a practical tool for prioritizing tasks, especially for new leaders or those who are at a breaking point & don’t know where to start
Healthcare leaders often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, leading to overwhelm.
Finding joy and humor is crucial in the high-stress environment of healthcare.
Using task trackers can help manage follow-ups and responsibilities effectively.
Monthly “lunch and learns” can enhance team collaboration and tool optimization.
Healthcare is a team sport, and building community is vital for support.
Chaos Whispering Practical Tips & Tools
2x2 matrix: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1liUoPVUVCniHZsPiuUYasxGqVZiKWAvh/view?usp=drive_link

Task Tracker: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v3YL0LbRB6dfO1vdXXJYnHhJy749hJZ1/view?usp=drive_link

Link to Notion: https://www.notion.com/

Link to Trello: https://trello.com/home
Connect With Our Guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsey-cunningham/
Company Website: https://strsolutions.pro/

Connect with Dr. Carter on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/⁠
or her company website: ⁠https://www.mchealthcareconsultingllc.com ⁠

Keywords
healthcare leadership, chaos management, COVID-19, prioritization,
healthcare innovation, burnout, project management, female entrepreneurs, healthcare tools, self-care
...more
32min
May 06, 2025The Chaos is Real, And So Are We
Connect with Dr. Carter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-megan-carter-dnp-rn-nea-bc/

Summary
In this inaugural episode of the Chaos Whispers of Healthcare podcast, Dr. Megan Carter introduces the challenges faced by healthcare leaders, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to combat burnout and inefficiencies in the system. She shares her personal journey from a healthcare leader to an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of prioritizing people and practical solutions in a broken healthcare system. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on various topics relevant to healthcare leadership, including workforce challenges, time management, and the evolving landscape of healthcare.

Takeaways
Healthcare leadership can feel like an extreme sport.

Burnout is a common experience among healthcare leaders.

The US healthcare system is the most expensive yet has poor outcomes.

Leaders are often stuck in survival mode due to overwhelming demands.

Innovative strategies are essential for effective healthcare leadership.

Calendar triage can help manage time and prioritize tasks.

Building trust with teams is crucial for effective leadership.

Sharing best practices among leaders can foster a supportive community.

The podcast aims to provide practical strategies for thriving in healthcare.

Listeners are encouraged to engage and share their experiences.
...more
12min

FAQs about The Chaos Whisperers of Healthcare:

How many episodes does The Chaos Whisperers of Healthcare have?

The podcast currently has 10 episodes available.