Welcome to Episode 2 of The HumanUp Imperative, a podcast about re-centering human connection in a healthcare industry that too often sidelines it.

In this episode, host Rex Wallace sits down with Todd Deatherage, co-founder of the Telos Group, a nonprofit organization that builds communities of peacemakers and helps people navigate seemingly intractable conflict, across the globe and in their own communities.

Todd's work has taken him from Capitol Hill to conflict zones in the Middle East, South Africa, and the American South. But at the heart of it all is one simple belief: Reconciliation is possible and necessary.

🎧 In this episode, we explore:

• Why conflict isn’t inherently bad and how to engage it constructively
• What it means to listen to understand (not just to respond)
• How to hold multiple truths in tension and seek a shared path forward
• What healthcare can learn from peacemaking and global conflict resolution
• How to center the voices of the marginalized while advocating with integrity
• The six core principles and six daily practices of effective peacemaking
• Why silence, self-reflection, and internal work are essential leadership tools

💡 Whether you work in Stars, quality improvement, provider engagement, or just want to build stronger, more empathetic teams, this episode will challenge and encourage you to lead with curiosity, courage, and compassion.

Welcome to the very first episode of The HumanUp Imperative, a show about re-centering human connection in an industry that often forgets it—healthcare.

In this premiere episode, host Rex Wallace sits down with Todd Ray, a standout executive leader in government healthcare programs, to explore what it really means to lead with purpose, humility, and impact.

Todd oversees some of the most complex programs in healthcare, including Medicare Star Ratings. But what makes him exceptional isn’t just the outcomes—it’s how he shows up. He’s a leader who asks hard questions, empowers his team, and elevates others through trust, humor, and curiosity.

🎧 In this episode, we explore:

Why human engagement is the missing ingredient in organizational success

The fine line between confidence and arrogance—and how to stay on the right side of it

How to lead without micromanaging, especially in matrixed environments

The power of curiosity, asking questions, and building a culture of trust

Personal leadership philosophies like “Don’t panic” and “Make a difference”

How to stay calm under pressure—and help others do the same

💡 Whether you're an executive, a team leader, or just someone who believes we can bring more humanity to healthcare and business, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.

https://youtu.be/ckFVTVdNw8E?si=A9T8-IBtjP67un2K