Healthcare is built on trust, but communication breakdowns, burnout, and unhealthy workplace cultures can undermine both employee well-being and patient safety. In this episode of True HR: Beyond the Office, Shannon Clark Johnston speaks with Dr. Karen Rigamonti, a physician, executive coach, and consultant whose personal experience with a preventable medical error shaped her commitment to safer, more compassionate workplaces.
Karen explains how leaders can recognize cultural toxicity, build psychological safety, move beyond fear-based leadership, and create environments where people feel trusted, supported, and able to perform at their best. They also discuss why compassion is not merely a soft skill, but a practical leadership advantage that can improve engagement, retention, communication, and business results.