"Who mentors the mentors?"

"There's no such thing as a cold call in WBL."

"How can I help you?"

These powerful mantras echo through the halls of Women Business Leaders (WBL), the longest-standing executive forum for women in healthcare leadership. And for our landmark 200th episode of Inspiring Women, we're going back to where it all began.

Twenty-five years ago, Lynn Shapiro Snyder found herself one too many times as the only woman at the decision-making table. Instead of accepting this reality, she picked up the phone and made 60 cold calls to the most influential women in healthcare. One by one, they answered with a resounding "yes." And WBL was born.

Join us for an intimate conversation with the visionaries who started it all: Lynn Shapiro Snyder, Jeannine Rivet, Carrie Valiant, and Marcia Nusgart. With candor, wisdom, and plenty of laughter, these pioneers share how their initial gathering evolved from a one-time retreat into a powerful network that has elevated thousands of women into leadership positions.

When women lead, we create a more just and equitable society—full stop. And today, WBL's mission remains as vital as ever.

This 200th episode isn't just a milestone; it's a love song to trailblazing women everywhere—those who stand tall, who lift their voices, and who use their power to push, guide, and pull us all forward.

Join us for this celebration of legacy, leadership, and the sisterhood that continues to transform healthcare and beyond.

Chapter Markers

01:09 How WBL Was Born from One Cold Call

04:01 Planning the First Retreat—and Why It Almost Didn’t Happen

10:32 Saying Yes to Something Bigger Than Yourself

17:56 The First Summit: Envelopes, Oprah Moments, and Self-Promotion

29:33 Why WBL Matters Now More Than Ever

34:52 What WBL Has Meant to Us—Founders Reflect

Guest & Host Links

Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn

Connect with Lynn Shapiro Snyder on LinkedIn

Connect with Carrie Valiant on LinkedIn

Connect with Marcia Nusgart on LinkedIn

Learn more about Jeannine Rivet, RN, MPH, FAAN 

Connect with Inspiring Women

Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify This episode of Inspiring Women was recorded at the WBL Summit, a leadership, networking, and professional development conference for WBL members that takes place each spring. 

WBL is a network of 1500+ senior executive women in healthcare who convene to share ideas, make valuable connections, and solve business challenges. WBL’s mission is to connect and support our members in advancing their careers and impact on our industry.