Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw

"Get us re-listed. You have 12 months." When Crissy Carlisle walked into HealthSouth in 2005, the FBI had already raided the building. The company held the distinction of being one of the largest frauds in American history. She filed six years' worth of 10-Ks in 12 months, deploying such autocratic leadership that she earned the label "dictator." Then she did something remarkable: she spent the next two years consciously rebranding herself. This is the story of a leader who refuses to be defined by crisis or constrained by labels. From PricewaterhouseCoopers to Summit Behavioral Healthcare, Carlisle has built a career on walking into impossible situations and transforming them through strategic vision and radical self-awareness. Her secret? Understanding that even when you deploy the right leadership style, there are consequences. And having the courage to evolve anyway. "I went from chicken little to now people say, 'How do you stay so calm in these situations?' My response is generally: years of practice." Today, as CFO of Summit Behavioral Healthcare, Carlisle brings decades of high-stakes experience to behavioral health's most pressing challenges. But her most powerful lesson came from managing an accounts payable team who taught her that while some people are motivated by promotions, others just want to wear jeans. The revelation changed everything about how she builds and leads teams. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, discover why removing "I don't have time" from your vocabulary might be the most important leadership decision you make. From being the only woman at investor conferences to consciously surrounding herself with people who think nothing like her, Carlisle reveals how strategic leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions. For Crissy Carlisle, leadership isn't about getting rich and famous. It's about serving patients well and knowing everything else will follow. In a healthcare system desperate for strategic financial leadership, she's proof that the best CFOs don't just manage costs. They reimagine what's possible. Key Insights: Why deploying autocratic leadership successfully still required two years of rebranding How managing accounts payable taught her more about leadership than managing MBAs The mental shift from "I don't have time" to "That's not a priority today" Why finding common ground through Alabama football changed everything How to build teams with people who think nothing like you About the Guest: Crissy Carlisle serves as CFO of Summit Behavioral Healthcare, bringing 30+ years of experience from PricewaterhouseCoopers, HealthSouth (now Encompass Health), and taking companies public. She navigated one of the largest corporate frauds in American history, transforming from "dictator" to strategic visionary through conscious leadership evolution. Her personal mission: walk by faith, give with a generous heart, and make a difference in the lives of others. Health Podcast Network Chapters 00:00 Introduction  3:06 From Auditor to Healthcare CFO  5:44 Leadership Lessons from HealthSouth  6:54 Rebranding After 'Dictator' Label  10:08 Choosing to Change Your Leadership  14:00 Building Diverse-Thinking Teams  15:51 Being the Only Woman in the Room  19:53 Priorities Over Excuses  21:49 Career Advice: Assess, Learn, Build Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Crissy Carlisle on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"What's the problem we're trying to solve? Because oddly enough, sometimes that's not really understood." Before Mercedes Ikard solves a problem, she asks a question most leaders skip: Are we even solving the right problem? In a world demanding immediate action, she's built her leadership on something more powerful: the discipline to pause, listen, understand, and ensure everyone's calibrated on what actually matters before moving forward. As Senior Director of US Benefits Operations at The Walt Disney Company, Mercedes leads benefits strategy for one of the world's most complex workforces—six generations, cast members in theme parks and executives in boardrooms, each with different needs. For Mercedes, this complexity requires constant calibration. "Empathy I think is important. And I think it's important to be a decent human. If we start out to be a decent human, that really is a good barometer and we really make decisions a lot easier." This is where calibration begins. Not with spreadsheets or plan designs, but with a fundamental check: Are we being decent humans? When issues explode in the cultural ethos, Mercedes does a gut check: Is this really an issue within this organization? She's learned to calibrate signal from noise, solving problems that actually impact her workforce rather than chasing topics du jour. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, discover why constant calibration might be leadership's most powerful skill. Not as hesitation, but as disciplined checking that everything stays aligned with what actually matters. From bifurcating work and home with precision to extending grace in postmortems, Mercedes has built her career on understanding before acting, clarity before speed, grace before perfection. Her superpower isn't speed. It's the wisdom to calibrate constantly on the right problems, with empathy, and with grace. Key Insights: Why "what's the problem we're trying to solve?" eliminates most organizational chaos How listening to understand rather than respond creates scalable solutions The discipline required to separate workforce-relevant issues from topics du jour Why plain language and "side streets" serve six generations better than complex plan details How bifurcating your day prevents the exhaustion of never decompressing Why showing yourself grace isn't optional for sustainable leadership About the Guest: Mercedes Ikard serves as Senior Director of US Benefits Operations at The Walt Disney Company, leading benefits strategy for one of the world's most complex and diverse workforces. Her leadership philosophy centers on calibration: constantly checking that she's solving the right problems, leading with empathy, and extending grace to herself and others navigating the high-pressure demands of corporate leadership. Health Podcast Network Chapters 0:00 Intro 2:05 Why Benefits Leadership Matters 4:03 Finding Her Passion in Healthcare and Retirement Benefits 6:59 Managing Disney's Multigenerational Workforce 10:42 Problem-Solving Framework for Complex Workforce Challenges 13:26 Leadership Skills That Matter: Empathy and Listening 15:03 The Power of Processing: Resisting the Urge to Act Immediately 18:29 Work-Life Balance and Decompression Strategies 21:11 Career Advice: Be Yourself and Show Grace Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Mercedes Ikard on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I had no idea. I didn't know what an HSA was, all the acronyms—HRA, HSA, HDHP, ERISA. I really had to learn all of that." When Tammy Sun pitched her fertility startup a decade ago, the category she was building didn't exist. Investors dismissed it as a lifestyle business, a niche play unworthy of venture capital. After 99 rejections, she raised her first million. Today, Carrot Fertility operates in 170 countries, serving millions in a market that didn't even have a name when she started. This conversation arrives at an inflection point. Women over 40 represent the only demographic having more babies, while one in six couples confronts infertility—a number experts believe vastly undercounts reality since you're only counted if you can afford to seek care. Sun saw these contradictions not as obstacles but as opportunities. Without a male co-founder, without prior startup experience, without even knowing basic healthcare acronyms, she built one of the most valuable fertility companies in the world. Her secret wasn't expertise. It was embracing what she didn't know. "Having a beginner's mind and coming in with curiosity and excitement and imagination around the art of what is possible—I can't think of an area of the world that needs it more now than healthcare", Sun explains. From that first million that was "the hardest million dollars I ever raised" to expanding beyond fertility into what she calls "post reproductive fertility care" with their menopause product—which became their fastest growing product ever—Sun has earned the right to her radical advice about imposter syndrome: "You can totally ignore it. You can pretend like it doesn't exist, and you can just act the way that you feel like you should act." In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, discover how a non-professional founder transformed a personal fertility crisis into a global healthcare platform. From recognizing that "half of all infertility is related to male factor" to launching Sprints at the nexus of metabolic and fertility care, Sun reveals why the future of women's health isn't about incremental improvements to a broken system. It's about having the audacity to imagine something entirely new. For Tammy Sun, building in the space between naivete and expertise isn't a disadvantage. It's the only way to create categories that don't yet exist. In a world where knowing too much can blind you to what's possible, she's proof that sometimes the best qualification for changing healthcare is not knowing why it can't be changed. Key Insights: Why the fastest-growing fertility demographic reveals everything about modern family planning How embracing ignorance became a competitive advantage in healthcare innovation The hidden truth about male factor infertility that affects half of all cases Why imposter syndrome is a luxury founders can't afford How moving from California to Arkansas changed everything What GLP-1s mean for the future of fertility and healthcare About the Guest: Tammy Sun is the Founder and CEO of Carrot Fertility, now operating in almost 170 countries after starting with 12. Without prior founder experience or healthcare expertise, she transformed a personal fertility journey into a category-defining company. She built Carrot into one of the most valuable fertility platforms globally, expanding from fertility into menopause and metabolic fertility care. Chapters 2:03 The State of Women's Health and Political Landscape 4:51 Origin Story: Building a Category from Scratch 8:01 Fertility Trends and the Education Gap 11:41 Raising the First Million: The Founding Journey 15:11 Embracing the Beginner's Mind in Healthcare 16:41 The Future: From Fertility to Lifelong Care 22:38 Advice for Women Founders: Throwing Away Imposter Syndrome Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Tammy Sun on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"By 2030, 2035, they're saying we're gonna have more older adults than children in this country. And if Medicaid cuts happen, where are people gonna get care? Their first resort is gonna be going to the emergency department." Dr. Sarita Mohanty knows exactly what's coming—she sees it every shift in urgent care. As President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, she's racing to transform how America ages while still practicing medicine because, as she puts it, "clinical work gives me an opportunity to really engage on the ground versus being at the 50,000 foot level." Her non-linear journey from LA County General Hospital—where patients waited for days with lines wrapping around the building—through health plan leadership at LA Care and Kaiser Permanente, to now running a major philanthropy, taught her one crucial lesson: the system wasn't built for the people who need it most. Now, with potential Medicaid cuts threatening services like adult day health centers and in-home support, she's watching decades of progress hang in the balance. "When everything costs money, many people just avoid going to see a doctor if they can," shares one older adult through The SCAN Foundation's "People Say" platform—a stark reminder of what's at stake. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Dr. Mohanty reveals: Why she still practices urgent care despite running a major foundation ("I get to see how patients come in, what their challenges are") The coming demographic crisis that will reshape America's healthcare system How COVID proved what's possible when stakeholders drop their silos and move fast Why she went back to business school with three small kids to transform her leadership The power of elevating older adults' voices directly to policymakers How impact investing can catalyze innovation when traditional approaches fail after 30 years Her philosophy: "Leadership isn't about having all the answers, but by listening and collaborating" "Medicine teaches you to avoid mistakes. But leadership requires you to take risks and sometimes fail forward," Dr. Mohanty reflects on her transformation from exam room to boardroom. From treating uninsured patients at LA County to leading a foundation that's reimagining aging in America, Dr. Sarita Mohanty embodies the physician-leader who refuses to choose between ground-level care and systems change. At The SCAN Foundation, she's not just preparing for the silver tsunami—she's ensuring that when it arrives, America's older adults can age with the dignity, purpose, and support they deserve. Her mission isn't just professional—it's personal. With three kids and an aging mother, she's fighting for the healthcare system she wants them to inherit. One where aging isn't a crisis, but a universal reality we're prepared to honor. Chapters 03:35 - Still Practicing Medicine While Running a Foundation 05:33 - The Non-Linear Path from Physician to CEO 08:28 - America's Aging Crisis: More Seniors Than Children by 2035 10:05 - When Medicaid Cuts Hit: Real Impact on Real People 12:20 - Influencing Policy in Today's Political Environment 16:35 - Leading Differently: Doubling Down in Challenging Times 19:31 - Finding Energy When Optimism Seems Impossible 23:32 - Paying It Forward: Advice for Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Sarita Mohanty, MD, MPH, MBA on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Approximately one in four people will face a cancer diagnosis. For most, the hardest part won't be the treatment itself but the waiting, the 3 AM questions, the logistical maze of care coordination that can mean the difference between hope and despair. Ann Stadjuhar knows this truth from both sides of the stethoscope. When Ann navigated her own cancer diagnosis, she had every advantage: 20 years of healthcare expertise, knowledge of case volumes, connections to top surgeons at Optum. Yet even she found the system overwhelming. Her uncle in rural New Mexico wasn't as fortunate; by the time he reached MD Anderson, inadequate local care had sealed his fate. These parallel experiences crystallized Ann's mission at Reimagine Care: ensuring no one faces cancer alone, regardless of their zip code or insider knowledge. This conversation comes at a critical moment. As cancer increasingly strikes younger populations, with many cancers now appearing in people's 20s and 30s rather than their 50s, we need innovators who understand that technology without empathy is just expensive machinery. Ann represents a new breed of healthcare leaders who see AI not as a replacement for human connection, but as a way to multiply it. "The worst part of cancer is the wait," Ann explains. "We can be there 24/7 to understand whether there may be social determinants of health needs. I need a ride to treatment. I need someone to watch my dog. I have issues paying my electric bill. Sometimes people are honestly more comfortable telling the bot they're having these challenges." After two decades revolutionizing digital health from women's health to pandemic response centers, Ann calls cancer care her "capstone." She's witnessed how the 18-month health system adoption cycle literally costs lives. Now, armed with Meta glasses and AI tools that multiply her capabilities "times four," she's racing against a broken system where your uncle's zip code shouldn't determine whether his cancer stays operable. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, discover how one woman's journey through cancer transformed into a mission to democratize access to the kind of insider knowledge that can save lives. From the Cancer X Accelerator to Reimagine Care's AI companion REMI, Ann reveals why the future of cancer care isn't about choosing between humans and machines. It's about creating technology sophisticated enough to know that sometimes, the most advanced intervention is simply helping someone find a dog sitter so they don't miss chemotherapy. For Ann Stadjuhar, reimagining cancer care isn't about replacing human connection. It's about multiplying it. In a healthcare system where staying curious might be the difference between innovation and stagnation, between treatment and tragedy, she's proof that the most powerful technology is the kind that remembers to be human. Key Insights: Why patients confess more to AI than to their doctors, and what that means for care How social determinants of health become matters of life and death in cancer treatment The hidden complexities even healthcare insiders struggle to navigate Why the next generation needs emotional intelligence more than technical skills How one woman's cancer diagnosis became a blueprint for system-wide change About the Guest:  Ann Stadjuhar brings 20+ years of digital health innovation to her role as Chief Growth Officer at Reimagine Care. From launching pharmaceuticals to scaling population health tools, she's run what she calls "the gauntlet" of healthcare transformation. Her personal cancer journey while at Optum revealed the gaps even insiders face, inspiring her mission to ensure 24/7 companionship for every cancer patient through AI-powered human care. Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Ann Stadjuhar on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Dr. Mitzi Krockover has been the first in every leadership role she's taken—from founding UCLA's Women's Health Center to becoming Humana's first Vice President of Women's Health to now investing in women-led healthcare companies. In this powerful conversation with Laurie McGraw, Dr. Krockover reveals why she's optimistic about women's health innovation despite recent funding challenges, sharing how the "train has left the station" on progress that can't be reversed. Dr. Krockover breaks down the expansive definition of women's health beyond reproductive care—from the fact that 66% of Alzheimer's patients are women to how female inflammatory responses differ fundamentally from men's. She connects the dots between women's health investment and economic returns, citing studies showing a potential $14 billion ROI from modest research increases. Key Takeaways: Why women's health encompasses far more than reproductive health—and the three critical buckets every leader should understand How the 1993 NIH Revitalization Act changed everything, yet we're still recovering from decades of exclusion The economic case for women's health: from workforce retention during menopause to trillion-dollar market opportunities Why Dr. Krockover sees women as investors, not just philanthropists, in health innovation The career advice that shaped her path: "If it's not challenging you and scaring you a little, it's probably not worth doing" From navigating being "the first" in multiple sectors to building Arizona's women's health innovation ecosystem, Dr. Krockover demonstrates how connecting the dots between health, economics, and leadership creates unstoppable momentum for change. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 03:50 - Being the First: Navigating Uncharted Leadership Territory 05:44 - Beyond Reproductive Health: Redefining Women's Health 08:21 - From NIH Mandate to Investment Boom: 30 Years of Progress 11:22 - The Perfect Storm: Why Women's Health Finally Took Off 13:37 - Arizona's Women's Health Innovation Ecosystem 15:05 - From Treating Patients to Investing in Solutions 18:09 - Finding Optimism Despite Political Headwinds 23:09 - Say Yes First, Figure It Out Later: Advice for Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Mitzi Krockover, MD on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Emmy-nominated journalist Julia Boorstin spent years interviewing thousands of executives before discovering something unexpected: the most successful women leaders had no playbook. After 25 years covering business transformation at Fortune and CNBC, Julia set out to understand why women receive only 2% of venture capital despite outperforming their counterparts—and what she found changed everything she thought about leadership. In this conversation with Laurie McGraw, Julia reveals insights from her book "When Women Lead" and the 60 extraordinary women who defied impossible odds. From wearing fake glasses to be taken seriously to discovering that gratitude correlates with long-term decision making, Julia unpacks why there's no single formula for female leadership success—and why that's exactly the point. Key Takeaways: Why vulnerability and transparency matter more than performed strength in uncertain times The surprising link between gratitude and strategic long-term thinking How "turning down your confidence" to gather information leads to better decisions Why the data proves female-led companies outperform—returning profits a year earlier on average The "water supply problem" approach that transforms how you solve any challenge Why communal leadership isn't weakness—it's a statistical predictor of success From the CNBC Changemakers list to her new podcast launching September 30th, Julia continues amplifying voices of women who are rewriting the rules of business. Her message is clear: authenticity isn't about fitting a mold—it's about understanding your unique strengths and leading from that truth. Chapter Markers 03:31 - Why Business Journalism Reveals Social Change 05:58 - The Myth of One Female Leadership Playbook 09:32 - Gratitude as a Strategic Leadership Skill 11:55 - Why Purpose-Driven Companies Outperform 14:12 - Leading Through Crisis with Data, Not Emotion 18:23 - Building the CNBC Changemakers Movement 22:08 - Finding the Water Supply Problem 25:29 - The Arbitrage Opportunity in Female Leadership Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Julia Boorstin on LinkedIn Check out Julia's new podcast, CNBC Changemakers & Power Players: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cnbc-changemakers-power-players/id1840209228 Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I bleed purple at work. I don't bleed Republican red or Democrat blue—I bleed purple, the color of my company." When two of healthcare technology's most influential policy voices join forces, you get the unvarnished truth about how healthcare transformation really happens in Washington and beyond. Leigh Burchell (VP Policy and Public Affairs at Altera Digital Health) and Leslie Krigstein (VP Communication & Government Affairs at Transcarent) have spent decades translating between Silicon Valley innovation and Capitol Hill regulation. Their combined influence has shaped everything from meaningful use to digital health adoption. In this revealing episode, Leigh and Leslie discuss: Why they're still counting clicks in 2025 Humanizing corporate interests while maintaining credibility The delicate dance between innovation and regulation in the age of AI Why "pledges" are back under Trump 2.0 How consumerization is revolutionizing healthcare Being "the sharpest person in the room" while staying honest "Every policy maker wants to talk about digital health," Leigh notes. "It's massively exploding at the state level too." With AI "bullet training down the tracks," both women navigate the balance between enabling innovation and avoiding regulation that could "cut us off at the knees." Their secret to influence? Collaboration and genuine relationships. "We all want the same thing. People can sense that, so we hold hands and run in the same direction," says Leigh. Leslie adds: "There are lasting relationships with folks on Capitol Hill that started with simple coffee." Both have stood up to CEOs, defended patient interests over profits, and maintained integrity when commercial pressures mounted. For aspiring policy influencers: Be an advocate in all facets of life. Find your passion. Build trust through honesty. Chapters 03:45 - From Hill to Healthcare Tech: Finding Your Policy Passion 06:29 - Making Complex Policy Personal for Lawmakers 10:06 - Bleeding Purple: Navigating Bipartisan Corporate Advocacy 13:16 - The Deregulation Cycle and State-Level Explosion 15:00 - AI and the Consumerization Revolution in Healthcare 21:44 - Building Collaborative Networks for Policy Impact 24:42 - The Power of Being the Trusted Expert in the Room 29:20 - Finding Passion in Policy: Career Advice for Advocates Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Leigh Burchell on LinkedIn Connect with Leslie Krigstein on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Emily Shields dropped her kids off at school this morning—an eighth grader, a fifth grader, and a toddler—before stepping into her role as Chief Strategy Officer at OSF HealthCare. It's a balance she's perfected through years of strategic career moves and honest self-assessment about what matters most each week. Starting as a physician recruiter at OSF, Emily built relationships across the entire health system that would prove invaluable. "I worked with leadership, hospital presidents, regional leadership in all of those markets. It uniquely positioned me to build trust and confidence across the system," she reflects. The pivotal moment came when an executive sent her a simple note: "This person is retiring. You should think about this." That nudge toward the Vice President of Business Development role changed everything. "It was like something exploded in my office," Emily recalls. She seized the opportunity, moving from recruitment into mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures—territory she'd never navigated before. "I'm definitely not afraid to say when I don't know something and to pull in a team to surround me to help," Emily shares. Under the mentorship of Michelle Conger (OSF's incoming CEO), she learned to distinguish between skills that can be taught and the innate hunger to learn that makes leaders successful. In this candid episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Emily also reveals: Why "mission and culture always win"—even when walking away from lucrative deals How OSF's innovation committee fast-tracks partnerships and pilots The power of being "at the right place at the right time" AND seizing the opportunity Why asking for help isn't weakness—it's strategic leadership How to think in "week chunks" when balancing career and family The critical importance of always signaling you're ready for more "You have to demonstrate you can do more than what you're currently doing. That does mean taking on projects outside your official job duties—that's how other people know you're capable," Emily advises. Now overseeing marketing, planning, and business development as Chief Strategy Officer, Emily is bringing previously siloed functions together to drive strategic outcomes. Her latest achievement? A 100-bed behavioral health joint venture opening next spring, addressing a critical gap where 2,000 patients were leaving the service area for psychiatric care. For women navigating their own career trajectories while raising families, Emily's message is clear: "Give yourself grace. Work hard and seize those opportunities when they're in front of you. Recognize that the path you set out for yourself in your head is not the one you're gonna take." From recruiter to C-suite in one organization, while raising three children and driving multi-million dollar deals—Emily Shields proves that with the right support, strategic thinking, and self-compassion, you can build an exceptional career without trying to be perfect at everything, every week. "There are weeks where work wins, and there are weeks where being a mom wins. And that's okay." Chapters 03:23 - Asking for Help as a Strength 05:26 - From Physician Recruiter to System Leader 07:39 - Always Signal You're Ready for More 09:33 - The Power of Right Place, Right Time 12:38 - Building Strategic Partnerships in Behavioral Health 16:37 - When Mission and Culture Trump Growth 18:55 - Breaking Down Silos Through Collaboration 20:58 - Give Yourself Grace and Seize Opportunities Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"This transition was about more than just a business model. It was about trust for the community." When Deborah Visconi took the helm at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, she wasn't just changing a hospital's tax status—she was rebuilding an institution's soul. Tasked with transforming a for-profit hospital into a true safety net for New Jersey's most vulnerable communities, Deborah brought something unique to the challenge: she'd lived it. "Growing up in a Latinx household in an underserved community, I understood what it meant to navigate barriers and be overlooked," Deborah shares. That lived experience became her North Star as she rebuilt Bergen New Bridge from the ground up, ensuring no one would be turned away based on ability to pay, language, immigration status, or circumstance. Seven and a half years later, the transformation is remarkable. Under Deborah's leadership, the hospital now accepts every type of insurance available in New Jersey. They've opened a Depression Center of Excellence, launched comprehensive addiction treatment programs, and created specialized care for eating disorders—all while operating as a non-profit in challenging economic times. "We don't innovate here with glitzy towers and glass buildings. We innovate around people," Deborah explains. During COVID-19, while the world was falling apart and people were dying at their doorsteps, her team remained that "beacon of health, hope, and healing" their community desperately needed. In this powerful episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Deborah also reveals: How "Chief Engagement Officer" became her real title—and why her phone is always on Why technology will never replace compassion in healthcare The three pillars of transformation: partnerships, training, and redefining success beyond financials How holistic care transforms outcomes for addiction and mental health Why building your own table beats waiting for a seat at someone else's The invisible barriers women still face in healthcare leadership Her bold vision for the next generation of women leaders "Equity isn't an initiative—it's embedded in everything we do," Deborah states firmly. Even as DEI becomes a polarizing term, she refuses to waver: "Being able to provide equitable care equals excellence and quality care delivery." For women aspiring to leadership, her advice is direct: "It takes courage to take those steps and not be afraid to use your voice. If you're not given a seat at the table, bring your own seat—or better yet, build your own table." From frontline phlebotomist to transformational CEO, Deborah's grassroots journey proves that the most powerful healthcare innovations come not from technology or buildings, but from leaders who understand their communities' struggles firsthand. "I want future leaders to see they belong at the helm of major institutions, particularly women and Latinx women," she reflects. "I want my legacy to be one of inclusion, respect, and extraordinary relationships." At a time when healthcare faces unprecedented challenges, Deborah Visconi is showing what's possible when hospitals truly serve as safety nets—catching everyone who falls, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Chapters 01:40 - Leading a Hospital Transformation 03:52 - Personal Background Shaping Leadership 05:58 - Building Innovation Through Community Focus 08:24 - Trust Through Engagement and Action 12:33 - Transformational Programs and Patient-Centered Care 18:30 - Breaking Barriers for Women Leaders 24:33 - Legacy of Inclusion and Lifting Others Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Deborah Visconi on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I believe when you put yourself in uncomfortable situations is when you grow the most. Living in a rural village, no running water, no electricity, and essentially being a doula in a middle Atlas Mountain Village for two and a half years, different language, different religion, you know, you just learn a lot about people." From Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco to CEO of Oxeon—the executive search firm reimagining healthcare leadership—Sonia Millsom has spent 30 years proving that the most uncomfortable paths lead to the greatest transformations. Her journey through healthcare's biggest successes (including helping scale Maven to unicorn status and Iora Health to a billion-dollar exit) taught her one critical truth: companies don't fail because of bad CEOs—they fail because the wrong people are at the wrong tables. Now at Oxeon, Sonia is fixing that problem by placing leaders at ALL the tables that matter: executive teams, boardrooms, and cap tables. Because after 13 years of data, she knows exactly what makes leaders successful—and it's not what most people think. "High performing teams have high degrees of psychological safety," she explains. But in today's world of AI disruption, multi-generational workforces, and constant pivots, that safety is harder to build than ever. Her solution? Stop looking for the CEO with three unicorn exits. Start looking for leaders who can "think again" like scientists, not preachers or prosecutors. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Sonia also reveals: The 5 key attributes that predict leadership success (hint: clock speed matters more than credentials) Why women will control $34 trillion by 2030—and how that changes everything about healthcare What Peace Corps taught her about patient care that Harvard Business School never could The real reason companies pivot faster now (and why your old playbook won't save you) How ambient listening cameras preventing patient falls signals healthcare's AI future Why "life begins at the end of your comfort zone"—advice she's passing to her daughters The pattern recognition trap that causes investors to miss breakthrough leaders "Nothing is up and to the right all the time," Sonia admits. "When those times of when things go down is actually where you learn the most." From serving as a doula in rural Morocco to orchestrating billion-dollar healthcare transformations, Sonia Millsom proves that understanding people—whether patients in villages or executives in boardrooms—is the key to driving real change. At Oxeon, she's not just filling leadership positions; she's architecting the future of healthcare by ensuring the right leaders are at every table where decisions get made. Her motto? "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Her mission? Making sure healthcare's next generation of leaders—including her own daughters—are ready to be uncomfortable, curious, and kind enough to transform an industry that touches us all. Chapters 01:30 - Why Leadership Diversity Drives Healthcare Success 03:45 - Five Key Attributes of Successful Leaders 07:20 - Psychological Safety in Uncertain Times 10:15 - From Peace Corps to Healthcare CEO 13:00 - Pivoting in Healthcare: Lessons from Iora and Maven 16:30 - AI and the Multi-Generational Workforce 19:45 - Women's $34 Trillion Financial Future 23:00 - Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Sonia Millsom on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I was reading this report and it was the same old women who are making steady progress in leadership, but we're not making it fast enough. After all these years of being a leader, of being a mentor, of being a coach, of helping other women. I was just frustrated. How can this be?" After 30 years in healthcare technology leadership and reading yet another McKinsey report showing glacial progress for women, Laurie McGraw had enough. That frustration became fuel—launching the Inspiring Women podcast over four years ago to amplify the voices and stories of accomplished women leaders. Now, after 200+ conversations with extraordinary women across healthcare, technology, and business, Laurie shares what she's learned about accelerating women's advancement into leadership. The patterns are clear: every successful woman has moments of doubt before breakthrough, no one is "done learning," and the most accomplished leaders are often the most driven to contribute more. "The moments in these conversations that I love the most—every accomplished woman when you see them speaking so impactfully and powerfully, it seems easy," Laurie reveals. "But I like to draw out those moments in time when that same person wasn't all that they are. How did they make that leap?" In Part 2 of this special Q&A episode, Laurie discusses: The McKinsey report that sparked her frustration—and action—to create Inspiring Women Why she chose podcasting as the platform to accelerate women's leadership advancement The surprising patterns discovered across 200+ conversations with accomplished women How even the most powerful women still have "next levels" they're trying to reach Why men listening to the podcast has become an unexpected catalyst for change What listeners tell her about those breakthrough "nugget" moments that change careers Her ultimate vision: more women in leadership creates a more just and equitable society "I get as many comments from men who listen to Inspiring Women as I do from women, because it helps them understand what people are dealing with and how they can be supportive," Laurie shares, highlighting how allies are crucial to systemic change. With women's funding still at a paltry 2% and progress remaining frustratingly incremental, Laurie's message is clear: "Why is having women in leadership important? When we have more women in leadership, we have a more just and equitable society. Full stop. That is why I am doing this." Four years, 200+ episodes, and countless transformed careers later, the Inspiring Women podcast continues its mission—one conversation, one story, one breakthrough moment at a time. Chapters 00:30 - Why I Started the Inspiring Women Podcast 02:45 - The Simple Concept Behind the Show 03:50 - Patterns from 200+ Conversations 05:30 - Even Accomplished Women Keep Growing 06:15 - Vision for the Inspiring Women Community 07:45 - Dream Dinner Guest: Katie Couric 08:30 - Be a Voracious Learner 09:15 - How Can We Be Bolder? Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I think my media roles have resulted in trust, but that's not why I got into it. I got into it because what an incredible platform to have... to educate the public. On average, about 80,000 people at a time." When Dr. Archelle Georgiou was in clinical practice, she did the math: 15 patients a day for 30 years. The number didn't feel impactful enough. So this Johns Hopkins-trained physician made an unorthodox choice—leaving patient care to join the very managed care industry that frustrated her, determined to fix the system from within. From associate medical director at Cigna to leadership at UnitedHealth Group, Dr. Georgiou discovered that sometimes the best way to heal healthcare is to understand how it's financed and delivered. But her most powerful platform came through an unexpected channel: television. For over 16 years and 2,000 segments, she's been translating complex medical information for millions, becoming a trusted voice in America's living rooms. When COVID-19 struck and the world watched Johns Hopkins count cases and deaths, Dr. Georgiou saw what was missing: real-time hospital data. In one weekend, she and a colleague built what the entire healthcare system hadn't—a national hospital tracking dashboard that informed policymakers, appeared in major publications, and generated 12 peer-reviewed studies. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Dr. Georgiou reveals: Why America's "paternalistic culture" makes us listen to doctors—and why we need to listen more critically How she went from treating 15 patients daily to educating 80,000 people at a time The weekend project that solved COVID's biggest data gap when no one else would Why managed care's influence on healthcare delivery shocked even an industry insider How creating annual strategic business plans for yourself can drive reinvention What really determines impact: degrees and titles, or understanding your core talents Why solving patient care problems remains her "true north" across every role From humble beginnings with parents who didn't finish elementary school to becoming a national medical correspondent, board member, and strategic advisor, Dr. Georgiou proves that maximizing your impact sometimes means leaving the traditional path behind. "Every single year I work with myself to create a strategic business plan," she shares. "A $10 million business has a business plan every single year. So why don't you?" A calculated risk-taker who's never afraid to walk through doors that inch open, Dr. Archelle Georgiou continues to reinvent what it means to be a physician leader—one who measures success not in patients seen, but in lives transformed through education, advocacy, and evidence-based truth. Chapters 2:15 - From Physician to Managed Care Leader 5:40 - Why Healthcare is So Hard to Navigate 9:30 - The Power of Media: Reaching 80,000 People at Once 13:45 - COVID Crisis Response: Building the Hospital Data Dashboard 18:20 - Leadership Across Five Tracks 20:50 - Annual Personal Strategic Planning 23:30 - Finding Your Core Talents Beyond Your Degree 26:00 - The Storyteller-Healthcare-Data Formula Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Archelle Georgiou, MD on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

From four-time Olympian to Fortune 500 advisor to record-breaking masters athlete at 62, Joetta proves that reinvention has no expiration date. After hanging up her spikes in 2000 following 28 straight seasons of middle-distance running, Joetta built a thriving business helping corporations apply athletic principles to achieve excellence. Then, 25 years later, her daughter's simple request—"Mommy, I want to see you run"—sparked an extraordinary comeback. "There's a difference between being healthy for someone in their sixties and competing at a level again," Joetta reflects. But compete she does, crushing records in the 100 and 200 meters, winning national championships, and showing the masters circuit what excellence looks like when you refuse to slow down. The daughter of the late Dr. Joe Clark (immortalized in the film "Lean On Me"), Joetta learned early that "anything associated with the Clarks has to be excellent." This mantra has driven her from Olympic tracks to corporate boardrooms, where her signature "Joetta Effect" transforms organizations through what she calls the three S's: understanding skill sets, developing strategy, and building staying power. "I'm a four-time Olympian, but I tried out six times," she shares. "I had to have staying power those other two times to get to the third time, which was my first time making the Olympic team." Now, as CEO of JoTyme Fitness and a sought-after speaker, Joetta doesn't just preach wellness—she embodies it. Her mission extends beyond personal achievement to lifting entire communities, especially youth who need to understand that success in sports extends far beyond going pro. In this powerhouse episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Joetta also reveals: The "reverse role play" technique that transforms toxic workplace dynamics Why your "why" must outweigh your "how" to achieve any goal The direct connection between physical wellness and professional productivity How to build a personal brand that stands alone (think Madonna, Oprah, Socrates... and Joetta) The critical difference between being a leader and "merely taking a walk" Her "Garden for Success" framework featuring rows of peas, squash, lettuce, and turnips From urban to suburban to rural communities, Joetta's message resonates: "It's not about being an Olympic champion. I don't have a gold medal from the Olympics, but I got the Gold Medal of life." Her approach to continuous reinvention challenges conventional wisdom about aging, retirement, and what's possible when you know your purpose. "When you wrap yourself around yourself, that's a small package," Joetta explains. "But when you wrap yourself around more people, that's a big package, and that's the gift I want to give." Whether she's breaking masters records, advising Fortune 500 companies, or mentoring youth about the billion-dollar sports industry beyond playing professionally, Joetta Clark Diggs exemplifies what happens when you plant good seeds and refuse to stop growing. At an age when many are slowing down, she's just getting started—again. Chapters 00:22 - Mission to Advance Women Leaders 02:14 - From Olympic Track to Breaking Records Again 06:41 - Reinventing Yourself at Any Age 08:46 - The Joetta Effect in Corporate Leadership 13:19 - Why Youth Development Matters 18:22 - Finding Your Why to Fuel Motivation 20:45 - Building and Protecting Your Personal Brand 23:32 - The Garden for Success Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Joetta on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"You have to show up and do the work. There is nothing more satisfying than getting good work done." From helping scale Allscripts when less than 5% of physicians used technology to now serving as Chief Commercial Officer at Transcarent, Laurie McGraw has spent decades transforming healthcare through technology. Her journey spans from being the sole woman in countless boardrooms to becoming a fierce advocate for pulling other women up the leadership ladder. "Early on it was so notable to me in a way that was just frustrating," Laurie recalls about being the only woman in the room. But that frustration transformed into fuel. Today, she's not just occupying C-suite positions—she's using her hard-won confidence to push other women to level-jump, not just climb. The turning point? A mentor who challenged her to take an "undesirable" implementation and support role instead of staying comfortable in product development. "What are you gonna be? Is this your vision for yourself?" her mentor asked. That lateral move became the stepping stone to becoming president of the company. Now at Transcarent, Laurie is focused on making healthcare accessible and affordable—but her mission extends beyond business metrics. With women still representing only 20% of top healthcare leadership positions, she's done being polite about the pace of change. "I'm more aggressive now. It's less about coaching. I'm like, come on, we have to get going on this. Push for that C-suite position. You earned it, you deserve it, you're more than capable." In this special episode of Inspiring Women, host Laurie McGraw turns the mic on herself and reveals: Why the end of DEI initiatives means women must work harder to pull each other forward The cold truth about confidence: "I can trust in myself to get the job done" What she really thinks about women who reach the top and pull the ladder up behind them Why bold leadership—not incremental moves—is what women need in 2025 How to build your "tribe" of truth-tellers, not just cheerleaders The surprising power of taking jobs you don't initially want "We are in a time where bold leadership is required of us. And as women, we are uniquely equipped—empathetic leadership, inclusivity, hearing all the voices in the room. Women are particularly good at this." But Laurie doesn't sugarcoat the challenge. With DEI becoming "a trigger word" and supportive laws being repealed, she's clear about what's needed: "It's up to us. We have to do more to pull the next generations of extraordinarily capable women forward into leadership." For women struggling with confidence, her advice is direct: "Develop your tribe of people who will help you. Not just friends who say 'great job,' but coaches and mentors who can reflect back the cold, hard truth." From a development team leader to healthcare transformation executive, Laurie McGraw's journey proves that showing up and doing hard work isn't enough—women need to claim their space, demand their worth, and most importantly, bring others with them. "We shouldn't be shooting for the next career move. We should be level jumping—two above." Chapters 00:43 - Core Leadership Principles: Show Up and Do the Work 02:46 - Evolution of Leadership Style Through Experience 04:19 - Challenges as a Woman in Health Tech Leadership 06:20 - Accelerating Progress Toward C-Suite Representation 08:11 - Women Supporting Women vs. Competition 09:47 - The Mentor Who Changed My Career Path 11:52 - Why Women Need Bold Leadership Now 14:11 - Building Your Tribe for Confidence and Success Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"Women are 80% of the healthcare workforce in the US, up to 70% globally. So I always say if women aren't healthy, the entire world is at risk of not being healthy." Mary Stutts has spent decades dismantling barriers for women in healthcare—first as a senior executive at Stanford Healthcare and multiple biopharma companies, now as CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA). But what she's seeing today has her more concerned than ever: for the first time in 20 years, the number of women in C-suite roles is declining. "The challenge isn't just getting women into leadership," Mary explains. "It's helping them stay in leadership and thrive there." The culprit? A perfect storm of broken systems: the "broken rung" that blocks women's first promotion to manager, the "concrete ceiling" at director level, and a generation gap that's creating chaos in the workplace. Mary reveals a startling insight about today's young professionals: "They're digitally native but corporately naive. We give them managerial responsibility for a head count, but we haven't trained them how to manage. They take a punitive approach—'You don't do it the way I do it, so you're doing it wrong.' Then everyone gets frustrated and leaves." The stakes couldn't be higher. With a $1 trillion economic gap between women's and men's health, and young women increasingly choosing social media influencer careers over healthcare professions, the industry faces a crisis that threatens everyone's wellbeing. In this essential episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Mary also shares: Why less than 20% of professionals have a development plan—and how this simple tool can transform your career trajectory The 15-minute mentoring rule that changed everything for busy executives Why there's no such thing as a "perfect mentor" and what you need instead The five critical experiences women aren't getting access to that block their path to leadership How to bridge the five (soon to be six) generations currently in the workforce Why "meritocracy is a three-way street"—and what that means for companies trying to retain talent Mary also reveals the innovative work of her nonprofit, The Center for Excellence in Life (T-CEL), which created virtual internships during COVID for students who never thought they'd attend college—many of whom are graduating now. "Keep focusing on describing the very needed work we are doing," Mary urges. "We still need leadership acceleration. We still need talent development. We still need workforces that are representative of the patients and communities we serve. At the end of the day, people most trust people who look like them. That's not bias—that's human nature." From writing "The Missing Mentor: Women Advising Women on Power, Progress and Priorities" to leading HBA's mission to achieve gender equity in healthcare leadership, Mary Stutts is the powerhouse executive rewriting the rules for women's advancement. Her message is clear: Don't lose focus. The work is more critical than ever. "Your development plan is yours alone," Mary insists. "If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you've arrived?" Chapters 02:13 - From Engineering to Healthcare Leadership 05:31 - Digital Innovation to Genomic Revolution 09:05 - Transforming Lung Cancer Detection 13:39 - Women Leading in Biotech 16:54 - The Reality of Being CEO 20:05 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Mary Stutts on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"I come from a long line of medical doctors... but I myself was driven by things that move fast in terms of technology." From a family of physicians, Susan Tousi chose a different path—one that would eventually revolutionize how we detect cancer. After decades building multi-hundred million dollar businesses at HP and Kodak, digitizing how the world captures and shares memories, she made a leap that surprised many: trading the consumer tech world for the promise of genomic medicine. "Healthcare was moving fairly slowly in terms of technology adoption," Susan recalls. But when Illumina came calling, she saw her chance to change that. As Chief Product Development Officer and later Chief Commercial Officer, she helped drive the cost of human genome sequencing from over $100,000 down to just $100—making the technology accessible in 155 countries worldwide. Now, as CEO of DELFI Diagnostics, Susan is tackling one of healthcare's deadliest challenges: lung cancer kills more people annually than breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers combined—yet 94% of those who should be screened never get tested. Her solution? A simple blood draw that can detect cancer at stage one, powered by AI and whole genome sequencing, at a cost of just a few hundred dollars. "If you can get blood drawn, you can get our test," Susan explains. "These tests should be in the few hundreds of dollars, easily covered by the healthcare system, available to patients without copay. Everyone's cancer should be caught early. It should be an annual process." In this powerful episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Susan also reveals: What happens when you reduce genome sequencing costs from $100,000 to $100 and why it matters for every patient Why blood-based testing will make cancer detection as routine as annual physicals—no radiation, no invasive procedures The surprising ways AI and machine learning are uncovering cancer signals in blood How to build diverse leadership teams naturally What really changes (and doesn't) when you become a biotech CEO Why the hardest CEO decisions are about people and focus, not technology From engineering at HP to revolutionizing digital photography at Kodak to detecting cancer at its earliest stages, Susan's journey proves that the fastest-moving technology innovations can transform the slowest-moving healthcare challenges—when you're willing to take the leap. "There's no greater mission than advancing the improvement of people's healthy lifespan," Susan reflects. "We need women at the table. These are long-term investments. We need to make sure that the diverse population of patients and clinicians who are going to use our tests are represented in the people who develop the tests. That diversity makes us better." A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Susan Tousi is reshaping how we think about cancer detection—making it accessible, affordable, and available anywhere you can have blood drawn. This is the future of healthcare, and it's happening now. Chapters 00:02:13 - From Engineering to Healthcare Leadership 00:05:31 - Digital Innovation to Genomic Revolution 00:09:05 - Transforming Lung Cancer Detection 00:13:39 - Women Leading in Biotech 00:16:54 - The Reality of Being CEO 00:20:05 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Susan Tousi on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

"You might not have been born for this, but you almost died for it." When Gina Jacobson's husband spoke those words, he captured the profound transformation that turned a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis into a mission. Given just one to two years to live, Gina didn't just survive—she discovered why work matters so deeply when everything else falls apart. Now, as Program Director for Working with Cancer, she's tackling an uncomfortable truth: there's a massive gap between what well-meaning colleagues want to do and what actually helps. When people don't copy you on emails to "spare" you, when they assume you can't handle meetings, when they reduce you to your diagnosis—the isolation can be as devastating as the disease itself. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Gina also speaks about: Why "Can I work?" is the second question cancer patients ask after "Will I live?" How manager training can build organizational empathy that extends far beyond cancer it means when 80% of Americans choose to work through cancer treatment Why creating confidence before diagnosis changes everything How simple accommodations can preserve identity during treatment What happens when your biggest pitch becomes helping others through their darkest hour Chapters 02:14 - From Potato Cravings to Stage 4 Diagnosis  03:43 - The Gap Between Intentions and Impact  05:20 - What Organizations Really Need to Do  07:39 - The Workforce Cancer Crisis  08:59 - "You Almost Died for This"  10:37 - Creating Confidence Before Crisis Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Gina Jacobson on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

Standing at a hospital desk at 17, facing a Hodgkin's disease diagnosis, Rae McMahan heard words that would reshape her entire life: "We don't have your prior authorization on file." That broken moment in a broken system launched a career dedicated to fixing what fails patients every day. Now, as Senior Vice President of Payer Solutions at Prescriptive, Rae is revolutionizing how 260 million Americans access medications—because no one should discover what their life-saving prescription costs only when they reach the pharmacy counter. But her journey wasn't straightforward. Expected to "get married, have kids and stay home," Rae chose a different path—one that led from nearly becoming a physician to mastering the business of healthcare transformation. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Rae also speaks about: Why pharmacy benefits are the number one utilized benefit and first indicator of health problems How text message prescriptions are disrupting decades of pharmacy confusion What happens when technology costs go down everywhere except healthcare Why connecting lab tests, AI, and genetics could eliminate medication guesswork How to choose your own journey when it doesn't match family expectations What it means to say "no" in a culture that expects women to say "yes" Chapters 04:02 - A Teenager's Cancer Diagnosis Meets a Broken System  06:33 - From Patient to Healthcare Revolutionary  08:22 - The Reverse Technology Paradigm in Healthcare  10:57 - The Magic Wand: Personalized Medicine Without the Guesswork  13:35 - Choosing Your Journey Over Others' Expectations  15:55 - Finding Your Village and Your Voice Guest & Host Links Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Rae McMahan on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

What happens when you realize you've stopped caring about the very people you're meant to serve? For Brenda Munoz, that moment came when a laborer asked her to leave and find someone else to help him. "You're very nice," he said, "but I can tell you're trying to rush this." That wake-up call transformed not just Brenda's career, but how she thinks about leadership itself. Today, as Associate Benefits Director at the Laborers' Fund of Northern California, she oversees benefits for 30,000 workers who build America's infrastructure—and she's reimagining what it means to serve a workforce that's largely male, Hispanic, and often working far from home. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Brenda also speaks about: Why language barriers and literacy challenges make benefits accessibility a social justice issue How empowering 53 employees (mostly women) creates ripple effects for thousands of families What it means to lead for both the laborers AND the women who serve them Why self-reliance and having a voice are the foundations of workplace empowerment How Hispanic women can transform from "doing the paperwork" to leading the organization What changes when you shift from "What do I want?" to "What will help us become better?" Chapter Markers 02:05 - An Accidental Benefits Career  04:09 - The Counter Call That Changed Everything  05:36 - Choosing Impact Over Comfort  07:21 - Understanding the Laborers: Who Builds America  10:59 - The Stress of Benefits Work  12:31 - Leading for Two Communities  14:19 - From Siloed to United: Creating Vision Together  19:21 - The Power Within: A Message to Hispanic Women Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Brenda Munoz on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify