Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw

"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

When Amee Devani watched her mother battle colorectal cancer in Kenya, she witnessed firsthand the stark reality of healthcare inequity. That experience would reshape her entire career trajectory—from investment banking at UBS to founding a digital health startup that's revolutionizing how hospitals manage post-acute care. "I faint when they take my blood," Amee admits with characteristic candor. Yet today, as CEO and Co-founder of WellBeam, she's tackling one of healthcare's most persistent problems: the black box of care that swallows patients after hospital discharge. This conversation with host Laurie McGraw reveals how a chance meeting on a Stanford cycling training ride led to a partnership that's now bridging the dangerous gap between acute and post-acute care. Amee and her co-founder Pascal—both Kenyans who met thousands of miles from home—shared more than a homeland. They shared mothers fighting cancer and a determination to fix a broken system. What started as rejected startup ideas in Stanford surgeons' offices evolved into WellBeam after one crucial conversation with pancreatic surgeon Dr. Brendan Visser. His frustration was clear: exceptional inpatient care followed by total blindness once patients left the hospital. Fax machines. Phone tag. Patients bouncing back to the ER before anyone knew there was a problem. Now, WellBeam serves as the critical infrastructure connecting hospital EMRs with home health, hospice, and skilled nursing facilities. The result? A 20-30% reduction in readmissions and millions in recovered revenue for physicians doing work they couldn't previously bill. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Amee also discusses: The unexpected value of "having too much fun" at Cambridge and how it shaped her leadership approach Why she left the prestige of investment banking and consulting to work out of a shoebox office in London How catching the "startup bug" at Pavegen prepared her for the healthcare innovation journey The importance of building a village of mentors, especially as a female founder in healthcare Why healthcare's biggest problems aren't glamorous—and why that's exactly where innovation is needed Navigating slow healthcare sales cycles while maintaining startup momentum Leading as a new mother and CEO: ruthless prioritization and trusting your team Chapter Markers 00:54 - Introduction & Background 04:17 - The Stanford Connection & Finding a Co-founder 07:13 - WellBeam's Origin & Solution 11:28 - Business Model & Market Approach 14:06 - Leadership as a Female CEO & New Mother 21:39 - Advice for Aspiring Female Founders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Amee Devani on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

What makes this conversation urgent is what's at stake. When people with lower trust in healthcare turn to friends and family instead of medical professionals, when young adults say they'd leave their doctor over political beliefs, when misinformation spreads faster than facts—we're not just facing a communications challenge. We're facing a health crisis. But Courtney, who's spent 15 years bridging policy, advocacy, and communications, sees opportunity in the challenge. Organizations that share accurate information, take visible action on problems, and paint an optimistic future can still build trust. The question is: will they act fast enough? In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Courtney also speaks about: Why your employer might be your most trusted source of health information (especially if you're a woman) How political polarization is breaking the doctor-patient relationship What the shift from polarization to "grievance" means for healthcare Why women care about healthcare affordability 20 points more than men How to communicate health information when no one trusts the media What leaders must do now to rebuild trust before it's too late Chapter Markers 04:05 - From Policy to Trust: A Career Arc 05:32 - The Misinformation Crisis 08:18 - High Trust vs. Low Trust 10:30 - From Polarization to Grievance 12:11 - Building Trust in a Zero-Sum World 14:27 - Women, Employers, and the Trust Gap 16:12 - A Path Forward for Leaders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Courtney Gray Haupt on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

When Colleen Bowman didn't get into her dietetics internship—twice—she thought her career was over before it began. Instead, that rejection became the catalyst that launched her into becoming a transformative HR leader at one of the most unique companies in America. "I had a little too much fun in college," Colleen admits with a laugh. But that social experience—building networks, connecting with people—turned out to be the foundation of everything that followed. Today, as VP of Human Resources at IAC, she oversees benefits for a portfolio of brands you know and use every day: Angie's List, People Magazine, Food & Wine, and dozens more. This conversation with host Laurie McGraw isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder—it's about how the detours define us. For Colleen, those detours included a boss who told her she wasn't ready for a promotion (spoiler: she was), mentors who took chances on her, and the realization that sometimes you have to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them. What makes Colleen's leadership philosophy unique? "Empathetic with expectations." She leads with understanding but refuses to treat her team "too preciously." She believes in them too much for that. She sets high standards because she knows they can meet them. Now, as healthcare costs explode and benefits become the single largest line item on corporate balance sheets, Colleen is tackling one of business's biggest challenges: How do you get employees to care about their health before it's a crisis? How do you communicate complex benefits to diverse populations—from magazine editors to home repair professionals? And how do you treat a benefits program like the multi-million dollar business it actually is? In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Colleen also speaks about:  Why saying "yes" to everything early in your career is essential—and when you need to start saying "no" How to build trust and partnerships that actually move the needle in organizations  What happens when benefits become too big for leadership to ignore  Why HR's "seat at the table" debate misses the real point How to navigate the coming healthcare crisis with transparency and trust  What "fake it till you make it" really means for women leaders Chapter Markers 03:37 From Nutrition Dreams to Benefits Reality  08:17 When Your Boss Says You're Not Ready  10:51 Building Relationships as a Leadership Superpower  14:49 Raising Your Hand vs. Reaching for Opportunities  16:24 Empathetic with Expectations: A New Leadership Model  19:38 The Business of Benefits in Divisive Times Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Colleen Bowman on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify

When Karen Lynch became CEO of CVS Health, it was more than a milestone, it was a signal. Millions were watching. She led through the pandemic. She raised wages. She centered the patient. She broke glass ceilings again and again. “I remember the day Karen became CEO,” says host Laurie McGraw. “I think the world stood still for a minute. I smiled. I took notice. And so did everyone else.” The accolades poured in: Forbes Most Powerful Women, Fortune’s Most Admired. But the impact went far beyond headlines. This conversation isn’t just about what Karen accomplished at the top—it’s about the experiences that shaped her long before she got there, and the values driving how she leads today. Like many leaders, Karen’s path was forged in her beginnings. For her, those beginnings were marked by unimaginable loss: losing her mother to suicide at age 12, and just a decade later, losing the aunt who raised her. That grief left an indelible mark—a sense of urgency to fix a healthcare system she had experienced not as a leader, but as someone failed by it. That lived experience has been her North Star. From her early days in finance to leading one of the largest healthcare organizations in the world, Karen has consistently asked: What does the patient need? And how can we make it simpler?  As a leader, she learned that courage isn’t a talking point, it’s a practice. And sometimes, it means making a hard decision that costs you. When her tenure at CVS ended, it wasn’t scandal. It wasn't a failure. It was a choice, grounded in accountability. Because real leadership isn’t just about celebrating the wins—it’s about owning the moments that hurt. Now in a chapter of reinvention, Karen is clear: she’s not stepping back, she’s stepping into purpose. From helping future CEOs find their voice, to launching a women’s leadership institute, to urging healthcare leaders to rebuild public trust before it's too late, she is focused on impact over position. The title may be different. The mission is not. In this episode of Inspiring Women with Laurie McGraw, Karen also speaks about: What would healthcare look like if we designed it around the patient? Can simplicity heal what complexity has broken? How do we rebuild public trust in healthcare—and what happens if we don’t? How can we better prepare the next generation of women leaders? Is technology the single most powerful lever for healthcare transformation? What does it take to navigate reinvention with optimism, purpose, and grace? Thank you Karen Lynch. You are an Inspiring Woman. Chapters 03:11 - From Tragedy to Healthcare Leadership 05:42 - Patient-Centered Philosophy 08:46 - Pandemic Response and Transformational Change 10:02 - Mentorship and Women's Leadership 14:57 - Accountability and Resilience in Leadership 22:53 - Technology Revolution and Giving Back Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn About Karen Lynch 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.

"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.

What if the same data that helps sell cereal could also save a life? Kathleen Ellmore asked that question long before most people thought to—and long before healthcare caught up. With roots in consumer marketing, she was using behavioral science to influence buying habits when the term “micro-segmentation” barely existed. But when she stepped into healthcare in the early 2000s, everything changed. As the mother of a daughter with cerebral palsy, Kathleen knew what it felt like to navigate a system that didn’t see her, didn’t remember her, and didn’t connect the dots. Kathleen’s daughter needs a wheelchair. She recalls all too well the months of time it took to get the right approvals for the appropriate wheelchair her daughter needed. Until something happened, a changed job, a new insurance plan, and then being told she would need to start the many month process ALL OVER again. It is hard to hear this story without feeling the agony of this mother for her child.   This proverbial straw led to this realization: data wasn’t the problem; disconnection was. That moment became the heartbeat of Kathleen’s work. She began applying the tools of influence not to sell more products, but to build trust. Her early experiments, like discovering that a male voice on a robocall led to an 86% increase in screenings among Hispanic populations, proved that small shifts, driven by empathy and insight, could drive massive impact. It wasn’t about big data; it was about meaningful data. Today, as cofounder of Engagys, Kathleen is leading a new era of engagement—layering AI on top of decades of behavioral science to ensure health plans don’t just reach people, but truly connect with them. For her, AI is not a shortcut; it’s a tool to scale human-centered care. And while others chase automation, she remains laser-focused on trust. You’ll also hear from Kathleen on: Why most health plans already have the data they need, but fail to use it meaningfully How behavioral science can transform call center scripts into trust-building tools What it really took to launch a profitable consultancy—no funding, no incubator, just mission and grit How Kathleen balances technical innovation with ethical guardrails in a system under pressure This conversation isn’t just about data. It’s about care, courage, and what happens when you decide to build something better because the system failed you. Chapters 01:52 Applying Consumer Marketing to Healthcare 03:04 Building Engagys from the Ground Up 06:32 Trust, Data, and Personal Motivation 11:00 A Mother's Experience with a Broken System 13:10 AI, Behavioral Science, and Human-Centered Care 20:00 Leadership, LinkedIn, and Advice for Founders Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Kathleen Ellmore on LinkedIn About Engagys 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.