For the Better

In this episode of For the Better, Lauren Minors, Director of Partnerships and Marketing for Reason One, sits down with Maureen Li, the Digital Marketing Technology Manager at Emerson Health. They discuss Maureen's unique journey from an art history major at Tufts University to her pivotal role in healthcare marketing. Maureen delves into how her background in art and psychology equipped her with transferable skills that have driven her success and shaped her approach to the website redesign project at Emerson Health.  The conversation highlights the importance of making healthcare information accessible and patient-friendly, emphasizing an evidence-driven methodology and strategic partnership with internal stakeholders to prioritize patient experience. Maureen’s fresh perspective and curiosity demonstrate how embracing a beginner’s mindset can lead to innovative solutions in healthcare marketing.  

In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash, CEO of Reason One, speaks with Melissa Fors Shackleford—founder of Shackelford Strategies and a nationally recognized leader in healthcare marketing and brand strategy. Known for her work with purpose-driven organizations like Optum, Hazelden Betty Ford, and Cigna Evernorth, Melissa helps healthcare brands clarify their message, build trust, and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving landscape. “One of the things that I found at Hazelden Betty Ford was that when you dug into the data, our largest competitor wasn’t another institution—it was families that did nothing.” (05:39) From rural pharmacy deserts to stigmatized conditions like substance use disorder and HIV, Melissa discusses how inclusive messaging and design choices can lower barriers to care—and meet patients where they are. She also shares how healthcare marketing must now rise to the expectations set by today’s leading consumer brands. “The expectations on marketing teams were all thrown out the window when we got Netflix. Because people expect an experience like Netflix—or even Amazon—from their healthcare.” (13:00) Throughout the episode, Melissa provides practical takeaways for marketers, strategists, and digital teams looking to make healthcare more human and more equitable—from language and accessibility to design and representation. “It’s really easy to use person-centered language so that you don’t call someone their disease. You don’t say, ‘He is cancer.’ You say, ‘He has cancer.’ So why don’t we do that with all these other health conditions?” (10:33) She also highlights leaders pushing for more inclusivity in the broader digital space—like Kelsey Lindell of Misfit Media and Chris Hempel of the Billion Persona Project—and reminds listeners that change starts with the way we choose to communicate. Whether you’re leading marketing for a health system, launching a digital health product, or rethinking how your brand shows up online, this conversation offers a thoughtful guide to building with purpose—and making every patient touchpoint count.

In this episode of For the Better, host Ben Cash, CEO of Reason One, speaks with Chris Hemphill, now Director of Modular Feedback and a Fellow at the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research. At the time of recording, Chris was serving as Senior Director of Commercial Intelligence at Woebot Health. Chris shares how bias in healthcare AI doesn’t start in code—it starts in culture. They explain how healthcare marketers, IT teams, and clinical leaders can challenge those patterns by asking better questions, bringing the right people into the room, and refusing to develop in a vacuum. They also speak candidly about their own experiences navigating health tech as a Black professional—and why trust, transparency, and cultural humility are key to building ethical AI.

In this episode… Tune in to this special Women's History Month episode of For the Better as Lauren Minors, Director of Partnerships and Marketing at Reason One, speaks with Jean Hitchcock, President of Hitchcock Marketing & Communications. With over 30 years of experience, Jean shares how a personal experience shaped her career and reflects on her leadership journey across healthcare systems, agencies, and tech organizations. Listen in as Jean discusses: How women are transforming healthcare leadership Balancing career ambitions with family life The power of mentorship and supportive networks Bold advice for women pursuing leadership roles Don't miss this inspiring conversation about breaking barriers and building stronger connections in healthcare.

In this episode… With the shift to digital platforms in healthcare marketing, marketers face the daunting challenge of balancing patient privacy with effective digital marketing. Stringent regulations like HIPAA govern the use of sensitive patient data, raising the question: how can healthcare organizations continue to engage potential patients without compromising their privacy? Ray Mina, Vice President of Marketing at Freshpaint, brings his expertise in navigating privacy regulations and healthcare marketing to address these challenges. Freshpaint offers innovative solutions that securely govern the data flow from healthcare websites to marketing tools, ensuring no protected health information (PHI) is shared without a proper legal framework like a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Highlighting real-world examples, Ray elaborates on the challenges posed by major ad platforms that refuse to sign BAAs, complicating data sharing from healthcare providers. Freshpaint’s approach empowers organizations to manage data securely, bypassing these obstacles and enabling them to regain control of their digital marketing strategies while maintaining compliance. Tune in to this episode of For the Better as Ben Cash hosts Ray Mina, Vice President of Marketing at Freshpaint, to discuss the challenges of personalization and data privacy in healthcare marketing. Ray explains how Freshpaint helps marketers navigate the complexities of patient privacy and digital marketing tools, the value of a HIPAA-compliant marketing ecosystem where data privacy is a top priority, and future trends that can foster more efficient healthcare marketing.

In this episode… As digital technologies disrupt every sector, the health sector stands firm yet restless against the tides of change. Innovation and tradition collide in an industry as old as time, setting the stage for a monumental paradigm shift. How can industry leaders foster transformation within this stronghold? Jared Johnson is the Chief Marketing Officer at Praia Health, the first consumer experience orchestration platform for healthcare, revolutionizing how health systems engage and retain patients. With a robust background in healthcare marketing, Jared offers a compelling look at how the industry can innovate by embracing consumerism and leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and personalization. He explains how Praia Health's innovative platform creates a unified digital experience, enabling health systems to meet patient needs through personalized interactions. With success stories and practical applications of implementing change within complex systems, he illustrates the tangible benefits of reducing technical debt and fostering interconnected ecosystems. His approach prioritizes a deep understanding of revenue cycles and consumer engagement, aligning organizational goals with evolving patient expectations. Tune in to this episode of For the Better as Ben Cash hosts Jared Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer at Praia Health, to discuss the complexities of digital innovation in healthcare. Jared shares valuable insights on the evolution of consumerism within the healthcare sector, the potential of retail health, and the nuances of technology adoption. He also delves into Praia Health's approach to bridging the gap between current health system capabilities and evolving consumer demands.

In this episode… With the healthcare industry becoming more consumer-centric, providers face the challenge of aligning their operations with patients' real needs. Addressing patient engagement requires a multifaceted approach that involves patients in their healthcare journey, fosters shared decision-making, and enhances the overall patient experience. How can organizations ensure that their digital solutions genuinely benefit those they aim to serve? Adam Cherrington, Vice President of Digital Health and Patient Voice at KLAS Research, a healthcare IT research firm focused on improving healthcare technology and services by evaluating vendor performance. With over 12 years at KLAS, Adam has championed initiatives prioritizing patient engagement and alignment between healthcare providers and technology vendors. His work led to the development of the KLAS Patient Voice Collaborative, which amplifies patient perspectives to inform healthcare solutions. He illustrates the significant discrepancies between what healthcare providers and vendors offer versus what patients prioritize. By amplifying patient voices, KLAS Research helps healthcare organizations identify and bridge these gaps, ultimately enhancing patient-centered care. In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash interviews Adam Cherrington, Vice President of Digital Health and Patient Voice at KLAS Research, about fostering patient-centered healthcare technology. Adam highlights the importance and impact of genuinely listening to patients, the necessity of overcoming traditional silos, driving organizational change through data-informed decisions, and how to utilize technology effectively within a structured change management framework.

In this episode… Chronic illnesses are affecting an increasing portion of the population, with nearly 50% of Americans currently managing such conditions. Despite the growing number of patients requiring long-term care, the healthcare system is still designed around acute, short-term issues, leaving those with chronic diseases feeling lost in a complex maze of care. How can the healthcare system evolve to better support patients navigating these complex, long-term conditions? With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Kristy Dickinson, the Founder and CEO of Chronically Simple, is a patient advocate and digital health consultant passionate about reshaping the patient and caregiver experience. Drawing on her personal experience as a patient with a rare genetic disorder, she stresses the importance of integrating the patient’s voice throughout the healthcare process. Kristy built a digital tool to replace cumbersome binders of medical records, showing the necessity of innovative, patient-centered solutions. She urges healthcare professionals to treat patients as key team members, integrating them into the design of systems and care plans to improve outcomes and reduce the overwhelming administrative burden on those managing chronic conditions. In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash welcomes Kristy Dickinson, the Founder and CEO of Chronically Simple, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in managing complex health conditions. Kristy shares her eye-opening experience with chronic illness, offers strategies for improving patient experiences, and highlights the value of digital tools in healthcare. Tune in for insights on prioritizing comprehensive care and the power of patient voices in driving healthcare efficiency and effectiveness.

In this episode… With every Google search, there's an unseen layer of interwoven information that’s crucial for businesses to gain visibility. What if there was a way to clarify these connections, making it easier for search engines to deliver the most relevant content? How does semantic marketing change the game for search engine optimization, and what role does famed actor Kevin Bacon have to play in this? Martha van Berkel is the Co-founder and CEO of Schema App, an end-to-end schema markup solution for enterprise SEO teams. Known for her expertise in schema markup and knowledge graphs, Martha unravels the mysteries behind these concepts, explaining their vital role in helping businesses articulate their expertise effectively to both human users and search engines. She delves into how knowledge graphs enable machines to infer relationships, a critical component as AI continues to gain prominence in search technology. Her unique connection to Kevin Bacon, who once drove her car, illustrates the concept of inferencing and its practical applications for SEO strategy. Blending her insights on schema markup with anecdotes from her career and personal life, Martha offers a fresh, engaging take on the interconnected digital world in an AI-driven era. Tune in to this episode of For the Better as Ben Cash chats with Martha van Berkel, the Co-founder and CEO of Schema App, about transforming digital marketing through semantic search technology. Martha discusses the rapid changes in search engine tactics, highlights the importance of content knowledge graphs, and offers a roadmap for enterprises to future-proof their content strategies effectively. She also shares her career journey and provides an overview of Schema App’s upcoming tool, Entity Hub.

In this episode… Artificial Intelligence is swiftly becoming a game-changer in healthcare, but is it truly ready to transform the patient experience? The healthcare industry is buzzing about AI revolutionizing patient care, cost reduction, and efficiency. However, with much of the technology still labeled as potential, many wonder how much AI has impacted the consumer and patient experience. Could the fusion of technology and empathy be within our grasp? Alan Shoebridge is the Associate Vice President of National Communication at Providence, leading a diverse, multistate communications team. With years of experience driving digital innovation in enhancing patient care, he delves into the journey of AI—from a potential concept to a practical tool reshaping patient and consumer experiences. Providence has been at the forefront of adopting AI, working under the radar to develop, test, and implement AI-based solutions for over five years. From AI-assisted referral systems to scheduling, communication, and governance structures, Alan discusses the nuanced roles AI plays in augmenting the capabilities of healthcare professionals. He shares insights from Providence's experience, revealing how AI models assist with creating a smoother operational flow and improving interaction touchpoints for patients across the care continuum, making them a crucial and beneficial part of healthcare's future. In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash hosts Alan Shoebridge, the Associate Vice President of National Communication at Providence, to explore how AI is transforming the healthcare industry. They discuss technology’s role in augmenting workflows and enhancing connections between patients and providers, Providence’s comprehensive AI roadmap, the critical role of governance in AI implementation, and Alan’s approach to staying updated on AI developments.

In this episode… Have you ever pondered the intricate relationship between healthcare and technology? Imagine a hospital environment where patients find precisely what they need online without hassle, and doctors communicate their value effortlessly. Could there be a solution to harmonize this complex data and improve everyone's experience? Christina Valls is the Associate Director of Product and Enablement at Cedars-Sinai, the largest non-profit hospital in the western US, pioneering innovative patient care. She unravels how her team is turning these challenges into opportunities, emphasizing outcomes-focused product development to enhance patient experience and drive business growth in the healthcare industry. By prioritizing operational efficiency in healthcare projects, service providers can lessen the administrative workload on healthcare professionals, improving their focus on patient care. Her team's approach to innovation is grounded in creating digital tools that benefit patients and providers alike, ensuring Cedars-Sinai remains at the forefront of the healthcare revolution. Tune in to this episode of For the Better as Ben Cash interviews Christina Valls, the Associate Director of Product and Enablement at Cedars-Sinai, about implementing digital innovation in healthcare. They delve into the significance of scalability and efficiency in digital health solutions, navigating change within teams and organizations, the value of cross-functional collaboration, and the strategic thinking behind developing impactful digital products.

In this episode… The healthcare industry's paramount quest for workforce excellence hinges on attracting and retaining top talent. Aligning brand culture with employee experience and retention is essential for fostering a culture of engagement crucial for long-term success. With over 15 years of experience leading marketing initiatives, Christine Albert, the former CXO at LCMC Health, helps healthcare brands connect the dots between brand, culture, and experience. She draws a parallel between consumer and employee acquisition, highlighting the importance of adopting a marketing mindset and leveraging automation tools to streamline recruitment processes. Her innovative strategies enhance employee engagement and improve overall organizational effectiveness, reflecting her deep understanding of the interplay between marketing and human resources in creating a cohesive corporate identity. In this episode of For the Better podcast, Ben Cash hosts Christine Albert, the former CXO at LCMC, to explore the interconnection between brand culture and employee retention. Christine discusses how strategic brand integration can enhance employee satisfaction, the importance of reinventing recruitment strategies in times of crisis, the need for a personalized and empathetic experience for candidates, and the shift from reactive to proactive strategies in organizational management.  

In this episode… With a focus on bridging departmental divides, organizations must optimize their digital infrastructure to meet evolving patient demands. So, what strategies are essential for future-proofing websites amidst the ever-changing healthcare technology landscape? Stephen Barry, Product Manager at Lee Health, leverages his design and development background to improve the website and patient experience for the company’s patient-facing website, bridging the gap between departments. He highlights the benefits of a dedicated product owner role, particularly in emphasizing web infrastructure, and highlights the evolution of his role from a hybrid marketing and IT position to a clearly defined product role. According to him, continuous website improvement through incremental change is crucial to addressing the disruptions in the healthcare industry. Stephen emphasizes the importance of staying on top of industry trends and future-proofing your website with solid fundamental elements.  In this episode of For the Better podcast, Ben Cash hosts Stephen Barry, the Product Manager of Lee Health, to discuss the role of product owners in future-proofing healthcare websites. Stephen explains how product managers bridge marketing and IT departments, the importance of continuous website improvement, the foundational elements of a winning website, and how to enhance efficiency in small teams.

In this episode… Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a game changer in healthcare marketing. Whether looking to improve patient engagement, optimize digital marketing efforts, or better track and analyze data, AI can help achieve your goals more effectively and efficiently. However, what key strategies and priorities should healthcare marketing teams consider when implementing AI in marketing plans? Aaron Mauck, former Harvard faculty and the Vice President and Executive Partner at Advisory Board, leverages his extensive healthcare background to support digital initiatives by generating strategic and operational insights to tackle the core challenges impacting performance. Highlighting the challenges marketing teams face in keeping up with the rapid evolution of AI-powered health marketing, Aaron emphasizes an understanding of the evolving consumer landscape to shape loyalty and drive success. Marketers should prioritize a task-oriented design, simplifying the customer journey instead of introducing new technologies that increase friction. In addition, while generative AI can help streamline content creation and improve UX, it’s crucial to acknowledge the need for human oversight to ensure quality. In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash once again hosts Aaron Mauck, the Vice President and Executive Partner at Advisory Board, to discuss the challenges of AI implementation in healthcare marketing. Aaron highlights the potential of generative AI to simplify content creation and improve UX, explains the importance of a task-oriented UX design, and dissects the 70/20/10 rule in digital road mapping.

In this episode… Technology has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with each other. And the healthcare industry is no exception. Digital transformation has made it possible to deliver healthcare innovatively, from virtual consultations to remote monitoring of patients. However, this transformation is not without its challenges. How can healthcare organizations fully realize the value of digital innovation? Aaron Mauck, former Harvard faculty and the Vice President and Executive Partner at Advisory Board, leverages his extensive healthcare background to support digital initiatives by generating strategic and operational insights to tackle the core challenges impacting performance. According to him, prioritization and pragmatism are crucial to success in digital health, as overambitious goals can lead to decreased productivity. He emphasizes the importance of reducing friction in the digital healthcare experience, particularly on the consumer side and restructuring data management systems to enable AI to make a meaningful impact. In addition, organizations must embrace a cost-conscious approach to digital transformation, integrating new technologies while being mindful of investment strategy and financial constraints.  In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash chats with Aaron Mauck, Vice President and Executive Partner at Advisory Board, to explore the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in healthcare. Aaron highlights minimizing friction in healthcare delivery, adopting a cost-conscious approach to digital transformation, and improving AI’s impact through effective data management. He provides valuable insights on leading strategic initiatives and fostering growth in retail healthcare.

In this episode… Let’s face it: people in the healthcare industry are busy, with many physicians and surgeons working long shifts, not to mention on-call hours. Yet, they need to keep up with trends in the field through informative discussions, expert interviews, and thought-provoking content. Can podcasting be an effective platform for creating content and building a community for healthcare professionals? Rachel Baker, the Director of Communications at Stanford University School of Medicine, leverages podcasting to educate faculty members on various topics and to keep the university’s Department of Surgery members up-to-date on relevant research work through conversations with the authors. According to her, one of the best parts about podcasts is that professionals can choose to listen on their own time. Besides serving as a communication and community-building tool, the podcast has become an onboarding resource for the team, enlightening new resident doctors on what to expect during their residency. Now, she shares her tips and tricks for improving podcast engagement. In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash hosts Rachel Baker, the Director of Communications at Stanford University School of Medicine, to discuss podcasts as a medium of communication for the healthcare industry and the secrets to a successful podcast. Rachel reflects on how Stanford Surgery reaches new audiences and facilitates community building through its podcast. She also provides podcasting strategies, listener engagement tips, and what you should know about HIPAA compliance as a podcast host.

In this episode… As the demand for self-service continues to grow across industries, self-scheduling has become a patient expectation in the health sector. Online self-scheduling allows patients to find and book healthcare appointments at their convenience. This service model saves tremendous time and resources for hospitals that have previously relied on staff to schedule appointments. However, not all patient scheduling solutions are equal. How can stakeholders create a dynamic scheduling system that prioritizes patients? Christina Valls is the Associate Director of Product and Enablement at Cedars-Sinai, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit pioneering innovative patient care. She stresses the importance of a defined strategy in achieving the benefits of the self-scheduling initiative she led. Christina and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center team pivoted by tackling the entire patient journey while maintaining the business imperative of the project. As a result of this strategy, the hospital has seen a record-breaking increase in appointments and new patients, with a 14% drop in average daily call volumes. In this episode of For the Better, host Ben Cash welcomes Christina Valls, Associate Director, Product and Enablement at Cedars-Sinai, to discuss Cedars-Sinai’s breakout results with self-scheduling. Christina highlights the importance of a consumer-centric approach to self-scheduling initiatives, navigating the challenges of digital health transformation, her team’s plan for the future, and the value of change management principles in a healthcare setting.

In this episode… A shortage in healthcare providers in an overcrowded pool of patients has created a gap in access, increasing the need for more convenient and accessible care options. To fill the void, healthcare organizations rely on a network of partnerships and the implementation of digital patient engagement tools. These engagement tools are convenient communication platforms that allow patients to manage their care using electronic devices. But how do digital engagement services compare to traditional service lines? Richard Baldwin, a digital marketing veteran, uses his 14-plus years of experience to lead a team of digital engagement service professionals at Prisma Health, South Carolina’s largest healthcare system. Under his tutelage, his team has created convenient and consumer-friendly tools, including the Care Finder. Using the Care Finder allows patients to enter their symptoms, answer a series of questions, and make a selection from a list of recommended care options. Consumer engagement services are more efficient, unlike multi-step service lines that require additional navigation that lead to patient frustration.   In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash interviews Richard Baldwin, Manager of Digital Engagement Services at Prisma Health, to discuss digital engagement services and its impact on healthcare efficacy. Richard explains the shift towards consumerization in healthcare, how the pandemic impacted digital engagement services, and how AI and other innovative technologies can revolutionize the healthcare system. 

In this episode… Have you ever considered how much of your data is used for analytics and personalization? Knowing how your data is collected is essential for preserving your identity and privacy. However, recent regulations have raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding widespread online tracking technologies. Adam Kruse is the Director of Technology at Eruptr, one of the largest healthcare-focused digital media risk assessment companies. Christy Jones is the Director of Marketing and Optimization at Reason One, a full-service digital strategy agency. They convene to discuss the challenge of maintaining HIPAA-compliant analytics while preserving user-targeted optimization and personalization strategies. Christy’s expert advice on the topic surrounds the changes in the current marketing climate from an analytic standpoint. Meanwhile, Adam shares how companies had to adjust their advertising solutions to meet regulations and how Eruptr’s Privacy Defender achieves those standards. In this episode of For the Better, Ben Cash and co-host Lauren Minors welcome Adam Kruse, Director of Technology at Eruptr, and Christy Jones, Director of Marketing and Optimization at Reason One, to discuss one of the biggest challenges in the optimization of analytics and advertising solutions — data privacy. They share their expert opinion on the impact of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) tracking guidance on personalization strategies, the future of data privacy, why Google Analytics is not HIPAA-compliant, and the legal considerations surrounding marketing solutions.

In this episode… Generosity is capable of creating profound change in the world. Imagine how our posture towards generosity would grow if nonprofits prioritized their relationship with us, furthering our desire to give to organizations and charities. What steps can nonprofits take to create personal relationships with their donors?  Gabe Cooper, the Founder and CEO of Virtuous, is passionate about creating market-defining software that helps nonprofits reimagine generosity. Virtuous is currently the only responsive fundraising platform designed to assist nonprofit teams in building better donor relationships and increasing their impact. Gabe encourages nonprofits to incorporate personalized communication into their fundraising tactics and observe the effects on donor retention and monetary gifts. In this episode of For the Better, host Ben Cash sits down with Gabe Cooper, Founder and CEO of Virtuous, to discuss responsive fundraising and how to implement it in nonprofits. Gabe highlights the importance of innovating processes, executing innovative strategies in smaller organizations, embracing failure, and finding the right next step. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to make their fundraising efforts more effective and impactful.