Healthcare Leadership Excellence

Karl Pister
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast was created to share valuable insights around leadership, communication, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. Karl Pister, with over 30 years of coaching experience, is a passionate advocate of excellent and influential leadership. In each episode, Karl discusses real-life leadership challenges through the lenses of outstanding healthcare professionals. He is committed to empowering every healthcare leader lead with integrity, excellence, and inspiration.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 193: The Influence Equation and Understanding Resistance with Stevenson Carlebach

    In this episode, I sit down with Stevenson Carlebach, a faculty member with Harvard’s Program on Negotiation, to talk about what’s really happening when people resist. We begin with his path from theater into negotiation work. What stands out is how closely those worlds connect, both are about understanding behavior and how people respond under pressure. A core idea we explore is resistance. Stevenson explains that resistance is not stubbornness, it’s a protective reaction. When someone hears a proposal, they are asking: Does this make sense? Does it meet my interests? Do I trust this person? If the answer to any of those is no, resistance shows up. Most of us respond by pushing harder, which only makes it worse. This leads into the Influence Equation. Influence is not just about the strength of your ideas, but your ability to understand and reduce the other person’s resistance. That shift moves you from arguing to getting curious. We also talk about positions versus interests. People argue over what they want, but the real work is understanding why they want it. Until you get to that level, you stay stuck. A big part of that comes down to listening. Not listening to respond, but listening to understand what’s driving the other person. Most people think they do this, but they don’t. The takeaway is straightforward: conflict moves when you understand what’s underneath the resistance, not when you push harder. 👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence. 👉 Who is Karl Pister? 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn. 👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game. 👉 Contact us on our website. 👉 Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.

    42 min

  2. APR 27

    Episode 192: Being Right vs. Being Effective with Dr. Jason Kuhl

    In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Medford Medical Center and a returning voice on the podcast. Our conversation centers on real-world scenarios, situations leaders face every day, and how to navigate them with judgment, awareness, and discipline. We begin with a simple but powerful idea: being right is not the same as being effective. Dr. Kuhl shares a moment where a physician raised valid concerns, but the tone and delivery were working against any real resolution. That leads us into a deeper discussion on emotional intelligence, what it actually looks like in practice and why it determines whether you keep your seat at the table. From there, we explore how strong leaders handle tension. Instead of reacting with judgment, Dr. Kuhl emphasizes curiosity. Asking better questions, assuming good intent, and recognizing that many issues that look like individual mistakes are often system failures underneath. We also talk about restraint in leadership. In high-stakes environments, the instinct is often to move quickly and assign blame. But Dr. Kuhl makes the case for slowing down, validating the facts, and protecting both people and process before jumping to conclusions. The conversation closes with a broader look at culture and how leaders create environments where people can speak openly, handle pressure, and still treat others with respect. The takeaway is this: strong leaders don’t just aim to be right, but they aim to be effective, thoughtful, and intentional in how they lead. 👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence. 👉 Who is Karl Pister? 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn. 👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game. 👉 Contact us on our website. 👉 Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.

    41 min

  3. APR 20

    Episode 191: Leading When You Don’t Control the System with Dr. Jason Kuhl

    In this episode, I sit down again with Dr. Jason Kuhl, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Medford Medical Center. Every time we talk, we get into what leadership really looks like when things are hard. We begin with a reflection Dr. Kuhl shared with his team, drawn from Forged in Crisis. The stories of Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Shackleton, Frederick Douglass, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Rachel Carson all point to the same idea: leadership is formed in difficulty, not comfort. Dr. Kuhl highlights Lincoln’s ability to turn opponents into allies and Shackleton’s commitment to his people. From there, we move into a challenge many leaders face—feeling like they have no control. Dr. Kuhl reframes this through the idea of agency. Even in a broken system, you can improve what is directly in front of you. Small, consistent improvements—what he calls aggregation of marginal gains—add up over time. We also talk about balancing realism with hope. Healthcare is under real pressure, but leaders still choose how they show up. You may not control the system, but you control your response. Finally, we discuss emotional discipline, staying present in difficult conversations, and managing your reactions so you can lead well. The takeaway is simple: you may not control the system, but you always have a choice in how you lead within it. Small actions, done consistently, still matter. 👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence. 👉 Who is Karl Pister? 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn. 👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game. 👉 Contact us on our website. 👉 Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.

    34 min

  4. APR 13

    Episode 190: Belonging, Burnout, and Better Leadership with Ed Speedling

    In this episode, I sit down with Ed Speedling, Principal and Executive Advisor at ES Healthcare Consulting. Ed brings a unique blend of clinical experience and senior leadership, giving him a practical perspective on a topic many leaders avoid: mental health in the workplace. Ed began his career working directly with children and families, and that experience continues to shape how he approaches leadership. Today, he advises health systems, private equity groups, and organizations across the country, helping leaders find solutions that work for both the business and the people inside it. We talk about a situation most leaders have faced, but few feel prepared for. Someone walks into their office with a personal issue, and suddenly, the leader who can handle complex operations feels out of their depth. Ed explains that the issue is not competence but that most organizations never teach leaders how to respond in those moments. We also explore what it looks like to take mental health seriously as an organization. Ed makes a clear point: mental health is health. He walks through how leaders can move beyond good intentions and build systems—prevention, early intervention, and measurement—that support both employees and performance. A key part of the conversation centers on belonging and psychological safety. Ed connects this directly to results, showing that strong outcomes require strong teams. If you are a leader focused on results but have not spent much time on the human side of leadership, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you practical ways to lead more effectively. Get in touch with Ed: https://www.eshealthcareconsulting.com/ 👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence. 👉 Who is Karl Pister? 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn. 👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game. 👉 Contact us on our website. 👉 Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.

    40 min

  5. APR 6

    Episode 189: Discipline Over Motivation with Dr. S. Irfan Ali

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. S. Irfan Ali, CEO of Pioneer Medical Group, whose journey from humble beginnings to leading multiple healthcare organizations offers a grounded and thoughtful view of leadership. We begin with his story, coming to the United States as a trained physician but working jobs like carpet cleaning and pizza delivery while rebuilding his path. Dr. Ali shares how he stayed focused through setbacks, viewing failure as data and emphasizing that discipline is not intensity or motivation, but structure in the absence of emotion. We then explore how his values show up in leadership. He explains that people need three things to do their best work: to feel appreciated, to feel safe, and to see a glimpse of the future. When those are present, engagement follows. He also challenges the idea of leadership as a title, reminding us that leadership is about understanding your role and respecting the roles of everyone around you. A key part of our conversation is thinking. Dr. Ali talks about setting aside dedicated time each week to sit and reflect without distraction. He sees this as essential, not optional. Without it, leaders stay reactive instead of becoming clear and intentional in how they lead. We also discuss the frustration many feel in healthcare today. Dr. Ali acknowledges the challenges but focuses on choice: leaders can stay in cynicism or move toward solutions. He encourages understanding what drives behavior, often fear or insecurity, and responding with curiosity rather than judgment. The takeaway is simple: leadership starts with discipline, humility, and clarity. When your values are aligned and you make time to think, you create an environment where people can grow and perform at a higher level. Get in touch with Dr. Ali: https://www.instagram.com/drirfanaliofficial https://irfanalimd.com/ 👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence. 👉 Who is Karl Pister? 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn. 👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game. 👉 Contact us on our website. 👉 Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.

    37 min

  6. MAR 30

    Episode 188: Better, Not Perfect: The Real Work of Leadership with Christy Pretzinger

    In this episode, I sit down with Christy Pretzinger, founder of WG Content and The Better Leader Project. Christy has spent more than two decades in healthcare, but her real focus is on helping leaders create environments where people can thrive. We begin with a common tension in leadership: do culture and soft skills really matter, or do people just need to do their jobs? Christy makes the case that these “soft” skills, like empathy, vulnerability, and emotional awareness, are actually what drive trust, connection, and performance. We also talk about AI and where it fits. Christy sees it as a helpful tool, but not a replacement for judgment. Leaders still need to think, question, and bring humanity to their decisions. A key part of our conversation is vulnerability. Christy explains why people resist it and why it takes practice, often in community, to develop. She also introduces her idea of the Cultural Balance Sheet, a simple way to think about how leaders build strong cultures through daily choices. The takeaway is straightforward: leadership is not about being perfect. It is about making better choices, one moment at a time. Get in touch with Christy: https://www.christypretzinger.com/ 👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence. 👉 Who is Karl Pister? 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn. 👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game. 👉 Contact us on our website. 👉 Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.

    43 min

  7. MAR 27

    Episode 187: Seeing the Person, Not Just the Performance with Susan Inouye

    In this episode, I sit down with Susan Inouye, a leadership coach who has worked with over 600 companies across 40 industries. Susan brings a unique perspective shaped by her early career in film and her focus on helping people become the best version of themselves. We begin with a challenge many leaders face today: working effectively across generations. Susan explains that while younger employees may seem different, their core needs are not. People want to feel heard, use their gifts, and be part of something meaningful. The issue is not the generation, it’s how we lead. From there, we discuss her Sawubona approach, meaning “I see you,” and the shift it requires from leaders. She walks through key changes, including moving from control to connection and from conformity to truly seeing individuals. Instead of forcing performance, she challenges leaders to understand what each person naturally does well and build from there. We also explore practical examples, including a leader ready to fire a high-performing employee who wasn’t meeting traditional metrics. By stepping back and recognizing his strengths, the organization improved both retention and overall performance. The takeaway is simple: leadership today is less about directing people and more about understanding them. When leaders take the time to truly see their people, performance and engagement follow. Get in touch with Susan: https://susaninouye.com/ 👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence. 👉 Who is Karl Pister? 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn. 👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game. 👉 Contact us on our website. 👉 Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.

    43 min

  8. MAR 23

    Episode 186: Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce with Dr. Katherine Meese

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Katherine Meese, bestselling author of Gen Fluence: How to Lead a Multi-Generational Workforce. With a background in organizational behavior, healthcare research, and leadership development, Dr. Meese brings both research and practical insight to one of the biggest challenges facing leaders today: how to lead well across generations. We talk about the reality of today’s workforce, especially in healthcare, where four generations are now working side by side and a fifth is on the way. Dr. Meese explains why so much of the current tension gets pinned on Gen Z, and she helps separate myth from reality. Some of what leaders are feeling is real, but her reframe is powerful: instead of seeing younger workers as fragile, perhaps we should see them as brave. We also discuss what leaders can do to better support younger employees without lowering standards. Dr. Meese shares practical ideas around feedback, communication, work design, and expectation setting. She explains why many younger employees need more frequent encouragement, clearer training, and stronger support systems, especially in high-pressure environments like healthcare. One of the strongest moments in the conversation is her insight on conflict and communication. She talks about the importance of helping people carry their own message instead of always passing concerns up the chain. She also introduces the idea of “sailing rules,” a helpful framework for understanding why direct communication in urgent situations is not always personal, but often necessary. The larger takeaway is this: leading a multi-generational workforce is not about stereotypes or frustration. It is about understanding the world people are coming from, adjusting where needed, and creating the kind of culture where trust, hope, accountability, and growth can actually take root. 👉  Download The Leader’s Ultimate Guide to Difficult Conversations, a practical framework for entering difficult conversations with clarity, discipline, and influence. 👉 Who is Karl Pister? 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn. 👉 Have access to leadership materials that will level up your game. 👉 Contact us on our website. 👉 Subscribe to Karl's YouTube channel. Ready to level up your leadership skills? Sign up for The Coaching Group's leadership courses.

    43 min
See All (198)

Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast was created to share valuable insights around leadership, communication, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. Karl Pister, with over 30 years of coaching experience, is a passionate advocate of excellent and influential leadership. In each episode, Karl discusses real-life leadership challenges through the lenses of outstanding healthcare professionals. He is committed to empowering every healthcare leader lead with integrity, excellence, and inspiration.

Information

You Might Also Like