Lead Without Guessing: An FQHC Leadership Podcast

Lead Without Guessing, LLC

The Lead Without Guessing Podcast is for FQHC leaders and community health center executives navigating financial pressure, operational complexity, and growth. Hosted by Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes, this podcast shares real-world insights on leadership, financial strategy, governance, and performance in Federally Qualified Health Centers. Each episode focuses on the challenges leaders actually face, cash flow, workforce, board dynamics, and scaling organizations along with practical perspectives that help teams make better decisions.

Episodes

  1. Apr 24

    FQHC Growth Done Right: Partnerships, Data and Culture at CHAS Health (John Browne)

    In this episode of our FQHC leadership podcast, we sit down with John Browne, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer at CHAS Health, to unpack what it takes to scale a Federally Qualified Health Center in today’s challenging environment. John shares his two‑decade journey at CHAS Health and offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the organization grew from a two‑exam‑room clinic into a multi‑state system serving more than 130,000 patients annually. We discuss intentional growth, building strong community partnerships, integrating behavioral health through CCBHCs, and how CHAS continues to move forward despite financial and workforce pressures facing health centers nationwide. This conversation is packed with practical insights for FQHC CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and senior leaders, including: How to approach growth when margins are shrinkingWhy community partnerships are essential to sustainabilityLessons learned scaling culture across 1,800+ employeesUsing dashboards and data visibility to drive performanceWhy CFO experience is powerful preparation for operational leadershipDeveloping confident future leaders inside your organizationIf you’re navigating uncertainty, thinking about growth, or trying to lead with clarity in complex times, this episode offers real‑world perspective from the field.

    56 min

  2. Apr 23

    The FQHC CEO as Systems Architect with Manal El Harrak

    In this episode of our FQHC leadership podcast, Karen Hughes sits down with Manal El Harrak, CEO of Sadler Health Center, to discuss what it means to lead a growing health center through complexity, expansion, and operational pressure. Manal shares her perspective on the CEO role as a systems architect—building the structure, accountability, and alignment that make strong performance sustainable across an organization. The conversation explores leadership systems, decision-making, culture, accountability, and how FQHC leaders can create consistency even during periods of uncertainty. Drawing from her experience leading a multi-service community health center, Manal discusses the realities of balancing patient demand, workforce challenges, financial pressure, and evolving healthcare policy while staying grounded in mission. Topics include: Leadership systems in FQHCsCEO decision-making and organizational designAccountability and culture as operating systemsScaling access while maintaining qualityNavigating growth and operational complexity in community health centersIf you lead, advise, or work within Federally Qualified Health Centers, this conversation offers practical insight into building organizations that rely less on constant problem-solving and more on strong systems. #FQHC #HealthcareLeadership #CommunityHealth #CEOLeadership #PrimaryCare #HealthcareOperations

    50 min

  3. 04/25/2025

    How FQHCs Scale Without Losing Their Mission (Alice Riener, CEO of CrescentCare)

    This episode explores how FQHC leaders can scale their organizations without losing their mission.Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes speak with Alice Riener, CEO of CrescentCare in New Orleans, about the real challenges of growing a community health center, managing rapid expansion, and aligning funding with long-term strategy.If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare leader dealing with growth, operational complexity, or financial pressure, this conversation will give you practical insight.Topics covered include:Transitioning into an FQHC and managing growthBalancing mission vs margin in community healthStrategic grant funding and sustainabilityBuilding internal systems to support scaleAdvocacy and navigating changing federal health policyThis is part of The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operational clarity for community health centers.If you lead an FQHC and want to strengthen financial performance and decision-making, follow along for more conversations like this.

    52 min

  4. 04/04/2025

    Rural Physician Shortage: How FQHCs Can Solve the Workforce Crisis (Dr. Ted Epperly)

    This episode focuses on one of the biggest challenges in healthcare today: the rural physician shortage and what FQHC leaders can do about it.Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes speak with Dr. Ted Epperly, CEO of Full Circle Health, about building sustainable workforce solutions through residency programs, physician training, and community-based care models.If you lead a community health center or rural healthcare organization and are struggling with staffing, recruitment, or long-term workforce strategy, this conversation will give you practical direction.Topics covered include:Addressing the rural physician shortage through FQHC modelsBuilding and scaling residency programsTraining refugee and international physiciansTransitioning to FQHC status to expand accessLeading healthcare change through collaboration and policy alignmentThis episode is part of The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operational clarity for FQHCs and community health centers.Follow for more insights on how healthcare leaders can strengthen access, workforce, and long-term sustainability.

    1h 13m

  5. 10/02/2024

    From Manager to CEO: How FQHC Leaders Actually Rise and Succeed (Janelle Dunn)

    This episode explores what it really takes to grow into a CEO role within an FQHC and lead a community health center effectively.Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes speak with Janelle Dunn, CEO of True Health in Central Florida, about her path from center manager to CEO and the leadership lessons learned along the way.If you are an FQHC leader navigating growth, team development, or community engagement, this conversation offers practical insight.Topics covered include:Transitioning from operations to executive leadership in an FQHCBuilding strong community partnerships to expand impactFundraising strategies for community health centersLeading through crisis, including COVID-19 responseStaying connected to mission while managing organizational growthThis episode is part of The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operational clarity for FQHCs and community health centers.Follow for more insights designed for CEOs and leaders working to strengthen access, performance, and long-term sustainability in healthcare.

    54 min

  6. 09/04/2024

    How FQHCs Scale: From One Clinic to 13 Sites (CEO Lessons-Steve Clark)

    This episode explores how FQHC leaders can scale their organizations while maintaining financial stability and operational control.Joel Hughes speaks with Steve Clark, CEO of Valley View Health, about building a community health center from a single site into a multi-location organization serving thousands of patients.If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare leader focused on growth, financial strategy, or operational scale, this conversation provides practical insight.Topics covered include:Scaling an FQHC from one clinic to multiple locationsFinancial models for community health centers, including pay-for-performanceTransitioning into healthcare finance leadershipManaging growth while maintaining mission and cultureBuilding sustainable operations in a complex healthcare environmentThis episode is part of The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operational clarity for FQHCs and community health centers.Follow for more insights designed for CEOs navigating growth, financial pressure, and long-term sustainability.

    1h 20m

  7. 08/07/2024

    What You Measure You Manage: FQHC Metrics That Actually Drive Performance (Jodi Joyce)

    This episode focuses on the metrics and leadership decisions that drive real performance in FQHCs and community health centers.Joel Hughes speaks with Jodi Joyce, CEO of UnityCare, about how healthcare leaders can balance financial performance with quality care while managing complex patient populations.If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare executive dealing with cash flow pressure, operational complexity, or performance accountability, this conversation will give you practical direction.Topics covered include:“What you measure, you manage” and how to apply it in an FQHCBalancing quality outcomes with financial sustainabilityLeading a community health center through COVID and crisis conditionsManaging care for under-resourced and unhoused populationsUsing metrics and goal-setting to drive organizational performanceThis episode is part of The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operational clarity for FQHCs and community health centers.Follow for more insights designed for CEOs working to strengthen performance, access, and long-term sustainability.

    1h 12m

  8. 07/10/2024

    How Community Health Centers Sustain Growth Over Decades (CEO Lessons) Rhonda Hauff

    This episode explores how community health centers grow, adapt, and sustain impact over time, including the role of FQHC look-alike status.Joel Hughes speaks with Rhonda Hauff, CEO of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS), about her 40+ year leadership journey and the strategic decisions that shaped the organization’s growth.If you are an FQHC or community health center leader navigating expansion, partnerships, or long-term sustainability, this conversation provides practical insight.Topics covered include:What FQHC look-alike status is and how it impacts operationsBuilding and sustaining a community health center over decadesStrategic partnerships to expand access and servicesAddressing social determinants of health through innovative modelsWorkforce development, including dental and nurse practitioner training programsThis episode is part of The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operational clarity for FQHCs and community health centers.Follow for more insights designed for CEOs and leaders working to strengthen access, performance, and long-term sustainability.

    1h 15m

  9. 06/05/2024

    Rural FQHC Challenges: Leadership Lessons from the Front Lines (Peter Theobald)

    This episode explores the real operational and leadership challenges facing rural FQHCs and community health centers.Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes speak with Peter Theobald about his experience working across outreach, billing, IT, human resources, and operations within community health organizations.If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare leader navigating rural access challenges, operational complexity, or board alignment, this conversation offers practical insight.Topics covered include:Leadership challenges in rural community health centersServing migrant and vulnerable populations effectivelyManaging the operational complexity of FQHCs (billing, HR, IT, operations)The importance of board education and alignmentMaintaining mission focus during growth and changeThis episode is part of The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operational clarity for FQHCs and community health centers.Follow for more insights designed for CEOs working to strengthen performance, governance, and long-term sustainability.

    1h 38m

  10. 05/01/2024

    25 Years in FQHC Consulting: What CEOs Need to Know Now

    This episode shares key lessons from 25 years of working with FQHCs and community health centers across the country.Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes reflect on the evolution of Community Link Consulting and what they’ve learned about leadership, financial performance, and operational success in FQHCs.If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare leader navigating growth, financial pressure, or industry change, this episode provides a high-level perspective grounded in real experience.Topics covered include:How the FQHC industry has evolved over the past 25 yearsCommon leadership and financial mistakes seen across organizationsWhat drives long-term success in community health centersThe role of technology and operational systems in the future of FQHCsLessons learned from working with hundreds of healthcare leadersThis episode is part of The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and operational clarity for FQHCs and community health centers.Follow for more insights designed for CEOs working to strengthen performance, access, and long-term sustainability.

    1h 20m

  11. 04/23/2024

    Introducing The Link Podcast for FQHC Leaders

    This trailer introduces The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and real-world challenges in community health centers. Hosted by Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes, the podcast features conversations with FQHC and CHC leaders on governance, growth, and what it takes to navigate increasing complexity in today’s healthcare environment. Follow along for insights from leaders across the country as they share what’s working, what’s not, and how they’re making decisions in real time.

    8 min

Trailer

About

The Lead Without Guessing Podcast is for FQHC leaders and community health center executives navigating financial pressure, operational complexity, and growth. Hosted by Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes, this podcast shares real-world insights on leadership, financial strategy, governance, and performance in Federally Qualified Health Centers. Each episode focuses on the challenges leaders actually face, cash flow, workforce, board dynamics, and scaling organizations along with practical perspectives that help teams make better decisions.

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