Lead Well MD: Transforming Healthcare Through Effective Clinician Leadership

Ashley Wendel, MA, Physician Leader Group
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MEDICINE

Welcome to Lead Well MD where we dive into the art and science of effective clinician leadership. Through compelling stories and insightful conversations with guests from across healthcare, we explore the intersection between the foundational skills of emotional intelligence and effective clinician leadership. We examine how leaders can drive meaningful change and transform how they care for their teams, their organizations, and their patients. Join Ashley Wendel, MA—physician leadership consultant, 1:1 advisor, and trusted guide—as she shares practical leadership tips and strategies honed over 17 years of partnering with clinician leaders like you. Each episode is designed to empower you with tools to lead more effectively and inspire change within your teams and organizations. Our mission is to help you understand yourself and others more deeply while building the critical leadership skills needed to make a lasting impact. Together, let’s equip you to be the most effective leader possible, driving meaningful and transformative change in healthcare. Tune in and lead well—because your leadership matters more than ever.

Episodes

  1. "Making Excellence Accessible: How Human Development Drives Culture Change in Healthcare" with Dr. Stephen Beeson

    DEC 18

    "Making Excellence Accessible: How Human Development Drives Culture Change in Healthcare" with Dr. Stephen Beeson

    In this episode, Dr. Stephen Beeson and I dive deep into what it truly takes to build, and sustain, a culture of excellence in healthcare. Drawing from his experience leading transformation at Sharp Healthcare and founding Practicing Excellence, Steve shares why identity-based change is far more powerful than behavior correction alone, and why clinician engagement is the single most important predictor of successful transformation. We explore: How and why Steve began his journey in human development in healthcare by founding Practicing ExcellenceWhy healthcare cultures struggle with massive behavioral varianceHow clear identity creates consistency without stripping individualityThe essential pillars of a culture of excellence: declared intent, measurement, human development, and accountabilityWhy leadership development is often the first thing cut - and the most costly lossThe role of vulnerability, authenticity, and coaching in effective leadershipHow scalable, continuous human development changes outcomesWhat future leaders must learn to thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare environmentThis conversation is both strategic and deeply human, grounded in evidence, shaped by real-world leadership challenges, and rooted in the belief that healthcare can be better for patients and for the people who serve them. If you care about culture, leadership, clinician well-being, and meaningful change, this episode is an invitation to think differently, and lead more intentionally. Send us a text

    55 min
  2. What "The Pitt" Gets Right: An Emergency Medicine Leader's View of Humanity & Teamwork in the ER with Dr. Tony Briningstool

    SEP 25

    What "The Pitt" Gets Right: An Emergency Medicine Leader's View of Humanity & Teamwork in the ER with Dr. Tony Briningstool

    ER physician–turned–healthcare leader Dr. Tony Briningstool joins Lead Well MD to unpack how trust is built when seconds matter - and what the HBO series “The Pitt” gets right about life in the trauma bay. From first-contact behaviors that create instant patient trust to the moment-to-moment cues that make teams feel psychologically safe, Dr. Briningstool breaks down the leader habits that steady a room under pressure: consistency, clear modeling, and calibrated vulnerability. We explore “trust at speed,” co-regulation vs. self-regulation, and how to read (and repair) the nonverbal signals that stall performance. Dr. Briningstool also shares lessons from his journey from ER doc to CEO of Emergency Medicine at Sound Physicians - including lessons learned while playing college football at Michigan State under George Perles and Nick Saban - and why focusing on the process of excellence reliably delivers the outcome. Send us a text

    43 min
  3. "The Fearless ICU: Building High Performance Through Psychological Safety" with Dr. Sergio Zanotti

    JUL 27

    "The Fearless ICU: Building High Performance Through Psychological Safety" with Dr. Sergio Zanotti

    In this episode of Lead Well MD, host Ashley Wendel talks with Dr. Sergio Zanotti, Chief Medical Officer for Critical Care at Sound Physicians and host of the podcast Critical Matters, about what it takes to build what he calls a “Fearless ICU.”  Drawing on decades in critical care leadership, Dr. Zanotti shares why psychological safety is the single most important factor in high-performing ICU teams - and why it’s not about being “soft,” but about creating an environment where people can speak up, learn from mistakes, and still be held accountable to the highest standards. The conversation explores how psychological safety impacts patient outcomes, team performance, and clinician well-being; the quiet cues that signal whether a team feels safe; and practical leadership actions that foster trust, inclusion, and learning in high-stakes environments.  From COVID-era lessons to everyday ICU rounds, Dr. Zanotti offers both strategic insights and tactical tips - like inviting the quietest voice in the room to contribute - that any clinical leader can apply immediately. Whether you lead an ICU, a clinic, or a cross-functional team, this episode will challenge how you think about authority, vulnerability, and the real cost of silence in healthcare. Send us a text

    50 min
  4. "Building High-Trust Teams in High-Stakes Environments: Lessons From The Battlefield" with Randall Wickman, Col. (Ret.) US Army

    JUN 23

    "Building High-Trust Teams in High-Stakes Environments: Lessons From The Battlefield" with Randall Wickman, Col. (Ret.) US Army

    In this powerful episode of Lead Well MD, we step outside of medicine and into the world of military leadership — but stay firmly rooted in what matters most: building trust in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. Ashley is joined by Colonel Randall Wickman, a retired U.S. Army Infantry Officer, combat-wounded veteran, and former Pentagon leader who now works in healthcare leadership development. With nearly 30 years of active duty, Colonel Wickman has led soldiers in some of the most intense environments on earth -  and he brings battle-tested wisdom directly to clinician leaders navigating the chaos and responsibility of modern healthcare. Together, they explore: Why trust is everything when the stakes are highA three-part framework for trust: competence, character, and reciprocityHow quiet teams - not loud ones  - are often the ones in crisisHow structured reflection builds accountability and prevents blameWhat it means to truly earn the title of "leader" - in the OR, on the floor, or in combatIf you’re a physician leader navigating burnout, team dysfunction, or the isolation of responsibility, this conversation will change how you think about trust - and how you build it. Send us a text

    54 min
  5. "Being Real: Balancing Vulnerability, Authenticity, and Professionalism as a Clinician Leader" with Dr. Greg Johnson

    MAY 31

    "Being Real: Balancing Vulnerability, Authenticity, and Professionalism as a Clinician Leader" with Dr. Greg Johnson

    How does a clinician leader balance being professional with being an authentic, vulnerable leader that builds trust? In this episode of Lead Well MD, we sit down with Dr. Greg Johnson, the System Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, to talk about just that.  In our conversation we discuss this delicate balance between being real and being professional and offer strategies for how leaders can build trust and connection by being their authentic selves ... without crossing the line into oversharing. We dive into how vulnerability can be a strength in healthcare leadership, and share some practical guideposts for those navigating this complex space. Dr. Johnson offers insights from his career and personal experiences, emphasizing the value of human connection in achieving better outcomes for teams and patients alike.  Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into leadership, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you show up for your team. Send us a text

    41 min
  6. "Opting In: How Clinician Leaders Can Reclaim Agency and Drive Change in Healthcare" with Karen Weiner, MD

    APR 28

    "Opting In: How Clinician Leaders Can Reclaim Agency and Drive Change in Healthcare" with Karen Weiner, MD

    In healthcare today, change is constant—and emotional fatigue is real. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Karen Weiner to explore what it really takes to lead when clinicians are stretched thin, burned out, and wondering if the work is still sustainable. Karen shares hard-earned lessons from her journey—from primary care pediatrician to CEO of a large medical group—leading through organizational transformation, a Fortune 6 acquisition, and the unprecedented pressures of the pandemic. We talk about: Why resistance to change often hides fear, not defianceThe deep link between burnout, moral injury, and autonomy How opting into leadership can restore meaning and agency Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness Practical ways to build trust and resilience in your teamsIf you’re leading change, navigating tough seasons, or wondering how to stay grounded while doing this important work—this conversation is for you. Send us a text

    36 min
  7. "From Fixer to Facilitator: A Leader's Journey" with Dr. Holly Beeman

    MAR 29

    "From Fixer to Facilitator: A Leader's Journey" with Dr. Holly Beeman

    In this open and candid conversation, Dr. Holly Beeman shares her evolution from being a hands-on problem-solver to becoming a more empowering and emotionally intelligent leader. Drawing from her journey as an OBGYN turned senior healthcare executive, Dr. Beeman reflects on early leadership missteps, the role of vulnerability in building trust, and how creating psychological safety can transform team culture and performance. We talk about the temptation to "fix" things as a leader, how to lean into humility and curiosity instead, and what it truly means to create space for others to shine. Dr. Beeman also shares practical, hard-earned insights—from owning tough decisions to building inclusive teams—and why expressing accountability might just be the most powerful leadership move of all. Whether you're a physician leader or supporting clinical teams, this episode is a masterclass in leadership growth, self-awareness, and creating a culture where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Send us a text

    44 min
  8. "The Power of Love in Healthcare Leadership" with Dr. Apurv Gupta

    MAR 10

    "The Power of Love in Healthcare Leadership" with Dr. Apurv Gupta

    Healthcare is facing a crisis—not just of resources, but of culture. Burnout, disengagement, and top-down leadership structures are leaving clinicians feeling disconnected from their purpose. But what if we could reimagine healthcare leadership as something radically different? In this episode of LeadWellMD, I sit down with Dr. Apurv Gupta, a physician leader, consultant, and founder of the Loving Organization Consortium, to explore how trust, compassion, and human connection can transform the way we lead in healthcare. We discuss: Why traditional leadership models in healthcare aren’t working—and what needs to changeThe concept of a “Loving Organization” and how it creates a thriving workplaceHow clinician leaders can cultivate trust, connection, and purpose within their teamsPractical strategies to move beyond burnout culture and build leadership with meaning.Dr. Gupta challenges the traditional, hierarchical leadership models in medicine, advocating for a new paradigm—one that prioritizes relationships over rigid structures.  If you’re a clinician, leader, or changemaker looking for fresh ideas on how to create meaningful, human-centered leadership, this episode is for you. Send us a text

    45 min
  9. Episode 1: "Lessons Learned" with Ashley Wendel, MA, Founder & CEO Physician Leader Group

    JAN 16

    Episode 1: "Lessons Learned" with Ashley Wendel, MA, Founder & CEO Physician Leader Group

    In the debut episode of LeadWellMD, we discuss the importance of emotionally intelligent clinician leadership. Drawing on her 17 years of experience as a physician leadership coach and consultant, Ashley Wendel, MA, narrates three stories to illustrate the impact of these core relational skills in leadership.  She examines how leaders can either excel by cultivating these skills, or be derailed by their absence. She emphasizes that leadership growth requires intentionality, effort, and a commitment to confronting challenges.  Future episodes will further explore the role of emotional intelligence in clinician leadership with insights from esteemed guests across healthcare, offering practical strategies and inspiring stories to empower leaders at every level.  Send us a text

    35 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Lead Well MD where we dive into the art and science of effective clinician leadership. Through compelling stories and insightful conversations with guests from across healthcare, we explore the intersection between the foundational skills of emotional intelligence and effective clinician leadership. We examine how leaders can drive meaningful change and transform how they care for their teams, their organizations, and their patients. Join Ashley Wendel, MA—physician leadership consultant, 1:1 advisor, and trusted guide—as she shares practical leadership tips and strategies honed over 17 years of partnering with clinician leaders like you. Each episode is designed to empower you with tools to lead more effectively and inspire change within your teams and organizations. Our mission is to help you understand yourself and others more deeply while building the critical leadership skills needed to make a lasting impact. Together, let’s equip you to be the most effective leader possible, driving meaningful and transformative change in healthcare. Tune in and lead well—because your leadership matters more than ever.

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