Transforming Healthcare Coaching

Transforming Healthcare Coaching

Transforming Healthcare Coaching is a podcast for healthcare professionals and executives who want to thrive at work and in life. Hosted by Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet, Klaus Grim PA-C, and a team of experienced healthcare professionals-turned-coaches, each episode offers real-world insights and practical strategies through the lens of energy leadership coaching. With firsthand experience in the healthcare system, the team explores topics like burnout, career transitions, leadership growth, personal development, and living a better life. Featuring expert guests and actionable advice, the podcast encourages a growth mindset and offers tools to create positive change. Whether you’re on the front lines or leading teams, this podcast provides support and guidance to help you succeed personally and professionally.

  1. 19h ago

    What Coaching Really Is in Healthcare | Episode 120

    Most healthcare leaders either weaponize coaching as punishment or confuse it with mentoring, therapy, and advising — and that confusion is driving away top talent.    In this solo episode, Lillian breaks down the five key roles every leader needs (sponsor, advisor, mentor, therapist, and coach), clarifies what professional coaching actually is, and backs it with RCT data showing coaching cuts burnout and outperforms one-on-one when done in groups.    Chapters & Time-Stamps 02:28 Why Coaching Confuses Us 04:12 Career Growth Needs Support 07:14 Defining Coaching Clearly 08:08 Sponsors Open Doors 10:22 Advisors Solve Problems 12:40 Mentors Walk Your Path 14:04 Therapy Versus Coaching 15:45 What Coaching Really Is 17:16 Your Personal Board 19:49 Coaching Skill Versus Job 21:03 Core Coaching Skills 24:18 Professional Coaching Standards 26:12 A Simple Coaching Framework 28:39 Evidence Coaching Works 31:14 Coaching For Transitions 32:37 Myths Debunked Next Steps 34:07 Send Questions And Subscribe 35:13 Final Thanks And Goodbye    Lillian Liang Emlet Founder & Host, Transforming Healthcare Coaching Podcast Certified Professional Coach (ICF-credentialed) 📧 hello@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com   📚 References from the Episode International Coaching Federation (ICF) — Defines coaching; sets core competencies & ethics https://coachingfederation.org/ Center for Mentoring Excellence https://www.centerformentoring.com/ National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching https://nbhwc.org/ Mayo Clinic RCT — Physician coaching reduced emotional exhaustion vs. control group  Dyrbye LN, Shanafelt TD, Gill PR, Satele DV, West CP. Effect of a professional coaching intervention on the well-being and distress of physicians: A pilot randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2019;179(10):1406–1414. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.2425. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31380892/ 3-arm RCT — Small group coaching produced 29% burnout reduction, outperformed 1-on-1  Khalili H, et al. Professional coaching to reduce physician burnout: A randomized, three‑arm, waitlist‑controlled trial. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40643743/ medTHRIVE Connect — Quarterly leadership book club community (free)  Hélène Thériault ) — https://diveintoacoachapproach.com/transforming-healthcare-coaching/   Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

  2. Jul 20

    Being on the Other Side of Healthcare | Episode 118

    When crisis hits, self-care feels impossible — but that's exactly when pre-built wellness habits save you. Co-host Klaus Grim, PA-C, opens up about navigating his mother-in-law's terminal cancer diagnosis and how his coaching skills — validation, open-ended questions, and strategic kindness — became his most powerful tools for patient advocacy and family support.    Chapters and Time-stamps:  02:00 Why Self Care Matters 03:45 Klaus Story And Diagnosis 04:50 Habits That Kept Me Going 08:25 Navigating A New System 10:41 Advocacy Win Private Room 15:27 How It Changed My Practice 21:57 Coaching Skills In Action 24:56 Key Takeaways And Closing    Guest Details Klaus Grim, PA-C Co-host, Transforming Healthcare Coaching Podcast Physician Assistant — Emergency Medicine & Urgent Care Professional Coach, Transforming Healthcare Coaching 📧 podcast@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com 📚 References from the Episode VitalTalk — Communication framework for delivering serious news with empathy; NURSE mnemonic for acknowledging/validating emotions Dr. Angie Ingraham — True North Patient Advocacy (prior episode) Helene Thierault— "Coach Approach" in clinical practice (prior episode) Concept: Coach Approach in Medicine — Bird's-eye view, open-ended questions, silence, and validation as clinical tools Disability Office (hospital) — Underutilized resource for patient accommodation advocacy Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

  3. Jul 13

    Held Together with Dr. Rebecca Thompson | Episode 117

    Healthcare professionals carry invisible wounds — as patients, caregivers, and people navigating loss — yet rarely have space to integrate those experiences into how they lead. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Thompson, physician and author of Held Together, shares how embracing vulnerability, imperfection, and shared storytelling transforms clinical leadership and patient care from the inside out.  Chapters and Time-Stamps:  01:07 Meet Dr Rebecca Thompson 01:40 A Week in Her Life 04:11 Ten Year Book Journey 05:24 Losses That Changed Everything 09:14 Held Together Dualities 10:30 Sharing Vulnerability Boundaries 11:50 Building a Shared Memoir 17:25 Why Imperfect Love 22:07 Leadership Permission to Be Human 24:56 Policies That Support Families 30:19 Authenticity Improves Care 35:04 Hope Meaning and Growth 36:16 One Tiny Act Today 37:18 Where to Find the Book 39:40 Closing Thanks and Subscribe  Guest Details Dr. Rebecca Thompson, MD Family Medicine & Public Health Physician, Portland, OR Author: Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love Speaker: Residencies, nursing programs, medical training organizations 🌐 rebeccanthompson.com (the N is important!) Instagram: @rebecca.n.thompson 📚 References from the Episode Book: Held Together by Dr. Rebecca Thompson — shared memoir featuring 22 collaborators (physicians, nurses, EMTs, psychologists, social workers) Discussion guides — Available at rebeccanthompson.com; themed for book clubs, residencies, nursing/social work/psychology training Postpartum Support International — Affiliate purchase link on her site; portion of proceeds donated Arthur Kleinman — Physician, author & psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School; endorsed the book Concept: Narrative Medicine — Processing patient and personal stories to inform embodied clinical practice podcast@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com   Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

  4. Jul 6

    Exclusion and Belonging in Healthcare Leadership with Natalie Holder | Episode 116

    Why do well-meaning healthcare leaders unintentionally create exclusionary workplaces? Employment lawyer Natalie Holder, Esq., SPHR unpacks the 10 hidden indicators of a broken workplace culture — from informal mentoring gaps to bullying and dual identity — and reveals how subtle bias quietly erodes belonging, engagement, and patient care.  Chapters and Time-stamps:  01:32 Meet Natalie Holder 03:07 From Journalism to Law 06:48 Intent vs Impact in Care 08:37 A Sepsis Wake Up Call 12:49 Culture Shapes Patient Care 14:31 Coaching as Culture Shift 16:50 Inside the Book Exclusion 19:57 In Groups and Out Groups 21:19 Broken Culture Indicators 23:30 Bullying and Dual Identity 30:49 Accommodations and Disability 32:28 How Leaders Start Changing 33:05 Data Driven Self Awareness 38:47 Work With Natalie Closing  👤 Guest Details Natalie Holder, Esq., SPHR  - Founder & President, Quest Employment Initiatives  - Employment lawyer specializing in workplace culture, discrimination litigation, and DEI strategy across healthcare systems, federal agencies, and law firms.  - Education: NYU (Communications), Tulane Law School  - Former roles: HR, legal firms, NYC Mayor's Office  - Author: Exclusion: Strategies for Increasing Diversity in Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion  🌐 natalieholderspeaks.com  📚 References from the Episode Book: Exclusion by Natalie Holder — top 10 indicators of a broken workplace culture (informal mentoring, bullying, dual identity, isolation, inability to recover from mistakes, insensitivity/civil discourse, and more) Yale Smilow Cancer Center — Healthcare disparities conference founded by Natalie Holder, New Haven, CT Concept: In-group vs. Out-group dynamics in workplace culture Reasonable Accommodation — ADA-related workplace case example (diabetic nurse)   Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

  5. Jun 29

    Team Personalities: Friend or Foe? | Episode 115

    Personality differences on healthcare teams aren't problems to manage — they're untapped performance drivers. In this episode, Lillian and Gillian explore how tools like the PrinciplesYou and PrinciplesUs assessments help teams build a shared language around traits, blind spots, and cognitive diversity to unlock healthier conflict, deeper trust, and better outcomes. Chapters & Time-Stamps 01:56 Why Teams Avoid Dissent 04:38 Assessments Build Awareness 07:18 Why Principles You 08:37 From Self Insight to Coaching 10:57 Team Debrief Breakthroughs 15:16 Traits In Action 17:21 Flexing Traits for Leadership 19:34 Why Diverse Teams Win 👤 Guest Details Gillian (co-host/guest) Team coach and co-facilitator at Transforming Healthcare Coaching. Specializes in team dynamics, psychological safety, and personality-based coaching frameworks. Lillian Liang Emlet (host) Founder & Coach, Transforming Healthcare Coaching Podcast https://transforminghealthcarecoaching.com/ 📧 hello@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com 📚 References from the Episode PrinciplesYou — Individual personality assessment (17 core traits, 41 facets; measures cognitive, interpersonal, and motivational orientations) PrinciplesUs — Team-based version of the assessment for group debriefs Myers-Briggs (MBTI) — Mentioned as a widely known comparison tool DISC Assessment — Referenced as another personality framework Josh Hartzell — Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership (discussed at medTHRIVE book rounds) Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

  6. Jun 22

    The Coach Approach in Clinical Practice: How Small Dialogues Spark Big Shifts in Patient Outcomes | Episode 114

    What if the #1 cause of clinician burnout and patient non-adherence is the same problem? In this episode, Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet and master certified coach Hélène Thériault reveal how shifting from a "fix-it" expert mindset to a coach approach — doing with patients instead of for them — can transform clinical outcomes, reduce burnout, and change healthcare culture one small conversation at a time.  Chapters & Time-Stamps 00:55 Meet Helene Thierault 02:40 Two Turning Points 07:17 Backpack Burnout Metaphor 12:09 With Not For Mindset 15:22 Coach Approach Explained 20:18 Dive Program Levels 25:21 Hardest Habits to Break 28:34 One Tiny Clinic Shift 33:15 Make a Request Technique 36:52 Results and Success Stories 39:28 Resources GUEST Hélène Thériault, MCC, OT - Registered Occupational Therapist, Master Certified Coach (ICF), Clinical Instructor at the University of British Columbia, and founder of Function First Coaching — creator of the Dive Into a Coach Approach certification, training hundreds of healthcare professionals across North America. 🌐 Function First Coaching   REFERENCES 📄 The Symmetry of Failure — whitepaper by Hélène Thériault (60% burnout = 60% patient non-adherence) 🎓 Dive Into a Coach Approach — micro-credentialing program (Level 1: 12 hrs self-paced) https://diveintoacoachapproach.com/transforming-healthcare-coaching/   🗣️ VitalTalk — communication skills training 🌐 International Coaching Federation (ICF) — coaching credentialing body 📧 podcast@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

  7. Jun 15

    The After Shock of Healing with Dr. Rana Awdish | Episode 113

    Dr. Rana Awdish, critical care physician and author, joins Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet to discuss why surviving illness and truly healing are not the same — and how reconnecting with your body can save your life.   Chapters and Time-stamps 00:58 Meet Dr Rana Awdish 02:38 When Medicine Breaks Down 05:18 Shame and Bad Bodies 06:12 Changing the Culture 08:36 New Generation Boundaries 11:01 Reinhabiting the Body 13:41 Body Wisdom and Cancer 16:39 One Practice This Week 18:57 Pain and the Stories 20:16 Bedside Presence Skills 23:19 Leaders and Long Healing 26:09 Pandemic Simplicity Lessons 27:27 Embracing Uncertainty 29:01 Community and Closing GUEST Dr. Rana Awdish, MD — Pulmonologist & Critical Care Physician, Henry Ford Health System; Medical Director of Care Experience; author of In Shock and After Shock (St. Martin's Press).    REFERENCES 📘 After Shock: Learning to Reinhabit My Body After Illness — St. Martin's Press, June 16 📘 In Shock — Rana Awdish 🗣️ VitalTalk 🌐 ranaawdishmd.com 📧 podcast@transforminghealthcarecoaching.com     Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

  8. Jun 8

    Teams Thinking Within the System with Gillian Faith | Episode 112

    In this episode, co-hosts Klaus Grim and Gillian Faith explore why healthcare teams struggle to see themselves as part of a larger system — and how shifting from blame to curiosity, fostering psychological safety, and embracing systemic team coaching can unlock stronger communication, collaboration, and wellbeing across every level of care.    Discover how a future-focused, outside-in coaching approach helps healthcare teams break hierarchical barriers, amplify silent voices, and lead with both effectiveness and wellbeing at the forefront.   Chapters & Time-stamps 00:43 Why Teams Feel Stuck 02:09 Communication And Hierarchy 04:26 Seeing The Bigger System 07:49 Energy And Self Leadership 09:43 From Blame To Questions 13:27 What Team Coaches Do 17:07 Psychological Safety Matters 20:30 Changing Meeting Dynamics 23:21 Future Focused Teamwork 25:19 Leadership Needs Wellbeing 26:45 Invitation And Next Steps   Gillian Faith — Occupational Therapist, Healthcare Leader, HR Professional & Certified Mediator. Gillian brings extensive clinical and leadership experience across healthcare teams, with expertise in communication, team dynamics, and psychological safety.   Klaus Grim — Frontline Emergency Medicine PA & Systemic Team Coach. Klaus practices at the bedside while coaching healthcare teams, bringing a dual lens of clinical practice and team development.   Both are coaches at Transforming Healthcare Coaching, founded by Lillian Liang Emlet, a critical care ER physician, simulation educator, and healthcare leadership coach.   📚 References & Resources Amy Edmondson — Researcher on psychological safety in healthcare teams; her studies found that higher-performing teams reported more mistakes because they discussed and learned from them openly. Energy Leadership (iPEC) — Framework on catabolic vs. anabolic energy referenced throughout the episode. Transforming Healthcare Coaching — Book a discovery call: transforminghealthcarecoaching.com Related episode: Lillian's previous episode on Psychological Safety featuring Amy Edmondson   Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Transforming Healthcare Coaching is a podcast for healthcare professionals and executives who want to thrive at work and in life. Hosted by Dr. Lillian Liang Emlet, Klaus Grim PA-C, and a team of experienced healthcare professionals-turned-coaches, each episode offers real-world insights and practical strategies through the lens of energy leadership coaching. With firsthand experience in the healthcare system, the team explores topics like burnout, career transitions, leadership growth, personal development, and living a better life. Featuring expert guests and actionable advice, the podcast encourages a growth mindset and offers tools to create positive change. Whether you’re on the front lines or leading teams, this podcast provides support and guidance to help you succeed personally and professionally.

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