AP Leadership Podcast

Al Pilong

Leadership is hard!..., but leadership matters! AP Leadership Podcast is all about conversations with leaders on leading! My hope is that you will you will find fresh ideas and inspiration to propel you forward in your challenging leadership journey. AP Leadership Podcast is hosted by Al Pilong, CEO of AP Leadership Partners, an executive coaching practice that supports leaders in finding solutions for the myriad of challenges they face everyday. We are sponsored by CxO Coaching, where I also serve as a coach and advisor. CxO Coaching is focused on empowering leaders and driving results.

  1. Aug 5

    Listen First. Lead Better. | Al Pilong with Chris Siebenaler

    What do the best leaders have in common? According to Chris Siebenaler, Executive Vice President of Network Hospitals at Houston Methodist, they don't have all the answers—they ask better questions, listen first, and create an environment where others can succeed. In this episode of the AP Leadership Podcast, Chris and Al Pilong explore servant leadership, the importance of understanding the "why" behind change, leadership standard work, and the daily habits that build high-performing teams. Along the way, Chris shares practical stories from his leadership journey that demonstrate why the people closest to the work often have the best solutions. If you're committed to becoming a better leader tomorrow than you are today, this conversation is full of practical insights you can put to work immediately.

  2. Jul 22

    Be Bold: Leadership with Al Pilong and Tina Freese Decker

    What does it take to lead one of America's largest health systems during a time of unprecedented change? In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Tina Freese Decker, President & CEO of Corewell Health, to explore the leadership principles that have shaped her journey—from lessons learned from her grandmother to leading a $14 billion integrated health system serving communities across Michigan. Tina shares why great leaders embrace healthy debate, create "we over me" cultures, lead with curiosity and humility, and have the courage to be bold even in uncertain times. We also discuss Abraham Lincoln's "Team of Rivals," the importance of staying connected to the front lines, how leaders inspire hope, and why healthcare remains, at its core, a profoundly human business. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why "doing hard things" shapes great leaders• How bold leadership inspires hope in others• The importance of healthy debate and diverse perspectives• Why leadership behaviors matter more than leadership titles• How curiosity, humility, and adaptability build stronger organizations• Practical ways leaders stay connected to their people Whether you lead a healthcare organization, a business, a nonprofit, or a small team, Tina's insights offer timeless lessons on leading with courage, purpose, and humanity. If you enjoy conversations with exceptional leaders, please subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review.

  3. Jul 8

    Why Leaders Fail—and What Great Leaders Learn | Al Pilong with Scott Stringer

    Why do capable leaders fail—and what helps great leaders adapt, grow, and keep moving forward? Al Pilong sits down with Dr. Scott Stringer, Vice Dean of the VCU School of Medicine, President of MCV Physicians, and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. Scott shares lessons from a leadership journey that has taken him from physician and educator to department chair, practice plan leader, and health system executive. The conversation explores servant leadership, self-control, resilience, the discipline of saying no, and the importance of people and systems. Al and Scott also dig into a particularly difficult question: why do leaders fail? From the speed of change and organizational readiness to alignment with your boss, Scott offers a practical framework for understanding both the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that shape a leader's success. A candid conversation about leadership for the long haul—and why the work can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly hard.

  4. Jun 24

    Leadership is Stewardship | Al Pilong with Jeff Lindsay

    Leadership Is Stewardship with Al Pilong and Jeff Lindsay In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, Al Pilong sits down with Jeff Lindsay, President and Chief Operating Officer of UNC Health, for a conversation about leadership, courage, humility, and stewardship. Drawing from decades of experience leading large and complex healthcare organizations, Jeff shares the lessons that have shaped his leadership philosophy—from a deeply personal experience that inspired his career in healthcare leadership to the importance of creating shared understanding, encouraging dissent, and helping others grow into leadership roles. Together, Al and Jeff discuss: • The three questions every leader should ask• Why shared understanding matters more than having the right answer• Courage when certainty is unavailable• The role of humility in effective leadership• The dangers of fear-based leadership• Why great leaders invite dissent and feedback• Creating environments where people can challenge your thinking• Learning when to step back and let others lead• Stewardship, legacy, and building something that lasts beyond your tenure One of Jeff's most powerful insights is that leadership is ultimately an act of stewardship. Great leaders recognize they are temporary custodians of something much bigger than themselves and have a responsibility to leave it stronger for those who follow. About Jeff Lindsay Jeff Lindsay serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of UNC Health, one of the nation's leading academic health systems. Throughout his career, he has led large healthcare organizations, developed high-performing teams, and helped shape the future of healthcare delivery. Connect with Al Pilong Website: https://apleadershippartners.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alpilong If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague or friend who is passionate about leadership. #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #UNCHealth #LeadershipPodcast #AlPilong #JeffLindsay

  5. Jun 10

    The Courage to Lead: Al Pilong with Dr. Pam Oliver on Vulnerability, Trust & Radical Candor

    In this episode of the AP Leadership Podcast, Al Pilong sits down with Dr. Pam Oliver, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Novant Health, for a conversation about servant leadership, trust, vulnerability, and the courage required to lead in complex environments. Drawing on lessons from Brené Brown's Dare to Lead and the principles of Radical Candor, Dr. Oliver shares why leadership is not about having all the answers. Instead, effective leaders create environments where people feel valued, difficult conversations can happen, and teams are empowered to contribute their best thinking. In this episode, you'll learn: • What servant leadership looks like in practice• Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness• How trust is built through relationships, communication, and transparency• Why difficult decisions are an unavoidable part of leadership• The connection between courage, confidence, and accountability• How Radical Candor helps leaders develop people and strengthen teams• Why leadership is a journey, not a destination Whether you are a healthcare executive, physician leader, business leader, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership development, building trust, and leading with purpose. Guest:Dr. Pam OliverExecutive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Novant Health Host:Al PilongExecutive Coach, Speaker, and Host of the AP Leadership Podcast #Leadership #ServantLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Trust #Vulnerability #Courage #DifficultConversations #BreneBrown #DareToLead #RadicalCandor #ExecutiveCoaching #APLeadershipPodcast

  6. May 28

    What Great Leaders Do When Things Get Hard | Al Pilong with Dr. Loraine Frank-Lightfoot, CNE Novant Health

    In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, executive coach and former healthcare CEO Al Pilong sits down with Dr. Loraine Frank-Lightfoot, Vice President and Triad Region Chief Nursing Executive at Novant Health. Drawing from more than 40 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience, Loraine shares practical insights on courage, confidence, transparency, team culture, and what it truly takes to lead when things get hard. Al and Loraine discuss: Why leadership is ultimately a team sport How great leaders avoid being reactionary Standing up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular Building confidence through experience and consistency Leading teams through difficult decisions Creating cultures people can actually feel when they walk into an organization Loraine also reflects on influential mentors throughout her career, her philosophy on empowering leaders instead of micromanaging, and the lessons she’s learned leading through some of healthcare’s most challenging environments. If you lead people — especially in healthcare — this episode offers grounded leadership wisdom and honest conversation from two experienced healthcare leaders.

  7. May 14

    Trust, Presence, and the Leaders We Remember | Al Pilong with Tonya Smith, COO Valley Health

    Leadership is ultimately about relationships.In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, Al Pilong sits down with Dr. Tonya Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Valley Health, for a thoughtful conversation about trust, presence, courage, vulnerability, and the lasting impact leaders have on the people around them.Drawing from decades of leadership experience in healthcare, Tonya shares practical wisdom on:• Building trust through consistency and presence• Why reassurance matters during difficult moments• Lessons learned from both great leaders and poor leadership experiences• Creating psychological safety and accountability on teams• The importance of giving yourself grace as a leader• A powerful personal practice she calls the “gratitude box”One of the most meaningful reminders from this conversation:People may forget what you said or did — but they will remember how you made them feel.Whether you lead a healthcare organization, a business, a team, or a family, this episode offers grounded insight into the kind of leadership people remember long after the meeting is over.#Leadership #HealthcareLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #Trust #Culture #LeadershipDevelopment #ServantLeadership

  8. Apr 30

    Why Leaders Fail: Al Pilong with Alan Lombardo, CEO Sheltering Arms, on Trust, Insecurity & Servant Leadership

    In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute, for a candid conversation on what separates effective leaders from ineffective ones. Alan shares why professional insecurity can become one of the most toxic leadership traits, how leaders can build greater self-awareness, and why surrounding yourself with strong people is one of the greatest keys to success. We also discuss: Why trust must be built before hard decisions comeHow servant leadership works in practiceThe power of the first team mindsetWhy authenticity matters more than having all the answersHow healthy cultures are built under pressureA thoughtful conversation with practical wisdom for leaders in healthcare and beyond. #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #ServantLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #Culture #Trust

See All (15)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Leadership is hard!..., but leadership matters! AP Leadership Podcast is all about conversations with leaders on leading! My hope is that you will you will find fresh ideas and inspiration to propel you forward in your challenging leadership journey. AP Leadership Podcast is hosted by Al Pilong, CEO of AP Leadership Partners, an executive coaching practice that supports leaders in finding solutions for the myriad of challenges they face everyday. We are sponsored by CxO Coaching, where I also serve as a coach and advisor. CxO Coaching is focused on empowering leaders and driving results.

Information

  • Creator
    Al Pilong
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Al Pilong
  • Show Website
    AP Leadership Podcast