Lead Change

Mary Mulcahey
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS

On this podcast, we will share stories from physicians in various medical specialties and those in roles that support the advancement of medicine to understand the skills necessary to be an effective leader. We’ll celebrate their success and hear about strategies to overcome hurdles. We will also highlight some of the unique challenges faced by women in medicine who are interested in pursuing leadership positions and the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship in achieving and being successful in those roles.

  1. Episode 18: Dr. Laura Ngwenya Leading at the Intersection of Science and Surgery

    APR 26

    Episode 18: Dr. Laura Ngwenya Leading at the Intersection of Science and Surgery

    In this episode of Lead Change, Dr. Laura Ngwenya, a neurosurgeon-scientist and leader in neurotrauma, shares insights from her multifaceted career spanning clinical care, research, and national leadership. She discusses her work treating traumatic brain injury (TBI), leading clinical trials, and investigating the underlying mechanisms of poor neurological outcomes through translational research.   Dr. Ngwenya also highlights her leadership roles, including serving as Vice Chair for Research and directing a neurotrauma learning health system focused on improving patient outcomes across the continuum of care. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration across disciplines, integrating patient and community perspectives, and building sustainable systems that align clinical impact with institutional priorities.   Throughout the conversation, she reflects on mentorship, the importance of defining a personal “why,” and lessons learned from working with diverse teams. The episode underscores how purposeful leadership, grounded in both science and service, can drive meaningful change in patient care and academic medicine.   🔑 Key Takeaways 1. The Power of the Neurosurgeon-Scientist Model Integrating clinical care with research enables direct translation from bedside to bench—and back.Studying real patient problems (e.g., cortical spreading depolarizations) drives meaningful scientific inquiry.2. Leadership is About Building Systems, Not Just Roles Effective leaders create infrastructure (clinical trials, research support, interdisciplinary teams).Sustainability requires aligning clinical innovation with financial and institutional priorities.3. Collaboration Drives Innovation Progress in complex fields like neurotrauma requires bridging silos between clinicians, researchers, and communities.Diverse perspectives lead to better ideas and better patient outcomes.4. Start with Your “Why” A clear personal mission helps guide career decisions and leadership opportunities.Alignment with purpose prevents burnout and ensures meaningful impact.5. Listening is a Leadership Superpower Effective leadership isn’t directive—it’s collaborative.Understanding different perspectives helps unify teams toward shared goals.6. Mentorship is Critical for Change Representation matters, but support and encouragement matter even more.Mentorship plays a key role in improving diversity in fields like neurosurgery.7. Confidence and Presence Matter How leaders carry themselves (confidence, clarity) impacts how they are perceived and how effectively they lead.8. Patient-Centered Thinking Must Extend Beyond the Hospital True outcomes include long-term recovery, rehabilitation, and return to life—not just surgical success.Learning health systems can integrate patient, caregiver, and community voices to improve care.

    42 min
  2. Live Podcast: Innovation, Inclusion, and The Future of Medical Education

    APR 18 ·  BONUS

    Live Podcast: Innovation, Inclusion, and The Future of Medical Education

    In this live episode of the Lead Change podcast, Dr. Mary Mulcahey sits down with Dr. Leon McCrea, Vice Dean for Educational Affairs at Drexel University College of Medicine and a nationally recognized leader in medical education and health equity. Dr. McCrea shares his journey as a family physician, educator, and leader, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, mentorship, and purpose-driven work. He discusses his leadership roles, including his work developing inclusive pathways into medicine and leading a regional consortium focused on health equity. The conversation explores how effective leaders align teams around a shared mission, innovate even in resource-constrained environments, and prioritize developing the next generation of physicians. Dr. McCrea also reflects on the importance of allyship, adaptability, and timing in leadership decisions. At its core, this episode highlights how meaningful leadership is rooted in purpose—creating opportunities for others, fostering inclusive systems, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of both learners and patients. Key Takeaways Purpose Drives LeadershipEffective leadership starts with a clear “why.”Dr. McCrea’s mission centers on creating access and opportunity for underrepresented individuals in medicine.Relationships Are EverythingStrong leadership is built on authentic relationships, both within and beyond your organization.Long-term connections often become critical opportunities later in your career.Innovation Must Continue—Even Without ResourcesResource limitations shouldn’t stop progress.Leaders must push teams to innovate, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable.Align Around a Shared MissionSuccessful teams rally around a common goal that people believe in deeply.Leaders must clearly communicate and reinforce that mission. Allyship Improves Systems for EveryoneAllyship isn’t limited to one group—it’s about creating better, more equitable systems overall.Inclusive environments benefit all individuals, not just underrepresented groups.Timing Matters in LeadershipIt’s not just what you propose—it’s when.Understanding organizational readiness can determine success or failure.Adaptability Is EssentialChange is constant, and rigidity is the enemy of leadership.Great leaders stay flexible and help others navigate evolving environments.Teaching Multiplies ImpactThe greatest legacy of a leader is developing others.Educating future physicians amplifies impact far beyond individual patient care.Leadership Requires ResilienceLeadership often involves being under-recognized and absorbing challenges (“taking arrows”).Staying grounded in purpose helps sustain long-term effectiveness.Find Freedom in Your WorkFulfillment comes from meaning and purpose within your work, not escaping it.Leaders should cultivate that same sense of purpose for their teams.

    30 min
  3. Episode 17: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff. Beyond Grit: Training your mind for high performance

    APR 5

    Episode 17: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff. Beyond Grit: Training your mind for high performance

    In this episode of the Lead Change Podcast, Dr. Mary K. Mulcahey sits down with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, a leading mental performance coach who has worked with Olympic athletes, the Minnesota Vikings, and high-performing leaders. Dr. Kamphoff shares how her experiences as a competitive runner—and struggles with self-doubt during college—led her to pursue a career in performance psychology and helping others develop mental strength. They discuss the role of mindset in leadership and performance, emphasizing that success is not just about talent or grit, but about developing the mental tools needed to manage pressure, confidence, and self-talk. Dr. Kamphoff explains the concept of the “inner coach versus the inner critic,” highlighting how the thoughts leaders choose to listen to can dramatically impact their effectiveness and growth. The conversation also explores how difficult life experiences—what she calls “crucible moments”—can shape purpose and drive meaningful impact. Dr. Kamphoff reflects on being present at the Boston Marathon bombing and how that moment pushed her to stop playing small and pursue bigger goals, including writing books, coaching elite performers, and building the Mentally Strong Institute. Throughout the discussion, she shares practical strategies leaders can use to build confidence, reframe challenges, and cultivate a high-performance mindset in both professional and personal settings. ⭐ Key Takeaways 1. Leaders Must Train Their Minds Like Athletes High performers—whether in sports, medicine, or business—need mental tools to handle pressure, stay focused, and perform at their best. 2. Everyone Has an Inner Critic and an Inner Coach We all experience self-doubt. The key is learning to recognize negative self-talk and intentionally choose thoughts that support growth and performance. 3. Coaching Accelerates Growth Just as elite athletes rely on coaches, leaders benefit from coaches who help them gain clarity, overcome obstacles, and reach goals faster. 4. Your Energy as a Leader Is Contagious A leader’s mindset, stress level, and passion influence their entire team. Leading by example is one of the most powerful leadership tools. 5. Reframe Adversity as Opportunity Difficult experiences—“crucible moments”—can provide clarity about purpose and direction when leaders choose to learn from them. 6. Identity Shapes Performance What you believe about yourself determines how you act. Leaders can intentionally shape their identity by changing the story they tell themselves. 7. Dream Bigger and Stop Playing Small Dr. Kamphoff encourages leaders to pursue courageous goals and step beyond self-imposed limits to create greater impact.

    49 min
  4. Episode 16: Dr. Ron Navarro. Creating Opportunity and Cultivating Leadership in Orthopaedic Surgery

    MAR 23

    Episode 16: Dr. Ron Navarro. Creating Opportunity and Cultivating Leadership in Orthopaedic Surgery

    In this episode of the Lead Change Podcast, Dr. Mary Mulcahey speaks with orthopaedic surgeon and leader Dr. Ron Navarro, Director for Clinical Affairs at the Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine and President of the American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons (AALOS). Dr. Navarro shares insights from nearly three decades of clinical practice and leadership across major orthopedic organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the California Orthopaedic Association (COA). He discusses lessons learned from participating in organizational strategic planning, navigating leadership transitions, and leading during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving as COA president. The conversation explores how early life experiences, mentorship, and a willingness to take risks shaped Dr. Navarro’s leadership philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for others, cultivating a culture of leadership, and empowering future generations of surgeons. Dr. Navarro also highlights the mission and growth of AALOS, particularly its efforts to support Latino medical students and residents through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and professional development. Throughout the discussion, he underscores that leadership in medicine requires humility, resilience, and adaptability in the face of constant change. By sharing personal stories, practical leadership lessons, and reflections on mentorship, Dr. Navarro offers a compelling perspective on how physicians can lead meaningful change within their organizations and communities. Key Take-Home Points Leadership skills are rarely taught in medical trainingStrategic planning, organizational governance, and advocacy are rarely part of medical education.Exposure to leadership roles and committees can provide critical learning opportunities.2. Strategic planning shapes organizational direction Strategic plans act as a roadmap for organizations.They clarify priorities and guide decision-making over multiple years.3. Effective leaders create opportunities for others A key leadership responsibility is developing future leaders.Cultivating a culture where others can grow and take on leadership roles strengthensorganizations. 4. Leadership requires adaptability and comfort with change Change is inevitable in medicine and healthcare systems.Successful leaders learn to navigate and embrace change rather than resist it.5. Advocacy is essential in protecting the practice of medicine State orthopedic societies play a critical role in legislative advocacy that affects physician practice and patient care.6. Early leadership exposure matters Opportunities for medical students and residents to serve on boards, committees, and initiatives can accelerate leadership development.7. Confidence comes from action, not waiting until you feel ready Many leaders experience imposter syndrome.Growth often occurs when individuals step into roles before they feel fully prepared.8. The most effective leaders listen more than they speak Leaders should encourage diverse perspectives and avoid dominating discussions.Collaboration often leads to stronger solutions.9. Leadership includes knowing when to step aside Term limits and leadership transitions allow organizations to bring in new ideas and perspectives.10. Hard work and resilience are foundational leadership traits Success often comes from perseverance, grit, and the willingness to continue learning and evolving.

    46 min
  5. Live Podcast: Martha Deery - Turning vision into impact

    MAR 22 ·  BONUS

    Live Podcast: Martha Deery - Turning vision into impact

    In this live episode of Lead Change, recorded at the ELAM program in Philadelphia, Dr. Mary Mulcahey interviews Martha Deery, a leader in organizational transformation and change strategy. Martha shares insights from her work with Kotter, emphasizing that successful change is not driven by process alone, but by leadership that inspires, empowers, and engages people at all levels. Drawing from her experience in global social impact initiatives and large-scale organizational transformation, Martha highlights the importance of understanding stakeholders, framing change as an opportunity, and creating clarity amid competing priorities. She underscores that resistance to change is often deeply personal, rooted in identity and professional investment, and that effective leaders must recognize and address these concerns. The conversation also explores the concept of distributed leadership, the importance of psychological safety, and the need for adaptability in an era of constant change. Ultimately, Martha defines “leading change” as having a vision and enabling others to take bold, sometimes uncomfortable steps in a supportive environment where they feel seen, valued, and empowered. Key Take-Home Points Change Requires Leadership, Not Just ManagementStrategy, budgets, and plans are necessary—but insufficient.True transformation depends on vision, inspiration, and people engagement.2. Frame Change as an Opportunity Clearly articulate: Why now? What is the opportunity? Who benefits—and how?Avoid jargon; communicate in simple, meaningful terms.3. Prioritization Is Critical When everything is a priority, nothing is.Leaders must define: What will change What will stop What matters most4. Stakeholder Understanding Is Essential Identify: Who is impacted—and how What they might gain or lose Recognize that resistance is often tied to identity and expertise, not just logistics.5. Engage Both Formal and Informal Influencers Change is accelerated by those who can influence others, regardless of title.Build coalitions across levels of the organization.6. Empower Leadership at All Levels Move beyond hierarchy to a network-based model of leadership.Everyone has the capacity to lead change when empowered.7. Psychological Safety Drives Innovation Create environments where individuals feel safe to: Try new things Take risks Fail productively8. Adaptability Is a Core Leadership Skill Modern organizations must continuously: Learn Pivot EvolveAgility and mindset are as important as technical skills.9. Human-Centered Design Enhances Impact Effective solutions require deep understanding of: Culture Context End usersCo-creation leads to more meaningful and sustainable change.10. Leadership Is About Empowering Others “Leading change” means: Believing in a vision Inspiring others Enabling people to do hard, new, and sometimes uncomfortable things

    28 min
  6. Episode 15: Dr. Jewel Kling. Finding Your North Star in Leadership and Women’s Health

    MAR 3

    Episode 15: Dr. Jewel Kling. Finding Your North Star in Leadership and Women’s Health

    In this episode of the Lead Change Podcast, Dr. Mary Mulcahey interviews Dr. Jewel Kling, a national leader in women’s health, menopause, sex- and gender-based medicine, and medical education. Dr. Kling shares her leadership journey from early advocacy experiences shaped by her parents’ community work, to national leadership in the American Medical Student Association, to her current roles as Division Chair and Regional Dean at Mayo Clinic. The conversation explores how identifying a personal “North Star” guides career decisions, why physicians are leaders regardless of title, and how mentorship and sponsorship create opportunities before individuals see themselves as ready. Dr. Kling reflects on stepping into leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, building innovative and community-engaged medical education programs, expanding clinical training opportunities, and preparing a diverse physician workforce that reflects the populations it serves. They also discuss the energizing role of mission-aligned work, the importance of learning financial and operational skills through ELAM, and how advocacy, inclusion, and precision medicine intersect with the future of academic leadership. Key Take-Home Points Leadership & Career Development Physicians are leaders by default—title or not; our voices influence patients, teams, and communities.Say yes to opportunities before you feel ready; growth often precedes confidence.Mentorship opens doors; sponsorship pushes you through them.Mission-aligned work is energizing, not draining—it “fills your cup” and sustains long-term leadership.Finding Your North Star A clearly defined personal purpose (“why”) guides decisions about which roles to accept or decline.Your North Star helps balance career advancement with meaningful impact, even when activities are not traditionally valued for promotion.Advocacy as a Core Leadership Skill You do not need to belong to a group to advocate for it.Early involvement in policy and organized medicine builds transferable leadership skills.Advocacy expands impact beyond one-on-one patient care.Education & Workforce Development Medical education must include community engagement, underserved care, and cultural understanding as core—not optional—experiences.Training physicians who reflect the populations they serve improves care and trust.Leadership in education requires intentional curriculum innovation, affiliate partnerships, and workforce planning.Innovation & the Future of Medicine Academic leaders must be agile and adaptable, particularly post-COVID.AI, technology, and precision medicine demand both ethical frameworks and curricular integration.Sex- and gender-based research is essential for true precision medicine.Personal Growth Through ELAM Leadership requires operational literacy (finance, systems, strategy) in addition to passion.Working with new teams in unfamiliar environments builds collaborative and adaptive leadership skills.Community among women leaders is a powerful source of renewal and perspective.

    52 min
  7. Episode 14: Maddie Davis Tully. Seek First To Understand: The Coaching Mindset That Transforms Teams

    FEB 17

    Episode 14: Maddie Davis Tully. Seek First To Understand: The Coaching Mindset That Transforms Teams

    In this episode of the Lead Change, Dr. Mary Mulcahey sits down with leadership coach and former national champion rower and collegiate head coach Maddie Davis Tully to explore what high-performance sport teaches us about sustainable leadership. Maddie shares her journey from Princeton lightweight rowing to coaching at Stanford, Ohio State, and Boston University, and ultimately to executive leadership coaching. The conversation centers on a critical shift for high achievers: moving from time management to energy management. She explains how protecting finite energy—not just scheduling time—allows leaders to perform at a high level without burnout. Drawing on her experience as a young head coach, Maddie discusses the evolution from performative toughness to authentic leadership, emphasizing the importance of empathy, trust-building, and seeking to understand before being understood. The discussion highlights how discipline, role clarity, and celebrating small wins drive long-term success in both athletics and medicine. The episode also explores lessons from leading through COVID as president of the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association, including leveraging crisis for innovation, building national collaboration, and proactive advocacy. Ultimately, this conversation offers a framework for physicians and leaders to sustain performance, build high-trust teams, and align daily actions with what matters most. Key Take-Home PointsEnergy and Performance· Energy management > time management for sustainable high performance · Identify energy drains, energy sources, and what truly moves the needle · Protect energy for high-impact work and life outside of work Discipline and Process· Discipline creates freedom and enables long-term success · Focus on the process and small wins, not just distant outcomes · Motivation starts action; discipline sustains it Team and Role Clarity· High performers succeed when they understand their role on the team · Role players are essential to collective success · Trust and buy-in increase when leaders value each individual’s contribution Leadership Growth· Seek to understand before being understood · Empathy strengthens—not weakens—leadership authority · Authenticity builds trust and psychological safety · Toughness is situational; credibility comes from consistency and care Transition from Athlete to Leader·  Athletic experiences build: Patience and incremental improvement mindsetStructure and prioritization skillsComfort with feedback and accountability· Team-first thinking Leading Through Crisis· Use disruption as an opportunity for innovation and connection · Collaboration across silos strengthens organizations · Proactive advocacy is essential in changing environments Personal Purpose· Fulfillment comes from being challenged and being useful · Leadership is about expanding others’ belief in their own potential

    53 min
  8. Episode 13: Dr. Nancy Spector Why Leadership Development Matters at Every Career Stage

    FEB 3

    Episode 13: Dr. Nancy Spector Why Leadership Development Matters at Every Career Stage

    In this episode of Lead Change, host Mary K. Mulcahey, MD sits down with Dr. Nancy Spector, Professor of Pediatrics and Senior Vice Dean for Faculty at Drexel University College of Medicine, and Executive Director of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) and Executive Leadership in Health Care (ELH) programs. Dr. Spector shares her leadership journey—from her roots as a pediatrician and chief resident to becoming a nationally recognized leader in faculty development, equity, mentoring, and systems-level change. She reflects on formative moments in her career, including the importance of mentorship, peer support, and leadership training early and throughout one’s professional life. The conversation explores the origins and evolution of ELAM, its mission to transform leadership at the highest levels of academic medicine, and its shift from “fixing women” to fixing systems. Dr. Spector discusses inclusive leadership, allyship, infrastructure-building, and the necessity of preparing leaders to manage and lead effectively amid ongoing uncertainty. Throughout the episode, Dr. Spector emphasizes purpose-driven leadership, strategic patience, and the power of creating environments where diverse talent can thrive—ultimately improving medicine, science, and patient care. Key Takeaways Leadership training is essential at every stage of a medical career, not just at senior levels—and should ideally begin in medical school.Peer mentorship is often as powerful as senior mentorship, providing support, perspective, and shared growth throughout one’s career.Effective faculty development goes beyond teaching skills to include career alignment, professional growth, and leadership identity.The future of leadership in academic medicine depends on fixing systems and infrastructure, not asking individuals to adapt to broken models.Inclusive leadership requires partnership and allyship, including engagement across gender, disciplines, and professional roles.Successful leaders focus on alignment with purpose (“the why”), helping individuals and organizations maximize impact.Leading in today’s environment means accepting uncertainty and learning to lead through it, rather than waiting for clarity.A critical leadership skill is the ability to identify gaps, build infrastructure, and then empower others to lead.Maintaining a sense of humor and humility is key to longevity and resilience in high-level leadership roles.

    51 min
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About

On this podcast, we will share stories from physicians in various medical specialties and those in roles that support the advancement of medicine to understand the skills necessary to be an effective leader. We’ll celebrate their success and hear about strategies to overcome hurdles. We will also highlight some of the unique challenges faced by women in medicine who are interested in pursuing leadership positions and the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship in achieving and being successful in those roles.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Mulcahey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mary Mulcahey
  • Show Website
    Lead Change

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