Hospice, Ethics & Capitalism—A Powerful Conversation with UVA Darden School of Business | Part One

Send us Fan MailFew topics spark more debate in healthcare than the intersection of compassionate care, ethical responsibility, and financial sustainability.Can mission-driven hospice organizations survive—and thrive—in a healthcare landscape increasingly dominated by for-profit providers?In Part One of this compelling conversation, TCNtalks/Anatomy of Leadership host Chris Comeaux welcomes Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and Stephen Maiden, Managing Director of the Darden Case Writing Research Group. Together, they discuss the groundbreaking business case developed around Teleios Collaborative Network and the evolving hospice industry. The conversation explores whether nonprofit hospice organizations possess unique structural advantages that can help them compete against larger, investor-backed healthcare models while remaining true to their mission.  Drawing on research, classroom discussions, and real-world leadership experiences, the guests examine topics including community trust, volunteerism, staffing ratios, organizational culture, governance, marketing, and ethical decision-making. They challenge assumptions about nonprofit and for-profit healthcare while offering a thoughtful exploration of what it takes to deliver “care as a relationship, not a transaction” in today’s healthcare environment.  Key TakeawaysNonprofit hospice organizations may possess structural advantages through community trust, volunteer engagement, and mission-driven cultures that are difficult for competitors to replicate.  The future success of nonprofit healthcare organizations depends not only on care quality but also on effectively communicating their value to patients and families.  Teleios’ hybrid model combines local independence with shared infrastructure, creating opportunities for scale while preserving community relationships.  Quality of care is often reflected in staffing levels, volunteer involvement, and personal relationships that may not be captured in traditional healthcare metrics.  Leadership, culture, and governance—not simply tax status—ultimately determine whether organizations fulfill their mission and deliver exceptional care.  Guest:Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia Stephen Maiden, Managing Director of Case Writing Research GroupHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership