Lead for Good: A Conversation with Rod Hanners - Episode 18

Lead for Good with Rod Hanners: Driving Vision Through Culture, Trust, and Purpose What does it take to lead one of the nation's premier academic health systems through extraordinary growth, rapid change, and constant innovation while keeping people at the center of every decision? In this episode of Lead for Good, Chris Looney sits down with Rod Hanners, CEO of Keck Medicine of USC, to explore one of the most important responsibilities of leadership: driving vision. Drawing on lessons from an unlikely journey that began as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and evolved into leading world-class healthcare organizations, Rod shares the leadership principles that have shaped his remarkable career. Throughout the conversation, Rod explains why vision cannot exist apart from culture and why trust is the foundation upon which great organizations are built. He discusses how leaders can create alignment across complex organizations, empower teams through collaboration, and maintain a clear sense of direction amid constant change and disruption. Listeners will also gain valuable insights into: • The leadership lessons Rod learned serving aboard a nuclear submarine • Why great leaders don't need all the answers, only the right questions • How culture drives performance and sustains organizational vision • The three pillars of Keck Medicine's leadership culture: positive energy, collaboration, and trust • Why loyalty-based organizations outperform compliance-based organizations • Lessons from leading through the COVID-19 pandemic • How to balance innovation, AI, and data-driven decision-making with compassion and humanity • The importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and servant leadership • Building organizations where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work Rod's leadership philosophy is both practical and deeply human. His belief that leadership begins with caring for people offers a powerful reminder that lasting vision is not simply about strategy. It's about creating a culture where people can thrive together. Whether you lead a nonprofit, healthcare organization, foundation, or mission-driven enterprise, this conversation offers wisdom that will challenge, inspire, and equip you to lead more effectively. #LeadForGood #NonprofitLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #Trust #Vision #KeckMedicine #USC #ServantLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #FulcrumNonprofitLeadership