Learning from 43 Years in Healthcare Leadership with Jim Skogsbergh

In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, host Lauren Lavin sits down with University of Iowa MHA alum Jim Skogsbergh to reflect on a 43 year career in healthcare leadership. Jim recently retired after more than two decades as a hospital CEO and shares what he learned about leadership, mentorship, and building strong teams in healthcare organizations. Jim discusses his early career path after graduating from the University of Iowa, including how his administrative residency helped launch opportunities that shaped the rest of his career. He also reflects on the importance of mentorship, explaining how senior leaders opened doors for him early on and how he now gives back through executive coaching and advising younger professionals. The conversation explores what makes a strong healthcare leader, how to build effective leadership teams, and why communication, humility, and resilience often matter as much as technical expertise. Jim also shares his perspective on leading through major healthcare changes, including mergers and the COVID-19 pandemic. For students and early career professionals, Jim offers practical advice about choosing fellowships, finding mentors, gaining real world experience during training, and positioning yourself for long term success in healthcare administration. This episode highlights the lasting value of mentorship, the importance of doing the work and showing up every day, and the impact thoughtful leadership can have on patients, healthcare teams, and communities. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-learning-from-43-years-in-health-care-leadership-with-jim-skogsbergh/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at [email protected] You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks. #publichealth #healthcare #healthcareadministration #mentorships #leadership #fellowships #advising #coaching #CEO #iowacity