Madison Advisory AI Podcast

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda is joined by Rob Lemos, SVP of Growth and Strategy at Mosaic Health, for a conversation on what actually drives growth, alignment, and decision-making inside complex healthcare organizations.Rob brings the perspective of an operator working at the intersection of strategy and execution. The discussion focuses on where growth efforts break down in practice — particularly at the interface between growth and operations — and why alignment across teams, incentives, and stakeholders ultimately determines whether initiatives succeed.Amanda and Rob explore what it takes to deploy AI effectively within healthcare enterprises, including a key distinction between organizations that aim to lead in AI and those that choose to be fast followers. Each path requires different structures, decision-making processes, and cultural readiness.They also examine how AI is raising the bar for executive clarity. As messaging becomes easier to generate, differentiation becomes harder to demonstrate. If leadership teams cannot clearly articulate what makes their organization distinct, no technology will compensate.Topics covered include:The interplay between growth and operations, and when to involve operators in the BD processWhy alignment — internal, external, and personal — drives integration successEvaluating partners and leaders when data is incompleteWhere judgment still outweighs analytics: hiring, narrative-building, and strategic decisionsWhat founders need to communicate clearly in the first 30 secondsThe evolving role of human judgment as AI capabilities accelerateThis episode is for healthcare operators, founders, and investors navigating growth and decision-making in an increasingly complex and fast-moving environment.Connect with Rob Lemos:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemosrob/About the Madison Advisory AI PodcastConversations at the intersection of strategy, capital, and AI — with founders, operators, and investors shaping the future of healthcare and behavioral health.Hosted by Amanda Verner Thompson, Co-Founder of Madison Advisory AI.Website: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/

Most leadership frameworks are built in boardrooms. Carlos Vasquez built his in solitary confinement.Carlos spent nearly 17 years in prison, including three years in solitary confinement, where he read over 150 books, processed childhood trauma, and built the foundation for what would later become a leadership consulting firm, a nonprofit, and five books.In this episode, Amanda and Carlos discuss his journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship, the inner work that made it possible, and the leadership framework he now brings to healthcare systems, corporations, and schools. The PRICE Framework — Purpose, Recognition, Inspiration, Compassion, Education — grew from rebuilding identity, purpose, and connection from nothing.They also explore Carlos’ perspective on AI. He uses it daily in his business and built an AI-powered app for foster youth, but he is equally clear-eyed about what technology cannot do. In an era of rapid automation, Carlos argues leaders must double down on presence, authenticity, and human connection.The conversation closes on legacy—and what Carlos, who once had a vision board full of cars and houses, puts on it now instead. What We Cover• From incarceration to entrepreneurship—and the mindset that made it possible• Three years in solitary confinement, 150+ books, and processing PTSD• Why mentoring lifers in prison became a consulting business• The PRICE Framework: Purpose, Recognition, Inspiration, Compassion, Education• Why leaders must lead themselves before leading others• AI as a tool for access, equity, and opportunity• Why the age of AI demands more human leadership, not less• The 90-day self-assessment Carlos recommends to leaders• What changed on his vision board—and why About the GuestCarlos Vasquez is a speaker, author, leadership consultant, and founder of Life to Be Consulting Group, along with a nonprofit serving formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth. He earned his psychology degree while incarcerated and developed the trauma-informed PRICE Method, which he now brings to healthcare systems, corporations, schools, and YPO events.His fifth book, The Leader’s PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI, publishes May 2025. He also hosts the podcast Battles, featuring people who have overcome extraordinary adversity.Follow Carlos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosvasquezofficialOrder his book: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeULz50u7fuXsF5mAd-5ZywhEBk36LNyMffZ1UtUw8YnBbDrQ/viewform About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder of Madison Advisory AI, helping founders, operators, and investors navigate growth, capital strategy, and decision-making in healthcare. A former healthcare investment banker with nearly two decades of experience, Amanda has advised across behavioral health, post-acute care, and physician services.The Madison Advisory AI Podcast explores leadership, strategy, and technology—bringing together executives navigating complex decisions where human trust still matters mostFollow Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/Learn more: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/

Episode SummaryWhen a teenager is in crisis, families are often navigating one of the most confusing moments of their lives—trying to understand what is happening, what level of care is appropriate, what resources exist, and what they can actually access. Adolescent behavioral health is complex, underfunded, and often misunderstood.Brent Esplin is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 25 years of experience in adolescent residential care. As Executive Director of Oasis, he leads a short-term, assessment-driven program designed to stabilize teens, clarify diagnosis, and help families chart a responsible path forward.In this episode, Amanda and Brent discuss Brent’s evolution from clinician to executive director, how Oasis built a hybrid model combining comprehensive assessment with short-term residential treatment, and what the insurance environment actually looks like for families trying to access care.They also explore two practical AI applications already being used at Oasis: AI-assisted clinical documentation that gives therapists more time with patients and families, and an AI aftercare planning pilot that helps teens and parents build aligned transition plans before discharge.The conversation closes on what Brent believes technology can never replace: the human connection between a therapist and a family in crisis—the foundation of real outcomes in behavioral health.What We Cover• Brent’s 25-year path from therapist to executive director• The Oasis model: comprehensive assessment + short-term residential treatment• Why experiential therapy matters—including the skiing story and resilience• The insurance and reimbursement realities of residential treatment• How Oasis built a more accessible model • AI-assisted clinical documentation and reducing therapist admin burden• AI-supported aftercare planning and aligning family expectations• What Brent wishes families understood before crisis hits• Why human connection remains the foundation of effective careAbout the GuestBrent Esplin, LMFT is the Executive Director of Oasis, a Utah-based adolescent residential treatment program focused on short-term stabilization, comprehensive assessment, and family-centered care. With more than two decades in behavioral health, Brent has served as a therapist, clinical director, admissions leader, and executive operator.Oasis helps families navigate crisis with a model designed to create clarity, access, and appropriate next steps—whether that means returning home, stepping into PHP/IOP care, or transitioning to longer-term treatment when necessary.Learn more: https://oasisascent.com/About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder of Madison Advisory AI, where she advises healthcare and professional services companies on strategic growth, capital planning, and practical AI implementation. A former healthcare investment banker with nearly two decades of experience, Amanda has advised founders, operators, and investors across behavioral health, post-acute care, and physician services.The Madison Advisory AI Podcast explores leadership, judgment, and technology—bringing together operators and executives navigating complex decisions where human trust still matters most.Learn more: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/Follow Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/

Episode SummaryGregg Bauer has watched adoption curves play out for four decades — from pervasive computing before it was called IoT, through multiple market cycles, and now into AI. That experience gives him a grounded perspective that cuts through the noise around artificial intelligence.In this conversation, Gregg and Amanda explore why AI is being adopted at a pace that makes every prior technology look slow — and what’s still holding organizations back. While consumer adoption is accelerating, enterprise adoption remains constrained by data quality, security, and organizational change.Gregg also discusses the emerging role of small language models as a practical path for small and medium businesses, along with real-world healthcare applications including claims denial management, early neurological disease detection, and AI-driven dietary interventions.The conversation closes on a principle Gregg returns to throughout:AI augments people — it doesn’t replace them. Key ThemesWhy AI Adoption Is Different This TimeAI adoption is accelerating due to existing infrastructure, low experimentation cost, and immediate perceived value. But enterprise adoption still depends on trust, governance, and data readiness.Small Language Models and Practical AIGregg distinguishes between large language models and smaller, domain-specific models that can be deployed on-premise, trained on proprietary data, and used as operational “coworkers.”AI as Augmentation, Not ReplacementOrganizations that focus on augmenting human judgment — rather than replacing people — are more likely to see successful adoption.Healthcare Applications Moving Beyond HypeExamples discussed include claims denial management, early neurological disease detection through wearables and voice analysis, and AI-driven dietary interventions for neurodegenerative disease. About the Guest — Gregg BauerGregg Bauer is Managing Partner at Scale-Up Labs, a venture originating firm combining a venture studio, investment platform, and acceleration program connecting entrepreneurs from Latin America and Europe with U.S. capital markets.He began his career at Rockwell Corporation before building startups, including one of the earliest IoT companies, later taken public. He later formed Spinnaker Venture Partners, which evolved into Scale-Up Labs. His work today spans healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and energy sustainability, with a focus on applied AI and global company formation.Scale-Up Labs: https://www.scaleuplabs.vc/Gregg Bauer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggdbauer/ About the Host — Amanda Verner ThompsonAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder of Madison Advisory AI, a strategic advisory firm focused on helping founders, operators, and advisors navigate growth, capital strategy, and decision-making in an evolving market environment.A former healthcare investment banker with nearly two decades of experience, Amanda launched the Madison Advisory AI Podcast to explore how leadership, capital, and technology are reshaping advisory businesses and ownership transitions.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/Website: https://madisonadvisory.ai

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson speaks with Brandt Brereton about the evolving lower middle market and why private equity is no longer the default path for founder-led companies.Drawing on decades of investment banking experience, Brandt explains how the internet and the explosion of private equity fundamentally changed the advisory landscape — and why Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are emerging as a compelling alternative for owners focused on legacy, governance, and long-term value.The conversation explores common misconceptions about ESOPs, the role of trusted advisors in shaping exit decisions, and how new capital structures are making ESOPs more viable than ever. Amanda and Brandt also discuss how AI and technology are improving education, decision-making, and client engagement in advisory businesses.This discussion offers founders, advisors, and investors a thoughtful look at ownership transitions — and why understanding the full decision tree matters more than ever. Key TakeawaysPrivate equity is not the only path for founder-led companiesThe internet and capital abundance changed the investment banking modelESOPs can provide liquidity while preserving culture and governanceBusiness owners often misjudge trade-offs in exit decisionsCPAs and advisors play a critical role in shaping ownership transitionsESOPs function as a trust — not a traditional third-party buyerEmployees do not control operations in an ESOP structureNew capital sources are expanding ESOP viabilityAI is improving client education and advisory efficiency About the Guest — Brandt BreretonBrandt Brereton is a long-time lower middle market investment banker and founder of Perpetuate Capital, a firm focused on ESOP-based ownership transitions and structured equity solutions. With decades of experience advising founder-led businesses, Brandt focuses on helping owners preserve legacy, maintain governance, and achieve liquidity through alternative capital structures.His work centers on expanding awareness of ESOPs and educating founders and advisors on ownership transition strategies beyond traditional private equity.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandtbrereton/Website: https://www.perpetuatecapital.com/ About the Host — Amanda Verner ThompsonAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder of Madison Advisory AI, a strategic advisory firm focused on helping founders, operators, and advisors navigate growth, capital strategy, and decision-making in an evolving market environment.A former healthcare investment banker with nearly two decades of experience, Amanda launched the Madison Advisory AI Podcast to explore how leadership, capital, and technology are reshaping advisory businesses and ownership transitions.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/Website: https://madisonadvisoryai.comMadison Advisory AI PodcastThe Madison Advisory AI Podcast explores how leaders navigate strategy, capital, and change — with a focus on thoughtful conversations, real-world insights, and long-term decision making.

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson speaks with Lachlan Hughson, a former investment banker who has spent his career challenging how financial decisions are made.Despite sophisticated models and experienced advisors, most major financial decisions still fail to deliver expected outcomes. Lachlan argues this isn’t a talent problem — it’s a tooling problem.Traditional Excel-based models rely on static assumptions and point estimates, creating a false sense of precision. In reality, financial outcomes are driven by variability, uncertainty, and probability — factors that are often oversimplified or ignored entirely.Drawing from his experience in investment banking and the natural resources sector, Lachlan explains how probabilistic modeling changes the way leaders understand risk, structure decisions, and communicate with boards and investors.The conversation explores:Why traditional financial models create false confidenceHow probabilistic thinking improves decision-makingWhat changes when leaders see distributions instead of single outcomesWhere AI fits — and where human judgment still mattersHow this approach applies across industries, including healthcareThis episode is a deeper look at how better tools — and better thinking — can lead to better decisions. Key Topics CoveredLimitations of traditional Excel-based financial modelingProbabilistic modeling and Monte Carlo simulationRisk, uncertainty, and decision-making under variabilityBoard-level communication and strategic decision shiftsApplications across finance, healthcare, and capital-intensive industriesThe evolving role of AI in financial analysis About the GuestLachlan Hughson is a former investment banker and financial strategist with deep experience across natural resources, energy, and capital markets. His work focuses on introducing probabilistic modeling into financial decision-making, helping executives, boards, and investors better understand risk, variability, and the likelihood of outcomes.In addition to his professional work, Lachlan is involved in equine health and rehabilitation, working with rescued and abused horses — an experience that has shaped his perspective on leadership, responsibility, and systems thinking.🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachlanhughson/ About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder of Madison Advisory AI and a former healthcare investment banker with over two decades of experience advising on complex financial and strategic decisions.Through Madison Advisory AI and this podcast, she explores the intersection of leadership, capital allocation, and emerging technology — with a focus on how better tools and better judgment drive better outcomes.🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/🌐 Website: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/ Tagsfinancial decision-making, probabilistic modeling, risk management, investment banking, AI in finance, executive leadership, financial strategy, mergers and acquisitions, healthcare finance, dynamic modeling

SummaryIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, host Amanda Verner Thompson speaks with Brad Cummins, founder of Fat Agent and Insurance Geek, about how firsthand frustration with fragmented insurance systems led him to build an end-to-end operating platform for agents.Brad began his career as an insurance agent and quickly encountered the operational friction many agents face: multiple CRMs, disconnected quoting tools, manual data entry, and legacy infrastructure that slows down both sales and customer service.Instead of accepting those limitations, he began building Fat Agent, a platform designed to consolidate workflows across lead generation, quoting, policy management, and customer communication. Over time, Brad layered AI tools such as “Patty” and “Patty Closer” into the system to assist agents with communication, follow-ups, and lead engagement.The conversation explores the deeper principle behind these tools: AI works best when it enhances well-designed systems rather than trying to replace them. Topics Discussed:Why fragmented software systems remain one of the biggest barriers in insuranceHow building a unified workflow platform improves agent productivityThe role of AI assistants in sales communication and lead managementWhere automation should stop in regulated industriesWhy legacy infrastructure — not AI capability — is often the real bottleneckHow founders can build effectively within complex regulatory environments The episode highlights a key theme of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast: AI doesn’t replace judgment — it scales it. About the GuestBrad Cummins is the founder of Fat Agent and Insurance Geek, platforms focused on improving operational efficiency for insurance agents through workflow design, automation, and AI-enabled tools. Brad began his career as an insurance agent and built his companies after experiencing firsthand the inefficiencies created by fragmented systems and legacy infrastructure. Today, he focuses on developing technology that simplifies quoting, lead management, and policy workflows while helping agents close more business. Connect with Brad:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcummins/ About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder & CEO of Madison Advisory AI, a strategic advisory firm focused on healthcare services, behavioral health, and emerging AI-enabled companies.With nearly two decades of experience as a healthcare investment banker, Amanda works with founders, executives, and organizations on strategy, capital raising, and the integration of AI into business operations.Through the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, she explores the intersection of technology, leadership, capital allocation, and human judgment. Learn more about Madison Advisory AI: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/Follow Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/

Episode SummaryTrust in finance is not built through marketing — it is built through education, transparency, and long-term responsibility. In this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson speaks with financial professional and financial literacy advocate Stephen Davenport about the fragile state of trust in finance and why financial literacy remains one of the most important foundations for long-term economic opportunity. Their conversation explores the societal implications of financial illiteracy, the growing influence of technology and media on financial decision-making, and the responsibility financial leaders have to support education and mentorship within their communities. Stephen shares insights from his work supporting financial literacy initiatives, mentoring students, and advocating for greater engagement from financial professionals in community education. The discussion also explores the difference between a shareholder mindset and a stakeholder mindset in finance, and why leadership in financial services must extend beyond markets to communities and future generations. The episode concludes with practical perspectives on personal responsibility, investing in human capital, and the role financial professionals can play in strengthening long-term trust in financial systems. Topics Discussed• Why trust in financial services remains fragile• Financial literacy as a form of economic infrastructure• The influence of technology and media on financial behavior• Mentorship and community engagement in financial leadership• Investing in human capital and long-term earning potential• Shareholder vs. stakeholder perspectives in finance About the GuestStephen Davenport, CFA is a financial professional and advocate for financial literacy and community education. Throughout his career, he has worked to expand access to financial education through mentorship, nonprofit initiatives, and community programs designed to help individuals better understand financial decision-making and long-term economic planning.Stephen has been actively involved in initiatives supporting financial literacy education for students and community groups and continues to advocate for greater leadership within the financial advisory profession to improve public understanding of financial systems. About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Madison Advisory AI, a boutique advisory platform focused on capital strategy and investor readiness for healthcare services, behavioral health organizations, and professional services firms.With nearly two decades of experience across more than 120 healthcare transactions, Amanda works at the intersection of disciplined advisory insight and intelligent execution.Learn more:https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/Follow Amanda:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/ Chapters00:00 Introduction: Why Trust in Finance Matters04:46 Financial Literacy as Economic Infrastructure10:01 Building Trust in Financial Services14:34 Technology, Media, and Financial Behavior19:30 Investing in Yourself and Human Capital24:40 Financial Crises and Industry Responsibility29:32 Stakeholder vs Shareholder Thinking34:38 Rapid-Fire Financial Takeaways

Show NotesIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson speaks with Dat Le, Founder and Managing Partner of Motta Financial, about what responsible AI implementation looks like inside a real operating firm. This conversation moves beyond automation hype and into execution. Dat shares how his firm built an internal AI platform, “Alfred,” to remove administrative friction, improve efficiency, and create space for higher-value client work — without sacrificing human judgment. Together, they explore:Why AI should enhance professionals, not replace themThe importance of maintaining trust at the decision pointHow generic AI advice can cause real-world harm without contextBuilding a culture that rewards “field goal attempts” and learningServant leadership in high-performance advisory environments One core theme emerges clearly:AI can accelerate analysis. But the decision must remain human. Key ThemesLeadership in technology-enabled environmentsAI implementation inside professional services firmsServant leadership and performance cultureTrust and nuance in financial decision-makingUsing automation to deepen client experienceMeasuring attempts, not just outcomes Notable Sound Bites“Maybe, we’ll see.”“Alfred isn’t a replacement. He’s a butler.”“AI can speed things up — but it’s not infallible.”“Never break trust with data accuracy.” About Dat LeDat Le is the Managing Partner of Motta Financial, a national CPA firm founded by former Big Four professionals serving underserved individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. A CPA with experience at Deloitte and across advisory and startup environments, Dat leads a firm built around capital efficiency, client trust, and technology-enabled execution. His team integrates AI-driven systems to improve performance and responsiveness — while preserving human judgment at the decision point.Connect with Dat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dat-le-cpa-589b451b/ About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is a healthcare investment banking leader and the Founder & CEO of Madison Advisory AI, a boutique advisory platform focused on capital strategy and investor readiness for healthcare services and behavioral health organizations. With nearly two decades of transaction and strategic advisory experience across 120+ healthcare deals, she also selectively partners with professional services firms navigating growth and capital formation. She works at the intersection of disciplined advisory insight and intelligent execution.Website: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/

Episode OverviewRural healthcare doesn’t operate on scale — it operates on access.In this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson sits down with Diane Moore, Chief Financial Officer of Mitchell County Hospital in West Texas, for a grounded conversation about leadership under constraint.Diane shares what it really means to operate a rural hospital in a town of 3,000 people serving an area of 11,000 — from staffing cliffs and provider shortages to behavioral health gaps and the structural mismatch in reimbursement models.They discuss:Why rural hospitals operate under fundamentally different economic physicsThe looming provider retirement cliffTelehealth as both lifeline and limitationThe strain of multiple EMR and systems transitionsRevenue cycle pressure and Medicare Advantage challengesHow low utilization breaks traditional reimbursement modelsWhere AI is already helping — and where accuracy matters mostAt the center of the conversation is one clear thesis:Rural hospitals aren’t about volume. They’re about access.And when a rural hospital closes, the entire community feels it. Key ThemesStaffing challenges beyond nursingInnovative recruitment and partnership strategiesBehavioral health access gapsFinancial sustainability under Medicare AdvantageThe economics of low utilizationAI as a practical teammate in reporting, claims analytics, and grant managementLeadership, innovation, collaboration, and heart Chapters00:00 – Why Rural Healthcare Operates Differently03:00 – Staffing Beyond Nursing & The Provider Cliff07:30 – Behavioral Health Gaps & Telehealth Tradeoffs11:30 – ER Perception and Patient Transfers14:30 – Technology Transitions Under Constraint17:30 – Revenue Cycle Pressure & Medicare Advantage21:00 – Low Utilization and the Reimbursement Mismatch24:30 – Where AI Is Actually Helping27:00 – Innovation, Collaboration, and Heart About the GuestDiane Moore is the Chief Financial Officer of Mitchell County Hospital in West Texas. She has spent her career operating inside rural and community hospitals across Texas and Arizona, serving in both CFO and CEO roles. Diane is deeply passionate about preserving access to care in rural communities and advocates for fair reimbursement models that reflect the true economics of rural healthcare delivery.Connect with Diane:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-moore-8a275617/ About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder of Madison Advisory AI and a former healthcare investment banker with nearly two decades of experience advising hospitals, health systems, behavioral health providers, and healthcare services organizations.Through Madison Advisory AI, Amanda works with founders, operators, and investors to bridge the gap between insight and execution — combining seasoned advisory judgment with intelligent, practical systems.Website: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/ Listen & SubscribeAvailable on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson sits down with Scott Becker — founder and publisher of Becker’s Healthcare and partner at McGuireWoods — for a thoughtful discussion on leadership judgment in an era of accelerating complexity. As margins tighten, AI advances, and healthcare systems grow in scale, leaders face increasing pressure to make high-stakes decisions with imperfect information. Rather than focusing on predictions or headlines, this conversation explores how experienced leaders think — and where judgment can sharpen or quietly erode. Scott shares insights from decades of observing healthcare executives, building businesses, and interviewing leaders across industries — from CEOs to public figures — and reflects on the discipline required to sustain success over time. In This Episode, We Discuss:Why healthcare leaders are shifting back toward execution and “blocking and tackling”How experience can create blind spots — and false confidenceThe difference between transformative leaders and scale operatorsWhy building “thrive-thrive” cultures matters more than individual brillianceAI as both a leadership accelerator and a potential crutchThe risk of losing deep thinking in a world of instant answersDecision-making discipline: making more right decisions than wrong — and doubling down on what works Key TakeawayGreat leadership is not about always being right. It’s about developing judgment — the rigor of thought, the willingness to test and adapt, and the discipline to think deeply even when speed and automation make it easier not to. About the GuestScott Becker is the founder and publisher of Becker’s Healthcare and a partner at McGuireWoods. Through Becker’s Healthcare, he has interviewed thousands of healthcare leaders and built one of the industry’s most influential media platforms. He is also the author of:Building Great Businesses: Create Momentum, Overcome Setbacks, Scale with Confidence📘 Pre-order the book on Amazon:https://a.co/d/09uFCkZM About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the founder of Madison Advisory AI and host of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast. She advises healthcare leaders and organizations on strategy, growth, and the responsible integration of AI into complex operating environments. With a background in healthcare investment banking and strategic advisory, Amanda focuses on the intersection of leadership, capital, and decision-making under pressure.🔗 Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/🌐 Learn more about Madison Advisory AI: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/ Subscribe & ShareIf you found this conversation valuable, please follow the Madison Advisory AI Podcast and share this episode with leaders navigating complexity in their own organizations.

SummaryArtificial intelligence is everywhere — in marketing platforms, accounting software, ad tools, dashboards, and productivity apps. But the real question isn’t whether AI exists. It’s whether it actually helps. In this episode, Amanda Verner Thompson sits down with entrepreneur Adam Cortez to unpack what AI can realistically do for business owners — and where it’s being oversold. From startup founders to growth-stage operators, Adam shares what he’s seeing across marketing and bookkeeping: where AI accelerates progress, where it wastes time, and whytools don’t replace clear thinking. If you’re a business owner trying to decide which AI tools are worth your time — and which are distractions — this conversation is for you. What We CoverWhy AI is a tool — not a strategyThe difference between “AI as a buzzword” and AI with a reasonWhere AI actually helps in marketing (and where it doesn’t)Why the bookkeeping industry feels nervous about automationTurning financial data into better decisionsThe risk of shiny-object syndrome for foundersWhy judgment, effort, and fundamentals still matter Key TakeawayAI can speed up execution.It cannot replace clarity.Business owners who win are not chasing every new tool — they’re focused on core strategy, strong fundamentals, and disciplined decision-making. Chapters00:00 – AI Without the Hype01:10 – From Startup to Operator: Adam’s Journey03:30 – Patterns Across Growth Stages05:00 – Where AI Actually Helps in Marketing09:00 – The Cost of Chasing AI Hype12:30 – AI in Bookkeeping: Fear vs. Opportunity16:40 – What AI Can’t Replace19:50 – Practical Use Cases That Pay22:45 – Stick to the CoreAbout the GuestAdam Cortez is an entrepreneur and operator working at the intersection of marketing, bookkeeping, and business systems for small and mid-sized companies.He has helped hundreds of business owners move from early traction to scalable operations, bringing a grounded, practical perspective to growth, automation, and financial clarity.🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcortez/ About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the founder of Madison Advisory AI.After nearly two decades advising healthcare operators, founders, and investors in investment banking and strategic advisory roles, Amanda launched Madison Advisory AI to explore how leaders build smarter systems, make better decisions, and apply intelligent tools without losing judgment. The Madison Advisory AI podcast brings together operators, founders, and advisors navigating the intersection of technology, leadership, and decision-making.🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandavernert🌐 Website: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/ KeywordsAI in business, Small business automation, AI for marketing, AI for bookkeeping, Business decision-making, Entrepreneurship, Financial insights, Technology strategy, Operational efficiency, Founder mindset

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson sits down with Kristin Tugman, an industrial-organizational psychologist and disability workforce expert, to unpack why disability is not simply a benefit or a claim—but a core workforce system.Kristin explains how disability, healthcare costs, productivity, and psychological safety are deeply interconnected, and why many organizations miss the biggest opportunity for impact: the “middle bucket” of employees who could return to work successfully with the right support. The conversation explores preventative mental health care, early warning signals like unscheduled absence, and how leaders can create psychologically safe environments that protect both people and performance—without losing the human touch. Key TakeawaysDisability should be viewed as a workforce system, not a line item.Psychological safety and prevention play a critical role in productivity and outcomes.The “middle bucket” of employees is where leaders can make the greatest difference.Early signals like unscheduled absence often point to deeper organizational issues.Technology can help—but human connection remains essential. Chapters00:00 – Disability as a Workforce System04:57 – Disability, Healthcare, and Productivity13:57 – Preventative Mental Health Care18:38 – The “Middle Bucket” of Employees25:19 – Return-to-Work Interventions30:57 – Psychological Safety in Practice38:51 – Technology, Trust, and Disability45:23 – Leadership Lessons50:26 – Looking Ahead About the GuestKristin Tugman Kristin Tugman is an industrial-organizational psychologist and founder of Tugman Consulting, with more than two decades of experience across disability insurance, workforce strategy, and organizational psychology, Kristin has worked with carriers, brokers, and employers to improve disability outcomes, reduce absence, and strengthen return-to-work programs. Her work blends research, behavioral science, and operational execution, with a strong focus on psychological safety and sustainable workforce performance.Learn MoreTugman Consulting: https://www.tugmanconsulting.com/Kristin Tugman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-tugman-phd-crc-lpc-lcpc-a21a7020/  About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the founder of Madison Advisory AI. She advises leaders at the intersection of strategy, judgment, and technology — helping organizations navigate complexity without losing the human systems that ultimately drive value.Learn MoreMadison Advisory AI: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/Amanda Verner Thompson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/ Keywordsdisability, workforce strategy, healthcare costs, psychological safety, employee wellbeing, leadership, mental health, return to work, preventative care, organizational culture

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, host Amanda Verner Thompson speaks with patient advocate and healthcare industry veteran Matt Toresco about what it truly means to be an empowered patient in today’s healthcare system. Matt shares his personal journey through 18 years of chronic pain, misdiagnoses, and unnecessary procedures—experiences that led him to patient advocacy and the creation of his EMPWRD framework. Together, Amanda and Matt explore how patients can better prepare for care, recruit support, and help direct their own treatment—without becoming medical experts. They also examine where AI and healthcare technology are already improving listening, helping patients ask better questions, and surfacing insights that traditional systems often miss. From patient-reported outcomes to transparency and trust, this episode offers practical guidance for patients, clinicians, and healthcare leaders alike. Key TakeawaysPatient advocacy plays a critical role in navigating today’s complex healthcare systemLived experience often reveals blind spots that dashboards and lagging indicators missThe EMPWRD framework simplifies patient self-advocacyPreparation is essential in a world of short clinical visits“Witnessing” the healthcare system helps patients understand incentives and constraintsRecruiting a care and support team is as important as treatmentPatients should feel empowered to help direct their own careAI can enhance education, preparation, and engagement when used transparentlyPatient-reported data is an underutilized asset in healthcareHealthcare leaders who prioritize the patient voice achieve better outcomes Guest BioMatt Toresco is a patient advocate and healthcare industry veteran with over two decades of experience across pharma, biotech, and healthcare services. After navigating 18 years of chronic pain as a patient himself, Matt shifted his focus to advocacy—helping patients understand their options, prepare for care, and navigate complex systems with confidence. He is the creator of the EMPWRD framework and is actively involved in advancing patient-centered education and policy initiatives.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matttoresco/Website: https://matttoresco.com/ Host BioAmanda Verner Thompson is the founder of Madison Advisory AI and host of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast. With nearly two decades of experience advising healthcare organizations at the intersection of strategy, finance, and technology, Amanda works with leadership teams to navigate complexity, apply AI thoughtfully, and make better decisions when the stakes are high. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/Website: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/ Keywords: patient advocacy, empowered patient, healthcare navigation, AI in healthcare, patient experience, chronic pain, patient-centered care, healthcare leadership, patient outcomes, healthcare technology, Madison Advisory AI

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Seth Miller, President and CEO of Oregon Parks Forever, joins host Amanda Verner Thompson for a grounded conversation on leadership, fundraising, and the practical use of AI in resource-constrained environments.Seth shares his path through multiple organizational turnarounds and how that experience shaped his approach to expanding Oregon Parks Forever’s mission statewide — across parks, forests, and agencies. The discussion explores what it takes to fund public-good institutions in an under-resourced system, including the realities of restricted versus unrestricted funding, the importance of warm introductions, and why relationships remain central to successful fundraising.The conversation also examines where technology — particularly AI — is genuinely helpful today. Seth explains how AI has reduced friction in grant writing and early drafts, helping teams move past the “blank page” while keeping judgment, mission, and accountability firmly in human hands.This episode offers a practical look at how nonprofit leaders can think clearly about growth, partnerships, and technology without losing sight of what actually drives impact. TakeawaysSeth Miller is energized by the challenge of organizational turnarounds.Oregon Parks Forever expanded its mission to include multiple park systems statewide.Programs like Track Trails encourage youth engagement with the outdoors.Parks across the country face significant funding and maintenance challenges.Warm introductions are critical to successful fundraising efforts.AI tools can reduce friction in grant writing and early drafts.Fractional roles can increase organizational efficiency and flexibility.Relationships remain at the core of sustainable partnerships.Recurring donations provide stability for nonprofit organizations. Guest BioSeth Miller is the President and CEO of Oregon Parks Forever, the nonprofit partner to Oregon’s state parks and forests. Known for leading organizational turnarounds, Seth brings a pragmatic, relationship-driven approach to fundraising, partnerships, and mission growth. Under his leadership, Oregon Parks Forever has expanded its scope and launched innovative programs focused on accessibility, youth engagement, and community connection to the outdoors. Learn more about Oregon Parks Forever:https://www.orparksforever.org/ Host BioAmanda Verner Thompson is the Founder of Madison Advisory AI and host of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast. She works with leadership teams to improve decision-making at the intersection of strategy, judgment, and emerging technology. With a background in investment banking and advisory work across healthcare and adjacent sectors, Amanda focuses on helping organizations apply AI intentionally — where it creates leverage, and where human systems still matter most. Learn more about Madison Advisory AI: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/Follow Amanda Verner Thompson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/ Keywords:leadership, change management, nonprofit, fundraising, technology, parks, Oregon, partnerships, AI, community engagement

SummaryIn this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson sits down with Teresa Eng, a seasoned technology and operations leader with more than three decades of experience across product development, high tech, banking, and insurance. Teresa shares what it actually looks like to lead digital and AI-driven transformation inside a small organization — where resources are limited, legacy habits run deep, and change is felt most acutely by people on the ground. Drawing from her work modernizing a 30-person insurance company, she explains why technology is often the easy part, and why culture, trust, and empathy ultimately determine whether transformation succeeds. The conversation explores how leaders can move from AI overwhelm to clarity, why starting with the real problem matters more than choosing tools, and how building a strong data foundation enables smarter decisions over time. Teresa also reflects on mentoring, giving back, and what leadership looks like in uncertain economic and technological moments. This episode is for leaders and operators who want practical, grounded insight — not hype — on how to navigate AI, change, and human behavior at the same time. TakeawaysAI adoption is as much a cultural challenge as a technical oneThe first step in any transformation is clearly defining the problem you’re trying to solveEmpathy isn’t a “soft skill” — it’s a core leadership capability during changeTechnology should free up human capacity, not simply automate workA strong data foundation is essential before AI can add real valueChange becomes easier when leaders help teams understand the opportunity cost of staying manualme About the GuestTeresa Eng is a business and technology leader with more than 35 years of experience spanning product development, high tech, and financial services. She currently leads technology and operations at Commercial One Insurance, a 30-person company in the commercial trucking space, where she oversees modernization, AI adoption, and cultural transformation. Teresa is known for her emphasis on empathy as a leadership tool and her belief that while technology constantly evolves, culture and human behavior ultimately determine whether change sticks.Connect with Teresa:https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-eng-0b74537 About the HostAmanda Verner Thompson is the founder of Madison Advisory AI, a firm positioned at the intersection of AI technology and seasoned advisory judgment. With nearly 20 years of experience as a healthcare investment banker, Amanda launched the Madison Advisory AI Podcast to explore how technology and AI intersect with real operations, real teams, and real human behavior — beyond the hype and buzzwords.Each episode features thoughtful leaders navigating complexity and making decisions in rapidly changing business environments. Learn more:https://www.madisonadvisory.ai  Key WordsAI leadership, digital transformation, empathy in leadership, change management, insurance operations, small business transformation, data foundations, human-centered technology

In this episode of the Madison Advisory AI Podcast, Amanda Verner Thompson sits down with Thomas Rush, a venture investor who has spent more than a decade working with 400+ startups through Consensus Mesh and as co-founder of Systemic Ventures.Thomas’s perspective is simple—and hard-earned: the product almost always changes, so early-stage investing is ultimately about people. In this conversation, they explore what separates founders who navigate pivots from those who stall out, why emotional intelligence is often underrated in founder evaluation, and how to distinguish between reversible and irreversible decisions when capital and runway are limited.They also discuss why distribution often matters more than raw technology, how to think about AI in regulated industries like healthcare, and what it really means to build something durable—and genuinely new—in a rapidly changing technology landscape.GuestThomas RushCo-Founder, Systemic VenturesVenture Investor, Consensus Mesh🌐 systemic.vc🐦 X / Twitter: @thomas_rush_ KeywordsAI, venture capital, cryptocurrency, startups, decision-making, privacy, information security, tech innovation, founder characteristics, economic development, founder psychology, leadership

SummaryIn this episode, Amanda Verner Thompson sits down with Andy Turner, founder of Turner Financial, to explore what trusted advisory really means in an AI-driven world. Andy shares why he recently aligned part of his business with a larger platform—not for convenience, but to scale education, deepen mentorship, and stay true to a client-first philosophy. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains why product-first thinking continues to fall short, how advisors can step off the “conveyor belt,” and why holistic, tax-aware planning matters more than ever. The conversation also revisits hard lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, introduces Andy’s concept of the “Goldilocks zone” leading into retirement, and examines where technology and AI can genuinely help advisors—without replacing human judgment. This episode is a candid look at how trust, education, and thoughtful decision-making create long-term value in moments that matter most. TakeawaysWhy trust and education—not products—are the foundation of effective advisory How advisors can move from transactional thinking to holistic planningThe “Goldilocks zone” before retirement and why timing mattersLessons from 2008 that still shape risk and planning decisions todayHow AI can amplify advisory work without replacing human judgment Chapters00:00 — A career inflection point and why now06:35 — From product-first to holistic planning13:02 — The “Goldilocks zone” before retirement18:14 — Lessons from 2008 and managing risk at the wrong time27:15 — Vetting a transition and staying true to core values Turner Financial Contactwww.peakprofinanicial.comwww.turnerfinancial.bizhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-turner-415ab92/ Learn more about Madison Advisory AI:https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/