The Practice Leader Podcast

Most practice leaders end up wearing too many hats—not because they want to, but because the system around them makes it unavoidable.  In this episode, Paul and Zed sit down with ENT physician and CEO of Physicians Angels, Dr. Afser Shariff, who shares how to build smarter systems, delegate effectively, and use AI and external teams to free yourself from the daily grind. Learn what leadership can actually look like when you finally stop doing everything yourself. Physicians Angels: https://physiciansangels.com/ Learn about ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/

Most practices underestimate the power of follow-up. In this episode, Zed and Paul sit down with James Benson, founder of QM2 Solutions and a former ENT practice administrator, to uncover why consistent patient re-engagement isn't just good service — it's a major growth driver. James shares insights from 25 years in the ENT space, revealing how many practices unintentionally lose patients simply because they don't reach back out. If your practice is stuck chasing new patients while missing opportunities with the ones you've already helped, this episode will change how you think about follow-up — and the opportunity it represents. QM2 Solutions: https://www.qm2solutions.com/  ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/   

Recruiting and retaining audiologists is one of the biggest challenges ENT practices face today—and the opportunity cost of being understaffed is steep. In this episode of the Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed sit down with Drew Franklin of Albany ENT and Carlo Sanchez of the American Institute of Balance to discuss how their organizations are tackling this issue head-on. Tune in to learn how remote audiology is reshaping patient access, improving scheduling, and preventing lost revenue, while also easing the strain on existing staff. Connect with Drew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewfranklin123/  Connect with Carlo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-s-a1430251/ Learn about ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/

In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Zed and Paul sit down with Andrew DeMuth, founder of Leading Blue, to explore what it really takes to bring out the best in your people.  Too often, physicians and administrators are promoted into leadership roles without the training or tools needed to succeed. From onboarding with excellence to multiplying team contributions, this conversation offers practice leaders practical insights into how to align staff, build trust, and unlock the full potential of their teams. Learn about Leading Blue: https://leadingblue.com/  Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter: https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/  ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/ 

Audiologists are one of the most valuable — and most overburdened — roles in an ENT practice.  In this episode, David Jastrzebski of Topple Diagnostics joins us at the ASCENT Conference to share how practices can stop wasting 90-minute blocks on low-value vestibular testing, reduce costly no-shows, and reallocate staff time toward higher-revenue services.  You'll learn how smart outsourcing can help you reclaim lost time and unlock new revenue in your audiology department. Learn about Topple DX: https://www.toppledx.com/  ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/   

In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Zed and Paul talk with Dr. David Canes, founder of WellPrept, about a simple but powerful shift in how practices prepare patients for their visits. Instead of relying on rushed, repetitive explanations during face-to-face time, Dr. Canes shares how pre-educating patients with curated content creates more meaningful conversations, improves patient trust, and reduces burnout. By eliminating knowledge gaps, practices can deliver consistent patient communication, reduce frustration, and strengthen operational efficiency. If you want every visit to be smoother, more productive, and more consistent, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-canes-ba19a951/  Learn about WellPrept: https://www.wellprept.com/ Learn about ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/

For many practice administrators, acquisition details often stay behind closed doors. In this episode, we sit down with Nick Hernandez, founder and CEO of ABISA and former administrator himself, to break down what happens during a practice sale and what timelines, decisions, and dynamics administrators should understand well in advance. You'll walk away with clarity on how to recognize early signals, start the right conversations, and confidently step into a strategic role—whether or not the topic of acquisition is already on the table. This episode is designed for administrators who want to be proactive, informed, and ready to lead through whatever comes next. Powered by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com Check out Nick's upcoming session at the ASCENT conference: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hernandez-6b061110/

As a practice administrator, your title gives you authority—but true leadership takes more than a job description. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed talk with Meredith Hirsh, CEO of the Hirsh Center and host of the podcast Working Healthcare, about the difference between the authority you're given and the power you earn. Meredith shares practical strategies for: Building influence that inspires your team to work toward a common goal Delegating effectively without losing control Avoiding micromanagement and bureaucracy traps Check out the upcoming ASCENT Meeting: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda  Connect with Meredith: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithfhirsh/  Website: https://www.meredithhirsh.com/

Poor communication is more than a workplace annoyance—it can jeopardize patient safety, slow down revenue, and create daily frustration for your team. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed talk with Jennifer McNamara, CEO of Healthcare Inspired, about practical ways practice administrators can close communication gaps and build stronger connections across departments. You'll learn how to: Identify where communication breakdowns happen—and why they keep recurring Foster collaboration between physicians, coders, billers, and front desk staff Prevent costly mistakes caused by assumptions and missing information Check out the upcoming ASCENT Meeting: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda  Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcnamara-49364586/ Jennifer's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Connected-Effective-Communication-Healthcare/dp/B0DG8KFZWL   

Culture isn't just a buzzword—it's the invisible force shaping every interaction in your practice. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed sit down with Natalie Johnson, an expert in optimizing organizational performance, to explore how practice administrators can intentionally shape a healthy, connected culture. You'll learn how to: Spot and address "accidental culture" that's hurting performance Set group norms that guide behavior without endless policies Reduce workplace friction by assuming positive intent Whether you're facing gossip, disengagement, or constant firefighting, this episode gives you practical strategies to turn culture into one of your biggest assets. Powered by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com Check out the upcoming ASCENT Meeting: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda  Connect with Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-johnson-ms-636a407/ 

AI is everywhere—but that doesn't mean every AI tool is worth your time.  In this episode, Paul and Zed talk with Joe Goldstein, founder of OCS IT about where AI can truly make a difference in your medical practice. From automating repeatable tasks to making smarter vendor decisions, Joe shares practical insights on how practice administrators can cut costs and free up time—without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're just getting started or cautiously exploring options, this conversation will help you pinpoint real opportunities to leverage AI in ways that matter. Powered by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com Check out Joe's upcoming Bootcamp at the ASCENT conference: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda  Connect with Joe Goldstein:  https://www.ocsit.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegoldstein/

If it feels like the weight of your practice is on your shoulders, you're not alone, but you might be leading the hard way.  In this episode, Zed and Paul talk with Jim Fedio, Director of Professional Development at Fuel Medical, about the shift top leaders are making to build real buy-in without burning out. You'll hear why traditional leadership is failing in today's workforce, how to invite your team into the process (without losing control), and the subtle mindset changes that can free you from having to do it all yourself. Brought to you by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/ Connect with Jim Fedio: https://fuelmedical.com/

What happens when you're tasked with leading a clinical team, but you don't have clinical credentials yourself?  In this episode, Zed and Paul are joined by Kirk Hughs, Operations Director at University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, to unpack the hard-earned lessons that non-clinical leaders need to succeed in a clinical world. From navigating resistance to earning trust and aligning through empathy, Kirk shares practical strategies (and a few battle scars) for how to lead with influence, not authority. If you've ever felt like your title wasn't enough to gain buy-in, this one's for you. Brought to you by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/ Connect with Kirk Hughs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-hughs/

You don't become a great leader by having all the answers. You become one by being open to the right influences.  In this episode, Zed and Paul unpack the often overlooked truth about leadership growth: it starts with accepting guidance. Whether it's mentorship you seek or wisdom you absorb simply by being in the room, becoming a better leader requires proximity, humility, and the willingness to admit that you still have things to learn. If you've ever felt like you don't quite belong in the leadership seat yet, this conversation is for you. Brought to you by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/  Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulyrichards/  Connect with Zed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zedwilliamson/

Hosted by Paul Richards, President of ASCENT and Director of Otolaryngology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, and Zed Williamson, Founder and CEO of Physician Growth Accelerator, The Practice Leader Podcast is designed for one audience: the medical practice administrator who wants to lead better, grow stronger, and stop feeling like they're on an island.   In each episode, Paul and Zed bring candid conversation, real-world experience, and battle-tested strategies to the frontlines of practice management. Whether it's navigating physician relationships, improving operational efficiency, or learning how to present data that drives change, this show delivers the insights and community you didn't know you were missing.   If you've ever felt like the only one putting out fires or wondered if there's a better way to lead your team and grow your practice, you are in the right place.   You're not alone. You're just one episode away from your next breakthrough.