3 Business Skills Public Health School NEVER Taught You

Register for the Business of Public Health Summit [Atlanta Ga - April 10th, 2026!]In this podcast episode Dr. Desiree “Dr. Des” Strickland was joined by Dr. Brittny Wells (Doc Bee), public health strategist and founder, for an honest discussion about the business skills public health school never taught—but that professionals need to succeed today. Together, they unpacked a hard truth: most public health programs are designed to prepare students for traditional employment pathways, not entrepreneurship, consulting, or ownership. Even newer programs rarely center business development, leaving a gap between technical expertise and financial sustainability. In today’s political and economic climate—where even highly decorated and experienced professionals are being passed over for competitive federal and state roles—that gap has become more visible and more urgent.Dr. Des and Doc Bee walked through three core skills that can close that gap: sales, positioning, and systems. They reframed sales as relationship-building rooted in trust, not persuasion, and emphasized that public health professionals already possess many of the foundational skills required—they simply need to learn how to articulate and demonstrate value. The conversation challenged attendees to think about the difference between being capable and being known, encouraging them to turn academic assignments into work samples and to use their voice strategically, both online and in rooms that matter. They also discussed the importance of systems and operations in protecting time, scaling impact, and moving from reactive work to sustainable business practices. The episode concluded by tying these themes to the upcoming summit, where experienced consultants, founders, and public health leaders will teach participants how to operationalize these skills in practical, actionable ways.5 Key TakeawaysPublic health programs train employees—not business owners. Without business skill development, even highly qualified professionals can struggle to create stable, well-compensated careers.Sales is about explaining value through trust. Relationship-based sales aligns naturally with public health because the field is already grounded in credibility, integrity, and community trust.Positioning shapes opportunity. Being capable is not the same as being visible. How you describe your work determines whether decision-makers see you as an expert or just another applicant.Your training can become your portfolio. Projects, evaluations, and academic assignments can be reframed as work samples that demonstrate readiness for consulting or contract work.Systems create sustainability. Structured processes and operational clarity allow you to move beyond a one-person hustle and build a business—or career—that protects your time and energy.https://www.drdesshow.com/https://www.publichealthclub.com/