AP Leadership Podcast

In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute, for a candid conversation on what separates effective leaders from ineffective ones.Alan shares why professional insecurity can become one of the most toxic leadership traits, how leaders can build greater self-awareness, and why surrounding yourself with strong people is one of the greatest keys to success.We also discuss:Why trust must be built before hard decisions comeHow servant leadership works in practiceThe power of the first team mindsetWhy authenticity matters more than having all the answersHow healthy cultures are built under pressureA thoughtful conversation with practical wisdom for leaders in healthcare and beyond.#Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #ServantLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #Culture #Trust

Leadership is hard. And in healthcare—it matters even more.In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Mark Nantz, President & CEO of Valley Health, to talk about what truly defines impactful leadership.Mark shares lessons from three leaders who shaped his career, why connection to purpose matters more than credentials, and how authenticity builds trust—especially in times of uncertainty.We also dive into the role of transparency and vulnerability in leadership, including how leaders navigate difficult decisions while maintaining credibility and alignment.This is a conversation about what it really means to lead—with purpose, clarity, and conviction.👇 Full episode also available on YouTube#Leadership #HealthcareLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #OrganizationalCulture #Trust

Leadership is easy to talk about—but much harder to live, especially under pressure.In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Carlos Scholz, CEO of Catalysis, to explore why leaders fail, what separates those who succeed, and what servant leadership actually looks like in practice.We discuss:Why leadership often breaks down under pressureThe shift from control to empowermentThe role of psychological safety in driving improvementWhat it really means to lead with purpose and serve othersWhy principles matter most when the stakes are highestIf you’re a leader navigating complexity, change, or uncertainty—this conversation is for you.#Leadership #ServantLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #LeanLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, Al Pilong sits down with Laura Glenn, Chief Operating Officer of Munson Healthcare, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, resilience, and authenticity.Laura shares the leadership book that had the greatest impact on her early career, reflects on the importance of using your voice and setting boundaries, and discusses how leaders can create environments where innovation, transparency, and learning from failure are possible.Together, Al and Laura explore what it means to lead with vulnerability, how to navigate difficult decisions without pretending to have all the answers, and why building a safe, trusting culture starts at the top.Laura closes with a powerful reminder for anyone serving in healthcare: the work is demanding, but it is also a profound privilege.

In this episode #4 of the AP Leadership Podcast, Al Pilong sits down with Dr. Kevin Omilusik to explore success and failure in leadership.They discuss the discipline of listening, why leaders don’t need to have all the answers, and how trust accelerates performance. Drawing from The Speed of Trust and unexpected lessons from the movies, this conversation offers practical insight for leaders navigating complex healthcare environments.Leadership is a team sport — and trust is the foundation.

In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, Al Pilong sits down with Kent Riddle, President & CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, to explore what makes leadership succeed — and why it so often fails.Kent shares his deeply personal journey into healthcare leadership after his wife survived a traumatic brain injury and received life-changing rehabilitation care. What began as board service turned into 15 years of CEO leadership — and sustained double-digit growth built on culture.In this conversation, we discuss:• Common leadership failures — including narcissism and ego• The importance of psychological safety• Why leaders must expect more from their teams• Servant leadership in practice• Why culture drives performance and financial strength• Favorite leadership thinkers including John Maxwell and Simon SinekMary Free Bed has grown 10% annually for over a decade — not by leading with finance, but by leading with mission.If you’re a healthcare executive, organizational leader, or aspiring CEO, this episode offers practical insight and grounded wisdom.Subscribe for more leadership conversations.

In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast, host Al Pilong sits down with Ed Ness, President & CEO of Munson Healthcare, for a thoughtful and personal conversation on leadership, authenticity, and accountability.Al and Ed reflect on their years working together and explore what it takes to lead effectively over time — especially in complex, high-pressure environments like healthcare and mission-driven organizations.They discuss:Why authentic leadership matters more than adopting a leadership “style”How leaders can balance empathy with accountabilityThe importance of culture fit for long-term leadership successWhy holding people accountable is one of the hardest — and most important — responsibilities of leadershipHow leaders can empower others without needing to be the smartest person in the roomThe conversation also takes a fun and practical turn as they explore leadership lessons from Ted Lasso, including curiosity over judgment, humility without weakness, and empowering people to grow into their potential.This episode is for leaders who want to lead with integrity, build strong cultures, and develop people in a way that creates lasting impact.🎙️ About the show:The AP Leadership Podcast features conversations with leaders about what it takes to lead well — especially when leadership is hard and leadership matters.#Leadership#ExecutiveLeadership#AuthenticLeadership#Accountability#HealthcareLeadership#ExecutiveCoaching#TedLassoLeadership#AlPilong#APLeadershipPodcast

In this episode we discussed the following topics:Most important Qualities for a leader Why leaders fail Why leaders succeedThe most common challenges you have worked on with leadersMost important leadership advice you’ve received or that you followHow bravery and confidence play into good leadership? AP Leadership Podcast is a series of conversations with leaders on leading hosted by Al Pilong, CEO of AP Leadership Partners, an executive coaching practice that supports leaders in finding solutions for the myriads of challenges they face every day. We hope you find fresh inspiration and ideas to propel you forward in your leadership journey. Thanks for listening! We are fortunate to be sponsored by CxO Coaching, where I also serve as a coach and advisor. CxO Coaching is focused on empowering leaders and driving results with expertly matched C-level executives, coaching high-powered leaders. 🔸 Follow AP Leadership Partners: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ap-leadership-partners/ 🔸 Learn more about CxO Coaching and book your free consultation: https://www.cxocoaching.io/ 🔸 Follow CxO Coaching on Socials: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxocoaching/ Instagram: Instagram X: https://x.com/CXOcoaching #APLeadershipPodcast #APLeadershipPartners #CxOCoaching #Leadership #Podcast #Leading #Insights #Coaching #LeadershipAdvice #BusinessInsights