Lead Well MD: Transforming Healthcare Through Effective Clinician Leadership

What happens when doing everything “right” still leaves you feeling stuck, exhausted, and disconnected from the work you once loved?In this honest and deeply human conversation, Dr. Ben Reinking - a pediatric cardiologist, educator, and founder of "The Developing Doctor", a physician coaching practice - shares a story many clinicians may recognize. From the outside, his career was thriving. But beneath the surface, the strategy that had always worked when things were tough - keeping his head down and working harder - was no longer sustainable.Dr. Reinking describes his realization that something wasn’t right, the burnout he didn’t initially recognize, and the cultural conditioning in medicine that keeps clinicians pushing forward instead of pausing. Through coaching, he began to look inward - and what he found changed not just how he worked, but how he led and lived. From learning to say no, to asking better questions, to embracing vulnerability, Dr. Reinking shows how small, often resisted shifts can create meaningful change. More than anything, this conversation offers permission - to question, to recalibrate, and to believe there are more options than we’ve been trained to see.This episode is a powerful reminder that continuing to develop ourselves as humans, not just clinicians, is essential.Send us Fan Mail

The transition from practicing physician to system leader looks smooth from the outside. Internally, it’s often much more complicated.In this episode, Ashley Wendel talks with Dr. Rob Nordgren, Divisional Chief Medical Officer at Sutter Health, about what physicians have to learn as they move from bedside expertise into broader organizational leadership. They discuss the identity shift that comes with leadership, the role of trust and emotional intelligence, how to navigate resistance and change, and why courageous conversations matter so much in complex systems.This is a grounded, honest conversation about what leadership really asks of physicians now - not just expertise, but influence, self-awareness, and the ability to bring people with you.Send us Fan Mail

Episode Summary (succinct, with key highlights)In this episode, Ashley sits down with Dr. Erica Kreismann - emergency medicine physician turned executive coach - to explore what it means to be a woman and clinician leader in today’s healthcare landscape. Erica shares her own formative journey, from training in New York City during 9/11 to making a radical “pattern interrupt” move to Tasmania, and how those experiences reshaped her understanding of purpose, contribution, and sustainable leadership.Together, they unpack why so many high-performing women in healthcare feel hollow or stuck - not because they’re failing, but because they’ve outgrown the unspoken rules they were taught: be nice, be liked, don’t disappoint, and “if not me, who?” Erica names the invisible weight of emotional labor, the mental load, and the structural realities of medical training that still aren’t designed for women’s lives. The conversation reframes resilience as a shared responsibility - part individual self-awareness and compassion, and part organizational systems that reduce moral injury and create conditions where clinicians can thrive.Key highlights include practical pathways for change: Using curiosity (especially self-curiosity) to identify the narratives we’ve carriedRecognizing how old stories once protected us but now hold us back Building a mindfulness practice that supports presence over performance.This conversation is a powerful invitation for women leaders - and those who care about women leaders - to give yourself permission to disappoint others, take up space, and lead from a more authentic, sustainable truth.Send us Fan Mail

What if leadership felt less like carrying all the answers - and more like creating the conditions for others to think and act well together?In this episode, Ashley Wendel is joined by Dr. Richard Winters, a practicing emergency medicine physician, Director of Leadership Development for the Mayo Clinic Care Network, ICF-certified coach, and author of You’re the Leader, Now What?, for a grounded, honest conversation about what clinician leadership really asks of us.Together, they explore why leadership can feel so destabilizing for clinicians and how practical frameworks, coaching skills, and facilitation can make the work both more humane and more effective.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why the shift from expert → facilitator is one of the hardest (and most important) transitions for clinician leadersHow leadership struggles are normal, not a personal failure—and why naming that mattersThe difference between technical problems and adaptive leadership challenges where no one has the “right” answerHow to build shared reality before rushing to solutions - and why knowing the answer can actually get in the wayWhy emotional intelligence alone isn’t enough - and how effective leaders balance connection and resultsCoaching as a core leadership competency, not a remedial tool or “extra” taskWhy leadership development must lead to real behavior change, not just completed coursesIf you’re a clinician carrying pressure to have all the answers, this episode offers relief, clarity, and practical ways to lead with more intention - without losing yourself in the process.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Beeson and I dive deep into what it truly takes to build, and sustain, a culture of excellence in healthcare.Drawing from his experience leading transformation at Sharp Healthcare and founding Practicing Excellence, Steve shares why identity-based change is far more powerful than behavior correction alone, and why clinician engagement is the single most important predictor of successful transformation.We explore:How and why Steve began his journey in human development in healthcare by founding Practicing ExcellenceWhy healthcare cultures struggle with massive behavioral varianceHow clear identity creates consistency without stripping individualityThe essential pillars of a culture of excellence: declared intent, measurement, human development, and accountabilityWhy leadership development is often the first thing cut - and the most costly lossThe role of vulnerability, authenticity, and coaching in effective leadershipHow scalable, continuous human development changes outcomesWhat future leaders must learn to thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare environmentThis conversation is both strategic and deeply human, grounded in evidence, shaped by real-world leadership challenges, and rooted in the belief that healthcare can be better for patients and for the people who serve them.If you care about culture, leadership, clinician well-being, and meaningful change, this episode is an invitation to think differently, and lead more intentionally.Send us Fan Mail

ER physician–turned–healthcare leader Dr. Tony Briningstool joins Lead Well MD to unpack how trust is built when seconds matter - and what the HBO series “The Pitt” gets right about life in the trauma bay. From first-contact behaviors that create instant patient trust to the moment-to-moment cues that make teams feel psychologically safe, Dr. Briningstool breaks down the leader habits that steady a room under pressure: consistency, clear modeling, and calibrated vulnerability. We explore “trust at speed,” co-regulation vs. self-regulation, and how to read (and repair) the nonverbal signals that stall performance. Dr. Briningstool also shares lessons from his journey from ER doc to CEO of Emergency Medicine at Sound Physicians - including lessons learned while playing college football at Michigan State under George Perles and Nick Saban - and why focusing on the process of excellence reliably delivers the outcome.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Lead Well MD, host Ashley Wendel talks with Dr. Sergio Zanotti, Chief Medical Officer for Critical Care at Sound Physicians and host of the podcast Critical Matters, about what it takes to build what he calls a “Fearless ICU.” Drawing on decades in critical care leadership, Dr. Zanotti shares why psychological safety is the single most important factor in high-performing ICU teams - and why it’s not about being “soft,” but about creating an environment where people can speak up, learn from mistakes, and still be held accountable to the highest standards.The conversation explores how psychological safety impacts patient outcomes, team performance, and clinician well-being; the quiet cues that signal whether a team feels safe; and practical leadership actions that foster trust, inclusion, and learning in high-stakes environments. From COVID-era lessons to everyday ICU rounds, Dr. Zanotti offers both strategic insights and tactical tips - like inviting the quietest voice in the room to contribute - that any clinical leader can apply immediately.Whether you lead an ICU, a clinic, or a cross-functional team, this episode will challenge how you think about authority, vulnerability, and the real cost of silence in healthcare.Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode of Lead Well MD, we step outside of medicine and into the world of military leadership — but stay firmly rooted in what matters most: building trust in high-stakes, high-pressure environments.Ashley is joined by Colonel Randall Wickman, a retired U.S. Army Infantry Officer, combat-wounded veteran, and former Pentagon leader who now works in healthcare leadership development. With nearly 30 years of active duty, Colonel Wickman has led soldiers in some of the most intense environments on earth -  and he brings battle-tested wisdom directly to clinician leaders navigating the chaos and responsibility of modern healthcare.Together, they explore:Why trust is everything when the stakes are highA three-part framework for trust: competence, character, and reciprocityHow quiet teams - not loud ones  - are often the ones in crisisHow structured reflection builds accountability and prevents blameWhat it means to truly earn the title of "leader" - in the OR, on the floor, or in combatIf you’re a physician leader navigating burnout, team dysfunction, or the isolation of responsibility, this conversation will change how you think about trust - and how you build it.Send us Fan Mail

How does a clinician leader balance being professional with being an authentic, vulnerable leader that builds trust? In this episode of Lead Well MD, we sit down with Dr. Greg Johnson, the System Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, to talk about just that. In our conversation we discuss this delicate balance between being real and being professional and offer strategies for how leaders can build trust and connection by being their authentic selves ... without crossing the line into oversharing.We dive into how vulnerability can be a strength in healthcare leadership, and share some practical guideposts for those navigating this complex space. Dr. Johnson offers insights from his career and personal experiences, emphasizing the value of human connection in achieving better outcomes for teams and patients alike. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into leadership, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you show up for your team.Send us Fan Mail

In healthcare today, change is constant—and emotional fatigue is real. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Karen Weiner to explore what it really takes to lead when clinicians are stretched thin, burned out, and wondering if the work is still sustainable.Karen shares hard-earned lessons from her journey—from primary care pediatrician to CEO of a large medical group—leading through organizational transformation, a Fortune 6 acquisition, and the unprecedented pressures of the pandemic.We talk about:Why resistance to change often hides fear, not defianceThe deep link between burnout, moral injury, and autonomy How opting into leadership can restore meaning and agency Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness Practical ways to build trust and resilience in your teamsIf you’re leading change, navigating tough seasons, or wondering how to stay grounded while doing this important work—this conversation is for you.Send us Fan Mail

In this open and candid conversation, Dr. Holly Beeman shares her evolution from being a hands-on problem-solver to becoming a more empowering and emotionally intelligent leader. Drawing from her journey as an OBGYN turned senior healthcare executive, Dr. Beeman reflects on early leadership missteps, the role of vulnerability in building trust, and how creating psychological safety can transform team culture and performance.We talk about the temptation to "fix" things as a leader, how to lean into humility and curiosity instead, and what it truly means to create space for others to shine. Dr. Beeman also shares practical, hard-earned insights—from owning tough decisions to building inclusive teams—and why expressing accountability might just be the most powerful leadership move of all.Whether you're a physician leader or supporting clinical teams, this episode is a masterclass in leadership growth, self-awareness, and creating a culture where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.Send us Fan Mail

Healthcare is facing a crisis—not just of resources, but of culture. Burnout, disengagement, and top-down leadership structures are leaving clinicians feeling disconnected from their purpose. But what if we could reimagine healthcare leadership as something radically different?In this episode of LeadWellMD, I sit down with Dr. Apurv Gupta, a physician leader, consultant, and founder of the Loving Organization Consortium, to explore how trust, compassion, and human connection can transform the way we lead in healthcare.We discuss:Why traditional leadership models in healthcare aren’t working—and what needs to changeThe concept of a “Loving Organization” and how it creates a thriving workplaceHow clinician leaders can cultivate trust, connection, and purpose within their teamsPractical strategies to move beyond burnout culture and build leadership with meaning.Dr. Gupta challenges the traditional, hierarchical leadership models in medicine, advocating for a new paradigm—one that prioritizes relationships over rigid structures. If you’re a clinician, leader, or changemaker looking for fresh ideas on how to create meaningful, human-centered leadership, this episode is for you.Send us Fan Mail

In the debut episode of LeadWellMD, we discuss the importance of emotionally intelligent clinician leadership. Drawing on her 17 years of experience as a physician leadership coach and consultant, Ashley Wendel, MA, narrates three stories to illustrate the impact of these core relational skills in leadership.  She examines how leaders can either excel by cultivating these skills, or be derailed by their absence. She emphasizes that leadership growth requires intentionality, effort, and a commitment to confronting challenges. Future episodes will further explore the role of emotional intelligence in clinician leadership with insights from esteemed guests across healthcare, offering practical strategies and inspiring stories to empower leaders at every level. Send us Fan Mail