Growthwell With Josh Byrd

Empathy & Innovation in Leadership with Nadine Hauf | Ep. 26 | Growthwell with Josh Byrd

Healthcare leaders today face an evolving challenge: navigating an increasingly complex system while ensuring patients and employees receive the support they need. With rising costs, regulatory shifts, and an urgent demand for personalized care, leaders must adopt both innovative strategies and human-centered approaches. Research has found that empathetic leaders are more likely to have employees who are innovative and engaged in their work. But how do executives integrate these values into their daily work, and what lessons can they share with the next generation of leaders? That’s the question at the heart of this episode of Growthwell, where host Josh Byrd sits down with Nadine Hauf, Vice President of Premier Advocacy Operations at UnitedHealthcare. In this conversation, they explore how empathetic leaders drive innovation and personal well-being, diving into the habits and mindset shifts that have helped Nadine build a thriving career while maintaining balance in her personal life. Key takeaways from the episode… Empathy as a Leadership Tool: Nadine shares how fostering genuine human connections has been instrumental in building a healthcare model that truly supports patients and employees alike. The Power of Innovation in Healthcare: By leading concierge-style advocacy models for corporate clients, Nadine has helped change how over 1.2 million members engage with their healthcare. Balancing Professional Growth and Personal Well-being: From early morning workouts to mentorship, Nadine explains how she stays energized and focused while managing a high-impact career. Nadine Hauf is a healthcare operations executive with extensive experience in leading advocacy and clinical teams to improve patient navigation and drive medical trend reduction. As Vice President of Premier Advocacy Operations at UnitedHealthcare, she oversees concierge healthcare solutions for National Account Clients, ensuring streamlined coordination between call centers, clinical services, and behavioral health teams. With leadership roles at Aetna, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare, she specializes in developing innovative healthcare models that enhance member satisfaction, reduce complexity, and optimize client strategies.

Freedom in Saying NO with Matt Brost | Ep. 25 | Growthwell with Josh Byrd

In an era where busyness is often equated with success, the ability to say “no” can spell the difference between burnout and well-being. Studies on workplace well-being suggest that overcommitment and a lack of boundaries can contribute to stress and burnout. As work and personal life increasingly overlap, finding a balance is more important than ever. But how do we confidently say no to opportunities, obligations, or even social invitations without guilt? How do we ensure that our choices align with our personal and professional priorities? Enter Growthwell, the podcast dedicated to exploring the balance between professional success and personal well-being. In the latest episode, host Josh Byrd sits down with Matt Brost, Vice President at Marsh McLennan Agency and host of Excellence Culture, to discuss the freedom that comes with setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters. Key takeaways from the episode: Saying no is about prioritization. Brost shares his experience of making tough but necessary decisions to spend more time with family, ultimately deepening his relationships. Intentionality fuels both personal and professional growth. Whether in business or life, choosing fewer commitments with greater depth yields stronger results and deeper fulfillment. Navigating societal pushback. Brost discusses the challenges of going against the cultural norm of saying “yes” to everything and how standing firm in personal values leads to greater clarity and peace. Matt Brost, the Vice President at Marsh McLennan Agency, specializes in employee benefits strategy and human capital consulting. With over a decade of experience in benefits optimization, risk management, and employee engagement, he has worked with organizations to navigate challenges such as rising healthcare costs and workplace retention. As the host of Excellence Culture, he explores leadership, resilience, and personal development, drawing from his diverse background, including his time as a professional golfer.

Ironman Mindset for Success with Kathryn O’Day | Ep. 24 | Growthwell with Josh Byrd

Balancing high performance in business, family, and fitness is no small feat, but Kathryn O’Day makes it look effortless. As a seven-time Ironman finisher and a venture capitalist, her approach to goal-setting and resilience offers valuable lessons for professionals looking to push their limits. After all, Ironman is one of the most challenging single-day endurance competitions in the world, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon run. How do the principles of endurance sports translate to building a successful career and a fulfilling life? In this episode of Growthwell, host Josh Byrd sits down with Kathryn O’Day, Partner at Atlanta Ventures and former startup COO, to explore how the Ironman mindset fuels success in business and life. They dive into the discipline, goal-setting, and work-life balance strategies that allow Kathryn to thrive in multiple demanding roles. Key takeaways from the conversation: The Power of Goal-Setting – Why having a clear target, whether in athletics or business, is the foundation of sustained motivation. Time Management for High Performers – How Kathryn structures her day with time blocking, a three-item to-do list, and early morning workouts to maximize productivity. Building Mental Resilience – The role of coaching, self-reflection, and listening to personal energy levels in sustaining long-term success. Kathryn O’Day is a Partner at Atlanta Ventures, leveraging over 15 years of startup leadership experience, including multiple acquisitions and a $100M exit. As a former startup COO turned venture capitalist, she specializes in scaling operations, customer success, and fostering strong company cultures. A seven-time Ironman finisher, she applies endurance sports principles to leadership, helping entrepreneurs build resilient, high-growth businesses.

Turn Pain into Purpose with Tiran Jackson | Ep. 23 | Growthwell with Josh Byrd

How do you navigate the unthinkable and find your way forward? Tiran Jackson’s story is a testament to the human capacity for growth through adversity. His journey of resilience, after an unimaginable loss and trauma, exemplifies what it means to turn pain into purpose. What does it take to bounce back when life shatters into pieces? How do we reshape what remains instead of holding onto what’s lost? In this episode of Growthwell, host Josh Byrd sits down with resilience expert and inspirational speaker Tiran Jackson. They explore Tiran’s journey from being a successful engineer to finding a higher purpose in life after a tragic accident that claimed his wife and left him a permanent amputee. Together, they discuss the mindset, habits, and courage it takes to rebuild after loss and how resilience isn't just recovery but transformation. Key takeaways from the conversation: Resilience Redefined: Resilience isn't about regaining what was lost but reshaping what remains. This profound mindset shift can empower anyone to move forward with purpose. Daily Habits for Healing: Tiran’s journey highlights the importance of physical therapy, journaling, and daily routines in overcoming emotional and physical trauma. Support Systems Matter: A close-knit circle and professional therapy played critical roles in helping Tiran navigate his grief and turn pain into purpose. Tiran Jackson is a resilience expert and inspirational speaker with over 20 years of experience across engineering, leadership, and personal coaching. A former engineering product manager with companies like GE Energy and Rolls-Royce, Tiran transitioned into motivational speaking after a life-altering tragedy, founding "Reborn Resilient" to help individuals and organizations overcome adversity. As the President-Elect of the National Speakers Association Georgia Chapter, he specializes in resilience training, leadership development, and keynote speaking, empowering professionals to navigate challenges and achieve transformational growth.

Leadership Doesn't Have To Be Lonely with Kate Van Waes | Ep. 22 | Growthwell with Josh Byrd

As the modern workplace evolves, the challenges of leadership remain as intense as ever—especially for those at the helm. According to research by Deloitte, as many as 30% of executives feel isolated in their roles. At a time when balancing personal well-being with professional responsibility is critical, how can leaders thrive without succumbing to loneliness? Well, this is where Kate Van Waes, the CEO and founder of Van Waes Consulting, comes in. Welcome to Growthwell. In this episode, Josh Byrd and Kate Van Waes dive into the hidden struggles faced by leaders. Together, the two explore strategies to navigate them. The two discuss… The loneliness of leadership: Kate shares her experiences advising leaders and navigating leadership roles herself, highlighting the unique challenges faced by minority leaders. Balancing work and well-being: Insights into how rest and recovery fuel creativity and productivity, offering a fresh perspective on traditional hustle culture. The power of purposeful decision-making: Kate explains how saying “no” to misaligned opportunities has empowered her career and personal growth. Kate Van Waes is the founder of Van Waes Consulting, specializing in leadership coaching, strategic planning, and nonprofit board development for mission-driven organizations. With a career spanning roles as an executive director, policy director, and advisor to high-level U.S. officials, she brings expertise in crisis management, leadership development, and organizational transformation.