The Marquis Masters Podcast

Jewel Smay: Lessons in Medicine and Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Marquis Masters, host Nick Franck welcomes Dr. Jewel Smay, a distinguished anesthesiologist and the CEO of Montgomery Anesthesia Service. Dr. Smay recounts her inspiring journey, beginning with her initial discovery of anesthesiology during medical school. She describes how her passion for the field grew, ultimately leading her to establish a successful business in a highly competitive industry. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Smay emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership, sharing how staying true to her values has guided her decisions. She also highlights the significance of delegation, explaining that empowering her team has been instrumental in the growth and sustainability of her practice. Beyond her medical career, Dr. Smay discusses her entrepreneurial ventures, including the launch of her new longevity supplement line, Beacon. She explains the science and motivation behind Beacon, aiming to help people lead healthier, longer lives through evidence-based supplements. The conversation then shifts to her creative pursuits, as Dr. Smay introduces her upcoming sci-fi book series, *Imago*. The series delves into complex ethical questions surrounding crime prevention technology, blending her medical expertise with imaginative storytelling. She shares her excitement about exploring moral dilemmas and the impact of technology on society through her writing. Dr. Smay also reflects on the personal aspects of her life, discussing the importance of family and her active involvement in the community. She speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of balancing her professional ambitions with personal growth and meaningful relationships. When asked about her ideal lunch companion, Dr. Smay reveals she would choose Beyoncé, citing the singer's artistry, resilience, and influence as sources of inspiration. Through her multifaceted career and personal reflections, Dr. Smay offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and living a purpose-driven life. This conversation explores: * The challenges of balancing a medical career with entrepreneurship. * Differences between medical school and starting a business. * The importance of leadership, authenticity, and delegation in business. * Dr. Smay's new longevity product line, Beacon. * The process and inspiration behind writing a sci-fi book series titled "Imago." In this episode, discover how Dr. Jewel Smay blends medical leadership, entrepreneurship, and creativity while sharing insights on authenticity, innovation, and personal growth. For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

Meryl Fury: Tackling Childhood Obesity and Diabetes Through Education, Fiber, and Plant-Based Meals

In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Meryl Fury, the president and CEO of the Plant Based Nutrition Movement, for an insightful conversation about the power of plant-based eating. Meryl recounts her personal journey into plant-based nutrition, which began at the young age of 15, and describes how her experiences as a public health nurse profoundly influenced her mission to improve community health. She explains how witnessing the health challenges faced by her patients inspired her to advocate for dietary changes that could prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. During the interview, Meryl addresses the alarming trends in childhood health, particularly the rise in obesity and diabetes among young people. She emphasizes a startling statistic: 97% of children do not consume enough dietary fiber, a deficiency that contributes to many preventable health issues. To combat these problems, Meryl discusses her nonprofit’s innovative programs, *6 Million Seeds* and *More Plants on Plates*, which are designed to educate children and their families about the benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets. These initiatives aim to make healthy eating accessible, engaging, and sustainable for kids from all backgrounds. Meryl also shares practical advice for parents who struggle with picky eaters, offering strategies to introduce new foods and foster a positive relationship with healthy eating. She reflects on her lifelong dedication to community health, underscoring the importance of early intervention and education in shaping lifelong habits. Throughout the episode, Meryl’s passion for empowering families and transforming public health through nutrition shines through, leaving listeners with actionable tips and a renewed sense of hope for the future of children’s health. This conversation explores: * Connection between diet and public health, particularly in children * Role of fiber and plant-based foods in preventing chronic diseases * Educational programs aimed at improving child nutrition * Strategies for encouraging children to eat more vegetables * The impact of socioeconomic factors on dietary choices Discover how Meryl Fury empowers families to combat childhood obesity and diabetes through plant-based nutrition, practical tips for picky eaters, and innovative nonprofit programs. Links Mentioned in This Episode * https://pbnm.org/ * https://www.moreplantsonplatesusa.org/ * https://marquiswhoswho.com/ For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

Michael Covitt: How Loyalty to Your Goals Can Transform Your Career

In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Michael Covitt, the chairman and CEO of multiple organizations and the author of the upcoming book, “Double Agenda.” Michael introduces listeners to his SAT framework — Situation, Action, and Timing — which he credits as the cornerstone of his decision-making and leadership philosophy. He explains how this framework has guided him through the complexities of managing several companies simultaneously, allowing him to prioritize effectively and make strategic choices that drive sustained growth. Throughout the conversation, Michael delves into the inspiration behind his new book, “Double Agenda,” revealing how his experiences in the business world shaped its core themes. He emphasizes the importance of staying loyal to long-term goals, even when faced with short-term setbacks or distractions. Michael shares practical advice on balancing competing priorities, fostering a culture of accountability, and maintaining clarity of vision in high-pressure environments. His insights offer valuable guidance for leaders seeking to navigate the challenges of modern business with integrity and purpose. Michael also reflects on his formative years, recounting stories from his upbringing and early encounters with influential figures such as Jackie Robinson. These experiences, he explains, instilled in him a deep appreciation for ambition, mentorship, and the true cost of time. He discusses the lessons he learned from mentors who encouraged him to pursue excellence while remaining grounded in his values. By weaving together personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Michael provides listeners with a compelling blueprint for achieving success without losing sight of what truly matters. This conversation explores: * Michael Covitt's philosophy on SAT (Situation, Action, Timing) as a framework for decision-making and leadership. * Insights on managing multiple leadership roles across different organizations. * The inspiration and motivation behind writing the book "Double Agenda." * Life lessons regarding timing, ambition, and the cost of time. * The importance of loyalty to one's goals and long-term thinking. Learn how Michael Covitt’s SAT framework powers decision-making, leadership, and long-term success in business and life. For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

Joan Sugerman: How Can Storytelling and Transformational Consulting Shape Leadership and Organizational Change?

In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Nick Franck sits down with Joan Sugerman, a dynamic filmmaker and transformational consultant. Joan begins by reflecting on her formative years, describing how growing up on a horse farm instilled in her a deep sense of discipline and connection to nature. She also recounts the influence of her father, a CEO, whose business dinners exposed her early on to the world of leadership and high-level decision-making. Alongside these experiences, Joan nurtured her artistic talents, which would later become a cornerstone of her multifaceted career. Joan goes on to detail her professional journey, which began in the world of media production. She started by producing commercials and corporate videos, honing her storytelling skills and learning the intricacies of visual communication. Over time, Joan’s path evolved as she discovered a passion for helping others unlock their potential. This led her to become a transformational consultant, where she now coaches executives through profound leadership transformations. Joan shares insights into how her creative background informs her coaching, allowing her to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the business world. Looking to the present, Joan reveals some of her current film projects, including documentaries that explore complex topics such as US-China relations and the Challenger disaster. She explains how these projects allow her to merge her interests in storytelling, history, and social impact. Throughout the conversation, Joan emphasizes that integrity, creativity, and a desire to make a meaningful impact have consistently guided both her professional endeavors and personal choices. Her story serves as an inspiring example of how diverse experiences and values can come together to shape a fulfilling and influential career. This conversation explores: * Early experiences in video production and commercials. * The concept and methodology of transformational consulting. * The process of coaching executives to achieve paradigm shifts in leadership. * The impact of storytelling and drama in both film and consulting work. * The importance of mentorship in Joan's career development. Discover how Joan Sugerman’s unique upbringing and creative journey shaped her dual career in filmmaking and transformational consulting, and learn how integrity, creativity, and impact drive her work. Links Mentioned in This Episode * https://www.pbs.org/ * https://hbr.org/ * https://marquiswhoswho.com/ For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.

Ethan Bryant: Pediatric ICU Leadership, COVID’s Lasting Impact, and the Future of Nursing with AI

Ethan Bryant is an assistant nurse manager at a major academic hospital, leading a 130-person team in a 28-bed Pediatric ICU at a Level 1 trauma and burn center. He also teaches pediatric clinicals at Towson University and still works bedside in a pediatric ER, keeping one foot in leadership and one foot on the front lines. In this episode, Ethan breaks down what great nurses have in common: relentless learning, curiosity, teamwork, and patient and family advocacy. He shares the real challenges of managing nurses in an understaffed system and how leaders can maintain morale when the work involves loss, grief, and constant pressure. Ryan and Ethan also dig into COVID’s lasting effects on nursing culture, including the loss of “legacy nurses,” the staffing crisis, and the pediatric “triple pandemic” wave of RSV, flu, and COVID that overwhelmed hospitals after the initial surge. Ethan shares highlights from his DNP in Healthcare Systems Leadership, including a “buddy system” project pairing senior nurses with new interns and residents to improve confidence, collaboration, and support in high-stress clinical environments. They also explore how AI may reduce charting and documentation burdens, and why bedside nursing will always require the human touch. The episode wraps with a lightning round featuring Ethan’s love of escape rooms, DC museums, theater trips with his partner, and two dream meetups: Walt Disney and Dolly Parton. Topics Covered * Leading a pediatric ICU team of 130 in a Level 1 trauma and burn center * What makes a nurse truly great * The hardest parts of nurse management: staffing, morale, and engagement * COVID’s long shadow on nursing culture and workforce retention * The pediatric “triple pandemic” and why hospitals weren’t ready * Communicating with families as “the patient in the bed” and “the patient outside the bed.” * Ethan’s DNP “buddy system” project to support new residents and interns * AI in healthcare: charting, scribes, virtual nursing, and what won’t be replaced * Leadership lessons: fairness, avoiding favoritism, and learning hospital finance * Life outside the hospital: theater, museums, Broadway trips, and pets (Piper + Lilo) For more inspiring conversations with distinguished leaders and innovators, explore the Marquis Masters Podcast and visit marquiswhoswho.com [http://marquiswhoswho.com].  If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more listeners discover stories from leaders shaping industries and improving lives.