SE02 E01 Lead With Purpose | Ashley Vertuno

S02 E06 Leading with Heart | Jennifer Cano

In this episode of Wondermous, healthcare executive Jennifer Cano shares her remarkable leadership journey from hospital operations to healthcare consulting, offering powerful insights on what it really takes to lead in today’s healthcare landscape. Jennifer reflects on her experience rising through HCA, serving as a hospital CEO at UHS, leading acute care and children’s hospitals in South Texas, and later moving into managed care with Centene before launching her own consulting business. Along the way, she opens up about the personal experiences that first drew her into healthcare, the mentors who shaped her leadership style, and the lessons she learned while leading a hospital turnaround. This conversation dives into some of the biggest challenges facing healthcare leaders today including financial pressure, leadership adaptability, executive burnout, AI in healthcare, and the growing importance of whole health leadership. Jennifer also shares practical thoughts on leading different personalities, knowing when to listen versus when to act decisively, and how great leaders develop the people around them. Whether you’re a hospital CEO, healthcare executive, administrator, physician leader, or someone aspiring to grow in healthcare leadership, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom, reflection, and inspiration. In this episode, we cover: • Jennifer Cano’s career journey in healthcare leadership • Lessons from leading hospital turnarounds in South Texas • How leadership adaptability shapes successful healthcare organizations • The role of mentorship in executive growth • Burnout, rest, and the importance of whole health leadership • Healthcare leadership trends for 2026 • AI in healthcare and executive concerns across the industry • Leading through pressure, change, and organizational transformation If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with inspiring healthcare leaders shaping the future of the industry. #HealthcareLeadership #JenniferCano #HospitalCEO #HealthcareExecutive #HealthcarePodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #HospitalAdministration #WomenInHealthcare #AIInHealthcare #HealthcareManagement #ExecutiveLeadership #HealthcareOperations #WholeHealthLeadership #HospitalTurnaround #Wondermous Connect with Jennifer Cano on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/canoconsultingfirm/ If this conversation resonated with you, give it a like, leave a comment below, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey. To learn how Merikay Hunt helps individuals and organizations breakthrough to the next level performance and unlock true leadership potential, please visit https://www.coachmkay.com/ To discover Merikay's leadership journey, order your copy of My Year on the Inside, Creating Catalysts for Change: https://www.coachmkay.com/store/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of Wondermous!  – Merikay and the Wondermous podcast team Connect with Merikay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merikay-hunt-s-coach-mkay-company-773b575/ Visit the CoachMKay website here: https://www.coachmkay.com/ Listen to Wondermous on these podcast platforms:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ODZVx09pxS97tqzn0ynWx  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wondermous-a-healthcare-leadership-journey/id1829913569  Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dbdbb496-2f8a-4d09-9d98-1c046d4420aa #healthcareleadership #leadershipjourney #healthcarepodcast #executivestorytelling #medicinemeetsleadership #coachmkay #wondermous #healthcaregrowth #purposefulleadership #leadinginmedicine Wondermous is the go-to podcast for healthcare professionals, medical executives, and conscious leaders navigating change. Hosted by Merikay Hunt, this weekly show highlights inspiring leadership journeys in healthcare, medicine, and business. Each episode features real conversations with hospital executives, physicians, innovators, nurse leaders, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of care. Topics include healthcare leadership, team culture, medical innovation, executive decision-making, personal development, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth in the healthcare space. Whether you're a health system leader, a physician executive, or a rising healthcare professional, you'll discover actionable insights, relatable stories, and proven leadership strategies to help you grow. Subscribe now to stay updated on new weekly episodes that explore the human side of leadership in healthcare.

S02 E05 Building a Healthcare Consulting Business | David Zetter

In this episode of Wondermous, healthcare leader and consultant Merikay Hunt sits down with David Zetter, an expert with over 26 years of experience in healthcare consulting and a background in restaurant management. They explore strategies for building a successful consulting business, leadership insights, and how to navigate the complexities of healthcare compliance and advocacy. Key Topics: David's journey from restaurant management to healthcare consulting The importance of mentorship and professional organizations like NSCHBC Building a referral-based business through quality work and networking Strategies for work-life balance and planning retirement from consulting Navigating insurance regulations and advocating for healthcare providers Leadership principles: transparency, integrity, and giving back The future of healthcare advocacy and collaboration for industry change #nschbc #zetterhealthcare #consulting #leadership #growth #career Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and guest background: From restaurant management to healthcare consulting 00:26 - David’s career transition and mentorship influences 01:12 - The role of NSCHBC and peer support in professional growth 01:53 - Building a referral-based business with quality service and participation 02:37 - Strategies for managing work-life balance and planning retirement 04:17 - Key initiatives including retired benefits and client management 13:32 - Hot topics: battling insurer misconduct and developing advocacy efforts 14:16 - Organizing collective legal action against unlawful insurance practices 17:16 - Creating collaborative efforts to hold insurance companies accountable 18:37 - Leadership lessons: transparency, integrity, long-term vision 20:32 - Words of wisdom for younger self: resilience and planning 22:28 - How to set up a referral network that consistently brings in business 23:16 - Connecting with David: website and contact details Resources & Links: Zetter Healthcare Company Site www.zetter.com National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants NSCHBC.org AAMBA - Association of Ambulance & Medical Billing Advocates HBMA - Healthcare Billing and Management Association Medicare & Medicaid Regulations My Year on the Inside, Creating Catalysts for Change (Amazon) by Merikay Hunt Connect with David Zetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djzetter/ If this conversation resonated with you, give it a like, leave a comment below, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey. To learn how Merikay Hunt helps individuals and organizations breakthrough to the next level performance and unlock true leadership potential, please visit https://www.coachmkay.com/ To discover Merikay's leadership journey, order your copy of My Year on the Inside, Creating Catalysts for Change: https://www.coachmkay.com/store/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of Wondermous!  – Merikay and the Wondermous podcast team Connect with Merikay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merikay-hunt-s-coach-mkay-company-773b575/ Visit the CoachMKay website here: https://www.coachmkay.com/ Listen to Wondermous on these podcast platforms:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ODZVx09pxS97tqzn0ynWx  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wondermous-a-healthcare-leadership-journey/id1829913569  Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dbdbb496-2f8a-4d09-9d98-1c046d4420aa #healthcareleadership #leadershipjourney #healthcarepodcast #executivestorytelling #medicinemeetsleadership #coachmkay #wondermous #healthcaregrowth #purposefulleadership #leadinginmedicine Wondermous is the go-to podcast for healthcare professionals, medical executives, and conscious leaders navigating change. Hosted by Merikay Hunt, this weekly show highlights inspiring leadership journeys in healthcare, medicine, and business. Each episode features real conversations with hospital executives, physicians, innovators, nurse leaders, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of care. Topics include healthcare leadership, team culture, medical innovation, executive decision-making, personal development, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth in the healthcare space. Whether you're a health system leader, a physician executive, or a rising healthcare professional, you'll discover actionable insights, relatable stories, and proven leadership strategies to help you grow. Subscribe now to stay updated on new weekly episodes that explore the human side of leadership in healthcare.

S02 E04 A Mission Born From Survival | Kina Lucombe

From Cardiac Arrest to Community Impact: A Nurse's Mission to Save Lives | Kina Lucombe What happens when a seasoned cardiovascular nurse suddenly becomes a heart patient herself? In this inspiring episode of Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey Podcast, host Merikay Hunt sits down with Kina Lucombe, Founder and Executive Director of Hearts of Valor, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to cardiovascular education, advocacy, support, and community health screenings. Kina shares her remarkable journey from being a registered nurse with over 24 years of experience to surviving cardiac arrest, receiving an emergency pacemaker, and transforming her experience into a life-changing mission. In this conversation, you'll discover: ✅ The warning signs of heart disease that were initially overlooked ✅ Why patient self-advocacy can be life-saving ✅ How vulnerability strengthens leadership ✅ The mission and impact of Hearts of Valor, Inc. ✅ The importance of cardiovascular health education and prevention ✅ Building a nonprofit that serves underserved communities ✅ Leadership lessons from healthcare, motherhood, military service, and entrepreneurship ✅ Homeschooling success strategies and raising high-achieving children ✅ Why collaboration is essential for creating meaningful change Kina's story is a powerful reminder that challenges can become purpose, and personal adversity can inspire transformational leadership. Connect with Hearts of Valor, Inc. HeartsOfValorInc.com  Connect with Kina Lucombe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kina-latrice-l-8b9b684/  About Wondermous Podcast Wondermous is the go-to podcast for healthcare professionals, medical executives, and conscious leaders navigating change. Hosted by Merikay Hunt, this weekly show highlights inspiring leadership journeys in healthcare, medicine, and business. Each episode features real conversations with hospital executives, physicians, innovators, nurse leaders, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of care. Topics include healthcare leadership, team culture, medical innovation, executive decision-making, personal development, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth in the healthcare space. Whether you're a health system leader, a physician executive, or a rising healthcare professional, you'll discover actionable insights, relatable stories, and proven leadership strategies to help you grow. Subscribe now to stay updated on new weekly episodes that explore the human side of leadership in healthcare.  Learn More About Merikay Hunt To learn how Merikay Hunt helps individuals and organizations break through to the next level of performance and unlock true leadership potential, visit: https://www.coachmkay.com/ To discover Merikay's leadership journey, order your copy of My Year on the Inside: Creating Catalysts for Change: https://www.coachmkay.com/store/  Connect with Merikay Hunt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merikay-hunt-s-coach-mkay-company-773b575/ Website: https://www.coachmkay.com/  Listen to Wondermous Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ODZVx09pxS97tqzn0ynWx Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wondermous-a-healthcare-leadership-journey/id1829913569 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dbdbb496-2f8a-4d09-9d98-1c046d4420aa Like, Comment & Subscribe for more healthcare leadership stories and inspiring conversations. #HealthcareLeadership #HeartHealth #CardiovascularHealth #NursingLeadership #PatientAdvocacy #WomenInLeadership #NonprofitLeadership #HeartDiseaseAwareness #HealthcarePodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #HealthcareInnovation #MedicalLeadership #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #WomenLeaders #CommunityHealth #HeartDisease #LeadershipPodcast #Entrepreneurship #WondermousPodcast We hope you enjoyed this episode of Wondermous! — Merikay and the Wondermous Podcast Team

S02 E03 Finding Purpose Beyond Medicine | Adrienne Towsen

What happens when a successful orthopedic surgeon decides to walk away from a career she spent over two decades building? In this inspiring episode of Wondermous, host Merikay Hunt sits down with Adrienne Towsen, an orthopedic surgeon, entrepreneur, and healthcare leader, to discuss physician burnout, private equity in healthcare, career reinvention, and the courage to bet on yourself. Adrienne shares her remarkable journey—from being one of the first women in her orthopedic residency program to building a thriving surgical practice, navigating the challenges of private equity acquisition, and ultimately leaving a 19-year practice to launch her own wellness and performance medicine clinic. This conversation explores leadership, resilience, work-life integration, healthcare transformation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of finding purpose beyond professional success. In This Episode: ✔️ Breaking barriers as a woman in orthopedic surgery ✔️ The realities of physician burnout ✔️ How private equity is changing healthcare ✔️ Leadership lessons from difficult transitions ✔️ Why Adrienne left a successful medical practice ✔️ Building a wellness-focused healthcare business ✔️ The power of networking and LinkedIn ✔️ How to find the courage to start over ✔️ Betting on yourself and embracing change Whether you're a healthcare professional, physician, entrepreneur, executive, or someone considering a major career change, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for navigating uncertainty and building a fulfilling future. If this conversation resonated with you, give it a like, leave a comment below, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey. Connect with Adrienne here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennetowsen/ To learn how Merikay Hunt helps individuals and organizations breakthrough to the next level performance and unlock true leadership potential, please visit https://www.coachmkay.com/ To discover Merikay's leadership journey, order your copy of My Year on the Inside, Creating Catalysts for Change: https://www.coachmkay.com/store/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of Wondermous!  – Merikay and the Wondermous podcast team Connect with Merikay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merikay-hunt-s-coach-mkay-company-773b575/ Visit the CoachMKay website here: https://www.coachmkay.com/ Listen to Wondermous on these podcast platforms:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ODZVx09pxS97tqzn0ynWx  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wondermous-a-healthcare-leadership-journey/id1829913569  Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dbdbb496-2f8a-4d09-9d98-1c046d4420aa We hope you enjoyed this episode of Wondermous! — Merikay and the Wondermous Podcast Team About Wondermous Wondermous is the go-to podcast for healthcare professionals, medical executives, and conscious leaders navigating change. Hosted by Merikay Hunt, this weekly show highlights inspiring leadership journeys in healthcare, medicine, and business. Each episode features real conversations with hospital executives, physicians, innovators, nurse leaders, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of care. Topics include healthcare leadership, team culture, medical innovation, executive decision-making, personal development, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth in the healthcare space. Whether you're a health system leader, a physician executive, or a rising healthcare professional, you'll discover actionable insights, relatable stories, and proven leadership strategies to help you grow. Subscribe now to stay updated on new weekly episodes that explore the human side of leadership in healthcare. #HealthcareLeadership #PhysicianBurnout #PrivateEquityHealthcare #OrthopedicSurgery #WomenInMedicine #HealthcarePodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #WellnessMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #MedicalLeadership #WomenLeaders #Resilience #LinkedInNetworking #PersonalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #BusinessLeadership #HealthcareIndustry #WondermousPodcast

S02 E02 Unlock Your Brain’s Potential | Eric Collett

In this inspiring episode of Wondermous, host Merikay Hunt sits down with Eric Collett, founder of A Mind for All Seasons, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, brain health, and the courage it takes to pursue a greater purpose. After spending 16 years leading assisted living and memory care communities, Eric made the difficult decision to leave a successful healthcare career and build a company dedicated to improving brain health and helping people live better lives. He shares the pivotal moment that inspired him to take the leap into entrepreneurship, the lessons he learned along the way, and the mindset shifts that helped him navigate uncertainty. Eric also explains the innovative work being done at A Mind for All Seasons, where he and his team help individuals identify the root causes of cognitive decline, optimize brain performance, and improve quality of life. Through powerful stories and practical insights, he highlights why brain health is about much more than a single diagnosis or treatment. The conversation explores: • The courage required to leave a secure career and start a business • How life experiences prepare us for future opportunities • The leadership principles that create motivated and engaged teams • Why brain health is essential for entrepreneurs, executives, and everyday individuals • Real-world examples of helping people regain their lives through targeted interventions • The importance of purpose-driven work and creating a lasting impact Whether you're an entrepreneur, healthcare professional, leader, or someone interested in personal growth and cognitive wellness, this episode offers valuable insights on resilience, leadership, and living with intention. Learn more about Eric Collett and A Mind for All Seasons: https://amindforallseasons.com #EricCollett #BrainHealth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #WonderMistPodcast #PersonalGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #BusinessSuccess #CognitiveHealth #Mindset #ExecutivePerformance #PurposeDrivenLeadership If this conversation resonated with you, give it a like, leave a comment below, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey. To learn how Merikay Hunt helps individuals and organizations breakthrough to the next level performance and unlock true leadership potential, please visit https://www.coachmkay.com/ To discover Merikay's leadership journey, order your copy of My Year on the Inside, Creating Catalysts for Change: https://www.coachmkay.com/store/ We hope you enjoyed this episode of Wondermous!  – Merikay and the Wondermous podcast team Connect with Merikay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merikay-hunt-s-coach-mkay-company-773b575/ Visit the CoachMKay website here: https://www.coachmkay.com/ Listen to Wondermous on these podcast platforms:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ODZVx09pxS97tqzn0ynWx  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wondermous-a-healthcare-leadership-journey/id1829913569  Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dbdbb496-2f8a-4d09-9d98-1c046d4420aa #healthcareleadership #leadershipjourney #healthcarepodcast #executivestorytelling #medicinemeetsleadership #coachmkay #wondermous #healthcaregrowth #purposefulleadership #leadinginmedicine Wondermous is the go-to podcast for healthcare professionals, medical executives, and conscious leaders navigating change. Hosted by Merikay Hunt, this weekly show highlights inspiring leadership journeys in healthcare, medicine, and business. Each episode features real conversations with hospital executives, physicians, innovators, nurse leaders, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of care. Topics include healthcare leadership, team culture, medical innovation, executive decision-making, personal development, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, and strategic growth in the healthcare space. Whether you're a health system leader, a physician executive, or a rising healthcare professional, you'll discover actionable insights, relatable stories, and proven leadership strategies to help you grow. Subscribe now to stay updated on new weekly episodes that explore the human side of leadership in healthcare.