Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey

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.

SE02 E01 Lead With Purpose | Ashley Vertuno

Welcome back to season 2 of Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey!  In this episode, host Merikay Hunt sits down with Ashley Vertuno, FACHE, CEO of HCA Florida JFK North Hospital, for an honest conversation about the mindset, habits, and relationships that shape great healthcare leaders. Ashley shares how her background as a competitive soccer player forged the discipline, coachability, and team-first mentality she carries into every leadership role — and how those athletic instincts translate directly into running a high-performing hospital. Ashley opens up about the importance of servant leadership, building a personal board of directors, and what she calls "strategic empathy" — the ability to hold both outcomes and humanity in the same hand. From embracing failure as a growth tool to championing diverse thought and unified teams, she offers a grounded, practical perspective on what it means to show up for your people every single day. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a practice manager wondering if you should raise your hand for that next role, this episode will remind you why taking the shot is always worth it. Connect with Ashley Vertuno, FACHE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyvertuno/ HCA Florida JFK North Hospital: https://hcafloridajfknorthhospital.com 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.

SE01 E25 The Art of Recognition in the Workplace | Dr. Bob Nelson on Wondermous

In this episode of Wondermous, host Merikay Hunt interviews Bob Nelson, a renowned expert in employee recognition and motivation. They discuss the importance of recognizing employees, overcoming challenges in careers, and the value of lifelong learning. Bob shares his journey from human resources to becoming a best-selling author and emphasizes the need for passion and purpose in career choices. The conversation highlights innovative ideas that empower employees and the significance of creating a positive work culture.  To check out Dr. Bob’s books, please visit: http://www.nelson-motivation.com Key Takeaways Recognition is crucial for employee motivation.  Overcoming challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities.  Lifelong learning is essential for personal and professional growth.  Positive reinforcement is often underutilized in management.  Trust your instincts and follow your own path.  Creating opportunities for growth can retain talent.  Passion for your work leads to fulfillment.  Listening to employees fosters innovation.  Every day is a chance to make a difference.  Life is filled with glitches; how we respond matters. #healthcareleadership, #employeerecognition,  #managementprinciples,  #lifelonglearning,  #positivereinforcement,  #careergrowth, #innovation, #employeeempowerment, #personal#development, #motivation 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.

SE01 E24 Mastering Difficult Conversations in the Workplace | Bryan Meek on Wondermous

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, host Merikay Hunt welcomes Bryan Meek, an attorney specializing in employment law. They discuss Bryan's career journey, the challenges of public speaking, and the importance of effective communication in the workplace. Bryan shares insights on handling difficult conversations, maintaining work-life balance, and the value of continuous learning. The episode also highlights the unique culture of Bryan's firm, emphasizing open communication and collaboration. To learn more about Bryan and his firm, visit https://www.bmdllc.com/ #WondermousPodcast, #BryanMeek, #employmentlaw, #publicspeaking, #communication, #worklifebalance, #continuouslearning, #culture, #collaboration, #difficultconversations Takeaways Bryan Meek always wanted to be an attorney since childhood. He specializes in employment law, representing healthcare groups and physicians. Bryan emphasizes the importance of effective communication in legal practice. Handling difficult conversations is a key skill in employment law. Bryan overcame his fear of public speaking through practice and exposure. Work-life balance is crucial, especially in a demanding profession. Continuous learning and love for the law drive Bryan's career. Open communication and collaboration are core values at Bryan's firm. Bryan advises young professionals to not fret over every issue. Making people feel important is a valuable skill in professional interactions. 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.