On Death and Dying with Laurie Furr-Vancini '87, Becca Omlor MD '13, and Anne Smith '89

On Death and Dying with Laurie Furr-Vancini '87, Becca Omlor MD '13, and Anne Smith '89

In a world where conversations about death are often avoided, understanding how to navigate this challenging transition can be daunting. This discomfort often stems from societal norms that discourage open discussions about mortality. On this episode, we dive into the insights of people who understand the importance of addressing death openly and honestly–Laurie Furr-Vancini '89 is a retired minister and is now trained as a death doula (we’ll talk about what that even is) and Becca Omlor MD '13 is a hospice coctor who has dedicated her career to helping families through the dying process. And Anne Smith '89 joins the conversation as a family member whose mother recently passed. In this conversation, we’ discuss the role of hospice in end of life care, the value a death doula can bring to the process, and how to navigate the tensions that can arise between family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals. This episode will give you actionable strategies to engage in meaningful conversations about mortality, ensuring you feel empowered and informed as you face transitional times for your loved ones.  Resources:  Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully by Julie McFadden, RN https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/book [https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/book] Being with Dying Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death by Joan Halifax https://www.joanhalifax.org/publications [https://www.joanhalifax.org/publications] Being Mortal by Atul Gawande https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/ [https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/]

Pregnancy in the Workplace with Stephanie Kramer '04 and Kristen Bryant Smith '12

Navigating pregnancy while maintaining a career can be challenging. Expectant parents face unique obstacles, from managing workloads to ensuring a supportive work environment. As a human resource professional, Stephanie Kramer saw team members struggle to figure out how to balance their desire to excel in their careers while also growing a family. She drew on hundreds of conversations with working mothers, as well as her own experiences to write a book called “Carry Strong: An Empowered Approach to Navigating Pregnancy and Work.” Kristen, an accomplished marketing and branding professional, has recently had her second child, so it seemed like a good idea to bring these two Wake Women together for a  deep discussion on pregnancy at work, to explore the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for working mothers. If you know someone who is juggling career and pregnancy, this episode is for you.  Resources Carry Strong: An Empowered Approach to Navigating Pregnancy and Work - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234]  LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniekramer LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/kristenbryantsmith

Leadership with Precision: Dr. Patricia Turner MD '96 on Healthcare Advocacy, AI in Medicine, and Surgical Leadership

Patricia Turner knew she wanted to be a surgeon from a very early age. With the support of her mother and key mentors, she built the resilience needed to navigate a demanding medical journey, and never looked back. Since earning her medical degree from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1996, Dr. Turner has built a remarkable career in surgery and healthcare leadership. Now serving as CEO of the American College of Surgeons, she joins us to share her path from aspiring surgeon to one of the most influential voices in American healthcare. In this episode, you'll hear: * How mentorship shaped her career in surgical medicine * Why quality improvement in surgical care is more critical than ever * How surgeons and healthcare leaders are navigating political changes while staying committed to evidence-based practices * The real promise — and real challenges — of artificial intelligence in medicine * Why advocacy for both surgeons and patients is at the heart of her mission Whether you're a medical professional, a healthcare policy enthusiast, or simply curious about what it takes to lead at the highest levels, this conversation delivers insight you won't find anywhere else.

Is My Phone Listening to Me? Cyber Security with Jordan Rae Kelly '05

Do you ever get the feeling that your iphone is listening to you? Has your social media account ever been hacked? Have you ever worried about your digital privacy and security? In this podcast, we get to the bottom of all that. Jordan Kelly is a cybersecurity expert with a rich background in government and law. We’ll discuss her journey from Wake Forest University to her current role at FTI Consulting, touching on her experiences at the FBI, her work at the White House, and the importance of cybersecurity in today's world. We delve into the impact of deepfakes, and the need for individuals and organizations to be prepared for cyber incidents.  Jordan talks about  the importance of communication, resilience, and the role of women in technology, while also sharing her own personal insights and advice for navigating a career in a high pressure world.

Catalyzing Change in a Changing World with Dr. Susan Wente

Making a transition from a life-long, full-time career can be a challenge for anyone. Imagine making that change when you’ve been leading a prestigious liberal arts university. That’s what we are here to talk about today, as Susan R. Wente prepares to retire as Wake Forest’s 14th president. I sat down with Dr. Wente to talk about her leadership journey and the legacy of her impact on the Wake. We talk about strategic initiatives, leadership and character, community engagement, and the importance of trust in science. And we also learn about her vision for the future amid societal challenges.