Marilyn Waco, Executive Director of the Alberta Nurses Educational Trust (ANET), discusses her role in advancing nursing through education and research. ANET, a unique charity in Alberta, provides grants for continuing education, research, and scholarships to improve nursing practice and patient care. Marilyn highlights the importance of funding nursing projects with immediate healthcare impacts and shares inspiring stories of beneficiaries. She also addresses the challenges in nursing research funding and emphasizes the need for greater awareness and support for the profession.

After leaving a successful advertising career, Kate Grant set out to find work with deeper meaning. That search led her to a hospital in Ethiopia, where she witnessed women suffering from obstetric fistula—a preventable childbirth injury that had left them incontinent, isolated, and forgotten. Moved to act, Kate joined the Fistula Foundation. What began as support for a single hospital has grown under her leadership into a network spanning 32 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia—restoring health, dignity, and hope to thousands of the world’s poorest women.  

Join host Leah as she talks with Hilary, a Labrador Inuk nurse and policy analyst, about her journey in nursing, the importance of community, and advancing cultural safety in healthcare. Hilary shares insights on Indigenous leadership, overcoming challenges, and practical steps for creating more inclusive care. A powerful conversation on reconciliation and making a difference in Canadian health.   If you would like to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation and other Indigenous events please check out these links:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/indigenous-people/new-relationship/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-calls-to-action https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/news-events/upcoming-events/air-knowledge-sharing-event-2025 https://www.nccih.ca/634/Resources__Indigenous_Cultural_Safety,_Humility_and_Anti-racism.nccih?id=3973&col=3 https://www.healthcareexcellence.ca/en/events-and-opportunities/spotlight-series/2023-12-06-spotlight-series/

In this episode of Central Line Leadership in Healthcare, nurse and healthcare technology manager Claire Phillips shares her journey from a sociology major to a nursing leader. Discussing her passion for systems thinking, Claire highlights how this approach can revolutionize healthcare by addressing complex issues, such as burnout and patient care efficiency. Through her company, Nursing the System, she aims to train 10,000 nurses in systems change by 2030. Claire emphasizes the importance of practical tools and education in empowering nurses, thereby making healthcare more resilient and effective.

In this episode of Central Line: Leadership in Healthcare, host Leah Wuitschik speaks with Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of the DAISY Foundation, which was created to honour extraordinary nurses after the compassionate care her stepson Patrick received before his passing. Since 1999, the DAISY Award has grown into a global movement, recognizing over 230,000 nurses in nearly 7,000 healthcare facilities across 43 countries. Bonnie shares how the program has expanded to include nurse leaders, educators, and teams, emphasizing the power of meaningful recognition in boosting morale, combating burnout, and reinforcing the impact of nursing. She also discusses DAISY’s ongoing research, international growth, and how expressing gratitude through nominations provides therapeutic benefits for patients and healthcare professionals alike. To learn more about the DAISY Foundation visit https://www.daisyfoundation.org/

  In this episode of Central Line: Leadership Between the Lines, host Leah Wuitschik interviews Reverdi Darda, founder and CEO of ATMA CENA. With over three decades in healthcare leadership, Rev shares her inspiring journey of transformation—from her roots as a registered nurse to becoming a trailblazer in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Rev discusses the innovative approaches her organization is championing, including ketamine-assisted therapy and psilocybin treatments. She offers an inside look at how these therapies are reshaping mental health care by addressing trauma, depression, and anxiety through patient-centred, interdisciplinary care. Together, Leah and Rev delve into the challenges of breaking stigma, navigating regulatory landscapes, and building a culture of well-being in healthcare leadership. Rev’s reflections on her own personal journey and advice for balancing leadership with self-care provide a wealth of insights for leaders feeling stretched by competing demands. Tune in to hear how Rev’s work is transforming individual lives and paving the way for a new era in mental health care.

In this episode of Central Line: Leadership in Healthcare, host Leah Wuitschik speaks with Alain Doucet, outgoing President and CEO of the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL). Alain reflects on his journey leading the organization, highlighting his experiences building a strong organizational culture, navigating challenges like the pandemic, and expanding the understanding of leadership across healthcare roles. They discuss the importance of fostering leadership in "basement dweller" roles—individuals in technical or administrative positions who may not traditionally view themselves as leaders—and how doing so improves outcomes for patients and communities.

Join host Leah Wuitschik and guest Rosa Edinga in the latest episode of Central Line: Leadership in Healthcare as they dive into the heart of human-centred leadership. Discover how consistent behaviour builds trust and aligns with core values, and explore the empowering impact of making conscious choices and taking responsibility. Rosa shares practical insights on creating a safe, judgment-free space where leaders can express thoughts and think deeply. They discuss the vital role of coaches in guiding leaders to be brave, challenge their beliefs, and confidently navigate tough situations. In the fast-paced world of healthcare, taking a moment to reflect and grow is crucial. Leah and Rosa highlight how coaching can transform leaders, helping them stay aligned with their values and improve communication skills. Tune in for inspiring wisdom and actionable tips to enhance your leadership journey.

In this episode, Leah sits down with two visionary leaders, Sue Bookey-Bassett and Patrick Neumann, who are using virtual modeling to inform a revolutionary approach to the design of healthcare workplaces. Sue, an Assistant Professor at the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, combines her experience as a healthcare leader with her passion for creating supportive environments for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Patrick, a human factors specialist and Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, brings his expertise in designing work systems with a focus on human-centric solutions. Together, Sue and Patrick lead the Better Work Better Care Coalition, where they use simulation and biomechanical modeling to explore the workloads of nurses and personal support workers. Their research delves into the demands of a typical working day, assessing the impact of time pressures and physical strain on healthcare professionals. By running "what if" scenarios, they identify key factors that lead to negative outcomes, like missed care and physical injuries, using data to inform better workplace design and process improvements. Tune in as Sue and Patrick share surprising insights from their work, the challenges of translating research into practical applications, and their vision for how this innovative approach can drive meaningful change in healthcare. Sue and Patrick invite you to join the Better Work Better Care Coalition on LinkedIn, where you’ll receive special invitations to webinars and read the newest articles on the Coalition’s work. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14331090/

Leah sits down with Kat Newport, a passionate Conflict Educator and Coach renowned for her expertise in guiding leaders and teams through tough situations. Kat shares her unique approach to conflict, viewing it not as a hurdle, but as a catalyst for positive growth and creativity in the workplace. Kat delves into her philosophy of "Smart Conflict," emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in how we handle disputes. She provides practical tools and strategies for navigating workplace conflicts, offering insights on effective communication, providing feedback, and managing relationships to ensure psychological safety. While most people tend to shy away from conflict, Kat sees it as a breeding ground for creativity. She argues that without differing perspectives (aka conflict), we limit our ability to think outside the box. By engaging with conflict constructively, we can foster innovation and growth within our teams and organizations. The conversation touches on the unique challenges faced in the healthcare sector, where conflict can be particularly intense due to the high stakes involved. Kat and Leah discuss the emotional burden on healthcare providers and the critical need for effective conflict management to ensure patient wellbeing and professional resilience. Kat emphasizes the power of intentionality in shaping our workplace environment and relationships, encouraging listeners to engage in conversations about conflict proactively. Join Leah and Kat for an inspiring discussion on turning workplace conflict into an opportunity for positive change and innovation. Discover the secrets of SMART Conflict discussed in the podcast: https://share.hsforms.com/1OhnWOJZ5QPq6Up4toMtHdgnwn0r Kat’s website: www.SmartConflictBook.com

Ila Edgar is the founder of Big Change Inc, a consulting organization that supports organizations, leaders, and teams in building stronger trust in pursuit of achieving amazing things together, and co-host of a podcast dedicated to helping people intentionally design trust in their relationships, Trust on Purpose.  Listen as Ila talks about her personal journey of trust, navigating a landscape devoid of frameworks and reference points that often led to painful lessons, to her discovery of a trust framework that provides structure to the nebulous concept of trust. With it came the power to recognize trust as a choice and lessons in intentionally designing, cultivating, evaluating, and discerning trust - using the domains of competency, sincerity, reliability, and care - considerations sorely lacking in many organizations today. Ila shares her firsthand experiences within the healthcare system, highlighting the impact of trust - and its absence - on both individuals and institutions. She discusses the significance of trust extending beyond personal relationships, permeating into professional spheres like healthcare, and how a lack of trust can breed skepticism and hinder progress, yet intentional trust-building can transform organizational dynamics.  Join Ila and Leah as they offer insights into the complexity of humanity and trust, its construction, erosion, and potential for renewal. This conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships—with themselves, their colleagues, and the systems they inhabit—prompting a deeper exploration of trust in all its complexity. If you would like to connect with Ila directly or request the “Do Over” cards she talks about, find her here.

In the newest episode of Central Line - the podcast from TallTrees Leadership - Leah sits down with Tim Guest, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Nurses Association, to explore the dynamic landscape of nursing in Canada. With over three decades of experience spanning diverse nursing and leadership roles, Tim shares his insights on the evolving expectations and needs within the profession. His journey embodies a commitment to advancing nursing practices and policies through advocacy and nurse-driven, incremental change. Tim sheds light on the pressing challenges facing nurses today, and he emphasizes the importance of empowering nurses to have a voice at decision-making tables and advocating for a healthier work environment. He envisions a future where nurses play a central role in addressing the healthcare system's systemic issues and maximizing their potential to provide primary care to the public. Tim's message resonates with optimism and resilience. He assures listeners that change is underway, with governments increasingly recognizing the vital role of nurses and investing in solutions. Join us for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the power of advocacy and the dedication of nurses to serve their communities.     

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey and insights of Dr. Leigh Chapman, Chief Nursing Officer for Canada. With a rich background, including a PhD from the University of Toronto and two decades of frontline and leadership roles, Leigh's dedication to advancing nursing in Canada is undeniable. Leigh shares her experiences working in both frontline clinical healthcare, as well as national policy development and leadership.    Through engaging with nurses from coast to coast, Leigh highlights both challenges and hopes within the profession. From the despair palpable during the COVID pandemic to the emergence of optimism and desire to transform the healthcare system, she reflects on the contributions of nurses and the criticality of hearing their voices in addressing challenges within the profession. Leigh emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration, advocating for a shift away from divisive mentalities.    Listen as Dr. Chapman shares her vision for nursing as a united profession, driven by collective efforts towards positive changes in the workplace and enhanced patient care.

In this month’s episode of The Central Line podcast, Leah sits down with two extraordinary leaders within the Canadian Mental Health Association - Jason Platts and Danny Lang. We delve head first into the heart of leadership and the profound impact that a daily practice of servant leadership can have on our teams and in our communities. The conversation strips away what you think you know about leadership, and offers thought provoking perspectives about what it truly means, and who has the capacity to do it. Hear how these two leaders dedicate their lives to unearthing purpose and meaning in the lives of both staff and clients. They stress that regardless of where you are in your organization, leadership is about recognizing your influence where you’re at, and using it to make a positive impact. Our guests draw inspiration from thought leader Simon Sinek, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our teams, so that they can rise to their full potential at work. Join us as we learn from seasoned leaders who share their biggest lessons, providing insights that are exceptionally clear and focused. Equip yourself with fresh perspectives needed to lead from wherever you are and foster positive change in your workplace. Central Line is a podcast created by us, TallTrees Leadership, where we have conversations with amazing individuals who have something to say about leadership, healthcare, and leadership IN healthcare. It’s the ultimate resource for emerging and current leaders in healthcare! Central Line is hosted by Leah Wuitschik, a leadership development expert, executive coach, healthcare professional, and President & Co-Founder of TallTrees Leadership.    🎧LISTEN: https://www.talltreesleadership.com/central-line-podcast/  #centrallinepodcast #podcast #healthcarepodcast #talltreesleadership #leadershipinhealthcare #healthcare #healthcareleadership #leadership

This episode of Central Line features a conversation between Host Leah Wuitschik of TallTrees Leadership and Dr. Kathleen Ross, President of the Canadian Medical Association. It delves into the multifaceted world of healthcare and leadership. In particular, what makes a truly great leader who can affect real change. True leadership is portrayed as a balance between listening, reflection, inclusiveness, collaboration, and openness to doing things differently.  Dr. Ross discusses three pivotal tenets of leadership: self-awareness, the benefits of mentorship and sponsorship (which are different), and the power of identifying your passion. She goes on to clarify that mentorship and leadership lessons can be found both within and outside one's career, and underscores the importance of not getting trapped in the pitfalls of our passions.  The conversation ultimately stresses the need for collaboration, breaking through silos (or “cylinders of excellence”), and new approaches to address the colossal challenges faced by the healthcare system and to meet the diverse needs of Canadians.

Canadian health system reform. Is it possible? Your answer to this question might be based on your experiences with the system, your role in it, and whether or not you believe we know and have what it takes to make it happen. We welcome Canadian Senator Rebecca Patterson to the Central Line podcast to discuss her answer to these questions. You’ll hear about how her experiences in the Canadian military and as a registered nurse and healthcare leader have always centred on those she serves, and have led her to her current position as Canadian Senator, where she continues to serve her country and leads the way in transforming the country’s healthcare system.  Leah and Senator Patterson discuss the unfortunate truth that many healthcare workers feel forgotten and unheard and that we have created a system that has allowed that. Senator Patterson shares her thoughts on what she believes needs to change and how we will accomplish it together. She discusses the undeniable requirement of inviting to hear from the people who are delivering healthcare to the public. Including the voices of all stakeholders - physicians, primary caregivers, those in family medicine, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists -  and giving their voices equal power to others in the room, is the only way to make the right change. Senator Patterson believes reform is possible. She also believes that if we don’t change, we will fail. She shares her belief that we need people on the front lines to raise their voices, show up with courage, and be willing to stand up and blaze new trails. And we need others to hold those people up and give volume to their voices. Only then will we move toward reform.  This was an extra special conversation with an extra special guest. Senator Patterson’s dedication to healthy Canadians shines through in everything she says.

If you asked 100 people, 99 of them would say that technology has made our world progressively more efficient and productive in almost every facet of modern life. If you asked those same people, they’d also say that healthcare has been one of the industries most impacted by technological advances but that it still needs to be grounded in a high-touch, human approach - something computers can’t do.  With all of the attempts, some successful, many failures (at least at delivering on their promised improvements), can technology possibly improve a patient’s healthcare journey in a human way and get nurses back to patient-focused care?  On this episode of The Central Line podcast, we talk with the CEO of a company that is doing just that. Dave Bennett and the team at pCare have found a way to balance the benefits of technology while maintaining the human touch in bedside patient care, not to mention freeing up valuable time for nursing staff to focus on patient care rather than drowning in administrative work.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Central Line: Leadership in Healthcare," your host Leah Wuitschik sits down with Dr. Sid Viner. Dr. Viner is the Vice President & Medical Director for Alberta Health Services.  He has executive-level responsibility for clinical operations in AHS across the province, and a passion for quality improvement, patient safety and health system transformation. Dr. Viner shares valuable insights on managing change personally and within healthcare teams and organizations, learned from over 30 years of clinical practice and medical leadership experience. Join them as they dive deep into the intricacies of achieving successful and lasting change within individuals and organizations.

In this episode, we explore the concept of cultivating a thriving healthcare culture and the vital role of leaders in creating a positive emotional environment. Our guest, Jennifer Krippner with the Institute for Healthcare Excellence, shares practical strategies for fostering a culture of positivity and well-being in healthcare organizations. We discuss the connection between a positive emotional environment, improved patient outcomes, and stress and burnout's impact on healthcare professionals. Discover real-life examples of successful initiatives and effective communication techniques that empower healthcare teams to thrive. Join us as we uncover the keys to creating a culture of excellence and positivity in healthcare.  

Have you ever wondered what innovation means for nursing and healthcare? The good news is that it doesn't have to be as complicated as you may have thought. In today's episode, Leah sits down with Dr. Dan Weberg, an expert in nursing, healthcare innovation, and human-centred patient design. Learn how your daily actions can significantly change the healthcare system for the better.