In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with communication expert Kelli Newman, APR, President of Newman & Newman, to explore how communication shapes trust, engagement, and culture within healthcare organizations. Together, Renee and Kelli break down the difference between brand messaging (what your organization says it stands for) and values messaging (how those values show up in daily behavior). They discuss practical strategies for translating words into authentic experiences, so that what your organization says aligns with what your people actually feel and see every day. Kelli shares how the words leaders choose (and how they live them out) directly influence how employees connect, collaborate, and trust one another. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring your mission, vision, and values to life, or how to communicate in a way that builds genuine trust, this episode is for you. About Kelli Newman Kelli Newman, APR, is President of Newman & Newman, a Houston-based, woman-owned communication strategies firm. For more than 30 years, she’s helped healthcare and nonprofit organizations create authentic brand and values messaging that strengthens culture and builds trust. She’s also the creator of Experienced Messaging®, a proprietary, trademarked process that helps leaders align what they say with what people experience. Kelli teaches marketing and communication at Rice University’s Leadership Institute for Nonprofit Executives and is an active member of the Ignite Health Network, a coalition of women leaders influencing the future of healthcare. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why communication is the cornerstone of trust and engagement The difference between brand messaging and values messaging How to make organizational values tangible and actionable Simple ways to connect your department’s identity with the organization’s mission Why “scripting” doesn’t work and what authentic communication looks like instead How to align messaging, behaviors, and experiences to create a culture of integrity Links & Resources Visit ExperiencedMessaging.com Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn Email: kn@newmanandnewmaninc.com Harvard Business Review: Begin with Trust   Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and #1 Amazon Best Seller Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here! Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here! Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here! Have a question for Renee? Email us at wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode! Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases. Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share with your colleagues. Your support helps us reach more healthcare leaders working to create better work environments.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, I sit down with the ever-inspiring Dr. Joy Parchment, Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing and one of the most respected nurse leaders I know. Joy and I talk about what it really takes to develop capable executive leaders — the kind who not only drive outcomes but also build strong, trusting relationships with their teams. We unpack the difference between “command and control” leadership and relational leadership, how to handle conflict with curiosity, and why self-awareness is the foundation for leading well. This is an honest, heart-centered conversation about leadership, humanity, and the power of relationships. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to have all the answers or struggled to stay calm in the storm, this episode will remind you that the best leaders don’t lead from perfection — they lead from awareness and authenticity. About Dr. Joy Parchment Joy Parchment, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CPDC, ACC, is an accomplished nurse leader, educator, and coach with over 35 years of diverse nursing experience. She serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing and is a Commissioner on the ANCC Commission on Magnet®. Joy is deeply committed to helping nurse leaders grow their capacity to lead with confidence, compassion, and courage. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why building relationships is the foundation of effective leadership The power of curiosity over judgment when managing conflict How to recognize and manage your triggers as a leader Simple tools to help you stay intentional and grounded How self-talk shapes leadership mindset — and how to shift it Links & Resources Connect with Dr. Joy Parchment on LinkedIn. Email Joy: jparchme@gmail.com Book: Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Dr. Marilee Adams Buckwheat Sprouted Flour Renee mentioned Book: The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher Coffee Break Podcast Episode with Dr. Simmy King here Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and #1 Amazon Best Seller Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here! Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here! Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here! Have a question for Renee? Email us at wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode! Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases. Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share with your colleagues. Your support helps us reach more healthcare leaders working to create better work environments.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Greta Rosler, CEO and Principal of Radius Leaders, to talk about one of the most practical and transformative leadership tools in healthcare – strategic leader rounding. Greta shares how being intentional and present as a nurse leader can strengthen connection, improve engagement, and foster a healthier, more respectful culture. From developing measurable rounding frameworks to empowering staff through open-ended conversations, Greta explains how leaders can move beyond “checking the box” and make every round meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance visibility with strategy, or how to round without feeling like you’re putting out fires all day, this episode is for you. About Greta Rosler Greta Rosler, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CPXP, is an experienced nurse leader with a background in frontline nursing leadership, patient experience, and professional development. She is the CEO and Principal of Radius Leaders, a nurse leader development partnership she founded in 2017. Through her Skilled Nurse Leader© and WIN Your Rounds© programs, Greta helps healthcare organizations strengthen leadership skills, improve engagement, and sustain healthy work environments. Her work has led to measurable improvements in turnover, patient experience, and nurse leader confidence. Greta is actively involved with the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL), serves as a subject matter expert for multiple healthcare leadership organizations, and is currently pursuing her PhD in nurse leader self-efficacy and rounding effectiveness. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How strategic, intentional rounding builds trust and psychological safety Why most leaders struggle with rounding and how to fix it The difference between “checking the box” and creating meaningful engagement How to empower your team instead of enabling them Simple, open-ended questions that transform performance conversations Why presence and purpose are key to sustaining a healthy work culture Links & Resources Connect with Greta Rosler: LinkedIn Visit Radius Leaders: www.radiusleaders.com Email Greta: greta@radiusleaders.com Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and #1 Amazon Best Seller Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here! Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here! Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here! Have a question for Renee? Email us at wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode! Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases. Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share with your colleagues. Your support helps us reach more healthcare leaders working to create better work environments.

October is Bullying Prevention Month – a time when awareness of this global issue is amplified. In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson shares practical strategies that leaders can implement right away to stop the cycle of disruptive behaviors, create safer environments for staff and patients, and build healthier teams. Drawing from decades of experience coaching healthcare leaders, Renee unpacks four of the most common challenges leaders face and gives actionable solutions: from un-normalizing deviant behavior, to stopping overt incivility in the moment, to avoiding the trap of over-defending yourself, and addressing behaviors you didn’t personally witness. She also shares a bigger-picture approach: why workshops alone won’t solve this problem, why HR and the interprofessional team must be part of the solution, and how the Healthy Workforce Institute’s Framework can guide organizations toward real, lasting culture change. About Dr. Renee Thompson: Dr. Renee Thompson is a sought-after speaker, author, consultant, and leading authority on creating healthy workforces by eliminating bullying and incivility. With more than 31 years as a clinical nurse, nurse educator, quality manager, and nurse executive, Dr. Thompson is a leading authority on workplace bullying and incivility and spends the majority of her time working with healthcare leaders who want to cultivate a healthy workforce. Renee is the CEO and Founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute and has been repeatedly published, interviewed, and awarded for her work to eradicate disruptive behaviors in healthcare. In 2020, the Joint Commission invited Renee to become a member of their Workplace Violence Technical Advisory Panel. She has been published in numerous nursing journals and is a frequently invited guest on radio, podcasts, webinars, and online social media platforms. In 2016, Renee received the Nursing Excellence Award as a nurse entrepreneur to honor her work to eliminate workplace bullying. She received the first Outstanding Nursing Alumni for Excellence in Leadership Award and Distinguished  Alumni recognition from her alma mater and was a finalist in the Healthcare Heroes Awards as a Healthcare Provider. Her blog has won numerous awards as a Top Nursing Blog “must-read” by the online nursing community, and her anti-bullying videos are viewed by healthcare organizations around the world. Renee is one of only 30 nurses in the world who have achieved the prestigious certified speaking professional designation. In 2018, she was recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top Ten Voices in Healthcare for her contribution to the global online healthcare community. In 2022, she was identified as one of the top 5 Nurse Influencers on LinkedIn. Also, in 2022, Renee was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing for her work to eradicate disruptive behaviors in healthcare. Renee has a Master's degree in Nursing Education and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Pittsburgh. Links & Resources Connect with and follow Dr. Renee Thompson on LinkedIn Learn more about the Healthy Workforce Institute on their LinkedIn and website Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here! Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here! Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here! Check out the article: 3 Common Landmines to Avoid When You Confront Bullying Behavior

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dina MacDonald, Nursing Director of the Maternal Newborn Center at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, to talk about something we can all relate to – turning a toxic work environment into one where people actually want to come to work. Dina shares her personal journey from being the target of a bullying boss to becoming a leader who reshaped her department’s culture. She opens up about the power of accountability, why tough conversations are necessary, and how even the hardest decisions can set the tone for a healthier, more respectful workplace. If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with resistors, set clear expectations, and build a team that actually supports one another, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Katherine Virkstis, Chief Clinical Officer at Get Well, to talk about the intersection of patient experience, staff well-being, and healthy workplace culture. Katherine shares Get Well’s inspiring origin story, which was founded by a patient who believed every person should be treated like a VIP, and how their digital tools now empower patients, reduce cognitive burden on staff, and foster joy in care delivery. She also explains how innovations like automated documentation, real-time feedback, and a digital kindness pledge are not just transforming patient experience, but also strengthening work cultures and reducing workplace aggression. You’ll hear practical strategies leaders can use right now to reduce stressors, support their teams, and create a safer, more respectful environment for both staff and patients.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson welcomes Patricia McGaffigan, President of the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Patricia has dedicated her career to advancing patient and workforce safety, and she brings powerful insights into why safety cannot just be a project or fleeting priority – it must be an organization’s purpose. Together, Renee and Patricia explore the deep connection between patient safety and workforce well-being, the importance of shifting leadership mindsets, and practical strategies organizations can adopt to hardwire safety into their culture. Patricia also shares tools and frameworks leaders can start using immediately, including the National Action Plan, a new workplace violence reporting framework, and IHI’s Joy in Work framework. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how every interaction impacts safety and why creating safer workplaces requires action at both the system and individual levels.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson talks with Dr. Jeff Doucette, Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Press Ganey about two urgent issues in healthcare today: the alarming rise in workplace violence and the critical role of nurse leader engagement. Jeff shares insights from Press Ganey’s data on the alarming rise of workplace violence, revealing that three nurses are assaulted every hour in the U.S., and emphasizes why zero-tolerance cultures must start at the top. He also highlights the powerful connection between leader engagement and patient outcomes, offering strategies for creating safer, healthier, and more engaged work environments.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Rachel Culpepper, Nursing Director at Indiana University Health West Hospital, to explore how nurse leaders can better support managers in one of the hardest jobs in healthcare. Rachel shares practical strategies for guiding managers through conflict, coaching them to pause and fact-find before reacting, and navigating challenges with multi-generational teams. Listeners will walk away with actionable tools to help managers build trust, create accountability, and turn conflict into opportunities for growth.

In this milestone 100th episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson reflects on her journey of hosting conversations with extraordinary healthcare leaders who are shaping stronger, healthier work cultures. From Quint Studer’s insights on “emotional onboarding,” to Dr. Stacey Alves’s reminder that you “can’t lead from your desk,” to stories of kindness, recognition, and resilience from nurse leaders and executives across the country – Renee revisits the moments that resonated most over the past 100 episodes. This episode is both a celebration and a learning journey. Whether it’s tackling workplace violence, holding leaders accountable, or cultivating joy through recognition, listeners will walk away with practical strategies and renewed inspiration to create a culture where nurses and all healthcare professionals thrive.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Simmy King, Chief Nursing Informatics and Education Officer at Children’s National Hospital, to talk about something we all need more of – recovery. They go beyond the usual “self-care” chatter and dig into what it really means to recover from stress –  not just respond to it. Dr. King shares practical strategies for building individual and team capacity, highlights how nurse leaders can use data to support staff well-being, and introduces the powerful concept of commonality – the intentional practice of eating together to strengthen team bonds and social capital. Listeners will walk away with actionable ideas to support a healthier, more connected workforce culture.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee sits down with Dr. Vicki Good, Chief Clinical Officer of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), to talk about the six Healthy Work Environment (HWE) standards and how, even 20 years later, they’re still the gold standard for creating safe, respectful, and high-performing work cultures in healthcare. Dr. Good shares insights on AACN’s national research and collaborative efforts to bring these standards to life in real-world settings. They also explore how these standards apply to all healthcare environments – not just critical care – and how they’ve evolved to address interprofessional collaboration, burnout, meaningful recognition, and more. Whether you're a nurse leader, bedside clinician, or someone passionate about improving work culture in healthcare, this episode will leave you inspired to take action. As Vicki says, “Healthy work environments are a way to be, not a thing to do.”

In this special episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with one of the most important people in her life – her daughter, Kaitlin Hicks. Kaitlin, who currently serves as the Senior Program Coordinator of Clinical Education in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Duke University and also as HWI’s Certification Program Manager, shares a powerful story from her time as a middle school teacher. After dealing with a passive-aggressive colleague who made public jabs and undermined her confidence, Kaitlin did what most daughters do – turned to her mom, Renee, for advice – and what she got was a simple script that helped her finally stand up for herself. Whether you identify as a fawner, a freezer, or someone who just wants to feel more confident speaking up, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical advice to help you stand your ground while still showing respect.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Ecoee Rooney, Chief Nursing Officer at Indicator Sciences and nationally recognized expert in workplace civility. Ecoee shares how her team is transforming how we address burnout, turnover, and workload imbalance in nursing – through data. Together, they explore the potential of analytics to support nurse leaders, identify struggling team members, and reduce burnout-driven behaviors before they escalate. Ecoee breaks down how her team uses real-time clinical data to help nurse leaders pinpoint workload imbalances, understand patterns of burnout, and initiate supportive – not punitive – interventions. Her CareFX platform and Quick Sync method are empowering leaders to focus their time where it matters most. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly support your nurses and make data meaningful in real-time leadership, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Priscilla Meyers — their newest consultant, speaker, and leadership coach at the Healthy Workforce Institute.  They talk about what it really takes to transform a toxic culture from the inside out. Priscilla shares how she started by truly listening to her team, involving them in decisions, and creating psychological safety. They also talk about the importance of vulnerability, modeling the behavior you want to see, and how to handle conflict — especially between providers and nursing staff. If you’re a leader looking for practical, real-world strategies to build a healthy work culture (and keep your sanity in the process), this episode is for you.

In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson tackles common leadership challenges, including setting boundaries, managing emotions, and bridging generational gaps in the workplace. Discover practical strategies to enhance team morale and foster a respectful work environment. Renee shares insights on how to communicate effectively with your team, handle inappropriate emotions, and appreciate the unique strengths of different generations.  Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to management, these tips will help you create a more harmonious and productive workplace.

In this episode of the Coffee Break podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson chats with Dr. Ruby Latif about a topic that impacts every single one of us: creating psychologically safe and inclusive work cultures. Dr. Latif shares her expertise on the importance of building true inclusion – not as a one-time event but as an ongoing commitment. They talk about the hidden dangers of incivility and microaggressions, and how they quietly chip away at team morale and psychological safety. They also explore what "soft resistance" looks like in leadership and why courage and curiosity are non-negotiables if you want to build a culture where everyone feels safe and supported. Dr. Latif emphasizes the value of hiring for character and potential, not just credentials – a philosophy I wholeheartedly support! If you're a leader who wants to do better or a team member looking to foster a more inclusive environment, this conversation is for you.

In this heart-centered episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson has the true pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Kate FitzPatrick – Chief Nurse Executive for Jefferson Health and a respected leader in our field – to talk about something close to both of our hearts: how leaders can foster healthy work cultures, especially in times of adversity. Through her own stories of being bullied and the lessons she’s carried forward into leadership, Kate shares powerful insights about what it means to lead with grace, empathy, and hope. We talk about why presence matters, how leaders can serve as cultural anthropologists, and the importance of deeply listening to our teams. If you're struggling with workplace culture, feeling disconnected, or want to better support your teams through difficult times – this episode is for you.

In this vulnerable and powerful episode on the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Bob Dent – a nurse executive, executive coach, author, and someone I’ve respected for over a decade – to explore how leaders can create emotionally safe, respectful, and human-centered workplaces in healthcare. We go beyond the buzzwords and dive into the realities of fear-based leadership, toxic cultures, and mental health challenges in leadership. Bob shares not only his incredible professional insights, but also his deeply personal story of navigating chronic suicidality and seeking help – a conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

In this Q&A edition of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson dives into real-world leadership dilemmas brought up during a recent keynote with 600+ healthcare leaders. From handling hostile emails (a.k.a. “nastygrams”) to protecting new nurses from being humiliated by physicians, to standing up for your float pool team – Renee shares real strategies that work. You’ll learn how to respond to disruptive communication without escalating conflict, how to confront behavior while keeping your HR team in the loop, and how to build a true learning culture that supports – not shames – new team members. If you've ever been blindsided by a rude email, struggled to defend your staff, or worried that confrontation will get twisted into you being the bully – this episode is for you.