This week, Anne interviews Chris Bishop about his multifaceted career in healthcare and his transition to leading in the animal health sector as CEO of Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP). Bishop shares his journey from growing up in Tennessee, working the seafood counter, playing college basketball, working in myriad roles within healthcare and navigating the complexities of corporate leadership. He reframes "sales" as influencing behavior, discusses the importance of mentorship and highlights pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style. He also reflects on the impact of faith and the value of creating a culture of ownership within an organization. As always, stick around for the lightning round. 2:44 - Growing Up in Tennessee 7:59 - College and Career Aspirations 9:12 - Entering the Healthcare Industry 16:05 - Leading Regent Surgical Partners 22:24 - Transition to Veterinary Healthcare 24:53 - The Pet Boom and Its Implications 27:58 - Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth 30:53 - Balancing Family and Career 33:39 - The Role of Faith in Leadership 34:57 - Qualities of Effective Leaders 37:49 - Lightning Round: Quick Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From sleepaway camp to the Appalachian Trail, Jennifer Pharr Davis’s story is one of curiosity, courage and...camp. Her early desire to "keep up" rapidly transformed into a relentless drive to find her own limits, leading her to achievements few can even imagine. In this episode, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with the former National Geographic Adventurer of the Year to talk about how lessons from the trail have shaped her life as an athlete, business owner, and leader. Jennifer’s path began in the mountains of North Carolina and led her to set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail—averaging 47 miles a day over 2,200 miles—and to create the Blue Ridge Hiking Company, inspiring thousands to connect with the outdoors. Along the way, she’s learned about resilience, risk-taking, and redefining leadership through self-awareness, faith, and the power of nature. “If you never fail,” her camp director told her, “you haven’t set your goals high enough.” Highlights: 2:46 – Growing Up in the North Carolina Mountains 4:18 – Lessons from Summer Camp 8:30 – First Job & Early Leadership 11:00 – First Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike 15:00 – First ‘Real Job’ & the Call of the Trail 18:00 – Founding Blue Ridge Hiking Company 22:00 – Lessons in Leadership & Longevity 23:30 – Back to the AT 31:00 – Endurance, Adversity & Teamwork 35:00 – Breaking the Record 36:00 – Advocacy & the Next Chapter 38:30 – Family, Faith & Work-Life Balance 41:00 – Leadership Lessons from the Trail 43:30 – Lightning Round   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first episode of Season Two, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Scott Becker. Becker’s name is synonymous with healthcare media and can’t miss industry conferences. The Becker’s brand is now an empire, covering every facet of the industry. And the energetic man behind the brand is a respected healthcare lawyer whose real purpose and passion is connecting people and ideas. Anne has known Scott for years. Yet in this conversation, they cover new ground about his life’s journey and ongoing aspirations. They talk about all the advice he didn’t get. About his mentoring of a young Barack Obama. And even about the lesson he once learned about yelling in the office. 02:16 Building Becker's Healthcare 05:11 Family and Upbringing 08:11 Law School, Early Legal Career and Leadership 18:30 Launching the ASC Newsletter 19:56 Interviewing Fascinating Personalities 23:00 Learning from Celebrity Interactions 27:36 Developing Leaders and Building Teams 30:20 Lessons from Mistakes and Life Experiences 32:17 Staying Active and Avoiding Regrets 33:16 Characteristics of Effective Leaders 34:32 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Ever wonder what makes great leaders tick? Well then welcome to season two of the Backstory, where each conversation is a case study in authentic leadership. Throughout her career in healthcare consulting, Anne Hancock Toomey has encountered some truly impressive leaders. Here, she sits down with them, digging into their journeys, who they are and how they lead. The backstory is about humanizing respected leaders who are visionary, sharp, self-aware, and fiercely committed, who lift others up, own their mistakes, and share credit freely. They're not perfect, but they are genuine, and that's where greatness lives. Last season, we featured executives from top healthcare organizations across the nation, plus some investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. This time we're looking at healthcare and beyond. We'll kick it off with media mogul Scott Becker. Other episodes will feature a sports hero, a Guinness World record holder, the CEO of the fastest selling consumer wearable company, among others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the capstone episode of Season One, Anne Hancock Toomey interviews healthcare entrepreneur and...her dad! Kenny Hancock is CEO of Lync Health Partners. Hancock shares his journey from working his family's small-town hardware store in Kentucky to a successful career as a serial entrepreneur in healthcare. He talks about how early setbacks in a high-pressure sales role motivated him to keep pushing and succeed, setting him up for a professional lifetime of finding ways to solve big challenges. Hancock reviews the highs and lows founding and leading companies like OrthoLink, Surgical Alliance, Meridian, and Lync Health Partners. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, authenticity, and risk-taking. Anne and Kenny also delve into the personal and familial dimensions of their journey, offering valuable insights into leadership and life lessons. 1:36 Family Values and Lessons 6:02 Growing Up in Russellville, KY 15:24 Transition to Healthcare and challenges in medical device sales 19:54 Moving to Nashville and New Ventures 21:16 A Life-Changing Decision 28:30 The Formation of Lync Health Partners 30:15 Reflecting on Mistakes and Accomplishments 32:58 Leadership Insights and Personal Reflections 35:51 Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Backstory, host Anne Hancock Toomey interviews Dr. David Miller, President of University of Michigan Health and incoming Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs of University of Michigan and CEO of Michigan Medicine . Dr. Miller shares insights from his career as a urologic cancer surgeon and member of the leadership team at a large academic health system. He discusses his Michigan roots, the influence of his parents, and and the surprising role the CEO of Dow had on his journey from practicing medicine to taking on significant administrative roles. The conversation delves into his leadership philosophy, which emphasizes honesty, humility, visibility and enthusiasm. Dr. Miller also talks about balancing his clinical practice with his executive responsibilities. As a physician and executive, he is well-placed to talk about the importance of earning and maintaining trust from colleagues, team members and the public. 2:05 Early Life and Influences 4:46 First Job and Lessons Learned 8:25 College and Medical School Journey 9:31 Choosing Urology and Career Path 13:50 Transition to Administration 17:30 Balancing Clinical Practice and Leadership 19:43 Upcoming Role as CEO 22:36 Addressing Trust in Healthcare 27:19 Family and Personal Life 30:04 Leadership Insights and Advice 34:43 Lightning Round and Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Backstory, host Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with the Global Head of Healthcare for Blackstone, Ram Jagannath, to trace the path that led him from a childhood as a first-generation American to the upper echelons of finance and healthcare investing. Jagannath shares how his formative years shaped his perspective, weaving through early influences, first jobs, and pivotal experiences—none more striking than his time working in a Croatian refugee camp with Bosnians displaced by the war. From navigating Wall Street to surviving the stock market crash and exploring a career in private equity, Jagannath unpacks lessons on why intellectual curiosity and purpose matter as much as strategy. And in a fast-paced lightning round, he gets personal – family, golf and a little love for Taylor Swift. 4:20 First Jobs and Early Lessons 11:44 College Years and Discovering Fulfillment 13:28 Life-Changing Experience in Croatia 20:09 Transition to Finance and Wall Street 22:42 Discovering Private Equity 25:10 Journey into Healthcare Investing 30:29 Founding a New Firm and Personal Loss 34:52 Leadership Qualities and Values 39:14 Lightning Round: Personal Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Backstory, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Ric Ransom, CEO of University of Missouri Health Care, for a conversation that covers everything from comic books to crisis leadership. Ric’s journey started in Birmingham, Alabama, in a home filled with big personalities and even bigger aspirations. He carved out a career that spanned law and healthcare administration, helping guide major health systems like Baylor Health System (now Baylor Scott & White Health), Prisma Health and UW Health along the way. Known for his ability to build strong teams and steer through uncertainty, Ransom unpacks lessons on resilience, communications and the influence of formative leaders – starting with his own father. Plus, he shares his approach to staying sharp (spoiler: it involves exercise and a good graphic novel). Come for the conversation about his first job as a telemarketer, stay for the lightning round where Ransom talks about his introverted side, his go-to stress relievers and what’s on his reading list. 02:15 Early Life, First Jobs and Leadership Influences 09:21 Journey Through Education and Career Beginnings 11:27 Transition to Healthcare Administration 17:13 Leadership Philosophy and Crisis Management 20:54 Challenges and Surprises as a CEO 23:49 Learning from Mistakes 29:07 Staying Healthy and Hobbies 30:07 Effective Leadership Traits 35:55 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Wendy Horton, CEO of UVA Health University Medical Center, to delve into her impressive career in academic medicine. Horton, known for her problem-solving skills and steady hand in a crisis, shares her journey from growing up in a rough neighborhood in Southern California to her childhood picking kiwi on an uncle’s farm to her leadership roles at major institutions like UW Health and The Ohio State University. She discusses formative influences, including her grandfather and a high school teacher, her early experiences as a pharmacist, and the transitions that led her from clinical practice to leadership in academic medicine. Horton also touches on the challenges and rewards of her current role, the importance of community and teamwork, and tips for effective leadership. 01:09 Pickleball Adventures and Injuries 02:16 Wendy's Career in Academic Medicine 03:07 Early Life and Family Background 06:20 First Jobs and Early Influences 14:22 Transition to Leadership Roles 15:47 UW Health and Building a New Hospital 20:33 Move to Ohio State and Leadership Lessons 24:45 Joining UVA Health During the Pandemic 28:42 Reflections on Career and Leadership 30:32 Family Life and Balancing Priorities 36:07 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're doing something a little different this week on The Backstory. We're two-thirds of the way through this series and has talked to 13 incredible leaders. So, we wanted to take a moment for host Anne Hancock Toomey to reflect on one of the questions that she asks each guest. That is, "What are the three characteristics of the most effective leaders?" Every one of the leaders interviewed has a unique story. At the same time, they have certain things in common. They are successful because of who they are and how they lead. And so the hope in asking this question, which always comes near the end of the conversations, is to get at those ingredients to their secret sauce. The question isn't "What makes you successful?" It's pointed away from the guest and towards successful leaders in general. But interestingly, to a person, all 13 ended up describing how they've learned to lead. The guests are: Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health Chris Roth, President and CEO of St. Luke's Health System Sheri Shapiro, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of CommonSpirit Health Bill Southwick, former CEO of QualDerm Partners Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, Executive VP and Chief Physician Executive, Houston Methodist Phil Roe, former CEO and current Senior Advisor of Martin Ventures Joann Anderson, Former President and CEO of UNC Health Southeastern Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health Michael Wiechart, President of TEAMHealth Rhonda Brandon, Chief Human Resources Officer at Duke University Health System David Jarrard, Founder and Executive Chairman of Jarrard Inc. Tim Johnsen, SVP & COO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services Ken Graboys, CEO of Chartis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From rural Rhode Island to founding and leading one of the country’s top consultancies and one of healthcare’s most respected organizations, Ken Graboys’ story is anything but ordinary.   In this episode of The Backstory podcast, host Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Graboys, CEO of Chartis (Jarrard Inc.’s parent company), to discuss moments that shaped his journey. From selling seeds door-to-door, to adventures in Alaska and the Peace Corps to founding Chartis, Graboys shares how early life experiences and a heart-centered approach to business laid the foundation for lasting success.  The conversation explores his leadership philosophy, the role of mentorship and the values that guide him—authenticity, generosity and a relentless focus on making healthcare better. Plus, Graboys gets personal, reflecting on balancing family and career, learning from mistakes and the power of gratitude.  01:29 Intro and Connection Between Chartis, Jarrard 03:50 Graboys' Early Life and Formative Jobs  12:28 Leadership Lessons from the Peace Corps  21:52 Founding Chartis and the Turning Point  24:43 Overcoming Challenges and Defining Success  28:03 Balancing Family, Work, and Growth  39:35 Lightning Round: Quickfire Reflections  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne Hancock Toomey dives deep into the inspiring journey of Tim Johnsen, a seasoned healthcare leader and current SVP & COO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services. Tim’s story takes us from his early days as a guitar instructor in St. Louis to a transformative career in healthcare leadership. Along the way, he shares personal anecdotes, like how his father’s sudden passing shaped his career choice and his frontline experiences as a critical care and flight nurse. This episode explores pivotal moments, including Tim’s transition to administrative leadership, his approach to balancing personal and professional priorities and the lessons learned from successes and setbacks – like handling a radioactive incident. Johnsen also reflects on building strong teams, navigating leadership in rural vs. urban settings and maintaining well-being in a demanding career. Stick around for the lightning round, where Tim shares quick takes on leadership, growth and life outside the office.  03:07 Early Life and Influences 09:56 A Pivotal Moment: Choosing Healthcare 17:27 Transition to Administrative Leadership 22:50 Balancing Leadership in Rural and Urban Areas 27:58 Building Strong Teams and Lifelong Connections 29:12 Learning from Mistakes: A Radioactive Incident 34:20 Effective Leadership Traits 36:02 Areas for Improvement in Leadership 37:42 Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Anne Hancock Toomey chats with her longtime colleague and co-founder David Jarrard, a former journalist, public affairs counselor and founding CEO, now serving as executive chairman of Jarrard Inc. David shares his unique journey from growing up in East Tennessee and working the police and theater beats as a reporter to becoming one of the most influential communications leaders in the healthcare industry. He delves into his early career in journalism, lessons learned from leaders and his parents and how these experiences shaped his visionary leadership style. David reflects on the importance of an integrated life, his passion for team synergy and the need to have balance between humility and confidence for effective leadership. The conversation concludes with a lightning round, offering personal insights and a glimpse into David's life outside of work. 02:44 Early Life and Influences in East Tennessee 05:11 Lessons from Journalism and Early Career 07:10 Transition to Corporate Communications 16:57 Reflections on Career Choices and Leadership 23:26 Founding Jarrard, Phillips, Cate and Hancock 26:03 The Importance of Relationships and Team Chemistry 28:11 Leadership Philosophy and Values 31:44 Balancing Work and Personal Life 35:52 Recognizing and Addressing Weaknesses 37:22 Healthy Habits for Effective Leadership 38:56 Lightning Round: Personal Insights 42:25 Final Thoughts on Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Anne Hancock Toomey chats with Rhonda Brandon, the dynamic Chief Human Resources Officer at Duke University Health System. Rhonda’s unconventional and remarkable journey takes us from her roots in Richmond, Virginia, through pivotal roles at IBM, Nike and Colonial Pipeline, to her transformative work at Duke Health. With humor and heart, Rhonda reveals how faith, family and fierce determination shaped her career, highlighting key moments such as a game-changing revelation at IBM, balancing burnout at Nike and navigating change management at Duke University Health System. Through personal anecdotes, Rhonda emphasizes authenticity and the necessity of nurturing one’s spirit. The episode concludes with a fun lightning round, providing a glimpse into her personal quirks and inspirations. Tune in for laughs, leadership lessons and a lot of heart! 03:44 Lessons from Parents and Early Career 06:04 First Job Experiences 09:40 Defining Moments at IBM 13:19 Career at Nike and Burnout 18:26 Joining Colonial Pipeline 21:29 Transition to Healthcare 25:28 Building a Cohort and Embracing Change Management 27:15 Key Principles of Change Management 29:13 The Call from Duke and Defining the Job 36:16 Family, Faith, and Personal Reflections 44:17 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this power-packed episode of The Backstory, Michael Wiechart, President of TEAMHealth, opens up about his journey from small-town Ohio to becoming a healthcare leadership powerhouse. Mike’s story is anything but ordinary – from almost becoming a priest to working at – and quickly getting fired from – a family-owned pizza joint before taking the fast track to healthcare. By just 26 years old, Mike was already a CFO, navigating the complexities of major healthcare systems like Lifepoint Health and overcoming the tough moments of two CEO losses. Tune in to hear about his authentic leadership approach, lessons that shaped his career and his personal favorites – from influential books to memorable experiences. 02:25 Early Career and Influences 03:59 First Job and Professional Growth 09:03 Transition to Healthcare Leadership 14:30 Challenges and Tragedies at LifePoint 18:56 Joining Team Health 21:00 Reflections and Accomplishments 22:09 The Unforeseen Crisis 24:49 Reflecting on Mistakes 28:21 The Role of Faith in Leadership 30:15 Balancing Career and Personal Life 33:30 Leadership Qualities and Challenges 37:37 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Backstory, Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health, for a wide-ranging conversation on workforce development and leadership. Van takes us through her incredible journey, starting with her escape from the Vietnam war and growing up in Hawaii, and into her career that has spanned education, government and healthcare. She highlights the art of building coalitions, the importance of lifelong learning and the power of unlocking doors for others. To top it off, the episode wraps with a fast-paced lightning round, where Van shares personal habits, new projects and sharp advice for future leaders. 01:13 Van's Podcast: Workforce Rx 05:54 Career Beginnings and Mentorship 09:39 Workforce Development at Pacific Gas &Electric 12:52 Public Sector Leadership and Workforce Initiatives 15:57 Founding Futuro Health 18:50 The Highs & Lows of Futuro Health 20:39 Leadership Insights and Personal Reflections 24:27 Family and Work-Life Balance 33:05 Lightning Round  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 7 of the Backstory, host and Jarrard Inc. President Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Joann Anderson, a 45-year veteran in healthcare leadership and a relentless advocate for rural healthcare. Anderson shares her journey from growing up in forest of rural Kentucky to becoming a bedside nurse. She describes her rapid ascent through the ranks of major healthcare organizations like Humana and HCA, eventually becoming President and CEO of UNC Health Southeastern. Anderson reflects on her roots and the influence of the Frontier Nursing Service, which ignited her passion for healthcare. She discusses key leadership lessons, the importance of resilience, community engagement, and the values instilled in her by her family. These lessons came into play during a devastating fire at her organization’s cancer center and, later, as she guided Southeastern through the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation wraps up with a lightning round of personal insights, revealing Anderson's favorite books, athletes, and recent endeavors in the culinary world. Join in for an enriching conversation filled with wisdom on effective leadership and the relentless pursuit of healthcare excellence in rural communities.  02:11 Early Life in Rural Kentucky 05:38 First Job as Switchboard Operator and Early Career Influences 07:41 Lessons in Leadership and Communication 13:03 Rapid Rise in Healthcare Leadership 20:25 Executive Team Decisions 22:04 Relocating for Career Growth 24:44 Proud Achievements and Challenges 29:49 Balancing Family and Career 33:15 Effective Leadership Traits 34:31 Maintaining Personal Well-being 36:17 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Anne Hancock Toomey as she chats with Phil Roe, esteemed healthcare executive, former CEO and current senior advisor at Martin Ventures. From his humble beginnings on a Texas farm to leading major healthcare organizations like Vanguard Health System, Roe spills the secrets behind his success and his perspectives on effective leadership. Discover the power of relationship-building, ethical decision-making and impactful leadership qualities, and dive into how a busy healthcare exec balances mission work, personal life, career and family. Episode Highlights 01:10 Roe’s Early Career  03:59 Upbringing and Family Life  06:01 Lessons from Roe’s Father  07:38 Influential Leaders  09:55 Transition to Healthcare  17:08 Building Vanguard Health System  20:29 Leading Martin Ventures  22:54 Evaluating Healthcare Leaders  24:06 Transitioning to Board Roles  25:09 Proudest Career Accomplishments  27:48 Mission Work and Service  29:59 Leadership Insights and Challenges  35:06 Lightning Round  37:51 Final Thoughts and Advice  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host and Jarrard Inc. President Anne Hancock Toomey interviews Shlomit Schaal, MD, PhD, MHCM, of Houston Methodist. Dr. Schaal serves as Executive VP and Chief Physician Executive, Houston Methodist; President and Chief Executive Officer, Houston Methodist Physician Organization; Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Houston Methodist Academic Institute; and Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell College of Medicine. Dr. Schaal is an accomplished ophthalmologist, retinal surgeon, researcher and executive, but her life and passions extend far beyond the lab and operating room. In this conversation, we hear about her inspiring journey from growing up as a child in Israel to moving to the United States. She describes how a young leader influenced her life immeasurably and how her trepidation around water turned into a first job as lifeguard and, ultimately, influenced her career. The conversation dives into her transformative role leading the UMass Chan Medical School Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (read the case study here), and her current focus on physician well-being at Houston Methodist. Dr. Schaal also emphasizes the importance of role models, mentorship, and intentional investment in professional development, offering insightful advice for aspiring women leaders in healthcare. 02:35 – Growing up in Israel 05:09 – First job as a lifeguard and early influential leader 08:11 – Journey into Medicine and Ophthalmology 10:56 – Moving to the United States 14:19 – Turning Around UMass Ophthalmology Department 22:56 – Transition to Houston Methodist 25:23 – Focusing on Physician Wellbeing 29:39 – Elevating Women in Healthcare Leadership 34:06 – Balancing Career and Personal Life 36:18 – Characteristics of Effective Leaders 40:05 – Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, host and Jarrard Inc President Anne Hancock Toomey chats with Bill Southwick, the "Physician Whisperer" and a titan in healthcare leadership. Southwick dives into his 25-year journey of turning struggling companies into success stories, highlighting his recent triumph in transforming Querm into QualDerm. He underscores the power of relationship-building, culture and leadership in driving success. Southwick also shares vibrant anecdotes from his upbringing in Shelter Island, New York, his early days in financial planning and his pivotal shift into healthcare. Get ready for sharp insights on effective leadership, emotional intelligence and the importance of transparency and trust. Southwick also discusses balancing a high-intensity career with family life, and his dedication to mentoring future leaders. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable takeaways on leadership, resilience and personal growth. 02:41 Early Life 04:12 Lessons from Competitive Golf 05:59 Influential Figures 07:51 Transition to Healthcare 10:10 Building and Transforming Healthcare Companies 13:49 Challenges and Successes at ReDoc 16:09 Return to Physician Practice Management 21:13 Physician Whisperer Reputation 23:26 Proud Moments and Leadership Reflections 24:45 Learning from Mistakes 27:23 Traits of Effective Leaders 32:14 Balancing Work and Life 36:27 Lightning Round 38:03 Final Thoughts on Authentic Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices