The Real Talk About Healthcare Leadership Right Now

Hello Reader,

I've been having some eye-opening conversations with healthcare leaders lately, and there's a pattern I can't ignore. When I ask what they need most right now, the answer is almost always the same: "It's just too much."

Between new clinics opening, staffing shortages, and running so lean that normal life becomes impossible to manage, we're seeing something unprecedented—talented people actively saying no to leadership roles.

Why Some People Are Walking Away

Here's what's keeping me up at night: I'm watching junior colleagues—brilliant, capable people—refuse promotions because they've seen what happens to those who came before them. They're asking themselves: How do I balance leading a team with being present for my family? How do I tackle problems that feel unsolvable?

The truth? Many of these challenges aren't actually unsolvable. But when you're running on empty, everything feels impossible.

The Foundation Problem

Here's what I've learned from working with leaders who've found their way through this: the difference isn't in their circumstances—it's in their foundation.

Think about it this way: if you're living on unstable foundations—poor sleep, strained relationships, no time for reflection—you'll feel shaky in every boardroom conversation. But when your personal life, health, and values are calibrated correctly, you suddenly have the capacity to hold tension with ease.

The Recalibration Practice That Changes Everything

I used to think self-care was selfish. Now I know that higher intensity leadership requires higher intensity self-care.It's not optional—it's strategic.

Start small: Can you dedicate one hour per week to step back and assess? Can you look at your schedule through fresh eyes? Most of us are so busy "running the race" that we forget to check if we're even running in the right direction.

What This Means for You

Whether you're considering a leadership role or already in one, remember this: You don't have to have all the answers. What matters is creating space to learn together with your team. The faster we learn, the faster we can implement meaningful change.

And if you're feeling like you're always chasing the next deadline without ever catching your breath? You're not alone. Almost every healthcare professional I talk to feels this way. The key is building practices that help you reset before you reach that breaking point.

🎧 Listen to the podcast sneak peek episode below and listen to the full episode on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Podbean, or Amazon Music.

What's inspiring us this week:

Celebrating ALL the Advanced Practice Providers that make up our interprofessional team this week! This includes Physician Associates/ Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Midwives/ Certified Nurse Midwives, and Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. More info here.

The Practice: Celebrating Wins

We get more of what we focus on. The practice of gratitude and celebrating the goodness of life is the first step in changing our brains, mindsets, and circumstances for the better.

I tried reiki for the first time last night after a restorative yoga class at my local Yoga Six studio. It was very nice! Sometimes we all need an energetic reset, grounded in the 7 chakras. May love flow abundantly through you this week. Pay it forward. Be the good.

Stay mindful and keep leading,
Lillian

​

If you've read this far...

Then you know you are the right fit for our programs. Let's do the work, together.

Ready for More? Join the Community:

A community of healthcare professionals growing in leadership and wellbeing. If you're looking for like-minded support and real growth, this is your space.

Our RESET Retreat January 17-18, 2026 in Sedona, AZ is here! Sign Up and give yourself the gift of a reset: for all healthcare leaders.

Prefer personalized support?​
​Book a Clarity Call to explore how we can support your unique journey in healthcare.

Know someone who needs this?
​Forward this Thriving in Healthcare newsletter to a colleague who’s doing all the things — and might need permission to grow again.

​​​​​​​