For the Better

Laila Waggoner, founder of Strategy for Hire and SHSMD National Advisory Board member, has spent more than four decades moving between agency leadership and health system marketing — and she's put that experience to work helping organizations on both sides collaborate more effectively. In this episode, she and host Lauren Minors explore what makes partnerships actually function, why health systems...

Join host Lauren Minors for a conversation with Austen Williams, Executive Director of The Medi, to discuss how community health needs to be community-led, with trust at the center.

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What does the future hold for healthcare marketing as we head into 2026? In this episode of For the Better, Lauren Minors sits down with Colin Hung, one of the most connected voices in healthcare marketing and health IT. Colin is Editor-in-Chief of Swaay Marketing Community and Editor at Health IT Today, and he shares what he's seeing across more than 40 conferences a year. Together, they explore...

In this inspiring episode of  For the Better , guest host Lauren Minors sits down with Amy Comeau, award-winning author, speaker, and former CMO at Emory Healthcare, to explore what it truly means to lead with authenticity—especially in times of crisis. Drawing from her acclaimed book, Every Storm Runs Out of Rain , Amy shares how a simple idea—a weekly "Friday email" to her team—became a powerful...

In this episode of For the Better, Lauren Minors, Director of Partnerships and Marketing for Reason One, sits down with Maureen Li, the Digital Marketing Technology Manager at Emerson Health. They discuss Maureen's unique journey from an art history major at Tufts University to her pivotal role in healthcare marketing. Maureen delves into how her background in art and psychology equipped her with...

In this episode of For the Better , Ben Cash, CEO of Reason One, speaks with Melissa Fors Shackleford—founder of Shackelford Strategies and a nationally recognized leader in healthcare marketing and brand strategy. Known for her work with purpose-driven organizations like Optum, Hazelden Betty Ford, and Cigna Evernorth, Melissa helps healthcare brands clarify their message, build trust, and drive...

In this episode of For the Better , host Ben Cash, CEO of Reason One, speaks with Chris Hemphill, now Director of Modular Feedback and a Fellow at the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research. At the time of recording, Chris was serving as Senior Director of Commercial Intelligence at Woebot Health. Chris shares how bias in healthcare AI doesn't start in code—it starts in culture. Th...

In this episode… Tune in to this special Women's History Month episode of For the Better as Lauren Minors, Director of Partnerships and Marketing at Reason One, speaks with Jean Hitchcock, President of Hitchcock Marketing & Communications. With over 30 years of experience, Jean shares how a personal experience shaped her career and reflects on her leadership journey across healthcare systems,...

In this episode… With the shift to digital platforms in healthcare marketing, marketers face the daunting challenge of balancing patient privacy with effective digital marketing. Stringent regulations like HIPAA govern the use of sensitive patient data, raising the question: how can healthcare organizations continue to engage potential patients without compromising their privacy? Ray Mina, Vice Pr...

In this episode… As digital technologies disrupt every sector, the health sector stands firm yet restless against the tides of change. Innovation and tradition collide in an industry as old as time, setting the stage for a monumental paradigm shift. How can industry leaders foster transformation within this stronghold? Jared Johnson is the Chief Marketing Officer at Praia Health, the first consume...

In this episode… With the healthcare industry becoming more consumer-centric, providers face the challenge of aligning their operations with patients' real needs. Addressing patient engagement requires a multifaceted approach that involves patients in their healthcare journey, fosters shared decision-making, and enhances the overall patient experience. How can organizations ensure that their digit...

In this episode… Chronic illnesses are affecting an increasing portion of the population, with nearly 50% of Americans currently managing such conditions. Despite the growing number of patients requiring long-term care, the healthcare system is still designed around acute, short-term issues, leaving those with chronic diseases feeling lost in a complex maze of care. How can the healthcare system e...

In this episode… With every Google search, there's an unseen layer of interwoven information that's crucial for businesses to gain visibility. What if there was a way to clarify these connections, making it easier for search engines to deliver the most relevant content? How does semantic marketing change the game for search engine optimization, and what role does famed actor Kevin Bacon have to pl...

In this episode… Artificial Intelligence is swiftly becoming a game-changer in healthcare, but is it truly ready to transform the patient experience? The healthcare industry is buzzing about AI revolutionizing patient care, cost reduction, and efficiency. However, with much of the technology still labeled as potential, many wonder how much AI has impacted the consumer and patient experience. Could...

In this episode… Have you ever pondered the intricate relationship between healthcare and technology? Imagine a hospital environment where patients find precisely what they need online without hassle, and doctors communicate their value effortlessly. Could there be a solution to harmonize this complex data and improve everyone's experience? Christina Valls is the Associate Director of Product and...

In this episode… The healthcare industry's paramount quest for workforce excellence hinges on attracting and retaining top talent. Aligning brand culture with employee experience and retention is essential for fostering a culture of engagement crucial for long-term success. With over 15 years of experience leading marketing initiatives, Christine Albert, the former CXO at LCMC Health, helps health...

In this episode… With a focus on bridging departmental divides, organizations must optimize their digital infrastructure to meet evolving patient demands. So, what strategies are essential for future-proofing websites amidst the ever-changing healthcare technology landscape? Stephen Barry, Product Manager at Lee Health, leverages his design and development background to improve the website and pat...

In this episode… Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a game changer in healthcare marketing. Whether looking to improve patient engagement, optimize digital marketing efforts, or better track and analyze data, AI can help achieve your goals more effectively and efficiently. However, what key strategies and priorities should healthcare marketing teams consider when implementing AI in marketing pl...

In this episode… Technology has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with each other. And the healthcare industry is no exception. Digital transformation has made it possible to deliver healthcare innovatively, from virtual consultations to remote monitoring of patients. However, this transformation is not without its challenges. How can healthcare organizations fully realize the val...

In this episode… Let's face it: people in the healthcare industry are busy, with many physicians and surgeons working long shifts, not to mention on-call hours. Yet, they need to keep up with trends in the field through informative discussions, expert interviews, and thought-provoking content. Can podcasting be an effective platform for creating content and building a community for healthcare prof...

In this episode… As the demand for self-service continues to grow across industries, self-scheduling has become a patient expectation in the health sector. Online self-scheduling allows patients to find and book healthcare appointments at their convenience. This service model saves tremendous time and resources for hospitals that have previously relied on staff to schedule appointments. However, n...

In this episode… A shortage in healthcare providers in an overcrowded pool of patients has created a gap in access, increasing the need for more convenient and accessible care options. To fill the void, healthcare organizations rely on a network of partnerships and the implementation of digital patient engagement tools. These engagement tools are convenient communication platforms that allow patie...

In this episode… Have you ever considered how much of your data is used for analytics and personalization? Knowing how your data is collected is essential for preserving your identity and privacy. However, recent regulations have raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding widespread online tracking technologies. Adam Kruse is the Director of Technology at Eruptr, one of the largest...