Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey

In this episode of Wondermous, healthcare leader and consultant Merikay Hunt sits down with David Zetter, an expert with over 26 years of experience in healthcare consulting and a background in restaurant management. They explore strategies for building a successful consulting business, leadership insights, and how to navigate the complexities of healthcare compliance and advocacy. Key Topics: Dav...

From Cardiac Arrest to Community Impact: A Nurse's Mission to Save Lives | Kina Lucombe What happens when a seasoned cardiovascular nurse suddenly becomes a heart patient herself? In this inspiring episode of Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey Podcast, host Merikay Hunt sits down with Kina Lucombe, Founder and Executive Director of Hearts of Valor, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to cardiovas...

What happens when a successful orthopedic surgeon decides to walk away from a career she spent over two decades building? In this inspiring episode of Wondermous, host Merikay Hunt sits down with Adrienne Towsen, an orthopedic surgeon, entrepreneur, and healthcare leader, to discuss physician burnout, private equity in healthcare, career reinvention, and the courage to bet on yourself. Adrienne sh...

In this inspiring episode of Wondermous, host Merikay Hunt sits down with Eric Collett, founder of A Mind for All Seasons, to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, brain health, and the courage it takes to pursue a greater purpose. After spending 16 years leading assisted living and memory care communities, Eric made the difficult decision to leave a successful healthcare career and build a compan...

Welcome back to season 2 of Wondermous: A Healthcare Leadership Journey!  In this episode, host Merikay Hunt sits down with Ashley Vertuno, FACHE, CEO of HCA Florida JFK North Hospital, for an honest conversation about the mindset, habits, and relationships that shape great healthcare leaders. Ashley shares how her background as a competitive soccer player forged the discipline, coachability, and...

In this episode of Wondermous, host Merikay Hunt interviews Bob Nelson, a renowned expert in employee recognition and motivation. They discuss the importance of recognizing employees, overcoming challenges in careers, and the value of lifelong learning. Bob shares his journey from human resources to becoming a best-selling author and emphasizes the need for passion and purpose in career choices. T...

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, host Merikay Hunt welcomes Bryan Meek, an attorney specializing in employment law. They discuss Bryan's career journey, the challenges of public speaking, and the importance of effective communication in the workplace. Bryan shares insights on handling difficult conversations, maintaining work-life balance, and the value of continuous learning. The episod...

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, host Merikay Hunt interviews Keith Pinter, a leader in healthcare transformation and CEO of AristaMD, recognized by TIME'S World Top Health Tech Companies of 2025. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in healthcare leadership, focusing on change management, value-based care, and the integration of technology in healthcare. Keith shares insights f...

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, host Merikay Hunt interviews David Franklin, who shares his journey from working in the church as a pastor to leading an Alzheimer's care organization. They discuss leadership transitions, the importance of investing in teams, and the role of faith in personal and professional growth. David emphasizes the significance of empowering team members and settin...

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, host Merikay Hunt interviews Dan Stachelski, founder of ICAN, a pediatric outpatient clinic for children on the spectrum. Dan shares his journey from starting his business in a car to expanding to multiple locations, serving 500 active patients and scheduling 30,000 appointments monthly. He discusses the importance of coordination in healthcare services,...

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, Scott Neeley, CEO of Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, shares his journey from an ego-driven start to finding fulfillment in healthcare leadership. He discusses pivotal moments, such as his work on patient safety and blood transfusion practices, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration, respect, and whole-being wellness in healthcare....

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Philip Blair shares his unique journey from military service to the healthcare industry, focusing on natural remedies and cannabinoids. He discusses his passion for developing products that activate the endocannabinoid system without the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Dr. Blair emphasizes the importance of consultations and practical applications of his produc...

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, host Merikay Hunt interviews James Dismond, CEO of Mirasol Health, about his journey in healthcare leadership. James shares his unexpected entry into the field, the challenges he faced as a young, non-clinical CEO, and the transformative experiences that shaped his leadership style. The conversation delves into the importance of transparency, empathy, and...

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, Debra Lynne Phairas shares her extensive experience in healthcare management and consulting. She discusses her journey from pharmaceutical sales to becoming a healthcare administrator and consultant, emphasizing the importance of leadership, networking, and continuous learning. Debra also highlights the challenges and triumphs she faced in her career, off...

In this episode of the Wondermous Podcast, Merikay Hunt interviews Lisa Risser, CPA, MBA, FACHE, FHFMA a seasoned healthcare leader and founder of Jevan Consulting. They discuss Lisa's journey into healthcare, the inspiration behind starting her consulting firm, and the challenges and strategies involved in launching a successful consulting business. Lisa shares insights on the importance of feedb...

In this episode of Wondermous, host Merikay Hunt speaks with Jay Carmichael, a healthcare leader, about his journey into the healthcare industry, his leadership philosophy, and the importance of mentorship. Jay shares his experiences transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role, the challenges he faces in his current position as CEO, and how he strives for work-life integratio...

In this enlightening conversation, Karthik Ganesh, CEO of OnMed, shares his extensive experience in healthcare and the innovative solutions his company is providing to address the critical issue of healthcare access in America. He discusses the challenges faced by millions of Americans in accessing care and introduces the concept of care stations that combine the benefits of traditional healthcare...

In this conversation, Mike Fidgeon shares his journey in healthcare leadership, emphasizing the importance of failure, work-life integration, and the challenges faced in building high-performing teams. He reflects on his career path, the significance of grit and resilience, and offers advice to his younger self, highlighting the value of listening and curiosity in leadership. Give it a like, share...

In this episode of Wondermous, host Merikay Hunt interviews Andres Duran, CEO of Dimmit Regional Hospital, who shares his unique journey from being a patient to a healthcare leader. He discusses the importance of patient experience, the challenges of implementing electronic medical records, and the significance of creating a patient-centric culture. Andres emphasizes the need for purposeful roundi...

Join Merikay Hunt as she explores the inspiring journey of Ihab Shahawi, CEO of Patterns Behavioral Services and a pioneer in behavioral psychology and autism support. Learn how Ihab’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to helping others have shaped his career and positively impacted countless lives. Give it a like, share, and subscribe for new content from the healthcare leadership world every...

Join host Merikay Hunt for a compelling conversation with Tyler Smith, CEO of Health Data Movers. Tyler shares his journey from Capitol Hill to healthcare technology, offering insights into leadership, building authentic relationships, and the challenges of growing a respected technology services firm. Give it a like, share, and subscribe for new content from the healthcare leadership world every...

Join host Merikay Hunt as she welcomes Catherine Boyd, President and COO of New England Life Care, to share her inspiring journey from healthcare provider to executive leader. Catherine discusses the challenges of moving from clinical roles into leadership, the importance of leading with authenticity, and how to harness the power of networking and collaboration. Give it a like, share, and subscrib...

Join Merikay Hunt on the Wondermous Podcast as she delves into an insightful conversation with Christopher Colombo, MD, FACP, FCCM, CEC, CMC, CPPC a seasoned ICU doctor and military veteran turned leadership coach. Discover Christopher's journey from critical care to coaching, his experiences in the military, and the valuable lessons he's learned about leadership, mentorship, and personal growth....

Join host Merikay Hunt  as she delves into a captivating conversation with Jacobia Solomon, a leader with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, product innovation, and enterprise growth. Discover Jacobia's journey of reinvention, her defining moments, and how she leads with faith, strategy, and service. Jacobia shares her insights on resilience, the power of taking risks, and the significance...