#183 Michelle DeKeyrel

The best leaders aren't the ones with all the answers—they're the ones who can stay grounded when the answers aren't clear. Ben and Michelle DeKeyrel explore what it takes to lead through AI-driven change without losing sight of the people at the heart of it. Michelle shares how Utemia supports leaders and independent consultants, while Ben reflects on self-awareness, building a business without a perfect blueprint, and learning to hold uncertainty without rushing toward false certainty. A thoughtful, personal conversation for anyone navigating change, shaping a team, or finding their own path forward.

Heather Dunn joins Ben and Tina for a candid conversation about the challenges and changes shaping rev cycle. Heather discusses organizational transformation, the growing role of technology, and why AI can help with specific tasks—but won't make denials disappear. The conversation explores post-pay audits, shifting payer rules, the difficulty of recruiting future revenue-cycle leaders, and the complicated incentives behind employer-sponsored health coverage. Along the way, the group challenges easy answers like "fix it upstream" and considers how health systems and employers might rethink the way care is paid for.

Ben turns 50 and gets put on the hot seat for a surprisingly revealing conversation about family, faith, identity, marriage, leadership, and the moments that shaped the life he's built. Tina presses Ben on everything from growing up as a pastor's kid in a constantly shifting world to the childhood feeling of being left behind, the independence that came from it, and the ways those early experiences still shape how he leads, loves, and shows up today. Ben opens up about his dad coming out, the impact of divorce, and the hard-earned realization that some wounds don't need to be explained away to be understood. Tina also gets Ben to reflect on parenting two strong-willed daughters, what he's trying to leave behind from his childhood, and the shift that happens when you stop trying to prove you've "made it" and start valuing time, people, and experience instead.

Revenue cycle jobs are about to change faster than most teams are ready for. Nikki Harper breaks down what the future actually looks like, why the old "one person, one task" model is breaking, and how health systems can use AI without turning employees into collateral damage. For anyone wondering whether they need to learn AI, retrain their team, or prepare for a complete workforce shake-up, this conversation gets uncomfortably practical. Nikki makes the case for a more human-centered model of revenue cycle—one where registration, scheduling, financial clearance, billing, and follow-up are connected across the patient journey. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

The way you show up for other people may be the real measure of your life. Rudy shares a deeply personal shift sparked by grief, books, and near-death experience stories, while Ben and Tina unpack what it actually means to be present, empathetic, and human when life gets hard.The conversation starts with a deceptively simple question: how do you truly see the people around you? From there, Rudy opens up about a spiritual reawakening, the decision to stop feeding his mind with constant news, and the themes that keep resurfacing in commencement speeches, eulogies, and near-death testimonials. What emerges is a powerful case for consciousness, compassion, and a life lived more intentionally. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

AI is already changing healthcare operations, but most teams are using it wrong. Jeff Means breaks down why the real opportunity is not automating judgment - it is automating the words, summaries, and review work that slow everything down. Jeff shares a practical, non-engineer explanation of LLMs, agents, and the limits of both, then shows how those tools can help healthcare leaders make better decisions without handing over the wheel. If you work in revenue cycle, patient management, utilization review, or any part of the payer-provider workflow, this episode is packed with the kind of clarity that cuts through the hype. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

Leah Klinke brings sharp insight and a refreshingly candid perspective to this conversation about the realities of healthcare transformation. Drawing on her experience in health systems, payer relationships, and operational strategy, Leah unpacks why innovation in healthcare is so hard to execute—and why the answer may lie in better alignment, smarter workflows, and a willingness to rethink long-standing incentives. Her mix of strategic thinking and practical honesty makes this episode a thoughtful look at the tension between incremental change and the disruptive shifts healthcare really needs. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

Unlock the inspiring journey of Donna Fortson—a leader who transformed adversity into a legacy of empowerment and real impact. In this heartfelt episode, Donna shares how her humble beginnings, relentless resilience, and unwavering commitment to people paved her path from working in customer service to leading major revenue cycle operations. Discover the raw, unfiltered stories behind her rise—her struggles, victories, and how her trailblazing spirit is changing healthcare leadership from within. Donna's story proves that with courage and integrity, you can turn obstacles into opportunities—and inspire others to do the same. If you're ready to lead with purpose and break free from the fear of speaking your truth, this conversation is your blueprint for transformative leadership. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

Erin Hodson is a healthcare leader with deep experience spanning nursing, case management, and revenue cycle leadership at Inova. In this episode, she shares her journey from bedside care to executive leadership and what drew her into the complex world of revenue cycle, payer dynamics, and healthcare operations. Her perspective is especially compelling because she bridges clinical empathy with systems-level thinking, making the conversation both practical and eye-opening. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

In this episode, we welcome Valerie F. Barckhoff, a seasoned expert with over 30 years in the healthcare industry. Valerie's journey began at the University of Kentucky, where she discovered her passion for the business side of healthcare. Her career spans roles at Deloitte, St. Joseph's Hospital, and QHR, where she excelled in revenue cycle management. Now a consultant, Valerie is dedicated to transforming healthcare operations and advocating for strategic leadership in revenue cycles. Her insights into cybersecurity and operational resilience make this conversation a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101