Leadership Starts With Presence—The Art of Showing Up with David Sachsenmaier | Part One

What can America learn from healthcare systems around the world?  In Part Two of this thought-provoking conversation, host Chris Comeaux continues his discussion with Dr. Mark Stoltenberg, a global palliative care physician and educator, exploring how lessons from countries across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe could reshape the future of American healthcare, hospice, and serious illness care.From community-based palliative care models in India, Uruguay, and Costa Rica to powerful stories from Rwanda, Kenya, Colombia, Brazil, and Jamaica, Dr. Stoltenberg reveals why the greatest healthcare innovations aren't always technological—they're deeply human.Together, Chris and Mark discuss trust in healthcare, integrated serious illness care, hospice reform, healthcare leadership, population health strategies, and compassionate care, offering practical lessons every healthcare leader can apply.The conversation also tackles some of the biggest questions facing the future of American healthcare:Should hospice evolve beyond the traditional carve-out model?Why is trust one of healthcare's most overlooked leadership challenges?What can global partnerships teach us about serving patients with dignity?How can nonprofit organizations and healthcare systems better collaborate to meet the needs of an aging population?Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, physician, nurse, nonprofit executive, policymaker, or business leader, this episode offers a compelling vision for creating more compassionate, equitable, and patient-centered care.Episode HighlightsWhy global healthcare offers valuable lessons for the U.S.Community-based palliative care models improving access and qualityThe critical role of trust in patient care and leadershipLeadership lessons from international healthcare partnershipsThe future of hospice, concurrent care, and serious illness careWhy responding to suffering is the true purpose of palliative careIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more interviews with healthcare innovators and leadership experts.  Like, comment, and share this episode with colleagues who are passionate about improving hospice, palliative care, healthcare leadership, and the future of serious illness care.Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What can American healthcare learn from global healthcare?  In our latest episode, Dr. Mark Stoltenberg, Harvard Medical School professor and Massachusetts General Hospital physician, joins Chris Comeaux to explore global healthcare, palliative care, hospice leadership, healthcare innovation, and the future of serious illness care in America.Healthcare leaders often assume innovation requires more money, more technology, or more specialists.  Dr. Stoltenberg argues the opposite, drawing from his work leading global palliative care programs throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other underserved regions.  He shares how resource-limited healthcare systems are pioneering solutions that can improve American healthcare, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and restore compassionate, person-centered care.Together, Chris and Dr. Stoltenberg discuss workforce shortages, Project ECHO, community-based care, volunteerism, family-centered decision-making, healthcare leadership, and why hospice and palliative care must preserve their founding values while continuing to innovate.Through moving patient stories—including a remarkable experience in Belize—they reveal why dignity, compassion, community, and purpose remain healthcare's greatest innovations.If you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, physician, nonprofit executive, nurse, or business leader, this episode offers practical strategies for improving leadership, building stronger organizations, and delivering more compassionate care.In this episode you'll learn:✔ What America can learn from global healthcare systems✔ Why palliative care is rooted in social justice✔ How healthcare workforce shortages can be addressed creatively✔ Why Project ECHO is transforming healthcare education✔ How community-based care improves patient outcomes✔ Why family and spirituality remain essential to serious illness care✔ How great organizations preserve their mission while scaling innovation👍 If you enjoy conversations about healthcare leadership, hospice, palliative care, leadership development, healthcare innovation, and serious illness care, subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for weekly conversations with today's leading healthcare experts.Guest:Dr. Mark StoltenbergAttending Physician in the Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical SchoolHost:Chris ComeauxPresident / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What separates great leaders from those who simply manage people? It starts with presence.In Part Two of Leadership Starts With Presence | The Art of Showing Up, host Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with executive leadership coach David Sachsenmaier to explore how leadership presence, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and authentic leadership shape thriving organizations.Leaders don't just influence strategy—they shape culture. David explains how unresolved personal patterns affect trust, communication, decision-making, and team performance, and offers practical insights for building healthier, high-performing organizations. Learn why vulnerability is a leadership strength, how to create a culture where people feel both safe and challenged, and why the most effective leaders lead from a place of self-awareness rather than reactivity.Whether you lead a healthcare organization, hospice, nonprofit, or business, this conversation delivers practical leadership wisdom you can apply immediately to build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient organizations.In this episode, you'll learn:Why leaders transfer their inner world into organizational cultureHow psychological safety improves performance without sacrificing accountabilityWhy vulnerability increases—not decreases—leadership credibilityThe difference between executive coaching and therapyHow self-awareness creates calmer, more effective leadershipWhy authentic leadership builds trust and engagementHow presence transforms organizational culture and team performanceIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for more conversations with today's leading thinkers in healthcare, leadership, and organizational excellence.💬 Share your biggest leadership takeaway in the comments.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a new episode.Highlights✔ How your inner life becomes your organizational culture✔ The hidden cost of reactive leadership✔ Why vulnerability is one of a leader's greatest strengths✔ Creating psychological safety without lowering expectations✔ Coaching high performers versus therapy✔ Leading from identity instead of performance✔ David's powerful leadership blessing for workBlog: https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/part-2-leadership-starts-with-presence-the-art-of-showing-up-with-david-sachsenmaierGuest: David Sachsenmaier, Corporate Executive CoachHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Great leaders don't just show up—they create the kind of presence that changes people.What separates truly exceptional leaders from those who simply manage? In Part One of this thought-provoking conversation, Chris Comeaux sits down with executive coach David Sachsenmaier, whose 30 years of leadership experience and more than 4,000 hours of executive coaching have helped leaders uncover one of leadership's most overlooked truths: the quality of your leadership is shaped by the quality of your inner life. Together, they explore why presence, self-awareness, and emotional grounding are essential to building healthy teams, resilient organizations, and cultures where people thrive. David shares powerful insights on why many high-performing leaders unknowingly operate from a place of constant reactivity, how unresolved pain influences decision-making, and why treating people like machines ultimately destroys engagement and innovation.  Through memorable illustrations—including his "mason jar" metaphor—he explains why slowing down, becoming more self-aware, and leading from a place of wholeness creates organizations marked by trust, creativity, and lasting impact. The conversation also explores the unique challenges facing healthcare and hospice leaders who spend their lives caring for others while often neglecting themselves. Transcript- Leadership Starts W…Whether you lead a healthcare organization, hospice, nonprofit, or business, this episode will challenge you to look beyond leadership techniques and consider the deeper work of becoming the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow.Key TakeawaysLeadership begins with presence. The healthiest leaders create calm, clarity, and trust instead of spreading chaos and reactivity.Self-awareness fuels better leadership. Understanding your own "limps," triggers, and unresolved pain enables you to lead others with greater empathy and wisdom.People are not machines. Organizations thrive when leaders recognize the humanity of their teams and create psychologically safe cultures.Wholeness precedes performance. Sustainable leadership comes from finding your identity and worth beyond titles, achievements, and external success.Healthy leaders multiply healthy cultures. Grounded, emotionally present leadership is contagious, improving engagement, creativity, collaboration, and organizational resilience.Guest: David Sachsenmaier, Corporate Executive CoachHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Why does the United States spend more on healthcare than any other nation—yet often achieve worse outcomes? In Part Two of this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Don Berwick—former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), internationally recognized healthcare quality expert, and founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)—joins Chris Comeaux to explore the systemic challenges facing American healthcare and the leadership required to create meaningful reform.  From the evolution of Medicare Advantage to the financial incentives shaping healthcare delivery, Dr. Berwick explains why administrative complexity, payment models, and profit-driven incentives continue to drive costs higher while often failing to improve patient outcomes. Together, they examine the future of healthcare policy, value-based care, healthcare leadership, healthcare reform, Medicare, health insurance, and the role employers may play in demanding a more sustainable healthcare system.  The conversation also turns to one of healthcare’s greatest success stories—hospice and palliative care.  Dr. Berwick argues that compassionate, person-centered care isn’t simply a better way to care for people nearing the end of life; it provides a blueprint for improving healthcare across every stage of life.  The episode concludes with an inspiring challenge to healthcare leaders: speak up for what is right, lead with courage, and never lose sight of healthcare’s true mission—to heal, serve, and care for people.  Whether you’re a healthcare executive, hospice leader, physician, nonprofit executive, health system administrator, board member, or business leader, this conversation offers strategic insights into the future of healthcare—and practical leadership lessons that extend far beyond medicine.⸻Episode Highlights✔ Why Medicare Advantage has drifted from its original mission✔ The hidden cost of healthcare bureaucracy and administrative waste✔ The $80 billion debate surrounding Medicare Advantage payments✔ Why employer-sponsored healthcare may be approaching a breaking point✔ Lessons the U.S. can learn from healthcare systems around the world✔ Why hospice and palliative care represent a model for all of healthcare✔ The moral responsibility of healthcare leaders to speak with courage⸻If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with your leadership team, colleagues, board members, and friends.  Every conversation helps us build stronger leaders and healthier organizations.🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on leadership, hospice, palliative care, healthcare innovation, nonprofit strategy, and the future of healthcare.Guest: Dr. Don Berwick, Former Administrator of CMSHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Is American healthcare truly serving patients—or has the system lost sight of its purpose?In this powerful episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux welcomes Dr. Don Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), President Emeritus and co-founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and one of the world’s foremost experts in healthcare quality improvement.Together, they explore what’s broken in American healthcare, why healthcare reform is urgently needed, and how leaders can build a system that delivers better patient outcomes, higher quality care, health equity, value-based care, and a more sustainable future for healthcare organizations.  They also discuss the evolution of the Triple Aim into today’s Quintuple Aim, the growing influence of private equity in healthcare, the impact of healthcare policy, and why restoring purpose—not simply profitability—must become the foundation of modern healthcare leadership.Whether you’re a healthcare executive, hospice leader, hospital administrator, physician, nonprofit executive, or business leader, this conversation offers practical insights into improving healthcare while protecting the mission that first drew so many people into the profession.In this episode you’ll learn:✅ Why the Triple Aim evolved into the Quintuple Aim—and why it matters today✅ How financial incentives can conflict with quality patient care✅ Why clinician purpose and workforce well-being are essential to healthcare excellence✅ The growing impact of private equity and financialization across healthcare✅ What healthcare leaders can do to improve patient outcomes while reducing waste✅ Dr. Berwick’s vision for meaningful healthcare reformThis conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a hopeful vision for healthcare leaders who believe patients—not profits—should remain at the center of every decision.Don’t miss Part Two, where Dr. Berwick outlines the structural changes he believes could fundamentally reshape American healthcare.Subscribe for More ConversationsIf you enjoy conversations about healthcare leadership, hospice, healthcare innovation, leadership development, healthcare policy, and the future of patient-centered care, subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for weekly conversations with the leaders shaping the future of healthcare.Guest:Dr. Don Berwick, Former Administrator of CMSHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

AI is transforming healthcare. Medicare policy is evolving. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying. What do these changes mean for healthcare leaders, hospice executives, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare professionals?In Part Two of this quarterly healthcare leadership update, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner examine the biggest healthcare trends of 2026, exploring how artificial intelligence in healthcare, Medicare policy, healthcare affordability, hospice fraud enforcement, regulatory compliance, and healthcare innovation are reshaping hospice and the broader healthcare industry. They discuss how AI is changing the healthcare workforce, why quality and transparency matter more than ever, and what healthcare executives should know about the future of hospice care, palliative care, and value-based healthcare.Whether you lead a hospice organization, health system, nonprofit healthcare organization, or healthcare business, this episode provides practical leadership insights to help you navigate healthcare policy changes, prepare for emerging technology, understand the future of Medicare, and make strategic decisions in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. If you’re interested in healthcare leadership, AI in hospice, healthcare management, Medicare reform, or the future of healthcare, this conversation will help you anticipate what’s next instead of simply reacting to today’s headlines.Episode Highlights✔ AI: Augmenting people vs. replacing jobs✔ Medicare policy and healthcare affordability✔ Hospice fraud enforcement & regulatory trends✔ Industry consolidation & nonprofit outlook✔ Leadership strategies for navigating change🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on healthcare leadership, hospice innovation, and the future of care.Co-Host: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care TodayVP Data Science & Research at 1520ai | CEO/Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

AI is changing healthcare faster than ever.  Medicare is under increasing pressure.  Hospice fraud is driving unprecedented regulatory action. The question isn’t whether healthcare is changing—it’s whether leaders are prepared for what’s next.In Part One of this quarterly TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership special, host Chris Comeaux welcomes healthcare strategist Cordt Kassner to break down the biggest healthcare stories shaping 2026.  Together, they examine the trends every healthcare executive, hospice leader, nonprofit executive, and business leader should be watching.Using Dr. Ira Byock’s strategic framework as their guide, Chris and Cordt explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, the growing crackdown on hospice fraud and abuse, Medicare’s financial future, healthcare affordability, quality measurement, workforce transformation, and the continued consolidation of the hospice industry.They also discuss how AI is likely to augment—not replace—healthcare professionals, why quality and transparency are becoming central competitive advantages, and what nonprofit organizations must do to thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.If you’re responsible for leading a healthcare organization, hospice, palliative care program, nonprofit, or mission-driven business, this episode offers practical leadership insights and strategic perspective to help you prepare for what’s ahead.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why AI will fundamentally change healthcare leadership• How hospice fraud is reshaping federal oversight• What Medicare’s future could mean for providers• Why quality and transparency are becoming competitive advantages• How healthcare leaders can prepare for unprecedented industry change• What nonprofit healthcare organizations must do to remain relevantSubscribe for weekly conversations with today’s top healthcare, nonprofit, and business leaders as we explore leadership, innovation, strategy, and the future of healthcare.Co-Host: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today | VP Data Science & Research at 1520ai | CEO/Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS | author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Your greatest leadership challenge may not be staffing shortages or AI—it may be leading a multigenerational workforce with vastly different communication styles, expectations, and values. In Part 2 of Why Generations Clash at Work—And How Great Leaders Fix It, host Chris Comeaux welcomes nationally recognized generational leadership expert Karen McCullough for a practical conversation on multigenerational leadership, workplace culture, leadership communication, employee engagement, burnout prevention, organizational leadership, healthcare leadership, hospice leadership, nonprofit leadership, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace.Discover why Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z often approach work differently—and how great leaders build trust, improve communication, strengthen workplace culture, and create high-performing teams without stereotyping employees.  Whether you lead a healthcare organization, hospice, nonprofit, or business, this episode offers actionable leadership strategies for managing generational differences while preserving authentic human connection in an increasingly digital world.In this episode you’ll discover:✔ Why generations often clash at work—and how leaders can bridge the gap✔ How to build a stronger workplace culture through everyday leadership behaviors✔ Why honest feedback creates trust and improves employee engagement✔ How AI should enhance leadership—not replace human connection✔ Practical ways to reduce burnout while strengthening collaboration across generationsKaren also shares why leaders must stop putting people into generational boxes and instead focus on understanding individuals, creating psychological safety, and fostering cultures built on empathy, accountability, and trust. You’ll also hear a thoughtful discussion about balancing technology with humanity, improving meetings, coaching younger employees, and creating workplaces where every generation can thrive together.If you’re passionate about leadership development, workplace culture, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, healthcare management, nonprofit leadership, hospice care, employee retention, team collaboration, and the future of work, this conversation is for you.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another leader committed to building stronger teams and healthier workplace cultures.Guest:Karen McCullough, Keynote Speaker - Generations and Workplace Trends 26 Years Speaking on and Observing the Generations in the Workplace Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS / Author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Why do generations often clash at work—and what can leaders do to bridge the divide? In this insightful first installment, Chris Comeaux sits down with nationally recognized generational expert Karen McCullough to explore the perspectives, experiences, and workplace expectations that shape Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Drawing from more than two decades of research and real-world consulting, Karen unpacks why many workplace conflicts are not personal attacks, but differences in generational perspective.Together, they examine how communication styles, views on commitment, work-life balance, feedback, technology, and leadership have evolved across generations. Karen shares practical insights for healthcare, hospice, nonprofit, and business leaders who are navigating multigenerational teams and seeking to create cultures where every generation can thrive. This conversation challenges assumptions, encourages empathy, and provides a framework for leading through one of today’s most significant workplace dynamics.  Key TakeawaysGenerational workplace conflicts are often rooted in differing perspectives, not personal shortcomings or character flaws.Communication styles vary significantly across generations, creating misunderstandings around feedback, meetings, and collaboration.Generation X leaders are often balancing accountability with a growing need to coach and develop younger employees.Millennials and Gen Z have reshaped workplace expectations around purpose, flexibility, emotional intelligence, and work-life balance.Great leaders build stronger teams by understanding generational differences, adapting their leadership style, and fostering meaningful conversations.  Guest: Karen McCullough, Keynote Speaker - Generations and Workplace Trends 26 Years Speaking on and Observing the Generations in the Workplace Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS / Author of The Anatomy of LeadershipIf you’re leading a team across multiple generations, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to TCNtalks /Anatomy of Leadership, share this episode with your leadership team, and join us for Part Two as we continue exploring practical strategies for building stronger, more connected, and more effective workplaces. Your next leadership breakthrough may begin with understanding a different perspective.Teleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast