Love Hurts: Leadership, Quality, and the Future of Hospice & Palliative Care | Part One

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare—and hospice leaders cannot afford to ignore its impact.  In this episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with hospice leader and AI innovator Ernesto Lopez to explore how artificial intelligence is beginning to transform the hospice industry. Drawing from nearly 15 years of operational experience, Lopez explains why hospice needs technology built specifically for its unique clinical, regulatory, and operational realities, rather than tools retrofitted from other healthcare sectors.  The conversation dives deep into the real-world challenges hospice organizations face—particularly around Medicare audits, documentation risk, and operational inefficiencies.  Lopez introduces the concept of “hospice-native AI”, technology designed from the ground up to help organizations proactively identify documentation gaps, reduce compliance risks, and improve patient care. By shortening the feedback loop between documentation and compliance, AI has the potential to give leaders real-time insight into their clinical records instead of discovering problems months or years later during an audit.  But adopting AI requires wisdom. Lopez and Comeaux caution leaders to move forward thoughtfully—focusing on clear use cases, trusted technology partners, and measurable return on investment.  AI is not a cure-all, but when used responsibly, it can become a powerful tool to strengthen hospice operations, improve care quality, and support clinicians doing some of the most meaningful work in healthcare.Key TakeawaysHospice needs “hospice-native” technology. Many existing tools are retrofitted from other healthcare sectors, creating inefficiencies and gaps.AI can help reduce audit risk. By proactively identifying documentation issues and eligibility gaps, hospices can better prepare for Medicare contractor audits.Real-time feedback improves clinical documentation. AI can shorten the compliance feedback loop from months or years to near real time.Technical documentation failures are a major risk. Missing signatures, dates, or admission requirements remain one of the most common audit issues.Responsible AI adoption requires strategy. Leaders should define a clear use case, vet trusted vendors, ensure data security, and measure ROI before implementation.About the GuestErnesto Lopez is the Founder & CEO of 1520 AI, a company developing artificial intelligence tools focused on hospice quality, compliance, and clinical operations.  He previously spent more than two decades leading healthcare organizations across hospice, home health, and hospital settings. About the HostChris Comeaux is the President and CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN) and host of the TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership podcast.  A respected leader in healthcare and organizational strategy, Chris has spent decades helping mission-driven organizations strengthen leadership, culture, and operational excellence—particularly within hospice and serious illness care.Chris is also the author of The Anatomy of Leadership: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Effective Leadership, where he explores how purpose-driven leadership shapes strong teams and enduring organizations.  Through his podcast and writing, Chris equips leaders with practical tools to navigate complex challenges, lead with integrity, and align strategy with mission.On TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, Chris brings thoughtful conversations with leaders across healthcare, nonprofit, and business sectors—exploring topics such as leadership, innovation, healthcare transformation, and the future of hospice.Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering healthcare—but what does it actually mean for hospice leaders?In this episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy Of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux sits down with Ernesto Lopez, Founder and CEO of 1520 AI, to explore the real impact of AI in hospice care.  Ernesto brings a rare perspective as a registered nurse, healthcare executive, and AI founder, combining decades of hospice leadership experience with formal training in data analytics from Harvard Business School.  Together they unpack what artificial intelligence in healthcare really does, why many leaders misunderstand it, and how hospice organizations can adopt AI responsibly without compromising the human-centered mission of end-of-life care.  They also discuss the growing number of AI vendors entering the hospice space, the risks around data security and patient privacy, and why leaders must exercise caution before integrating new technologies.If you’re a hospice leader, healthcare executive, compliance professional, or nonprofit leader, this conversation will help you understand how to approach AI adoption in hospice, avoid common mistakes, and use technology as an accelerator—not a replacement—for compassionate care.What You’ll Learn•  What AI actually does (and what it doesn’t)•  How large language models like ChatGPT process information•  The biggest mistakes healthcare leaders make with AI adoption•  Why data governance and security are critical•  How hospice leaders can use AI responsibly to support mission-driven careAbout the GuestErnesto Lopez is the Founder & CEO of 1520 AI, a company developing artificial intelligence tools focused on hospice quality, compliance, and clinical operations.  He previously spent more than two decades leading healthcare organizations across hospice, home health, and hospital settings.  About the Host Chris Comeaux is the President and CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN) and host of the TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership podcast.  A respected leader in healthcare and organizational strategy, Chris has spent decades helping mission-driven organizations strengthen leadership, culture, and operational excellence—particularly within hospice and serious illness care.Chris is also the author of The Anatomy of Leadership: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Effective Leadership, where he explores how purpose-driven leadership shapes strong teams and enduring organizations.  Through his podcast and writing, Chris equips leaders with practical tools to navigate complex challenges, lead with integrity, and align strategy with mission.On TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, Chris brings thoughtful conversations with leaders across healthcare, nonprofit, and business sectors—exploring topics such as leadership, innovation, healthcare transformation, and the future of compassionate care.************TCN Talks explores leadership, healthcare innovation, and mission-driven organizations.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, healthcare innovation, and the future of hospice care.Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In Part Two of “Love Hurts: Leadership, Quality, and the Future of Hospice & Palliative Care,” leaders from the GeriPal podcast and TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, continue a thoughtful discussion on the most pressing issues facing hospice and palliative care today.The conversation explores how waste, fraud, and abuse in isolated cases can tarnish the reputation of an entire field—even when the majority of providers deliver extraordinary care.  The panel dives into the evolving landscape of ownership models, from nonprofit and faith-based organizations to private equity–backed providers, raising an important question: does ownership affect quality, or does leadership and accountability matter more?  The discussion also examines structural challenges within the healthcare system, including flawed quality reporting tools like Medicare Compare and the unintended consequences of free-market dynamics in healthcare.  With over 300 hospices sometimes operating within a single county, leaders highlight the need for transparency, meaningful quality metrics, and thoughtful regulation such as Certificate of Need laws to ensure resources are distributed responsibly and patients receive the best possible care.  Finally, the conversation pivots to leadership—arguably the most important ingredient in shaping the future of hospice and palliative care.  From the principle of “Go See for Yourself” (Gemba Leadership) to the importance of servant leadership, focus, curiosity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the panel shares powerful lessons for healthcare leaders navigating complex systems while staying grounded in mission-driven care for patients and families.Key TakeawaysFraud and bad actors can damage the reputation of the entire hospice field.  Ownership models matter less than maintaining high-quality patient care.  Healthcare markets lack true transparency and informed consumer choice.  Many hospices still lack meaningful public quality ratings.  Effective leaders stay close to the mission and frontline care.  (This episode is a Top News Stories of Month February 2026)TCNtalks:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSTCNtalks Co-Host:Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics GeriPal Podcast:Dr. Eric Widera, Professor of Medicine and clinician-educator in the Division of Geriatrics at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and co-host of Geri-Pal PodcastDr. Alex Smith, UCSF faculty in the Division of Geriatrics and ) and co-host of Geri-Pal PodcastTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

This episode explores the future of hospice leadership and hospice quality through a collaborative discussion between the TCNtalks and GeriPal podcasts. TCNtalks host Chris Comeaux and co-host Cordt Kassner join forces with Dr. Eric Widera and Dr. Alex Smith of the GeriPal Podcast , leaders in palliative care and hospice innovation discuss emerging quality measures, data-driven hospice analytics, research challenges, and the leadership needed to guide healthcare organizations through change. For professionals working in healthcare leadership and serious illness care, the conversation offers valuable insight into the policies, research, and innovations shaping the future of hospice and palliative medicine.This is a thoughtful roundtable discussion on leadership, quality, and the evolving future of hospice and palliative care. Together, they explore the biggest stories shaping the field—from emerging quality metrics and research priorities to the human side of hospice leadership.  If you’re passionate about improving serious illness care, this conversation is just the beginning.  Subscribe to TCNtalks and GeriPal to stay informed on the latest trends in hospice leadership, palliative care innovation, and healthcare policy. Share this episode with a colleague, discuss it with your team, and join the movement to strengthen the mission and future of hospice care.(This episode is a Top News Stories of Month February 2026)TCNtalks:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSTCNtalks Co-Host:Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics GeriPal:Dr. Eric Widera, Professor of Medicine and clinician-educator in the Division of Geriatrics at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and co-host of Geri-Pal PodcastDr. Alex Smith, UCSF faculty in the Division of Geriatrics and ) and co-host of Geri-Pal PodcastTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In Part Two of Be Where You Are: Leadership, Caregiving, and the Courage to Pause, Carla Davis reflects on a transformative year away from executive leadership—one shaped by caregiving, reflection, and rediscovering her deeper purpose.  What began as a pause became a profound reaffirmation of calling.  Carla shares how stepping out of the day-to-day demands of leadership gave her clarity around stewardship, alignment, and the responsibility to use her gifts—leadership and mercy—with intention and courage.Drawing from her personal experience navigating a fragmented healthcare system while caring for her mother, Carla offers an unfiltered look at the gaps in care coordination—and the urgent opportunity hospice and end-of-life leaders have to model something better.  Innovation, she argues, isn’t just about big ideas.  It’s about tighter coordination, presence, responsiveness, and getting the fundamentals right—because in hospice, we only get one chance to do it well.At the heart of this conversation is a simple yet powerful leadership mandate: Be where You Are.  In a distracted, high-pressure world, Carla reminds healthcare leaders that presence is the ultimate act of service.  Whether leading teams, caring for patients, or mentoring the next generation, the future of hospice depends on leaders who choose to fill their time with purpose.5 Key TakeawaysClarity Comes in the Pause – Stepping away from leadership can reinforce—not redefine—your purpose and calling.Alignment Drives Leadership Effectiveness – Leaders are at their best when their strengths, values, and roles are aligned.Healthcare’s Greatest Innovation is Coordination – True transformation in hospice and healthcare begins with connected, responsive care—not just big, disruptive ideas.Presence is Leadership – “Be where you are.” The most powerful leadership moments often come from simple, undistracted presence.Legacy is Leadership Multiplication – You’re not truly a leader until you’ve developed leaders who develop leaders.Guest: Carla Davis, Executive in Residence for Cressey and CompanyHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In this powerful episode on hospice leadership and healthcare leadership development, Carla Davis, Executive in Residence at Cressey & Company, shares what she learned after taking an intentional executive sabbatical to care for her mother. This conversation explores the intersection of caregiver resilience, leadership and burnout, and rediscovering identity beyond professional titles. For hospice professionals and those serving in end-of-life care, Carla offers thoughtful insight into purpose-driven leadership, sustainable impact, and how stepping away can ultimately strengthen both personal clarity and organizational influence.Host Chris Comeaux and Carla explore the courage it takes for high-capacity leaders to step off the treadmill of achievement and confront how much of their worth is tied to performance. From intentional solitude and unstructured time to renewed friendships and spiritual grounding, Carla reflects on the rhythms of life, the discipline of rest, and the unexpected joy found in simply “being where you are.”This episode is for healthcare leaders and hospice professionals who spend their days helping others navigate end-of-life decisions, this episode offers a powerful reminder: the lessons we guide families through are often the very ones we must learn ourselves. This is a conversation about leadership, caregiving, identity, and the sacred gift of time.Guest:  Carla Davis, Executive in Residence for Cressey and Company Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TeleiosTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Part Two – Is Your Ladder Leaning Against the Wrong Wall? | Richard Mobley on Leadership and CallingIn Part Two of this powerful conversation, Richard Mobley dives deeper into what happens when success no longer satisfies — and how leaders can unknowingly climb the wrong ladder.After decades of corporate advancement, Richard reached a season of fatigue and uncertainty.  What followed wasn’t a dramatic “eureka” moment, but a squiggly journey of rediscovery.  Through consulting, real estate ventures, and personal reflection, he uncovered a deeper truth: fulfillment isn’t found in constant upward motion — it’s found in alignment.This episode explores:Why the line of success is rarely straightHow leaders develop a false fear of failureThe difference between healthcare and healthcare financeWhy “follow your passion” can be misleading adviceThe Hebrew concept of Avodah — work as worshipHow calling happens at the intersection of gifting and needThe power of evaluated experience over experience aloneRichard challenges leaders to stop measuring success by Wall Street metrics or cultural expectations.  Instead, he invites us to ask:Is my ladder leaning against the right wall?During the conversation, Richard references Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words spoken in Birmingham:“You don’t have to see the entire staircase in order to take the first step.”  It’s a fitting reminder that calling rarely unfolds in a straight line. Leadership growth is often a squiggle — forward momentum mixed with setbacks, recalibration, and courage.  Sometimes the most strategic move a leader can make isn’t climbing faster, but pausing long enough to realign.If you’ve ever felt successful but unfulfilled, busy but misaligned, or driven but unclear on your deeper why — this conversation will both ground and inspire you.There is immeasurable joy in making the right difference. The question is: Are you climbing the right wall?Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSGuest:  Richard Mobley, Founder and Principal of the Seven Four Group, Inc. and the Be Far More! SystemTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What if you spend decades building a successful career—only to realize you were climbing the wrong ladder? In this episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, executive leadership coach Richard Mobley, Founder and Principal of the Seven Four Group, Inc. and the Be Far More! System, joins Chris Comeaux to explore one of the most important questions leaders face: What comes after success?For CEOs, healthcare executives, and hospice leaders approaching retirement or transition, this conversation centers on the critical shift from achievement to lasting significance—and what it truly means to finish well.Drawing from his corporate executive background and work with the John Maxwell Team, Richard shares hard-earned lessons about servant leadership, purpose, and finishing well.  He unpacks the three stages of life—survival, success, and significance—and explains why many high-achieving leaders struggle when identity is too closely tied to their title.In Part One, you’ll learn:Why success without clarity of calling can leave leaders unfulfilledThe difference between experience and “evaluated experience”How perspective shapes wisdom and better decision-makingWhat it really means to move from success to significanceThis episode is especially meaningful for healthcare and hospice leaders whose work is deeply tied to purpose.  If you’re asking “What’s next?” or rethinking your leadership legacy, this conversation will challenge you to realign your ladder with the right wall.Part Two releases Friday.Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In Part Two of Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Self-Awareness, Coach Sherry Winn challenges leaders to look beyond strategies and performance metrics to examine the internal patterns, beliefs, and identity that ultimately shape their impact.  This powerful continuation moves from awareness to transformation—showing how lasting leadership growth begins within.Coach Winn unpacks how mindfulness helps leaders recognize excuses before they become entrenched beliefs, and why self-judgment only slows progress.  She reframes accountability as a deep act of care—not control—and explains how great leaders hold others responsible because they believe in their potential.  Through stories from coaching elite athletes and high-level executives, she illustrates how vision must be more than words on a wall; it must be vivid, emotional, and consistently reinforced.The conversation also explores authenticity and energy in leadership—why people don’t buy into what you do, they buy into who you are.  When your words align with your internal growth, people feel it.  And when pressure rises, leaders have a choice: view it as stress, or reframe it as purpose and privilege.You’ll learn:How to interrupt limiting thought patterns before they become beliefsWhy accountability builds trust instead of fearHow to create a winning vision people can feel and ownHow to reframe pressure in mission-driven workWhy identity—not achievement—is the foundation of lasting successPowerful closing reminder:“You don’t get what you want, you get who you are. To get what you want, you must change who you are.”If you’re leading in hospice, healthcare, business, or any mission-driven field, this episode will challenge you to grow into the leader your calling requires.Guest:Coach Sherry Winn, CEO of The Winning Leadership CompanyHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In Part One of this conversation, Chris Comeaux is joined by leadership coach, former Olympic athlete, and longtime collegiate coach Sherry Winn for a deeply personal and practical exploration of leadership that begins from the inside out. Sherry challenges traditional, performance-driven leadership models by naming self-awareness as a true leadership superpower, sharing how it transformed her own life—from depression and despair to purpose, clarity, and impact.Drawing from her Olympic experience and decades of coaching leaders in sports, healthcare, and corporate environments, Sherry explains why leaders cannot give what they do not have. She emphasizes that personal growth, emotional awareness, and intentional self-reflection are foundational to effective leadership—not optional extras. Through vivid stories and real-world examples, she illustrates how unexamined habits, emotional addictions, and limiting beliefs quietly shape how leaders show up, often keeping them stuck in stress, frustration, and overwhelm.A central theme of Part One is Sherry’s reframing of fear as the absence of love. Rather than dismissing fear, she invites leaders—especially those in high-stakes fields like healthcare and caregiving—to examine what they are feeding their minds, how they relate to pressure, and whether they are leading from compassion, empathy, and responsibility instead of blame or control. The conversation also explores accountability as a source of power, not punishment, and highlights the long-term, often invisible victories of leadership that show up years later in the lives of others.Part One sets the foundation for a two-part conversation by establishing a core truth: leadership transformation doesn’t start with changing circumstances—it starts with changing how leaders see themselves.Guest:  Sherry Winn, CEO of The Winning Leadership CompanyHost:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast