In this powerful episode of Lead Well MD, we step outside of medicine and into the world of military leadership — but stay firmly rooted in what matters most: building trust in high-stakes, high-pressure environments.

Ashley is joined by Colonel Randall Wickman, a retired U.S. Army Infantry Officer, combat-wounded veteran, and former Pentagon leader who now works in healthcare leadership development. With nearly 30 years of active duty, Colonel Wickman has led soldiers in some of the most intense environments on earth - and he brings battle-tested wisdom directly to clinician leaders navigating the chaos and responsibility of modern healthcare.

Together, they explore:

• Why trust is everything when the stakes are high
• A three-part framework for trust: competence, character, and reciprocity
• How quiet teams - not loud ones - are often the ones in crisis
• How structured reflection builds accountability and prevents blame
• What it means to truly earn the title of "leader" - in the OR, on the floor, or in combat

If you’re a physician leader navigating burnout, team dysfunction, or the isolation of responsibility, this conversation will change how you think about trust - and how you build it.

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How does a clinician leader balance being professional with being an authentic, vulnerable leader that builds trust? In this episode of Lead Well MD, we sit down with Dr. Greg Johnson, the System Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, to talk about just that.

In our conversation we discuss this delicate balance between being real and being professional and offer strategies for how leaders can build trust and connection by being their authentic selves ... without crossing the line into oversharing.

We dive into how vulnerability can be a strength in healthcare leadership, and share some practical guideposts for those navigating this complex space. Dr. Johnson offers insights from his career and personal experiences, emphasizing the value of human connection in achieving better outcomes for teams and patients alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into leadership, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you show up for your team.

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In healthcare today, change is constant—and emotional fatigue is real. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Karen Weiner to explore what it really takes to lead when clinicians are stretched thin, burned out, and wondering if the work is still sustainable.

Karen shares hard-earned lessons from her journey—from primary care pediatrician to CEO of a large medical group—leading through organizational transformation, a Fortune 6 acquisition, and the unprecedented pressures of the pandemic.

We talk about:

• Why resistance to change often hides fear, not defiance
• The deep link between burnout, moral injury, and autonomy
• How opting into leadership can restore meaning and agency
• Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness
• Practical ways to build trust and resilience in your teams

If you’re leading change, navigating tough seasons, or wondering how to stay grounded while doing this important work—this conversation is for you.

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