In this episode of the "Stand in the &" podcast, Heather Gates and Lisa Macon Harrison discuss the complexities of public health leadership in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world. They explore the importance of communication, trust, and connection in navigating challenges, emphasizing the need for active hope and collaboration. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding both the external environment and internal team dynamics to foster effective leadership and community engagement.

Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner of Human-Centered Strategy, LLC
Guest: Lisa Macon Harrison, MPH, Health Director, Granville Vance Public Health

Takeaways
•Public health professionals are navigating increased complexity & uncertainty
•Active hope is essential for effective leadership in public health
•Communication must be clear & frequent to build trust
•Understanding team dynamics enhances collaboration & decision-making
•Trust takes time & is built through consistent engagement
•“VUCA Prime” offers a framework for addressing challenges (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, & Agility)
•Leaders must balance processing & doing in their roles
•Human connection is vital in an increasingly technological world

Chapters
•00:00 Introduction & Background
•08:50 Navigating Complexity & Uncertainty in Public Health
•17:43 VUCA: Understanding & Responding to Challenges
•26:29 Collaboration & Leadership in Public Health
•26:54 The Gift of Collaboration in Public Health
•29:41 Self-Awareness & Team Dynamics
•34:59 The Importance of Communication
•49:08 Navigating Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World

Quoted Resources & Tools in this Episode
Moments of Impact by Chris Ertel & Lisa Kay Solomon
VUCA Prime Framework by Robert Johansson

Hymn for the Hurting by Amanda Gorman
Everything hurts,
Our hearts shadowed and strange,
Minds made muddied and mute.
We carry tragedy, terrifying and true.
And yet none of it is new;
We knew it as home,
As horror,
As heritage.
Even our children
Cannot be children,
Cannot be.

Everything hurts.
It’s a hard time to be alive,
And even harder to stay that way.
We’re burdened to live out these days,
While at the same time, blessed to outlive them.

This alarm is how we know
We must be altered —
That we must differ or die,
That we must triumph or try.
Thus while hate cannot be terminated,
It can be transformed
Into a love that lets us live.

May we not just grieve, but give:
May we not just ache, but act;
May our signed right to bear arms
Never blind our sight from shared harm;
May we choose our children over chaos.
May another innocent never be lost.

Connect About the Podcast
Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com
Visit the Podcast for more episodes
See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”

To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/

In this Episode Heather and Rob explore the intricate balance between structure and flexibility in leadership, particularly within the healthcare system. They discuss the importance of human connection, trust, and creativity in navigating complex environments. The dialogue highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise when integrating diverse systems and emphasizes the need for leaders to be authentic and relatable. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they illustrate how effective communication and a willingness to be vulnerable can foster a culture of grace and understanding in organizations.

Host: Heather Gates, MPH
Guest: Rob Fields, MD, MHA, EVP

Takeaways
•Structure and flexibility are both essential in leadership.
•Trust is built through authenticity and vulnerability.
•Human connection is crucial in navigating complex systems.
•Effective communication can ease uncertainty and fear.
•Leaders should embrace their humanity to foster grace.
•Creativity often requires a balance of structure and freedom.
•Integration efforts need thoughtful planning and communication.
•People are generally gracious if given the opportunity to connect.
•The importance of being relatable as a leader cannot be overstated.
•Navigating change requires mindfulness and adaptability.

Chapters
•00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
•07:06 Navigating Structure and Flexibility
•15:35 The Balance of Control and Openness
•24:22 Trusting the Audience and Each Other
•26:17 Creating Structure in Meetings
•29:46 The Balance of Structure and Flexibility
•31:51 Understanding the SCARF Model
•34:00 Integration Challenges in Healthcare
•36:22 Navigating Uncertainty and Change
•40:08 Balancing Local Autonomy and System Efficiency
•43:50 Building Trust Through Human Connection
•50:22 The Creative Process: Structure vs. Flexibility

Quoted Resources & Tools in this Episode
Chad Littlefield
The SCARF Model

Connect About the Podcast
Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com
Visit the Podcast for more episodes
See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”

To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/

In this episode, Heather and Ashley explore the themes of fear, anxiety, presence, and patience in the context of personal and professional growth. They discuss navigating the 'not yet' or ‘in the meantime’ phase between what we can imagine and where we are now. The conversation emphasizes curiosity, self-compassion, and support from others as essential tools for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. They also highlight the significance of celebrating small wins and grounding in purpose and joy.

Host: Heather Gates, MPH
Guest: Ashley Bishop, Operations Manager

Takeaways
•Courage to imagine is a brave step towards improvement.
•Navigating fear and anxiety is a common experience.
•Curiosity and self-compassion can help in getting unstuck.
•A supportive team is a game-changer.
•Finding joy in the journey fuels motivation and progress.
•You're enough already.

Chapters
•00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics
•03:20 The & Stand: What “&” are you standing in today?
•10:59 Navigating The Not Yet: Embracing the Meantime
•19:44 Getting Unstuck: Tools and Strategies
•25:21 Navigating Frustration and Energy Management
•37:15 Finding Joy in the Journey
•43:59 Nurturing Growth and Progress
•49:58 Embracing the Not Yet and Self-Acceptance

Connect About the Podcast
Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com
Visit the Podcast for more episodes
See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”

To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/