The Backstory

By: Jarrard Inc.
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  • Summary

  • The Backstory, formerly the High Stakes Podcast, is a new, limited series from Jarrard Inc. President and Co-Founder Anne Hancock Toomey. For nearly two decades, Jarrard – one of the nation’s top communications consulting firms for healthcare – has partnered with thousands of leaders across the country who are striving to make healthcare better every day. But this isn’t a podcast about healthcare, or politics or even communications. It’s about authentic leadership. The Backstory is about demystifying respected leaders who’ve had a lot of success along the way because of the kind of leaders they’ve chosen to be. Each person Anne interviews is visionary, of course. They’re smart as hell, and they’re fierce about their business and their mission. They’re also humble, kind and create the kind of environments in which people can thrive. They’re not perfect. But they are real. And it’s the combination of those two things that makes each one of them great. In every episode, Anne’s guest digs into who they are, where they come from and what’s influenced them to be the person and the leader that they are today.
    © 2024, Jarrard Inc.
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Episodes
  • 11. From Journalist to Foremost Healthcare Communications Guru, with David Jarrard

    11. From Journalist to Foremost Healthcare Communications Guru, with David Jarrard
    Nov 13 2024
    In this episode, Anne Hancock Toomey chats with her longtime colleague and co-founder David Jarrard, a former journalist, public affairs counselor and founding CEO, now serving as executive chairman of Jarrard Inc. David shares his unique journey from growing up in East Tennessee and working the police and theater beats as a reporter to becoming one of the most influential communications leaders in the healthcare industry. He delves into his early career in journalism, lessons learned from leaders and his parents and how these experiences shaped his visionary leadership style. David reflects on the importance of an integrated life, his passion for team synergy and the need to have balance between humility and confidence for effective leadership. The conversation concludes with a lightning round, offering personal insights and a glimpse into David's life outside of work. 02:44 Early Life and Influences in East Tennessee 05:11 Lessons from Journalism and Early Career 07:10 Transition to Corporate Communications 16:57 Reflections on Career Choices and Leadership 23:26 Founding Jarrard, Phillips, Cate and Hancock 26:03 The Importance of Relationships and Team Chemistry 28:11 Leadership Philosophy and Values 31:44 Balancing Work and Personal Life 35:52 Recognizing and Addressing Weaknesses 37:22 Healthy Habits for Effective Leadership 38:56 Lightning Round: Personal Insights 42:25 Final Thoughts on Leadership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • 10. From the Broadcast Booth to Duke Health HR Leader, with Rhonda Brandon

    10. From the Broadcast Booth to Duke Health HR Leader, with Rhonda Brandon
    Oct 23 2024
    In this week’s episode, Anne Hancock Toomey chats with Rhonda Brandon, the dynamic Chief Human Resources Officer at Duke University Health System. Rhonda’s unconventional and remarkable journey takes us from her roots in Richmond, Virginia, through pivotal roles at IBM, Nike and Colonial Pipeline, to her transformative work at Duke Health. With humor and heart, Rhonda reveals how faith, family and fierce determination shaped her career, highlighting key moments such as a game-changing revelation at IBM, balancing burnout at Nike and navigating change management at Duke University Health System. Through personal anecdotes, Rhonda emphasizes authenticity and the necessity of nurturing one’s spirit. The episode concludes with a fun lightning round, providing a glimpse into her personal quirks and inspirations. Tune in for laughs, leadership lessons and a lot of heart! 03:44 Lessons from Parents and Early Career 06:04 First Job Experiences 09:40 Defining Moments at IBM 13:19 Career at Nike and Burnout 18:26 Joining Colonial Pipeline 21:29 Transition to Healthcare 25:28 Building a Cohort and Embracing Change Management 27:15 Key Principles of Change Management 29:13 The Call from Duke and Defining the Job 36:16 Family, Faith, and Personal Reflections 44:17 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • 09. From Tossing Dough to Leader of Leaders, with Michael Wiechart

    09. From Tossing Dough to Leader of Leaders, with Michael Wiechart
    Oct 9 2024
    In this power-packed episode of The Backstory, Michael Wiechart, President of TEAMHealth, opens up about his journey from small-town Ohio to becoming a healthcare leadership powerhouse. Mike’s story is anything but ordinary – from almost becoming a priest to working at – and quickly getting fired from – a family-owned pizza joint before taking the fast track to healthcare. By just 26 years old, Mike was already a CFO, navigating the complexities of major healthcare systems like Lifepoint Health and overcoming the tough moments of two CEO losses. Tune in to hear about his authentic leadership approach, lessons that shaped his career and his personal favorites – from influential books to memorable experiences. 02:25 Early Career and Influences 03:59 First Job and Professional Growth 09:03 Transition to Healthcare Leadership 14:30 Challenges and Tragedies at LifePoint 18:56 Joining Team Health 21:00 Reflections and Accomplishments 22:09 The Unforeseen Crisis 24:49 Reflecting on Mistakes 28:21 The Role of Faith in Leadership 30:15 Balancing Career and Personal Life 33:30 Leadership Qualities and Challenges 37:37 Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins

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