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Nearly 31,000 health care workers with the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals have been on strike for the last four weeks. Nurses, physicians assistants, pharmacists and other workers at Kaiser Permanente say that their wages have not kept up with inflation and that their workloads have negatively impacted patient care. As the strike drags on and negotiations continue to stall, more patients face canceled surgeries and appointments without an end in sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders
What does it really take to lead transformation as responsibility grows?At some point, leadership stops being about doing the improvement work or having the right answers. For operational leaders and change practitioners alike, the work moves to holding the system—people, priorities, and consequences—and helping others learn how to do the same.In this episode of Chain of Learning, I'm joined by Carlos Scholz, CEO of Catalysis, to explore the critical shift leaders must make to enable systemic, lasting organizational change.Carlos shares his journey from technically trained engineer in manufacturing, to transformational change leader in healthcare leading a team of continuous improvement practitioners, to operations leader, and now CEO. Across these roles, he's learned that transformation doesn't fail because leaders don't care or aren't trying, but because we often rush to outcomes and skip the systems-level and behavioral maturity required to sustain them.This conversation highlights a critical truth: leadership is practice. It's not a role or a title, it's how you intentionally show up and get better, day after day.Together, we explore what really changes as leadership responsibility and organizational complexity increase, how leaders have to change their own behavior, and how influence shifts when the work is no longer about doing improvement, but about developing leaders who can own the system.In this episode, we explore:Why leadership becomes less about expertise and more about intentional practice as scope and responsibility expandWhat changes when you move from leading through influence to owning the system through positional authority and the consequences that come with itHow identity and perceived value shape resistance to change, including your ownWhy skipping organizational and behavioral maturity undermines reliability, even with strong intentionsHow repositioning improvement teams from doers to coaches helps leaders change their behavior and allows transformation to scaleIf you're navigating your own growth as a change leader—or supporting leaders in truly owning their system—this conversation offers language and perspective to help you lead with greater impact.ABOUT MY GUEST:Carlos Scholz is the CEO of Catalysis, a mission-driven organization advancing people-centered, value-based healthcare. A former manufacturing engineer and healthcare operations and change leader at Kaiser Permanente and NYC Health + Hospitals, he brings deep experience driving system-wide Lean and continuous improvement transformation and developing leaders at scale. Carlos was named a Shingo Rising Star and serves on the Shingo Institute Board.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/66 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Carlos Scholz: linkedin.com/in/carlosscholz Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripRELATED EPISODES:Episode 9 | Move from Technical Expert to Influential LeaderEpisode 16 | Leverage Analytical Systems Thinking and Psychological Safety to Drive Organizational Improvement [with Mark Graban]TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:02 Leadership shifts Carlos made stepping into senior executive responsibility06:19 The start of Carlos' journey and how it evolvedrelationships as it does on technical expertise12:19 Learning that sustainable change depends as much on influence and being vulnerable and sharing openly 17:42 Multiple approaches in creating conditions for leaders to feel safe enough to be vulnerable18:44 Importance of organizational assessment to identify behavioral gaps24:05 Understanding that sustainable change requires aligning the entire system, not just improving isolated parts26:32 When leaders are not on board with change efforts28:48 Importance of both the technical and social side of being a change leader31:30 The process of building a system of coaching36:23 Transitioning from leading through influence to stepping into direct operational leadership43:28 How skills developed as an influence leader strengthened operational leadership45:57 A surprising lesson from stepping into an operational leadership role50:16 How Carlos is leading transformation as a CEO of Catalysis55:08 Steps to make real transformation happen1:00:13 Reminders for leading transformational change1:01:43 Questions for reflection to strengthen the system around you Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/
BeccaPearce, author ofYou Don't Have to Achieve to be Loved, spent much of her career as a corporate warrior, leading teams at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Kaiser Permanente before being appointed CEO of Maryland's Health Benefit Exchange. After a very public separation from the Exchange,Beccawas diagnosed with a brain tumor, triggering a life-altering health battle that forced her to redefine success. Today, as an inspirational speaker, growth strategist and personal executive coach, she sparks transformation in organizations and empowers professionals to lead with authenticity and purpose. She shares her journey as living proof that no matter how many times you've been “chewed up and spit out” by life, you can rise stronger and live fully. When she's not on stage, she can be found on her boat, surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved pit bull mix, Nia.
Our episode begins with some silliness, but we do get to labor headlines. We've got stories from Ubisoft, Taco Bell, Kaiser Permanente, Ford, Starbucks, and big protests in Argentina and India. The nurses strike in New York *almost* came to an end this week, but nurses at NY Presbyterian are staying out. San Francisco teachers won their first strike since 1979, we break down how last week went. Meatpacking workers with JBS are on the front lines of the joint struggle for immigrant workers specifically and the working class broadly and are ready to strike despite threats of deportation. Finally, we discuss how the class struggle in Minnesota has forced the government to back down, and why more action is needed to win the struggle against ICE terror. Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter, John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit rethinkingwellness.substack.comWriter, speaker, and weight-inclusive health/fitness professional Ragen Chastain joins us to discuss the potential side effects and other downsides of using GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic and its ilk) for weight loss, the massive influence the manufacturers of these drugs are having on the public discourse about them, why the media don't often report on these conflicts of interest, how drugmakers have co-opted talking points about weight stigma and weight cycling, how opposition to these drugs in some integrative- and functional-medicine spaces still perpetuates stigmatizing ideas about body size, and more. Paid subscribers can hear the full interview, and the first half is available to all listeners. To upgrade to paid, go to rethinkingwellness.substack.com. Ragen Chastain is a speaker, writer, researcher, Board Certified Patient Advocate, multi-certified health and fitness professional, and thought leader in weight science, weight stigma, health, and healthcare. Utilizing her background in research methods and statistics, Ragen has brought her signature mix of humor and hard facts to healthcare, corporate, conference, and college audiences from Kaiser Permanente and the Diabetes Education Specialists National Conference, to Amazon and Google, to Dartmouth, Cal Tech and canfitpro. Author of the Weight and Healthcare newsletter, the book Fat: The Owner's Manual, co-author of HAES Health Sheets, and editor of the anthology The Politics of Size, Ragen is frequently featured as an expert in print, radio, television, and documentary film. In her free time, Ragen is a national dance champion, triathlete, and marathoner who holds the Guinness World Record for Heaviest Woman to Complete a Marathon. Ragen lives in Oregon with her fiancée Julianne and a rotating cast of foster dogs.If you like this conversation, subscribe to hear lots more like it!Support the podcast by becoming a paid subscriber, and unlock great perks like extended interviews, subscriber-only Q&As, full access to our archives, commenting privileges and subscriber threads where you can connect with other listeners, and more. Learn more and sign up at rethinkingwellness.substack.com.Christy's second book, The Wellness Trap, is available wherever books are sold! Order it here, or ask for it in your favorite local bookstore. If you're looking to make peace with food and break free from diet and wellness culture, come check out Christy's Intuitive Eating Fundamentals online course.
Today's top stories: Search for Nancy Guthrie continues into its 13th day CSUB releases threatening phone call Man throws brick at Moo Creamery and Dignity Health Arena Kern County's STD rate Kaiser Permanente strike ends Pinpoint Weather Forecast: Feb. 13, 2026For more local news, visit KGET.com. Stream local news for free on KGET+. Visit KGET.com/plus for more information.
Deacon Victor Valenzuela is assigned to St. Mary Church in Fullerton. He is married, with two adult children. He is a licensed social worker who is retired from 31 years of employment at Kaiser Permanente. He is a former seminarian who has worked in a variety of ministries. His wife is Diane. Today, Deacon Victor talks with guests Susan & Matt Heffron. Support the show
An estimated 31,000 health care workers in California and Hawaii walked off the job on Jan. 26 in their ongoing battle with healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente to address workers' demands for safe staffing, more manageable workloads, and a livable wage. The United Nurses Associations of California / Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) strike is now in its third week, and more than 3,000 pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, and clinical laboratory professionals represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers. In this urgent strike update episode, we speak with a panel of UNAC/UHCP members who are all currently on strike at Kaiser Permanente. Guests: Sanayo Kondo is a physical therapist at Kaiser Permanente - Redwood City in Northern California, and she is also on the bargaining team for her UNAC/UHCP group. Kadi Gonzalez is an outpatient Registered Nurse at Kaiser Permanente who works in OB/Gyn care and is on the board of directors for UNAC/UHCP. Lucky Longoria is a Registered Nurse who works in pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente - Downey in Southern California and previously worked as a travel nurse. Additional links/info: United Nurses Associations of California / Union of Health Care Professionals website, Facebook page, and Instagram UNAC/UHCP Press Release: "Massive Kaiser strike enters third week" Kaiser Permanente, "Our statement on the UNAC/UHCP strike (Jan. 25, 2026)" Featured Music: Jules Taylor, Working People Theme Song Credits: Audio Post-Production: Jules Taylor
Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare workers are on strike across California over stalled contract talks, staffing levels and pay. But Kaiser, the state's largest private employer, says it's offered its strongest wage proposal yet, with increases to come. As negotiations falter, we'll talk about the issues at stake and the impacts on patients. Are you a Kaiser worker or a patient affected by the strikes? Guests: Farida Jhabvala Romero, labor correspondent, KQED John Logan, director of labor studies, San Francisco State University Dr. Robert Pearl, former CEO, The Permanente Medical Group; lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business Truc Le, certified registered nurse anesthetist, Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento Carrie Esqueda, Kaiser patient Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An estimated 31,000 health care workers in California and Hawaii walked off the job on Jan. 26 in their ongoing battle with healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente to address workers' demands for safe staffing, more manageable workloads, and a livable wage. The United Nurses Associations of California / Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) strike is now in its third week, and more than 3,000 pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, and clinical laboratory professionals represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers. In this urgent strike update episode, we speak with a panel of UNAC/UHCP members who are all currently on strike at Kaiser Permanente. Guests: Sanayo Kondo is a physical therapist at Kaiser Permanente - Redwood City in Northern California, and she is also on the bargaining team for her UNAC/UHCP group.Kadi Gonzalez is an outpatient Registered Nurse at Kaiser Permanente who works in OB/Gyn care and is on the board of directors for UNAC/UHCP.Lucky Longoria is a Registered Nurse who works in pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente - Downey in Southern California and previously worked as a travel nurse.Additional links/info: United Nurses Associations of California / Union of Health Care Professionals website, Facebook page, and Instagram UNAC/UHCP Press Release: “Massive Kaiser strike enters third week”Kaiser Permanente, “Our statement on the UNAC/UHCP strike (Jan. 25, 2026)”Featured Music: Jules Taylor, Working People Theme SongCredits: Audio Post-Production: Jules Taylor Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!
Three Operating Principles from This Conversation 1. White space is now dynamic, not staticWhite space used to be analyzed every 18 months. Today, Ryan is seeing strategy cycles compress to quarterly—or even monthly—reviews. Not because leaders love churn, but because technology and culture are moving too fast for set-and-forget thinking.White space isn't always a massive blue ocean. More often, it's a small, highly specific intersection of your value proposition, your customer's real needs, and what you can actually execute well, right now. 2. AI works best when it supports judgment — not when it replaces itRyan offers one of the clearest, most useful frames I've heard for AI and small business:Don't ask AI for big, sweeping answers.Ask it a series of small questions you can common-sense check, and let those answers ladder up.This takes longer. It requires thinking. And it keeps humans in the loop.That matters because for a small business, one AI mistake isn't annoying; it's expensive. One missed email, one misrouted opportunity, one wrong automation can cost real money.Interestingly, Ryan is also seeing large corporations pull back from “AI everywhere” toward controlled automation and fixed workflows. The lesson? We're not at the point where we can responsibly turn everything over, and pretending we are is risky. 3. Community is now a strategic advantageRyan makes a compelling case that small business owners should be in their local business community at least once every two weeks, not to network performatively, but to gut-check reality, compare notes, and stay human.Some of the most valuable insights right now are coming from people with just a few years of experience, because they're in it, learning fast, and willing to share what's actually working.You never stop learning. And you don't need decades of experience to contribute. You just need a clear point of view and an open mind. The Bigger PictureDespite uncertainty, Ryan is seeing more optimism in business than he has in years. Not blind optimism, earned optimism.As he puts it, we have more control than we realized last year. But control only matters if we use it.This is a conversation about:Staying human in an increasingly automated worldUsing powerful tools wisely instead of stupidlyShowing up—locally, imperfectly, consistently—for the world we want to createWe're the ones we've been waiting for. Connect with Ryan EdwardsCamino Five: camino5.comRyan Edwards on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryanedwardsConnect with John Batesjohnbates.comexecutivespeakingsuccess.comlivelikealeader.show This episode makes no difference without you. If you enjoyed the show, please leave a five-star rating and share it with someone who's navigating leadership, strategy, or AI right now. That's how we learn from — and support — each other on the journey. Thank you! ----- Ryan Edwards is the co-founder of Camino5, a strategy consultancy built on a simple belief: insights create strategy and strategy creates growth.With more than 15 years of experience across digital, brand, and customer experience, Ryan's career began in web design and programming before evolving into creative and CX leadership roles. Over the last decade, his work has focused on understanding how people actually engage with brands across platforms, moments, and decisions, turning that understanding into strategies that move businesses forward.At Camino5, Ryan leads work through Paired Perspective™, the firm's approach to connecting customer behavior across a fragmented landscape. The goal isn't channel optimization in isolation, but strategic clarity that enables speed, alignment, and action.Ryan has partnered with global brands including Disney, P&G, NBCUniversal, Unilever, Chase, Nike, and Kaiser Permanente, as well as high-growth startups and emerging category leaders. His work has supported multiple unicorns, driven category-defining launches, and contributed to research that led to $20M-per-month business turnarounds.Ryan works with companies that believe strategy should create momentum and that growth starts with seeing the customer clearly. --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.
Dante Q. Allen was appointed by Governor Newsom to his new role of Deputy Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation Services on April 18, 2025 and sworn in by Director Kim Rutledge on May 5, 2025 Congratulations Danté!The U.S. Senate approved the nomination of Danté Quintin Allen to lead the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA). Until his confirmation, Allen had been serving as executive director for CalABLE, California's ABLE Act savings and investment program for people with disabilities. Under his five-year leadership, CalABLE was the fastest growing ABLE Act program in the country. Prior to leading CalABLE, Allen was a communications leader for organizations including Kaiser Permanente and the California Department of Public Health's Office of Health Equity. A fulltime wheelchair user, Allen is a well-known advocate for disability rights and equity. Upon his confirmation, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona remarked, “I look forward to working together with Mr. Allen to provide individuals with disabilities and all students with equitable access to the education and training they need to find good-paying jobs; achieve economic security; and lead healthy, independent lives.”© 2026 Building Abundant Success!!© 2026 All Rights ReservedJoin Me on ~ iHeart Media @ https://tinyurl.com/iHeartBASJoin me on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yxuy23baAmazon Music ~ https://tinyurl.com/AmzBASAudacy: https://tinyurl.com/BASAud
We start with headlines from Waymo, Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco teachers, Los Angeles teachers, REI, Seven Stars Bakery, Starbucks, and the state of Nebraska. New York nurses have been on strike for over a month, we discuss the state of their strike and the possible deals announced on Monday. VW workers in Chattanooga won a historic victory for organizing in the South with their recent contract win, we break down the gains. Workers across Europe blocked ports for Palestine this week, even as Western governments and media outlets try to ignore it. Finally, we discuss the targeted attacks on workers organizers by ICE and the way students and rank and file union members are organizing to stop it. Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter, John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee
People are demanding action after another hit and run in Pacific Beach over the weekend. Plus, thousands more workers are joining the Kaiser Permanente nurse's strike. And, a long time El Cajon politician is switching political parties. NBC 7's Nicole Gomez has these stories and more, plus meteorologist Sheena Parveen's forecast for Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
A judge blocks California's mask ban for federal agents. LA County reveals the neighborhoods hit hardest, economically, by ICE activity. The Kaiser Permanente strike is causing big delays at the pharmacy. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com
First, debates around paid parking in Balboa Park seem to be far from over. Then, hundreds of pharmacy and lab workers have now joined the Kaiser Permanente health care worker strike. A top official at the Department of Animal Services has now stepped down, we'll tell you why. Also, we bring you the story of a La Mesa family who is saving money in a creative way. Last but not least, our ‘Museum A Month' series highlights a different museum across the county each month! This month we put our focus on the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art.
Are collagen powders and supplements flooding your social media feeds? They promise smoother skin, stronger hair, and healthier joints. But do collagen supplements actually work? In this episode, Dr. Ashlee Williams speaks with Dr. Randa Khoury, a board-certified dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente, to explore how collagen works in the body, whether supplements can make a difference, and tips to support your skin's natural collagen. Learn more about Randa Khoury, MD
There is a bunch of tossing and turning in beds across the land. All in an effort to try to get to sleep. And sleep is the one thing that affects all of us, whether you have an anxiety condition or not. It is a two-fer. Your body needs it for repair and your brain needs it for cleaning and maintenance. So it is really important to make sure you have what you needs to set yourself up for a good night's sleep. Especially if you have anxiety and depression type symptoms. This is an overview of what you need to get to sleep and keep it there for as long as you need it. Resources Mentioned: Australian Center of Clinical Inventions, there is a PDF handout on Sleep Hygiene with 15 tips on how to get a good night's sleep. The U.S. non-profit health organization Kaiser Permanente has a page on why sleep is important and suggest that the only things you should do in bed is sleep and sex. The National Sleep Foundation is an advocacy group for sleep health. They do have a section of their website that talks about the relationship between mental health and sleep. I do need to let you know that there is another website call Sleep Foundation.org. This is a commercial site that reviews mattresses and sleep products. However they have a lot of info about sleep but they also are probably doing affiliate deals to support the website. The site does have factual information about sleep and sleep habits. The Cleveland Clinic has a brief information page on weighted blankets. And Harvard Health Publishing also has a page about weighted blankets with the statement that there isn't enough science research to indicate that they are helpful but people are using them for relief. Emergency Resources The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community. Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options. National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact. Disclaimer: Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder. This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The field of candidates is set in the LA Mayor's race, including a former ally-turned rival to Karen Bass. Pharmacy workers join the strike against Kaiser Permanente. A mother from San Bernardino County is detained by ICE, even though her family says she was following all the rules. Plus, more from Morning Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com
In this episode, Alexander Rakul, MHA, PhD, Chief Administration Officer for Kaiser Permanente's Central Valley Service Area, joins the podcast to discuss post-pandemic challenges facing health systems and key priorities for the year ahead. He shares how understanding patient needs, helping patients navigate complex systems, and optimizing care for older populations are shaping strategy, along with the importance of supporting primary care physicians and identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth.
After two weeks there's still no deal for the thousands of nurses on strike from Kaiser Permanente. And, can Lemon Grove protect residents from no-fault evictions? Also, in this week''s Why it Matters, Voice of San Diego's Scott Lewis explains how the county may reorganize to include a mayor.Finally, hear from the MTS worker and artist behind this year's Black History Month Pronto card.
Deacon Victor Valenzuela is assigned to St. Mary Church in Fullerton. He is married, with two adult children. He is a licensed social worker who is retired from 31 years of employment at Kaiser Permanente. He is a former seminarian who has worked in a variety of ministries. His wife is Diane. Today, Deacon Victor continues his talk with Deacon Steve Greco, founder of Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry and Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Orange, about his story of faith. Support the show
In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker's Healthcare, breaks down Kaiser Permanente's entry into Nevada, growing tensions between hospitals and Medicare Advantage plans, and how federal payment changes are squeezing major insurers while smaller, specialized plans gain ground.
How have I stayed in the comedy profession, made a great living at it while also NOT being famous? Well it's called reinvention and I've done it a lot! Here's a quick story on reinventing myself from one thing to the other while still staying true to my comedy roots. This is great advice for anyone who wants to make a living in entertainment or pretty much anything else. Here's a quick story with my advice. https://www.TheWorkLady.com Jan McInnis is a top change management keynote speaker, comedian, and funny motivational speaker who helps organizations use humor to handle change, build resilience, and strengthen leadership skills. With her laugh-out-loud stories and practical tips, Jan shows audiences how humor isn't just entertainment—it's a business skill that drives communication, connection, and stress relief. A conference keynote speaker, Master of Ceremonies, and comedy writer, Jan has written material for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as radio, TV, and syndicated cartoon strips. She's the author of two books—Finding the Funny Fast and Convention Comedian—and her insights on humor in business have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Huffington Post. For over 25 years, she has been helping leaders and teams discover how to bounce back from setbacks, embrace change, and connect through comedy. Jan has delivered keynote speeches at thousands of events nationwide, from the Federal Reserve Banks to the Mayo Clinic, for industries that include healthcare, finance, government, education, women's leadership events, technology, and safety & disaster management. Her client list features respected organizations such as: Healthcare: Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Health Information Management Associations, Assisted Living Associations Finance: Federal Reserve Banks, Merrill Lynch, Transamerica Insurance, BDO Accounting, American Institute of CPAs, credit unions, banking associations Government: U.S. Air Force, Social Security Administration, International Institute of Municipal Clerks, National League of Cities, public utilities, correctional associations Women's Leadership Events: Toyota Women's Conference, Go Red for Women, Speaking of Women's Health, Soroptimists, Women in Insurance & Financial Services Education: State superintendent associations, community college associations, Head Start associations, National Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals Safety & Disaster: International Association of Emergency Managers, Disney Emergency Management, Mid-Atlantic Safety Conference, risk management associations Her background as a Washington, D.C. marketing executive gives her a unique perspective that blends business acumen with stand-up comedy. Jan was also honored with the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives "Excellence in Education" Award. Along with her podcast Finding the Funny: Leadership Tips from a Comedian, Jan also produces Comedian Stories: Tales From the Road in Under 5 Minutes. Whether she's headlining a major convention, hosting a leadership retreat, or teaching resilience at a safety conference, Jan's programs give audiences the tools to laugh, learn, and lead.
Once again our main focus this week is the struggle against ICE's reign of terror. Beyond Minneapolis, the working class outrage at the crimes of DHS exploded into a nationwide shutdown. In our main story we discuss the implications of this growing movement for trade unionism and the broader struggle for working class political power. Before we get to that however, we start with headlines from CUNY, Ubisoft, Trader Joe's, PAME and Starbucks. Beyond the nationwide political struggle this week were two major stories we also wanted to cover. First we check in on the fight to preserve the gains of the last two decades by the working class in Bolivia. And we also check in on the largest *economic* strike in the country, as 31,000 healthcare workers walked out once again at Kaiser Permanente. Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter, John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee
We all need to eat. We also all need to breathe clean air. Around the country and the world the practice of agricultural burning is used to remove crop residue. This can often be the most efficient or cost-effective from the perspective of the individual farmer, but can also affect the people living and working in the area. Dr Laura C. Myers, M.D., M.P.H is a lung and ICU doctor at Kaiser Permanente who researches people with lung diseases and how air quality and heat can affect them. Join me to learn about agricultural burning and its health impact. We also explore what can be done to minimize this impact while ensuring both a healthy food production and healthy communities. To Do-Where possible, encourage your community to support farmers in alternatives to biomass burning through regenerative agricultural practices. Many agricultural universities across the US are studying this, and supporting up front costs for farmers may help improve their soil, profit margins and keep surrounding communities healthier. Make sure you have clean air indoors- no smoking, vaping, open flames, etc. You can learn more from the “Clean Air Gift Guide” episode from earlier this season.Spread the word about the importance of clean air indoors- reducing pollution from gas stoves, ensuring good air filtration and more can help improve resilience when agricultural burning is occurring. If you or a loved one has asthma or airway disease, make sure they know about clean air resources. Sign up for air quality alerts in your area.Consider a donation to the American Lung Association, which helps patients with airway disease understand the air they breathe and works for clean air for all.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For more information go to airhealthourhealth.org.Follow on Facebook and Instagram. Photo by Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash
On this episode of Fire Wire, CPF President Brian K. Rice speaks to Misha McKinney, VP of Clinical Programs, and Dr. Danielle Mellace, internal medicine physician, both with Kaiser Permanente, about the unique health challenges firefighters face, the importance of primary care and early detection, and how lifestyle medicine can reduce cancer risk. Active or retired firefighters who are members of Kaiser Permanente are encouraged to enroll in the California Firefighter Health Study before February 28, 2026, to help improve firefighter health and safety statewide. Sign up today at CPF.org/KaiserStudy.
In the wake of of the street execution of VA nurse and AFGE member Alex Pretti by federal agents Madison nurses rally on the day of a national strike and the president of the state Minnesota teachers union talks to Labor Radio about how educators deal with the statewide invasion, American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten addresses her union in a world of armed federal anti-immigrant gangs, 31,000 West Coast nurses in the Kaiser Permanente system go on strike, Teamsters Local 135 authorizes a strike against US Foods in Indiana, and New York nurses speak on their continuing strike.
How can leaders ensure their message lands with clarity, confidence, and influence? In this episode, Kevin Eikenberry sits down with Dr. Laura Sicola to discuss how leaders can strengthen their influence by mastering their leadership voice. Laura introduces her "vocal executive presence" framework, built around the three Cs: Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal. Kevin and Laura break down the three communication channels every leader uses—verbal, vocal, and visual—and why alignment across all three is essential for credibility. They unpack common leadership communication pitfalls, such as overwhelming others with too much "relevant" information instead of focusing on what is truly essential, and how habits like vocal fry, weak openings, or cluttered slides can quietly erode influence. Laura also shares memorable frameworks, including the 60-to-60 rule for opening meetings and the "prismatic voice" to remain authentic in different situations. Laura's Story: Dr. Laura Sicola is an executive communication coach, 3x TEDx speaker, and author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice. With over two decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, global nonprofits, and government agencies, she empowers leaders to show up powerfully and speak with confidence in high-stakes conversations. Her proprietary "Vocal Executive Presence" framework helps leaders command the room, connect with their audience, and close the deal. She is a cognitive linguist by training and former faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. Her TEDx talk has nearly 7 million views, and her client list includes Amazon, Intel, HP, Kaiser Permanente, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. https://laurasicola.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola https://x.com/LauraSicola https://www.facebook.com/drlaurasicola/ https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc https://www.tiktok.com/@laurasicola https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaking-to-influence/id1515649028 This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos. Book Recommendations Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice by Dr. Laura Sicola Mental and Emotional Release by Dr. Matt James and Tris Thorp Like this? Influence Redefined with Stacey Hanke You Have More Influence Than You Think with Vanessa Bohns Increase Your Leadership Influence wirh Jake Thompson
Kick off 2026 with a Health Views episode featuring Sam Glick, executive vice president of enterprise strategy and business development for Kaiser Permanente. Sam shares his expertise in health care strategy and emphasizes the importance of accessible, high-quality, and affordable care. Enjoy the discussion! Kaiser Permanente is composed of the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.; the nonprofit Kaiser Foundation Hospitals; and the for-profit Permanente Medical Groups.
Flights impacted in San Diego due to East Coast winter storm, School employee in Lakeside arrested, Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers strike again today
First, thousands of Kaiser health workers across California and Hawaii walked off the job this week . Then, we bring you details around affordable housing for staff at the San Diego Unified School District. Also, we bring you to Camp Pendleton where Marines are learning to be drone pilots. Plus, a solar farm project currently under construction in Jacumba has brought some health concerns along with it.
When it comes to childhood vaccines, parents are met with a flood of information—some helpful, some confusing, and some simply untrue. Social media, headlines, and well-meaning conversations can blur the line between fact and fiction, making it hard to know what to trust. On this episode of the Healthier You podcast, Dr. Ashlee Williams is joined by Dr. Tekeema Dixon, a board-certified pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente, to take a clear, evidence-based look at common vaccine myths and the facts behind them, so parents can feel confident in the decisions they make to protect their children's health. Learn how vaccines work and what the science actually shows from a trusted pediatrician who brings both medical expertise and real-world experience caring for families every day. Learn more about Tekeema Dixon, MD
Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers launch an open-ended strike as long wait times hit nurses hardest. Lou sounds off on soaring insurance premiums and why single salaries just don’t cut it anymore. Plus, big changes coming to California—and how brutal winter weather is putting postal carriers’ safety and efficiency at risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gov. Josh Green delivers his fourth State of the State Address, his last one before he runs for reelection. A political analyst says he played it safe and explains why. Kaiser Permanente health care workers begin the first day of an indefinite strike. A Maui judge rules that recorded jail calls may be admitted in a murder trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How lawmakers are responding to Gov. Josh Green's State of the State, an annual address that sets the primary agenda for the legislature. Hundreds of Kaiser Permanente workers in Hawaii are on strike for a second time in a matter of months. An event this week honors soldiers and survivors who were attacked by a Japanese torpedo off Molokai during WWII. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Roughly 31,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare workers in California and Hawaii went on strike this week. The union alleges unfair labor practices amid prolonged contract talks.Workers on the picket lines are fighting for safe staffing levels and fair wages for caregivers.We discuss what healthcare workers are fighting for, how Kaiser Permanente is responding, and what patients need to know.Guests:Heidi de Marco, health reporter, KPBS
It's been about a year since President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House. Californians that voted for him in the 2024 US presidential election weigh in on how he's doing this time around. Nurses working at Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Northern California and parts of Hawaii began their strike today, asking for better wages and more manageable workloads. The US Department of Justice has just ended its efforts to obtain the medical records for more than 3,000 people who had been provided gender-affirming care at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Another government shutdown is possible if Congress doesn't pass a funding bill by this Friday. Plus, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors wants your input on this year's budget plan. And, Kaiser Permanente nurses and health care professionals go on strike across California and Hawaii. NBC 7's Marianne Kushi has these stores and more, including meteorologist Sheena Parveen's forecast for Monday, January, 26, 2026.
Hundreds of Kaiser Permanente workers in Hawaii have walked off the job as they seek a new contract. Cleanup efforts are underway after episode 41 of Kilauea's ongoing eruption sent tephra and ash falling from the sky. How a recent FBI rescue of eight Oahu teens is shining a light on human-trafficking in our state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While many of you were enjoying the holidays, Kaiser Permanente wasback in the news. This time, another whistleblower case which resulted inan amazing $556 million settlement to resolve allegations that the giantprovider/payer fudged on its Medicare Advantage risk adjustment.Reporting the lead story during the next live edition of Monitor Mondays willbe Liz Soltan, a New York-based senior associate at WhistleblowerPartners. Soltan is a member of the firm's litigation team who representedDr. James Taylor in his landmark False Claims Act (FCA) case againstKaiser Permanente which resolved allegations of Medicare Advantage riskadjustment fraud. Soltan also works on a major Medicare Advantage riskadjustment fraud case against UnitedHealth Group on behalf ofwhistleblower Benjamin Poehling.Broadcast segments will also include these instantly recognizable features: Monday Rounds: Ronald Hirsch, MD, vice president of R1 RCM,will be making his Monday Rounds. The RAC Report: Healthcare attorney Knicole Emanuel, partnerat the law firm of Nelson Mullins, will report the latest news aboutauditors. Risky Business: Healthcare attorney David Glaser, shareholderin the law offices of Fredrikson & Byron, will join the broadcast withhis trademark segment. Legislative Update: Adam Brenman, legislative affairs liaison forZelis, will report on current healthcare legislation.
The health care industry has often been slow to adopt new technology — but not when it comes to AI. And as Kaiser Permanente's mental health clinicians in Northern California negotiate their latest contract with the company, they're looking for reassurance that AI isn't coming for their jobs. Links: Will AI Replace Your Therapist? Kaiser Won't Say No Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Deacon Victor Valenzuela is assigned to St. Mary Church in Fullerton. He is married, with two adult children. He is a licensed social worker who is retired from 31 years of employment at Kaiser Permanente. He is a former seminarian who has worked in a variety of ministries. His wife is Diane. Today, Deacon Victor talks with Deacon Steve Greco, founder of Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry and Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Orange, about his story of faith. Support the show
We're immersed in a universe of invisible energy fields, like swimmers in a vast ocean. Often beyond awareness, these forces shape and are shaped by us. This dialogue explores the Personal, Social, and Noetic fields and how conscious awareness of them helps us create a more just and compassionate world.Alan Briskin, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in organizational psychology and is a pioneer in the field of organizational learning. He is co-founder of the Collective Wisdom Initiative and has been consultant to many large corporations including Lucasfilm, Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and the Goi Peace Foundation. His books include:The Stirring of Soul in the Workplace (Berrett-Koehler 1998),The Power of Collective Wisdom and the Trap of Collective Folly (co-authors, Sheryl Erickson, Tom Callanan, and John Ott)(Berrett-Koehler 2009) and Daily Miracles: Stories and Practices of Humanity and Excellence in Health Care (co-author Jan Boller) (Sigma Theta Tau International; 1st edition 2006)Mary V. Gelinas, Ed.D. is an organizational development consultant devoted to the art of conscious social change. As an educator and consultant with more than forty years of experience working in brain research, contemplative practices, social psychology, and systems thinking. Her organizational redesign projects focus on innovative and inclusive solutions for business, government, health care, and education, for such diverse clients as the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She is the author of:Talk Matters: Saving the World One Word at a Time. (Friesen Press 2026)Briskin and Gelinas are the co-authors of Space is Not Empty: How Hidden Fields Are Shaping Your Life and Our World (Friesen Press 2025)Interview Date: 11/14/2025 Tags: Alan Briskin, Mary V. Genlinas, Personal fields, Social fields, Noetic fields, wondering, curiosity, David Bohm, Carl Rogers, shifting the norm, fields are permeable, group disruption, noticing, certainty, uncertainty, body wisdom, Personal Transformation, Psychology, Science, Social Change/Politics
Alan Briskin, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in organizational psychology and is a pioneer in the field of organizational learning. He is co-founder of the Collective Wisdom Initiative and has been consultant to many large corporations including Lucasfilm, Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and the Goi Peace Foundation. His books include The Stirring of Soul in the Workplace (Berrett-Koehler 1998),The Power of Collective Wisdom and the Trap of Collective Folly (co-authors, Sheryl Erickson, Tom Callanan, and John Ott)(Berrett-Koehler 2009) and Daily Miracles: Stories and Practices of Humanity and Excellence in Health Care (co-author Jan Boller) (Sigma Theta Tau International; 1st edition 2006)Mary V. Gelinas, Ed.D. is an organizational development consultant devoted to the art of conscious social change. As an educator and consultant with more than forty years of experience working in brain research, contemplative practices, social psychology, and systems thinking. Her organizational redesign projects focus on innovative and inclusive solutions for business, government, health care, and education, for such diverse clients as the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She is the author of Talk Matters: Saving the World One Word at a Time. (Friesen Press 2026)Briskin and Gelinas are the co-authors of Space is Not Empty: How Hidden Fields Are Shaping Your Life and Our World (Friesen Press 2025)Interview Date: 11/14/2025 Tags: Alan Briskin, Mary V. Genlinas, Personal fields, Social fields, Noetic fields, wondering, curiosity, David Bohm, Carl Rogers, shifting the norm, fields are permeable, group disruption, noticing, certainty, uncertainty, body wisdom, Personal Transformation, Psychology, Science, Social Change/Politics
Managing ADHD during pregnancy can feel overwhelming—especially when juggling appointments, medications, mood changes, and everyday life. In this episode of The MotherToBaby Podcast, genetic counselor and teratogen information specialist Chris Stallman, CGC sits down with returning guest Dr. Christy Pratt, a pharmacist at Kaiser Permanente Colorado, for an in-depth, practical conversation about ADHD in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Together, they discuss: How ADHD symptoms can shift during pregnancy What to consider when deciding whether to continue stimulant or non-stimulant medications How co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression affect treatment decisions Why risk–benefit conversations are essential—and individualized Non-medication strategies and organization tools that actually help How healthcare providers can better support pregnant patients with ADHD What Dr. Pratt wishes more people understood about ADHD as a real, physiological condition Dr. Pratt also shares insights from her innovative program at Kaiser Permanente, where newly pregnant patients receive personalized risk–benefit consultations about their medications. Whether you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy, supporting someone with ADHD, or working in maternal-child health, this episode offers validation, clarity, and evidence-based guidance—always centered on achieving the best outcomes for both parent and baby. Key takeaway: "We need a healthy mama to grow a healthy baby." —Dr. Christy Pratt For more evidence-based information about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit MotherToBaby.org.
Folks are rising up across the country outraged by ICE's reign of terror. Our main story is on the popular fightback in Minnesota, but first we have headlines from ArcelorMittal, Ford, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Portland State University, Blinkit, Barnes and Noble, and Kaiser Permanente. We follow up on last week's historic strike by 15,000 nurses in NYC. A recent piece in Dissent Magazine details the surge in the use of robots at Amazon and the harms born by workers. Also this week, we discuss the corrosive impact on working people of having a far right government using Nazi slogans in power. Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter, John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee
Women comprise 75% of the healthcare workforce and make the majority of family healthcare decisions—yet hold only 20% of senior leadership positions. Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of CVS Health, sees this gap as more than unfair. At CVS Health, Dr. Amy oversees clinical strategy for 9,000 community access points with a clear mission: simplify healthcare and make the right thing the easy thing. "We've put things like electronic medical records, narrow insurance networks, and administrative rigmarole between patients and people who can help them," she explains. "How can we start taking layers out?" But she didn't reach this role by following the traditional playbook. She turned down her dream job because the timing wasn't right for her family. She went part-time during peak career years, trading off with her husband as their priorities shifted. And she's consistently been tapped on the shoulder for opportunities rather than raising her hand, which taught her that doing your current job exceptionally well matters more than constantly positioning for the next one. In this conversation, Dr. Amy explains why healthcare needs women's voices at the executive table for design thinking that actually works, how she and her husband negotiated dual careers through different life stages, why "performance gets you the podium" but authenticity and strategic thinking get you the C-suite, and what it takes to be heard when you're the only woman in leadership rooms. Whether you're balancing clinical practice with administrative responsibilities, navigating when to say yes and no to opportunities, or building toward senior healthcare leadership, this is uncommon honesty about the trade-offs and strategies that actually matter. Key Takeaways: Do your current job exceptionally well—performance gets you noticed before you ever raise your hand Design healthcare systems with women's voices at the table; they're both the workforce majority and primary family decision-makers Negotiate career trade-offs with your partner over time; one person doesn't have to sacrifice permanently Saying no to your dream job might be the smartest move you make—if they value you, they'll come back Taking layers out of complexity requires intentional design thinking, not just adding more solutions Figure out what's working and what's not, then adjust your strategy—sometimes you need to literally or metaphorically elevate yourself to be heard About the Guest: Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips is Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of CVS Health, where she leads clinical strategy across 9,000 community locations. She previously served as President and Chief Clinical Officer at Providence, a $25 billion health system with 52 hospitals and 120,000 caregivers, where she led the response to the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the United States. Earlier, she spent 22 years at Kaiser Permanente, rising from front-line internist to Chief Quality Officer. A CNN Medical Analyst and keynote speaker, she has served on boards including HIMSS, the Institute for Systems Biology, and Wellcare. She holds her bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Health Podcast Network Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Holiday Health Tips 02:38 - Simplifying Health at CVS 05:31 - The Voice of the Customer: Women in Leadership 08:42 - Career Progression: Being Tapped on the Shoulder 10:11 - Saying No to the Dream Job 12:39 - Making Choices: Work-Life Integration 15:05 - Going Part-Time and Life Partner Negotiation 17:55 - Pull Out the Platform Shoes: Getting Heard as a Leader Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify
(0:00) Intro(1:45) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel(2:31) Start of interview(3:04) Jeff's origin story. Began career in investment banking at First Boston before transitioning to a 25-year run as CFO across media companies (King World, Nielsen) and tech (DoubleClick, Oracle).(7:16) Transitioning to Bessemer Venture Partners.(8:40) Focusing on his board career and audit committee member. ValueClick, Priceline (Booking Holdings).(11:06) Growth in Public vs. Private Markets(12:49) The State of European Entrepreneurial Ecosystem(13:41) The Role of BVP CFO Council(15:31) Understanding California and Silicon Valley's Unique Culture(18:44) AI's impact on the CFO role(20:54) Dynamics Between CEOs and CFOs(23:12) CFOs in Startups vs. Public Companies "We've observed that about 5% of the headcount of any co' at any size is in the finance dpt.")(25:25) CFOs as Board Members(27:35) Board decisions on CEO hiring and firing. "The CEO's role is to articulate an effective strategy, to hire a great team, and then to execute that strategy well using that great team." "If over five years the CEO has never changed their mind based on board input, you have the wrong board."(30:36) On effective Board Composition(32:41) Navigating Shareholder Activism, including his experience at Twilio(37:35) The Debate: Stay Private or Go Public. "There are three ownership structures: public companies, PE-owned companies (where PE controls CEO), and founder-controlled private companies" "I think you're going to see quite a few companies stay private forever or for decades."(39:30) Preparing for the Future of Venture Capital (41:13) Optimizing Board Meeting Content. "Effective boards: 2/3 of time on未made decisions. Ineffective boards: show and tell." "Best-run companies: CEO encourages board members to meet with executives outside board meetings."(45:50) Books that have greatly influenced his life:The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Shroeder (2008)My Early Life by Winston Churchill (1930) How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (1980)(47:07) His mentors (50:50) Quotes that he thinks of often or lives his life by "You want to live your life to have a seamless web of deserved trust" by Charlie Munger(53:15) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that he loves. Reading adventure stories from G.H. Henty(54:01) The living person he most admires: Warren BuffettJeff Epstein is an operating partner of Bessemer Venture Partners where he leads BVP's CFO Council. He is a former CFO of Oracle and currently serves on the boards of Autodesk, AvePoint, Okta, and Twilio (previously at Kaiser Permanente and Booking Holdings). You can follow Evan on social media at:X: @evanepsteinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/epsteinevan/ Substack: https://evanepstein.substack.com/__To support this podcast you can join as a subscriber of the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at https://evanepstein.substack.com/__Music/Soundtrack (found via Free Music Archive): Seeing The Future by Dexter Britain is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
Kaiser Permanente, Oracle (again), Petco, JPMorgan, Eurail, the AI agents use and love(?) and about a billion lawsuits are all part of this week's breaches!