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Send us Fan MailThe hospice moratorium may be temporary—but the changes it signals for hospice oversight could be permanent.In Part One of The Hospice Moratorium: What CMS Is Really Signaling About the Future, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner, PhD, are joined by Dr. Jennifer Kennedy, Vice President for Quality, Standards and Compliance at CHAP, to unpack why CMS implemented the hospice moratorium and what it could mean for the future of the Medicare hospice benefit.The conversation explores the growing federal focus on fraud and abuse, rapid hospice market expansion, Medicare enrollment, accreditation oversight, and increasingly sophisticated screening of providers. Jennifer also explains why she believes the moratorium could be extended—and why CMS scrutiny is unlikely to disappear when the moratorium eventually ends. But there's another side to the crackdown: legitimate hospice providers can get caught in the same regulatory net designed to stop bad actors. What happens when high-quality organizations want to expand into rural or underserved communities but can't? And can CMS become precise enough to protect access while aggressively pursuing fraud? In this episode:What the CMS hospice moratorium actually meansWhy fraud and rapid market expansion triggered increased scrutinyWhether the moratorium could be extendedThe role of accreditation and enrollment screeningHow legitimate hospice providers may be unintentionally affectedWhy quality and compliance will define the next era of hospice oversight Guest: Dr. Jennifer Kennedy, Vice President, Quality, Compliance and Standards with CHAPCo-Host: Cordt Kassner, PHD, Publisher, Hospice & Palliative Care TodayHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
The hospice moratorium may be temporary—but the changes it signals for hospice oversight could be permanent.In Part One of The Hospice Moratorium: What CMS Is Really Signaling About the Future, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner, PhD, are joined by Dr. Jennifer Kennedy, Vice President for Quality, Standards and Compliance at CHAP, to unpack why CMS implemented the hospice moratorium and what it could mean for the future of the Medicare hospice benefit.The conversation explores the growing federal focus on fraud and abuse, rapid hospice market expansion, Medicare enrollment, accreditation oversight, and increasingly sophisticated screening of providers. Jennifer also explains why she believes the moratorium could be extended—and why CMS scrutiny is unlikely to disappear when the moratorium eventually ends. But there's another side to the crackdown: legitimate hospice providers can get caught in the same regulatory net designed to stop bad actors. What happens when high-quality organizations want to expand into rural or underserved communities but can't? And can CMS become precise enough to protect access while aggressively pursuing fraud? In this episode:What the CMS hospice moratorium actually meansWhy fraud and rapid market expansion triggered increased scrutinyWhether the moratorium could be extendedThe role of accreditation and enrollment screeningHow legitimate hospice providers may be unintentionally affectedWhy quality and compliance will define the next era of hospice oversight Guest: Dr. Jennifer Kennedy,Co-Host: Cordt Kassner, PHD, Publisher, Hospice & Palliative Care TodayHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailWhat if the frustration, anger, and resistance showing up in your organization aren't signs of disengagement—but signals that your people still deeply care?In Part Two of From Zombies to Zealots: Cultivating Passion and Purpose in Healthcare Leadership, host Chris Comeaux continues his thought-provoking conversation with DJ Mitsch, author, master coach, and founder of the Healthcare Coaching Institute, and Tasha Walsh, CEO and Executive Director of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.Healthcare and hospice professionals often enter the field because they feel called to the work. But regulations, audits, documentation requirements, productivity pressures, and constant organizational change can gradually disconnect people from that deeper sense of purpose. DJ challenges leaders to recognize what happens when meaningful, purpose-driven work becomes dominated by the language of compliance rather than creation. Using the real-world example of hospice audits and documentation pressure, the conversation explores how fear of financial clawbacks and increased scrutiny can ripple through an organization and contribute to caregiver burnout. Rather than ignoring those emotions, DJ and Tasha encourage leaders to acknowledge them—and use anger, fear, frustration, and even pushback as valuable information.As DJ explains, anger can become fuel for change. Tasha takes that idea further: what lies beneath someone's frustration may be a deep commitment to patients, coworkers, or the mission. Effective leaders learn to uncover that meaning, transform emotional energy into courage, and create space for difficult but necessary conversations. In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why purpose-driven healthcare professionals can become disconnected from their callingHow leaders can shift the organizational conversation from compliance to creationWhy anger, fear, frustration, and resistance shouldn't automatically be labeled “negative”How to use emotion as information—and transform it into constructive actionWhy taking a breath and really listening can change the direction of a difficult interactionHow leaders can create cultures where people feel safe bringing their authentic selves to workWhy organizational culture is shaped by what leaders repeatedly tolerate, encourage, and createHow healthcare leaders can become change agents rather than passive participants in a dysfunctional systemOne of the most powerful ideas from the conversation is that naming what people are experiencing can reduce its hold over them. By giving language to fear, anger, and frustration, leaders can help their teams redirect that energy toward something more productive.And ultimately, the goal isn't simply to build a more “resilient” workforce.It's to create an environment where people are excited to come to life fully every day.What is the culture you're creating helping your people become—zombies or zealots?Guest:Tasha Walsh, LCSW, PCC CEO/ED of Connections Plus Healthcare + Hospice Darelyn DJ Mitsch, Author, Master Coach, and Chief Energy Officer, The Pyramid Resource Group, Home of the Healthcare Coaching Institute and Team Advantage Team Coaching Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipIf this conversation resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share this episode with another healthcare, hospice, or business leader who is working to create a more engaged, purpose-driven culture.The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
What if the frustration, anger, and resistance showing up in your organization aren't signs of disengagement—but signals that your people still deeply care?In Part Two of From Zombies to Zealots: Cultivating Passion and Purpose in Healthcare Leadership, host Chris Comeaux continues his thought-provoking conversation with DJ Mitsch, author, master coach, and founder of the Healthcare Coaching Institute, and Tasha Walsh, CEO and Executive Director of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice.Healthcare and hospice professionals often enter the field because they feel called to the work. But regulations, audits, documentation requirements, productivity pressures, and constant organizational change can gradually disconnect people from that deeper sense of purpose. DJ challenges leaders to recognize what happens when meaningful, purpose-driven work becomes dominated by the language of compliance rather than creation. Using the real-world example of hospice audits and documentation pressure, the conversation explores how fear of financial clawbacks and increased scrutiny can ripple through an organization and contribute to caregiver burnout. Rather than ignoring those emotions, DJ and Tasha encourage leaders to acknowledge them—and use anger, fear, frustration, and even pushback as valuable information.As DJ explains, anger can become fuel for change. Tasha takes that idea further: what lies beneath someone's frustration may be a deep commitment to patients, coworkers, or the mission. Effective leaders learn to uncover that meaning, transform emotional energy into courage, and create space for difficult but necessary conversations. In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why purpose-driven healthcare professionals can become disconnected from their callingHow leaders can shift the organizational conversation from compliance to creationWhy anger, fear, frustration, and resistance shouldn't automatically be labeled “negative”How to use emotion as information—and transform it into constructive actionWhy taking a breath and really listening can change the direction of a difficult interactionHow leaders can create cultures where people feel safe bringing their authentic selves to workWhy organizational culture is shaped by what leaders repeatedly tolerate, encourage, and createHow healthcare leaders can become change agents rather than passive participants in a dysfunctional systemOne of the most powerful ideas from the conversation is that naming what people are experiencing can reduce its hold over them. By giving language to fear, anger, and frustration, leaders can help their teams redirect that energy toward something more productive.And ultimately, the goal isn't simply to build a more “resilient” workforce.It's to create an environment where people are excited to come to life fully every day.What is the culture you're creating helping your people become—zombies or zealots?Guest:Tasha Walsh, LCSW, PCC CEO/ED of Connections Plus Healthcare + Hospice Darelyn DJ Mitsch, Author, Master Coach, and Chief Energy Officer, The Pyramid Resource Group, Home of the Healthcare Coaching Institute and Team Advantage Team Coaching Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipIf this conversation resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share this episode with another healthcare, hospice, or business leader who is working to create a more engaged, purpose-driven culture.Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailWhat turns a passionate healthcare professional into a “zombie” at work—and what can leaders do to help reignite that sense of purpose?In Part One of From Zombies to Zealots: Cultivating Passion and Purpose in Healthcare Leadership, host Chris Comeaux is joined by DJ Mitsch, author, master coach, and founder of the Healthcare Coaching Institute, and Tasha Walsh, CEO and Executive Director of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice, for a thought-provoking conversation about burnout, workplace culture, leadership energy, and reconnecting healthcare professionals to their calling.Healthcare professionals often enter the field with a deep sense of mission. But regulatory pressure, productivity expectations, audits, quality metrics, and constant organizational change can gradually disconnect people from the heart of why they chose this work. As DJ explains, when organizations focus primarily on mandates, productivity, and profitability rather than the human beings doing the work, healthcare can become transactional rather than transformational. DJ and Tasha explore why language is one of the most powerful indicators of organizational culture. Leaders can learn a great deal by listening not only to what employees say, but also to the emotional currents beneath words such as “pushback,” resistance, and disengagement. The goal isn't simply greater compliance—it's creating language and leadership practices that empower, clarify, and reconnect people to purpose. In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why passionate healthcare professionals can gradually become “zombified”How productivity and compliance can overshadow purposeWhy leaders should pay close attention to the language of their organizationThe difference between a workplace “zombie” and a purpose-driven “zealot”How leadership energy influences employees—and ultimately patient careWhy connection and belonging are essential to sustaining passionHow leaders can help employees reconnect with the mission that brought them into healthcareWhy changing workplace culture begins with how leaders listen, communicate, and show upA “zealot,” as DJ describes it, is someone who stays connected to purpose even when organizations change, leaders leave, or circumstances become chaotic. They remember that they belong to something bigger than themselves. For hospice leaders, healthcare executives, nonprofit leaders, and anyone responsible for organizational culture, this conversation offers a different way of thinking about burnout and workforce engagement: perhaps the answer isn't another program or initiative, but helping people rediscover the meaning, connection, and purpose already embedded in the work.Subscribe and don't miss Part Two of this conversation, as Chris, DJ, and Tasha continue exploring how leaders can transform healthcare cultures from burnout and disengagement toward greater passion, connection, and purpose.Guest:Tasha Walsh, LCSW, PCC CEO/ED of Connections Plus Healthcare + Hospice Darelyn DJ Mitsch, Author, Master Coach, and Chief Energy Officer, The Pyramid Resource Group, Home of the Healthcare Coaching Institute and Team Advantage Team Coaching Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
What turns a passionate healthcare professional into a “zombie” at work—and what can leaders do to help reignite that sense of purpose?In Part One of From Zombies to Zealots: Cultivating Passion and Purpose in Healthcare Leadership, host Chris Comeaux is joined by DJ Mitsch, author, master coach, and founder of the Healthcare Coaching Institute, and Tasha Walsh, CEO and Executive Director of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice, for a thought-provoking conversation about burnout, workplace culture, leadership energy, and reconnecting healthcare professionals to their calling.Healthcare professionals often enter the field with a deep sense of mission. But regulatory pressure, productivity expectations, audits, quality metrics, and constant organizational change can gradually disconnect people from the heart of why they chose this work. As DJ explains, when organizations focus primarily on mandates, productivity, and profitability rather than the human beings doing the work, healthcare can become transactional rather than transformational. DJ and Tasha explore why language is one of the most powerful indicators of organizational culture. Leaders can learn a great deal by listening not only to what employees say, but also to the emotional currents beneath words such as “pushback,” resistance, and disengagement. The goal isn't simply greater compliance—it's creating language and leadership practices that empower, clarify, and reconnect people to purpose. In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why passionate healthcare professionals can gradually become “zombified”How productivity and compliance can overshadow purposeWhy leaders should pay close attention to the language of their organizationThe difference between a workplace “zombie” and a purpose-driven “zealot”How leadership energy influences employees—and ultimately patient careWhy connection and belonging are essential to sustaining passionHow leaders can help employees reconnect with the mission that brought them into healthcareWhy changing workplace culture begins with how leaders listen, communicate, and show upA “zealot,” as DJ describes it, is someone who stays connected to purpose even when organizations change, leaders leave, or circumstances become chaotic. They remember that they belong to something bigger than themselves. For hospice leaders, healthcare executives, nonprofit leaders, and anyone responsible for organizational culture, this conversation offers a different way of thinking about burnout and workforce engagement: perhaps the answer isn't another program or initiative, but helping people rediscover the meaning, connection, and purpose already embedded in the work.Subscribe and don't miss Part Two of this conversation, as Chris, DJ, and Tasha continue exploring how leaders can transform healthcare cultures from burnout and disengagement toward greater passion, connection, and purpose.Guest:Tasha Walsh, LCSW, PCC CEO/ED of Connections Plus Healthcare + Hospice Darelyn DJ Mitsch, Author, Master Coach, and Chief Energy Officer, The Pyramid Resource Group, Home of the Healthcare Coaching Institute and Team Advantage Team Coaching Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailWhat is CMS really signaling about the future of hospice?In Part Two, Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with hospice experts Annette Kiser and Judi Lund Person about the Hospice Wage Index, the Final Rule, and what leaders should be preparing for now.They explore the larger shift toward increased CMS oversight, data-driven accountability, stronger documentation, scrutiny of non-hospice spending, and greater expectations around quality and value. From SSVI and PEPPER data to the mandatory hospice addendum, claims, and cost reports, the message is clear: hospice organizations need to understand their data and trends before CMS does.The conversation also looks ahead to the future of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, including potential payment reform, outcomes-based accountability, and the growing importance of accurate, auditable cost reports.Most importantly, Annette and Judi challenge leaders to look beyond compliance and keep patients and families at the center—using data not simply to satisfy regulators, but to identify gaps, improve care, and build stronger organizations for the future.If you lead a hospice or work in compliance, quality, operations, or finance, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.▶️ Watch Part Two and share it with your leadership team.
What is CMS really signaling about the future of hospice?In Part Two, Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with hospice experts Annette Kiser and Judi Lund Person about the Hospice Wage Index, the Final Rule, and what leaders should be preparing for now.They explore the larger shift toward increased CMS oversight, data-driven accountability, stronger documentation, scrutiny of non-hospice spending, and greater expectations around quality and value. From SSVI and PEPPER data to the mandatory hospice addendum, claims, and cost reports, the message is clear: hospice organizations need to understand their data and trends before CMS does.The conversation also looks ahead to the future of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, including potential payment reform, outcomes-based accountability, and the growing importance of accurate, auditable cost reports.Most importantly, Annette and Judi challenge leaders to look beyond compliance and keep patients and families at the center—using data not simply to satisfy regulators, but to identify gaps, improve care, and build stronger organizations for the future.If you lead a hospice or work in compliance, quality, operations, or finance, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.▶️ Watch Part Two and share it with your leadership team.
Send us Fan MailWhat is CMS really signaling through the 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Final Rule—and what should hospice leaders be doing now?In Part One, host Chris Comeaux is joined by hospice regulatory experts Annette Kiser and Judi Lund Person to unpack the 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Final Rule and look beyond reimbursement to what CMS may be signaling about the future of hospice regulation, compliance, payment, and oversight.They explore the Hospice Election Statement Addendum, the Service and Spending Variation Index (SSVI), non-hospice Medicare spending, Part B claims, telehealth reporting, and why leaders should be examining their data through a quality and compliance lens.In this episode:What the 2027 Hospice Final Rule reveals about CMS prioritiesPreparing for the October 1, 2026 Election Statement AddendumUnderstanding SSVI and non-hospice spendingWhy CMS is increasing scrutiny of unrelated servicesTelehealth, G-code reporting, and eligibilityUsing SSVI and PEPPER data to identify trends and opportunitiesCMS reported that Medicare Part A and B non-hospice spending increased 160% from 2020 to 2024, exceeding $2 billion in 2024, with hospice patients responsible for approximately $510 million in cost sharing—a major reason this issue is receiving increased attention. fileciteturn0file0L130-L148The Final Rule tells you what CMS is doing. The details may tell you what CMS is preparing to do next.▶️ Listen to Part One, share it with your hospice leadership team, and subscribe so you don't miss Part Two.Guests:Annette Kiser — Chief Compliance Officer, Teleios Collaborative NetworkJudi Lund Person — Principal, Lund Person & AssociatesHost:Chris Comeaux — President/CEO of Teleios and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
What is CMS really signaling through the 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Final Rule—and what should hospice leaders be doing now?In Part One, host Chris Comeaux is joined by hospice regulatory experts Annette Kiser and Judi Lund Person to unpack the 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Final Rule and look beyond reimbursement to what CMS may be signaling about the future of hospice regulation, compliance, payment, and oversight.They explore the Hospice Election Statement Addendum, the Service and Spending Variation Index (SSVI), non-hospice Medicare spending, Part B claims, telehealth reporting, and why leaders should be examining their data through a quality and compliance lens.In this episode:What the 2027 Hospice Final Rule reveals about CMS prioritiesPreparing for the October 1, 2026 Election Statement AddendumUnderstanding SSVI and non-hospice spendingWhy CMS is increasing scrutiny of unrelated servicesTelehealth, G-code reporting, and eligibilityUsing SSVI and PEPPER data to identify trends and opportunitiesCMS reported that Medicare Part A and B non-hospice spending increased 160% from 2020 to 2024, exceeding $2 billion in 2024, with hospice patients responsible for approximately $510 million in cost sharing—a major reason this issue is receiving increased attention. fileciteturn0file0L130-L148The Final Rule tells you what CMS is doing. The details may tell you what CMS is preparing to do next.▶️ Listen to Part One, share it with your hospice leadership team, and subscribe so you don't miss Part Two.Guests:Annette Kiser — Chief Compliance Officer, Teleios Collaborative NetworkJudi Lund Person — Principal, Lund Person & AssociatesHost:Chris Comeaux — President/CEO of Teleios and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailWhat if one of the most powerful partnerships in serious illness care is one healthcare leaders have largely overlooked?In Part Two of The Healthcare Partnership Nobody Is Talking About: Hospice + FQHCs, Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with Kyle Ahlenstorf about the opportunity for hospice and palliative care organizations to partner with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to create a stronger continuum of care.FQHCs bring primary and preventive care, behavioral health, care coordination, community health workers, telehealth capabilities, and deep connections within their communities. Hospice and palliative care organizations bring expertise in serious illness and the ability to extend specialized care directly into the home. Chris and Kyle explore what could become possible when these strengths are intentionally connected. In this episode, you'll hear about:How hospice, palliative care, and FQHCs can collaborate beyond traditional referral relationshipsOpportunities to extend palliative and serious illness care into the homeThe role of care coordinators, referral specialists, and community health workersHow FQHCs integrate behavioral health, substance use disorder services, and telehealthWhat hospice leaders should understand about FQHC operations, federal funding, and the 340B Drug Pricing ProgramThe importance of EMR data sharing, quality reporting, and value-based careHow FQHCs participate in ACOs and shared-savings modelsPotential opportunities involving rural healthcare transformation grants and service co-locationWhy these partnerships could become increasingly important to the future of community-based healthcareKyle's message to hospice and palliative care leaders is simple: “Think of us as partners.” Stronger community connections can help organizations better coordinate resources and serve patients across the continuum. If you're a hospice leader, palliative care professional, FQHC executive, healthcare executive, nonprofit leader, or anyone working in value-based and community-based care, this conversation offers a different way to think about partnership, access, and healthcare innovation.
What if one of the most powerful partnerships in serious illness care is one healthcare leaders have largely overlooked?In Part Two of The Healthcare Partnership Nobody Is Talking About: Hospice + FQHCs, Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with Kyle Ahlenstorf about the opportunity for hospice and palliative care organizations to partner with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to create a stronger continuum of care.FQHCs bring primary and preventive care, behavioral health, care coordination, community health workers, telehealth capabilities, and deep connections within their communities. Hospice and palliative care organizations bring expertise in serious illness and the ability to extend specialized care directly into the home. Chris and Kyle explore what could become possible when these strengths are intentionally connected. In this episode, you'll hear about:How hospice, palliative care, and FQHCs can collaborate beyond traditional referral relationshipsOpportunities to extend palliative and serious illness care into the homeThe role of care coordinators, referral specialists, and community health workersHow FQHCs integrate behavioral health, substance use disorder services, and telehealthWhat hospice leaders should understand about FQHC operations, federal funding, and the 340B Drug Pricing ProgramThe importance of EMR data sharing, quality reporting, and value-based careHow FQHCs participate in ACOs and shared-savings modelsPotential opportunities involving rural healthcare transformation grants and service co-locationWhy these partnerships could become increasingly important to the future of community-based healthcareKyle's message to hospice and palliative care leaders is simple: “Think of us as partners.” Stronger community connections can help organizations better coordinate resources and serve patients across the continuum. If you're a hospice leader, palliative care professional, FQHC executive, healthcare executive, nonprofit leader, or anyone working in value-based and community-based care, this conversation offers a different way to think about partnership, access, and healthcare innovation.
Send us Fan MailWhat if one of the biggest untapped opportunities for hospice growth, access, and community impact is a partnership most healthcare leaders aren't even considering?In Part One of The Healthcare Partnership Nobody Is Talking About: Hospice + FQHCs, Chris Comeaux sits down with Kyle Ahlenstorf, CEO of Infinity Health, to explore the powerful potential of partnerships between hospice and palliative care organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).FQHCs are built around access, equity, and serving communities where barriers to healthcare are often greatest. Kyle explains how these community health centers work, how they're reimbursed, the populations they serve, and why their mission has so much in common with hospice and palliative care. The conversation also explores integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services—and how FQHCs can function as an important hub for coordinated, patient-centered care. For hospice leaders, the opportunity goes far beyond generating another referral. Kyle and Chris discuss how trusted relationships, provider education, care coordination, and warm handoffs can create a stronger continuum of care for people facing serious illness. Kyle also offers a highly practical starting point: find out who manages referrals at your local FQHC and begin building the relationship there. In this episode, you'll discover:What an FQHC is and why it matters to the healthcare safety netWhy hospice and FQHC missions may be more closely aligned than leaders realizeHow FQHC reimbursement and payer mix workHow FQHCs integrate medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy servicesWhy care coordination and warm handoffs matter for serious illnessCommon misconceptions hospice leaders may have about FQHC patientsHow hospice organizations can begin building relationships with local FQHCsWhy behavioral health may represent another major area for collaborationIf you lead a hospice, palliative care organization, FQHC, community health center, nonprofit, or rural healthcare organization, this is a conversation worth bringing back to your leadership team.
What if one of the biggest untapped opportunities for hospice growth, access, and community impact is a partnership most healthcare leaders aren't even considering?In Part One of The Healthcare Partnership Nobody Is Talking About: Hospice + FQHCs, Chris Comeaux sits down with Kyle Ahlenstorf, CEO of Infinity Health, to explore the powerful potential of partnerships between hospice and palliative care organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).FQHCs are built around access, equity, and serving communities where barriers to healthcare are often greatest. Kyle explains how these community health centers work, how they're reimbursed, the populations they serve, and why their mission has so much in common with hospice and palliative care. The conversation also explores integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services—and how FQHCs can function as an important hub for coordinated, patient-centered care. For hospice leaders, the opportunity goes far beyond generating another referral. Kyle and Chris discuss how trusted relationships, provider education, care coordination, and warm handoffs can create a stronger continuum of care for people facing serious illness. Kyle also offers a highly practical starting point: find out who manages referrals at your local FQHC and begin building the relationship there. In this episode, you'll discover:What an FQHC is and why it matters to the healthcare safety netWhy hospice and FQHC missions may be more closely aligned than leaders realizeHow FQHC reimbursement and payer mix workHow FQHCs integrate medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy servicesWhy care coordination and warm handoffs matter for serious illnessCommon misconceptions hospice leaders may have about FQHC patientsHow hospice organizations can begin building relationships with local FQHCsWhy behavioral health may represent another major area for collaborationIf you lead a hospice, palliative care organization, FQHC, community health center, nonprofit, or rural healthcare organization, this is a conversation worth bringing back to your leadership team.
Send us Fan MailWhat if the biggest breakthrough in hospice care isn't a new technology—but a better way of focusing on what matters most?In Part Two of this special conversation, host Chris Comeaux continues his discussion with Kelly McCutcheon Adams and Margherita Labson about how the Four M's Framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—is transforming hospice and palliative care into a more reliable, person-centered model. Together, they explore why exceptional hospice care goes far beyond symptom management to preserve dignity, independence, emotional well-being, and meaningful moments for patients and families. The conversation dives into practical questions every hospice leader and clinician should be asking:How can we better address delirium, depression, and cognition at the end of life?Why should mobility be viewed as preserving independence instead of simply preventing falls?Is it time to add a fifth "M" to the framework?What would healthcare look like if every decision truly began with what matters most?Kelly and Margherita also paint a compelling vision for the future of hospice—one where earlier conversations, better continuity of care, and reliable systems lead to fewer late hospice admissions, better patient experiences, and stronger healthcare organizations. Their message to leaders is both practical and inspiring: hospice is not something to apologize for—it's one of healthcare's greatest expressions of compassion. Whether you're a hospice executive, palliative care professional, healthcare leader, clinician, nonprofit executive, or someone passionate about improving the patient experience, this episode offers actionable insights that can reshape the way you think about quality care.In This Episode:✅ Why Mentation deserves greater attention in hospice care✅ Looking beyond fall prevention to meaningful Mobility✅ The debate over adding a Fifth M to Age-Friendly Care✅ Why earlier hospice conversations improve patient outcomes✅ Practical leadership advice for creating reliable, person-centered care systems✅ Resources available through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)Guest: Kelly McCutcheon Adams, Senior Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)Margherita Labson, President and CEO, MCLabson Consultation and Education ServicesHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipLearn More➡️ Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI): https://www.ihi.org➡️ Learn more about Teleios Collaborative Network: https://www.teleioscn.org
What if the biggest breakthrough in hospice care isn't a new technology—but a better way of focusing on what matters most?In Part Two of this special conversation, host Chris Comeaux continues his discussion with Kelly McCutcheon Adams and Margherita Labson about how the Four M's Framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—is transforming hospice and palliative care into a more reliable, person-centered model. Together, they explore why exceptional hospice care goes far beyond symptom management to preserve dignity, independence, emotional well-being, and meaningful moments for patients and families. The conversation dives into practical questions every hospice leader and clinician should be asking:How can we better address delirium, depression, and cognition at the end of life?Why should mobility be viewed as preserving independence instead of simply preventing falls?Is it time to add a fifth "M" to the framework?What would healthcare look like if every decision truly began with what matters most?Kelly and Margherita also paint a compelling vision for the future of hospice—one where earlier conversations, better continuity of care, and reliable systems lead to fewer late hospice admissions, better patient experiences, and stronger healthcare organizations. Their message to leaders is both practical and inspiring: hospice is not something to apologize for—it's one of healthcare's greatest expressions of compassion. Whether you're a hospice executive, palliative care professional, healthcare leader, clinician, nonprofit executive, or someone passionate about improving the patient experience, this episode offers actionable insights that can reshape the way you think about quality care.In This Episode:✅ Why Mentation deserves greater attention in hospice care✅ Looking beyond fall prevention to meaningful Mobility✅ The debate over adding a Fifth M to Age-Friendly Care✅ Why earlier hospice conversations improve patient outcomes✅ Practical leadership advice for creating reliable, person-centered care systems✅ Resources available through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)Guest: Kelly McCutcheon Adams, Senior Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)Margherita Labson, President and CEO, MCLabson Consultation and Education ServicesHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipLearn More➡️ Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI): https://www.ihi.org➡️ Learn more about Teleios Collaborative Network: https://www.teleioscn.org
Send us Fan MailCan hospice organizations remain relevant if they only engage patients during the final months of life?In Part Two of this thought-provoking conversation, host Chris Comeaux continues his discussion with Dr. Bethany Snider, exploring why traditional primary care often falls short for frail elders and why nonprofit healthcare organizations must rethink the future of serious illness care.Dr. Snider explains how frail elder practices, value-based care, advanced primary care, palliative care, and hospice can work together as one seamless continuum to improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, and help older adults age safely in place. She also shares practical insights on reimbursement strategies, accountable care, leadership, emotional intelligence, organizational innovation, and building sustainable care models that preserve the hospice mission for decades to come.Whether you lead a hospice organization, health system, nonprofit, accountable care organization, or healthcare practice, this episode provides actionable leadership insights on preparing for the next generation of healthcare delivery.Episode Highlights- Why traditional primary care often fails frail elders- The business case for upstream serious illness care- Building sustainable value-based care models- Measuring outcomes beyond traditional healthcare metrics- The future of integrated primary care, palliative care, and hospice- Leadership lessons on innovation, emotional intelligence, and failing fast- Why partnerships will shape the future of nonprofit healthcareGuest:Dr. Bethany Snider, CMO of Everent HealthHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
Can hospice organizations remain relevant if they only engage patients during the final months of life?In Part Two of this thought-provoking conversation, host Chris Comeaux continues his discussion with Dr. Bethany Snider, exploring why traditional primary care often falls short for frail elders and why nonprofit healthcare organizations must rethink the future of serious illness care.Dr. Snider explains how frail elder practices, value-based care, advanced primary care, palliative care, and hospice can work together as one seamless continuum to improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, and help older adults age safely in place. She also shares practical insights on reimbursement strategies, accountable care, leadership, emotional intelligence, organizational innovation, and building sustainable care models that preserve the hospice mission for decades to come.Whether you lead a hospice organization, health system, nonprofit, accountable care organization, or healthcare practice, this episode provides actionable leadership insights on preparing for the next generation of healthcare delivery.Episode Highlights- Why traditional primary care often fails frail elders- The business case for upstream serious illness care- Building sustainable value-based care models- Measuring outcomes beyond traditional healthcare metrics- The future of integrated primary care, palliative care, and hospice- Leadership lessons on innovation, emotional intelligence, and failing fast- Why partnerships will shape the future of nonprofit healthcareGuest:Dr. Bethany Snider, CMO of Everent HealthHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailWhat can American healthcare learn from global healthcare? In our latest episode, Dr. Mark Stoltenberg, Harvard Medical School professor and Massachusetts General Hospital physician, joins Chris Comeaux to explore global healthcare, palliative care, hospice leadership, healthcare innovation, and the future of serious illness care in America.Healthcare leaders often assume innovation requires more money, more technology, or more specialists. Dr. Stoltenberg argues the opposite, drawing from his work leading global palliative care programs throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other underserved regions. He shares how resource-limited healthcare systems are pioneering solutions that can improve American healthcare, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and restore compassionate, person-centered care.Together, Chris and Dr. Stoltenberg discuss workforce shortages, Project ECHO, community-based care, volunteerism, family-centered decision-making, healthcare leadership, and why hospice and palliative care must preserve their founding values while continuing to innovate.Through moving patient stories—including a remarkable experience in Belize—they reveal why dignity, compassion, community, and purpose remain healthcare's greatest innovations.If you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, physician, nonprofit executive, nurse, or business leader, this episode offers practical strategies for improving leadership, building stronger organizations, and delivering more compassionate care.In this episode you'll learn:✔ What America can learn from global healthcare systems✔ Why palliative care is rooted in social justice✔ How healthcare workforce shortages can be addressed creatively✔ Why Project ECHO is transforming healthcare education✔ How community-based care improves patient outcomes✔ Why family and spirituality remain essential to serious illness care✔ How great organizations preserve their mission while scaling innovationChapters00:00 Introduction00:23 Meet Dr. Mark Stoltenberg02:08 Leadership Superpower05:20 Palliative Care as Social Justice07:48 The Belize Story10:51 Innovation in Low-Resource Healthcare16:07 Project ECHO & Workforce Development20:58 Family, Community & Spiritual Care23:55 Loneliness & Rebuilding Community28:57 Preserving the Core While Scaling Access33:11 Part Two Preview
What can American healthcare learn from global healthcare? In our latest episode, Dr. Mark Stoltenberg, Harvard Medical School professor and Massachusetts General Hospital physician, joins Chris Comeaux to explore global healthcare, palliative care, hospice leadership, healthcare innovation, and the future of serious illness care in America.Healthcare leaders often assume innovation requires more money, more technology, or more specialists. Dr. Stoltenberg argues the opposite, drawing from his work leading global palliative care programs throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other underserved regions. He shares how resource-limited healthcare systems are pioneering solutions that can improve American healthcare, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and restore compassionate, person-centered care.Together, Chris and Dr. Stoltenberg discuss workforce shortages, Project ECHO, community-based care, volunteerism, family-centered decision-making, healthcare leadership, and why hospice and palliative care must preserve their founding values while continuing to innovate.Through moving patient stories—including a remarkable experience in Belize—they reveal why dignity, compassion, community, and purpose remain healthcare's greatest innovations.If you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, physician, nonprofit executive, nurse, or business leader, this episode offers practical strategies for improving leadership, building stronger organizations, and delivering more compassionate care.In this episode you'll learn:✔ What America can learn from global healthcare systems✔ Why palliative care is rooted in social justice✔ How healthcare workforce shortages can be addressed creatively✔ Why Project ECHO is transforming healthcare education✔ How community-based care improves patient outcomes✔ Why family and spirituality remain essential to serious illness care✔ How great organizations preserve their mission while scaling innovation
Send us Fan MailWhat separates great leaders from those who simply manage people? It starts with presence.In Part Two of Leadership Starts With Presence | The Art of Showing Up, host Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with executive leadership coach David Sachsenmaier to explore how leadership presence, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and authentic leadership shape thriving organizations.Leaders don't just influence strategy—they shape culture. David explains how unresolved personal patterns affect trust, communication, decision-making, and team performance, and offers practical insights for building healthier, high-performing organizations. Learn why vulnerability is a leadership strength, how to create a culture where people feel both safe and challenged, and why the most effective leaders lead from a place of self-awareness rather than reactivity.Whether you lead a healthcare organization, hospice, nonprofit, or business, this conversation delivers practical leadership wisdom you can apply immediately to build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient organizations.In this episode, you'll learn:Why leaders transfer their inner world into organizational cultureHow psychological safety improves performance without sacrificing accountabilityWhy vulnerability increases—not decreases—leadership credibilityThe difference between executive coaching and therapyHow self-awareness creates calmer, more effective leadershipWhy authentic leadership builds trust and engagementHow presence transforms organizational culture and team performanceIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for more conversations with today's leading thinkers in healthcare, leadership, and organizational excellence.
What separates great leaders from those who simply manage people? It starts with presence.In Part Two of Leadership Starts With Presence | The Art of Showing Up, host Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with executive leadership coach David Sachsenmaier to explore how leadership presence, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and authentic leadership shape thriving organizations.Leaders don't just influence strategy—they shape culture. David explains how unresolved personal patterns affect trust, communication, decision-making, and team performance, and offers practical insights for building healthier, high-performing organizations. Learn why vulnerability is a leadership strength, how to create a culture where people feel both safe and challenged, and why the most effective leaders lead from a place of self-awareness rather than reactivity.Whether you lead a healthcare organization, hospice, nonprofit, or business, this conversation delivers practical leadership wisdom you can apply immediately to build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient organizations.In this episode, you'll learn:Why leaders transfer their inner world into organizational cultureHow psychological safety improves performance without sacrificing accountabilityWhy vulnerability increases—not decreases—leadership credibilityThe difference between executive coaching and therapyHow self-awareness creates calmer, more effective leadershipWhy authentic leadership builds trust and engagementHow presence transforms organizational culture and team performanceIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for more conversations with today's leading thinkers in healthcare, leadership, and organizational excellence.
Send us Fan MailGreat leaders don't just show up—they create the kind of presence that changes people.What separates truly exceptional leaders from those who simply manage? In Part One of this thought-provoking conversation, Chris Comeaux sits down with executive coach David Sachsenmaier, whose 30 years of leadership experience and more than 4,000 hours of executive coaching have helped leaders uncover one of leadership's most overlooked truths: the quality of your leadership is shaped by the quality of your inner life. Together, they explore why presence, self-awareness, and emotional grounding are essential to building healthy teams, resilient organizations, and cultures where people thrive. David shares powerful insights on why many high-performing leaders unknowingly operate from a place of constant reactivity, how unresolved pain influences decision-making, and why treating people like machines ultimately destroys engagement and innovation. Through memorable illustrations—including his "mason jar" metaphor—he explains why slowing down, becoming more self-aware, and leading from a place of wholeness creates organizations marked by trust, creativity, and lasting impact. The conversation also explores the unique challenges facing healthcare and hospice leaders who spend their lives caring for others while often neglecting themselves. Transcript- Leadership Starts W…Whether you lead a healthcare organization, hospice, nonprofit, or business, this episode will challenge you to look beyond leadership techniques and consider the deeper work of becoming the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow.Key TakeawaysLeadership begins with presence. The healthiest leaders create calm, clarity, and trust instead of spreading chaos and reactivity.Self-awareness fuels better leadership. Understanding your own "limps," triggers, and unresolved pain enables you to lead others with greater empathy and wisdom.People are not machines. Organizations thrive when leaders recognize the humanity of their teams and create psychologically safe cultures.Wholeness precedes performance. Sustainable leadership comes from finding your identity and worth beyond titles, achievements, and external success.Healthy leaders multiply healthy cultures. Grounded, emotionally present leadership is contagious, improving engagement, creativity, collaboration, and organizational resilience.Guest: David Sachsenmaier, Corporate Executive CoachHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
Great leaders don't just show up—they create the kind of presence that changes people.What separates truly exceptional leaders from those who simply manage? In Part One of this thought-provoking conversation, Chris Comeaux sits down with executive coach David Sachsenmaier, whose 30 years of leadership experience and more than 4,000 hours of executive coaching have helped leaders uncover one of leadership's most overlooked truths: the quality of your leadership is shaped by the quality of your inner life. Together, they explore why presence, self-awareness, and emotional grounding are essential to building healthy teams, resilient organizations, and cultures where people thrive. David shares powerful insights on why many high-performing leaders unknowingly operate from a place of constant reactivity, how unresolved pain influences decision-making, and why treating people like machines ultimately destroys engagement and innovation. Through memorable illustrations—including his "mason jar" metaphor—he explains why slowing down, becoming more self-aware, and leading from a place of wholeness creates organizations marked by trust, creativity, and lasting impact. The conversation also explores the unique challenges facing healthcare and hospice leaders who spend their lives caring for others while often neglecting themselves. Transcript- Leadership Starts W…Whether you lead a healthcare organization, hospice, nonprofit, or business, this episode will challenge you to look beyond leadership techniques and consider the deeper work of becoming the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow.Key TakeawaysLeadership begins with presence. The healthiest leaders create calm, clarity, and trust instead of spreading chaos and reactivity.Self-awareness fuels better leadership. Understanding your own "limps," triggers, and unresolved pain enables you to lead others with greater empathy and wisdom.People are not machines. Organizations thrive when leaders recognize the humanity of their teams and create psychologically safe cultures.Wholeness precedes performance. Sustainable leadership comes from finding your identity and worth beyond titles, achievements, and external success.Healthy leaders multiply healthy cultures. Grounded, emotionally present leadership is contagious, improving engagement, creativity, collaboration, and organizational resilience.Guest: David Sachsenmaier, Corporate Executive CoachHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailWhy does the United States spend more on healthcare than any other nation—yet often achieve worse outcomes? In Part Two of this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Don Berwick—former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), internationally recognized healthcare quality expert, and founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)—joins Chris Comeaux to explore the systemic challenges facing American healthcare and the leadership required to create meaningful reform. From the evolution of Medicare Advantage to the financial incentives shaping healthcare delivery, Dr. Berwick explains why administrative complexity, payment models, and profit-driven incentives continue to drive costs higher while often failing to improve patient outcomes. Together, they examine the future of healthcare policy, value-based care, healthcare leadership, healthcare reform, Medicare, health insurance, and the role employers may play in demanding a more sustainable healthcare system. The conversation also turns to one of healthcare's greatest success stories—hospice and palliative care. Dr. Berwick argues that compassionate, person-centered care isn't simply a better way to care for people nearing the end of life; it provides a blueprint for improving healthcare across every stage of life. The episode concludes with an inspiring challenge to healthcare leaders: speak up for what is right, lead with courage, and never lose sight of healthcare's true mission—to heal, serve, and care for people. Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, physician, nonprofit executive, health system administrator, board member, or business leader, this conversation offers strategic insights into the future of healthcare—and practical leadership lessons that extend far beyond medicine.⸻Episode Highlights✔ Why Medicare Advantage has drifted from its original mission✔ The hidden cost of healthcare bureaucracy and administrative waste✔ The $80 billion debate surrounding Medicare Advantage payments✔ Why employer-sponsored healthcare may be approaching a breaking point✔ Lessons the U.S. can learn from healthcare systems around the world✔ Why hospice and palliative care represent a model for all of healthcare✔ The moral responsibility of healthcare leaders to speak with courage⸻If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with your leadership team, colleagues, board members, and friends. Every conversation helps us build stronger leaders and healthier organizations.
Why does the United States spend more on healthcare than any other nation—yet often achieve worse outcomes? In Part Two of this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Don Berwick—former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), internationally recognized healthcare quality expert, and founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)—joins Chris Comeaux to explore the systemic challenges facing American healthcare and the leadership required to create meaningful reform. From the evolution of Medicare Advantage to the financial incentives shaping healthcare delivery, Dr. Berwick explains why administrative complexity, payment models, and profit-driven incentives continue to drive costs higher while often failing to improve patient outcomes. Together, they examine the future of healthcare policy, value-based care, healthcare leadership, healthcare reform, Medicare, health insurance, and the role employers may play in demanding a more sustainable healthcare system. The conversation also turns to one of healthcare's greatest success stories—hospice and palliative care. Dr. Berwick argues that compassionate, person-centered care isn't simply a better way to care for people nearing the end of life; it provides a blueprint for improving healthcare across every stage of life. The episode concludes with an inspiring challenge to healthcare leaders: speak up for what is right, lead with courage, and never lose sight of healthcare's true mission—to heal, serve, and care for people. Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, physician, nonprofit executive, health system administrator, board member, or business leader, this conversation offers strategic insights into the future of healthcare—and practical leadership lessons that extend far beyond medicine.⸻Episode Highlights✔ Why Medicare Advantage has drifted from its original mission✔ The hidden cost of healthcare bureaucracy and administrative waste✔ The $80 billion debate surrounding Medicare Advantage payments✔ Why employer-sponsored healthcare may be approaching a breaking point✔ Lessons the U.S. can learn from healthcare systems around the world✔ Why hospice and palliative care represent a model for all of healthcare✔ The moral responsibility of healthcare leaders to speak with courage⸻If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with your leadership team, colleagues, board members, and friends. Every conversation helps us build stronger leaders and healthier organizations.
Send us Fan MailIs American healthcare truly serving patients—or has the system lost sight of its purpose?In this powerful episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux welcomes Dr. Don Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), President Emeritus and co-founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and one of the world's foremost experts in healthcare quality improvement.Together, they explore what's broken in American healthcare, why healthcare reform is urgently needed, and how leaders can build a system that delivers better patient outcomes, higher quality care, health equity, value-based care, and a more sustainable future for healthcare organizations. They also discuss the evolution of the Triple Aim into today's Quintuple Aim, the growing influence of private equity in healthcare, the impact of healthcare policy, and why restoring purpose—not simply profitability—must become the foundation of modern healthcare leadership.Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, hospital administrator, physician, nonprofit executive, or business leader, this conversation offers practical insights into improving healthcare while protecting the mission that first drew so many people into the profession.In this episode you'll learn:✅ Why the Triple Aim evolved into the Quintuple Aim—and why it matters today✅ How financial incentives can conflict with quality patient care✅ Why clinician purpose and workforce well-being are essential to healthcare excellence✅ The growing impact of private equity and financialization across healthcare✅ What healthcare leaders can do to improve patient outcomes while reducing waste✅ Dr. Berwick's vision for meaningful healthcare reformThis conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a hopeful vision for healthcare leaders who believe patients—not profits—should remain at the center of every decision.Don't miss Part Two, where Dr. Berwick outlines the structural changes he believes could fundamentally reshape American healthcare.Subscribe for More ConversationsIf you enjoy conversations about healthcare leadership, hospice, healthcare innovation, leadership development, healthcare policy, and the future of patient-centered care, subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for weekly conversations with the leaders shaping the future of healthcare.Guest:Dr. Don Berwick, Former Administrator of CMSHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
Is American healthcare truly serving patients—or has the system lost sight of its purpose?In this powerful episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux welcomes Dr. Don Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), President Emeritus and co-founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and one of the world's foremost experts in healthcare quality improvement.Together, they explore what's broken in American healthcare, why healthcare reform is urgently needed, and how leaders can build a system that delivers better patient outcomes, higher quality care, health equity, value-based care, and a more sustainable future for healthcare organizations. They also discuss the evolution of the Triple Aim into today's Quintuple Aim, the growing influence of private equity in healthcare, the impact of healthcare policy, and why restoring purpose—not simply profitability—must become the foundation of modern healthcare leadership.Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, hospital administrator, physician, nonprofit executive, or business leader, this conversation offers practical insights into improving healthcare while protecting the mission that first drew so many people into the profession.In this episode you'll learn:✅ Why the Triple Aim evolved into the Quintuple Aim—and why it matters today✅ How financial incentives can conflict with quality patient care✅ Why clinician purpose and workforce well-being are essential to healthcare excellence✅ The growing impact of private equity and financialization across healthcare✅ What healthcare leaders can do to improve patient outcomes while reducing waste✅ Dr. Berwick's vision for meaningful healthcare reformThis conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a hopeful vision for healthcare leaders who believe patients—not profits—should remain at the center of every decision.Don't miss Part Two, where Dr. Berwick outlines the structural changes he believes could fundamentally reshape American healthcare.Subscribe for More ConversationsIf you enjoy conversations about healthcare leadership, hospice, healthcare innovation, leadership development, healthcare policy, and the future of patient-centered care, subscribe to TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership for weekly conversations with the leaders shaping the future of healthcare.Guest:Dr. Don Berwick, Former Administrator of CMSHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailAI is transforming healthcare. Medicare policy is evolving. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying. What do these changes mean for healthcare leaders, hospice executives, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare professionals?In Part Two of this quarterly healthcare leadership update, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner examine the biggest healthcare trends of 2026, exploring how artificial intelligence in healthcare, Medicare policy, healthcare affordability, hospice fraud enforcement, regulatory compliance, and healthcare innovation are reshaping hospice and the broader healthcare industry. They discuss how AI is changing the healthcare workforce, why quality and transparency matter more than ever, and what healthcare executives should know about the future of hospice care, palliative care, and value-based healthcare.Whether you lead a hospice organization, health system, nonprofit healthcare organization, or healthcare business, this episode provides practical leadership insights to help you navigate healthcare policy changes, prepare for emerging technology, understand the future of Medicare, and make strategic decisions in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. If you're interested in healthcare leadership, AI in hospice, healthcare management, Medicare reform, or the future of healthcare, this conversation will help you anticipate what's next instead of simply reacting to today's headlines.Episode Highlights✔ AI: Augmenting people vs. replacing jobs✔ Medicare policy and healthcare affordability✔ Hospice fraud enforcement & regulatory trends✔ Industry consolidation & nonprofit outlook✔ Leadership strategies for navigating changeChapters00:00 Introduction01:05 Looking Back at Q2 202606:05 The Biggest Healthcare Trends07:11 Reinvigorating Hospice Quality12:09 AI, Jobs & the Future of Healthcare19:35 Healthcare Affordability & Medicare25:27 Hospice Market Growth27:18 Industry Consolidation & Provider Rankings34:02 Closing Thoughts
AI is transforming healthcare. Medicare policy is evolving. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying. What do these changes mean for healthcare leaders, hospice executives, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare professionals?In Part Two of this quarterly healthcare leadership update, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner examine the biggest healthcare trends of 2026, exploring how artificial intelligence in healthcare, Medicare policy, healthcare affordability, hospice fraud enforcement, regulatory compliance, and healthcare innovation are reshaping hospice and the broader healthcare industry. They discuss how AI is changing the healthcare workforce, why quality and transparency matter more than ever, and what healthcare executives should know about the future of hospice care, palliative care, and value-based healthcare.Whether you lead a hospice organization, health system, nonprofit healthcare organization, or healthcare business, this episode provides practical leadership insights to help you navigate healthcare policy changes, prepare for emerging technology, understand the future of Medicare, and make strategic decisions in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. If you're interested in healthcare leadership, AI in hospice, healthcare management, Medicare reform, or the future of healthcare, this conversation will help you anticipate what's next instead of simply reacting to today's headlines.Episode Highlights✔ AI: Augmenting people vs. replacing jobs✔ Medicare policy and healthcare affordability✔ Hospice fraud enforcement & regulatory trends✔ Industry consolidation & nonprofit outlook✔ Leadership strategies for navigating change
AI is changing healthcare faster than ever. Medicare is under increasing pressure. Hospice fraud is driving unprecedented regulatory action. The question isn't whether healthcare is changing—it's whether leaders are prepared for what's next.In Part One of this quarterly TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership special, host Chris Comeaux welcomes healthcare strategist Cordt Kassner to break down the biggest healthcare stories shaping 2026. Together, they examine the trends every healthcare executive, hospice leader, nonprofit executive, and business leader should be watching.Using Dr. Ira Byock's strategic framework as their guide, Chris and Cordt explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, the growing crackdown on hospice fraud and abuse, Medicare's financial future, healthcare affordability, quality measurement, workforce transformation, and the continued consolidation of the hospice industry.They also discuss how AI is likely to augment—not replace—healthcare professionals, why quality and transparency are becoming central competitive advantages, and what nonprofit organizations must do to thrive in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.If you're responsible for leading a healthcare organization, hospice, palliative care program, nonprofit, or mission-driven business, this episode offers practical leadership insights and strategic perspective to help you prepare for what's ahead.In this episode you'll learn:• Why AI will fundamentally change healthcare leadership• How hospice fraud is reshaping federal oversight• What Medicare's future could mean for providers• Why quality and transparency are becoming competitive advantages• How healthcare leaders can prepare for unprecedented industry change• What nonprofit healthcare organizations must do to remain relevantSubscribe for weekly conversations with today's top healthcare, nonprofit, and business leaders as we explore leadership, innovation, strategy, and the future of healthcare.Co-Host: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today | VP Data Science & Research at 1520ai | CEO/Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS | author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailCan healthcare remain compassionate in an age of private equity, artificial intelligence, and growing financial pressures?In this part two episode, Chris Comeaux continues conversation with Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and Stephen Maiden, Managing Director of Case Writing Research Group, to discuss the future of healthcare, hospice, private equity, artificial intelligence, ethical leadership, and organizational mission.Drawing from their groundbreaking hospice case study, they explore why private equity has become one of the most controversial forces in healthcare, how AI is reshaping patient care and the workforce, and why measuring quality in hospice remains one of healthcare's greatest challenges.This conversation goes far beyond hospice. It tackles questions every healthcare executive, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and business professional should be asking:✔ Can mission-driven organizations survive growth?✔ What causes mission drift?✔ Is healthcare becoming too corporate?✔ How should leaders balance profits and purpose?✔ What role should AI play in human-centered industries?✔ What does a “good death” actually mean?Our Guest:Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business at the University of VirginiaStephen Maiden, Managing Director of Case Writing Research GroupHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS / author of The Anatomy of Leadership
Can healthcare remain compassionate in an age of private equity, artificial intelligence, and growing financial pressures?In this part two episode, Chris Comeaux continues conversation with Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and Stephen Maiden, Managing Director of Case Writing Research Group, to discuss the future of healthcare, hospice, private equity, artificial intelligence, ethical leadership, and organizational mission.Drawing from their groundbreaking hospice case study, they explore why private equity has become one of the most controversial forces in healthcare, how AI is reshaping patient care and the workforce, and why measuring quality in hospice remains one of healthcare's greatest challenges.This conversation goes far beyond hospice. It tackles questions every healthcare executive, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and business professional should be asking:✔ Can mission-driven organizations survive growth?✔ What causes mission drift?✔ Is healthcare becoming too corporate?✔ How should leaders balance profits and purpose?✔ What role should AI play in human-centered industries?✔ What does a “good death” actually mean?Our Guest:Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business at the University of VirginiaStephen Maiden, Managing Director of Case Writing Research GroupHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS / author of The Anatomy of Leadership
Send us Fan MailFew topics spark more debate in healthcare than the intersection of compassionate care, ethical responsibility, and financial sustainability.Can mission-driven hospice organizations survive—and thrive—in a healthcare landscape increasingly dominated by for-profit providers?In Part One of this compelling conversation, TCNtalks/Anatomy of Leadership host Chris Comeaux welcomes Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and Stephen Maiden, Managing Director of the Darden Case Writing Research Group. Together, they discuss the groundbreaking business case developed around Teleios Collaborative Network and the evolving hospice industry. The conversation explores whether nonprofit hospice organizations possess unique structural advantages that can help them compete against larger, investor-backed healthcare models while remaining true to their mission. Drawing on research, classroom discussions, and real-world leadership experiences, the guests examine topics including community trust, volunteerism, staffing ratios, organizational culture, governance, marketing, and ethical decision-making. They challenge assumptions about nonprofit and for-profit healthcare while offering a thoughtful exploration of what it takes to deliver “care as a relationship, not a transaction” in today's healthcare environment. Key TakeawaysNonprofit hospice organizations may possess structural advantages through community trust, volunteer engagement, and mission-driven cultures that are difficult for competitors to replicate. The future success of nonprofit healthcare organizations depends not only on care quality but also on effectively communicating their value to patients and families. Teleios' hybrid model combines local independence with shared infrastructure, creating opportunities for scale while preserving community relationships. Quality of care is often reflected in staffing levels, volunteer involvement, and personal relationships that may not be captured in traditional healthcare metrics. Leadership, culture, and governance—not simply tax status—ultimately determine whether organizations fulfill their mission and deliver exceptional care. Guest:Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia Stephen Maiden, Managing Director of Case Writing Research GroupHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
Few topics spark more debate in healthcare than the intersection of compassionate care, ethical responsibility, and financial sustainability.Can mission-driven hospice organizations survive—and thrive—in a healthcare landscape increasingly dominated by for-profit providers?In Part One of this compelling conversation, TCNtalks/Anatomy of Leadership host Chris Comeaux welcomes Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and Stephen Maiden, Managing Director of the Darden Case Writing Research Group. Together, they discuss the groundbreaking business case developed around Teleios Collaborative Network and the evolving hospice industry. The conversation explores whether nonprofit hospice organizations possess unique structural advantages that can help them compete against larger, investor-backed healthcare models while remaining true to their mission. Drawing on research, classroom discussions, and real-world leadership experiences, the guests examine topics including community trust, volunteerism, staffing ratios, organizational culture, governance, marketing, and ethical decision-making. They challenge assumptions about nonprofit and for-profit healthcare while offering a thoughtful exploration of what it takes to deliver “care as a relationship, not a transaction” in today's healthcare environment. Key TakeawaysNonprofit hospice organizations may possess structural advantages through community trust, volunteer engagement, and mission-driven cultures that are difficult for competitors to replicate. The future success of nonprofit healthcare organizations depends not only on care quality but also on effectively communicating their value to patients and families. Teleios' hybrid model combines local independence with shared infrastructure, creating opportunities for scale while preserving community relationships. Quality of care is often reflected in staffing levels, volunteer involvement, and personal relationships that may not be captured in traditional healthcare metrics. Leadership, culture, and governance—not simply tax status—ultimately determine whether organizations fulfill their mission and deliver exceptional care. Guest:Lauren Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia Stephen Maiden, Managing Director of Case Writing Research GroupHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailWhat if the most important care doesn't happen in a hospital, hospice, or clinic—but in the moments in between?In Part Two of The Missing Middle in Healthcare—And Why It Matters, Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with Bridget Sumser and Sonya Dolan of Mettle Health to explore the often-overlooked gap between medical treatment and the lived human experience of illness. Together, they unpack the role of grief, community, language, and connection in supporting people facing serious illness, caregiving responsibilities, and end-of-life challenges.This episode challenges traditional healthcare thinking by asking a powerful question: Are we treating diseases while missing the deeper needs of the people experiencing them? Bridget and Sonya share their vision for a future where grief literacy, community support, and compassionate accompaniment become essential parts of care—not afterthoughts.Highlights from this Episode:✔ Why the word “hospice” can create unintended barriers to care✔ The difference between treating illness and caring for the whole person✔ How grief begins long before death and affects all of us✔ Why community—not healthcare alone—is the missing middle✔ The future of serious illness support and human-centered care✔ How anyone can learn the skills of accompaniment and compassionate presence✔ Mettle Health's vision for transforming the way we navigate illness, loss, and mortalityWhether you're leading a healthcare organization, caring for a loved one, or simply interested in improving the human experience of healthcare, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, purpose, healthcare innovation, and human flourishing.Guest:Sonya Dolan Co-Founder, Mettle HealthBridget Sumser, LCSW; Director of Counseling and Programs, Mettle HealthHost:Chris Comeaux, President | CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
What if the most important care doesn't happen in a hospital, hospice, or clinic—but in the moments in between?In Part Two of The Missing Middle in Healthcare—And Why It Matters, Chris Comeaux continues his conversation with Bridget Sumser and Sonya Dolan of Mettle Health to explore the often-overlooked gap between medical treatment and the lived human experience of illness. Together, they unpack the role of grief, community, language, and connection in supporting people facing serious illness, caregiving responsibilities, and end-of-life challenges.This episode challenges traditional healthcare thinking by asking a powerful question: Are we treating diseases while missing the deeper needs of the people experiencing them? Bridget and Sonya share their vision for a future where grief literacy, community support, and compassionate accompaniment become essential parts of care—not afterthoughts.Highlights from this Episode:✔ Why the word “hospice” can create unintended barriers to care ✔ The difference between treating illness and caring for the whole person ✔ How grief begins long before death and affects all of us ✔ Why community—not healthcare alone—is the missing middle ✔ The future of serious illness support and human-centered care ✔ How anyone can learn the skills of accompaniment and compassionate presence ✔ Mettle Health's vision for transforming the way we navigate illness, loss, and mortalityWhether you're leading a healthcare organization, caring for a loved one, or simply interested in improving the human experience of healthcare, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, purpose, healthcare innovation, and human flourishing.Guest:Sonya Dolan Co-Founder, Mettle Health Bridget Sumser, LCSW; Director of Counseling and Programs, Mettle HealthHost:Chris Comeaux, President | CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailWhat happens after a serious diagnosis—but before hospice care begins?In this compelling conversation, host Chris Comeaux sits down with Sonya Dolan, Co-Founder of Mettle Health, and Bridget Sumser, Director of Counseling & Programs, to explore one of healthcare's most overlooked challenges: the “missing middle.”Drawing from decades of experience in hospice, palliative care, caregiving, and serious illness support, Sonya and Bridget discuss the critical gaps patients and families face as they navigate life-altering diagnoses, caregiving responsibilities, grief, and uncertainty. Together, they unpack why traditional healthcare systems often struggle to address the emotional, relational, practical, and existential realities of serious illness—and how Mettle Health is working to fill that gap through compassionate accompaniment and human-centered care.This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare leaders, hospice professionals, nonprofit executives, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to truly support people through life's most difficult transitions.
What happens after a serious diagnosis—but before hospice care begins?In this compelling conversation, host Chris Comeaux sits down with Sonya Dolan, Co-Founder of Mettle Health, and Bridget Sumser, Director of Counseling & Programs, to explore one of healthcare's most overlooked challenges: the “missing middle.”Drawing from decades of experience in hospice, palliative care, caregiving, and serious illness support, Sonya and Bridget discuss the critical gaps patients and families face as they navigate life-altering diagnoses, caregiving responsibilities, grief, and uncertainty. Together, they unpack why traditional healthcare systems often struggle to address the emotional, relational, practical, and existential realities of serious illness—and how Mettle Health is working to fill that gap through compassionate accompaniment and human-centered care.This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare leaders, hospice professionals, nonprofit executives, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to truly support people through life's most difficult transitions.
Isn't it oddly freeing to be humbled? To be gently caught in a blind spot and brought back down to solid ground? In this warm and disarming episode, Lia Girard invites us to reconsider our relationship with imperfection — not as something to be ashamed of or frantically fixed, but as part of God's purposeful, loving design. In a world that bombards us with impossible standards of beauty, brilliance, and success, the pressure to appear perfect is relentless. And for Christians, it can feel even more loaded — especially when Jesus Himself says in Matthew 5:48, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." But here's where the Greek original opens everything up. The word used — teleios — doesn't mean flawless. It means to mature in pursuing a goal. And Romans 3:23-24 makes the rest beautifully clear: not one of us achieves perfection on this earth. We all fall short. Every single one. That is not a verdict of shame — it is an invitation to grace. Our imperfection is what keeps us running to God, receiving His forgiveness, and extending compassion to others who are equally in need. Lia reminds us that only Jesus is perfect, and it is His perfection — not ours — that reconciles us to God. So rather than chasing the illusion of flawlessness, we are invited to happily, humbly become works in progress — directed, healed, and matured in His loving hands. Today's Bible Verse "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." — Romans 3:23-24, NIV Ponder Today Imperfection is not a flaw in God's design — it is part of it. Our propensity for sin and our need for grace are what continually draw us back to God, to receive His love and redemption, and to realize that only Jesus is perfect. Teleios means mature, not flawless. When Jesus calls us to be "perfect," He is calling us to grow and pursue Christlikeness — not to achieve a sinless standard we were never designed to reach on our own. Humility is a gift, not a defeat. Being made aware of our shortcomings protects us from pride and self-glorification — the very trap Satan uses to lead us away from dependence on God. A humble heart is a protected heart. Our imperfection gives us the capacity for compassion. When we honestly face our own sin and receive God's forgiveness, we become better equipped to extend that same grace to others who are struggling alongside us. Chasing the illusion of perfection keeps us from receiving grace. When we cover up or ignore our weak places to appear flawless, we rob ourselves of the very thing we need most — God's transforming, healing presence in those exact places. A Prayer for You Today Dear God, it's never easy to face imperfection. But I know You made me on purpose, and I don't need to compare myself to anyone else — because we are all unique creations. Help me understand that there is no human standard for "perfect." Help me remember that my propensity for sin gives me the opportunity to receive Your forgiveness and grace, which equips me to show compassion to others. Don't let me be misled by the pursuit of flawlessness — because only You are perfect. Instead, help me to happily and humbly be a work in progress, directed, healed, and matured in Your loving hands. I love and thank You. Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer gave you permission to stop striving and start growing, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to walk with you — imperfectly and beautifully — in faith every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Send us Fan MailCan consumers really trust hospice quality ratings?In Part Two of this powerful TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership conversation, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner continue their discussion with nationally recognized hospice researcher and policy expert Dr. Joan Teno.Building on Part One, Dr. Teno explores how patients and families can make better-informed hospice decisions, why current quality reporting systems often fall short, and how artificial intelligence could transform the future of hospice quality measurement. She also addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today: preserving public trust while combating fraud, profiteering, and unethical practices.Drawing from decades of research and policy leadership, Dr. Teno offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of hospice care, the importance of transparency, and the critical role healthcare leaders must play in protecting the integrity of the hospice mission.Whether you're a hospice professional, healthcare executive, policymaker, clinician, or family caregiver, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of end-of-life care.Key Takeaways:✔ Why consumers need better tools to evaluate hospice quality✔ How AI could improve hospice transparency and decision-making✔ The risks of oversupply, profiteering, and declining public trust✔ Why quality data should empower both providers and families✔ The extraordinary impact hospice clinicians continue to make every day✔ The future of hospice care, accountability, and patient choiceChapters:0:00 Welcome And Part Two Setup0:21 A Better Way To Find Hospice3:06 Weighting Scores Without Punishing Small Programs6:01 The Denominator Problem Behind Star Ratings10:58 Rural Hospice Reality And The Willie Sutton Rule12:08 AI Can Hallucinate Hospice Quality16:47 Public Trust And A Saturated Hospice Market23:36 Ghost Hospices And Which Data To Trust26:04 Do CAHPS Questions Still Fit Hospice Today27:44 Concurrent Care And Why Hospice Stays A Hard Choice33:40 Giving Back Through Mentoring And Substack35:57 Subscribe And The Brain BookmarkGuest: Dr. Joan TenoMD, MS; Adjunct Professor of Health Services, Policy, and Practice (Brown School of Public Health); Adjunct Staff, RAND CorporationCo-Host: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
Can consumers really trust hospice quality ratings?In Part Two of this powerful TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership conversation, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner continue their discussion with nationally recognized hospice researcher and policy expert Dr. Joan Teno.Building on Part One, Dr. Teno explores how patients and families can make better-informed hospice decisions, why current quality reporting systems often fall short, and how artificial intelligence could transform the future of hospice quality measurement. She also addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today: preserving public trust while combating fraud, profiteering, and unethical practices.Drawing from decades of research and policy leadership, Dr. Teno offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of hospice care, the importance of transparency, and the critical role healthcare leaders must play in protecting the integrity of the hospice mission.Whether you're a hospice professional, healthcare executive, policymaker, clinician, or family caregiver, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of end-of-life care.Key Takeaways:✔ Why consumers need better tools to evaluate hospice quality✔ How AI could improve hospice transparency and decision-making✔ The risks of oversupply, profiteering, and declining public trust✔ Why quality data should empower both providers and families✔ The extraordinary impact hospice clinicians continue to make every day✔ The future of hospice care, accountability, and patient choiceChapters:0:00 Welcome And Part Two Setup0:21 A Better Way To Find Hospice3:06 Weighting Scores Without Punishing Small Programs6:01 The Denominator Problem Behind Star Ratings10:58 Rural Hospice Reality And The Willie Sutton Rule12:08 AI Can Hallucinate Hospice Quality16:47 Public Trust And A Saturated Hospice Market23:36 Ghost Hospices And Which Data To Trust26:04 Do CAHPS Questions Still Fit Hospice Today27:44 Concurrent Care And Why Hospice Stays A Hard Choice33:40 Giving Back Through Mentoring And Substack35:57 Subscribe And The Brain BookmarkGuest: Dr. Joan TenoMD, MS; Adjunct Professor of Health Services, Policy, and Practice (Brown School of Public Health); Adjunct Staff, RAND CorporationCo-Host: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailAre hospice quality ratings really measuring what matters most?In this powerful episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner sit down with nationally recognized hospice researcher Dr. Joan Teno to uncover the hidden problems behind hospice ratings, quality scores, and public reporting systems.Drawing on more than 30 years of experience shaping hospice and palliative care policy, Dr. Teno explains why many publicly reported quality measures may fail to capture the true experiences of patients and families. She discusses the challenges of transparency, the unintended consequences of current reporting systems, concerns about fraud and oversight, and how artificial intelligence could help transform the future of hospice quality measurement.Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, clinician, policymaker, or nonprofit professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into the complex realities behind quality scores and what must change to better serve patients and families at the end of life.In this episode, you'll learn:✔ Why hospice ratings may not tell the full story✔ The biggest blind spots in today's quality measurement systems✔ How some providers avoid meaningful public reporting✔ The role of AI and data analytics in improving oversight✔ What meaningful transparency should look like for consumersChapters:0:00 Leadership Sets The Tone0:22. Monthly Hospice News And Framework3:38. Why Oversight Beats Payment Redesign8:28. Transparency Limits And Small Hospice Loopholes13:10. Blind Spots In Quality Reporting18:56 Using AI To Pick A Hospice23:45. Moratorium And Rebuilding Trust27:30 Clinicians Needed To Catch What Models Miss29:18 Part Two TeaserGuest: Dr. Joan TenoAdjunct Professor, Brown School of Public Health | Hospice & Palliative Care Researcher | 2023 AAHPM Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipC0-Host: Cordt Kassner,
Are hospice quality ratings really measuring what matters most?In this powerful episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner sit down with nationally recognized hospice researcher Dr. Joan Teno to uncover the hidden problems behind hospice ratings, quality scores, and public reporting systems.Drawing on more than 30 years of experience shaping hospice and palliative care policy, Dr. Teno explains why many publicly reported quality measures may fail to capture the true experiences of patients and families. She discusses the challenges of transparency, the unintended consequences of current reporting systems, concerns about fraud and oversight, and how artificial intelligence could help transform the future of hospice quality measurement.Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice leader, clinician, policymaker, or nonprofit professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into the complex realities behind quality scores and what must change to better serve patients and families at the end of life.In this episode, you'll learn:✔ Why hospice ratings may not tell the full story✔ The biggest blind spots in today's quality measurement systems✔ How some providers avoid meaningful public reporting✔ The role of AI and data analytics in improving oversight✔ What meaningful transparency should look like for consumersChapters:0:00 Leadership Sets The Tone0:22. Monthly Hospice News And Framework3:38. Why Oversight Beats Payment Redesign8:28. Transparency Limits And Small Hospice Loopholes13:10. Blind Spots In Quality Reporting18:56 Using AI To Pick A Hospice23:45. Moratorium And Rebuilding Trust27:30 Clinicians Needed To Catch What Models Miss29:18 Part Two TeaserGuest: Dr. Joan TenoAdjunct Professor, Brown School of Public Health | Hospice & Palliative Care Researcher | 2023 AAHPM Lifetime Achievement Award RecipientHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipC0-Host: Cordt Kassner,
Send us Fan MailMost leadership advice sounds inspiring until you have to practice it with real pressure, real people, and real consequences. Our host, Chris Comeaux sits down with Mark Miller, former Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A and bestselling co-author of The Secret and Lead Every Day, to get brutally practical about servant leadership, ego, and why the best leaders stop asking “How do I get more from my team?” and start asking “How do I help my team win?”They talk about why the servant-leader mindset is hard to adopt in the first place: it often isn't modeled, it isn't taught, and our default human setting leans toward “me and mine.” Mark shares research that puts a spotlight on the real obstacle many leaders face, ego, and we explore how it shows up in everyday decisions, team dynamics, and organizational culture.Mark addresses the tension that trips up even well-meaning managers: how do you serve people while still holding them accountable? Mark makes the case that accountability is not a harsh tool, it's a gift that helps people reach their potential, and he explains why great leaders keep results and relationships high at the same time. Mark also dig into Lead Every Day, a leadership operating system built around three disciplines: becoming a better leader, improving team performance, and strengthening the organization, plus the simplest daily push that changes everything: start where you are, use what you've got, and do what you can.If you care about leadership development, team performance, and building a healthy culture that still delivers results, this conversation will give you language, stories, and next steps you can use immediately. Subscribe, share this with a leader who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Guest:Mark Miller, Business Leader, Wall Street Journal and International Best-Selling Author, Communicator, and Co-Founder of Lead Every DayHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
Most leadership advice sounds inspiring until you have to practice it with real pressure, real people, and real consequences. Our host, Chris Comeaux sits down with Mark Miller, former Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A and bestselling co-author of The Secret and Lead Every Day, to get brutally practical about servant leadership, ego, and why the best leaders stop asking “How do I get more from my team?” and start asking “How do I help my team win?”They talk about why the servant-leader mindset is hard to adopt in the first place: it often isn't modeled, it isn't taught, and our default human setting leans toward “me and mine.” Mark shares research that puts a spotlight on the real obstacle many leaders face, ego, and we explore how it shows up in everyday decisions, team dynamics, and organizational culture.Mark addresses the tension that trips up even well-meaning managers: how do you serve people while still holding them accountable? Mark makes the case that accountability is not a harsh tool, it's a gift that helps people reach their potential, and he explains why great leaders keep results and relationships high at the same time. Mark also dig into Lead Every Day, a leadership operating system built around three disciplines: becoming a better leader, improving team performance, and strengthening the organization, plus the simplest daily push that changes everything: start where you are, use what you've got, and do what you can.If you care about leadership development, team performance, and building a healthy culture that still delivers results, this conversation will give you language, stories, and next steps you can use immediately. Subscribe, share this with a leader who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Guest:Mark Miller, Business Leader, Wall Street Journal and International Best-Selling Author, Communicator, and Co-Founder of Lead Every DayHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailHospice has always been about people, but the future of hospice will increasingly be shaped by data—and that shift is both exciting and unsettling.In Part Two of The Future of Hospice: How HOPE Will Transform Reimbursement & Care, Raianne Melton and Andrea Hale unpack how the HOPE tool could redefine hospice reimbursement, value-based care, and quality measurement across CMS, Medicare Advantage, and health systems. The conversation explores where hospice measurement may be heading—from symptom impact scoring and burdensome discharges to acuity tracking, HUV utilization, and the growing importance of consistent documentation and actionable clinical data.The episode also focuses on what hospice leaders can do now to prepare: improving point-of-care documentation, simplifying EMR workflows, leveraging real-time analytics, and exploring AI-powered ambient listening to reduce clinician burden while preserving compassionate care. Ultimately, this conversation is about helping hospice organizations prove their value with measurable outcomes while staying true to the mission that defines hospice care.This episode offers practical insights for hospice executives, nonprofit healthcare leaders, clinicians, and anyone navigating the evolving landscape of end-of-life care.Guest:Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley Hospice Raianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for AxxessHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
Hospice has always been about people, but the future of hospice will increasingly be shaped by data—and that shift is both exciting and unsettling.In Part Two of The Future of Hospice: How HOPE Will Transform Reimbursement & Care, Raianne Melton and Andrea Hale unpack how the HOPE tool could redefine hospice reimbursement, value-based care, and quality measurement across CMS, Medicare Advantage, and health systems. The conversation explores where hospice measurement may be heading—from symptom impact scoring and burdensome discharges to acuity tracking, HUV utilization, and the growing importance of consistent documentation and actionable clinical data.The episode also focuses on what hospice leaders can do now to prepare: improving point-of-care documentation, simplifying EMR workflows, leveraging real-time analytics, and exploring AI-powered ambient listening to reduce clinician burden while preserving compassionate care. Ultimately, this conversation is about helping hospice organizations prove their value with measurable outcomes while staying true to the mission that defines hospice care.This episode offers practical insights for hospice executives, nonprofit healthcare leaders, clinicians, and anyone navigating the evolving landscape of end-of-life care.Guest:Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley Hospice Raianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for AxxessHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast
Send us Fan MailThe future of hospice care is changing—and the HOPE assessment tool may redefine how providers deliver care, document outcomes, and receive reimbursement.Healthcare is entering a new era where quality outcomes, patient data, and accountability are driving the future of care delivery. In this episode, we're joined by Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley Hospice, and Raianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for Axxess, whose expertise and frontline perspective help unpack one of the most significant shifts happening in hospice today—the implementation of the HOPE assessment tool. Their insight provides valuable guidance for hospice leaders, clinicians, and organizations preparing for the future of reimbursement and patient-centered care.In Part One of this important conversation, we explore how the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool is poised to transform the hospice landscape. From evolving CMS expectations to the growing emphasis on quality metrics and patient-centered outcomes, this episode breaks down what hospice leaders, clinicians, and healthcare organizations need to understand now.Join us as we discuss:• What the HOPE tool is and why it matters• How reimbursement models are shifting in hospice care• The operational and compliance challenges providers may face• Why documentation and quality reporting are becoming more critical than ever• How organizations can proactively prepare for the future of end-of-life careWhether you're a hospice professional, nonprofit executive, healthcare leader, or business decision-maker, this episode provides timely insight into the changing future of compassionate care delivery.Our Guest:Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley HospiceRaianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for AxxessHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of Leadership
Send us Fan MailIn this compelling first installment, CMS Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator Kim Brandt joins Chris Comeaux for a candid conversation about the growing hospice fraud crisis, the financial future of Medicare, and the urgent transformation happening across American healthcare. Drawing from her leadership role at CMS and firsthand experiences with hospice care in her own family, Brandt shares why hospice remains a critical pillar of compassionate care — while also exposing the alarming abuse threatening the integrity of the system. The discussion dives deep into the pressures facing Medicare as the nation approaches the “silver tsunami,” with 10,000 new beneficiaries entering Medicare every day through 2030. Brandt explains how CMS is thinking about value-based care, the role of technology and AI in improving patient outcomes, and why hospice and palliative care may increasingly blend together in the future. From home-based care expansion to quality-driven reimbursement models, this episode offers healthcare leaders a rare inside look at the policy conversations shaping the next decade of healthcare delivery. Key TakeawaysCMS views hospice as an essential part of the Medicare ecosystem and is committed to protecting legitimate providers while aggressively combating fraud.Medicare faces mounting financial pressure as 10,000 baby boomers enroll daily, accelerating the need for healthcare reform and value-based care models.Kim Brandt predicts hospice and palliative care will increasingly integrate, allowing patients to receive supportive care earlier in their illness journey.Home-based healthcare, telehealth, AI, and remote monitoring are expected to play a major role in the future of hospice care delivery.CMS is shifting its focus from enrollment volume toward aligning incentives with quality outcomes and patient-centered care.If you're passionate about the future of healthcare, hospice innovation, and leadership that drives meaningful change, this is an episode you cannot miss. Subscribe to our podcast and share this conversation with your team, and stay tuned for Part Two as we continue exploring the future of Medicare, hospice reform, and value-based care. Guest:Kim Brandt: Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator at CMS Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership