Episodes

Monday Apr 19, 2021
Bonus Episode - More on Leadership Speech Acts with Mary Andrawis
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
If you listened to Episode 40, in which Mary Andrawis and I explore the topic, and nerd out a bit about Leadership Speech Acts, you probably sensed that we had a lot more that we wanted to talk about. And you'd be right.
In this bonus episode Mary and I revisit Leadership Speech Acts and dive a bit deeper sprinkling in a few complimentary topics such as "Yes, and...", "Loose/Tight", "Power of Choice", and "Assuming Positive Intent".
As Mary puts it, "our words can help shape the future if we use them intentionally."
To connect with Mary, please refer to the preferred communication channels listed below:
- Website - www.serafinahealth.com
- Email - Mary@serafinahealth.com
- LinkedIn Personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-andrawis-416a68/
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/MaryAndrawis
Keywords - leadership, leadership speech acts, share a vision, speech act theory

Monday Mar 29, 2021
Monday Mar 29, 2021
In Episode 40, Mary Andrawis and I explore the topic, and nerd out a bit about Leadership Speech Acts. As Mary puts it, "our words can help shape the future if we use them intentionally."
In this Episode we explore the four common speech acts of...
- declarations
- attestations and assessments
- requests and offers
- acknowledgments
This is an episode you will want to listen to again in again.
Mary A. Andrawis, Pharm.D., M.P.H. is Founder and President of Serafina Health Strategy. She has more than 20 years of experience in quality improvement and patient safety, complex program planning, management, and leadership with expertise in medication safety, data analysis, strategic thinking, and regulation interpretation. She founded Serafina Health Strategy in 2020.
Dr. Andrawis brings unique perspective and a wealth of experience from her training at and leadership of various organizations including CMS; HSAG, the nation's then-largest Quality Improvement Organization (QIO); HRET HIIN, the nation's then-largest Hospital Improvement and Innovation Network (HIIN); the American Hospital Association; the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.
She received the Pinnacle Award in 2016, the highest award in Pharmacy, for her work with the Partnership for Patients, which resulted in an estimated 87,000 lives saved, 2.1 million fewer patient harms, and $19.8 billion in cost savings.
Dr. Andrawis has nationally recognized communication skills (both written and verbal) and has several publications on quality measures related to medication-related outcomes. She has also led government negotiations which resulted in more than $100 million in savings to taxpayers.
Her leadership of a team of nearly 55 individuals achieved substantial results in reductions in patient harm in 1,600 hospitals nationwide. Her collaboration with one hospital system to track and trend rates of adverse drug events and implement interventions resulted in 65.5% reduction in harm over a ten-month period across 35 hospitals.
Dr. Andrawis is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and proficient in teaching and applying quality improvement tools (including LEAN, Six Sigma, and High Reliability), coaching techniques, facilitation, capturing quality measure data, and creating compelling visual displays to drive sustainable improvements in quality. She is a nationally recognized leader in the field of pharmacy and adverse drug event quality measurement.
She trained in patient safety through Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Pharmacy Administration residency in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a graduate of South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She was born and raised in Brookings, South Dakota.
To connect with Mary, please refer to the preferred communication channels listed below:
- Website - www.serafinahealth.com
- Email - Mary@serafinahealth.com
- LinkedIn Personal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-andrawis-416a68/
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/MaryAndrawis
Keywords - leadership, leadership speech acts, share a vision, speech act theory

Monday Mar 08, 2021
Episode 39 - Hire By Design with Jodi Brandstetter
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Monday Mar 08, 2021
In Episode 39, I have the great privilege of nerding out with the bestselling author, Jodi Brandstetter as we discuss how the improvement method, Design Thinking can be applied to HR - helping to identify, recruit, onboard, and retain top talent.
Jodi Brandstetter, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is passionate about being an entrepreneur that focuses on providing talent acquisition strategies to businesses, career guidance, and training and development.
With 20 years of Human Resources, Recruiting, and Talent experience, Jodi provides expertise in recruitment and sourcing strategies including online and passive sourcing, social media, grassroots, and high-volume recruiting. Jodi uses design thinking methodology to create an innovative selection and hiring processes focused on business and people. She is passionate about finding the best recruitment solution and tools for fast-growing businesses in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Jodi is the CEO and founder of Lean Effective Talent Strategies which includes The Hiring Blueprint, talent acquisition consulting firm, and Talent Acquisition Evolution, a community for recruiting professionals to connect, learn, and work together.
September 2020, Jodi published her first book, Hire By Design, A Hiring Blueprint with Design Thinking. Hire By Design hit bestseller in 7 Amazon Categories on its launched date.
Jodi lives outside of Cincinnati, OH with her husband, Ron, and daughter, Lena.
To connect with Jodi and to buy her book Hire By Design, please use the following links:
Hire By Design Book - Get the Book on Amazon
Website - www.letscincy.com
LinkedIn (personal) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodibrandstetter/
LinkedIn (business) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaneffectivetalentstrategiesllc/
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/Jodi_Recruiter

Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Episode 38 - Becoming an Improvement Nerds Generalist with AJ Hobbs
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
In Episode 38, AJ Hobbs and I discuss the multiple ways an belt can add value to an organization. During our conversation we discuss the advantages of becoming a generalist when it comes to improvement. We can appreciate that there are two sides to this coin, generalizing vs. specializing. We do tip our hats to the specialists, but we don't necessarily nerd out about that. Instead we dive deep on becoming an Improvement Nerd Generalist, while discussing what it is like to go to grad school during a crisis.
We also take a walk down memory lane, as we reflect on attending the Health Systems Process Improvement (HSPI) Conference we attended in February 2020. Be sure to check out HSPI's many professional development services, and consider attending the HSPI 2021 Conference occurring this February (https://www.iise.org/HSPI)
AJ Hobbs is an industrial engineer (B.S. Clemson University, M.S. Purdue University) and current MBA student at Goizueta Business School. AJ has worked in operational improvement consulting with healthcare and airline clients. She enjoys college football, Vinyasa yoga, true crime podcasts, and a good dinner party. AJ lives in Atlanta, GA with her goldendoodle puppy, John Prine, and will remain in Atlanta after graduation to join Bain & Company as a strategy consultant.
To connect with AJ Hobbs, please reach out to her by LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/amandajanehobbs.

Monday Jan 25, 2021
Episode 37 - Nerding Out About Process Mapping with Craig Willis of Skore
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Monday Jan 25, 2021
In Episode 37, I nerd out with Craig Willis of Skore (www.getskore.com) about the importance of process mapping. Per Craig, organization's need to make mapping processes as simple as having a conversation. In fact, that is Craig's personal mission, to help organizations map at the speed of conversation.
Craig's goal is to make process mapping and analysis easy and accessible so that anyone can do it. Providing insights and process maps to your process improvement team so they can focus on fixing the gnarly problems. Creating a common language and simple taxonomy for the organization that doesn't require extensive training.
Craig Willis is the CEO of Skore, a cloud based process mapping, analysis and management software that's designed to be used by anyone. Skore's vision is to make these advanced tools accessible so anyone, anywhere, can grow their business without fear or pain. I've been working in technology led change and transformation for over 20 years and the biggest challenge has been getting people to engage with change and come along on the journey. This is about deciphering the complexity that surrounds us and creating a common language for everyone in the business.
To connect with Craig and his team check out Skore's company website at www.getskore.com.
Other channels to connect with Craig include:
- LinkedIn (Craig Willis) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjwillis/
- LinkedIn (Skore Business page) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/skore-labs/
- Email - craig.willis@getskore.com
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SkoreDigitalDiscovery
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/SkoreApp
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/skoredigitaldiscovery/
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClTfRQXKLoL-iC-Gux5A-sg

Friday Dec 11, 2020
Episode 36 - Nerding Out About Wabi Sabi with Mindi Epstein
Friday Dec 11, 2020
Friday Dec 11, 2020
In Episode 36, guest Minid Epstein gives the Improvement Nerds audience permission to be their authentic selves. To embrace their imperfections and to go forward even when you don't have it all figured out.
By practicing Wabi Sabi, you learn to see the beauty in imperfection, no longer allowing perfection to get in your way of becoming who you were meant to be.
Through her work as a successful business owner, nonprofit leader and passionate archeologist, Mindi Epstein has inspired women around the globe to live life on their own terms. She is the creator of the Journey-to-Joy (J2J) framework, a tool she developed to help women honor their path and amplify their voice.
As the founder and former owner of Peace through Yoga, a full service yoga studio with multiple locations in the greater Indianapolis area, Mindi coaches entrepreneurs on how to identify, implement and operate the business of their dreams.
She successfully built communities around each of her studio locations, which became the catalyst for starting Top Floor Women, a networking group to inspire personal achievement through connection. Top Floor Women’s success in bringing women together in the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration ultimately was the driving force for the launch of Wabi Sabi. Mindi identifies Wabi Sabi as the culmination of her life experiences and teachings.
Previously, Mindi has enjoyed a career as a Sr. Vice President of Communications at a large not-for-profit, a top saleswoman in advertising, a freelance writer and graphic designer and most notably, a published archaeologist working overseas in multiple locations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honors from the University of Michigan and post-graduate studies from the University of Chicago and Tel Aviv University.
At her core, Mindi is deeply committed to inspiring women to celebrate their uniqueness and give themselves permission to live the life of their dreams. As a lover of travel, animals, Nature and yoga, Mindi will tell you unequivocally that she loves her life.
To connect with Mindi, please reach out through the following channels:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindi-epstein/
https://www.facebook.com/wabisabi4women
You can also connect with Mindi and collaborate with her by joining the Achievers Circle: A Private Facebook Community for Women Who Aspire & Inspire.
Achievers Circle is a virtual gathering space where women come together in fellowship, mentorship, collaboration and friendship to achieve unimaginable possibilities.
- Weekly Facebook Live sessions — join me and surprise guests for coaching, inspiration and tactics to keep you moving forward
- Monthly training content
- Access to Top Floor Women monthly programming
- VIP Q&A with Top Floor Women guest experts: Information you need! to thrive!
- Discounts on upcoming courses, programs, retreats and personal styling
Monthly membership available as a holiday special - buy 3 months (discounted) for yourself and get 3 months to gift to a friend

Monday Dec 07, 2020
Episode 35 - Designing Your Career with Marla Holdread
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Have you found yourself at a career crossroads and not known what to do?
In Episode 35, Marla Holdread shares that the best thing to do when at a career crossroad, is to think like a designer. Her advice is to stay curious, to be willing to experiment, to reframe the problem, and to collaborate.
Marla Holdread is an executive coach, career strategist, and founder of Shift Leadership. Her passion is to help senior leaders and professionals shift into the next level of career success.
Marla created her unique methodology and coaching program, The Career Revisionist, as a framework for clients to go from waking up exhausted, frustrated, and dreading work, to feeling confident, energized, and leaping out of bed each day.
She whole heartedly believes that we deserve to feel alive and aligned with our work, and she is on a mission to reinvent career experiences for professionals around the globe.
You can connect with Marla through the following channels:

Sunday Nov 29, 2020
Episode 34 - Nerding Out About the Best Places to Work with Angie Redmon
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
In Episode 34 I have the chance to nerd out with Angie Redmon about some of the strategies that an organization can employ to help improve their work culture, while embarking on a journey to become one of the Best Places to Work.
Angie works with companies who aspire to have an award-winning workplace distinction. You’ve heard of these, I’m sure—Best Workplaces, Top Workplaces, Best Banks, etc. She has 15 best workplaces awards under her belt, and now she guides companies through the process of pursuing their own.
Angie also provides 1:1 HR mentoring and runs an HR mastermind roundtable, using her 25+ years of experience in her field to train and prepare others to master the transformation of improving workplace culture.
In short, she’s an HR powerhouse. According to Angie, "People strategy is half art, half science".
Through her company, striveHR (https://strivehr.net/), Angie works with businesses who want to attract and retain top-notch talent. She is focused on guiding companies through the process to achieve an award-winning workplace status, while providing strategy and execution services to business leaders who want to earn this distinction.
To learn more about embarking on the journey to become a Best Places to Work check out Angie's website at www.strivehr.net. While there, be sure to download a copy of Angie's tremendous resource - 6 Mindsets of High Performing HR Leaders.

Friday Nov 20, 2020
Episode 33 - Nerding Out About Servant Leadership with Tom Crea
Friday Nov 20, 2020
Friday Nov 20, 2020
Episode 33 is timely for two reasons. One is that the episode is about servant leadership, an important topic considering the current amount of uncertainty in our world. And the other reason is that the episode airs shortly after Veterans Day. Our guest Tom Crea, joins us and nerds out with us about his years of service and the lessons he learned about serving others.
A key concept from this episode is that serving others through love and purpose leads to superb outcomes. On Tom's website he shares...
“Companies that did business from a foundation of love and purpose and practiced servant leadership produced a 1026% return to shareholders over a 10-year period, 8 times more than ‘Good to Great’ companies.” (Coetzer, 2019)
Tom Crea is a leadership expert, decorated career Army Officer, and Blackhawk Helicopter pilot. Because of his proven skills, he was hand selected to run the Army’s leadership development program at two Boston colleges, where he and his team transformed college students into combat leaders. (Discover how — 3-step process)
Today, he is a Servant Leadership ambassador: An author, keynote speaker, and leadership development coach. He is also a radio show host.
Tom has a B.S. & M.C.S. in Computer Science and a M.A. in Political Science and loves coaching basketball and spending time with his wife and two boys.
Tom’s proudest leadership moment came when his unit was called to war in Iraq after he had rotated out. His replacement was not able to perform, so members he developed stepped up to lead; they attribute their success to the leadership Tom instilled in each of them. Today, the Blackhawk leadership way.

Sunday Nov 08, 2020
Episode 32 - Nerding Out About Streaking with Jami and Jeffery Downs
Sunday Nov 08, 2020
Sunday Nov 08, 2020
Episode 32 is so streaking awesome. Join me, Jami Downs, and Jeffrey Downs as we nerd out about streaking - not the streaking you're thinking.
This streaking includes creating a "be statement", setting a goal, and then streaking your way toward improvement.
This episode celebrates the idea of becoming who you want to be through consistent conscious actions done daily, weekly, or monthly or through Streaking.
Jami Downs is a mother, leader, teacher, and passionate volunteer. Her love of teenagers and desire to empower girls with confidence has inspired her organization of many retreats, conferences, workshops, and community service opportunities. She has a B.A. in advertising and a love of graphic and interior design.
Jeffery J. Downs is a consultant to individuals and executive teams, translating strategy into record-breaking, consistent revenue growth. As a FranklinCovey Business Results Practice Leader, he has worked with CISCO, Boston Scientific, Comcast, CNRL, Staples, Siemens and many more. Prior to FranklinCovey, he was a founder and chief revenue officer at Best Practice Systems, Inc., a SaaS eBill business, where he led the sales team to multi-million-dollar contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Graybar Electric, GlaxoSmithKline, Davey Tree, State of Colorado, and many others.
To integrate Streaking into your life buy the Streaking book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indie books, or at https://www.streakingmastery.com.
Also, download the Streaking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
To follow Jami and Jeff's journey check them out through the following channels:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-downs-4117631/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jami-downs-8099451ab/
- LinkedIn Business Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/69790248/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/streakingmasteryofficial/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/streakingmastery
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNzPzjt6E43w9A8ySJTVxEg
- Podcast - https://www.streakingmastery.com/podcast
- Website - https://www.streakingmastery.com