In episode 7 of the Backstory, host and Jarrard Inc. President Anne Hancock Toomey sits down with Joanne Anderson, a 45-year veteran in healthcare leadership and a relentless advocate for rural healthcare. Anderson shares her journey from growing up in forest of rural Kentucky to becoming a bedside nurse. She describes her rapid ascent through the ranks of major healthcare organizations like Humana and HCA, eventually becoming President and CEO of UNC Health Southeastern. Anderson reflects on her roots and the influence of the Frontier Nursing Service, which ignited her passion for healthcare. She discusses key leadership lessons, the importance of resilience, community engagement, and the values instilled in her by her family. These lessons came into play during a devastating fire at her organization’s cancer center and, later, as she guided Southeastern through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conversation wraps up with a lightning round of personal insights, revealing Anderson’s favorite books, athletes, and recent endeavors in the culinary world. Join in for an enriching conversation filled with wisdom on effective leadership and the relentless pursuit of healthcare excellence in rural communities.
Episode Highlights
- 02:11 Early Life in Rural Kentucky
- 05:38 First Job as Switchboard Operator and Early Career Influences
- 07:41 Lessons in Leadership and Communication
- 13:03 Rapid Rise in Healthcare Leadership
- 20:25 Executive Team Decisions
- 22:04 Relocating for Career Growth
- 24:44 Proud Achievements and Challenges
- 29:49 Balancing Family and Career
- 33:15 Effective Leadership Traits
- 34:31 Maintaining Personal Well-being
- 36:17 Lightning Round
