S3, Ep. 6 | Leading Through Change: Building Culture with Purpose and Empathy

In this episode of the Better Understanding podcast, Susan MacKenty Brady interviews Pete Church, a driving force behind the culture at Point32Health. Their conversation dives into what it means to lead inclusively and authentically in today’s workforce—especially in a complex, ever-evolving healthcare landscape. 

Pete shares powerful reflections from his own leadership journey, drawing from his 30 years of experience creating work cultures where employees feel seen, valued, and heard. Pete reminds us that thriving teams are built through intention, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on What Matters Most: Great leaders prioritize what truly matters—rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
• Best Self Leadership: When individuals operate from their best selves, they feel purpose, energy, and connection—and it shows in their work.
• Listen to Create Culture: Pete emphasized the power of active listening, especially in post-merger environments. Co-creating culture starts with hearing every voice.
• Preventing Burnout: Burnout isn’t just about workload—it’s about lack of control and meaning. Empower your team to take ownership and find purpose.
• Celebrate and Recognize: Recognition is a powerful engagement tool. Creating a culture of gratitude improves performance.

Pete’s conversation is a timely reminder that leadership today requires humility, patience, and an ongoing commitment to building communities of care. Whether you’re navigating change or looking to energize your team, his insights offer practical steps to help you—and those around you—thrive.

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