035_Bridging the Gap: Innovation, Empathy & Leadership with Dr. Stephanie Hanna

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Host: Jarvis T. Gray
Guest: Dr. Stephanie Hanna (she/her)
Company: Wilson and Wilbur

Episode Overview

In this thought-provoking episode, Jarvis T. Gray sits down with Dr. Stephanie  Hanna, a healthcare consultant, entrepreneur, and researcher passionate about health promotion, disease prevention, and bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. As the founder of Wilson and Wilbur, Dr. Hanna brings deep insight into healthcare innovation, technology adoption, and the importance of leadership mindsets.

Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities facing modern healthcare leaders, emphasizing the need for collaboration, empathy, and continuous personal and professional growth.

Key Topics Covered

1. Leadership Mindset

• Dr. Hanna’s guiding quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
• The importance of speaking up about health equity and impactful issues in healthcare.

2. Dr. Hanna’s Journey

• From nutrition sciences and dietetics to entrepreneurship and public health research.
• Creating a healthy meal delivery business to address food access for vulnerable populations.
• The drive to bridge the research-practice gap in healthcare through consulting and placing experts where they’re most needed.

3. Entrepreneurship in Healthcare

• The feedback loop between evidence-based research and practical implementation.
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of confidence in subject-matter experts.

4. Healthcare Technology Trends

• The potential and limits of AI and tech integration, particularly among elderly patients.
• “Digital divide” and the importance of inclusive access to virtual care.

5. Overcoming Challenges & Building Resilience

• Personal stories about driving change and finding the right organizational fit (“find your tribe”).
• The need for organizations to value innovation and employee ideas to stay competitive and resilient.

6. The Biggest Challenges and Opportunities for Leaders Today

• Workforce wellness: Retention, mental health, and avoiding burnout for healthcare providers.
• Leveraging frontline staff insights for sustainable innovation.
• Empowering internal entrepreneurship within healthcare organizations.

7. Reflections & Rapid Fire Insights

• Empathy as a driving force in leadership.
• Learning from both good and bad leaders.
• No major regrets—every challenge contributed to growth.
• Recommended Reading: The Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware.

8. Looking Ahead

• Dr. Hanna’s excitement for accelerating healthcare innovation in Canada and strengthening local value chains through rapid and thoughtful execution.

Connect with Dr. Stephanie Hannah

• LinkedIn: Stephanie Hanna
• Company Website

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