Believe.Behave.Become - A Pennant Group Podcast

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Believe.Behave.Become., your gateway to inspiring conversations on leadership excellence. Join us in exploring the dynamic world of leadership concepts, firsthand experiences, and actionable principles that propel professional growth, drive operational advancements, and foster a healthy culture. In each episode, Rich, alongside different leaders from The Pennant Group, delves deep into leadership, uncovering invaluable insights and sharing key principles for success.

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30 recent

June 1, 2026Episode 430 min

The Climb with Jeff Evans - Pennant Group Keynote Speaker

In this powerful episode of Believe. Behave. Become., the team sits down with renowned mountaineer, adventurer, and latest keynote speaker, Jeff Evans live from the 2026 Pennant Group Leadership Summit.Jeff reflects on why Pennant’s culture stood out to him as a rare “outlier” in corporate leadership, praising the organization’s cluster model and peer-to-peer accountability approach as something deeply unique and powerful. Together, the group unpacks how great leaders create environments where people feel trusted, challenged, and empowered to grow.Drawing from years of guiding climbers through some of the world’s most dangerous mountains, Jeff shares profound leadership lessons on trust, peer accountability, resilience, humility, and what it truly means to climb together. Through stories from Everest, Denali, and high-stakes expeditions, the conversation explores how the strongest teams are built—not through hierarchy or ego—but through shared ownership, preparation, compassion, and commitment to one another.

May 7, 2026Episode 320 min

The Power of Why: Leadership, Hospice, and Building Better Partnerships

In this episode of Believe. Behave. Become., we sit down with Sarah Nigro, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at BetterRx, alongside John Gochnour, to explore what it truly means to ascend together through purpose-driven partnership.Recorded live at the Pennant Group Annual Meeting, this conversation dives into the evolving relationship between The Pennant Group and BetterRx—one built not on transactions, but on trust, shared goals, and a commitment to delivering life-changing care.Sarah shares her deeply personal journey into post-acute care, revealing how experiencing hospice firsthand reshaped her purpose and ignited a passion for improving the end-of-life experience for patients and families. From that foundation, the discussion expands into leadership—how great leaders anchor in their “why,” lead with empathy, and empower others to grow.Together, the group explores the future of healthcare partnerships, the role of innovation and data integration in improving outcomes, and the urgent need to educate communities about hospice care. At its core, this episode is about more than strategy—it’s about people, purpose, and building relationships that elevate care and leadership at every level.Key Takeaways:Purpose Fuels LeadershipPartnership > Vendor RelationshipsLeadership is Rooted in EmpathyTechnology Should Enable Care, Not Complicate ItThe Future Requires Connected SystemsGreat Organizations Stay Humble and Hungry

April 15, 2026Episode 228 min

Climbing Together: Leadership, Trust, and the Power of the First Team

This episode explores the real journey of leadership—not as a title or achievement, but as a continuous climb. Through the lens of rapid growth and new leadership responsibility, the conversation with Jared Green unpacks what it truly means to “earn your rope” every day.From building a strong first team to uncovering the deeper “why” that drives individuals, this discussion highlights the foundational elements that turn struggling teams into thriving ones. It challenges leaders to move beyond surface-level conversations, lean into vulnerability, and create environments where trust and authenticity can take root.The episode also reinforces a powerful truth: sustainable leadership starts with personal discipline. Physical health, mental resilience, and intentional habits aren’t side notes—they’re essential to leading well.At its core, this conversation is about ascent—not reaching the summit, but embracing the ongoing climb. Because the best leaders don’t arrive… they keep climbing.Key takeaways:Leadership is earned daily - not given onceYour first team is everythingGreat leaders start with "Why"Vulnerability drives real team growthYou can't lead well if you're not well

April 7, 2026Episode 124 min

Ascending Together: Partnership with CareXM

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the future of home health and hospice will be defined by one thing: partnership. In this episode, we sit down with Si L. Luo, CEO of CareXM, to explore how leaders are reimagining care in the home—moving from reactive service to proactive, coordinated, and deeply human-centered experiences.Together, we unpack how partnerships between providers and innovators like CareXM are expanding clinical capacity, transforming after-hours care, and unlocking powerful data insights that improve outcomes. From workforce challenges to the shift toward proactive patient engagement, this conversation highlights what it means to lead at the forefront of home-based care—and how the right partnerships help us all climb higher.Key takeaways:The future of home-based care is built on partnershipLeadership must shift from reactive to proactive careAfter-hours care is a hidden opportunityData turns patient interactions into actionable insightLeadership is the ultimate differentiator

April 1, 2026Episode 261 hr 23 min

Hard Conversations, Better Care: Redefining Physician Leadership and Fixing the Care Continuum

aIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Derrel Walker, Chief Medical Officer at The Pennant Group, for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to lead as a physician in today’s complex healthcare environment.From his early experiences in hospital medicine to shaping innovative care models, Dr. Walker shares how compassion, communication, and leadership—not just clinical expertise—are the keys to transforming patient outcomes.Key takeaways:Why Physician Leadership Matters More Than EverThe Power of Hard ConversationsThe Broken Care Continuum (and How to Fix It)Rethinking Care Delivery“Bullets Before Cannonballs” StrategyLeadership Principles for PhysiciansGrowth Through FeedbackGreat healthcare isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about guiding people through their most vulnerable moments with clarity, compassion, and connection. And great physician leaders aren’t defined by what they know—but by how they lead, listen, and grow.

March 25, 2026Episode 251 hr 3 min

No Mask Leadership: Authenticity, Accountability and the Power of Fairness

What if the key to better performance, stronger culture, and deeper trust wasn’t another leadership tactic—but how fair your team feels you are? In this episode of Believe, Behave, Become, Rich and Elliot sit down with Tella, Executive Director at Symbii Home Health and Hospice - Utah County, to explore one of the most overlooked (and powerful) leadership frameworks: organizational justice. From bringing her full self to work—including birds in the office—to building high-performing teams rooted in trust. Tella shares how authenticity, empathy, and fairness combine to create cultures where people thrive. This isn’t theory. It’s leadership you can apply immediately. Key Takeaways: Authenticity Builds Trust Faster Than PerfectionOrganizational Justice = The Foundation of Culture“Yes, And” is a Leadership SkillFixing Mistakes Builds More Trust Than Avoiding ThemBeware of Ruinous EmpathyClarity > Comfort in Tough ConversationsStop Saying This Phrase Immediately "Let me know if there’s anything I can do…"

January 29, 2026Episode 241 hr 6 min

Why the Hardest Conversations Make the Best Leaders with Dr. Lauren Templeton

What does it look like to lead when the stakes are high and the answers aren’t clear? In this episode of Believe Behave Become, we sit down with Dr. Lauren Templeton, nationally recognized hospice physician and educator, to explore how humility, preparation, and active listening shape exceptional leadership. Dr. Templeton shares her unexpected journey into hospice care, her passion for hard conversations, and why leaders don’t need to have all the answers to be effective. From navigating emotionally charged situations to leading through uncertainty, this conversation highlights how education and connection empower leaders to show up with confidence, compassion, and credibility.What You’ll Learn:Why listening first is one of the most powerful leadership skillsHow humility builds trust and strengthens leadership presenceThe role preparation plays in navigating hard conversationsWhy leaders don’t need all the answers, but do need the right questionsHow education and clarity create confidence for teams and cliniciansWhat COVID taught us about vulnerability, leadership, and connectionHow ownership includes both accountability and humilityWhy embracing the full human experience, including laughter, makes leaders more effective⁠Connect with us everywhere!

January 13, 2026Episode 2355 min

Culture Starts with Who: Lessons from Kinder Hearts

In this episode of Believe, Behave, Become, Travis Jones shares his leadership journey from physical therapy to healthcare administration and how the principle of “First Who, Then What” shaped his approach to building strong teams and thriving cultures. Travis reflects on lessons learned, the importance of finding the right people, and practical strategies like peer interviews that create lasting impact. He also discusses why slowing down the hiring process and leveraging internal networks can transform organizational success.What You’ll Learn:How “First Who, Then What” is the foundation of great leadershipThe difference between building the right team and the wrong teamHow your best people bring your next best peopleWhy peer interviews create buy-in and stronger onboardingStrategies for slowing down the hiring process to get it rightWhether you’re a new leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation offers actionable insights on building trust, fostering growth, and creating a culture where people thrive.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts02:18 Travis Jones’ Professional Journey05:42 Discovering Pennant and Transitioning to Leadership09:15 What “First Who, Then What” Really Means14:32 Why the Right People Matter More Than Strategy18:50 Finding Leaders in Your Community and Internal Network23:40 Peer Interviews The Overlooked Hiring Practice29:12 Slowing Down the Hiring Process for Better Results34:55 Building a Tribe and Creating Buy-In40:20 Lessons from Kinder Hearts and Team Culture47:18 One Last Thing Advice for New Leaders52:00 Closing Thoughts and Future AspirationsConnect with us everywhere!

December 15, 2025Episode 2255 min

From Military to Healthcare: Heath Braverman on Authentic Leadership and Mentorship

In this episode of Believe, Behave, Become, Heath Braverman shares his transformative professional journey - from military service to sales leadership and ultimately to healthcare. Heath reflects on lessons learned, the role of mentorship in shaping authentic leadership, and how investing in people creates thriving teams. He also discusses the importance of work-life balance and finding a professional home where values and purpose align.What You’ll Learn:How military experience shaped Heath’s approach to teamwork and trust.Common misconceptions about leadership - and how to overcome them.Why mentorship and servant leadership drive authentic growth.Strategies for building strong teams and fostering a positive culture.The importance of aligning personal values with professional goals.Whether you’re a new leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation offers actionable insights on building trust, fostering growth, and leading with authenticity.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts02:12 Heath Braverman's Professional Journey04:44 Lessons from Military Experience06:55 Transitioning from Military to Sales Leadership09:20 Misconceptions of Leadership12:31 The Impact of Mentorship on Leadership17:06 Shifting to Healthcare and Home Health Services20:12 Cultural Differences in Corporate Environments22:52 Reassessing Work-Life Balance27:45 Joining Pennant and Finding a Professional Home35:31 The Importance of Authentic Leadership40:38 Investing in Others and Building Teams49:02 Looking Ahead: Future AspirationsConnect with us everywhere!

November 14, 2025Episode 211 hr 7 min

Leading with Courage: Intelligent Risk-Taking in Healthcare Innovation

In this episode, Rich and Eliot join Camille Jensen and Justin Stenquist for a candid conversation on leadership, innovation, and the realities of healthcare today. From tackling social determinants of health to embracing intelligent risk-taking, we explore how executives can turn complexity into opportunity and drive meaningful change across the care continuum.