Chapter List:

00:00 Episode Sponsor: DESCO (www.descomed.com)

00:20 Introduction

01:19 Introducing Nicole Koharik

02:03 Why is WIL so important?

03:07 What does it mean to be part of the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Industry?

05:31 How did you hear about WIL?

08:36 How does a sense of belonging shape early career?

09:13 Relationship building and its hidden costs

13:29 Tips on overcoming Perfectionism

15:28 Self-reflection vs Self-criticism

16:25 Why is DESCO sponsoring this podcast?

16:46 Visibility and Self-Promotion

19:27 What does sponsorship in a professional network mean?

20:27 Build trust as a foundation of a relationship

21:50 Advice on positioning for sponsorship

23:03 A message for the introvert

25:27 Example of showing up as an introvert

28:11 Communication as a key skill

30:42 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

32:07 Every connection matters!

34:41 Outro from Andrea Bordenca, CEO DESCO

In this episode of In The Room, Emily speaks to Nicole Koharik, the Head of Corporate Brand and Communications at PartsSource. Nicole has spent more than two decades in marketing and communications leadership, with much of that work rooted in the healthcare supply chain. She also serves the HTM industry as an HTMA Ohio board member and Women In Leadership Ambassador. Her background is strong, but what made this conversation so valuable was not just her resume. It was the way she talked about belonging, confidence, relationships, sponsorship, and the real emotional weight of showing up in rooms where visibility matters.

In this episode, join Emily and Nicole as they talk about how relationships are built through trust, how, as an introvert, Nicole built her communications skills, and how to build lifelong connections through advocacy and sponsorships. #intheroom #DESCOmed #womeninleadership #WIL #growthmindset

For our very first episode, we have April Lebo, founder of Women in Leadership (WIL), for a conversation about community, leadership, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others.

In her own words, April describes herself as - "As SVP of Culture at Probo Medical, I lead initiatives that foster a thriving, values-driven workplace where people and performance go hand in hand. As President of the Women in Leadership Society, I’m passionate about empowering women to grow, find confidence, and make a meaningful impact within their organizations and community. I am fueled by seeing others succeed and motivated by helping others elevate beyond what they thought possible."

In this episode, we explore:

✨ Why community isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s a career accelerator

✨ How representation creates opportunity

✨ Why leadership starts long before the title

✨ The story behind WIL and the impact it’s had across HTM

Whether you’re new to the industry, growing into leadership, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with insights and experiences that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

What was your biggest takeaway from the episode? Let us know below! 👇

#InTheRoomPodcast #WomenInHTM #HealthcareTechnologyManagement #WomenInLeadership #HTM