For many practice administrators, acquisition details often stay behind closed doors. In this episode, we sit down with Nick Hernandez, founder and CEO of ABISA and former administrator himself, to break down what happens during a practice sale and what timelines, decisions, and dynamics administrators should understand well in advance.

You’ll walk away with clarity on how to recognize early signals, start the right conversations, and confidently step into a strategic role—whether or not the topic of acquisition is already on the table.

This episode is designed for administrators who want to be proactive, informed, and ready to lead through whatever comes next.

Powered by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com

Check out Nick’s upcoming session at the ASCENT conference: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda

Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hernandez-6b061110/

As a practice administrator, your title gives you authority—but true leadership takes more than a job description. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed talk with Meredith Hirsh, CEO of the Hirsh Center and host of the podcast Working Healthcare, about the difference between the authority you’re given and the power you earn.

Meredith shares practical strategies for:

• Building influence that inspires your team to work toward a common goal

• Delegating effectively without losing control

• Avoiding micromanagement and bureaucracy traps

Check out the upcoming ASCENT Meeting: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda

Connect with Meredith:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithfhirsh/

Website: https://www.meredithhirsh.com/

Poor communication is more than a workplace annoyance—it can jeopardize patient safety, slow down revenue, and create daily frustration for your team. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed talk with Jennifer McNamara, CEO of Healthcare Inspired, about practical ways practice administrators can close communication gaps and build stronger connections across departments.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify where communication breakdowns happen—and why they keep recurring

• Foster collaboration between physicians, coders, billers, and front desk staff

• Prevent costly mistakes caused by assumptions and missing information

Check out the upcoming ASCENT Meeting: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda

Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcnamara-49364586/

Jennifer’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Connected-Effective-Communication-Healthcare/dp/B0DG8KFZWL

Culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the invisible force shaping every interaction in your practice. In this episode of The Practice Leader Podcast, Paul and Zed sit down with Natalie Johnson, an expert in optimizing organizational performance, to explore how practice administrators can intentionally shape a healthy, connected culture.

You’ll learn how to:

• Spot and address “accidental culture” that’s hurting performance

• Set group norms that guide behavior without endless policies

• Reduce workplace friction by assuming positive intent

Whether you’re facing gossip, disengagement, or constant firefighting, this episode gives you practical strategies to turn culture into one of your biggest assets.

Powered by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com

Check out the upcoming ASCENT Meeting: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda

Connect with Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-johnson-ms-636a407/

AI is everywhere—but that doesn’t mean every AI tool is worth your time.

In this episode, Paul and Zed talk with Joe Goldstein, founder of OCS IT about where AI can truly make a difference in your medical practice. From automating repeatable tasks to making smarter vendor decisions, Joe shares practical insights on how practice administrators can cut costs and free up time—without getting overwhelmed. Whether you're just getting started or cautiously exploring options, this conversation will help you pinpoint real opportunities to leverage AI in ways that matter.

Powered by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com

Check out Joe’s upcoming Bootcamp at the ASCENT conference: https://www.askascent.com/page/ASCENT2025Agenda

Connect with Joe Goldstein:

https://www.ocsit.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegoldstein/

If it feels like the weight of your practice is on your shoulders, you’re not alone, but you might be leading the hard way.

In this episode, Zed and Paul talk with Jim Fedio, Director of Professional Development at Fuel Medical, about the shift top leaders are making to build real buy-in without burning out. You’ll hear why traditional leadership is failing in today’s workforce, how to invite your team into the process (without losing control), and the subtle mindset changes that can free you from having to do it all yourself.

Brought to you by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/

Connect with Jim Fedio: https://fuelmedical.com/

What happens when you’re tasked with leading a clinical team, but you don’t have clinical credentials yourself?

In this episode, Zed and Paul are joined by Kirk Hughs, Operations Director at University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, to unpack the hard-earned lessons that non-clinical leaders need to succeed in a clinical world. From navigating resistance to earning trust and aligning through empathy, Kirk shares practical strategies (and a few battle scars) for how to lead with influence, not authority. If you’ve ever felt like your title wasn’t enough to gain buy-in, this one’s for you.

Brought to you by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/

Connect with Kirk Hughs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-hughs/

You don’t become a great leader by having all the answers. You become one by being open to the right influences.

In this episode, Zed and Paul unpack the often overlooked truth about leadership growth: it starts with accepting guidance. Whether it's mentorship you seek or wisdom you absorb simply by being in the room, becoming a better leader requires proximity, humility, and the willingness to admit that you still have things to learn. If you've ever felt like you don’t quite belong in the leadership seat yet, this conversation is for you.

Brought to you by ASCENT: https://www.askascent.com/

Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulyrichards/

Connect with Zed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zedwilliamson/