MGMA Insights: Storytelling in Healthcare Leadership with Kelly Swanson
Download MP3In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with award-winning storyteller, comedian, and motivational speaker Kelly Swanson to discuss the power of storytelling in healthcare leadership. In this conversation, Kelly shares how medical practice leaders can use storytelling to reframe stress, connect with patients and staff, and create a meaningful workplace culture.
Storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a leadership tool that can shape culture, improve patient and staff engagement, and create a sense of purpose in even the most stressful environments. If you’re a healthcare leader navigating burnout, administrative overload, and patient care challenges, this episode provides actionable insights to help you use the power of storytelling to lead more effectively.
Storytelling as a Leadership Tool
Storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a leadership tool that can shape culture, improve patient and staff engagement, and create a sense of purpose in even the most stressful environments. If you’re a healthcare leader navigating burnout, administrative overload, and patient care challenges, this episode provides actionable insights to help you use the power of storytelling to lead more effectively.
Storytelling as a Leadership Tool
- "Your story shows us who you are without you having to tell us," Kelly explains.
- A well-crafted story builds trust among staff, patients, and leadership teams.
- Leaders can use personal and organizational stories to motivate teams, humanize their leadership, and create stronger workplace connections.
Reframing Stress Through Narrative
- Stress isn’t just what happens—it’s the story we tell ourselves about what happens.
- Leaders should pay attention to their internal dialogue and reframe negative thoughts into stories of resilience and purpose.
- Encouraging staff to reframe their own workplace challenges through storytelling can improve engagement and reduce burnout.
Creating Meaningful Patient and Staff Connections
- Small personal gestures can have a big impact on patient experiences.
- Kelly shares a story about a healthcare worker who learned her father loved The Eagles and created a personalized playlist for him—a small act that left a lasting impression.
- Humanizing patient interactions through storytelling can increase trust and improve patient satisfaction.
Why Every Leader Needs a 'Why' Story
- Leaders should define their personal ‘Why’ story—a moment that connects them to their greater mission in healthcare.
- Encouraging staff to share their own stories creates a culture of purpose-driven work and deeper engagement.
Keeping the Spark Alive Beyond a Single Moment
- Conferences and motivational talks inspire in the moment—but how do leaders sustain that energy?
- Leaders should integrate storytelling into daily operations through:
- Story-based team meetings
- Collecting and sharing patient and staff success stories
- Using social media to showcase the human side of healthcare
The Future of Storytelling: Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI
- As technology evolves, storytelling will become an essential leadership skill.
- Kelly believes emotional intelligence and storytelling will be the most valuable skills in the future workforce, helping leaders connect, inspire, and lead through change.
Story Impact Network – Free storytelling resources
Kelly Swanson on LinkedIn – Connect with Kelly for storytelling insights
Affirmation Journal for Positive Thinking - Purchase Kelly's book
Affirmation Journal for Positive Thinking - Purchase Kelly's book
Podcast Sponsor Boost Lingo
This episode is brought to you by Boost Lingo, the language services platform behind MGMA Translate, interpreter delays and high agency fees, strain budgets, and staff morale. Boost lingo on demand fixes both tap once and a qualified medical interpreter joins in about 13 seconds. Video or phone on any device. No steep learning curve. It just works. Tap, connect, care. Choose from 14,000 interpreters covering over 300 languages. Fully HIPAA compliant. Your staff will love the ease and your patients will too. Plus MGMA members save 20%. Visit https://boostlingo.com/mgma/ to see it in action today.
Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.
This episode is brought to you by Boost Lingo, the language services platform behind MGMA Translate, interpreter delays and high agency fees, strain budgets, and staff morale. Boost lingo on demand fixes both tap once and a qualified medical interpreter joins in about 13 seconds. Video or phone on any device. No steep learning curve. It just works. Tap, connect, care. Choose from 14,000 interpreters covering over 300 languages. Fully HIPAA compliant. Your staff will love the ease and your patients will too. Plus MGMA members save 20%. Visit https://boostlingo.com/mgma/ to see it in action today.
Podcast Sponsor MGMA Analytics
Are you making decisions based on gut instinct—or on real data?
With MGMA Analytics, you get the benchmarking and business intelligence tools to drive smarter strategies.
From provider compensation to operational costs, MGMA Analytics gives you access to the most trusted data in the industry.
So whether you’re adjusting staffing, setting salaries, or planning for growth, make your next move with confidence.
Visit MGMA Analytics to learn more.
