Health & Wealth: Leading with Purpose in Healthcare’s Most Challenging Era

In this special episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast, host Molly Gamble sits down with Surya Kaluri, head of the TIA Institute, and Stephanie Connors, president and CEO of BayCare Health System, the inaugural recipient of the TIAA Institute Louise Whitfield Carnegie Award. The conversation centers on the powerful interconnection between health and wealth, emphasizing that strong healthcare leadership must be rooted in purpose, resilience, and human-centered values. Kaluri explains the research-driven mission of the TIA Institute, which focuses on financial well-being and long-term resilience, and details the rigorous five-pillar criteria behind the new award—visionary leadership, measurable impact, workforce engagement, partnerships, and healthcare transformation. Connors shares her journey from nurse to CEO, highlighting her leadership philosophy built on empowerment, integrity, and serving her 34,000 team members as the foundation of exceptional patient care. She offers heartfelt advice to emerging leaders: focus on impact over titles, be your best self in every role, and surround yourself with positive influences. The episode concludes with a powerful message: investing in the well-being of healthcare leaders is not separate from patient care—it is essential to the future of the entire system.