In this conversation, Kyle Killian speaks with Josh Sandler, president of Ovation Healthcare, about his transition from military service to healthcare leadership. They discuss the challenges of scaling a team, maintaining culture during rapid growth, and the importance of data utilization and automation in healthcare. Josh shares insights on leadership strategies, the significance of team dynamics, and the need for work-life balance in a high-stress environment. The conversation highlights the evolution of leadership styles and the importance of trust and empowerment within teams. In this conversation, Josh Sandler shares insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, patience, and understanding team dynamics. He reflects on his military background and how it shaped his approach to business leadership, highlighting the need for regular communication and verification processes. Josh discusses the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, the significance of family, and offers advice for those transitioning from military to business. He also outlines future goals for his organization in the healthcare sector, focusing on innovation and community support.
takeaways
Josh Sandler emphasizes the importance of understanding different backgrounds in leadership.
The transition from military to healthcare leadership can be challenging but rewarding.
Maintaining team culture is crucial during periods of rapid growth.
Data utilization is key to improving efficiency in healthcare operations.
Empowerment and trust are essential for effective leadership.
Growth can create stress, but it also presents opportunities.
Building a strong team dynamic is vital for success.
Leaders must adapt their styles as they progress in their careers.
Work-life balance is important for team morale and productivity.
Celebrating achievements helps maintain motivation and focus. Building trust and patience is crucial for effective leadership.
High-performing individuals often struggle with delegation and patience.
Regular check-ins can help identify team bottlenecks and issues.
Hiring for fit is essential for team cohesion and success.
Understanding team dynamics is key to effective leadership.
One-on-one conversations foster deeper connections and insights.
Military discipline translates well into business leadership.
Transitioning from military to business requires adaptability and courage.
Work-life balance is vital for personal well-being and relationships.
Family is a primary motivation for career choices and efforts.
Connect with Josh Sandler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandlerjosh/
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– Kyle and The Refit Podcast team
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#TheRefitPodcast #KyleKillian #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessLeadership #VeteranLeadership #HardThingAboutHardThings #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #CEOInsights #FounderStories #OperationalLeadership The Refit Podcast is where real leadership happens—no platitudes, no polished corporate speak, just honest conversations about the hard decisions that keep leaders up at night. Hosted by Kyle Killian, former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer with nearly 30 years of military, corporate, and entrepreneurial leadership experience, this podcast dives into the moments when the playbook stopped working and leaders had to figure it out anyway.
What is The Refit Podcast?
Welcome to The Refit Podcast, hosted by Kyle Killian.
This is where we talk about leadership the way leaders actually experience it—messy, uncertain, and nothing like the books make it sound.
I'm Kyle Killian, founder of Kohora. I spent nearly three decades leading in military, corporate, and entrepreneurial environments—from intelligence missions in Iraq to senior roles at Nike, Converse, and Fanatics.
And here's what I've learned: every single thing in business is a leadership problem.On this podcast, I sit down with CEOs, founders, operators, and fellow veterans who've transitioned to business leadership. We're not here to recite frameworks or share motivational quotes.
We're here to talk about the hard thing about hard things—the decisions that didn't have a right answer, the conversations you couldn't avoid, and the moments that changed how you lead.If you've ever been in a situation where the playbook stopped working and you had to figure it out anyway, this podcast is for you.