How do you lead when the work gets hard, uncertainty is high, and your team is struggling to stay positive?
In this episode, Chris Lancaster, CEO of Baylor Scott & White in Waco, shares how leaders can navigate difficult seasons without losing sight of what matters. He reflects on why leadership requires both high standards and grace, how reconnecting people with their purpose can help them through challenging times, and why leaders need to find a way forward even when things feel hard.
Chris offers a thoughtful reminder that difficult seasons are part of leadership. The challenge is learning how to respond to them, support the people around you, and keep moving forward together.
Chris Lancaster has devoted more than 17 years to serving communities across Texas and is passionate about strengthening healthcare access and quality for Central Texans. He serves on the Council of Policy Development for the Texas Hospital Association, is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and was named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s Rising Stars list of 67 healthcare leaders under 40.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
- How to give people grace while still holding them accountable
- Why reconnecting people to their why matters when the work gets tough
- How leaders can stay optimistic without ignoring the challenges
- How to help your team navigate uncertainty without creating an “us versus them” mentality
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What is Culture By Design?
Meet business owners and executives who recognize that employee culture is too important to be left to chance. Each week, we dive into how companies like yours transform accidental norms into purposeful strategies that accelerate growth while enabling employees to thrive. If you're eager to turn culture into a competitive advantage for your small or mid-sized business, Heather Smith, CEO of Talent Elevated, will give you practical strategies for designing culture with intention and unlocking employee potential. Find the clarity, focus, and actionable insights to build a workplace where your team is invested in their work, their colleagues, and the company mission—even when business priorities feel overwhelming.