Connecting the dots: Finding shared purpose in healthcare | For the Better Podcast

In this episode of For the Better, Lauren sits down with Laila Waggoner, a healthcare marketing veteran with more than 40 years of experience spanning agencies, industries, and health systems. As founder of Strategy for Hire, Laila has built a reputation as a "Chief Connector"—someone who helps health systems, agencies, consultants, and industry leaders find opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and create greater value together. Drawing on decades of experience on both the agency and client sides, Laila shares what makes partnerships successful, why healthcare marketing is uniquely collaborative, and how organizations can unlock better outcomes by focusing on shared goals instead of competing priorities. The conversation explores the evolution of healthcare systems, the growing importance of specialization, and why the most successful collaborations happen when everyone keeps patients, clients, and empathy at the center of the work. Whether you're a healthcare marketer, agency leader, consultant, or health system executive, this episode is packed with practical insights on relationship-building, leadership, and creating meaningful connections that move healthcare forward. 🔑 In this episode, you'll learn: Why collaboration is becoming more important across healthcare organizations What healthcare marketers can learn from both the agency and client perspectives How successful partnerships are built around shared goals Why specialization is changing the future of healthcare marketing The value of connecting people, ideas, and opportunities How healthcare organizations can think differently about competition What industry associations and conferences contribute to professional growth Why curiosity and continuous learning matter in a rapidly changing industry How meaningful connections create opportunities for innovation Why empathy remains one of healthcare's most important leadership skills ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00: Welcome & introduction to Laila Waggoner 02:26: A 40-year journey through healthcare marketing 05:19: The value of agency and health system perspectives 06:13: Doing different things differently 10:44: What makes a great partnership work 11:45: The evolution of healthcare systems and collaboration 15:03: Shared goals as the foundation for success 17:58: The rise of specialization in healthcare marketing 21:00: Becoming a connector and creating opportunities for others 25:06: The power of SHSMD and professional communities 31:39: Why healthcare marketing is uniquely collaborative 36:34: The one thing that could change healthcare for the better 👩‍💼 About Laila Waggoner: Laila Waggoner is the founder and Chief Dot Connector at Strategy for Hire, a healthcare marketing consultancy that helps health systems, agencies, and solution providers build stronger partnerships and create greater value. With more than four decades of experience across agencies, hospitals, health systems, and consulting, she is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare marketing and currently serves on the National Advisory Board of the Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD). 💬 What's the best professional connection you've ever made? Let us know in the comments. For the Better is a podcast for healthcare marketers looking to affect change in their communities. Each month, we talk with leaders in hospitals, health systems, consulting, and beyond who are working to increase access to care through culture, experience, and digital tools. Topics you’ll hear about: Healthcare marketing strategy and brand building Digital front doors, self-scheduling, and product ownership AI in healthcare marketing and patient experience Inclusive and accessible digital experiences Recruitment, retention, and culture in health systems … and more. Listen, watch, like, and subscribe to hear how other leaders, and you, can change healthcare for the better. Connect with Us! ✅ Subscribe:    / @reasononeinc   💻 Website: https://www.reasononeinc.com/ 🎧 Podcast: podcast link here [https://forthebetter.libsyn.com/] 🤝 LinkedIn:   / reason-one-inc   Reason One: Healthcare’s digital ally. Reason One is a web development agency dedicated to helping hospitals and health systems increase access to care through thoughtful innovation, team alignment, a strong network of partners and an unwavering dedication to web accessibility. Our core expertise includes: Digital strategy and roadmapping for hospitals and health systems Enterprise health system websites and headless CMS implementations Accessible, inclusive UX and design that supports all patients Analytics, SEO/AEO/GEO, and optimization that drive measurable growth If you’re responsible for the digital face of your health system—and you want it to work better for patients, providers, and your team—Reason One is here to help you build what’s next.