Episode 190: Belonging, Burnout, and Better Leadership with Ed Speedling

In this episode, I sit down with Ed Speedling, Principal and Executive Advisor at ES Healthcare Consulting. Ed brings a unique blend of clinical experience and senior leadership, giving him a practical perspective on a topic many leaders avoid: mental health in the workplace.

Ed began his career working directly with children and families, and that experience continues to shape how he approaches leadership. Today, he advises health systems, private equity groups, and organizations across the country, helping leaders find solutions that work for both the business and the people inside it.

We talk about a situation most leaders have faced, but few feel prepared for. Someone walks into their office with a personal issue, and suddenly, the leader who can handle complex operations feels out of their depth. Ed explains that the issue is not competence but that most organizations never teach leaders how to respond in those moments.

We also explore what it looks like to take mental health seriously as an organization. Ed makes a clear point: mental health is health. He walks through how leaders can move beyond good intentions and build systems—prevention, early intervention, and measurement—that support both employees and performance.

A key part of the conversation centers on belonging and psychological safety. Ed connects this directly to results, showing that strong outcomes require strong teams.

If you are a leader focused on results but have not spent much time on the human side of leadership, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you practical ways to lead more effectively.

Get in touch with Ed: https://www.eshealthcareconsulting.com/

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