EP 114: The Power of Showing Up: How Leaders Influence Culture Every Day

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, President and CEO of Virtua Health and an influential voice in healthcare leadership. Known for his commitment to being a “champion of humanity” and for leading with presence, purpose, and heart, Dennis shares insights on culture, authenticity, and what it truly means to show up as a leader.

From discussing the leadership lessons woven through his Amazon bestselling book Suited for Leadership to exploring how he fosters respect and belonging across a large health system, Dennis offers a powerful reminder that great leadership isn’t about status…it’s about how you treat people.

If you want to learn how to lead with courage, authenticity, and humanity, this episode is for you.

About Dennis Pullin

Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, is the President and CEO of Virtua Health, an academic health system in New Jersey serving communities across more than 400 locations. Widely recognized for his transformational leadership, Dennis has been named one of the Top 10 Healthcare Leaders in the U.S., a Top 25 Innovator, and one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People. A thought leader, board member, educator, and advocate for health equity, he is also the author of the bestselling book Suited for Leadership: How to Show Up with Purpose to Have a Lasting Impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Dennis defines being “suited” for leadership — and why it has nothing to do with clothing

Why authenticity is the most attractive trait in a leader

How he creates a culture of respect, belonging, and shared purpose at Virtua Health

What it looks like to hold people accountable at every level, including the highest

Why vulnerability and continuous learning are essential leadership practices

The “refrigerator moment” his mother gave him that still guides him today

And yes…what makes the perfect margarita

Links & Resources

Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn

Email Dennis: dmoise@virtua.org

Grab a copy of his book, Suited for Leadership: How to Show Up with Purpose to Have Lasting Impact here.

Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say

Check out Renee Thompson’s newly revised book and #1 Amazon Best Seller Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here!

Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here!

Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!

Have a question for Renee?

Email us at wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!

Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.

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