From Counting Clicks to Shaping AI Policy: Inside Healthcare's Policy Powerhouses || EP.217

"I bleed purple at work. I don't bleed Republican red or Democrat blue—I bleed purple, the color of my company."

When two of healthcare technology's most influential policy voices join forces, you get the unvarnished truth about how healthcare transformation really happens in Washington and beyond.

Leigh Burchell (VP Policy and Public Affairs at Altera Digital Health) and Leslie Krigstein (VP Communication & Government Affairs at Transcarent) have spent decades translating between Silicon Valley innovation and Capitol Hill regulation. Their combined influence has shaped everything from meaningful use to digital health adoption.

In this revealing episode, Leigh and Leslie discuss:

Why they're still counting clicks in 2025

Humanizing corporate interests while maintaining credibility

The delicate dance between innovation and regulation in the age of AI

Why "pledges" are back under Trump 2.0

How consumerization is revolutionizing healthcare

Being "the sharpest person in the room" while staying honest

"Every policy maker wants to talk about digital health," Leigh notes. "It's massively exploding at the state level too."

With AI "bullet training down the tracks," both women navigate the balance between enabling innovation and avoiding regulation that could "cut us off at the knees."

Their secret to influence? Collaboration and genuine relationships.

"We all want the same thing. People can sense that, so we hold hands and run in the same direction," says Leigh.

Leslie adds: "There are lasting relationships with folks on Capitol Hill that started with simple coffee."

Both have stood up to CEOs, defended patient interests over profits, and maintained integrity when commercial pressures mounted.

For aspiring policy influencers: Be an advocate in all facets of life. Find your passion. Build trust through honesty.

Chapters

03:45 - From Hill to Healthcare Tech: Finding Your Policy Passion

06:29 - Making Complex Policy Personal for Lawmakers

10:06 - Bleeding Purple: Navigating Bipartisan Corporate Advocacy

13:16 - The Deregulation Cycle and State-Level Explosion

15:00 - AI and the Consumerization Revolution in Healthcare

21:44 - Building Collaborative Networks for Policy Impact

24:42 - The Power of Being the Trusted Expert in the Room

29:20 - Finding Passion in Policy: Career Advice for Advocates

Guest & Host Links

Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn

Connect with Leigh Burchell on LinkedIn

Connect with Leslie Krigstein on LinkedIn

Connect with Inspiring Women

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