In this enlightening episode of "Awake in the Network," hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson sit down with healthcare innovator and author Robert Slayton to explore the intersection of healthcare reform and human wellness. From his early days in rural Ohio, learning the value of community to becoming a leading voice in healthcare supply chain management, Slayton shares how he's helping companies reclaim trapped profits while creating healthier, happier workplaces for employees.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as he opens up about his journey into men's mental health advocacy, sparked by personal challenges that led to creating resources for men seeking emotional support. Slayton, author of "Next Generation Healthcare" and "33 Ways Not to Screw Up Health Insurance," offers practical insights on navigating healthcare costs, advocating for yourself at doctor's appointments, and the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. This episode masterfully weaves healthcare innovation, personal growth, and the vital importance of building supportive communities, concluding with a heartfelt call to prioritize genuine human connection over digital interactions.

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

Cheryl Stokes

Cheryl is the CEO of CNEXT, a leadership development and executive networking company that helps connect, develop and advance high-impact leaders. Before taking on her CEO role, Cheryl was a Partner at Heidrick & Struggles, consulting in the firm’s Leadership Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Culture Shaping practices.

Before joining Heidrick & Struggles, Cheryl was the regional managing director for Duke Corporate Education’s European operations. Under her leadership, the region enjoyed its strongest growth and profitability in Duke CE history. Previously, Cheryl was the director of organization capability for The Coca-Cola Company, where she worked with the company and the bottling system across the US, Europe, Russia, Latin America, and the Philippines. Cheryl’s wide-ranging career experience also includes work as a Senior Metallurgical and Process Engineer at Alcoa and in Electrical and Product Engineering at General Motors.

Cheryl was named one of the 25 Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal in March 2020 and was named one of Paradigm for Parity’s Women on the Rise in August 2020. She is currently on the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association’s Triangle-area Go Red for Women Initiative and was named the 2022 Woman of Impact for the Triangle area.

Cheryl earned dual Master’s degrees in Management and Materials Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as part of the Leaders for Global Operations Program and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from GMI Engineering & Management Institute (formerly General Motors Institute, now Kettering).

 "Your career path is fascinating - from engineering at GM and Alcoa to leadership development. How did your technical background shape your approach to developing leaders, and what insights from engineering still influence your work today?"

 "CNEXT focuses on high-impact leaders. Based on your experience across multiple industries and continents, what leadership qualities have you found to be most crucial for driving meaningful organizational change in today's complex business environment?"

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

Join us for a transformative episode of the Awake in the Network Pod featuring Barb Burgess, founder of Corluma and former COO of the Wright Foundation. With over three decades of experience transforming organizations and leaders, Barb shares her unique perspective on leadership that turns traditional performance-based approaches on their head.

"Leadership is like being an archeologist," Barb reveals in this enlightening discussion. "You're just going to see what's there, which takes all the pressure off. I don't have to go perform, I don't have to do anything better than anybody else. I get to dig and see."

Drawing from her extensive experience as a corporate consultant, executive coach, and author of "Enough: Finding Peace in a World of Distractions, Hustle, and Expectations," Barb challenges conventional wisdom about professional development and career transitions. She shares how letting go of the need for everything to "make sense" led to opportunities and connections that would have been impossible through traditional strategic planning.

In this milestone 50th episode, you'll discover:

• Why heart-led decision making often outperforms logical planning
• How removing the pressure for outcomes can lead to richer results
• The unexpected power of connections that "don't have to make sense"
• Why your heart, not your mind, might be your best career counselor

As the creator of the one-woman show "The Extraordinary Experience of Being Ordinary" and a leader who has guided countless executives through transformative change, Barb brings both vulnerability and practical wisdom to this conversation.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader who has helped shape organizations from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to numerous Fortune 500 companies. Whether you're navigating a career transition, leading a team, or seeking a fresh perspective on professional growth, this episode offers insights that challenge conventional wisdom and open new possibilities.

Listen now to episode 50 of the Awake Network Pod and discover why sometimes the most powerful strategy is simply being willing to dig deep and see what emerges.

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/