In this heartfelt and reflective episode, the co-hosts of eLABorate Topics come together to celebrate the end of an incredible Season 4 and the podcast series with Lona Small. Join us as we look back on our journey, share favorite moments, and highlight the episodes and topics that resonated most with our listeners. We also discuss the impact of the show on the lab community, the invaluable lessons learned along the way, and the contributions of our inspiring guests. This episode serves as a tha...
Dec 24, 2024•56 min•Season 4Ep. 40
In this insightful episode, listeners will hear Dr. Alan Wu’s innovative approach to raising public awareness about the vital role of laboratory medicine in healthcare. Through his advocacy, Dr. Wu aims to transform how lab medicine is perceived and appreciated by diverse audiences. Tune as as we unfold Dr. Alan Wu’s Visionary Three-Step Plan to Advocate for the Laboratory Medicine profession! 📖 The Role of Real-Life Stories in Revealing Lab Work’s Impact Through powerful patient stories, Dr. W...
Nov 19, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 39
Welcome to another episode of eLABorate Topics! Today, co-host and leadership mentor Tywauna Wilson discusses the power of strategic assessments in building future-ready laboratory teams. As laboratories face increasing challenges in talent development and team dynamics, Tywauna shares valuable insights on using professional assessments to strengthen your lab's effectiveness and prepare for future success. In this episode, we'll cover: Understanding five key assessments (DISC, Motivators, Core C...
Nov 12, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 38
Welcome to the Elaborate Topics Podcast In today’s episode, we dive into a conversation on how medical laboratory professionals and leaders can make a difference by giving back. As lab leaders, you hold a unique position to impact not only the profession but also your community. This episode covers the importance of giving back and how doing so can elevate both your career and the healthcare profession. So, whether you're just starting in your lab career or already leading teams, we’ll give you ...
Oct 29, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 37
Advocacy within the laboratory community can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Why not blend your passions with your professional responsibilities? This week, we’re beyond excited to bring you another engaging episode of the eLABorate Topics podcast! Our guest, the incredibly talented Sophia Chandrasekar, MLS(ASCP), joins co-host Stephanie Whitehead to chat about advocacy in the lab world. It’s an episode full of practical tips, heartwarming stories, and a splash of lab-inspired fash...
Oct 22, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 36
Welcome to another insightful episode of eLABorate Topics! Today, host and leadership mentor Tywauna Wilson gives practical strategies for lab professionals on effectively communicating their value to non-technical audiences. Whether dealing with clinicians, hospital administrators, or even patients, Tywauna shares key tips to help you articulate the critical role of laboratory work in a way that's relatable and impactful. In this episode, we'll cover: Aligning your message with the priorities o...
Oct 15, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 35
Episode Summary: In today’s episode of the Elaborate Topics Podcast , host Lona Small, your career success coach, dives deep into the power of a growth mindset for medical lab professionals. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by constant changes and challenges in the lab, this episode will help you reframe your perspective and unlock your potential. Using the relatable story of Sarah—a dedicated lab professional struggling to adapt to new technology—Lona illustrates how shifti...
Oct 08, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 34
Tune in today for an insightful discussion on how mistakes and failures can serve as powerful learning opportunities, driving growth and innovation. Join hosts Stephanie Whitehead, Lona Small, and Tywauna Wilson as they share personal experiences and valuable insights on transforming failures into stepping stones for success. Key takeaways: 1. Embrace Vulnerability: Being open about mistakes not only makes you more relatable but also helps create a psychologically safe workspace where innovation...
Oct 01, 2024•56 min•Season 4Ep. 33
In this episode of eLABorate Topics, host Tywauna Wilson discuss strategies and best practices for mastering remote and hybrid work environments within the medical laboratory field. Enhance your team’s performance with practical strategies, communication tips, and productivity tools tailored for the evolving workspace. Stay tuned for insights that will help you navigate the new world of work with confidence and efficiency! Today, we'll cover: Discover key communication protocols Identify the tra...
Sep 24, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 32
We're thrilled to bring you the another episode of "eLABorate Topics," where we delve into the essentials of effective communication in the healthcare setting! In this episode, cohost Stephanie Whitehead engages in an insightful conversation with special guest Doryan Redding. Together, they explore strategies for fostering understanding and positivity in both professional and personal realms. This is an episode you won't want to miss! 🔍 Episode Highlights: 1. The ICE Model for Communication: Di...
Sep 17, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 31
Are you a medical lab professional struggling to find happiness and fulfillment in your career? If you're feeling overwhelmed by productivity pressures, stuck in endless meetings, or managing a team under constant stress, the problem may not be what you think. What if the root cause of your unhappiness isn't your workload, hours, or even your boss, but rather the neglect of some fundamental, non-negotiable principles in your career? In this episode, your host, Lona Small, career success coach, d...
Sep 04, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 30
Tune in as Stephanie Whitehead and her guest, Lisa Maruta, delve into a candid conversation about diversity in STEM, overcoming challenges, and the power of representation. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights for anyone passionate about science and inclusion. Here's what's covered in this episode: **Advocating for Diversity:** Lisa, a dedicated biomedicine student aiming to become a research scientist and lecturer, shares why diversity in STEM is crucial and how she p...
Aug 27, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 29
In this episode of eLABorate Topics, host Tywauna Wilson discusses essential Emotional Intelligence strategies for new laboratory supervisors transitioning from technical roles to leadership positions. Today, we'll cover: Understanding Emotional Intelligence in laboratory supervision Using the Pause Button Technique for managing emotions How to apply the Empathy map tool to better understand team members Delivering constructive feedback using the Feedback sandwich Take Action: Implement one Emot...
Aug 20, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 28
Do you find yourself excited about your plans, projects, and initiatives, only to be derailed by others’ priorities that don’t support your vision as an impactful leader? Are you juggling too many priorities, leading to discouragement and burnout? This episode of Elaborate Topics is for you. Join host Lona Small, a career success coach, as she dives into how focusing on fewer initiatives can help you achieve the impact you desire for yourself and your team—without sacrificing your well-being. Ep...
Aug 14, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 27
In this episode of eLABorate Topics, host Tywauna Wilson explores the critical role of emotional intelligence (EI) in job interviews for leadership positions in medical laboratories. Listeners will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to demonstrate their EI during the interview process. Today, we'll cover: Understand why emotional intelligence is increasingly valued in laboratory leadership roles Learn techniques for crafting compelling stories that showcase your EI in action Discove...
Aug 06, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 26
We are excited to bring you another insightful episode! Where do laboratory medicine and health equity intersect? In today's episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead sat down with Kyle Riding to take a deep dive into the pressing issue of health disparities, especially within laboratory diagnostics. Whether you're a seasoned lab professional or just beginning your journey, this episode uncovers critical insights you won't want to miss. Here’s a glimpse of what we cover: **Impact of Health Literacy o...
Jul 30, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Episode Highlights: 1. Welcome to Elaborate Topics Podcast! Are you struggling to wake up with energy and excitement for the day ahead? Do you find yourself overwhelmed, stressed, and unfulfilled in your leadership role? You're not alone. Many leaders, especially in high-stress environments like medical laboratories, face similar challenges. Host: Lona Small, Career Success Coach 1. Love Yourself First Importance: Loving yourself first is crucial for maintaining balance and positive energy. Tips...
Jul 23, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 24
In this insightful episode of "eLABorate Topics," our co-hosts delve into the mindset required for career success and the courage to pursue personal fulfillment. They share practical tips, personal challenges, and the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and continuous growth. Key Points Courage and Leadership: Making tough decisions with confidence and integrity. Shifting Perspectives: Viewing work as a platform for growth and learning. Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Embracing a growth m...
Jul 09, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Join us for an insightful episode where we delve into the impactful careers and contributions of two trailblazing doctors in clinical laboratory science, Dr. Lashanta Brice and Dr. Melody Boudreaux Nelson. Explore their journeys, the significance of a DCLS degree, and the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. Today, we'll cover: - The Importance of DCLS Professionals and Collaborative Healthcare - Comprehensive Advice for Pursuing a DCLS Degree - How to Showcase the Labo...
Jul 02, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 22
In this episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead interviews Dr. Kathryn Golab, DCLS, MLS(ASCP)^CM, SH^CM, a trailblazer in laboratory medicine and a strong advocate for laboratory professionals. Dr. Golab shares her unique career journey, starting from her high school days through obtaining her doctorate. She explains the importance of laboratory advocacy, and how she uses social media platforms like X (Twitter) and LinkedIn to enhance visibility and awareness for the laboratory profession. Dr. Gola...
Jun 25, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 21
In this episode, join Tywauna Wilson and Stephanie Whitehead as they dive into their recent experience at the Lab Manager Leadership Summit. From insightful sessions to engaging workshops, listen as they share their key takeaways, memorable moments, and reflections on how the summit has impacted their approach to laboratory management and leadership. Tune in to hear Tywauna and Stephanie unpack their summit experience and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of laboratory manageme...
Jun 11, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 20
In this episode of eLABorate Topics, hosts Tywauna Wilson delve into the critical role of emotional intelligence in the digital era, especially within the high-pressure environment of medical laboratories. Listen in to discover practical tips and insights for enhancing your emotional intelligence, leading to a more harmonious and effective workplace. Today, we'll cover: - The importance of emotional intelligence for effective communication and teamwork - How emotional intelligence impacts patien...
Jun 04, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 19
In this episode, host Lona Small addresses the top challenge facing medical lab professionals leaders today: work-life balance. Lona introduces the concept of "work-life alignment" and shares seven essential strategies to help professionals achieve a fulfilling and balanced life. Key Points: 1. Envision Your Ideal Life: • Imagine your perfect day from morning to night, including work and personal time. • Visualize interactions, accomplishments, and routines to create a clear picture of your idea...
May 28, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Join us today for an inspiring episode as Stephanie Whitehead and Aaron Odegard interview Mark Ishaug , a transformative leader and CEO, who shares his philosophy of leading with love and passion. Mark reveals how his compassionate leadership style has fostered a thriving workplace culture and driven remarkable organizational success. Tune in to learn how love and empathy can be powerful tools for effective leadership. Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us on all social media @elaboratetopics...
May 21, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 17
In this episode of eLABorate Topics, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of laboratory technology and staffing with our guest, Lee Springer, a seasoned expert in healthcare administration. We explore the critical challenges and innovative solutions that can redefine the future of laboratory operations and personnel development. Today, we'll cover: - The innovative use of AI and machine learning in developing software tools to transform lab ordering processes. - Strategies for enhancing staf...
May 14, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this episode, cohost, Stephanie Whitehead, explores the quiet battle of impostor syndrome with our special guest, Marisa James, CEO of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS ) . Impostor syndrome, marked by self-doubt and feeling inadequate despite achievements, impacts people in various professions, even CEOs. Marisa shares her personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome in leadership roles. Key Takeaways: Understanding ...
May 07, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In today’s episode of eLABorate Topics, we delve deep into the intersection of opportunity and growth within the pathology and laboratory medicine arenas, guided by the engaging insights of Dr. Dana Powell Baker, president of the Society of Black Pathology. Get ready to explore the expansive impact of saying "yes," embracing leadership, and fostering inclusivity in the field. Today, we’ll cover: - Dr. Dana Powell Baker’s journey from a medical laboratory scientist to the president of the Society...
Apr 30, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this episode of the eLABorate Topics podcast, host Lona Small delves into the challenge faced by lab leaders in securing support from upper leadership for their initiatives. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, Lona outlines five strategic steps to effectively garner the backing needed for successful lab projects. From knowing your "why" to presenting results, each step is crucial in navigating the complexities of organizational support. Join Lona as she shares practical advice and...
Apr 24, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 13
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Rodney Rohde and delve into the dynamic world of laboratory science and the journey of transformation led at Texas State University. Dr. Rohde shares insights into the pivotal decision to transition the program's name from Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare education and practice. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive two-year process Dr. Rohde and his team undertook t...
Apr 16, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode, Stephanie Whitehead delves into the fascinating world of leadership with a twist - the introverted leader. Join Stephanie as she sits down with Jennifer "Jeni" Becker, a seasoned clinical laboratory leader whose introverted demeanor belies a wealth of leadership insights and strategies. Introverts often find themselves in leadership roles, yet their approach may differ significantly from the extroverted stereotype. Jeni shares her journey, navigating the complexities of leadersh...
Apr 09, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 11
