Celebrating Women’s History Month: Insights from Women Across Our Network

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Nashville Health Care Council convened leaders from across our network for a Women’s Connect gathering focused on connection and perspective.

As part of the conversation, we invited attendees to share one book, podcast, or article that has meaningfully influenced them or their careers. The recommendations were practical, personal, and varied, reflecting the different paths and perspectives represented in the room.

Below is a curated list of their selections, including the title, creator, and a brief note on why each made an impact.

• Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell: Argues that individual talent is not the sole contribution to success but also depends on being in the right spaces at the right time. 
• Follow "The Female Quotient" on socials and join the cause. Help women make up more board seats in corporate America!

• Body Language Expert: This Is Why People Don’t Take You Seriously | Vanessa Van Edwards on Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

• Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer: "A genuine, lovely book about finding purpose and meaning from a spiritual view."
• Good Hang with Amy Poehler: "This podcast has not helped me in my career, but it has made me laugh and that is worth its weight in gold!"
• Mel Robbins - The Body Reset: How women should eat and exercise for health, fat loss and energy
• Tattoos on The Heart by Gregory Boyle: "Just reread this book - wonderful narrative focusing on God is love, community and kinship." 
• Advice: "Join and support women-specific industry groups. for example - women in cybersecurity, women in tech tennessee."
• "Being powerful is being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't" - Margaret Thatcher
• Healthcare IT Today -  CIO Podcast - Episode 109: Fractional CIO Work with Ryan Thousand: "With rural health and critical access care in such a fragile state, I found Ryan's insights of great vlaue for technology and infrastructure stability."
• Carless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams:  A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
• "Women are meant to blossom, women are meant to slay, women can do anything in this world, so give them wings, and let them fly high!"
• The Toast hosted by Claudia and Jackie Oshry. "While it hasn’t directly influenced my professional growth, it has become a staple of my daily commute. The lighthearted take on pop culture and current events offers a consistent dose of humor, a reminder that sometimes a little levity is exactly what’s needed to make long days feel more manageable."
• Radical Cnator by Kim Philips 
• "Whenever possible, take the scenic route" 
• Advice: Always give fellow women (coworkers, peers, leaders, subordinates, friends) public recognition when they do something awesome. Post about them on LinkedIn/social and tag them, let the world know how amazing they are!" 
• Advice: "Good to great (on repeat)."
• Advice: "Compassion is not a relationship between the healed and the wounded, but a covenant between equals." - Pema Chödrön, The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times

We hope this list sparks a new idea, a fresh perspective, or your next great read — and we look forward to continuing the conversation.

The Nashville Health Care Council supports leaders at every level, strengthening Nashville as The Healthcare City. The Council fosters connections, drives innovation, and provides opportunities for industry leaders to collaborate, grow businesses, and shape the future of healthcare.

About the Nashville Health Care Council
The Nashville Health Care Council strengthens and elevates Nashville as The Healthcare City. With a $68 billion economic impact and 333,000 jobs locally, Nashville’s healthcare ecosystem is a world-class healthcare hub. Founded in 1995, the Council serves as the common ground for the city’s vibrant healthcare cluster. The Council offers engagement opportunities where the industry’s most influential executives come together to exchange ideas, share solutions, build businesses and grow leaders.