Send us Fan Mail
In Part Two of Future-Proofing Care: The Challenges We Face in Hospice and Palliative Care, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner explore the accelerating forces reshaping hospice and palliative care—from shifting patient demographics to the rapid rise of AI and regulatory complexity.
As the industry transitions to serving a more diverse, resource-variable baby boomer population, leaders are challenged to rethink how care is delivered, personalized, and sustained in an increasingly complex environment.
The conversation dives into the tension between Innovation and regulation, the transformative (yet imperfect) role of Technology, and the growing Mental Health crisis impacting patients, families, and care teams alike. With AI poised to revolutionize communication and care delivery—but infrastructure and human connection still critical—the episode emphasizes a central truth: technology must enhance, not replace, the heart of care.
Ultimately, this episode offers a strategic roadmap for leaders navigating uncertainty. Through the memorable framework “Grow, No, Flow, Sow, R&D,” the hosts provide actionable insight into building resilient, future-ready organizations—equipping healthcare and nonprofit leaders to move from feeling overwhelmed by change to actively shaping what comes next.
Key Takeaways
- Demographic shifts—especially the rise of the baby boomer population—are redefining care expectations, financial realities, and caregiver availability.
- Innovation is outpacing regulation, creating friction—but also opportunity for leaders to proactively shape policy.
- AI and emerging technologies will dramatically transform care delivery, but must be used to enhance—not replace—human connection.
- The mental Health crisis is increasingly intersecting with hospice and palliative care, exposing systemic gaps and new responsibilities.
- Organizational culture (“reculture”) is the critical enabler—or barrier—to successfully navigating rapid change.
Co-Host:
Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics
Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios, Author of The Anatomy of Leadership
The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.
https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership
I am currently the President/CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network which is like a co-op of nonprofit hospice and palliative care organizations. I am also CEO of Teleios Consulting Group. The goal of the collaboration is to harness the best of each hospice and enable the network to better care in each community for the patients and families being served as well as introduce innovations across the membership network and work with payers for new innovative solutions for those dealing with serious or advanced illness.
I am also host two podcasts, Anatomy Of Leadership and TCNtalks. Anatomy of Leadership was inspired by my book "The Anatomy of Leadership" which I wrote for Leaders, visionaries, and change-makers. The podcast delves deep into the essence of purpose-driven and high-performance leadership.
The show guides you through a journey of discovery—revealing how effective leadership can significantly alter the trajectory of our teams, organizations, our lives, and the world at large.
We examine topics like:
- Self-Mastery
- Caring for Others
- Influence
- Intention
- Cause and Purpose
Bio
Over the years, I have become nationally known as a leader in our country’s hospice and palliative care industry, where I spent a large portion of my career as President/CEO of Four Seasons in western North Carolina, a 2009 American Hospital Association Circle of Life Award Winner. In 2005, the Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care honored me with the Peter Keese Leadership Award.
In 2006, I left Four Seasons for two years to build an alliance between the prestigious national healthcare consulting firm, the Studer Group, and Covenant Hospice in Pensacola. The vision was to transform, develop, and grow leaders throughout the hospice and palliative care world. With this venture from its infancy to an established coaching firm partnering with post-acute healthcare organizations from New York to California. I returned to Four Seasons in 2008 to apply everything learned in the trenches on leadership to an organization I knew and loved.
My hospice career began in 1997 at Covenant Hospice in Pensacola, Florida. Earlier in my career, where I worked with KPMG Peat Marwick, a “Big Four” CPA consulting firm, and with Cooper Industries, a Fortune 100 Company, in its Executive Development Program.
I have a Masters in Leadership from the Thayer Institute for Performance Virtuosity.
I am blessed to have a wonderful wife, Deshia and a proud parent of 5 children (3 boys and 2 girls). Love spending time outdoors with my family, reading, and learning in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
