Last week, I had the privilege of attending the American College of Healthcare Executives Congress on Healthcare Leadership in Houston, Texas, alongside more than 7,000 colleagues from across the country. It was an incredible opportunity to connect, reflect, and look ahead in the ever-evolving health care landscape. Amid the daily demands of our work, this gathering provided a moment to pause and appreciate what we have accomplished at HASD&IC and with our regional partners — while also acknowledging the work still ahead to ensure all Californians have access to reliable, high-quality care.
A key takeaway from the conference was the reminder that data alone doesn’t drive change — stories do. Brené Brown’s keynote emphasized the profound role storytelling plays in advocacy: While facts and figures are essential, it’s the human experiences behind them that truly resonate. This is a powerful lesson for us as we communicate the needs of our communities and champion policies that improve care.
Brown also introduced an equation — S( )R — that underscores the importance of creating space between stimulus and response. In a fast-moving world, it’s easy to react instantly, but sometimes the most thoughtful responses come from pausing, reflecting, and allowing uncertainty to guide us toward a clearer path. As we navigate changes in health care, this principle can help us be more intentional in our advocacy, ensuring that we listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and tell the most compelling stories to drive meaningful change.
More than ever, we must lean on each other, share our experiences, and engage in open conversations — whether that’s with policymakers, hospitals, or the communities we serve. Achieving our vision of accessible, equitable health care for all will require not just data-driven decision-making, but also the ability to amplify the voices of those most affected. By strengthening communication and embracing the power of storytelling, we can shape a better future together.