The Courage to Lead Series is your front-row seat to stories, strategies, and real-world lessons from CRNAs and anesthesia leaders who have taken charge and made a difference.
Whether you’re a seasoned CRNA, a rising RRNA, or an anesthesia professional ready to step into a leadership role, this series is for you. You’ll walk away with practical tips, insider insights, and inspiration to lead with courage, no matter what the OR throws at you. If you want to sharpen your leadership skills and level up your CRNA career, this series is your playbook.
Courage In Action: Why Leadership Matters
Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a mindset. In anesthesia, the stakes are high: patient outcomes, team dynamics, and clinical decisions all hinge on confident, informed leadership. The Courage to Lead Series tackles the real challenges CRNAs face:
- Making tough calls under pressure
- Building cohesive, high-performing teams
- Navigating conflict and communication hurdles
- Driving change and innovation in your workplace
Learn from those who’ve been there, stumbled, and triumphed. Their lessons will give you the tools and confidence to lead—without losing sleep.
Leaders Who’ve Been There, Done That, and Teach It Too
Our hosts are CRNA pros who’ve been in the trenches and at the helm. They bring insight, experience, and a knack for sparking candid, practical conversations.
And then there are our guests: powerhouse CRNA leaders, educators, and innovators. Past guests have shared how they:
- Revolutionized team workflows in high-stakes ORs
- Mentored the next generation of anesthesia leaders
- Championed patient safety initiatives that changed outcomes
It’s not just a podcast—it’s a masterclass in leadership delivered with personality, humor, and a healthy dose of inspiration.
Join the Conversation
Lead with confidence. Grow with purpose. Tune in, subscribe, and get ready to transform your leadership journey. Got a burning question or topic idea? Reach out—we might feature it in an upcoming episode!
Courage To Lead / Episodes
Courage to Lead: Larry Hornsby’s Battle for CRNA Independence
In this Courage to Lead conversation, Larry Hornsby, CRNA, BSN reflects on his presidency during a pivotal and tumultuous era for the AANA at the turn of the century.
Former AANA President Hilda Salomon
We’re back with another Courage to Lead special and we’re honoring the legacy of Hilda Salomon, a pioneering figure in nurse anesthesia and the third president of the AANA.
Courage to Lead: 1998-99 AANA President Linda Williams
We’re excited to add another chapter to our Courage to Lead series with 1998-99 AANA President Linda Williams, JD, CRNA.
Courage to Lead: 2010-11 AANA President Paul Santoro, CRNA, MS
It has been more than a decade since Paul Santoro, CRNA, MS, served as the president of the AANA, but his impact on the organization can still be seen today. In this installment of our Courage to Lead…
Ep 112: Courage to Lead – Two-Term AANA President Peggy McFadden, CRNA, BS
The next installment of our Presidential Leadership Series features Peggy McFadden, CRNA, BS, who actually served two terms as the AANA president. Join us as we look back on her impressive career and …
Ep 103: Courage to Lead – 2018-19 AANA President Garry Brydges, PhD, DNP, MBA, CRNA, ACNP-BC, FAAN
We don’t have to go very far back to find the guest on the latest installment in our Presi-dential Leadership Series. Garry Brydges PhD, DNP, MBA, CRNA, ACNP-BC, FAAN, in the AANA, served as the AAN…