John Couris is one of the most recognized health care leaders in the Sunshine State, having run the Florida Health Sciences Center, parent entity of Tampa General Hospital, since 2017. On this episode, John Couris talks about how he leads one of the biggest medical and health care organizations in Florida. One key: constantly and consistently focusing on culture. Listen, too, for how he overcomes setbacks and failures.

3 Takeaways:

(11:00) Don’t go along to get along

(16:00) I work on culture by working on authenticity, empathy, transparency, and vulnerability

(21:30) Leaders have the responsibility to create an environment where people are psychologically safe

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing John Couris, President and CEO, Florida Health Sciences Center

(06:00) Getting started in healthcare administration and career path

(09:00) Mentors and leadership advice

(14:30) How do you maintain the culture?

(19:30) Examples of vulnerability

(23:00) Good leadership characteristics

(29:35) Florida Health Sciences Center in 2025

Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more.

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Lilah (pronounced like Layla) has overseen the supply chain for east Manatee County-based First Watch since 2017. She’s been in food service supply and logistics for some 30 years, working for Bloomin’ Brands and Benihana, among other entities. On this episode Lilah talks about her early lessons in hospitality, including why details matter and why no task in a customer service field is insignificant. She also talked about what brings her joy at work, what she looks for in future leaders and the mission that drives her everyday.

3 Takeaways:

(08:00) Keep risk away and supply in place

(15:50) There is nothing wrong with dissent

(17:20) Don’t take it personally, it’s just business

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Lilah Taha-Rippett, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, First Watch

(03:45) Getting into the food industry

(06:00) Working for Ken Pendery

(07:30) What does your job entail?

(08:40) Dealing with price increases

(10:00) Key mentors

(13:00) What do you look for in leaders?

(15:30) Leadership advice

(17:10) Dealing with setbacks

(19:00) First Watch in 2025

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A nonprofit executive, Sarah has been with the University Area CDC since 2010 and executive director and CEO since 2015. The University Area CDC is a nonprofit public/private partnership supporting residents and neighborhoods in the University area, surrounding University of South Florida's Tampa campus. On this episode, Sarah talks about what she learned about leadership from growing up and working on a farm and how she’s applied it to her current role. Sarah, who recently earned her Ph.D. while working at the University Area CDC, also talks about what she looks for in future leaders and how she’s overcome setbacks and mistakes. And listen for when Sarah chats about her latest gig: working as an assistant professor in the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida.

3 Takeaways:

1. (06:20) Take your kids to work with you
2. (10:15) Great leaders are committed to growth across the board
3. (10:50) Good leaders make tough decisions and are transparent about them

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO, University Area Community Development Corp. Inc

(03:00) How did you get to the University Area CDC?

(04:15) Growing up on a farm

(07:00) What is the University Area CDC and why did you join?

(08:55) Teaching at USF Tampa

(10:15) What are good leadership characteristics?

(11:20) What have you learned as a leader?

(12:20) What setbacks have you learned from?

(14:45) Key mentors

(17:15) Leadership advice

(19:10) University Area CDC in 2025

Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more.

Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.