
Episode #14
Be Bold: Leadership with Al Pilong and Tina Freese Decker
What does it take to lead one of America's largest health systems during a time of unprecedented change? In this episode of The AP Leadership Podcast , I sit down with Tina Freese Decker , President & CEO of Corewell Health, to explore the leadership principles that have shaped her journey—from lessons learned from her grandmother to leading a $14 billion integrated health system serving communities across Michigan. Tina shares why great leaders embrace healthy debate, create "we over me" cultures, lead with curiosity and humility, and have the courage to be bold even in uncertain times. We also discuss Abraham Lincoln's "Team of Rivals," the importance of staying connected to the front lines, how leaders inspire hope, and why healthcare remains, at its core, a profoundly human business. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why "doing hard things" shapes great leaders • How bold leadership inspires hope in others • The importance of healthy debate and diverse perspectives • Why leadership behaviors matter more than leadership titles • How curiosity, humility, and adaptability build stronger organizations • Practical ways leaders stay connected to their people Whether you lead a healthcare organization, a business, a nonprofit, or a small team, Tina's insights offer timeless lessons on leading with courage, purpose, and humanity. If you enjoy conversations with exceptional leaders, please subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review.

