Podcast Episode
24: Tired of Bureaucracy? Here’s Where Nurses Can Lead Change, Fast

About this episode
🎙 Episode Overview
Hey there, changemakers! In this episode, I’m diving into a career path that doesn’t get talked about enough for nurse leaders—working at a scale-up. If you’re feeling stuck in a bureaucratic system or frustrated by the slow pace of change in healthcare, this episode will give you a fresh perspective.
I’ll share insights from my own journey into the scale-up world, how these companies differ from startups and corporations, and why nurses who thrive on innovation can make a huge impact here.
🔑 In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhat a scale-up actually is and how it fits between a startup and a corporationWhy nurses are uniquely equipped to thrive in a scale-up environmentThe types of work you’ll do—from building systems to cross-functional collaborationHow to know if a scale-up is right for you based on your personality and work styleMy personal experience transitioning from hospital leadership to a health tech scale-up
🧠 Key Ideas to Take With YouScale-ups thrive on innovation—if you’re tired of hearing “That’s how we’ve always done it,” this might be the space for youYou’ll see the impact of your work right away—no 18-month pilots or 12-person committeesProfessional development is a priority—leadership growth happens now, not five years from nowYou’re building the scaffolding for future growth—not just brainstorming ideas but making real, scalable systemsCross-functional influence is key—you’ll work with diverse teams like marketing, engineering, and product design
🎧 How to Get the Most Out of This EpisodeThink about your current work environment. Are you feeling stifled by red tape? Do your ideas often feel ahead of your team’s pace? Are you craving a faster, more flexible environment where you can test new ideas? This episode is all about finding the right context to match your energy and innovation mindset.
🛠️ Practical Actions You Can TakeSelf-Reflect: Ask yourself if you enjoy fast-paced environments and building something from the ground up.Research Scale-Ups: Look into local and remote opportunities that align with your skills.Reach Out: Connect with nurse leaders working in scale-ups to hear firsthand what it’s like.Explore Professional Development: Seek out companies that actively invest in leadership and innovation training.Take the Leap: If a scale-up sounds like your jam, don’t be afraid to make a bold career move.
📣 Special Invitation
💡 Got questions about working at a scale-up or navigating your own career path?I’d love to hear from you! Fill out the Google form linked in the show notes to share your thoughts or ask questions. Your input helps shape future episodes!
📲 Call to ActionDM me on Instagram at @nursing.the.system with your thoughts on today’s episode.Join my Systems Sunday email list for your weekly dose of strategy and sanity for nurses leading change in healthcare.Subscribe, Rate & Review the podcast—it helps me reach more nurse changemakers.Explore the Map Your Impact Mini-Course: Use code MYI10Off to get it for just $29.
👉 Resources MentionedMap Your Impact Mini-Course: Get it hereFollow me on Instagram: @nursing.the.systemSystem Sunday Newsletter: Sign up hereGoogle Form for Questions: Submit here