Summary
In this vulnerable and powerful episode on the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Bob Dent – a nurse executive, executive coach, author, and someone I’ve respected for over a decade – to explore how leaders can create emotionally safe, respectful, and human-centered workplaces in healthcare.
We go beyond the buzzwords and dive into the realities of fear-based leadership, toxic cultures, and mental health challenges in leadership. Bob shares not only his incredible professional insights, but also his deeply personal story of navigating chronic suicidality and seeking help – a conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends.
In this vulnerable and powerful episode on the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Bob Dent – a nurse executive, executive coach, author, and someone I’ve respected for over a decade – to explore how leaders can create emotionally safe, respectful, and human-centered workplaces in healthcare.
We go beyond the buzzwords and dive into the realities of fear-based leadership, toxic cultures, and mental health challenges in leadership. Bob shares not only his incredible professional insights, but also his deeply personal story of navigating chronic suicidality and seeking help – a conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends.
About Dr. Bob Dent:
Dr. Bob Dent, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ACC, FACHE, FAAN, FAONL, is the founder of DBD Coaching & Consulting and a nationally recognized leader in nursing, healthcare culture, and executive development. A former president of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), Bob has authored five books, led at every level of nursing, and is known for his work to rehumanize healthcare. His transparency, strength, and coaching help leaders nationwide create workplaces where people want to stay – and thrive.
Things You’ll Learn
- How disruptive behaviors erode trust, communication, and patient outcomes – and what leaders can do to stop the cycle.
- Practical ways leaders can model vulnerability and create psychological safety.
- Why asking “What do you need?” can be a leadership superpower.
- The power of trauma-informed leadership and how it transforms teams.
- Bob’s journey through mental health treatment and how it redefined his leadership philosophy.
Resources & Links
- Connect with Bob Dent on LinkedIn
- Email Bob at [email protected]
- Visit his website at drbobdent.com
- Grab his book here.
- Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say
- Check out Renee Thompson’s book Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here!
- Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here!
- Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!
Have a question for Renee?
Email us at [email protected] to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!
Exciting News! We’ve been featured on MillionPodcasts – a hand-curated database of amazing podcasts across various categories – in their Best 70 Healthcare Leadership Podcasts. They have also featured our podcast in their 70 Best Compassionate Leadership Podcasts, 20 Best Toxic Workplace Podcasts, and 25 Best Workplace Bullying Podcasts list.
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Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.
