In Episode 9 they interview

Dr. Renee Canady:

Background:

Dr. Renée Branch Canady is a nationally recognized public health leader, author and advocate whose career has been defined by advancing health equity, social justice and community‑centered leadership. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI), a nonprofit public trust dedicated to improving population health through research, evaluation and collaboration at the local, state, national and global levels. Under her leadership, MPHI has strengthened its role as a trusted partner to governments, health systems and communities working to create healthier, more equitable outcomes.

Before becoming CEO of MPHI, Dr. Canady served as the Health Officer and Director of the Ingham County Health Department, where she led transformational efforts to embed equity and social justice into public health practice. During her tenure, she championed community engagement, policy change and cross‑sector collaboration. Work that positioned Ingham County as a leader in equity‑focused public health initiatives across Michigan. She has also held faculty and leadership roles at Michigan State University, continuing to contribute to the development of future public health professionals.

Dr. Canady is widely known for her thought leadership on health equity and inclusive leadership. She serves on numerous national boards and advisory committees and was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, where she chaired the health equity workgroup. In addition to her policy and systems work, she is the author of the book Room at the Table: A Leader’s Guide to Advancing Health Equity and Justice, in which she challenges leaders across all sectors to move beyond intention and toward meaningful, courageous action. Through her writing, speaking and leadership, Dr. Canady continues to inspire leaders especially women and those historically excluded to claim their voice, bring their own “folding chair” and lead boldly in the pursuit of lasting change.

Questions:

1. You’ve led at the local, state and national levels. Was there a specific moment in your career when you realized, “I’m not just managing systems; I’m meant to change them?”
2. Your concept of “bringing a folding chair to the table” has resonated widely. Was there a time you had to bring your own chair, and what did that experience teach you about leadership and belonging?
3. As CEO of MPHI, what’s one thing people think leadership looks like at your level, and what’s the part of the job that actually takes the most courage or emotional energy?
4. Bold LeadHERs reaches many women in business and entrepreneurship. If you had to explain health equity in business terms, how would you frame it?
5. You’ve literally written the book on this, Room at the Table. What’s one leadership habit you see holding back organizations from real inclusion even when intentions are good?
6. Can you share a failure or setback that, at the time, felt devastating but later became a turning point that strengthened how you lead today?
7. You have deep roots in Michigan. How has leading in this state, especially through crisis and change, shaped your leadership philosophy compared to what you see nationally?
8. What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you earlier about navigating power, voice and influence as a woman leading in systems not originally built for us?
9. Rapid Fire

• A book you recommend to every leader right now?
• A daily habit you won’t skip?
• One word people use to describe you that makes you smile?
  
  

In this episode, Lorri and Becky sit down with the inspiring Dr. Renee Branch Canady for a heartfelt and insightful conversation. Together, they explore everything from their upbringings to the role faith plays in shaping their daily lives and continued success. Dr. Canady also shares the meaningful intention behind writing her book and reflects on how she applies her own guidance throughout her career.

This warm, thoughtful discussion offers wisdom, encouragement, and a deeper look at the woman behind the work—one you won’t want to miss.