Breaking Barriers: Women Leading Healthcare
Jean Hitchcock
Hitchcock Marketing & Communications
In this special Women's History Month episode of For the Better, Lauren Minors, Director of Partnerships and Marketing at Reason One, steps in for host Ben Cash, CEO of Reason One, to speak with Jean Hitchcock, President of Hitchcock Marketing and Communications.
With over 30 years of healthcare experience, Jean shares her inspiring journey — from a personal experience that shaped her career to her leadership roles across health systems, agencies, and tech organizations.
Jean reflects on the progress women have made in healthcare leadership — and the work that still lies ahead.
“Eighty percent of the people in hospitals are female, yet at the top, it was a very small percentage that were female when I started,” Jean recalls. “But over the years, I’ve seen that evolve. Now, the majority of medical school students are women — that’s a huge change.” (03:02)
Jean also opens up about the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family life, sharing insights on setting boundaries, building supportive networks, and redefining what "having it all" really means.
“We do a disservice to ourselves,” Jean says. “You don't have to be perfect at everything. Nobody's perfect.” (08:32)
Throughout the conversation, Jean offers bold advice for women in healthcare — encouraging listeners to speak up, ask questions, and foster meaningful connections.
“I’ve never hesitated to pick up the phone and call a colleague. As soon as you say who you are and what you do, there's an immediate connection. People are so generous — women and men alike.”(21:18)
Key Takeaways:
How personal experiences can shape a healthcare career
The evolving role of women in healthcare leadership — and what still needs to change
Practical strategies for balancing career growth with family life
Why building a supportive network is key for female leaders
The power of boundaries and embracing authenticity
Resources mentioned in this episode:
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