226 Say It Skillfully® – Darcy Verhun: The Power of People-First Leadership cover art

226 Say It Skillfully® – Darcy Verhun: The Power of People-First Leadership

226 Say It Skillfully® – Darcy Verhun: The Power of People-First Leadership

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 In this episode of the Say It Skillfully Podcast, Molly sits down with Darcy Verhun — a rare kind of leader who builds companies by putting people first, not as a strategy, but as a way of being. From growing up between city life and the farm in Alberta, to becoming a management consultant for 25 years, to scaling a business to a $2B market cap, Darcy shares the values, habits, and leadership mindset that shaped his journey. Darcy also opens up about leading through culture change inside Canada Diagnostic Centres, why “smiling” became a serious leadership priority, and how small daily behaviors can transform an organization from the inside out. They close with a powerful “say it skillfully” moment: the one question Darcy asks at the end of meetings that can completely change outcomes — and create space for people to finally use their voice. If you’re a leader, coach, or someone trying to build a culture where people feel safe, seen, and motivated to grow — this one’s worth your time. Chapters 00:00 Intro: A leader who builds by putting people first 01:18 How Darcy and Molly met (Marshall Goldsmith connection) 02:39 Darcy’s upbringing: farm life, work ethic, and humility 06:12 The reading rule that became Darcy’s “superpower” 07:03 Sports, skiing, and coaching elite athletes 08:38 Why Darcy’s coaching style is built on stories 10:00 What Darcy learned early: honesty, caring for others, open home 12:13 Mentors and the professor who still challenges him today 14:17 MBA + the unexpected path into consulting 15:21 25 years in consulting: leadership, culture, and hard problems 16:13 The shift from advising to owning the mission 17:13 Purpose as a decision-making compass (“enhancing life”) 20:39 A defining leadership moment: doing the right thing, not the textbook thing 25:43 Entering healthcare: culture challenges + rebuilding trust 29:13 The “CDC” framework: Culture, Deliver Care, Operational Excellence 31:59 “Culture change doesn’t take years—it starts with me” 32:57 Why Darcy focused on smiling first (and why it matters) 35:03 The “High Five” habit: leaders connecting with their teams 37:14 Measuring what matters: Clinic Excellence Index 40:17 Daily Questions: Darcy’s personal growth habit 42:29 Investing in health to lead better (getting back on the bike) 43:37 The best meeting question: “Is there something you’re thinking or feeling you haven’t said?” 45:11 Reading, mountain biking, and being an introvert leader 46:09 The “candy cheat” for connecting with people 46:51 A surprising fun fact: loving winter driving 47:20 Regret: investing more in learning earlier 48:23 Proud moments: family + the people he’s worked with 49:06 Rapid fire: artist life, “Tarzan,” fries + ice cream 50:04 Final takeaway: be yourself and don’t be afraid 51:19 Closing quote + wrap
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