This week's guest is Jennifer Fitzpatrick, CSP, who discusses the importance of recognizing and accommodating introverts in healthcare settings. Her company works with healthcare and senior living organizations to improve patient and family caregiver experiences, recruitment, and retention

Take Breaks and Be Flexible

• The impact of burnout, particularly post-COVID, and the necessity for healthcare leaders to provide breaks to retain employees.

• Some in hospitals mention resorting to going to their cars or chapels for privacy, highlighting the lack of suitable break spaces in healthcare settings.

• Examples of positive changes include allowing mental health days and communicating clear role expectations.

• Healthcare leaders need to permit breaks to prevent burnout and improve overall performance.

• The importance of flexible work schedules and other accommodations to improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Patients and Providers are Teams

• The importance of patient advocacy suggests that patients complete reviews and politely request accommodations to enhance their healthcare experiences.

• Healthcare must be more open to disruption and change, emphasizing that treating employees well leads to better patient care and fewer complaints.

• Encourage patients to think of themselves as part of a team with their healthcare providers, working together for the best possible outcomes.

• Don’t make assumptions about people's introversion or extroversion; ask directly to understand their needs.

About the Guest:

Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP, is a respected speaker, consultant, and author with deep expertise in caregiving, aging, and healthcare education. She is the founder of Jenerations Health Education, Inc., and one of fewer than 800 professionals worldwide to hold the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. A former gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University, Jennifer brings a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience to her work.

She is the author of two impactful books—Reimagining Customer Service in Healthcare and Cruising Through Caregiving: Reducing the Stress of Caring for Your Loved One. Jennifer’s insights have been featured on ABC, CBS, SiriusXM, and in major outlets like Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Redbook, and Fast Company.

In addition to speaking and writing, she serves on several prominent boards, including Seth and Lauren Rogen’s nonprofit Hilarity for Charity (HFC), Salisbury University’s School of Health & Human Services, and Lifespan’s Beacon Institute.

In this week’s episode, Jennifer Kahnweiler speaks with renowned business relationships strategist Andy Lopata about the intersection of networking, mentoring, and introversion. Together, they explore how introverts can harness their natural strengths—like listening and thoughtful reflection—to build powerful professional relationships.

Andy shares his journey into business networking, which began with a family business and evolved into a global platform for relationship-building and mentoring. Drawing from his newest book, The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring, co-authored with Ruth Gotian, Andy offers insights on developing strategic mentoring relationships and how introverts can thrive in these settings.

The episode also touches on the role of authenticity in social media, the use of AI in professional development, and actionable tips for introverts looking to build meaningful networks.

• Andy's personal and professional journey in networking
  
  

• Strategic mentoring: principles and practical guidance
  
  

• The strengths introverts bring to networking and relationship-building
  
  

• Andy’s 24-7-30 follow-up method for building connections
  
  

• Navigating authenticity and consistency on LinkedIn
  
  

• Using AI for productivity and communication
  
  

• Finding your voice online—without obsessing over engagement metrics
  
  

Andy’s Book: The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring co-authored with Dr. Ruth Gotian

→ A practical guide for building and sustaining mentoring relationships with intention and impact.

Andy interviewing Jennifer on his podcast,

• Andy Lopata’s website: https://lopata.co.uk/
  
  

• 7 Reasons Not To Accept LinkedIn Connection Requests From Strangers

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

“Introverts often make the best networkers—not by working the room, but by listening, engaging deeply, and following up with intention.” – Andy Lopata

For nearly 25 years, Andy Lopata, a self-defined Ambivert, has specialized in professional relationships and networking. The Financial Times called him ‘one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists,’ and the Independent and Forbes.com called him a true master of networking.

A very experienced international speaker and podcast host, Andy is the author of five books, has been quoted in a number of other business books, and is regularly quoted in the international press. Andy’s sixth book, ‘The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring’, will be published in spring 2024.

Andy is a former President of the Fellows Community, a two-time Board Member of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland (PSA), and a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute and a Member of the Meetings Industry Association and Association of Business Mentors. He is also among just 32 recipients of the PSA’s top honour, the ‘Award of Excellence’.

This episode delves into the theme of overcoming loneliness with guest Pierre Lehu, who shares insights from his new book called The Joy of Connections co-authored with the late Dr. Ruth Westheimer (Dr. Ruth) and Allison Gilbert. The conversation touches on Pierre's personal experiences with loss, Dr. Ruth's impactful career, and practical advice. 'The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life.'

In this heartfelt episode of Introvert Ally, Jennifer speaks with Pierre Lehu, longtime collaborator and co-author with the legendary Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Known worldwide for her candid conversations about sex, Dr. Ruth last campaign was to serve as a powerful advocate against loneliness. Pierre shares stories of their decades-long partnership, her surprising path to television fame, and her deeply personal experiences as an orphan of the Holocaust.

Listeners get an intimate glimpse into the making of their latest book on loneliness, including Dr. Ruth’s final contributions and enduring message: “Look in the mirror and admit that you’re lonely.” Together, Jennifer and Pierre explore how Dr. Ruth’s extroverted nature helped her overcome grief and isolation, and how small, everyday interactions can reduce loneliness across all ages and personality types. Introverts can take lessons from the practical suggestions he shares.

• The Origins of a Sex Talk Pioneer: How a publicity mix-up led to Dr. Ruth landing her own radio show—and a cultural shift.

• A Life Rooted in Loss: Dr. Ruth was an orphan of the Holocaust, and she built her chosen family through deep, lasting connections.

• A Legacy of Connection: From frequent phone calls to global media appearances, Dr. Ruth’s need for connection fueled a dynamic career.

• Loneliness as a Universal Issue: Why older adults may actually be less lonely than younger people today—and what that teaches us.

• Introverts and Extroverts: Dr. Ruth was no introvert, but her story still resonates with anyone who struggles to step outside themselves.

• Tips from the Book:

  • Sit at the bar instead of a table when dining alone.

  • Join classes or meetups—especially those where you can share your strengths.

  • Face-to-face conversation remains essential, especially in a remote-work world.

“She didn’t grow up a celebrity, so she never tired of people coming up to her—she loved it.” Pierre Lehu
“Loneliness isn’t just for seniors—young people today face even greater challenges in finding meaningful connection.” Pierre Lehu and Dr. Ruth
“Admit you’re lonely. That’s the first step to connection.” – Dr. Ruth

• Reflect on your current connections. Are you lonely? What’s one small action you can take to reach out or join a group?

• Try a new social activity, such as a class, a language meetup, or even sitting at the bar instead of a table.

• Consider the introverts and extroverts in your life—how do their social needs differ, and how can we foster more connection?

Pierre A. Lehu has authored/co-authored 30 published books. Lehu began helping Dr. Ruth Westheimer (Dr. Ruth) write her syndicated column and the first book he co-authored with her was Sex for Dummies. He has done public relations for a long list of entertainers. He is also a photograher and playwright. A widower, he lives in Brooklyn, NY. His latest book, co-authored with Dr Ruth and Allison Gilbert is called the Joy of Connections:100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life.