ENCounter Leadership Podcast
ENCounter Leadership Podcast
Thompson Forbes and Alexis Spence
Welcome to the ENCounter Leadership Podcast, where we explore the stories and insights of healthcare and leadership making a difference in eastern North Carolina. Join us as we learn from our challenges and successes to cultivate a culture of grit and excellence. Whether you work in healthcare or not, you will find inspiration and practical advice on how to lead with passion, purpose, and resilience. Tune in and discover how we make eastern North Carolina a great place to live, work, and heal.
From Chaos to Care: Leadership in Disasters
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Michelle Skipper, Director of the Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner specialties in the DNP Program at East Carolina University College of Nursing, and leader of North Carolina’s only Certificate Program in Healthcare Disaster and Emergency Management. A champion for rural and global health, Dr. Skipper has spent her career blending advanced nurse practitioner education with meaningful service. Recognized with the Governor’s Award for Public Service in 2017 for her extraordinary leadership during Hurricane Matthew, Dr. Skipper shares her insights on what it means to lead in times of crisis, how nurses can prepare for disaster response, and why resilient communities depend on well-trained, compassionate clinicians. Tune in for a compelling conversation on courage, preparedness, and the future of disaster management in nursing.
Nov 20, 2025
19 min
From Curiosity to Vice Chancellor: Passion with a Purpose
Join us as we hear from Chris Dyba, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at East Carolina University, as he shares his career journey and the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership. Chris shares insights from his path in higher education. With a focus on advancement, community engagement, and personal growth, you will discover how passion can transform both career and institution.
Sep 18, 2025
34 min
The Power of Purpose: Honors Education Meets Leadership Development
Join us as we hear from Todd Fraley, Dean of the East Carolina University Honors College and Executive Director of the Truist Leadership Center at ECU, as he shares his insights on influencing students to developing leaders.
Aug 27, 2025
36 min
Thoughts from Nurses Day at the Legislature and Leadership in General...
Join Thompson and Alexis as they share about students attending Nurses Day at the Legislature and the unique educational opportunity provided, along with other thoughts on leadership.
Apr 29, 2025
20 min
From Healthcare to Leadership: An Unintentional Journey
Chris Lysaught, a Physical Therapist and Clinical Professor at East Carolina University, talks about her unintentional "fall" into leadership based on a drive to improve healthcare and education.
Mar 14, 2025
33 min
Surprise awakenings for soon-to-be nurses...
Hear the perspectives of senior nursing students Emma Campbell, Aryn Cimmerer, & Jenna Caligiuri on incivility in the workplace, nursing culture, and more!
Mar 6, 2025
34 min
Thoughts from a weekend of Leadership Immersion...
Weekly chat with Thompson and Alexis about everything and anything but mostly leadership.
Feb 26, 2025
22 min
Trish Richardson - From Stockbroker to Nurse Leader
Trish Richardson RN, President of the North Carolina Nurses Association, discusses her career from stockbroker to nurse leader.
Jan 2, 2025
1 hr 14 min
Thompson and Alexis - ENCounter Leadership Inspiration
Thompson and Alexis talk about the inspiration for starting Encounter Leadership and the beginnings of their journey's into nursing and leadership.
Sep 23, 2024
23 min
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