Welcome to another inspiring episode of Circle Back! Today’s guest is the extraordinary J. Tod Fetherling, an entrepreneur, innovator, and leader who has been at the forefront of digital transformation in healthcare and beyond. From pioneering internet strategies at HCA in the mid-90s to driving Nashville’s startup ecosystem through collaboration and vision, Tod’s journey offers invaluable lessons for anyone looking to make an impact.
Top 5 Insights:
- Be Curious and Get Things Done: “Curiosity and action are non-negotiable. Every success I’ve had stems from asking questions and taking immediate action.”
- Find the Right Partner: “A great business partner is like a great spouse—they support you, challenge you, and make the impossible seem possible.”
- Embrace Failure as Growth: “Not every business will succeed, but every failure teaches you something critical for the next venture.”
- Build a Team You Trust: “Surround yourself with people who bring energy, ideas, and integrity to the table.”
- Timing is Everything: “Knowing when to start, pivot, or sell is as important as the idea itself.”
Highlights from the Episode:
- From Debate to Data: How growing up in Nashville and a passion for research set Tod on a path to shape industries.
- The Early Internet Days at HCA: Tasked with building a digital strategy in 1995, Tod launched initiatives that became models for healthcare innovation.
- Entrepreneurial Grit: The highs and lows of launching ventures like Relegant, HealthTeacher, and Perception Health, each focused on solving real-world problems.
- The Power of Collaboration: Why Nashville’s spirit of teamwork and integrity fuels the city’s growth and attracts global talent.
- Workforce Development: Tod’s insights on preparing Nashville for the future through education, retraining, and leveraging its supercomputing resources.
Tod shares compelling stories of resilience, curiosity, and a relentless drive to improve outcomes and reduce costs, whether in healthcare, education, or tech. His journey—from starting and scaling businesses to building Nashville’s entrepreneurial foundation—is a testament to the power of vision and determination.
👉 Don’t miss an episode of Circle Back! Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts, and join us for more incredible stories from trailblazers like Tod.
About the author
