Drew Ungerman

You've been listening to the McKinsey on Healthcare podcast.

We were joined by Bob Motch, president and CEO of Sincora.

For more interviews with leading experts and thought leaders across the healthcare industry, be sure to subscribe to McKinsey on Healthcare on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Since recording this episode, there have been some important updates.

On June 25th, Rich Leichwig announced that he will retire later this year, following a remarkable 40-year career in healthcare, including the past 16 years at BJC.

On the same day, it was announced that Nick Bardo will succeed him as president and CEO of BJC Health System, effective October 1st, 2025.

I've had the great privilege of working closely with both Rich and Nick over the years, and I'm excited to see where their next chapters take them.

As BJC enters this new phase of leadership, I invite you to listen to our conversation about the integration of BJC and St.

Luke's, an effort that exemplifies the strategic vision, cultural focus, and collaborative spirit that will continue to shape the organization's future.

Welcome.

You're listening to the McKinsey on Healthcare podcast.

If you're looking for insights into the issues that matter most in healthcare right now, you're in the right place.

Explore wide-ranging conversations with leaders, changemakers, innovators, and professionals who are at the heart of healthcare today.

I'm Drew Ungerman, a senior partner at McKinsey.

I also lead McKinsey's global healthcare practice.

Today's guests are Rich Leichwig, CEO of BJC Health System, and Nick Bardo, President of BJC Health System.

These leaders have recently steered BJC through a significant transformation, completing the combination of St.

Luke's Health System of Kansas City and BJC Healthcare of St.

Louis in January of 2024.

This combination has created a single integrated healthcare organization serving patients across Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, and the greater Midwest region.