Drew Ungerman

But how do CEOs and how should CEOs think about keeping their leadership team focused when you're going through something as momentous as this kind of combination?

And similarly, how do you ensure that employees beyond the top team feel supported and engaged throughout?

As you look back, what do you now think is the ideal team resourcing organizational structure that can really deliver on your goals of the integration and make sure that it strikes the appropriate balance with efficiency and delivery?

You both mentioned already the importance of culture.

I was hoping you could bring to life a bit, maybe with an example or two of why culture is so critical and has been so critical in your journey to date.

How do you think and what are some of the long-term objectives on your horizon that

And for others listening, how would you recommend that leaders consider a combination of this magnitude, balance the long-term priorities with short-term needs?

I'd love to just close by asking each of you, what are you most proud of as you look back on the integration efforts to date and also as you look forward?

You've been listening to the McKinsey on Healthcare podcast, where I've been joined by Rich Leichwig, CEO of BJC Health System, and Nick Bardo, President of BJC Health System.

I really enjoyed this conversation, in particular, hearing the unvarnished realities of putting together two large organizations in today's challenging macroeconomic environment, and the importance of culture and leadership in making that combination a success.

Thank you so much for joining us.

But at the same time, as you said, this is not to be taken lightly, right?

As I said, at the core, healthcare is people taking care of people in their most vulnerable moments often.

And technology can really help us do that better.

Sure.

Well, look, at the end of the day, whether you're employed in the public sector or the private sector, fundamentally, health care is an important human right and something that we all care about deeply.

Health care also, in terms of the practice of health care, is, yes, there's a lot of technology and other technologies.

things that allow us to do the amazing things we do every day.

But ultimately, it's people taking care of people.

And the public sector wants our country to be taken care of.