Show notes
In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Renée Canady reflects on how our experiences shape what we notice, what we value, and how we respond. From identity and leadership, to the changing language we use to talk about equity and difference, Dr. Canady explores what it means to stay grounded in what we know matters—even as the words, systems, and circumstances around us change. This conversation is about courage, fairness, and what becomes possible when we respond intentionally to what we see. Meet Dr. Renée Canady ✨ Dr. Renée Canady serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPHI, a public health institute comprised of process and subject matter experts with a shared vision of a just world that is healthier for all. Dr. Canady is author of the highly acclaimed 2022 book Room at the Table: A Leader's Guide to Advancing Health Equity and Justice. In this well-received book, she elevates the leadership opportunity to leverage difference and justice as assets, pushing leaders to become change agents within health, public health, and other fields. Prior to joining MPHI, Dr. Canady served as Health Officer and Director of the Ingham County Health Department, located in Lansing, Michigan. In that role she oversaw the county's statutory responsibility to protect and promote the health of county residents and lead the development of innovative and nationally known public health interventions. Dr. Canady has held faculty and administrative positions at Michigan State University in the College of Nursing, where she developed a research trajectory in maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. Previously, an assistant professor in the C.S. Mott Department of Public Health, and now in an adjunct appointment, Dr. Canady developed and chaired core courses in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Dr. Canady is recognized as a national thought leader and sought-after speaker. She is a passionate and relationship-driven leader who tackles forces that damage relationships whether interpersonally or systemically. She has published and presented broadly on these topics and her passion for this work is evident in her personal, academic, and professional life. While serving on numerous national boards, review panels, and advisory groups, Dr. Canady has been highly influential in broadening the discussion of working across difference for the health of all. Dr. Canady earned her PhD in Medical Sociology from Michigan State University, a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University, and bachelor's degree in public health nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ Productive Outrage — Dr. Canady describes the "knot in your throat" when you know something isn't right—and what it means to turn that response into intentional action. When Vulnerability Feeds Courage — We explore an interesting reversal: vulnerability doesn't always require courage first. Sometimes allowing ourselves to be vulnerable can actually make courage more possible. Who You Know Yourself to Be — Dr. Canady reflects on entering difficult spaces grounded in her identity and experiences—and how knowing who she was changed what she was able to do. Managing Needs Across Difference — The language of public health changes. Dr. Canady reflects on what remains underneath terms like cultural competence, cultural humility, diversity, and equity: the work of recognizing and responding fairly to difference. We Can Do This Together — Looking toward the future, Dr. Canady turns to history as evidence that the changes public health needs aren't impossible. We've done difficult things together before, and we can do them again. "The bottom line is everyone deserves fair and just and right treatment." — Dr. Renée Canady Stay in Touch 🔗 With Dr. Renée Canady LinkedIn ↗: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebranchcanady-phd-mpa/ Website ↗: https://www.reneebcanady.com Book ↗ : Room at the Table: A Leader's Guide to Advancing Health Equity and Justice by Renée Branch Canady With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 Speaking & Leadership Development 🤝 Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with organizations navigating complexity through keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development. Her work helps leaders better understand themselves, one another, and the conditions that shape what's possible. To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ or visit our website ↗.