"Change is the most constant thing" - John Harrison of WebMD Health Services
In this episode of the Land and Lead Podcast, Dr. Josh Elmore speaks with John Harrison, President and General Manager of WebMD Health Services, about leading through sustained change, acquisition, and growth while building a culture of trust, reflection, and continuous evolution. John shares his unconventional path into executive leadership, beginning with a theater arts background that shaped his ability to understand people, collaborate across disciplines, and navigate uncertainty; skills that continue to inform his leadership today.
John reflects on his 10+ year journey at WebMD Health Services, including stepping into the organization shortly before a CEO transition, expanding his scope across multiple roles, and ultimately leading the division through acquisitions and large-scale transformation. He emphasizes the importance of meeting change as an advocate rather than resisting it, establishing credibility quickly, and aligning around a shared purpose that prioritizes organizational success over individual agendas.
Throughout the conversation, John highlights practical leadership practices such as disciplined listening in the first 30 days, structured feedback through start-stop-continue exercises, and regularly challenging “invisible rules” that limit innovation. He also shares how intentional reflection, down to rethinking his calendar, helps sustain agility over time.
The episode closes with advice for leaders entering high-stakes roles: acknowledge your emotions, lead with joy and clarity, build trust early, and create space for reflection to set a strong foundation for lasting impact.
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