Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jay Palmer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jay, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

The most poignant moment that stands out as a defining point in my journey was the conscious decision to start my equity consultancy. Although the decision felt natural, the process was challenging, and it would have been easier to quit than press on. Why was this such a turning point for me? Throughout my successful career in healthcare quality leadership, I always aspired to create my own firm and operate on my own terms. Yet, I struggled to gain traction, coming up with excuse after excuse, feeling more secure behind a large conglomerate, and doubting my ability to succeed alone. Despite my strong planning skills, I found it impossible to organize this venture.

That changed when my previous role made me realize my efforts weren’t valued, and I wasn’t making the impact I desired. In the corporate world, you’re constantly pulled in various directions, overwhelmed with KPIs and targets, leaving little opportunity to drive real quality improvements. When a lifestyle situation arose and God gave me a wake-up call, I took it as the sign I needed. I decided to be bold! To make the impact I dreamed of and ensure people felt my reach, I had to carve out my own path. That’s how Culturally Elevated Consulting was born. Although I didn’t have a detailed plan, I knew my mission was to engage people in a more personal way, providing meaningful improvements in how they access and experience care.

Jay, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into healthcare started immediately after high school. Unsure of my specific path, I knew I wanted to contribute to healing. By 21, I was immersed in healthcare, managing front desk duties at a pediatrician’s office and learning an immense amount in the process. This was followed by a stint with a MOHS surgeon, where I supported both administrative tasks and surgical procedures. This dual exposure solidified my rightful place in healthcare administration.

My transformative career moment came in my thirties, with a position at a health plan that shifted my focus to healthcare quality. My role was crucial—ensuring patient access to appropriate care and adherence to quality standards. My leadership positions over the next decade involved enhancing patient satisfaction and engagement, closing care gaps, and more. As a Senior Director, my insights into the disparities faced in rural America shed light on the broader inequalities plaguing our nation. Despite my senior role, the superficial competition in healthcare limited my ability to effect meaningful change.

From this realization, Culturally Elevated Consulting emerged. Determined to focus on equitable access to care regardless of socioeconomic status and other non-medical factors, we help healthcare professionals improve interactions and performance through specialized online courses. These courses are crafted from my firsthand experiences with the challenges and disparities in healthcare. Additionally, our VIP days and leadership coaching allow us to address and solve specific organizational issues in partnership with our clients.

At Culturally Elevated, our mission is profoundly personal, rooted in witnessing the struggles my loved ones faced in marginalized communities to access the care they deserved. We take pride in our achievements and have intentionally crafted our messages to resonate with those who have experienced similar challenges within the healthcare system. Our communication is not just broad outreach but a targeted dialogue designed to engage and support those who understand and seek the solutions we offer. This journey has reinforced the value of persistence and adaptive learning. What began as an exploratory venture has solidified into a robust and purpose-driven organization. We are here for those who not only hear but deeply feel our message, striving each day to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One key lesson I’ve had to unlearn to improve my business is that not every strategy applies universally, especially in healthcare. We must acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach often fails to meet the diverse needs of individuals. Our patients come from varied backgrounds, possess different beliefs, speak different languages, and more. It is essential, therefore, that we treat each person holistically, considering all aspects of their identity. If we neglect this responsibility, we risk overlooking many people, potentially allowing them to fall through the cracks and miss out on the health outcomes they truly deserve.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

One of the most effective tools I leverage for success, apart from training and technical knowledge, is storytelling. I am convinced that sharing relatable, real-life stories makes our message resonate more profoundly with those it’s intended for. This approach underscores the idea that no two situations are identical, challenging the one-size-fits-all mentality. In each session I lead, I incorporate stories from various media to bring the topics to life, showing participants the real-world impact of their work. This often leads to transformative moments of understanding and engagement.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.culturallyelevated.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaympalmer/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCoSfhlnVH9ChpiIof2e3Hw

Image Credits
Creative Sparks Photography