Hosted by Christy Bray

Insights on Leadership, Innovation, and Impact with Kris Olson

For this thirtieth episode of PracticeLink Media Network’s “Workforce Wisdom: The Future of Healthcare Talent” podcast, host Christy Bray welcomes Kris Olson, Senior Director of Physician and Professional Services at Essentia Health.

In this episode, Christy and Kris discuss the importance of leadership, team dynamics and innovative strategies in addressing workforce challenges. They also share valuable insights for healthcare recruiters, including the importance of understanding organizational dynamics and maintaining flexibility in a rapidly changing environment.

Click the “Podcast Apps” icon in the above media player (top right, next to the download icon) to listen to the podcast on your choice of major streaming platform.

For more information, visit PracticeLink.com or email PLMedia@PracticeLink.com.

About the Workforce Wisdom Podcast

This ongoing series, hosted by veteran healthcare recruitment specialist Christy Bray, focuses on the latest trends in the healthcare recruitment industry and showcases innovative strategies, success stories and fresh perspectives in healthcare recruitment. These episodes, released every Thursday, consist of Christy leading an in-depth, thoughtful discussion with a recognized industry-leading healthcare professional exploring the challenges of healthcare recruitment and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned recruiter or just starting out, this podcast will help you discover how the experts are reshaping the industry, leveraging technology and fostering inclusive hiring practices.

KRIS OLSON, TODAY’S PODCAST GUEST

Kris Olson serves as the Senior Director of Physician and Professional Services at Essentia Health, where she leads with purpose and unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission: “making a healthy difference in people’s lives.” With a firm belief that every individual in the organization has the power to contribute meaningfully to this mission, Kris brings vision, strategy, and heart to her role. She oversees the recruitment, onboarding, and employment of all credentialed clinicians, manages professional staffing (locums), and ensures seamless payer enrollment processes—all with a focus on excellence and impact.

A passionate advocate for health and well-being, Kris draws inspiration from her personal journey as an eight-year breast cancer survivor and her experiences as a mother. Her daughter, a first-year medical student, and her autistic son have shaped her perspective, deepening her empathy and drive to make a difference in the lives of others. These experiences fuel her commitment to fostering strong relationships and creating meaningful change.

Kris and her husband, Brian, reside in Fargo, ND, with their loyal 11-year-old black lab, Trixie. She approaches life with energy and enthusiasm, channeling her passions for health, family, and relationships into everything she does. Confident, compassionate, and purpose-driven, Kris is dedicated to living boldly and inspiring others to do the same.

ABOUT THE HOST

Christy Bray currently serves as the Chief Customer Officer for PracticeLink, a leading platform in healthcare recruitment. Christy has extensive experience in the healthcare industry, including VP of Provider Talent at Ardent Health Services, AVP of Provider Recruitment at Lifepoint Health and Physician Recruiter and Senior Consultant at Banner Health. She is skilled in provider relations, team building, process improvement, staffing solutions and previously served in several committee roles for the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR).