Get Unstuck: Emerging as a Leader Amid Change

Change is difficult to navigate for everyone, but leaders have a particular responsibility to keep a cool head and see these moments as opportunities for growth and creativity.

In a special Annual Wellness Summit preview webcast, “Leading in the Storm: Decision Making in Disruptive Times,” entrepreneur Michael Burcham, DHA, MBA, shares his excitement for what’s next in the wellness space and tips for taking steps forward—even as the world continues to shift around us.

Change as Challenge

When markets shift and rapid change occurs, individuals and organizations can feel paralyzed, waiting for things to get “back to normal” before returning to business as usual. The fact is that there is no going back. There has been nothing but change in the health care industry since 2020, and each year brings a new tidal wave of change along with it.

Recent trends are showing that individuals have a strong desire to optimize their health and well-being, no longer willing to settle for average. Combined with an erosion of trust in public health, there is great opportunity for motivated wellness professionals to emerge as leaders amid the noise. So, how do we take advantage of this moment?

How to Get Unstuck

During his keynote address, Burcham will discuss the following tips (and more) for getting out of the paralyzed stage when change comes unexpectedly.

1. Understand Your Options

   Don’t limit yourself to just avenues that you have seen or experienced. What worked before may not be what will work today. Think outside of the box as you look for new possible solutions, tools, growth tracking strategies and collaborators.

2. Get Creative

   With change comes innovation. Think about those you surround yourself with professionally; what kinds of development and training do you want to pursue? What new partnerships would you be interested in exploring? Remember to look outside of your particular industry for inspiration.

3. Leave No Stone Unturned

It is never a bad idea to reevaluate your customer segments. Where is your “sweet spot”?  You cannot be all things to all people, but if you focus on a few key customer groups to explore as a leader, you can create key points of difference for your organization to stand out from the crowd.

A Positive Outlook

According to Burcham, change is an opportunity for growth rather than a recipe for disaster. Citing a wave of gamechangers on the horizon in the health and wellness industry, he is excited for what is next. There is an increased interest in preventative care as more people are prioritizing wellness and seeing health optimization as a real possibility, rather than just wishful thinking. This trend, combined with a generational divide where both Baby Boomers and Gen Z have focused health goals, means there is no better time than the present to think about what’s next in wellness.

Resources

Attend Michael Burcham’s keynote session at the 2026 Annual Wellness Summit to learn more.

The Wellness Alliance in partnership with the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans present the 2026 Annual Wellness Summit July 28-30 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Become a member to view webinar recordings. Register for upcoming live events here: https://www.wellnessalliance.org/education-and-events/education-catalog. 

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  Rebecca Plier

  PR/Communications Specialist

  IFEBP

  Favorite Foundation Product: The Talking Benefits podcast! What an engaging way to get timely benefits insights.

  Benefits-related Topics that Interest Her Most: Mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion, and workplace wellness.

  Personal Insight: When Rebecca isn’t diving headfirst into the world of benefits, she enjoys organizing her monthly book club and expanding her vinyl record collection.