Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast: A Special Shout Out to High-Motor Leaders (05-08-25)

Release Date: May 8, 2025
Host: Scott Becker

Introduction

In this special episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker dedicates time to honor and recognize "high motor" leaders—individuals whose internal drive and passion propel them to achieve remarkable success, often beyond what their external demeanor might suggest. These leaders may not fit the conventional image of high-profile executives, yet their profound impact and leadership capabilities make them standouts in their respective fields.

Highlighting High-Motor Leaders

Scott Becker outlines six outstanding individuals, delving into their unique qualities, leadership styles, and the significant contributions they've made to their industries.

1. Judy Faulkner – CEO of Epic

Judy Faulkner is celebrated for her exceptional leadership at Epic, a leading healthcare software company.

• Remarkable Internal Drive: Becker emphasizes Judy's "incredible internal motor" that drives her leadership effectiveness, stating, “[00:20] Scott Becker: ...incredible internal motor that has made her one of the great leaders of our generation.”

• Authentic Leadership Style: Unlike typical public personas, Judy's leadership is grounded in depth and thoughtfulness. Becker notes, “[00:16] ...doesn't present this perfect public persona, doesn't try to, but is an incredible internal motor...”

2. Dr. John Langell – CEO of Northeast Ohio Medical University

Dr. John Langell has transformed the Northeast Ohio Medical University into one of the nation's premier medical schools.

• Building Excellence: Under his leadership, the university saw an influx of 6,000 applicants for just 200 spots last year, showcasing the institution's rising prominence. Becker remarks, “[00:35] ...they've done an incredible job of filling a need.”

• Thoughtful and Driven: Initially presenting a gracious demeanor, Dr. Langell's true high motor emerges upon closer acquaintance. “[00:45] ...incredible high motor, thoughtful driven person who achieves remarkable results through partnership...”

3. Dr. Shiv Rao – CEO and Co-Founder of Ambient Listening Technologies

Dr. Shiv Rao, with a background in medicine, leads Ambient Listening Technologies in innovating healthcare solutions.

• Depth and Accomplishments: Similar to Dr. Langell, Dr. Rao embodies depth and thoughtfulness, leading to significant achievements. Becker states, “[01:10] ...incredibly depth to them and thoughtfulness that you wouldn't know until you get to know them.”

• Remarkable Leadership: His ability to handle responsibilities and accomplishments signifies his high motor leadership. “[01:15] ...depth and how they handle themselves and what they've done... is literally remarkable.”

4. Dr. Imamo Tomlinson – CEO of Vituity

At the helm of Vituity, a $2.6 billion healthcare company, Dr. Imamo Tomlinson exemplifies grace and intelligence.

• Gracious Presence: Despite leading a massive company, Dr. Tomlinson maintains a humble and gracious demeanor. “[01:40] ...might be the most gracious person you'll ever meet.”

• Intelligence and Drive: His deep connectivity and drive are central to his leadership style. “[01:50] ...depth of connectivity and the depth of intelligence and the depth of drive.”

5. Chloe Becker – Pursuing Master’s in International Relations

Chloe Becker, Scott Becker's daughter, is recognized for her internal drive and global experiences.

• Global Pursuits: Chloe's ventures around the world and her academic pursuits demonstrate her high motor. “[02:10] ...has taken her to different parts of the world to learn about different things.”

• Academic Excellence: Her return to academia for a master's in international relations after several years at Price Waterhouse underscores her commitment and drive. “[02:25] ...coming back to do a master's in international relations.”

6. [Unnamed Sixth Leader]

While not explicitly named in the transcript, Scott hints at a sixth individual deserving recognition.

• Tremendous Grace and Motor: This leader, like the others, possesses a profound internal drive coupled with grace, impacting their professional sphere significantly. “[02:40] ...tremendous grace and a tremendous motor that goes with sort of this incredible persona.”

Conclusion

In this episode, Scott Becker shines a light on leaders who exemplify what it means to have a "high motor." These individuals demonstrate that true leadership often stems from internal drive, depth, and thoughtfulness rather than outward appearances alone. Their achievements across various fields—healthcare, education, technology, and beyond—serve as inspiring examples of how authentic and driven leadership can lead to exceptional success.

Becker concludes with gratitude, “[03:00] ...thank you very, very much for listening,” encouraging listeners to recognize and appreciate the nuanced qualities that make these leaders truly remarkable.

Key Takeaways:

• Internal Drive Over External Appearance: High-motor leaders often possess a profound internal drive that isn't immediately apparent through their outward demeanor.

• Depth and Thoughtfulness: These leaders showcase depth in their roles and thoughtful approaches to achieving their goals.

• Impact Through Partnership and Alliances: Collaboration and strategic partnerships are common themes in how these leaders attain remarkable results.

• Grace and Humility: Despite their significant achievements, these individuals maintain grace and humility, fostering environments of respect and continuous growth.

For more insightful discussions on private equity and business leadership, tune into future episodes of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast.