Laura Dannels

Dr. Laura P. Dannels is revolutionizing the future of work in healthcare. As the global population ages, chronic illnesses rise, and talent pipelines shrink, workforce strategy has become one of healthcare’s most urgent challenges. At the same time, AI is transforming the industry, and workforce expectations are shifting—forcing healthcare systems to rethink how they attract, engage, and retain top talent. Beyond that, she is reimagining how work itself is done—leveraging technology to amplify human potential in new care models. The future of work is evolving faster than predicted, and Laura is leading the charge, ensuring technology and human experience advance together. Laura serves as Chief Talent Officer for Wellstar Health, where she is committed to empowering human growth and designing innovative, future-forward talent solutions. By leveraging technologies like AI, VR/AR, and automation, she’s transforming the caregiver and patient experience. In addition, as an adjunct professor at Columbia University, Laura is dedicated to educating the next generation of global human capital leaders and conducting research that shapes the future of work. Her leadership impact spans major organizations, including Kaiser Permanente, where she founded KP University. Her work has earned recognition from Forbes, Fortune, Fair 360 (DiversityInc), Becker’s Healthcare, ACHE, Great Places to Work, The Obama Administration, and most recently, the Tony Hsieh Award for radical workforce innovation in healthcare. Laura holds a PhD and MBA, along with certifications in Executive Coaching and Human-Centered Design. She is shaping the future of healthcare—where technology and human potential unite to build a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Human performance and vitality, elevating human experience in the workplace, transforming healthcare, reimagining care models, holistic health, and personal growth

Creating travel experiences that balance nature, adventure, wellness, and spirituality!