Inside the Boardroom: Jan Babiak on Scaling Governance from Startup to $250B Giants | SCALE Community

Board governance, scaling companies, and healthcare strategy with Jan Babiak, former EY leader and Walgreens Boots Alliance board member.

In this compelling episode of the Analyzing Healthcare podcast, Jan Babiak—board leader and former Global Managing Partner at EY—joins Roy Bejarano, Co-Founder of SCALE Healthcare, to explore how governance must evolve as companies grow from startups to $250B+ giants.

Jan breaks down what makes a board high-functioning versus dysfunctional, why diverse skill sets matter, and how board members shape corporate culture and long-term outcomes. With a focus on healthcare, she addresses the unique challenges boards face in this highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry.

From transitioning private companies to public boards, to modernizing consulting and aligning board oversight with mission and innovation—this conversation is a must-listen for leaders at every stage of growth.

Key Timestamps

• {00:00} Introduction to Board Dynamics
• {02:49} Scaling Companies: From Startups to Uber Caps
• {05:45} High Functioning vs. Dysfunctional Boards
• {08:23} The Role of Board Members
• {11:13} Navigating Change in Large Organizations
• {14:05} The Importance of Diverse Skill Sets
• {17:02} The Impact of Governance on Company Culture
• {19:39} Transitioning from Private to Public Boards
• {22:08} Healthcare vs. Other Industries
• {25:00} Consulting in the Modern Era

Top Takeaways

• Board composition evolves significantly as companies scale.
• High-functioning boards foster open dialogue and diverse thinking.
• Dysfunctional boards are often dominated by CEO-driven agendas.
• Effective governance demands understanding organizational complexity.
• Diverse expertise on boards improves innovation and risk management.
• Navigating large-scale change requires adaptability and strategic foresight.
• Healthcare boards face unique pressures due to regulation and patient impact.
• Consulting firms must modernize to stay relevant in dynamic markets.
• Strong governance encourages a transparent and accountable culture.
• Transitioning from private to public boards requires significant shifts in oversight.

Guest Bio – Jan BabiakJan Babiak is a globally respected board director and governance expert. Formerly Global Managing Partner at EY, she now serves on the boards of companies such as Walgreens Boots Alliance. Her work spans digital innovation, risk management, cybersecurity, ESG, and ethics—with a strong lens on the healthcare industry and how effective governance can drive patient-centered, resilient organizations.