In this episode of the Grow Think Tank podcast, I sit down with Brittany Latson, Managing Partner, Account and Operations at HashtagHealth, to talk about what it really means to be Leading with Integrity. HashtagHealth No.3,091 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Brittany shares how integrity guides her leadership style and shapes a people-first culture—one that prioritizes collaboration, supports working parents, and builds strong, ethical client relationships in the pharmaceutical sector. She explains how her unique blend of ‘tough love’ and genuine guidance empowers her team’s growth while keeping values at the forefront. We also discuss HashtagHealth’s recent acquisition and how compassionate leadership and a strong culture are helping expand their mission to improve healthcare communication. This conversation is a powerful example of how Leading with Integrity drives both business success and meaningful impact.
- Introduction to Leadership and Integrity
- People-First Culture Defined
- The Importance of Integrity
- Growth and Business Philosophy
- Empowering the Team
- Leadership Style Insights
- Future Aspirations and Growth Opportunities
Leading with Integrity: Brittany Latson on Building a People-First Culture in Healthcare Marketing
In a recent episode of the Grow Think Tank podcast, host Gene Hammett engaged in a profound conversation with Brittany Latson, co-founder of Hashtag Health, the first and only social media agency specializing in the pharmaceutical healthcare sector. The discussion delved deeply into the essence of leadership, integrity, and the importance of a people-first culture in the workplace. Latson, who has spent over two decades in the healthcare industry, shared her journey of building a unique agency that fundamentally prioritizes personal connections and integrity, both internally within the team and externally with clients. Latson began by expressing a common frustration with being reduced to an “ID number” in corporate environments. This experience fueled her desire to create a culture where individuals are recognized for their values and talents rather than just their job titles. At Hashtag Health, Latson and her business partner aimed to foster meaningful connections—not only between healthcare professionals and patients but also within their own team. They believe that effective communication is essential in healthcare marketing, especially when conveying unbranded advocacy and raising awareness of rare diseases. The agency’s mission is to build trust and understanding through personal connections in a complex and regulated industry.
Integrity in Action: Brittany Latson on Building a Flexible, People-First Culture at Hashtag Health
Delving into the practical implications of a people-first approach, Latson shared insights on achieving work-life balance. She noted that her team, composed primarily of working parents, thrives when they feel supported in managing their personal and professional responsibilities. The agency encourages flexibility, allowing team members to attend to their home life—such as doing laundry or running errands—without the concern of losing paid time off. This approach not only helps mitigate burnout but also fosters a collaborative and enjoyable work environment. It’s about building a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and proud to contribute to projects that have a real impact. The conversation transitioned towards the central theme of integrity within the organization. Latson articulated how integrity is not just a buzzword but a core value that drives every decision made at Hashtag Health. She emphasized that integrity fuels their client relationships, whether it’s accepting projects that align with their values or ensuring that their marketing messages are honest and supportive. By focusing on doing good business and maintaining transparent practices, Hashtag Health has managed to grow responsibly while positively impacting the healthcare landscape. Latson described this commitment as akin to running a marathon—recognizing that every small step contributes to long-term success.
Tough Love and Lasting Culture: Brittany Latson on Empowering Teams and Leading with Values
Moreover, Latson highlighted her leadership philosophy as balancing “tough love” with nurturing guidance. While she encourages her team to take initiative and propose solutions to problems, she is equally patient in guiding them through challenges. This approach empowers her colleagues to learn by doing, fostering an environment where mistakes become learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Latson’s commitment to understanding the “so what” behind every decision and task underscores her focus on the impact of their work, both internally and externally. The episode also touched on the importance of culture in a growing organization. Latson and her partner took intentional steps to create an environment where passion, collaboration, and mutual respect thrive. By intentionally choosing clients who align with their values and declining those that do not, Hashtag Health has cultivated a unique identity in a competitive industry. Latson believes that building strong relationships with employees leads to lower turnover rates and higher job satisfaction, reinforcing the idea that valuing people as resources leads to organizational success.
Expanding with Integrity: Brittany Latson on Growth, Values, and the Future of Hashtag Health
As the conversation concluded, Latson reflected on the future of Hashtag Health and their recent acquisition, discussing how this new chapter is an opportunity to expand their reach while maintaining their foundational values. The acquisition allows them access to more resources and broader platforms, supporting their mission of helping more people in need of healthcare information and services. Overall, this episode presents an inspiring narrative about leading with integrity, the transformative power of a people-first culture, and the importance of fostering genuine relationships across all levels of an organization. The insights shared by Brittany Latson serve as a testament to the positive impact that compassionate leadership and ethical practices can have on both employee well-being and client trust in the healthcare sector.
