Ahmad R. Razaghi is the founder of Razaghi Healthcare, an organization dedicated to supporting Native American communities. With expertise in strategic planning, corporate governance, and executive management, he assists Native Nations in developing and operating their own private healthcare systems.
Mr. Razaghi has held executive leadership roles in healthcare organizations for over 15 years. He advises tribal boards on the governance of tribally operated healthcare corporations (commonly known as 638 corporations) and has successfully negotiated numerous multi-year Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (PL 93-638) contracts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Indian Health Service.
He has a strong track record of achievement in Native American healthcare. In 2017, he facilitated a landmark $200 million settlement for Navajo Health Foundation – Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado, Arizona. He also led the development and implementation of strategic plans that protected a 638 corporation from losing its contract, hospital licensure, and accreditation.
In recognition of his leadership, Mr. Razaghi received the Chief Executive Officer’s Managerial Excellence Award from the Director of Indian Health Service and the U.S. Surgeon General.
He holds an MBA from the University of Utah. Outside of his professional life, Mr. Razaghi enjoys spending time with his family and church community and stays active through hot yoga, skiing, and other fitness pursuits.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day begins early with a routine that sets the tone for productivity. I start with a quick workout, as physical exercise boosts my energy levels and mental focus. Throughout the day, I maintain a structured schedule, prioritizing my tasks based on their importance and urgency. Regular breaks, moments of reflection, or a nap help me stay focused and avoid burnout.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life is a multistep process that begins with comprehensive research and brainstorming. I gather insights from a variety of sources, including market trends, customer feedback, and collaborative team sessions. Once the idea is clearly defined, I work to secure buy-in from key stakeholders, effectively communicating the idea’s potential value and addressing any concerns or objections. The next crucial step is execution, where I ensure we have a detailed plan with clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines. Throughout the process, continuous monitoring and adaptability are key, allowing us to adjust and refine our approach to achieve the best possible outcome.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that truly excites me is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The potential applications of AI are vast, ranging from improving efficiency and accuracy across industries to creating entirely new products and services. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets and extract actionable insights has the power to revolutionize business operations, driving better decision-making and fostering innovation. Moreover, the ethical development and use of AI offer opportunities to tackle global challenges in healthcare, education, and sustainability, making it a field with both significant commercial and societal impact.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
A habit that greatly boosts my productivity is setting and pursuing a variety of goals at the same time. Much like the Christian church encourages young men and women to set goals in areas such as physical, spiritual, social, and educational development, I believe in a well-rounded approach to goal-setting. By defining objectives across different aspects of life, I ensure both personal and professional growth. This holistic approach keeps me motivated, helps me maintain balance, and ensures continuous improvement in all areas.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be yourself. Being yourself is essential because it fosters authenticity and self-acceptance. When you embrace who you truly are, you stop wasting energy trying to meet others’ expectations and can focus on what truly matters to you. It allows you to build genuine relationships based on honesty and trust, rather than on a version of yourself that doesn’t reflect your true nature. Moreover, being authentic brings inner peace and confidence, as you’re not constantly trying to maintain a facade. When you’re true to yourself, you not only inspire others to do the same, but you also create a life that aligns with your values and passions, leading to greater fulfillment and happiness.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Family is the foundation of support, love, and connection, offering a sense of belonging and security that wealth cannot replace. While financial success can provide temporary comfort, it is the unwavering presence of family that truly enriches our lives, especially during challenging times. The bonds of family are built on trust, shared experiences, and unconditional care, which create a lasting sense of purpose and fulfillment. Unlike material wealth, which can be fleeting and easily lost, the love and support of family provide a deep emotional richness that helps us navigate life’s ups and downs. At the end of the day, it’s the moments spent with loved ones—offering encouragement, creating memories, and sharing joy—that hold the greatest value, making family more important than money.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Exercise is a powerful tool for enhancing overall well-being, benefiting not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Physically, regular exercise strengthens the heart, boosts energy levels, and improves overall health, helping to prevent chronic diseases. Mentally, it reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins, which promote a sense of happiness and calm. Exercise also sharpens focus and improves cognitive function, making it easier to navigate daily challenges. Spiritually, physical activity can offer a sense of connection to oneself and to something greater, whether through mindful practices like yoga or through the sheer joy of movement. It provides an opportunity for reflection, helps clear the mind, and nurtures a deeper sense of inner peace. Together, these benefits make exercise an essential practice for maintaining balance and thriving in all aspects of life.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve focus. When we move our bodies, it triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help us feel happier and more relaxed. Exercise also helps lower the levels of stress hormones in our bodies, making us feel less anxious and overwhelmed. Taking time to exercise provides a much-needed break from daily worries, allowing our minds to recharge. Whether it’s a jog, a yoga session, or just a walk outside, physical activity helps clear our minds and makes it easier to focus when we return to our tasks. By improving blood flow to the brain, exercise also helps us stay sharp and concentrate better throughout the day.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Growing a small business takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about putting in the time and effort to turn that idea into reality. Early on, you often have to wear many hats—handling everything from marketing and customer service to finances and operations. This means long hours, making tough decisions, and sometimes sacrificing personal time and comfort. However, that dedication is what builds the foundation for success. The more you invest in your business, the more you learn and adapt, and the closer you get to reaching your goals. While the journey can be challenging, the rewards—both personal and professional—are worth the effort and the sacrifices made along the way often pay off in the long run.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Not getting into medical school was a difficult setback, but rather than letting it define me, I used it as fuel to drive my success in a different direction. Instead of dwelling on failure, I shifted my focus toward growing my small consulting business. The resilience and determination I developed through that experience helped me stay committed, even when faced with challenges. I used the lessons learned from my rejection to push myself further, learning new skills, expanding my network, and refining my business strategies. What initially felt like a roadblock became the catalyst for my growth, and today, my consulting business thrives because I didn’t let failure stop me, but instead allowed it to propel me toward new opportunities.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Office 365 is a powerful tool that significantly enhances productivity, both individually and within teams. With its suite of applications—such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook—users can seamlessly collaborate, create, and manage documents from anywhere. The cloud-based nature of Office 365 allows for real-time collaboration, where multiple people can work on the same file simultaneously, making teamwork more efficient. Its integration with tools like OneDrive ensures that important documents are always accessible, even on the go, while features like Teams help streamline communication and reduce time spent in meetings. By offering flexible and accessible solutions, Office 365 helps individuals and businesses stay organized, improve workflows, and ultimately get more done in less time.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Accountant is a great movie because it combines action, suspense, and drama with a unique character. Ben Affleck’s performance as Christian Wolff, a math genius with autism who works as a forensic accountant for criminals, is captivating. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat with its clever plot twists and intense action scenes, while also diving into deeper themes like family and justice. It’s an exciting, smart movie that balances thrills with emotional depth.
Key learnings
- Success is defined by strong family relationships, not by wealth. True success is rooted in meaningful family connections, which provide love, support, and fulfillment—things money can’t buy.
- Strive for health, wealth, and wisdom. A balanced life is about taking care of your health, building wealth, and gaining wisdom to make better decisions and lead a fulfilling life.
- Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a productive daily routine. Regular exercise boosts energy, reduces stress, and enhances focus, making it an essential part of a productive day.