Peter Murphy Lewis is no ordinary CEO. He’s a fractional CMO, TV host, and creator of the People Worth Caring About docu-series—a project that’s turning the long-term care narrative on its head.
In his recent appearance on Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, one of the most-listened-to shows in the healthcare space, Peter pulled back the curtain on his unconventional career, offering exclusive insights into marketing, leadership, and his relentless passion for elevating the caregiving profession.
As founder and CEO of Strategic Pete, Peter has spent decades honing a marketing strategy that goes beyond buzzwords and stats—he’s deeply committed to telling real stories that resonate with audiences and change industries. In this episode, Peter shared his journey, the inspiration behind his docu-series, and what it really means to innovate in both healthcare marketing and leadership.
“A Conversation Over a Beer Turned Into a Docu-Series”
During the podcast, Peter explained how his groundbreaking People Worth Caring About docu-series—which highlights the unsung heroes of long-term care—came to life in an unexpected way:
“There may have been a beer involved, Scott. I said, ‘Why don’t we do something about caregivers?’ Instead of focusing on America’s seniors, let’s focus on the people who take care of them. Let’s show the world who they are, instead of letting the press tell the story for us.”
What started as a casual conversation with the board chair of the Nebraska Health Care Association has quickly blossomed into a powerful movement. The first series aired in Nebraska, receiving overwhelming positive feedback, including praise from industry leaders like the chair of the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHA), who described it as
“the most authentic thing I’ve seen in our industry.”
Peter’s vision for the docu-series is simple: “The best way to control the narrative in long-term care is to show real people who love what they do. Not just caregivers, but the caregivers—the 17-year-old CNAs who are committed for life, the 70-year-olds who can’t retire because this is their family away from home.”
Balancing a Global Career from a “Literal Zoo” in Kansas
Beyond his professional achievements, Peter’s personal life is as unique as his career path. When asked about his home life in Wichita, Kansas, Peter offered a laugh and said,
“I literally live inside of a zoo. There are zebras 30 yards behind me and cheetahs 60 yards in front of me.” It’s not just a fun fact—it’s a reflection of his extraordinary approach to life.
Peter and his family, including his wife and 8-year-old son, live on a property adjacent to a local zoo—a living situation that, by his own admission, is both chaotic and fulfilling. But it’s also a microcosm of his larger philosophy: embracing the unexpected, making room for family, and blending professional success with personal fulfillment.