Eliza Sharrah’s Post

A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of hosting my amazing Alliance for a Healthier Generation remote-based team, who focuses on equipping educators with innovative whole child health services & products, in #LittleRock for a time of reflection, gratitude, and strategic planning. We spent time discussing our highs, lows, and lessons learned from the past school year.  A few common themes we uncovered: Our “wins and successes” were all rooted in our people: - Maximizing the talent of our Alliance for a Healthier Generation workforce - Lifting up the trust and voice of our community-based staff and stakeholders - Building on years of impact and outcomes to fuel more opportunities Our “lows and challenges” hinged on unclarity: - Unclear roles and responsibilities - Outdated or broken processes and procedures - Working harder, not smarter As we prepare for an amazing school year ahead, we are channeling the lessons learned into positive actions. Some of my personal takeaways:   - Trust my gut. But don’t distrust others’ instincts  - Seek clarity, always.  Then make it clear for everyone - Take every opportunity to learn from the ones we serve - There’s magic in the room. Connect in-person as much as reasonably possible  - Slow down to speed up and speed up to slow down. The same pace would be boring Thanks for inspiring me Carolyn Kern, Debra Ives, & Terry Atteberry!

🔹 Do You Enjoy Your Job? 🔹 Imagine waking up excited to work every day. At Newton Healthcare, that's our reality. Teamwork here isn't just a buzzword; it's our backbone. Every day, I see our values of honesty, courage, and inclusion in action. From sharing insights, supporting tough shifts, to celebrating victories - we empower each other. It's more than a job; it's a family. We work hard, laugh, and care for our clients with genuine dedication. When we thrive, our clients thrive. How does your team support each other? Share your stories!👇 #Teamwork #Healthcare #JobSatisfaction

Embrace the chaos: Sarah reminds us that careers are just a series of experiments—so don’t stress, just explore! #CareerEquation #CareerJourney #ExperimentAndExplore #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifeLessons  #CareerPath #EmbraceTheChaos #LearningAndGrowing

We have the most extraordinary relationships with our residents’ families. One specific element of our written strategy (a way to differentiate and strengthen our competitive advantage) is called “engaged families.” From the earliest days of Bella Groves, I knew that if we were going to be different and make a specific difference, we were going to have to commit our resources and efforts to purposefully creating an engaged family group. Here’s some of what we’ve learned in our first two years: 1. Define very clearly the ideal customer that fits your methodology [customer persona]. Our approach requires trust, risk-taking, high involvement from the family, their desire to learn about dementia, and a positive relationship to their loved one. 2. Choose your customers wisely. This means telling your story very clearly. In your content, in your meetings, on your website, everywhere they learn about you. Clear stories about your company allow others to opt in and opt out. [This also means “firing customers” if needed.] 3. Create resources that help your customers to be better informed and prepared to be good partners. [the onboarding map we created below is for families. I hope it helps you too.] 4. View everything you do as a means to help your customer (the family member) to better navigate their journey. Support groups, family communications, outings, events, care plan meetings, I mean EVERYTHING. Nothing is procedural. Find the meaning of your role as a guide in everything your team does. The positive relationships we have with our families is not incidental. ➡️ You might think we have great relationships because we have an excellent dementia care organization. It’s the other way around. 🔄 Engaged Families in one of our 7 pillars of our strategy. We call them “strategic anchors.” In order for them to work, every leader MUST know them. Deeply and personally. I work tirelessly to help our leadership team to do just that, and then I trust them to execute their clearly defined job responsibilities - all of which are designed to support different elements of our strategy. If you want to make the kind of difference you’ve never seen, you have to WORK in a manner you’ve never seen. It’s not just about how HARD you work. And no, it’s not only about how SMART you work, either. It’s about how interrelated your work is toward a clear vision. Excellence is contagious. Leaders must be ground zero.

***From Corporate to GP Practice: My Biggest Lesson So Far*** Making the jump from the corporate world to a GP practice has been a bit of a culture shock (in the best possible way). And if there’s one lesson that’s really hit home, it’s this: Community is everything. In the corporate space, there’s often a big focus on personal KPIs, climbing the ladder, and keeping your head down to get things done. But here in the GP practice, it’s all about looking out for each other. It’s a true “one hand washes the other” environment, and honestly, it’s refreshing. Whether it’s helping a patient find the right care, pitching in when a colleague’s swamped, or collaborating with local services to offer better support, every little gesture matters. It’s about rolling up our sleeves and working together, knowing that what we do for each other has a way of coming back around. This shift has taught me that real impact isn’t about individual success—it’s about building connections, sharing the load, and creating a space where everyone thrives. I’m excited to keep learning from this fantastic community, and I’m grateful to be part of a team where we’re all pulling together. Here’s to more days of helping hands and good vibes! #Community #GPPractice #LearningJourney #Teamwork

Ever feel an incredible sense of purpose when you wake up knowing your work makes a real difference? 🌅 For me, that purpose comes from working for a mission-based company that aligns with my values and vision. Mission-based companies aren't just about profit; they are making a meaningful impact. Working at such a place means that every task, every project, and every goal contributes to a larger purpose. For instance, at IntelyCare, I focused on enhancing nurse user experiences to transform healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. At Upromise, I helped families save for college, making higher education more accessible. It's gratifying to know that my work can improve lives. One of the best parts about working for a mission-driven organization is the camaraderie. 🤝 When everyone is aligned with the same mission, the sense of community and teamwork is unparalleled. It's being part of a family where everyone is motivated by the same passion and goals. This environment fosters creativity, innovation, and resilience, making work not just a job but a fulfilling journey. It's a place where you truly belong and feel united with your colleagues in a shared mission. But let's let's see – every job has its challenges. 😅 In mission-driven companies, these challenges often revolve around balancing the mission with sustainability and growth. However, this is where the magic happens. Tackling these challenges head-on with a dedicated team makes the victories even sweeter. It's finding innovative solutions that stay true to the mission while driving success. A mission-based approach also ensures that every employee feels valued and heard. 🗣️ When the company's mission resonates with your personal values, it's easier to stay engaged, motivated, and productive. You're not just clocking in hours but contributing to something bigger than yourself. Running my own small business aimed at helping other small businesses thrive has given me a deep appreciation for the impact of mission-driven work. In a mission-driven company, your contributions are not just recognized but deeply appreciated, making you feel valued and respected. I recommend looking into companies with a strong mission if considering a career move. It's a game-changer for both personal and professional growth. 🌟 What's your take on working for a mission-driven company? Have you experienced the difference it can make? Let's in the comments below! 👇 #MissionDriven #WorkWithPurpose #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

My recent conversations #CareerTransition #CareerChallenges #NewCareerPath #TransitionTips #CareerChange #AdaptAndThrive #JobSwitch #OvercomingObstacles #NewBeginnings #CareerGrowth #EmbraceChange #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerJourney #ChallengesAndGrowth #CareerShift

Matt Stenerson shares a heartwarming example of how technology can build stronger relationships in senior living. 🏘️ At Lyngblomsten, a 240-bed care center in Saint Paul, their CEO served breakfast weekly to residents. Thanks to eMenuCHOICE, with resident photos integrated into the system, the CEO could greet each person by name, adding a personal touch to every interaction. 💬 This small yet impactful feature shows how thoughtful tech design can: ✅ Foster a sense of belonging 💡 ✅ Strengthen bonds between staff and residents 🤝 ✅ Enhance everyday moments in senior living communities 🏠 🎧 Hear more stories about how senior living technology is transforming lives. 🔗 Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/d8FTFbRU #TFT342 #SeniorLiving #ResidentExperience

Technology in #seniorliving is often seen as an efficiency or systems value-add. But the really smart tech companies are also solving for connection. And this simple explanation of the immense value that Matt Stenerson saw in a simple gesture from the Lyngblomsten CEO is why this is a key value in any solution. That’s why smart companies like Wowzitude, Utopia Experiences, and eMenuCHOICE are leaders in what they do - it’s connection forward thinking.

🌟 Belonging in Senior Living, from Vision to Operations: a webinar you can’t miss! 🌟 Join us Dec. 3rd for a dynamic half-day online event focused on building a culture of belonging within senior living communities, with a special emphasis on memory care. Designed for professionals at all levels of care, this event is an opportunity to gain valuable tools and perspectives from thought leaders in senior care and learn how to create a community where everyone feels valued and included. Let’s work together to make senior living environments places of belonging, connection, and purpose for all residents. 💙 What you’ll learn: • Actionable strategies to foster inclusive environments where every resident—regardless of cognitive ability—feels a sense of connection and purpose • How to translate the vision of belonging into practical, everyday operations • Expert insights on creating spaces where all residents, including those with memory loss, can thrive Register now and earn up to 3 free CEUs: https://hubs.li/Q02YCFZY0 #SeniorLiving #MemoryCare #ResidentEngagement #HealthcareLeadership #InclusiveCare #BelongingInSeniorLiving #SeniorCareProfessionals #ActivitiesStrong