What if senior living’s biggest challenge isn’t staffing—but culture?
In this inspiring episode of Foresight Radio, Steve Moran sits down with Amy Birkel, Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Communities, for a conversation about leadership, workforce retention, and the future of senior living.
From washing dishes in a rural Nebraska nursing home to leading a 24-community organization across six states, Amy shares the experiences that shaped her passion for serving older adults and building thriving workplace cultures.
You’ll hear powerful insights on:
✅ Why “the small things are everything” in resident care
✅ How workplace culture impacts staff retention and resident satisfaction
✅ The leadership lesson that changed Amy’s career forever: “Being clear is kind.”
✅ Why senior living needs to become a destination people want to move to
✅ How Heritage Communities reduced turnover through leadership development
✅ The importance of investing in frontline staff and emerging leaders
✅ The “Dirty Jobs” initiative that connects home office teams to community life
✅ Why purpose—not just pay—drives long-term engagement
Amy’s vision for the future is bold:
“I hope we’re a destination people want to come to and don’t feel like they have to.”
Whether you’re a senior living executive, operator, caregiver, or industry innovator, this episode offers practical leadership lessons and a hopeful vision for the future of aging services.
Topics Covered:
  • Senior Living Leadership
  • Workforce Retention
  • Employee Engagement
  • Resident Experience
  • Workplace Culture
  • Assisted Living
  • Memory Care
  • Leadership Development
  • Senior Housing Trends
  • Aging Services Innovation