🎙️ How Mike Garrett Transformed Manufacturing Leadership Into Senior Care Innovation Through Crisis Management and AI Integration

In this inspiring episode, Mike Garrett, Vice President of Human Resources at American Healthcare, shares his remarkable journey from factory floor cushion stuffer to rock band performer to senior care executive leading 2,000+ employees across 16 Virginia facilities. Through powerful stories of COVID crisis leadership, innovative recruitment strategies, and the integration of AI technology, Mike reveals how manufacturing principles translate into compassionate healthcare management and why human connection remains the cornerstone of effective leadership during the most challenging times.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Manufacturing to healthcare transition: Core HR principles adapt across industries with regulatory differences

• Crisis leadership during COVID: Personal courage and authentic communication inspire teams through uncertainty

• AI recruitment revolution: Algorithm understanding and empathetic job posting reduced costs by 85%

• Daily pay implementation: 50% employee adoption, addressing immediate financial needs and retention

• Employee involvement evolution: Factory floor experience builds understanding of frontline worker perspectives

• Family-centered business philosophy: "Our family exists to care for yours" guides all decision-making

• Utility belt leadership approach: Providing managerswith  multiple options for difficult personnel situations

• Talk before you walk initiative: Proactive retention conversations replacing traditional exit interviews

• 24/7 healthcare staffing challenges: Unique retention strategies for round-the-clock care environments

• Personal adaptation skills: Reading room dynamics and adjusting leadership style for local culture

🌟 Mike's Key Mentors:

• Employee Involvement Coordinator at Roe Furniture: Provided entry into HR through facilitation training

• Tommy East (American Healthcare President): Supportive leadership allowing thoughtful decision-making

• Stephen Covey's "7 Habits": Foundation for listening, understanding, and personal effectiveness

• Rock Band Experience: Taught crowd reading and real-time adaptation skills

• Manufacturing Floor Workers: Provided an authentic understanding of employee perspectives and challenges

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about crisis leadership, innovative recruitment strategies, and how manufacturing experience translates into compassionate healthcare management for Virginia's most vulnerable populations.

🔗 Connect with Mike Garrett:

Company Website: heritage-hall.org

American Healthcare: 16 facilities across Virginia

Services: Long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and senior living

LinkedIn: Mike Garrett (limited presence by choice)

📄 Transcript Available: Mike Garrett’s Evolution from career change to COVID to AI to the box behind door number three

📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack Benefits Agency

🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast

📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

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