The “Dragon Slayer” Approach: Empowering Teams to Elevate Senior Care with Nikki Kresse

Update: 2025-03-13

Description

What if senior living communities could transform resident care through authentic human connection?

In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Nikki Kresse, Chief Experience and People Officer at Lifespace Communities, to discuss how immersive leadership transforms senior living. Nikki shares insights from her month-long stay in senior communities, highlighting the power of human connection, intentional vulnerability, and purpose-driven culture. They explore strategies for enhancing employee engagement, reducing turnover, and improving resident experiences. From Lifespace’s "Dragon Slayer" culture to addressing industry challenges, this conversation reveals how empathetic leadership can revolutionize both workplace dynamics and business outcomes. Tune in for a compelling discussion on scaling humanity in leadership.

Join them as they discuss:

Understanding Lifespace: A Cruise Ship on Land for Senior Living
From Operations to HR: Nikki's Journey in Leadership Evolution
The Power of Empowerment: Moving Beyond Command and Control
Living the Experience: A Month in Senior Communities
Making Experience the Differentiator in Senior Living
Dragon Slayers: Building a Culture of Empowered Care
Tackling Industry Challenges: Reducing Burnout Through Purpose
Future of Leadership: Embracing Adaptability and Growth

Nikki Kresse is the Chief Experience and People Officer at Lifespace Communities, where she leads human resources, resident experience, and communications across the enterprise. With over 20 years of experience spanning operations, talent strategy, and culture transformation, she has driven significant organizational change in healthcare, hospitality, and senior living sectors. Before Lifespace, she held key leadership positions at Michaels Arts & Crafts and G6 Hospitality, where she developed expertise in scaling businesses and building strong succession plans. In her current role. Nikki has spearheaded innovative approaches to employee engagement and resident experience, resulting in a 30-point reduction in turnover and engagement scores in the global 90th percentile.

Episode Resources: