In this episode of Smart w/ Heart, host Katie Holt talks with Lauren Glass Mullins, founder of Personality Pool, to explore how personality-based hiring is transforming recruiting, retention, and culture fit in the senior living space.

Lauren shares how Personality Pool uses video-based screening and AI-powered assessments to help HR leaders and hiring managers go beyond résumés, uncovering the soft skills and personality traits that truly matter in frontline and caregiving roles.

Whether you’re an executive director, HR professional, or operator focused on building stronger teams, this conversation offers practical insights into:

• How AI and video tools humanize (not replace) the hiring process

• Ways to reduce turnover costs and hire for long-term culture fit

• The future of recruiting in senior living and aging services

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Connect w/ Lauren:

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn

Check out Personality Pool on LinkedIn

https://personalitypool.com/Homepage

Check out their new tool: https://personalitypool.com/CustomAssessment

Connect w/ Smart Girl Digital:

Follow on LinkedIn

www.smartgirldigital.com

In this episode of the Smart w/ Heart Podcast, host Sarah Sheridan sits down with Jean Hartnett, founder of Radical Sabbatical, to explore how trauma awareness and healing are reshaping leadership in senior living. Jean shares her journey from frontline caregiving to executive leadership, the burnout that inspired her to start Radical Sabbatical, and why trauma-informed care must go beyond compliance checklists.

Listeners will learn:

• Why trauma-informed care is essential for both residents and staff in senior living communities

• The impact of trauma-informed practices on employee engagement, burnout, and organizational culture

• How leaders can foster resilience, psychological safety, and stronger teams by embracing a more human-centered approach

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Connect w/ Jean:

Follow on LinkedIn

https://www.radicalsabbaticalcare.com/

Connect w/ Smart Girl Digital:

Follow on LinkedIn

www.smartgirldigital.com

In this episode, Briana Hilmer, Erin Thompson, Sarah Carothers, and Gena Ross join Smart Girl Sarah Sheridan for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about why emotional intelligence isn’t just a “nice-to-have,” but a must-have for leadership in senior living.

Together, they explore the five pillars of EQ—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—and how they can transform the way leaders recruit, retain, and support their teams. Our guests share personal stories of growth, challenges, and breakthroughs, along with the leadership values they refuse to compromise on.

From reducing turnover to improving resident satisfaction, this episode shows how developing EQ can strengthen cultures, inspire teams, and create lasting impact.

📖 Download the e-book by clicking here.

Connect with our guests:

• Briana Hilmer

• Erin Thompson

• Sarah Carothers

• Gena Ross

Connect w/ Smart Girl Digital:

• Follow on LinkedIn
• www.smartgirldigital.com

In this episode of Smart w/ Heart, Candice Hall and Peter Stinson from the Twilight Wish Foundation share how their nonprofit is transforming the lives of low-income seniors by granting wishes—from mobility aids to bucket-list experiences.

They discuss the power of storytelling, creating emotional connections, and the role of purpose-driven marketing in senior living. Senior living marketers will gain actionable insights on how to engage their communities and elevate their brand through meaningful experiences.

Tune in for inspiration on how to integrate heart-centered marketing into your senior living strategy.

Connect w/ Twilight Wish Foundation: Follow on LinkedIn

http://www.twilightwish.org

Connect w/ Smart Girl Digital:

Follow on LinkedIn

www.smartgirldigital.com

In this episode, Katie Holt sits down with Cindy Sorgea, a PR and marketing communications expert, to discuss the intersection of passion and purpose in leadership.

Cindy shares her journey from working in PR agencies to consulting and her profound experience in the senior living sector. They delve into the importance of structure in strategy, the significance of internal and external communications, and the concept of personal branding for leaders.

Connect w/ Cindy: Follow on LinkedIn

Connect w/ Smart Girl Digital:

Follow Smart Girl on LinkedIn

www.smartgirldigital.com

We're officially kicking off Season 2 with Mariella Canady-Towns, founder of the Platinum Reine Foundation.

We explore:

✨The impact of executive coaching on leadership growth

✨The marketing challenges nonprofits face and how to navigate them

✨Why strategy and storytelling often matter more than budget

✨How to build trust, amplify your mission, and lead with intention

Mariella’s passion for empowering leaders and her practical marketing insight make this conversation both inspiring and actionable.

Connect with Mariella & The Platinum Reine Foundation:

Follow Mariella on LinkedIn

Follow Platinum Reine Foundation on LinkedIn

https://www.platinumreine.org/

Connect w/ Smart Girl Digital:

Follow Smart Girl on LinkedIn

www.smartgirldigital.com

Introducing the Smart w/ Heart Podcast — a new spin on the SGD podcast. 🎙️

We’re refocusing to spotlight change-makers and heart-driven leaders in the senior care and nonprofit space.

Each episode shares the purpose story behind these organizations and offers valuable insights on navigating challenges, driving meaningful impact, and fostering growth within mission-driven communities.

✨ Stay tuned for what's to come this season...

In this bonus episode of The Collective, Katie Holt is joined by Bailey Beeken and Peggy Bilous, creators of the SMASH conference, to discuss the excitement surrounding the upcoming SMASH 2024 and the much-anticipated Twinkle Tuesday event. Tune in for a lively conversation on how Twinkle Tuesday became a standout tradition at SMASH and what attendees can expect this year.

Highlights:

✨ The Evolution of Twinkle Tuesday

✨ The 'Why' behind the creation of Twinkle Tuesday

✨ Shining a Light on Senior Living

Join us as we dive into the sparkle and significance behind one of SMASH’s most exciting traditions!