#107 - Technology, Flexibility, and HR Challenges in Healthcare

The ASHHRA Podcast

We’re excited to bring you the latest episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, featuring the inspiring Mel Goodrich, SVP and Chief People Officer at Sentara! This episode is packed with insights on leadership, technology, and the future of healthcare. Let’s dive into the highlights!

🎙️ Special Guest: Mel Goodrich

With over 32 years of HR experience across various industries, Mel Goodrich’s heart belongs to healthcare. At Sentara, she oversees HR operations for a network that includes hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and physician practices. Her early experiences in her family’s grocery store instilled a deep passion for caring for people, driving her impactful career in HR.

🐶 Meet Joey, the Aussie Poo

Mel shares lighter moments from her life, including her adorable Australian Shepherd poodle mix, Joey. This little bundle of joy is a testament to how personal well-being contributes to professional success.

🏊‍♀️ Finding Balance

In her leisure time, Mel finds serenity in swimming in her backyard pool, which serves as a great stress reliever. Her holistic approach to managing stress highlights the importance of self-care in leading effectively.

📅 Leadership and Structure

A multitasker who thrives on structure, Mel emphasizes regular meetings and purposeful project plans. She believes one-on-ones should prioritize individual development alongside business updates. Her approach ensures her team’s growth and well-being.

💡 Embracing Technology in Healthcare

Mel and Luke explore how technology, especially AI, is enhancing productivity and care in healthcare. By combining AI with human intelligence, organizations can deliver better services while empowering staff to leverage these advancements agilely.

🌟 Care and Compassion in Leadership

Humility, grace, and listening are vital traits Mel champions as a leader. She reengineered Sentara’s employee relations team by conducting listening sessions with over 100 people, focusing on supporting employees through personal milestones like childbirth.

🛠️ Innovating HR in Healthcare

COVID-19 has pushed healthcare HR to innovate rapidly. Mel discusses flexible scheduling, remote work, and wellbeing resources as essential measures to attract and retain talent in a challenging landscape.

📈 Building the Future

Mel’s dedication also extends to the future workforce. Her team’s initiatives include engaging with high schools and middle schools through boot camps and sponsorships to attract young people to the healthcare profession.

In this episode, Mel leaves us with a powerful message: It’s crucial to support development and leave a legacy through mentorship, ensuring we are always striving to be our best selves.

🌟Don’t miss this enlightening conversation! We hope Mel's journey and insights inspire you as much as they inspired us. Stay tuned for more enriching discussions on The ASHHRA Podcast.

Best Wishes,

The ASHHRA Podcast Team
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