Hosts Bo Brabo and Luke Carignan sit down with Heather Zarzycki, Director of Total Rewards at Adventist Health, for a candid conversation about what’s really changing in healthcare compensation, why transparency isn’t the enemy, and how HR leaders can adapt to the realities of wage compression, remote work, and AI.

💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn:

1️. Transparency Is the New Trust
Heather shares how public pay scales, wage laws, and cultural shifts are dismantling the old taboo around “talking money.” From pay equity and internal loyalty to the role of transparency in employee retention, she explains why openness is reshaping the employer-employee relationship.

2️. Wage Compression and Creativity in Compensation
With California’s healthcare minimum wage now at $24 and climbing, Heather walks listeners through the balancing act of raising pay for frontline teams while keeping leadership structures sustainable and why “flattening the top” may soon be unavoidable.

3️. The Remote Work Reality
Heather, Bo, and Luke tackle the return-to-office debate head-on. Does culture really require proximity, or can flexibility create a stronger sense of trust and productivity? The discussion reveals how outdated mindsets may be hurting recruitment and morale more than helping.

4️. Leadership Without Incentives
As more professionals shy away from management roles, the trio explores whether merit pay and performance-based compensation could reignite purpose and accountability, or risk driving burnout if not thoughtfully designed.

5️. AI, Automation & the Next Era of Comp Strategy
From digital twins to AI-driven HR service centers, the conversation turns futuristic. Heather imagines a world where compensation programs adapt in real time and HR leaders must answer the question, “Why shouldn’t AI do my job?”

💬 Memorable Quotes:

• “Transparency isn’t dangerous; it builds loyalty.”
• “If you think you’re underpaid, you deserve to know the truth.”
• “AI isn’t coming—it’s already here. Learn it, or be left behind.”

🌟 Why Listen:
This episode blends humor, hard truths, and forward-thinking ideas to challenge how we view pay, performance, and purpose in the modern workforce. Whether you’re leading compensation strategy, managing talent, or simply rethinking what motivates people to stay, Heather’s insights deliver a masterclass in balancing heart, data, and innovation.

From Our Sponsors...

Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefits
Elevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.

Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Streamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcare
Simplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it’s your all-in-one compliance tool.

Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/

Support the show

In this lively and thought-provoking episode, co-hosts Bo Brabo and Luke Carignan sit down with Elizabeth Babb, System Director of Human Resources at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, for a conversation that blends humor, heart, and hard-hitting insights about modern HR leadership.

Elizabeth, a lifelong Spartanburg native and self-proclaimed “hilarious dog mom,” brings her infectious energy and wealth of experience across industries to the table as she dives into the art and science of total rewards. From introducing paid parental leave to strengthening benefits education and employee engagement, Elizabeth reveals how communication, not cost, is often the secret ingredient to driving employee satisfaction and retention.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Strategy before benefits: How aligning HR and total rewards with organizational strategy ensures every initiative moves the mission forward.
• Educate before you elevate: Why employees often think a benefit is “bad” when it’s really just misunderstood and how leaders can fix that through consistent, creative communication.
• Analogies that stick: Elizabeth’s unforgettable “car dashboard” analogy for benefits education will forever change how you think about employee communication.
• The hidden cost of leaving: How total compensation statements help employees see the real value of their employment… beyond just the hourly rate.
• Healthcare’s benefits balancing act: Insights into managing self-insured plans, pharmacy programs, and the ever-changing PBM landscape while keeping employees informed and empowered.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Elizabeth, Bo, and Luke unpack the complexity of the pharmaceutical industry, transparency challenges in PBM contracting, and the growing movement toward more accountable, employee-first healthcare models. As always, expect laughter, candor, and moments of reflection on what it truly means to care for the people who care for patients.

🎧 Tune In If You’re:

• A healthcare HR leader navigating total rewards and benefits education.
• A communicator who wants to make your message stick.
• Curious about the intersection of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and HR strategy.
• Just here for the laughs because Elizabeth’s analogies are legendary.

Listen now to learn how Spartanburg Regional is redefining employee engagement… one benefit, one conversation, and one brilliant analogy at a time.

From Our Sponsors...

Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefits
Elevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.

Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Streamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcare
Simplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it’s your all-in-one compliance tool.

Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/

Support the show

Monday News Drop: Education Reform, Pharmacy Savings & The Future of Healthcare Workforce

This week on The ASHHRA Podcast, co-hosts Bo Brabo, Luke Carignan, and Jeremy Sadlier tackle three headlines shaking up healthcare HR and workforce strategy: education pipelines, rising benefit costs, and how leadership can get ahead of both.

💡 Inside This Episode:

1️. Healthcare Education Reimagined
With healthcare staffing shortages projected into 2030, the hosts explore how health systems can take education into their own hands. From virtual nursing programs to in-house training pipelines, they discuss how partnering with or even building academic programs could close the supply gap faster than traditional higher education—and at a fraction of the cost.

2️. ADN vs. BSN — Rethinking Requirements
Are degree requirements unintentionally shrinking your candidate pool? Bo, Luke, and Jeremy debate whether strict BSN-only hiring policies are limiting access to great talent and driving future nurses toward long-term-care roles instead of hospitals. The conversation challenges institutions to create flexible career pathways, such as “hire-now, finish-later” BSN partnerships.

3️. Travel Nursing Declines and Telehealth Explodes
Travel nursing demand is expected to drop another 20% in 2025, while locum tenens, nurse practitioners, and telehealth roles continue to surge. The team explores what this shift means for workforce planning, retention, and the evolving role of HR in recruiting advanced practitioners.

4️. Rising Health Insurance Costs — and How to Fight Back
Employer-sponsored premiums climbed 5% this year, averaging $27,000 per family. Bo walks through practical ways to offset these increases, including pharmacy optimization, transparent contract review, and strengthening the partnership between HR and pharmacy leaders. Luke even floats a bold retention idea: What if organizations covered 100% of employee premiums?

5️. A Round of Applause for Healthcare Culture Champions
The hosts celebrate the newest Most Loved Workplaces list, highlighting top health systems like Parkview Health, Nicholas Children’s, and UCLA Health for setting the bar on employee experience.

🌟 Why Listen:
This episode blends insight, humor, and actionable ideas for every healthcare HR leader navigating workforce shortages, benefit inflation, and culture transformation.

From Our Sponsors...

Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefits
Elevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.

Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Streamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcare
Simplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it’s your all-in-one compliance tool.

Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/

Support the show

In Episode 184 of The ASHHRA Podcast, host Luke Carignan sits down with Amanda Ellis, Vice President of Total Rewards at SSM Health, for an inspiring conversation about her dynamic HR journey and innovative approach to total rewards.

Amanda shares her story, from her Florida Gator roots to marrying her high school sweetheart and raising a family while climbing the HR ladder. Starting with an internship in Gainesville, she navigated talent acquisition, benefits, and compensation, leading to director roles at AdventHealth and Adventist Health before joining SSM Health.

Her career thrives on mentorship and connections, forged through events like the ASHHRA Executive Summit, where she encourages HR pros to build lasting industry relationships. Amanda’s total rewards philosophy centers on transparency and education, empowering caregivers to understand their compensation, benefits, and retirement plans so they can focus on patient care.

She tackles challenges like wage compression and multi-state benefits complexities with a strategic, analytics-driven mindset, advocating for multiyear plans to strengthen offerings. Beyond perks like pizza parties, Amanda’s engagement surveys reveal employees crave growth opportunities over raises, prompting leaders to redefine career development. Trust and collaboration are her leadership cornerstones, driving her rapid rise and impact.

Amanda and Luke brainstorm future conference ideas, like a rapid-fire panel on real HR scenarios—let us know if you want this at ASHHRA 2026 in Savannah!

A must-listen for HR leaders seeking actionable strategies to elevate total rewards and employee well-being.

From Our Sponsors...

Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefits
Elevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.

Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Streamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcare
Simplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it’s your all-in-one compliance tool.

Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/

Support the show

We’re excited to bring you the latest episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, where host Luke Carignan sits down with Jennifer Law, CHRO of Vail Health, for a truly heartfelt conversation about the realities—and rewards—of working in healthcare HR nestled in the picturesque mountains of Colorado.

Here’s what you’ll find inside this episode:

Life & Work in “Paradise” Jen kicks off by sharing what it’s really like working in Vail, Colorado—beyond the stunning views and outdoor perks. From the logistical challenges of living in a remote, resort-driven community to the high cost of living and housing shortages, Jen sheds light on unique factors shaping the Vail Health employment experience.

Staffing & Recruitment: The Outdoor Draw With Vail Health recruiting for roles ranging from clinical to environmental services, Jen explains why lifestyle fit—and a genuine love of the outdoors—can make or break retention. She also discusses the impact of the local housing market and how creative approaches are needed to attract and retain talent in such a unique location.

Culture, Community & Real Retention Jen and Luke dig deep on what it really takes to keep employees engaged beyond salary. Vail Health’s secret? Building authentic community. From book clubs to run clubs, they focus on fostering relationships that help new arrivals find their circle outside of work—for both well-being and improved retention.

Lessons on Burnout & Well-being Burnout isn’t just about workload. It’s often about what’s missing, not just what’s excessive. Jen talks mental health, building authentic support systems, and the value in nontraditional “benefits” like flexibility and peer connection.

Building Great Places to Work, on Purpose Jen’s guiding principle is all about intentionality: communities, programs, and leadership development that let people bring their best to work. Her passion for HR shines in her belief that work should be a good environment—where anyone can grow, connect, and truly enjoy what they do.

A Few Gems for Your Week:

• "People are people. You know this area, you know the community." — On how local knowledge often outweighs industry experience
• “Everyone should have to work in hospitality at some point.” — Spot-on advice for empathy and service
• "We’re intentional about building authentic connections—engagement doesn’t have to be expensive!"

If you’ve ever been curious about life and HR work in a mountain community, or you’re seeking inspiration for employee engagement that actually works, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Stay tuned for our next episode…and don’t forget to register for the ASHHRA conference in Savannah this May!

From Our Sponsors...

Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefits
Elevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.

Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Streamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcare
Simplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it’s your all-in-one compliance tool.

Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/

Support the show

Recorded live at the 2025 ASHHRA Executive Summit in Savannah, host Luke Carignan (sans traveling co-host Bo Brabo) sits down with Jaclyn Thomson, Director of Employee & Labor Relations at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Jaclyn shares her unique journey from psychology and counseling to HR mastery, blending empathy with strategic ER. Amid talent shortages and operational challenges, she offers practical wisdom on investigations, union avoidance, and fostering positive workplace cultures—reminding us: Appreciate others; it goes a long way.

Jaclyn dives into her 14 years at West Virginia University Medicine, where proximity to operations sparked a passion for ER. She emphasizes understanding the "why" behind healthcare functions to better support leaders and staff. For early-career HR pros: Shadow ops, ask questions, and immerse yourself. On tough ER tasks like investigations: Stay neutral, thorough, and empathetic—focus on facts while humanizing the process. Union avoidance? Be proactive: Address issues early, build trust, and engage employees to prevent escalation.

Key takeaways for healthcare HR leaders:

• ER Fundamentals: Merge counseling skills with HR—listen actively, remain unbiased, and prioritize empathy in high-stakes situations like terminations or grievances.
• Operational Insight: Don't silo in HR; learn hospital ops through shadowing, questions, and cross-departmental exposure to align strategies with real-world needs.
• Investigations Best Practices: Approach with neutrality; gather facts, document thoroughly, and focus on resolution—avoid bias to ensure fair outcomes.
• Union Prevention: Foster open communication and address pain points early; proactive engagement reduces union risks in competitive markets.
• Positive Culture Building: Combat negativity in ER by celebrating wins—simple appreciation boosts morale and retention.
• Career Growth: For aspiring ER pros, seek diverse experiences; Jaclyn's path from psych to ER highlights adaptability's value.
• Nashville Shoutout: Check out Rec Fest (Oct 15-16) at Centennial Park—HR's "Lollapalooza" with tents, speakers, and networking.

A must-listen for HR navigating ER's emotional demands in healthcare. Jaclyn's insights inspire resilience and positivity—control what you can!

Join us at the ASHHRA26 Annual 2026 Conference in Savannah May 17 – 19. Register here.

From Our Sponsors...

Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefits
Elevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.

Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Streamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcare
Simplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it’s your all-in-one compliance tool.

Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/

Support the show

We’re excited to bring you highlights from this week’s “Monday News Drop” episode of The ASHHRA Podcast! Co-hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo were back in the studio to tackle two of the hottest topics shaping healthcare HR today: a shakeup in leadership expectations and the non-stop momentum of AI.

Episode Highlights

1. No One Wants to Lead! Luke and Bo dove into an eye-opening article on “Conscious Unbossing” – a rising Gen Z trend where employees are opting out of formal leadership roles in favor of deepening subject matter expertise. The big takeaway? People want career growth options that DON’T require managing others!

Key discussion points:

• Rethinking career pathing beyond the “leadership ladder”
• Lending respect and recognition to subject matter experts (SMEs), even when they choose not to manage people
• Building parallel career tracks, lateral moves, and project-based recognition for non-managerial talent
• Humility in the workplace: Valuing leaders AND non-leader contributors

2. AI Isn’t the Future—It’s the Present Every HR article (and podcast!) these days is talking about AI. Bo and Luke stressed the urgency around not just learning about AI, but also actively implementing and adapting to it—especially agentic AI in HR functions like talent acquisition.

• Organizations that delay AI adoption risk falling dangerously behind the competition—think “flip phone vs. iPhone.”
• AI is shifting HR from transactional work to strategic ‘people architect’ roles—are you ready to evolve?
• HR positions won’t disappear, but tasks ARE changing: repurposing roles, reskilling teams, and continuously learning is the name of the game.
• Don’t be afraid to learn! Even if you’re near retirement, find your AI enthusiast successor and help them lead the charge.

3. Trending Topic: Staff Well-Being & the Power of the SME Bo and Luke touched on staff well-being—mental health, burnout prevention, and flexible scheduling—as top priorities for healthcare HR, emphasizing that SMEs in these areas can lead important change without managing teams.

Fun Favorites

• Redefining generational names (RIP, “Generation PT Cruiser”!).
• The coming age of affordable AI-powered robots—the Jetsons’ future is closer than you think.

What’s Next? ASHHRA's Annual Conference is coming to Savannah on May 17-19, 2026! Check the show notes or ASHHRA website for more info, and join us LIVE on the podcast at the event.

From Our Sponsors...

Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefits
Elevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.

Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Streamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcare
Simplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it’s your all-in-one compliance tool.

Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/

Support the show

In this engaging solo-hosted episode (Bo's out traveling!), Luke Carignan chats with Erica Samalis, Director of HR Business Partners at Tufts Medicine. Erica shares her pivot from pre-med to HR via business school, her 12 years at Children's National in DC, and her return to New England roots. Amid talent shortages and industry shifts, she discusses elevating HRBPs to strategic roles, workforce development, AI's potential, and fostering engagement in a changing healthcare landscape.

Key takeaways for healthcare HR leaders:

• HRBP Evolution: Shift from transactional ER to strategic advising—build trust through rounding and proactive support.
• Workforce Planning: Focus on succession, internal mobility, and new business lines; partner with operations for talent pipelines.
• Talent Shortages: Address nursing/tech gaps with education investments, global sourcing, and retention strategies—emphasize culture over perks.
• AI in HR: Use for efficiency (e.g., chatbots, screening) but preserve human elements; frees time for high-impact work like development.
• Employee Engagement: Leverage surveys, DEI, and perks (e.g., pet insurance, tuition); prioritize mental health and flexibility.
• Industry Insights: Innovate amid change—share ideas via networks like ASHHRA for collaborative solutions.

A must-listen for HR driving strategic impact in healthcare. Erica's journey inspires adaptability!

Join ASHHRA 2026 in Savannah! Register here.

From Our Sponsors...

Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefits
Elevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital’s own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.

Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Streamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcare
Simplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it’s your all-in-one compliance tool.

Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/

Support the show