What happens when one of the world's top nonprofit CEOs makes the life-changing decision to step away from executive leadership to become a full-time family caregiver? In this episode, we sit down with Ms. Angela F. Williams to explore the deeply personal journey that reshaped her life, her leadership, and her perspective on what truly matters.

Together, we unpack the realities of balancing work and caregiving, why so many caregivers remain invisible in the workplace, and how leaders can build cultures where employees feel safe asking for support. Whether you're a caregiver, an employer, or someone who wants to better understand the challenges millions of working caregivers face, this conversation is filled with practical insights, heartfelt wisdom, and actionable ideas you can apply right away.

Episode Highlights
[1:27] - Ms. Williams shares the gradual journey that led her from CEO to full-time caregiver for her parents.

[5:28] - Why caregiving is anything but linear—and the leadership lessons it teaches along the way.

[10:54] - Ms. Williams explains why she wasn't "retiring," but "refiring," and what this next chapter of life looks like.

[17:15] - The overwhelming response after sharing her caregiving story and why caregivers need safe spaces to speak up.

[23:58] - Every caregiving journey is different: balancing work, family, and the unexpected responsibilities that come with both.

[25:32] - How vulnerable leadership can transform workplace culture and encourage employees to ask for the support they need.

[29:45] - Practical caregiving resources every HR leader, manager, and employer should know about.

[35:51] - Why supporting working caregivers isn't just the right thing to do—it's also a smart business decision.

[42:09] - Ms. Williams shares the one policy, benefit, and community resource she believes every caregiver should have access to.

[44:23] - A powerful closing conversation on leading with compassion and creating workplaces where caregivers can truly thrive.

Links & Resources

• Going From CEO to a Family Caregiver (AARP Exclusive Interview):https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/united-way-ceo-caregiver/
• Caregiving Became the Mission This CEO Never Expected (AARP Video):https://www.aarp.org/videos/caregiving/6396169568112/
• 211 – Health & Human Services: https://www.211.org/
• Navigating the Age of Chaos book: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Age-Chaos-Sense-Making-Doesnt/dp/B0DVBG9FYR/
• Connect with Ms. Angela F. Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafwilliams/
  
  

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Caregiving touches nearly every workplace, yet it remains one of the least recognized drivers of employee burnout, absenteeism, turnover, and declining performance. Forbes contributor Geri Stengel joins us to discuss why caregiving often goes unseen by employers and what organizations may be missing when they focus on symptoms rather than root causes.

Drawing from years of research, reporting, and personal experience, Geri shares eye-opening data on the growing caregiving population, the business risks of overlooking this workforce segment, and the opportunities available to employers willing to take a closer look. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, manager, or caregiver yourself, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on one of the most pressing workforce challenges of our time.

Episode Highlights

[1:32] - Welcoming Geri Stengel and discussing the Forbes article that inspired this conversation

[2:18] - Why caregiving remains one of the most common yet invisible challenges in today's workforce

[3:00] - Geri shares her personal experience caring for her aunt and navigating the complexities of elder care

[4:53] - A look at caregiving support programs and innovative solutions emerging through Medicare-funded services

[6:56] - The story behind the phrase "Caregiving Doesn't Show Up on a Claim Line"

[7:50] - Why employers often address the symptoms of caregiving challenges instead of the root cause

[9:17] - Real-world examples of caregiving being mistaken for poor performance in the workplace

[10:24] - The financial impact of caregiver burnout and the hidden costs organizations often overlook

[11:38] - The rapid growth of the caregiving population and why employers can no longer ignore it

[12:03] - How caregiving affects leadership pipelines, retention, and mid-career professionals

[13:58] - Research findings that changed Geri's perspective on caregiving and workforce strategy

[15:06] - Growing investment in caregiving solutions and why the industry is gaining attention

[16:17] - Practical advice for CEOs and HR leaders looking to better understand caregiving risk

[18:39] - Why caregiving develops leadership skills and should be viewed as an asset, not a liability

[19:44] - The long-term consequences for employees, companies, and society if caregiving remains invisible

[21:58] - Geri discusses VentureNear, women's health advocacy, and her continued research efforts

[23:29] - Final thoughts on creating workplaces that better support working caregivers

Links & Resources

Geri Stengel's Forbes Article: Caregiving Doesn't Show Up On A Claim Line. That's Costing Companies And Employees
https://www.forbes.com/sites/geristengel/2026/04/28/caregiving-doesnt-show-up-on-a-claim-line-thats-costing-companies-and-employees/

Ventureneer
https://ventureneer.com/

Geri Stengel's Substack: Women's Health & Market Visibility
https://geristengel.substack.com/

Episode 12: Navigating Caregiving, Work, and Mental Health with Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy
https://workingcaregivers.buzzsprout.com/2401927/episodes/16675698-navigating-caregiving-work-and-mental-health-expert-insights-with-dr-madhavi-vemireddy

Episode 35: Supporting Working Caregivers with Real Empathy
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401927/episodes/18726675

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

As working caregivers, we often focus so much on caring for others that we forget one critical truth: caring for ourselves is not optional. In this episode, we sit down with psychiatrist, coach, and financial wellness advocate Dr. Billina Shaw to explore the often-overlooked physical, emotional, mental, and financial impacts of caregiving. Through personal stories, professional insights, and practical wisdom, Dr. Shaw helps us understand why self-care is a necessity—not a luxury.

We also dive into the connection between mental health and financial wellness, the challenges caregivers face in the workplace, and how shifting our mindset around money can reduce guilt, shame, and stress. Whether you're currently caring for a loved one or preparing for the possibility in the future, this conversation offers valuable perspective and encouragement for the journey ahead.

Episode Highlights

[1:40] - Meeting Dr. Billina Shaw and exploring the health impacts of caregiving

[2:23] - A personal family story that reveals the physical toll caregiving can take

[4:49] - Why self-care is non-negotiable for caregivers

[6:25] - Navigating grief, loss, and creating meaningful family rituals

[8:20] - Why so many caregivers struggle to ask for help

[10:24] - The connection between caregiving, mental health, and workplace performance

[13:58] - Understanding the financial impact of caregiving and family caregiving costs

[16:30] - How financial wellness and mental wellness influence each other

[20:21] - The most important financial question every caregiver should ask

[25:15] - Dr. Shaw's powerful advice for caregivers: invest in yourself

[27:29] - How to connect with Dr. Shaw and continue the conversation

Links & Resources

• Dr. Billina Shaw's Website: https://freelyflourishfinancial.com/
• Connect with Dr. Billina Shaw on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-billina/
• Text "GROW" to 55444 to subscribe to Dr. Shaw's newsletter and receive financial wellness insights and resources.

About Dr. Billina Shaw

Dr. Billina Shaw is a Yale-educated, triple board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. She holds degrees from Yale University, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Throughout her career, she has served in leadership roles across government, private organizations, and her local church.

Dr. Shaw is also the Founder & Coach of Freely Flourish Financial, a financial wellness practice inspired by a powerful realization from her clinical work: money isn't just math—it's a combination of numbers and meaning. Recognizing that practical financial knowledge alone rarely creates lasting change, she developed her proprietary Aligned Health & Wealth™ framework to help individuals strengthen both their mindset and financial strategy. Through this work, she empowers clients to move from feeling anxious and stuck to living with greater purpose, peace, and prosperity.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.