In this episode, we sit down with Joseph B. Fuller—Harvard Business School professor and co-lead of the Managing the Future of Work initiative—to unpack what most employers are still getting wrong about caregiving and the workforce. Joe brings powerful insights, compelling research, and personal stories that shine a light on why caregiving is a business issue, not just a personal one.

From costly turnover in your top-performing talent to invisible presenteeism draining productivity, we explore the real impact of ignoring caregiving needs—and the strategic advantage of doing something about it. Whether you're in HR, leadership, or caregiving yourself, this episode is full of eye-opening data, practical solutions, and a hopeful look at where the future of work is headed. You don’t want to miss it!

Joseph B. Fuller is a Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School and a globally recognized expert on the future of work. He is the co-founder and co-director of Managing the Future of Work, a long-term research initiative at HBS, and the founder and co-head of Harvard’s multi-disciplinary Project on the Workforce. Joe is also a non-resident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. His research focuses on workforce development, caregiving economics, AI's impact on employment, and bridging the skills gap. Before academia, he was the co-founder and CEO of Monitor Group, now part of Monitor Deloitte. He is a graduate of both Harvard College and Harvard Business School.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Joe Fuller explains the costly turnover driven by caregiving
[1:38] – Welcome and why supporting working caregivers matters now
[2:28] – Introducing Joe Fuller and his motivation for researching the care economy
[5:57] – Has progress been made since “The Caring Company” report?
[6:18] – Encouraging shifts in male caregiving and workplace conversations
[9:35] – Hybrid work, job design, and the need for flexibility innovation
[11:25] – Shoutout to Wealthy and the power of solutions from experience
[13:27] – The power of leadership role-modeling for caregivers
[14:22] – Differences in caregiving styles between men and women
[15:49] – Key takeaways from Joe’s “Hidden Workers: The Case for Caregivers” report
[16:38] – Why annual performance reviews miss the mark—and how to improve them
[21:08] – Building trust through real-time conversations and support groups
[22:09] – Resume gaps and how applicant tracking systems exclude caregivers
[27:29] – Making the business case for supporting working caregivers
[36:09] – The future of caregiving and the workforce: women, social skills, and AI
[44:10] – A call to action for caregivers: you're not alone
[45:34] – Where to find Joe Fuller's work and research

Links & Resources:

Joseph B. Fuller – HBS Faculty Page: hbs.edu/faculty-profile

Managing the Future of Work (Project & Podcast):

• Research & Initiatives: Managing the Future of Work
• Podcast Episodes: Managing the Future of Work Podcast

Project on Workforce – Harvard Kennedy School: pw.hks.harvard.edu

The Caring Company Report: Download the Report

Hidden Workers: Untapped Talent: Read Here

Wellthy - wellthy.com

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Wynn, an incredible caregiver advocate, author, and storyteller, to unpack the complex reality of being in the sandwich generation—those caught between raising kids and caring for aging parents. Paul brings heartfelt honesty, practical wisdom, and real-life strategies from his own caregiving journey, while also highlighting the importance of workplace support for caregivers.

You’ll hear Paul’s deeply personal caregiving story and learn how he juggled family life, full-time work, and caregiving responsibilities. We explore how progressive employers are beginning to respond, the importance of community and peer support, and why Paul believes male caregivers need more visibility and voice. Whether you're a working caregiver or someone who supports them, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and actionable advice.

Episode Highlights:

[2:21] – Paul introduces us to the Hudson Valley, NY, and shares why it’s such a special place to live.
[3:28] – Paul dives into his personal caregiving story, juggling care for his uncle and mother while raising young children.
[5:56] – The reality of being a working caregiver and how progressive benefits helped Paul stay afloat.
[8:47] – Paul’s inspiration for writing about caregiving, the importance of male caregiver representation, and his work with AARP and other major publications.
[11:15] – What employers are beginning to understand about caregiving burnout—and why that matters.
[12:45] – How employees can navigate disclosure and build peer support within the workplace.
[15:13] – Paul shares the inspiration behind the powerful opening line of his chapter: “When it’s your turn to be a caregiver, whose example will you follow?”
[19:15] – Why uniting the generations can create joyful, healing connections—and how to make that happen.
[21:03] – The power of asking for help, especially for male caregivers—and how to do it effectively.
[24:43] – Reflecting on what Paul wishes he had done differently at the beginning of his caregiving journey.
[27:10] – The value of podcasts and virtual resources in today’s caregiving world.
[30:01] – How to connect with Paul and access his writings, advocacy work, and his book chapter.

Links & Resources:

· https://www.amazon.com/Caregivers-Advocate-Complete-Support-Resources-ebook/dp/B0FMGGL6ZY

· Stacy Shewey and Hand4Life https://www.h4lworld.org/our-story/

· Working Caregiver-The Invisible Employees Episode 26: Navigating Millennial Caregiving with Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401927/episodes/17922747

· Paul Wynn article-Podcasts for caregivers: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/caregiver-podcasts-offer-support/

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.

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb, author of The Millennial Caregiver, to explore the complex intersection of caregiving, career, and life as a member of the millennial generation. Rachael shares her deeply personal journey of becoming a caregiver for her father who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s while she was simultaneously raising a newborn and advancing her academic career. It’s a raw, real, and deeply insightful conversation that so many millennial caregivers will relate to—whether you're in the thick of it or just starting out.

Together, we unpack the emotional toll, unexpected challenges, and urgent need for better workplace support for caregivers—especially those balancing careers and caregiving in silence. Rachael doesn’t just share her story—she provides actionable advice for starting hard conversations, navigating the healthcare system, and preparing for the unexpected. If you're a working caregiver, or support someone who is, this is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Rachael introduces the unique challenges of millennial caregiving
[1:16] - Zack and Selma welcome listeners and reflect on recent caregiving experiences
[2:19] - Introduction to Dr. Rachael Piltch-Loeb and her book The Millennial Caregiver
[4:14] - Rachael shares her caregiving journey: balancing motherhood, academia, and her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis
[9:06] - The emotional complexity of caregiving and parenting simultaneously
[12:07] - How to talk to young children about illness and memory loss in loved ones
[14:08] - Rachael opens up about disclosing caregiving at work and navigating workplace flexibility
[16:41] - How her background in public health helped her navigate a broken healthcare system
[21:18] - Advice for employers: building a culture of support for working caregivers
[24:33] - Unique challenges millennial caregivers face—expectations, technology gaps, and life-stage disruption
[27:47] - Two powerful takeaways: managing expectations and starting early
[31:20] - Advice Rachael would give her younger self about preparing for caregiving
[33:37] - How to start difficult conversations with healthy loved ones
[36:30] - Where to find The Millennial Caregiver and connect with Rachael

Links & Resources:

Rachael's website: https://www.rpiltchloeb.com/

The Millennial Caregiver: Caring For Loved Ones In the Busiest Part Of Your Life by Rachael Piltch-Loeb https://www.amazon.com/Millennial-Caregiver-Caring-Loved-Busiest-ebook/dp/B0DXPKXFNZ

What's Going On With Papa Bear? https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Going-Papa-Jessie-Piltch-Loeb/dp/1662943873

Susie Singer Carter Podcast episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r84q-ixWt0A&feature=youtu.be

Business Insider article: https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-caregiver-baby-father-alzheimers-sandwich-generation-2025-4

The Millennial Caregiver: How to Juggle Aging Parents, Kids, Work, and Your Sanity with Dr. Rachel Piltch-Loeb. Everyone is talking money podcast episode: https://podcast

Rachel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-piltch-loeb-050a8213/

In this episode, we sit down with the amazing Dr. Joan Monin from Yale University to talk about the real, raw, and often overlooked emotional weight of caregiving—especially for those of us juggling careers, kids, and aging parents. Joan not only brings a wealth of research and experience in public health, but also shares her personal journey as a daughter navigating her mom’s dementia diagnosis. This one hits close to home.

We unpack the psychological barriers that prevent caregivers from getting the support they need, the tension of being a “pre-caregiver,” and how to manage stress before burnout hits. Joan introduces us to a simple but powerful emotional regulation tool called WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan)—and trust us, you’re going to want to try it. If you’ve ever felt stuck between showing up for your job and showing up for your family, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

[2:13] - Welcoming Dr. Joan Monin and learning a fun fact about her town's connection to the Statue of Liberty
[4:43] - Joan opens up about her personal caregiving story and her parents' challenges with dementia
[7:53] - The emotional disconnect between academic knowledge and real-life caregiving
[10:50] - Why accessing a therapist as a caregiver is harder than it should be
[14:06] - How Joan’s caregiving journey shifted her perspective on work-life balance
[16:39] - What Joan learned by watching her kids interact with their grandparents
[19:05] - A deep dive into emotional self-regulation and the WOOP method for caregivers
[27:52] - How WOOP works and how it’s helping caregivers manage guilt, anxiety, and stress
[31:02] - Introducing Borrow My Glasses and their innovative caregiver education efforts
[34:40] - The spousal caregiver dilemma and why unpaid caregiving laws need to change
[35:55] - The double standard society places on women, spouses, and working caregivers
[41:07] - The surprising divorce statistics among early-stage dementia caregivers
[43:33] - Joan’s latest research focused on helping people live well with dementia
[46:26] - How to connect with Dr. Monin and learn more about her work

Links & Resources:

· Joan Monin PhD Yale Website: https://ysph.yale.edu/profile/joan-monin/

· Joan Monin website: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=hwgGVxMAAAAJ&hl=en

· Joan Monin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-monin-54153a8b/

· WOOPmylife.org: https://woopmylife.org/

· "WOOP" study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38687142/

· Borrow My Glasses website: https://borrowmyglasses.com/

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.

In this episode, we (Selma and Zack) sit down with the brilliant Breana Patel to unpack one of the most pressing challenges facing our society today: the silver tsunami. With a rapidly aging population and a dwindling caregiver workforce, Breana shares how AI-powered solutions can make caregiving not only safer and more effective for patients but also far more manageable for caregivers—especially those of us juggling full-time work and family responsibilities. From her personal caregiving story to the development of a powerful, privacy-first platform built to support long-term care facilities, Breana offers us a hopeful vision for the future. We talk about AI’s role in preventing falls, streamlining discharge plans, improving communication, and even reducing stress for long-distance caregivers.

Breana Patel is a serial entrepreneur, CEO, and visionary at the forefront of AI and healthcare innovation. As the founder of Owle AI, she is redefining care coordination by tackling one of the industry’s most pressing challenges—staff burnout and turnover—through intelligent automation. A repeat founder with a career spanning public health service delivery and in global finance, Breana has held leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, Deutsche bank and others , and partnered with public health agencies in New York to advance aging and healthcare initiatives. She holds executive MBA from MIT Sloan with cross registration at Harvard, has been featured in Forbes and on CBS Live, and is a recognized thought leader within the MIT startup ecosystem. Beyond building companies, Breana is passionate about mentoring the next generation of women leaders in STEM and championing economic empowerment on a global scale.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Breana explains the meaning behind “silver tsunami” and the growing need for elder care innovation
[2:07] - Welcoming Breana Patel and her connection to caregiving through personal experience
[7:29] - The nurse shortage crisis and the overwhelming demands on care providers
[9:17] - How AI can relieve stress for family caregivers and improve patient response times
[12:08] - The role of large language models in simplifying communication for caregivers
[13:38] - Using voice AI to tackle administrative burdens like appointment scheduling
[14:23] - What employers and society can do to prepare for the silver tsunami
[16:55] - Addressing privacy concerns and how Breana’s platform is built with privacy in mind
[18:25] - Is the platform just for facilities? Breana shares her vision for in-home care
[19:54] - Creating intuitive, plug-and-play tech for caregivers with no time for training
[24:52] - Managing multiple patients in one household with personalized AI
[25:39] - How employers can offer caregiving support as a benefit

Links & Resources:

· Susie Singer Carter's episode with Breana Patel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwzz9eEwcq0

· Owle AI website: https://owle.ai/

· Breana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanapatel/

· Zack's challenge: Reach out to Breana Patel if you have a family member in a long term care facility.

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.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with our friend and grief advocate, Leslie Weirich, whose decades-long journey through caregiving and loss has shaped her mission to bring hope and understanding to others. From caring for aging parents and siblings to navigating unimaginable personal tragedies, Leslie’s story offers both powerful perspective and practical wisdom for anyone touched by grief or the caregiving experience.

We explore the parallels between caregiving and grief, the importance of creating supportive workplaces, and why connection truly is protection. Leslie shares the inspiration behind her book The Gift of Grief, along with candid thoughts on why traditional bereavement policies fall short and how employers can better support their people. Whether you’re a caregiver, an HR leader, or someone walking through loss, this conversation will leave you with hope, tools, and a renewed sense of community.

Leslie Weirich has been speaking on the topic of Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Grief since 2017. She often says, “She didn’t choose this work, but this work chose her.” Through her own experiences, she discovered the transformative power of grief, learning to navigate the complexities of loss and uncovering the resilience that emerges from pain. Her commitment to mental health support is deeply personal, having been greatly affected by the loss of her son. On September 10, 2016, her door bell rang at 2:30 in the morning and changed her life forever. Her 20-year-old son Austin died by suicide while a Junior at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN. She resigned from her full-time job as a recruiter and began speaking throughout the nation and never looked back. She wrote "The Gifts of Grief," in 2024, which details her journey through four decades of personal loss.

Episode Highlights:

[2:55] – Introducing Leslie Weirich and her background in caregiving and advocacy.
[5:00] – Leslie’s early caregiving journey with her parents and brothers.
[8:25] – Turning personal loss into advocacy and public speaking.
[10:41] – Writing The Gift of Grief and the healing process behind it.
[14:25] – Caregivers and the risk of suicidal ideation — why connection matters.
[17:09] – “Connection is protection” and practical systems that lighten the caregiver’s load.
[19:34] – How managers can support employees during and after caregiving.
[22:25] – Rethinking the three-day bereavement policy.
[28:32] – Expected vs. unexpected loss and the unique support each requires.
[32:22] – Grieving with hope and carrying forward the legacy of loved ones.
[33:21] – Where to connect with Leslie online.

Links & Resources:

• Leslie’s website: https://leslieshope.org/
• Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-weirich-a55a73159/
• Book: The Gift of Grief by Leslie Weirich
• Cornerstone of Hope: https://cornerstoneofhope.org/
• Leslie's website: https://leslieshope.org/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mental-health-breakthroughs-for-young-adults-families/id1653016005
• Michael George The Pink Book https://www.soaringfamilies.com/PinkBook
• Bereave: https://www.bereave.io/

In this episode, we sit down with our brilliant friend and caregiving champion, Susie Singer Carter. Susie doesn’t just tell stories—she lives them with heart, humor, and relentless honesty. We talk about the raw truths of caregiving, especially for those dealing with Alzheimer’s and long-term care systems. Susie shares how caring for her mother, Norma, transformed her life and ignited her mission to advocate for others through storytelling.

We also dive into her new docu-series No Country for Old People, a bold exposé on the failures in nursing home care and the urgent need for reform. Susie also discusses the impact of her Oscar-qualified short film My Mom and the Girl and how it’s educating employers and caregivers alike.

Susie is an award-winning writer, director, producer, and Alzheimer’s advocate. Her credits include Bratz: The Movie, Soul Surfer, the acclaimed podcasts Love Conquers Alz and I Love Lucifer, and her upcoming screenplay RUN. Inspired by personal tragedy, No Country for Old People received the 2024 Gold Anthem Award and is sparking a national movement for care reform. Susie is also the proud host of WGAW’s 3rd & Fairfax Podcast.

Episode Highlights:

[4:39] - Susie begins sharing her personal caregiving journey and lessons learned through trial and error while juggling caregiving, parenting, work, and a divorce
[10:37] - How AI and technology can transform the caregiving experience
[12:05] - Behind the making of My Mom and the Girl and why humor matters in the caregiving narrative
[16:08] - Turning the film into an educational tool for caregivers and employers
[18:40] - Unveiling her new documentary No Country for Old People and the systemic issues in long-term care
[26:44] - Why self-advocacy at work matters and how to speak up
[30:26] - Bringing humanity back into caregiving and employer flexibility
[32:17] - Introducing the ROAR movement: Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, Reform
[34:22] - Where to find Susie’s films, join the ROAR movement, and help push change
[35:52] - Zack’s challenge to employers: Watch the docu-series and lead the way in workplace change

Links & Resources:

· Susie’s Podcast “Love Conquers Alz” with Don Priess: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-conquers-alz/id1492023291

· Episode with Breana Patel: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breana-patel-can-ai-transform-long-term-care/id1492023291?i=1000711955899

· Watch the trailer for My Mom and the Girl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlTRldVFw74

· No Country for Old People Docu-Series (available on Amazon August 1): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21954988/

· Dopesick: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopesick_(miniseries)

· Challenge: Zack challenges Employers to watch the docuseries and support Suzie Singer Carter and her movement.

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.

Hey folks, Selma and Zack here! In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Rosanne Corcoran—a powerhouse advocate, seasoned dementia caregiver, and host of the Daughterhood the Podcast. Rosanne opens up about her 12-year journey caring for her mom through vascular dementia and how it shaped not only her life but her mission to build a community of support for caregivers everywhere. We dive deep into the challenges working caregivers face and how employers and policymakers can—and should—step up to support them. Rosanne also gives us a peek behind the curtain of Daughterhood, the warm, empowering platform she now leads. We talk about the emotional realities of caregiving, the importance of boundaries, and the life-changing resources that are finally becoming available—like Medicare’s GUIDE program.

Rosanne Corcoran is the creator and host of "Daughterhood the Podcast: For Caregivers." In addition to her role as a Daughterhood Circle Leader, she serves as Director of Content guiding the organization’s content strategy and ensuring alignment with its mission. Rosanne has extensive experience in caregiving, having been the primary caregiver for her mother, who had vascular dementia, over the course of twelve years and supporting hundreds of family caregivers while facilitating Daughterhood circles. "Daughterhood the Podcast" consistently ranks among the top 10 caregiver podcasts. Rosanne has been featured in prominent media outlets such as CNN Health, Barron's, Next Avenue, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Recently, she was named one of the 2024 Advocates for Aging by Next Avenue and the American Society on Aging.

Episode Highlights:

[1:05] – Kicking off with a heatwave and beach banter
[2:28] – Meet Rosanne Corcoran and her love for thunderstorms
[3:29] – Rosanne shares her caregiving journey and caring for her mom with dementia
[6:09] – The sandwich generation struggle: caring for kids and an aging parent
[9:34] – Real talk on employers, support, and making invisible caregivers visible
[10:51] – What is Daughterhood and why it was created
[12:59] – What “circles” really mean and why they matter more than traditional support groups
[15:03] – From caregiving to caregiver advocate: how Rosanne found her path
[18:17] – How Rosanne’s podcast aims to reach that overwhelmed caregiver in the corner
[19:05] – Favorite guests and moments that made a lasting impact
[24:26] – What employers need to know—and do—to better support caregiving employees
[28:21] – Why dementia caregiving is emotionally unique and deeply challenging
[30:29] – Game-changing Medicare GUIDE program and why Daughterhood is all in
[33:04] – Where to find Rosanne, the podcast, and all things Daughterhood
[34:26] – Final thanks and shout-outs all around

Links & Resources:

Connect with Rosanne

🔗 Connect with Rosanne Corcoran on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rosanne-corcoran

🔗 Connect with Anne Tumlinson on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anne-tumlinson-3601b14

Daughterhood Resources

🌐 Daughterhood Website: daughterhood.org

🎧 Daughterhood Podcast: daughterhood.org/podcast

🫶 Join a Daughterhood Circle: daughterhood.org/circles

📺 Video Q&A on Hospice with Barbara Karnes: Watch on YouTube

🧠 Dementia & The GUIDE Program: daughterhood.org/dementia-and-guide

Follow Daughterhood on Social Media

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/daughterhood