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Baier and Lody are focused on ushering their companies through some of the biggest challenges facing the industry, including a tough labor market. “One of our top priorities is to attract, engage, develop, and retain the best workforce,” Baier said. As Sonida works to attract new staff, Lody explained, “it’s about leading through the inflationary pressures that are impacting everyone… understanding the pressures that people are faced with every single day.”
As organizations change and adapt, encouraging team members to embrace transformation by involving them in the process is critical. “I think that people are much more likely to embrace change if they’re a part of the solution,” Baier said. Lody agreed, adding that mapping and sharing goals can create a shared mission. “It [allows] people to embrace the concept and have ownership in it,” she said.
Both speakers agreed that growing as a leader requires a constant pursuit of knowledge and a willingness to listen. “I’m really proud that Brookdale is a learning organization,” Baier said. “The day you stop learning is the day you stop adding value.” Lody relies on her board of directors and feedback from professional and personal relationships to continue growing as a leader, “I ask for feedback all the time… I think you can learn from everyone.”