Senior living executive Kate Bertram shares how authentic, courageous leadership can boost engagement, retention, and culture. Learn why “Creating Stickiness” is more than just her book—it’s a blueprint for the future of aging services.
Kate Bertram is a senior living executive, workforce strategist, and author of Creating Stickiness. With over two decades of experience, Kate helps providers build cultures where people want to stay and grow residents and staff alike.
[00:00] Introduction by Matt
[01:00] Kate Bertram’s journey into senior living and the moment that changed everything
[04:00] Leadership as “business with soul”—how Kate found purpose
[05:25] The two leadership traits that matter most: authenticity and courage
[08:50] What courageous leadership looks like under tight margins
[11:55] Why people really leave (or stay) in senior living roles
[16:30] Burnout vs. belonging: How to create meaning in daily work
[20:47] Why most “total rewards” programs fail—and how to fix them
[26:35] Where to start: The crucial first step to transforming culture
[29:46] The gap between HQ initiatives and frontline reality
[30:21] Balancing margin with mission: Dual stewardship in action
[33:23] The Tide story—and why even small decisions leave big marks
[34:16] Kate’s closing thoughts on workforce, the future, and her book