The ASHHRA Podcast
The ASHHRA Podcast is the definitive audio briefing for healthcare HR leaders navigating what’s next.
Hosted by Bo Brabo and Luke Carignan, this weekly podcast explores the forces reshaping the healthcare workforce, from talent shortages and leadership burnout to data-driven HR strategy, labor relations, and policy shifts that impact care delivery.
Each episode features candid conversations with CHROs, senior executives, and industry change-makers who are solving real problems inside hospitals and health systems right now. No theory, no fluff, just practical insight from leaders in the arena.
Listeners gain clarity on complex workforce challenges, early signals on emerging trends, and grounded perspectives that help bridge strategy and people operations. Whether you lead HR for a health system, support workforce strategy, or influence organizational culture, this podcast equips you to make better decisions with confidence.
New episodes drop weekly, with timely news updates, deep-dive conversations, and forward-looking insights designed for healthcare HR leaders preparing for 2026 and beyond.
The ASHHRA Podcast
#178 - Rethinking Talent Acquisition and Team Productivity
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In this dynamic episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo chat with Suzanne Kercher-Liedke, Director of Talent Acquisition at Hoag Health System in Orange County, CA. From her unexpected start in recruiting (post-agricultural business major) to scaling Hoag from 2,700 to 10,000 employees, Suzanne shares her 22-year journey and forward-thinking approaches to talent challenges amid shortages and competition.
Explore Hoag's evolution into a fully integrated system, emphasizing candidate experience, recruiter empowerment, and bold ideas like "night owl" recruiting shifts to engage passive talent after hours.
Key takeaways for healthcare HR leaders:
- Flexible Recruiting Shifts: Pilot non-traditional hours (e.g., noon-8pm) to boost productivity and work-life balance… ideal for night owls or family schedules.
- Candidate Experience Focus: Prioritize empathy, transparency, and quick feedback; treat applicants like VIPs to stand out in competitive markets.
- Recruiter Development: Invest in training, branding, and AI tools; empower teams with autonomy to innovate and reduce turnover.
- Addressing Shortages: Tackle nursing gaps with targeted sourcing, partnerships, and internal mobility… adapt to Gen Z's values for authenticity and growth.
- AI & Branding: Use AI for efficiency (e.g., chatbots, screening) while maintaining human touch; leverage employer branding to attract top talent.
- Team Culture: Foster collaboration and fun… Suzanne's all-hands rollout of flexible shifts could spark retention wins.
Inspiring for HR transforming TA in healthcare. Suzanne's open-minded vibe reminds us: Innovate boldly!
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