#156 - Leading Healthcare HR With Purpose

This week on The ASHHRA Podcast, hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo welcome Rhonda Hall, Chief Human Resources Officer for Southern California at Providence, to the mic. With a rich background in organizational development, change management, and performance excellence across highly regulated industries—from nuclear energy to healthcare—Rhonda brings a fresh, strategic lens to healthcare HR leadership.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🧭 Why Words Matter in Workforce Culture
At Providence, all employees are referred to as caregivers—a conscious shift in language that builds identity, mission alignment, and a sense of belonging at every level.

📊 From Tactical to Strategic: The Evolution of the CHRO Role
Rhonda reflects on how the role of the CHRO has evolved from rule enforcer to systems thinker, change architect, and strategic advisor to the CEO. Her insight will inspire any HR leader preparing for the next step in their career.

🌟 Hire With Purpose, Coach With Consistency
Rhonda explains that behavior alignment starts at the point of hiring—bringing in people whose “why” aligns with your mission. From there, consistent coaching grounded in organizational values builds a culture that sustains itself.

🧠 Mentorship, Feedback & Self-Awareness
To get on a CHRO’s radar, Rhonda advises emerging leaders to bring thoughtful ideas, take initiative, and actively seek feedback from trusted advisors. She also shares why HR professionals must champion system alignment across hiring, goal-setting, and rewards.

🔥 Courage Over Chain of Command
In a bold take, Rhonda encourages HR professionals to break the old mold—don’t fear skip-level conversations. Leaders who block access to mentorship do more harm than good. If you can’t grow where you are, it might be time to move on.

💬 Quote to Remember:

 "If you're the person taking care of the person who takes care of the patient—you are taking care of the patient."

If you’re an aspiring CHRO, mid-career HR pro, or just someone trying to lead with more purpose and alignment, this episode is a masterclass in healthcare HR leadership.

📱 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

For AP3 Group Stop Loss Interest, contact ASHHRA Executive Director, Jeremy Sadlier at jeremy.sadlier@ashhra.org or 312.985.7062.