#162 - How Group Health Cooperative Survives and Thrives

In this powerful episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, co-hosts Bo Brabo and Luke Carignan sit down with Carrie O'Dell, Chief Human Resources Officer at Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin, for a candid and inspiring conversation about what it truly means to lead with courage, authenticity, and vision in today’s healthcare environment.

With over 25 years of progressive HR leadership, Carrie brings a grounded, people-first approach to shaping cultures that thrive, even in times of crisis. From redefining onboarding to confronting workplace trauma and burnout, her leadership philosophy is rooted in creating space for transparency, vulnerability, and action.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🛠️ From Reaction to Reimagination
Carrie shares how her team moved from putting out fires to building long-term people strategies aligned with organizational values and why HR can’t sit back and wait for change.

💬 Communication as a Leadership Imperative
Carrie unpacks her team’s approach to courageous conversations, fostering an environment where listening, speaking up, and mutual trust are prioritized.

💡 HR's Role in Organizational Healing
Whether navigating the fallout of a tragic workplace incident or responding to systemic burnout, HR has a crucial role to play in helping teams heal. Carrie shares what worked, what didn’t, and why showing up matters.

🧩 Designing HR With Intentionality
From recruitment to retention, Carrie discusses how her team evaluates every process through the lens of employee experience, and how this mindset shift drives engagement and retention in the post-COVID healthcare era.

🌱 Personal Growth as a Leadership Tool
Carrie gets real about her own leadership evolution, stepping into uncertainty, managing self-doubt, and learning to lead with heart while driving measurable outcomes.

💬 Memorable Quote:
"People aren't just looking for a job anymore. They're looking for purpose, safety, and a place they can be heard. HR leaders have the power to build that."

🎧 Tune in now to hear how courageous HR leadership can shape the culture, resilience, and future of healthcare organizations across the country.

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