#171 - Building Best-in-Class HR: Process, People, and Progress

In this inspiring episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo welcome Lisa Kemph, CHRO at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, FL. With 30 years in HR across six industries, Lisa shares her journey from logistics to healthcare, emphasizing emotional intelligence, leadership development, and building a people-first culture amid rapid organizational growth.

Lisa offers timeless advice on work-life balance, including marriage tips like maintaining humor, giving grace, and ditching the "50/50" myth—lessons that echo in professional relationships. She dives into Brooks' focus on recruitment, retention, and skilling up talent through a holistic career development strategy aligned with employee needs and organizational values.

Key takeaways for healthcare HR leaders:

• Recruitment & Retention: Keep the focus sharp; align initiatives with being an employer of choice and best-in-class HR.
• Leadership Development: Start with a comprehensive strategy via surveys and leader input; use a buy/build approach with blended learning (e-learning, in-person, self-directed).
• Emotional Intelligence: Certify and integrate EQ for self-awareness and better team dynamics—essential in high-stakes healthcare.
• Growth Mindset: Skill up existing talent amid shortages; revise strategies annually to fill gaps and support career seasons.
• Work-Life Parallels: Apply grace and 100/100 effort from personal life to leadership; break negative cycles proactively.
• Awards & Recognition: Celebrate teams like Learning & Development for impactful contributions.

A must-listen for HR pros seeking actionable strategies on talent development, culture building, and personal growth. Lisa's insights remind us: Work the plan to advance your goals.

Listen now on ASHHRA.org or Apple Podcasts. Join us at the ASHHRA Conference in Savannah, May 17-19, 2026! (register here)