In this episode of Contributor Wednesday, Cara Silletto, President and Chief Retention Officer of Magnet Culture, shares a timely update on how the workforce has evolved and what leaders must understand to retain employees today. Drawing from over a decade of experience in generational dynamics and retention strategy, Cara walks listeners through updated workforce demographics heading into 2026, highlighting the shifting influence of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

Cara introduces a powerful new leadership analogy, trees vs. houseplants, to help leaders rethink how they support and retain today’s workforce. While long-tenured employees may be deeply rooted and stable, new hires require individualized care, communication, and flexibility. She challenges one-size-fits-all leadership models and encourages leaders to “water their plants” by adapting their support to each team member’s needs.

Key Ideas:

1. Why retention strategies must evolve with the workforce
2. Millennials and Gen Z expectations at work
3. The end of the workaholic era
4. “Trees vs. houseplants”
5. Individualized employee care vs. equal treatment

Meet Our Contributor

Cara Silletto

Learn more about the Employee Retention Ecosystem

employeeretentionecosystem.com

magnetvault.com

Sponsored by Aline, NIC MAP, Procare HR, Sage, Hamilton CapTel, Service Master, The Bridge Group Construction and Solinity.

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.

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Contributor Wednesday is officially back on Bridge the Gap, and Lucas McCurdy and Josh Crisp are kicking off an exciting new chapter for the BTG Network. In this episode, we cover why the Contributor Wednesday series was so impactful in the past, why listeners asked for its return, and how it will evolve in 2026. Unlike the traditional Monday episodes that focus on high-level thought leadership, Contributor Wednesday episodes dive deep into the operational, marketing, sales, and leadership realities facing senior living operators today. These monthly solo episodes feature respected industry voices delivering actionable insights leaders can take straight back to their teams.

Key Topics:

1. Why Contributor Wednesday is returning in 2026
2. How Contributor Wednesday differs from Monday episodes
3. The value of solo thought-leader episodes
4. Featured contributors and what listeners can expect

Meet Our Contributors

Cara Silletto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carasilletto/

Christy Van Der Westhuizen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyvdw/

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https://www.btgvoice.com/shows

Sponsored by Aline, NIC MAP, Procare HR, Sage, Hamilton CapTel, Service Master, The Bridge Group Construction and Solinity.

Produced by Solinity Marketing.

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In this episode from recruiting expert Chris Heinz, learn how to make next year the best year ever!

Join Bridge the Gap in thanking Chris for his outstanding contributions this year as a Contributor Wednesday host.

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Tune in each Wednesday for a new episode of the Contributor Wednesday series! Visit our website for more episodes and information at BTGvoice.com.

Produced by Solinity Marketing.

Mentioned in this episode:

NIC Spring Conference

Register for NIC Spring Conference here.

NIC Spring Registraition

Creating “Magic” First Impressions

Host Christy Van Der Westheuizen shares how first impressions play a HUGE role in the sales outcomes of senior living.

“It will be someone’s first time to Disneyland every single day.” - Walt Disney

How does this inspire your commitment to creating positive first impressions in your own community?

Here’s what Disney does to create magical first impressions and a immeasurable customer experience:

1. Create immersive and magical experiences

2. Details, details, details (even the trash can is important!)

3. Involve every team member

4. Personalization (“where’s the WOW factor?”) is key

5. Leverage technology

For more information, read the entire inspiration article here.

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Tune in each Wednesday for a new episode of the Contributor Wednesday series! Visit our website for more episodes and information at BTGvoice.com.

Produced by Solinity Marketing.

Mentioned in this episode:

NIC Spring Conference

Register for NIC Spring Conference here.

NIC Spring Registraition

Solving the Office Puzzle In this episode, Julie Podewitz takes us from The Office to Las Vegas!

During this series, Julie takes a deep dive into how to solve the occupancy puzzle by identifying the problem, determining strategy, what actions to take, and how to get there.

These episodes narrow in on a key area of the occupancy puzzle, what contributes to the outcome, what action to put in place, and how to coach others.

For this episode on making calls, Julie visits her Uncle Georgie's house and travels to Las Vegas.

Meet the BTG Contributors.

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Tune in each Wednesday for a new episode of the Contributor Wednesday series! Visit our website for more episodes and information at BTGvoice.com.

Produced by Solinity Marketing.

Mentioned in this episode:

NIC Spring Conference

Register for NIC Spring Conference here.

NIC Spring Registraition

Mentorship program organizers only need a handful of tools to get metrics in place that measure success. In this episode, Anthony discusses the impact the Kirkpatrick Model has on mentorship programs and how leaders can use this as a tool to measure the program’s ROI.

Learn more at Kirkpatrick Partners and Magnet Culture.

Listen to more Contributor Wednesday episodes here.

Meet the BTG Contributors.

Powered by Peak Senior Living by Functional Pathways.

Connect with us on social media:

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Tune in each Wednesday for a new episode of the Contributor Wednesday series! Visit our website for more episodes and information at BTGvoice.com.

Produced by Solinity Marketing.

Mentioned in this episode:

NIC Spring Conference

Register for NIC Spring Conference here.

NIC Spring Registraition

Improving health and longevity in aging adults is key, and there is great importance in providing occupational, speech, and physical therapy for seniors. Kathryn Wyatt, Division VP of Senior Living at Peak Senior Living by Functional Pathways, discusses the focus on wellness and the impact it produces.

Meet the BTG Contributors.

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Tune in each Wednesday for a new episode of the Contributor Wednesday series! Visit our website for more episodes and information at BTGvoice.com.

Produced by Solinity Marketing.

In this episode from recruiting expert Chris Heinz, learn about 10 tips that will help get the candidate you want to hire!

During our Mindset Moment, BTG Contributor Chris Heinz, Managing Partner of Westport One, discusses the concept of the journey vs the destination. Make sure to stay to the end!

Meet the BTG Contributors.

Powered by Peak Senior Living by Functional Pathways.

Connect with us on social media:

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Facebook

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Tune in each Wednesday for a new episode of the Contributor Wednesday series! Visit our website for more episodes and information at BTGvoice.com.

Produced by Solinity Marketing.