The ASHHRA Podcast
The ASHHRA Podcast is where healthcare HR leaders come to connect, learn, and lead.
Hosted by Bo Brabo and Luke Carignan of The Bo & Luke Show, each weekly episode dives into the real challenges and innovations shaping today’s healthcare workforce. From leadership development and employee engagement to workforce strategy, policy updates, and the latest HR data, this podcast brings practical insights straight from the experts who are redefining what it means to work in healthcare.
Through authentic conversations with CHROs, executives, and industry change-makers, The ASHHRA Podcast helps listeners bridge the gap between strategy and people, turning big ideas into action. Whether you’re leading a hospital HR team, managing talent acquisition, or simply passionate about the future of healthcare work, this show gives you the tools, stories, and inspiration to drive meaningful impact.
Listen weekly for fresh perspectives, timely news drops, and powerful stories from the frontlines of healthcare HR.
The ASHHRA Podcast
#184 - Growth Opportunities... The Future of Total Rewards
In Episode 184 of The ASHHRA Podcast, host Luke Carignan sits down with Amanda Ellis, Vice President of Total Rewards at SSM Health, for an inspiring conversation about her dynamic HR journey and innovative approach to total rewards.
Amanda shares her story, from her Florida Gator roots to marrying her high school sweetheart and raising a family while climbing the HR ladder. Starting with an internship in Gainesville, she navigated talent acquisition, benefits, and compensation, leading to director roles at AdventHealth and Adventist Health before joining SSM Health.
Her career thrives on mentorship and connections, forged through events like the ASHHRA Executive Summit, where she encourages HR pros to build lasting industry relationships. Amanda’s total rewards philosophy centers on transparency and education, empowering caregivers to understand their compensation, benefits, and retirement plans so they can focus on patient care.
She tackles challenges like wage compression and multi-state benefits complexities with a strategic, analytics-driven mindset, advocating for multiyear plans to strengthen offerings. Beyond perks like pizza parties, Amanda’s engagement surveys reveal employees crave growth opportunities over raises, prompting leaders to redefine career development. Trust and collaboration are her leadership cornerstones, driving her rapid rise and impact.
Amanda and Luke brainstorm future conference ideas, like a rapid-fire panel on real HR scenarios—let us know if you want this at ASHHRA 2026 in Savannah!
A must-listen for HR leaders seeking actionable strategies to elevate total rewards and employee well-being.
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