In this episode, we sit down with Steven Harrison, CEO of Tri County Mennonite Homes, whose career spans continents and crises but is rooted in steadfast purpose, resilience, and a passion for building vibrant senior care communities. From his formative years shaping community healthcare in China to leading Ontario organizations through the SARS and COVID-19 pandemics, Steven exemplifies what it means to put people first, adapt to change, and innovate for the future. Steven opens up about the pivotal moments and mentors that influenced his vision, sharing how early exposure to international development, hands-on community care work, and experience amidst healthcare turmoil helped shape his values of service, courage, and continuous learning. He reveals how he and his team transformed Tri County’s staffing from crisis to success, replacing reliance on agency workers with a robust, mission-driven team, creating a workplace where younger staff thrive, and retention is stronger than ever. We explore the ambitious redevelopment underway at Tri County: a new 160-bed home built around nature, connection, and technology. Steven takes us inside the design process, emphasizing how feedback from residents, staff, and the wider community drives every decision, from outdoor gardens and walking trails to state-of-the-art systems designed to free staff from paperwork and foster deeper resident engagement. His vision doesn’t just focus on today’s needs; it actively prepares for the healthcare of the future, embracing intergenerational community, sustainability, and emerging technological tools. Throughout this candid conversation, Steven shares actionable insights for senior care leaders, from the importance of self-care and humility to keeping a strategic focus during a crisis. He encourages leaders to never settle for the status quo but to innovate, learn, and build organizations that elevate everyone involved, from residents to frontline team members. If you’re passionate about building resilient communities, advancing the standard of care, or inspiring purposeful leadership in the face of challenge, this episode is for you. 00:00 – Introduction & guest welcome01:32 – Steven’s early inspiration and international beginnings06:25 – Leadership lessons: community, resilience, and service11:02 – Turning around staffing and recruitment at Tri County16:58 – Building a culture of meaning, retention, and growth23:36 – Redevelopment vision: new home, nature, and community connection30:52 – The importance of intergenerational engagement33:22 – Overcoming challenges: funding, regulation, and innovation38:38 – Preparing for future public health crises42:46 – Advice and reflections for leaders in senior care47:24 – Steven’s first jobs and lessons in leadership51:28 – Legacy, continuous improvement, and hope for the future54:07 – Outro and closing remarks
