IDD Leader

Nate Beers
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For IDD Providers: Tired of the revolving door of staff? Join host Nate Beers as he and other industry leaders share loads of actionable advice on how you can retain and grow your DSP workforce. Just because there's a nationwide DSP workforce crisis doesn't mean that your organization has to churn through staff. Listen to innovative solutions to increase your staff retention and give your organization a competitive advantage so that at the end of the day you provide the best quality care for those you serve.More effective supervisors. Stronger workforce. Lower turnover.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ep. 71 - Disability Provider Advocacy Shouldn’t Be This Easy w/ Libby Vinson

    Advocacy often feels intimidating for provider leaders — time-consuming, political, or like something only professional lobbyists can do. In this episode, Nate continues his conversation with Libby Vinson, CEO of the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP), to break that myth apart. Libby shares what actually gets lawmakers to listen, why provider voices matter more than they realize, and how advocacy can be far simpler — and more relational — than most leaders expect. This conversation reframes advocacy not as politics, but as leadership: telling your story, inviting people in, and making the ask. If you’ve ever thought, “I wouldn’t even know where to start,” this episode will change how you think about influence, policy, and your role as a provider leader. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) “If you’re not telling your story, someone else is” — why provider voices matter (01:01) Part 2 framing: why workforce challenges are also a policy issue (02:55) Why disability services struggle to get attention in a crowded media landscape (07:09) How social media and headlines can distort the provider reality (08:59) Why DSPs telling their own stories is the most powerful advocacy (11:16) The impact of lawmakers seeing programs up close (15:07) “Make the ask” — why providers underestimate their influence (20:14) How relationships shape policy more than reports or position papers (25:42) Advocacy without burnout: engaging without adding another full-time job LEARN MORE New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP): https://njacp.org/ Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and learn how high-retention agencies spot — and fix — these issues fast. https://iddleader.com/burnout

    32 min

  2. FEB 2

    Ep. 70 - DSP Workforce Stability Starts With Leadership, Not Fixes w/ Libby Vinson

    Workforce instability in disability services isn’t a mystery — but it is often misunderstood. In this episode, Nate sits down with Libby Vinson, CEO of the New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP), to unpack why workforce stability doesn’t come from one-time fixes, short-term incentives, or chasing the next solution — and why leadership plays a bigger role than most people realize. Drawing from her background in advocacy and her first months leading a statewide provider association, Libby shares what she’s seeing across organizations: what separates providers who are barely surviving from those creating real stability, why prevention matters more than reaction, and how leadership presence, culture, and systems thinking shape workforce outcomes. This conversation is especially relevant for executive directors, HR leaders, and program managers who are tired of silver bullets — and ready to think differently about what actually helps staff stay, grow, and succeed. TIMESTAMPS 01:09 - Why workforce challenges are no longer theoretical — they’re shaping daily leadership decisions 04:47 -Leadership vs. “fixes”: why quick solutions keep falling short 08:33 - How Libby’s advocacy background shapes how she sees workforce challenges 12:50 - What changes when leaders spend real time in programs with staff and individuals 17:17 - What meaningful workforce investment actually looks like (beyond wages alone) 22:06 - Why data, prevention, and consistency matter more than reaction 27:57 - Early patterns Libby is seeing between struggling organizations and more stable ones 32:25 - The quiet cost of burnout, churn, and constant crisis management 35:30 - Why workforce stability is a leadership responsibility, not just a policy issue LEARN MORE New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP): https://njacp.org/ Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and learn how high-retention agencies spot — and fix — these issues fast. https://iddleader.com/burnout

    40 min

  3. JAN 26

    Ep. 69 - What Culture Really Feels Like to Your DSPs w/ John Dickerson

    What does your culture actually feel like to the people doing the work? In this follow-up conversation with John Dickerson of Quillo, we dig into the uncomfortable truth most leaders don’t see: DSPs often move through their day wondering whether a supervisor message or a quick “call me” means they’re in trouble. And that fear—small as it may seem—is one of the clearest signals that your culture isn’t creating psychological safety. In this episode, John shares real stories from the field that reveal how leaders unintentionally send the wrong messages… and how tiny, daily actions can completely change how supported (or exposed) DSPs feel at work. We get into: Why you cannot train your way out of a culture problemWhat DSPs hear beneath your words (“Am I in trouble?”)Why memos don’t fix relationshipsA simple leadership practice that re-humanizes supervisionWhat meaningful recognition actually sounds likeThe difference between “talking about people” and “talking to people”Why trust is built in the smallest, quickest, easiest momentsIf you care about staff retention, employee experience, or building a culture where people feel safe and valued—this conversation will hit home. TIMESTAMPS00:00 — John opens with the “culture is everywhere” idea 02:18 — The deeper problem behind modern compliance-heavy leadership 05:08 — How DSPs interpret supervisor messages (“Am I in trouble?”) 06:50 — Why you can’t fix relationships through policies or emails 08:41 — The small habits that instantly build trust 10:39 — What leaders misunderstand about “open-door culture” 12:57 — Real talk: how staff actually feel when leaders only call for problems 15:53 — Why culture shifts don’t happen through annual plans 17:12 — The unreachable-staff myth (and what’s actually going on) 34:12 — John’s reminder: culture changes one human moment at a time 36:38 — A simple leadership practice that transforms how DSPs feel at work Learn MoreExplore Quillo and their work on connection-driven culture: https://myquillo.com/ Join Nate for a free, live session on staff retention (Leadership Lens Series): https://iddleader.com Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and learn how high-retention agencies spot — and fix — these issues fast. https://iddleader.com/burnout

    40 min

  4. JAN 19

    Ep. 68 - Rebuilding Culture Beyond Compliance w/ John Dickerson

    Most IDD leaders don’t intend for their culture to drift into compliance mode… but it happens. High turnover, stretched-thin supervisors, endless documentation, and increasing regulation all push agencies toward control instead of connection. In this conversation, John Dickerson—founder of MyQuillo, longtime ARC leader, and master storyteller—joins Nate to unpack why compliance-heavy culture takes root… and how leaders can turn things around. This episode is packed with stories that will make you rethink orientation, DSP relationships, behavior plans, “independence,” and what culture actually looks like day to day. If you’ve ever wondered why parts of your organization feel flat, reactive, or disconnected—and what leaders can DO about it—this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Part 1 of 2. Episode Timestamps 00:00 — “Every minute of every day you’re building culture…” 01:49 — Why organizations slip into compliance mode 04:04 — John’s journey: ARC leadership → “failed retirement” → MyQuillo 07:25 — The real orientation problem: training without relationships 10:36 — “What’s your good life?” — the moment a DSP was asked the right question 15:41 — When rigid plans override common sense (the Steelers story) 23:13 — “What brings you joy?” — the church choir story 26:12 — Eddie’s yellow folder: seeing only failures instead of strengths 31:46 — The pizza story: when behavior plans miss the point 40:00 — Rethinking supervision and the future of person-centered services 46:30 — Action Move: Ask “What brings you joy?” + burnout assessment link Learn More Explore MyQuillo: ➡️ https://myquillo.com/ Register for an upcoming free, live session in collaboration with the Institute on Community Integration from UMN: ➡️ https://iddleader.com/ Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and learn how high-retention agencies spot — and fix — these issues fast. https://iddleader.com/burnout

    48 min

  5. JAN 12

    Ep. 67 - Only 11% Turnover: How Melmark Onboards Staff

    How does Melmark achieve only 11% annual turnover in a field where many providers face 40–60%? In this episode, host Nate Beers continues his conversation with Helena Maguire, digging into Melmark’s extended, behaviorally grounded onboarding model—one that prioritizes confidence before coverage. This is practical, field-tested onboarding that actually works: slower, more deliberate, and transformative for retention. If you want a real-world example of an onboarding system that stabilizes teams rather than spinning them into crisis, this episode is a masterclass. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Rethinking Orientation: How Melmark Launches New Staff 09:26 – Training for Real People: Tailoring Learning to Every DSP 12:28 – Phase Two: On-the-Job Practice That Builds Real Competence 16:55 – The Reality of Residential Scheduling (and What Actually Works) 20:24 – Reinforcement That Matters: How Melmark Motivates Performance 27:49 – Designing a High-Performance Culture Without Burnout 33:05 – Can Other Providers Replicate This Model? What It Really Takes 42:57 – The Payoff: Cutting Turnover with a Smarter Onboarding System Learn More About Melmark Explore Melmark’s programs, mission, and leadership: https://www.melmark.org/ Free Upcoming Sessions for IDD Leaders This episode is part of a broader conversation about building a stronger, more stable workforce. Nate is collaborating with the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI) on an upcoming free virtual series: Direct Support Leadership Lens: Strategies for a Stronger Workforce These sessions are designed for leaders who want practical, behaviorally grounded strategies to reduce turnover and support supervisors more effectively. Learn more or register at https://iddleader.com Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and learn how high-retention agencies spot — and fix — these issues fast. https://iddleader.com/burnout

    44 min

  6. JAN 5

    Ep. 66 - How Melmark Builds Supervisors Who Retain Staff

    Turnover doesn’t start with direct support professionals—it starts with supervision. In this episode, host Nate Beers sits down with Helena McGuire from Melmark to unpack why supervisors are the single biggest lever for retention—and how Melmark has intentionally built systems that help supervisors succeed instead of burn out. Rather than relying on motivation or charisma, Melmark invests in behaviorally grounded supervision systems that make expectations clear, feedback consistent, and performance support sustainable. The result? Stronger teams, better outcomes, and dramatically reduced turnover. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. In this episode, we focus on why supervision matters so much and what most organizations get wrong when trying to “fix turnover.” Episode Timeline 00:00 – Why supervisors are the real turnover fix 03:45 – The hidden cost of underdeveloped supervisors 08:20 – From good intentions to strong systems 13:10 – What effective supervision actually looks like 18:05 – The revolving door problem 22:40 – Supporting supervisors before burnout 27:15 – Why training alone isn’t enough 32:10 – Setting up Part 2: onboarding and retention Learn More: To learn more about Melmark and their mission-driven work across multiple states, visit: https://www.melmark.org/ Free Upcoming Sessions for IDD Leaders This episode is part of a broader conversation about building a stronger, more stable workforce. Nate is collaborating with the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI) on an upcoming free virtual series: Direct Support Leadership Lens: Strategies for a Stronger Workforce These sessions are designed for leaders who want practical, behaviorally grounded strategies to reduce turnover and support supervisors more effectively. Learn more and register at: https://iddleader.com 🎧 Be sure to listen to Part 2 (Episode 67), where Helena breaks down Melmark’s onboarding approach and how they’ve achieved just 11% annual turnover. Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and learn how high-retention agencies spot — and fix — these issues fast. https://iddleader.com/burnout

    35 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    Ep. 65 - Why Some Providers Finally Win the Turnover Battle

    Turnover in human services can feel endless—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Nate Beers shares what he learned in 2025 from conversations with providers across the country who are actually winning the turnover battle. These aren’t perfect organizations—and none of them found a magic fix. What they did do was make clear, intentional decisions about their workforce… and stick with them. You’ll hear real examples of what’s working right now, including: What thriving providers do differently when it comes to onboarding and welcoming new staffHow one simple, ongoing question dramatically improved retentionWhy investing more in staff upfront often leads to less overtime, fewer vacancies, and lower costsHow scheduling, feedback loops, and staff voice can quietly reshape cultureWhy your next “tipping point” might be closer than you thinkIf you’re a leader who’s tired of chasing short-term fixes—and wants a workforce that’s healthier, more stable, and proud to work where they work—this episode is for you. Episodes Referenced in This Episode: Ep. 24 – How One Provider Transformed Their Onboarding (Vocational Training Center – Fargo, ND)Ep. 28 – Staff Empowerment Elevates Retention (DSP Council from Welcome House)Ep. 33 – What Happens When You Invest in Your People? (Core Services)Ep. 43 – Leveraging AI in Human Services (Dr. Syard Evans, Arkansas Support Network)Ep. 44 – Turning Organizational Values Into Daily Actions (Dr. Syard Evans)Ep. 49 – From 4 Employees to 100: How This IDD Agency Scaled Without Losing Their Heart (CARES of Western PA)Ep. 50 – From Family Startup to IDD Industry Standout (CARES of Western PA)Ep. 53 – The Retention Strategy No One Talks About (Dr. Michael Strouse, Good Life Innovations)Ep. 54 – How “Professional Neighbors” Are Transforming IDD Care (Dr. Mike Strouse)Ep. 55 – One Simple Question Doubled Staff Retention (CHI Friendship)Ep. 56 – What Really Keeps Staff in Disability Services (CHI Friendship)Related Conversations on Workforce Advocacy Ep. 59-60 - NADSP (National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals) Conversations on professional recognition, advocacy, and elevating the DSP workforceEp. 57-58 - NASDDDS (National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services) & HSRI (Human Services Research Institute) Discussions on policy, funding, and national workforce trendsEp. 47-48 - National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities (NLCDD) Leadership development, systems change, and long-term workforce sustainabilityDo your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and learn how high-retention agencies spot — and fix — these issues fast. https://iddleader.com/burnout

    22 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    Ep. 64 - The Gift – An Unexpected Leadership Surprise for IDD Leaders

    In this short holiday episode, host Nate Beers shares an unexpected moment at home that turned into a leadership wake-up call — the kind that sneaks up on you, disarms you, and ultimately makes you better. What begins as a normal, chaotic family dinner quickly turns into a powerful reminder about the difference between reacting and responding — not just as parents, but as leaders of teams, programs, and organizations. Nate pulls back the curtain on how even seasoned leaders can slip into stress-driven reactions… and how a simple, honest comment from his 10-year-old became a gift worth passing on. Inside the episode: --The surprising moment that shifted Nate’s whole evening --Why leaders often default to “fix mode” (and how it backfires) --A practical way to notice what’s happening in your body before it leaks into your leadership --How high-performing organizations actually solve problems --Why the way we solve problems can sometimes reinforce them --A simple mental reframe that turns stress into creativity and connection --How this applies directly to workforce challenges and turnover in IDD services --A reflective action step you can use today Whether you’re an Executive Director, Program Manager, HR leader, or frontline supervisor, this episode offers a calming breath, a grounded perspective, and a gentle invitation to lead with more intention — especially when things get messy. Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and learn how high-retention agencies spot — and fix — these issues fast. https://iddleader.com/burnout

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

For IDD Providers: Tired of the revolving door of staff? Join host Nate Beers as he and other industry leaders share loads of actionable advice on how you can retain and grow your DSP workforce. Just because there's a nationwide DSP workforce crisis doesn't mean that your organization has to churn through staff. Listen to innovative solutions to increase your staff retention and give your organization a competitive advantage so that at the end of the day you provide the best quality care for those you serve.More effective supervisors. Stronger workforce. Lower turnover.

Information

  • Creator
    Nate Beers
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 IDD Leader
  • Show Website
    IDD Leader