Wellness, Wisdom, and Leading Well in Senior Living: Insights from the Smart Aging™ Podcast

What does it really take to thrive as a leader in senior living? In the latest episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast by Go Icon, two respected guests shared their real-life stories and lessons on health, wellness, and meaningful leadership.

Two Leaders Shaping Senior Living

For this special two-part episode, I welcomed Lori Alford, founder and CEO of Avanti Senior Living, along with Stephanie Boreale, National Director of Health Strategy at Watermark Retirement Communities. Both bring decades of experience and unique perspectives to the table.

Lori Alford: Purpose, Grit, and Lifelong Learning

Lori started her career in senior living by chance, but her passion and commitment kept her moving forward. From market research to sales to founding Avanti Senior Living, she has focused on building high-performing teams and prioritizing wellness. Her story took a challenging turn in 2019 when she survived two brain aneurysms and multiple surgeries. That experience led her to a new understanding of health and longevity. Today, Lori speaks openly about the benefits of functional wellness, the importance of brain health, and practical ways to support her team’s well-being.

Stephanie Boreale: Clinical Excellence and Whole-Person Wellness

Stephanie’s journey began in hospital systems, where she developed her expertise in clinical operations. She later joined Watermark and helped launch the 360 Well program, which supports mind, body, spirit, and community. After recovering from a serious lung illness, Stephanie became even more dedicated to wellness. She also runs a meal prep business in Arizona, which allows her to make healthy, ready-to-eat meals accessible for busy families and professionals. Stephanie knows firsthand how healthy routines can benefit both individuals and organizations.

Leadership Longevity and Everyday Wellness

Lori and Stephanie both believe that wellness is the foundation for good leadership. They shared several practical tips for staying well and supporting others.

Healthy Eating, Real Results:
Lori shifted to locally prepared meals to help manage inflammation and improve her family’s health. Stephanie’s meal prep business is her secret weapon for busy weeks. Both agree that knowing what’s in your food and making simple, nutritious choices can make a big difference.

Sleep: The Ultimate Performance Booster:
Lori used to get by on little sleep, but her recovery made her rethink her habits. She now tracks her sleep, sets clear routines, and encourages her team to do the same. She knows that better sleep leads to better decision-making and higher energy.

Addressing Burnout with Honesty:
Burnout is a reality in senior living, especially after the pandemic. Both leaders stressed the need for open conversations about stress, guilt, and the pressure to perform. Lori models self-care and encourages her team to ask for help when needed. Stephanie builds a culture where people can talk about challenges without fear of judgment.

Advice for the Next Generation

What should new professionals in senior living keep in mind?

Put Self-Care on Your Calendar:
Lori and Stephanie both block out time for exercise, meditation, or simple downtime, just like any other important meeting. These routines help them stay balanced and resilient.

Personalize Your Wellness Journey:
Stephanie reminds her teams that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Leaders should encourage staff to reflect on their needs, whether it’s flexibility in scheduling, more movement, or better nutrition.

Lead with Empathy and Consistency:
The strongest teams come from leaders who practice what they preach. Lori and Stephanie both believe in sharing practical tips, creating supportive environments, and making wellness a shared priority.

Moving Senior Living Forward

The field of senior living is changing. Today’s leaders face new challenges and new opportunities to improve lives. Lori and Stephanie show that true leadership comes from authenticity, resilience, and a real commitment to well-being—for residents and staff alike.

When teams feel supported and leaders set the tone for self-care, everyone benefits. These conversations on the Smart Aging™ Podcast help light the way for professionals across the industry.

Listen to the Smart Aging™ Podcast for more stories, strategies, and fresh perspectives from leaders making a difference in senior living.