EP24:
Kathy Parry

QUOTES

“Energy is a great way to describe what it feels like to be on a team. You know if you’re on an energized team. You know if you’re on a team that’s not so energized.” (Kathy)

“Morale is a little bit narrow, but energy permeates all parts of the culture. Morale can float in and out and you can have a bad day, but energy is what gets things done in a culture.” (Kathy)

“Poor communication is probably one of the first ones I see because we think we might be having those conversations that are necessary, but often our people aren’t hearing it or it’s not getting to them quite the right way.” (Kathy)

“When I see little cues where things aren’t being communicated or the team doesn’t feel like there’s transparency, that’s the time to start talking about how is this team working, how are we energized.” (Kathy)

“A breakdown in civility can de-energize a team. You got a bad apple on that team who’s stirring things up, or says things that are derogatory. That can quench energy on a team.” (Kathy)

“We need to be kind. Just because you see it or could say it doesn’t mean you have to say it.” (Kathy)

“There’s definitely a trickle down effect from any leader. If someone’s burned out, worn out, stressed out, maxed out, they’re not showing up as their best version of themselves.” (Kathy)

“It doesn’t take long. I often end with a two-minute meditation where everyone just breathes deep for a couple minutes because it’s so important.” (Kathy)

“If someone has a question and the answer has not readily presented itself, they’re going to create their own information. And that’s where gossip gets into an organization.” (Kathy)

“Why would someone want to work here? Why would they want to give their energy, their time, their talents? What is the draw? What is the culture?” (Kathy)

“We’ve gotten pretty good at the story we want to tell to our prospective residents, but we don’t go quite as deep with what is that story we’re telling prospective employees.” (Kathy)

“Sympathy is showing up with a casserole, but empathy is actually filling the heart. It’s saying, what do you actually need from me right now that would help you?” (Kathy)

NOTES

Kathy Parry is a corporate energy expert who helps organizations strengthen culture, communication, trust, and engagement. Her work is deeply personal, shaped by caring for her daughter Merritt who lived with mitochondrial dysfunction, which inspired Kathy’s focus on energy, purpose, empathy, and sustainable leadership.

Kathy leads a speaking and consulting practice focused on re-energizing workplace culture, particularly in senior living and care settings. Through keynotes and longer-term engagements, she helps leadership teams reduce energy drains, improve communication systems, build trust, and create recognition practices that support retention and resident experience.

Kathy describes “energy” as a more complete measure than morale because it shows up across the whole culture, from communication to resident engagement to operational performance

She offers a senior living-focused engagement called the Platinum Power Program, a six-month deep dive into culture, energy drains, and leadership systems

A major emphasis in her work is clear, concise communication, including creating boundaries and predictable channels so rumors and confusion don’t fill the gaps

She teaches a trust framework that includes brain-based concepts like the amygdala’s continual “safe or not safe” scan and how transparency and empathy reduce fear responses

She distinguishes sympathy from empathy, emphasizing practical support and asking what someone truly needs rather than assuming

She promotes daily acknowledgement and celebration as retention tools and suggests creative recognition ideas, including using AI music tools to create personalized “mementos” for standout team members

She encourages leaders to stay curious, flexible, and optimistic about change, using examples from outside senior living to illustrate adaptability