Caregiving doesn’t just happen at home—it happens at work, too. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Donna Benton, the Director of the Family Caregiver Support Center at the University of Southern California, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by working caregivers. With over 28 years of experience, Dr. Benton shares invaluable insights on how workplaces can better support employees who are juggling their careers and caregiving responsibilities.

Episode Highlights:

[1:23] – Welcome to the show! Meet Selma, Zack, and our guest, Dr. Donna Benton.

[2:30] – Dr. Benton shares about her roots in Los Angeles and the diversity of her neighborhood.

[4:24] – The personal journey that led Dr. Benton into caregiver advocacy and research.

[6:57] – How universities like USC are leading the charge in caregiver education and support.

[9:53] – What does a Family Caregiver Resource Center actually do? Dr. Benton explains her day-to-day work.

[13:07] – How employees can access caregiver resources—even if their workplace isn’t offering support.

[15:43] – Can employers nationwide bring in educational workshops for caregivers? (Hint: Yes, and Dr. Benton tells you how!)

[19:36] – Why advocating for the Older Americans Act and work-life balance policies is crucial for working caregivers.

[22:07] – The biggest challenges employers will face in 2025 when it comes to supporting caregivers.

[27:07] – The myth of “vacation time” for caregivers—why we need better workplace policies.

[28:36] – The #1 thing caregivers wish they had known earlier (and what you need to do now).

[31:22] – Our challenge to HR leaders—who will be the first to take action?

Links & Resources:

· Dr. Donna Benton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-benton-74463118/

· USC Family Caregiver Support Center: https://losangelescrc.usc.edu/

· Jason Resendez and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC): https://www.caregiving.org/

· Caregiver Nation Summit by NAC: https://www.caregivernationsummit.org/

· Rosalynn Carter Quote for Caregivers

· Liz O'Donnell and Working Daughter website and Facebook: https://workingdaughter.com/ https://www.facebook.com/workingdaughter/

· Liz O'Donnell and Working Daughter PRIVATE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/workingdaughter

Zack challenges their listeners as to who will be the first HR leader to reach out to Dr. Benton and inquire about an educational program for their organization.

Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy, a powerhouse advocate for working caregivers and the Chief Executive Officer at Cleo. Dr. Vemireddy shares her personal caregiving journey—from navigating her son’s congenital heart disease and autism diagnosis to supporting aging parents—all while balancing a demanding career. We dive into the hidden struggles of working caregivers, the critical gaps in employer support, and how technology is stepping in to bridge the divide.

Are you a working caregiver feeling overwhelmed? Do you lead a team and want to create a more caregiver-friendly workplace? Tune in to hear Dr. Vemireddy’s expert insights on population health, caregiving burnout, and how employers can better support their invisible workforce.

Episode Highlights:

[1:36] – Welcome to the show! Zack and Selma introduce this week’s guest.
[2:17] – Dr. Vemireddy’s personal journey as a caregiver to her son and parents.
[9:33] – The emotional and physical toll of caregiving while working full-time.
[11:54] – How Cleo is using technology and coaching to support caregivers.
[17:30] – Why caregiving is hidden in the workplace and what employers can do about it.
[25:09] – The mental health impact of caregiving and why it’s costing companies more than they realize.
[31:37] – Why Dr. Vemireddy left traditional medicine to focus on caregiver advocacy.
[36:51] – How employers can connect with Cleo to build a more caregiver-supportive workplace.

👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy

Madhavi Vemireddy, MD is the CEO of Cleo, having previously served as Chief Clinical Officer. A board-certified internal medicine physician, she has over 20 years of experience in clinical analytics, population health, and digital health solutions.

As a working caregiver herself, Dr. Vemireddy co-founded CareTribe, a company dedicated to supporting family caregivers, which was acquired by Cleo in 2022. She has held leadership roles at ActiveHealth Management and Aetna Care Management (CVS Health), designing evidence-based programs that serve over 22 million Americans.

📌 Links & Resources

💡 Connect with Dr. Madhavi Vemireddy:

🚀 Who will be the first employer to take action? Dr. Vemireddy is ready to help—schedule a free call today!
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 Cleo – Supporting Working Caregivers

📖 Related Articles & Stories:
🔗 January 14th Edition of Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees Newsletter
🔗 Mike George’s Story – Real Working Caregiver
🔗 Learn More About the Caregiver Nation Summit (Dec 3rd, 2024 Newsletter)

🎙️ More from the Podcast:
🔗 Episode 9: Jason Resendez on Caregiver Advocacy & Workplace Culture

🏛 Caregiver Advocacy & Resources:
🔗 National Alliance for Caregiving
🔗 National Alliance for Caregiving’s Caregiver Nation Summit
🔗 West Status – Supporting Women with Cancer
🔗 Connect with West Status Founder Haley Wyrsch
🔗 Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers

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In this episode, we sit down with Dahlia Sizer, an HR leader and passionate advocate for caregivers, to unpack how companies can create a more supportive and flexible work environment for employees juggling caregiving responsibilities.

Dahlia shares her personal caregiving journey, the impact it had on her career, and the lessons she’s carried into her HR leadership role. We talk about flexible work policies, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and how leadership can step up to better support caregivers. Plus, Dahlia offers practical advice for both employees and managers on navigating workplace benefits, advocating for change, and ensuring that caregiving doesn’t come at the cost of professional success.

Dahlia Sizer is the former Director of DEI for Saint-Gobain, NA. An accomplished Human Resources Practitioner with expertise in Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Dahlia is adept at navigating complex organizational structures to deliver strategic vision and tailored solutions. Known as a catalyst for change, Dahlia consistently drives impactful results. Integrating deep expertise in global diversity, equity, inclusion, employee engagement, organizational behavior, project management, and recruitment, Dahlia effects substantial and positive transformation. With over a decade of experience in human resources, Dahlia's approach blends strategic vision with a deep understanding of HR policies and team leadership to foster an inclusive culture that not only retains talent but also propels the company forward.

Episode Highlights:

[3:32] - Dahlia’s personal caregiving story—how supporting her mother changed her life.

[9:55] - The power of building a caregiving support system—you can’t do it alone!

[12:41] - What working caregivers experience in the workplace and why workplace culture matters.

[16:53] - Tips for managers on how to support employees who are also caregivers.

[18:48] - How employees can approach their managers to ask for flexibility and support.

[21:03] - The role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in advocating for caregivers.

[23:01] - Why Dahlia sought out education on caregiving for her company and how it made an impact.

[26:07] - The power of awareness—how workplace conversations about caregiving are changing.

Links & Resources:

• Dahlia Sizer Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dahlia-sizer-a90130240/
• Rehoboth Beach, Delaware: https://www.rehoboth.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gina Anderson, a learning scientist and advocate for working caregivers. Join us as we explore her personal caregiving journey, her groundbreaking compassionate care policy, and the profound ripple effects such policies can have on workplaces and beyond. Dr. Anderson shares her experience of caregiving for her mother while balancing the demands of running a business, offering practical advice and inspiration for employers and caregivers alike. We also dive into how businesses can create a culture of support and trust, the importance of human connection in the workplace, and Dr. Anderson’s work in behavioral learning and safety with her company, Luma Brighter Learning.

Dr. Gina Anderson is on a mission to help motor carriers grow their safety culture through meaningful learning that inspires and engages employees. She has focused her attention on studying how adults best learn for more than twenty-five years, consistently growing her methodology by engaging in the trucking industry and learning professionals. Gina is the CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, an award-winning company that provides an enterprise learning management system (LMS) tailored to the transportation and logistics industry. With a focus on maximizing safety, ensuring compliance, and boosting employee retention, Luma supports the entire organization with individualized coaching programs, customizable content, digital forms, compliance reporting tools, and unlimited secure file storage. She routinely publishes new, measurable, science-based techniques specifically focused on adult learning to help companies improve their safety scores and uphold compliance.

Episode Highlights:

[3:03] – Dr. Anderson shares a beautiful tradition from her Charleston community and reflects on its connection to hope and resilience.

[4:37] – Dr. Anderson recounts her caregiving journey, balancing her role as a daughter and business owner while caring for her mother.

[12:33] – Discussion on Dr. Anderson’s Inc. Magazine article about implementing compassionate care policies and their impact on employees and families.

[18:44] – How Luma Brighter Learning is revolutionizing behavior change and safety in the transportation industry.

[24:30] – Changes in workplace culture after implementing the compassionate care policy and the importance of building trust and transparency.

[31:26] – Dr. Anderson introduces her upcoming book Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite a New Way Forward and its focus on reconnecting and thriving in life.

[33:55] – How to connect with Dr. Anderson and access her resources for learning and mental well-being.

Links & Resources:

• Inc article: This Unexpected Gift Will Make Employees Happier. Dec. 16, 2024 by Dr. Gina Anderson. https://www.inc.com/dr-gina-anderson/this-unexpected-gift-will-make-employees-happier/91066321
• Website: https://www.learningwithgina.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-anderson-luma/
• Luma Brighter Learning: https://lumabrighterlearning.com/
• Book: Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite A New Way Forward https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-Gina-Anderson/author/B0CP1HQRLH?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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In this episode we welcome Jason Resendez, a leading advocate in the caregiving and Alzheimer's space, to the podcast. Together, we discuss the critical challenges facing working caregivers and how systemic changes can create supportive environments both in the workplace and in society. Jason shares his personal caregiving journey, the groundbreaking advocacy work of the National Alliance for Caregiving, and practical tips for employees and employers navigating caregiving responsibilities. From public policy changes to personal empowerment, this conversation sheds light on the invisible struggles and triumphs of working caregivers. Plus, Jason provides a sneak peek into the 2025 "Caregiving in the U.S." study, offering a glimpse into the future of caregiving data and trends.

Jason Resendez is a nationally recognized caregiving advocate. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, where he leads research, policy, and programmatic initiatives to build health, wealth, and equity for America’s 53 million family caregivers. In 2023, Jason was named one of the most consequential leaders in health and medicine by STAT News. Prior to joining NAC, Jason was the founding executive director of the Us Against Alzheimer’s Center for Brain Health Equity where he pioneered the concept of Brain Health Equity through peer-reviewed research, public health partnerships, and public policy. In 2020, Jason was name done of America’s top influencers in aging by PBS’s Next Avenue alongside Michael J. Fox and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. He has been quoted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, STAT News, and Univision on issues related to caregiving and health equity. Jason is from South Texas and graduated from Georgetown University.

Episode Highlights:

[1:07] - Introduction to Jason Resendez and his advocacy work for caregivers.
[5:00] - Jason’s personal caregiving story and its influence on his career.
[10:58] - The creation and impact of the Caregiver Summit.
[17:32] - Insights into Alzheimer's and the intersection with caregiving.
[22:27] - Credible resources for addressing early signs of dementia.
[24:58] - Preview of the upcoming 2025 "Caregiving in the U.S." study and its significance.
[29:20] - How employers can support working caregivers and real-world examples.
[34:02] - Advice for employees: Navigating conversations about caregiving with managers.
[38:07] - A challenge to employers to create a culture of caregiving.

Links & Resources:

• National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/
• Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/
• BrainGuide by UsAgainstAlzheimer’s: https://mybrainguide.org/
• AARP Caregiving Resources: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
• Jason Resendez LInkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonresendez/
• Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 (NAC and AARP report):
• Year end review Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees Newsletter
• National Alliance for Caregiving and Caregiver Summit Nation focus newsletter by Working Caregivers-The Invisible Employees

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at

In this episode, we welcome Amy Goyer, a nationally renowned caregiving advocate, author, and consultant. Amy shares her journey from music therapy to becoming a voice for caregivers everywhere. We’ll explore the invisible challenges working caregivers face and how employers can create meaningful change.

Tune in to hear Amy’s insights on advocacy, the power of storytelling, and how employers can foster flexibility and support for working caregivers. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable advice that you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights

[3:05] - Fun Fact Spotlight: Amy shares her childhood story and her journey into music therapy.

[6:00] - Music & Caregiving: How Amy used music therapy to support her grandmother and father.

[8:11] - Becoming a Caregiving Advocate: Amy’s path from music therapist to leading caregiving advocate.

[10:00] - Family Caregiving Roles: Amy explains how her role as a caregiver shifted over time within her family.

[16:35] - Paid Family Leave: Why paid leave matters and how AARP is pushing for better policies.

[20:00] - Policy Challenges: The obstacles in making paid family leave a reality nationwide.

[23:09] - Flexible Work for Caregivers: How workplace flexibility benefits employees and employers alike.

[27:29] - HR & Workplace Culture: How companies can support caregivers through better workplace culture.

[30:00] - Employer Tips: Amy’s best advice for employers to support caregiving employees.

[35:00] - Caregiver Tips & Advice: Actionable tips for caregivers to balance work, family, and self-care.

[40:00] - Resources & How to Connect: Where to find Amy’s book, articles, and caregiving support resources.

[44:22] - Closing Remarks: Selma and Zack thank Amy and challenge listeners to explore caregiving resources.

Links & Resources

• Amy’s Website: http://amygoyer.com/joomla/
• AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers
• Amy’s Book: “Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving”:https://www.amazon.com/Juggling-Life-Work-Caregiving-Goyer/dp/1634251636/
• Amy’s YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/@amygoyer/playlists
• Amy & AARP: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/experts/info-2019/amy-goyer.html

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can raise awareness and create a more supportive workplace for working caregivers. Be sure to check out our website, Invisible Employee Advocates, to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our book, and stay connected. See you in the next episode!

In this episode of Working Caregivers, we have an insightful conversation into the challenges faced by working caregivers and explore how employers can build trust and support systems for this often invisible yet essential workforce. Selma and Zach are joined by Lee Hafner, an accomplished writer and editor at Employee Benefit News, who shares her insights into the growing caregiving crisis and practical ways organizations can address it.

We discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the role of storytelling in fostering a supportive workplace culture, and simple, cost-effective strategies employers can adopt to create a more inclusive environment. Whether you're a caregiver, an HR professional, or a leader seeking to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

Episode Highlights

[1:39] – The significance of National Family Caregiver Month and this year's theme: “Caregivers Around the Clock.”

[2:55] – Introducing Lee Hafner: her advocacy for caregivers and her professional journey inspired by personal experiences.

[4:31] – The multifaceted challenges caregivers face and why employers should address them holistically.

[9:08] – How leaders can start conversations about caregiving in the workplace and the importance of sharing personal experiences.

[13:15] – Balancing employee privacy with data collection: creative approaches to understanding and supporting caregivers.

[22:07] – A challenge to leaders: how a simple conversation can transform employee relationships.

[29:46] – Empowering caregivers: practical tips to build visibility and find support within the workplace.

Links & Resources

• Visit Employee Benefit News for more insights from Lee Hafner.
• How To Be A Working Caregiver May/June 2023 Issue Employee Benefit News - May/June 2023
• Lee Hafner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehafner/
• Learn about National Family Caregiver Month: Caregiver Action Network.
• Explore more caregiving resources at Invisible Employee Advocates.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can raise awareness and create a more supportive workplace for working caregivers. Be sure to check out our website, Invisible Employee Advocates, to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our book, and stay connected. See you in the next episode!

In this episode of Working Caregivers: The Invisible Employees, we welcome Julian Hayes, a writer and advocate for working caregivers, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by this silent workforce. From navigating the emotional, financial, and mental strains of caregiving to offering practical strategies for employers, Julian shares insights rooted in personal experience and professional expertise. This conversation highlights why organizations must address caregiving as a critical workplace issue and how doing so benefits both employees and businesses.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Opening thoughts and an introduction to Julian Hayes and his Forbes article, "Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To."
[3:00] - Julian shares personal insights from his own caregiving journey and its lasting impact on his life and career.
[8:44] - Discussing the concept of caregiver guilt and its emotional toll on individuals.
[13:23] - Julian explains the "business case" for supporting employee caregivers, including talent retention and reducing presenteeism.
[17:28] - The role of long-term thinking in building sustainable workplace policies that truly support caregivers.
[21:53] - Tips for employers to better understand and support working caregivers, from financial assistance to mental health resources.
[25:44] - Julian’s advice to caregivers: “Get off the island” and build a support system to combat isolation and burnout.
[27:17] - Closing remarks and a heartfelt message on the importance of addressing caregiving as a collective responsibility.

Links & Resources:

• Julian Hayes’ website: Executive Health.io
• Forbes article: Employee Caregiving: A Silent Pandemic CEOs Must Pay Attention To: https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2024/06/29/employee-caregivers-a-silent-pandemic-ceos-must-pay-attention-to/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. Remember to check out our website at invisibleemployeeadvocates.com for more resources, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! We’ll catch you in the next episode.