In this episode of Believe. Behave. Become., Charlie Marinko shares his leadership journey from hospice operations to senior living and reflects on the experiences that have shaped his growth along the way. From rebuilding a leadership team to creating a culture rooted in trust and accountability, Charlie discusses what it takes to lead through uncertainty while staying committed to people and purpose.

Charlie opens up about the challenges of stepping into a community with significant opportunities for improvement, and the importance of finding the right partners.

The conversation also gets personal as Charlie reflects on family, mentorship, and what continues to motivate him today. Whether discussing leadership, community, or helping a resident with something as simple as a cup of coffee, Charlie's perspective is a reminder that meaningful leadership is built one relationship at a time.

Executive Director of Santa Maria Terrace, Joanna Casillas has a leadership journey that is a remarkable example of what can happen when curiosity meets commitment. Starting in housekeeping, she worked her way through multiple roles across the community, driven by a simple mindset:“What can I do to help?”

Rather than waiting for opportunities, Joanna created them by stepping forward, learning every aspect of the business, and continuously pushing herself to grow.

Today, she leads with that same philosophy, helping others discover their own potential. From caregivers to department leaders, many of her team members have followed growth paths similar to hers. Joanna emphasizes accountability, shared goals, and a culture of “no excuses,” while encouraging team members to think beyond their current role and keep striving for more.

One of the most powerful moments of the conversation came when Joanna reflected on failure. She believes it’s okay to fall because the comeback is where true growth happens. Her message is simple but impactful: leadership isn’t about titles or perfection, it’s about continuing to climb, helping others along the way, and leaving things better than you found them.

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Darrah, CMO and Business Development Portfolio Leader, to explore what it means to lead with vision and influence. Christina shares how great leadership starts by recognizing the passions and strengths of others, empowering people to grow, and creating opportunities for them to make a meaningful impact.

Christina reflects on a pivotal leadership lesson early in her career that transformed how she viewed herself and the people around her: no one is “just” their job title. That perspective continues to shape her approach to leadership today, helping others see their potential and inspiring them to achieve more than they thought possible. She also shares insights on leading without direct authority, building trust across teams, and creating alignment through consistent communication and shared purpose.

Whether you're a new leader, a business development professional, or simply looking to grow your influence, this conversation offers valuable lessons on empowering others, driving strategy through relationships, and completing the "third leg of the stool" that helps organizations reach their full potential.