Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayla Wooley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kayla, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose has been a journey woven with experiences, challenges, and a deep-seated passion for entrepreneurship and public health. As a third generation female founder, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of running my own business. As a child, every dinner conversation I can remember revolved around our family business in senior care; from improving quality of care to increasing census. In middle school, I took over a candy vending machine at the local bowling alley from my brother when he went off to college. Managing that small venture as a one-woman show in a cavity-yielding business was my first taste of entrepreneurship.
As I progressed through college and graduate school, my interests began to expand. It was during my time at Boston College that I discovered my passion for public health. The intricate dynamics of healthcare, the policy-making process, and the potential to make a significant impact on the well-being of populations fascinated me. Having grown up with knowledge about senior care, I was acutely aware of its challenges and shortcomings.
After graduating from Yale and Cornell with my MPH and MBA, I found myself at the intersection of various roles – a family business member, a public health advocate, a nursing home operator, and someone with a deep understanding of the shortfalls in senior care. This unique position allowed me to see the complexities of senior care from multiple angles. The industry is rife with stakeholders, including residents, their families, the government, insurance providers, senior care operators, care providers, and the general public. While all these stakeholders share the common goal of providing high-quality care at an appropriate cost, there is a significant misalignment in how to achieve this. The reality is that no stakeholder would describe senior care in America as a functional model.
This realization was pivotal for me. It became clear that my purpose was to improve senior care in America. The fragmentation within the industry, the misaligned incentives, and the systemic inefficiencies are challenges that need addressing. I am committed to being part of the solution, driven by a desire to enhance the quality of life for seniors and ensure they receive the care and dignity they deserve.
I am still in the early stages of this journey, continually learning and building my toolkit. Each experience, whether in the family business, public health studies, and now running my own startups, adds to my understanding and capability. My purpose is always in my foresight, guiding my decisions and actions. I believe that by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, advocating for policy reforms, and leveraging innovative solutions, we can create a more functional and sustainable senior care system.
As I continue to grow and learn, I am driven by the goal of transforming senior care in America, ensuring it becomes a model of efficiency, compassion, and excellence.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
– In the late Spring of 2022, while finishing my MBA, I founded and launched StaffOnTap, a marketplace connecting understaffed skilled nursing facilities and temporary nurses. StaffOnTap is a business in a box model where nurses can choose where they want to work, when they want to work, and at what price point. We currently host 200 caregivers on the platform and are on track to reach $4Mn in total income this year.
– StaffOnTap is in the process of completing a merger with Swallowing Diagnostics (SDX), which provides resident-focused bedside swallowing tests in 450 skilled nursing facilities throughout New England. The merger is set to be finalized August 1st, which is exciting!
-I am currently starting my third company, also in the skilled nursing space, which will launch this November.
– I love innovating, building, and growing ideas into scalable companies! Every day brings a new challenge and opportunity to learn. I also have an amazing team who I can’t speak highly enough about.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. A deep knowledge in the niche space of skilled nursing facilities has been instrumental. Growing up with a background in senior care, I developed an understanding of regulations, the complicated relationships between stakeholders, and opportunities for change.
2. Continued optimism and openness to pivot have been crucial. Building a business includes countless ups and downs. Maintaining a positive outlook and being willing to reassess and adapt have enabled me to persevere.
3. Building a strong team and trusting that team helped me to focus on building and growing. Ongoing growth requires the collective effort of a dedicated team. Recognizing team members’ strengths and delegating tasks accordingly has allowed me to focus on strategic decision-making.
Advice: Participating in leadership coaching sessions is a reflective way to understand yourself as a founder and leader, helping you identify and leverage your strengths while honing your leadership skills. I found these sessions provided me invaluable insights and guidance, particularly to effectively navigate challenges.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past year, my biggest growth has been finding a better work-life balance, especially after having my first baby on April 29th. This balance has really helped my relationships, making me more present and connected with my loved ones. It’s also been great for my mental health, giving me the space to recharge and handle stress better. Plus, having this balance has boosted my energy and focus on my business, letting me lead with more enthusiasm and clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://staffontap.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-foley-219409168/
Image Credits
Headshot
Nathan Oldham
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