Episode
My Fear of Risks Slowed My Career Down — Michelle Cone
- Podcast
- Home Care Hindsight
- Published
- Dec 9, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2259
- Processing state
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Summary
Michelle Cone, SVP of Industry Engagement at HomeWell Franchising, joins host David Knack for a conversation that spans from marathon running to mission-driven leadership. Michelle opens up about the career mistake that shaped her trajectory: playing it safe early on and not taking enough risks. She explains how saying "yes" to an unfamiliar role in home care as an inexperienced mom became the turning point that led to a 27-year career. Michelle dives into the underrated core of home care: delivering exceptional quality care as the ultimate growth engine. She unpacks why a strong intake process is a make-or-break function, how to avoid common pitfalls that waste time and trust, and why the industry's shift toward value-based care means every agency must pay attention to CMS and healthcare ecosystem changes, even if they're private-pay. The conversation also explores how to use AI and automation to free up time for human connection, why the best caregivers don't want to work with "bozos," and how to build a culture where mission drives every operational decision. Lesson Takeaways: 1. Take the Leap Before You Feel Ready: Waiting for the perfect moment or full confidence can cost you career-defining opportunities. Often, the best growth comes from saying "yes" and stretching into the unknown. 2. Quality Care is Your Best Marketing: Your first client and the quality of care you deliver set the tone for everything; caregiver recruitment, retention, client satisfaction, and community reputation. Start small, excel, and let the results speak. 3. Master the Intake Conversation: A great intake process isn't about selling, it's about listening, educating, and qualifying. By understanding a caller's real needs and fears, you build trust whether they become a client or not. 4. Aut…