Leading With Heart, Innovating With Purpose: Derrick Bernardo

In this episode of A Minute with Maxwell – Mission in Motion, Heather Maxwell sits down with Derrick Bernardo, President & CEO of Broadmead Care in British Columbia, one of the province’s most respected continuing care organizations.Derrick shares his leadership journey from his first role in a psychiatric hospital to leading a rapidly growing, innovation-driven non-profit that serves veterans, seniors, and younger adults with disabilities. He reflects on:How early exposure to interdisciplinary teamwork shaped his collaborative leadership styleThe turning point of opening his first long-term care home and learning to balance high standards with adaptabilityBroadmead Care’s evolution from a single veterans’ lodge to a multi-site organization with seven homes and expanding third‑party management up IslandThe internal culture shift behind the “You Matter” commitment and how it’s improving staff retention, psychological safety, and resident experienceBroadmead’s Long Term Care at Home program (federally funded to 2028), using technology and home care to help seniors safely age in place and reduce ER visits and hospitalizationsDerrick and Heather also dig into:Common misconceptions about long-term and continuing care across Canadian provincesWhy innovation ecosystems, partnerships and new models of care (like campuses of care and concierge-style independent living) are crucial for the futureHow Broadmead is tackling workforce challenges through creative recruitment, recognition programs (like the “You’re a Gem” award), and wellness initiativesWhy Derek believes seniors care offers limitless career paths—far beyond nursing aloneDerrick closes with advice to his younger self—and to emerging leaders: take risks, listen first, act second, and never underestimate the power of relationships and engagement.If you’re a leader, policymaker, or professional in the continuing care sector—or simply care about how we support an aging population—this episode offers a hopeful, practical look at what’s possible when innovation and compassion meet.About Maxwell Management GroupThis podcast is brought to you by Maxwell Management Group, a national executive search and education firm specializing in the continuing care sector. For nearly two decades, they’ve partnered with organizations to build values-driven leadership, vibrant workplace cultures, and purpose-led employer brands.Learn more: maxwellmanagementgroup.com