Optimism for the future and helpful advice for long-term care professionals who hope to advance were in deep supply recently when the 2025 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards winners gathered to receive their honors. In this special installment of the McKnight’s Newsmakers Podcast, honorees David Gifford, MD, and nursing leader Robert Francis Amoloria give their thoughts on the makings of success — personally, professionally and for the sector in the years ahead. “I’m very optimistic,” says Amoloria, the chief nursing officer for Legacy Healthcare, which operates 125 facilities in three states. “Amidst the commotion, the bluster, the upheaval, the noise, I still have faith in the healthcare industry and the profession’s noble calling to service. I sincerely believe we’re all going to rise above the fray against all odds and use our powerful calling to make a difference.” He urges colleagues to keep up with the swift technological changes hitting the sector — which should be viewed as opportunities as well as challenges, he reminded. “We are getting there,” he says in reference to post-acute care catching up to acute-care partners in adopting tech. Gifford, chief medical officer for the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living, also is encouraging, noting “huge” opportunities for job entry and growth in the coming years. Gifford notes he’s continually impressed by the current senior care workforce and its desire to elevate care. He says that even in tough times, he sees direct caregivers — as well as housekeepers, activities professionals and others — having a profound impact on patient care and quality. “Don’t give up,” he prods. “It’s the greatest place to work. There’s no better job than taking care of the elderly.” Gifford prioritizes four areas where sector professionals need to focus attention. The first is improving staff recruitment and retention, and he reveals natural appeals there. Listen in to the full podcast hosted by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News Executive Editor James M. Berklan to hear the others. “Nothing’s out of your reach,” he tells senior care professionals. “One of the beauties of working in the nursing home or assisted living area is it’s a great, small, confined healthcare system and team. You can make changes there. You can make relationships with your mayor, local elected officials and tell them your story.” Amoloria advises up-and-coming sector professionals to keep an open mind, not be afraid to try new things and to lead by example. “Rise and defy the affinity for self-obsession so that you can live for something bigger than yourself,” he adds. “Evaluate your use of time, talents and energy so you are dedicating it to something that improves and edifies others, and most of all, elevates life.”