A Career in Human Resources, A Calling in Caregiving Artwork

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast offers a candid, unfiltered space to confess the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a caregiver through storytelling, guest interviews, and information sharing. JJ & Natalie are a dynamic duo of sisters supporting their mom living with Parkinson's and a husband who survived cancer. Along with their guests, they discuss their shared experiences in caregiving. Viewers and listeners alike will relate to our reluctance, be affirmed in their ability to be caregivers and gain the courage to confidently step out of the shadows to express their own needs. You are sure to laugh, cry, and everything in between but in the end, all will leave feeling better for the journey and part of the sisterhood of care. So grab your favorite guilty pleasure, and let's get to confessing!

All Episodes

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

A Career in Human Resources, A Calling in Caregiving

February 11, 2025 • Natalie Elliott Handy and JJ Elliott Hill • Episode 117

"Look for the glimmers in caregiving." - Mark Wilson

Hosts JJ and Natalie sit down with Mark Wilson, a former corporate executive who left his successful career to become a full-time caregiver after his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

🔹 Mark’s Caregiving Journey – The emotional transition from executive to caregiver
🔹 Building a Support System – How to create a strong caregiving team
🔹 Lessons in Love & Connection – The power of family support and resilience
🔹 Solo Caregiver Advice – Practical strategies for those navigating caregiving alone

Mark shares his personal experiences, from the challenges of balancing career and caregiving to the joys found in daily interactions. After his mother's passing, he became a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness and patient rights, offering hope and guidance for caregivers.

About Mark Wilson:

Mark spent more than 20 years in corporate roles leading training, recognition and rewards programs, leadership and executive development with companies like PepsiCo, Taco Bell and yum brand.

After his mom, Lena, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s he left his career to take care of her time at home.

When his mom received the diagnosis, they were told she had roughly five more years. That was an aha moment where he decided he going to do everything to prove them wrong - she was meant to live a lot longer!

Love, learning, leadership, and getting results is makes “secret sauce” and he’s sharing the recipe today!

Connect with Mark::

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilson-

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Caregiving Confessions

02:51 Mark's Journey into Caregiving

06:10 Family Influence and Support in Caregiving

08:56 Transition from Corporate to Caregiving

12:08 The Diagnosis and Initial Response

15:01 Building a Caregiving Team

17:50 Creating a Positive Caregiving Environment

21:10 Lessons Learned and Best Practices