In this powerful and candid conversation, hosts Bo Brabo and Luke Carignan sit down with Billy Parsons, Chief Human Resources Officer at EyeCare Partners and a U.S. Navy veteran, to explore the real work of leading people—and the defining career moments that shape HR excellence.

From Submarines to C-Suite: Billy’s Unconventional Journey
Billy’s career path defies convention. From life in the Navy's tight quarters to HR leadership roles across healthcare, tech, and retail, he’s earned his stripes the hard way. In this episode, he opens up about the lessons he learned as an HR department of one, the power of mentorship, and why starting from the ground up gave him a PhD in leadership—without ever stepping foot in a classroom.

💡 Leadership Gold You’ll Hear:

• “Professional maturity” and why the ability to receive feedback without ego is critical to career growth.
• How to develop honest, feedback-rich cultures where both leaders and employees actually grow.
• A raw story about being “ripped to shreds” by a state inspector—and how it became Billy’s most pivotal career moment.
• Why empathy, courage, and transparency are non-negotiable in healthcare HR.
• The true value of building policy with flexibility and heart—especially when human lives are involved.

🔥 Favorite Quote:

“Sometimes really getting your rear kicked can do a lot for your career.” – Billy Parsons

Why This Episode Matters for You:
Whether you’re a one-person HR team, a tenured leader, or navigating the politics of a complex health system, Billy’s journey will hit home. His grounded, no-fluff advice reminds us that great HR isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience, humility, and choosing growth every single time.

Thank you for listening!

Bo & Luke

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