Gottfried Ernst serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Cogir Senior Living, bringing over 20 years of experience in the senior living industry. Since joining Cogir earlier this year, Ernst has been dedicated to enhancing the company’s senior living services to meet the needs of a new generation of residents.
In a recent Changemakers interview, Ernst emphasizes the importance of technology implementation, Cogir’s multicultural staffing approach, and the innovative ways the company adapts to change. As a leader in the senior living industry, Ernst reflects on his own evolution, highlighting the shift from a focus on learning and adapting to a deeper understanding of team dynamics, effective communication, and the critical role of empathy in leadership.
Through his experience, Ernst has honed his leadership style to empower and inspire his team, emphasizing the value of collaboration and trust in delegating tasks effectively. He acknowledges the importance of navigating challenges and conflicts to find constructive solutions that benefit both the team and the organization as a whole.
Recognized as a changemaker in the industry, Ernst thrives on driving change and problem-solving. He shares examples of operational changes he has implemented, such as leveraging technology for continuous feedback from residents and empowering independent living customers to choose their service packages.
While embracing change, Ernst also acknowledges the importance of learning from setbacks. He reflects on instances where his ideas did not go as planned and discusses the importance of adapting and pivoting to find successful solutions.
As a risk-taker, Ernst believes that taking calculated risks is essential for driving innovation and growth in the senior living industry. He emphasizes the importance of listening to feedback and piloting new initiatives before scaling them globally.
Looking ahead, Ernst identifies resident demand, margin compression, and staff retention as key drivers of change in the industry. He also underscores the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing Cogir’s commitment to fostering a multicultural workforce that reflects the diverse backgrounds of its residents and staff.
Amidst ongoing changes, Cogir is focused on evolving its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its customers. By embracing technology and staying responsive to customer feedback, Cogir is committed to providing exceptional care and service to residents, while celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of its communities.
