Leni Alston grew up in a Filipino household where caring for others was a way of life. From a young age, she learned the value of empathy, listening, and showing up for people when they need it most. These values shaped her path and led her into the world of healthcare marketing.
Today, Leni lives in Las Vegas and works in patient placement. But her job is about more than referrals or numbers. It’s about helping families find peace during some of their hardest moments. When people feel lost in the system, Leni steps in to guide them—with heart, clarity, and trust.
Early in her career, she realized something powerful: people don’t just want answers, they want to be heard. So she made listening her first step, always. Even when things go wrong—and they have—she owns it, learns from it, and uses it to grow.
Outside of work, Leni continues to serve. She cooks and donates meals, groceries, and clothes to independent living facilities that reach out for help. For her, care doesn’t end when the workday does. It’s part of who she is.
Leni stays on top of industry trends, but she never lets technology replace personal connection. Her focus is simple: show up, be real, and put people first.
In a fast-moving world, Leni Alston reminds us that doing the right thing still matters—and that kindness is powerful, even in business. Especially in healthcare, where trust and compassion make all the difference.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I usually start my mornings with quiet time—sometimes a short walk or cooking something simple just to get centered. Then I review any urgent care placement requests or family inquiries that came in overnight. I organize my day with handwritten lists; I’m old school like that. Throughout the day, I’m either meeting with families, touring facilities, or checking in with partners. I stay productive by keeping my focus on people, not tasks. If I’ve helped someone feel less stressed or more confident in a decision, I know it was a good day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
It almost always starts with listening. Whether it’s a patient’s daughter telling me about her mom’s fears or a facility describing gaps in care, I listen for what’s underneath. Then I ask myself: “What’s a realistic solution that respects everyone involved?” I write a lot—notes, thoughts, ideas—and review them later to see what’s worth pursuing. When something clicks, I reach out to people in my network who can help make it happen. I believe in moving thoughtfully, not fast.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m really excited by the growing awareness around culturally competent elder care. I’ve seen too many seniors feel isolated because no one in their care environment speaks their language or understands their background. More facilities are starting to change that—incorporating cultural menus, multilingual staff, even prayer spaces. As someone from a Filipino background, this really hits home for me.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Every evening, I jot down three things I want to focus on the next day. Just three. That little ritual helps me cut through noise and stay centered. I also make time for follow-ups, even when they’re not urgent. That’s how trust is built—consistency.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush to fix everything right away. Listen longer. Sit with discomfort. And don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know yet.” People value honesty more than quick answers. Also, document everything—not just for work, but to understand how you’re growing.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think “efficiency” is overrated in certain types of work. In healthcare, especially with families in crisis, rushing through conversations or speeding up decisions usually creates more problems later. Sometimes the most “inefficient” moment—just sitting quietly while someone processes—is actually the most meaningful.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I always circle back. Whether it’s a placement from last week or a family I helped a year ago, I check in. A simple call or message saying, “How’s your mom doing?” goes a long way. People remember that kind of care.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I cook. Something warm and familiar—rice, adobo, or soup. Cooking is how I reset. It’s creative, comforting, and connects me to my roots. If I have time, I’ll also pack up a few meals and deliver them to one of the independent living facilities I support. Giving reminds me why I do what I do.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being honest when something isn’t the right fit—even if that means losing a referral. Early on, I learned that people respect you more when you prioritize their loved one’s well-being over quick wins. That honesty turns into long-term trust and more referrals down the road.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
There was a placement I made that looked perfect on paper. But within a week, the family called, upset—it wasn’t the right environment. I took responsibility, sat with them, and found a better fit. That experience taught me that empathy includes accountability. After that, I updated my vetting process and started having more candid conversations with facility staff before placing anyone.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I’d love to see a local volunteer matching app that connects families with people who can offer cultural companionship to seniors—reading in their native language, cooking familiar meals, sharing traditions. A simple, human solution for a growing need.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use a basic shared calendar app to stay on top of appointments and family check-ins. But honestly, I rely a lot on handwritten notes. I keep a dedicated binder just for patient stories, key details, and follow-up reminders.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I recently re-read Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen. It’s a beautiful reminder that storytelling and healing go hand in hand. In healthcare, we need more of that.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed Call the Midwife. It shows the emotional, often messy side of caregiving, but also the beauty and humanity in it. It reminds me that even the smallest acts of care have weight.
Key learnings
- Deep listening can turn a professional service into a lasting human connection.
- Slowing down and prioritizing cultural fit builds trust and avoids costly mistakes.
- Accountability, even in failure, leads to growth and better systems.