The People Strategy Podcast
The People Strategy Podcast provides an ongoing coaching experience that the C-suite can leverage to align their people to more effectively execute the business strategy. The show challenges leaders to create a talent strategy roadmap that will increase profits and boost employee engagement. Host, Traci Austin, invites purpose-driven leaders to join her for deep-dive conversations on present challenges across the employee lifecycle. Listeners walk away with insights and strategic action steps to move them and their people forward. Episodes are ideal for Human Resource and Executive Level Managers to better understand how to create a strategy to serve their organization best.
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Episode 214: Gratitude-Driven Leadership: Closing the Chapter with Traci Austin
06/19/2025
Episode 214: Gratitude-Driven Leadership: Closing the Chapter with Traci Austin
What if gratitude could transform how you lead through endings and unlock your next breakthrough? Here's what most leaders get wrong: You think finishing strong means immediately jumping to the next big thing. But what if I told you that the leaders who create lasting impact know a secret about endings that changes everything? After four transformative years and 213 episodes, I'm sharing the most counterintuitive leadership lesson I've learned, and it might surprise you. This isn't just about saying goodbye to my podcast. It's about why the way you close chapters determines whether your next season will be extraordinary or just... more of the same. You've been caught in the "nexting" trap, haven't you? That relentless sprint from task to task, project to project, quarter to quarter. You think you're being productive, but here's what's really happening: You're losing energy, losing clarity, and missing the very thing that separates good leaders from transformational ones. I want to show you something different. Through stories that will make you rethink everything from your kitchen sink to your biggest career transitions, I'm revealing how gratitude-infused completions create the psychological space where your best ideas emerge and burnout becomes impossible. And here's the exciting part: I'm not just closing this chapter, I'm opening the door to something I've never offered before. The isn't another program. It's where the real conversations happen, where leaders like you tackle the challenges that keep you up at night, together. But first, let me ask you this: When was the last time you truly finished something? Not just moved on from it, but honored what it gave you, celebrated what you built, and used that gratitude to fuel what comes next? If you can't remember, this episode will change how you think about leadership forever. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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Episode 213: Meeting People Where They Are: Lessons from Rolling Tides
06/12/2025
Episode 213: Meeting People Where They Are: Lessons from Rolling Tides
At , people aren’t just employees—they’re the heart of the company. CEO has built a culture that truly cares about its team, fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. This people-first approach is more than a philosophy—it’s a business strategy that drives loyalty, engagement, and success. Matt shares how Rolling Tides demonstrates care through authentic storytelling, meaningful connections, and intentional support. From spotlighting team members on social media to creating mentorship programs and wellness initiatives, the company prioritizes its people’s well-being and professional development. Matt emphasizes listening closely to employees’ needs and aligning their passions with the company’s goals, creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin and Matt explore how genuine care for people transforms culture and retention, even in industries known for high turnover. If you want to build a workplace where your team feels truly cared for and motivated to give their best, this conversation offers practical inspiration and actionable ideas. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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Episode 212: Engineering Spaces for Belonging: The Power of Intentional Culture-Building
06/05/2025
Episode 212: Engineering Spaces for Belonging: The Power of Intentional Culture-Building
What if the most successful companies aren't the ones with the best perks or highest salaries, but the ones that have cracked the code on engineering authentic human connection? , Co-Founder of , stumbled upon this truth during focus groups that were supposed to validate a technology solution. Instead, he uncovered a startling revelation: people weren't craving another digital tool; they were desperately seeking genuine connection in their workplaces. This unexpected discovery sparked a seven-year experiment that's been quietly revolutionizing how forward-thinking leaders approach culture. The secret? What Nick calls "engineered synchronicities"—strategic moments that feel spontaneous but are carefully designed to create the kind of authentic connections that transform entire organizations. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, speaks with about the counterintuitive insights that emerge when you stop treating culture as a nice-to-have and start engineering it as your competitive advantage. Nick reveals why the companies thriving today have abandoned traditional culture-building in favor of something far more powerful and surprisingly simple. You'll discover the hidden psychology behind why some teams feel like families while others remain collections of strangers, even after years of working together. Traci and Nick explore the specific behaviors that separate leaders who inspire fierce loyalty from those who struggle with constant turnover, and why the answer might surprise you. But here's what makes this conversation different: Nick shares the exact framework he's used to help organizations create what he calls "magnetic cultures"—workplaces so compelling that people actively recruit their friends to join. If you've ever wondered why some companies have waiting lists of candidates while others can't retain talent, this episode holds the answers you've been searching for. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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Episode 211: Elevating Our Tradespeople: Building Culture, Clarity, and Passion on the Jobsite
05/29/2025
Episode 211: Elevating Our Tradespeople: Building Culture, Clarity, and Passion on the Jobsite
The trades have often been seen as a fallback rather than a first-choice career. But what if we challenged that narrative and recognized the skilled trades as a vital, dignified profession with immense opportunity? , President and Founder of , brings decades of experience bridging technology and the trades to shed light on how we can elevate the workforce from within. His passion for creating environments where every worker feels respected and empowered makes him a leading voice in the industry’s transformation. James understands the unique challenges faced by tradespeople—many enter the field as a Plan B or C, influenced by family history and societal perceptions. Yet, he believes that with the right leadership and support, these workers can find meaning, growth, and pride in their careers. His work at Site Max Systems focuses on empowering field crews with tools and programs that help them dream bigger and achieve more. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin and James dive into the realities and opportunities of today’s trades workforce. They discuss how parental perceptions shape career choices, why rebranding the trades is critical, and how leaders can connect with what truly motivates their teams. Listeners will gain pointers on fostering pride, supporting personal growth, and redefining success beyond passion alone. Whether you’re a leader in construction or any trades-based business, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and practical strategies to build stronger, more engaged teams and better projects. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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Episode 210: From High Turnover to High Commitment: How a Janitorial Company Became a People-First Powerhouse
05/22/2025
Episode 210: From High Turnover to High Commitment: How a Janitorial Company Became a People-First Powerhouse
What if the issue isn’t who you’re hiring, but what they’re walking into? That was the pivotal question Greg Brouwer asked himself when he took the reins of , overseeing a team of more than 200 employees and facing turnover rates nearing 200%. Instead of defaulting to reactive hiring or higher pay, Greg chose a different path... one centred on building belonging, not just bandwidth. “What if we focused less on finding more people,” Greg asked, “and more on becoming a place worth staying in?” Greg’s approach reframed leadership from task oversight to culture stewardship. He didn’t just aim to run a more efficient cleaning company; he set out to create a values-driven workplace where dignity is the default, and retention is the byproduct of trust, structure, and care. Under his leadership, turnover has steadily declined below 85%, driven not by easier work but by a stronger culture. In this powerful episode of The People Strategy Podcast, sits down with owner of West Michigan Janitorial, to unpack what it means to run a high-turnover business without a high-turnover mindset. They discuss the systems Greg’s team implemented to create stability, predictability, and trust, including an employee assistance fund, value-aligned hiring practices, and a structured onboarding experience that centers care and clarity. They also explore Greg’s long-term vision: a workplace where employees can connect their daily work to long-term dreams. Whether you're grappling with retention or looking to future-proof your team, this conversation offers more than quick fixes. It’s a blueprint for building a company people don’t just work for; it’s about building a workplace people believe in. Resources mentioned in this episode:
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Episode 209: The Hidden Cost of Letting It Slide - Core Values in Trades Leadership
05/15/2025
Episode 209: The Hidden Cost of Letting It Slide - Core Values in Trades Leadership
When you think about core values in your workplace, what comes to mind? A few words painted on the breakroom wall? A mission statement buried in an onboarding deck? For many organizations, especially in fast-paced, high-pressure industries like the trades, core values become background noise. But if you're leading a team, here's the uncomfortable truth: your culture isn't built by what you say you believe. It's built by what you tolerate. And if those values aren’t actively guiding behavior, they’re not values—they’re decoration. So, how do you make core values actually work? How do you turn them from empty statements into a foundation that builds trust, accountability, and long-term growth? has spent years helping leaders get clear on what drives their teams. With a background as a United Methodist pastor and a business coach for trades and service companies, John understands that values aren’t just about inspiration—they’re about alignment. According to him, culture is not defined by what’s printed on your website. It’s defined by behavior. And too often, leaders create unspoken double standards. High performers are rewarded—even when their behavior undermines the team. Values are quoted in meetings but ignored on the jobsite. Over time, this erodes trust and breeds inconsistency. When your team sees misalignment between what’s said and what’s done, they stop believing. And that’s when turnover, burnout, and disengagement start to rise. But when core values are clear, consistent, and practiced daily? They become your most effective leadership tool. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, sits down with with leadership coach for a candid, practical conversation about how to bring core values to life, especially in trades-based businesses. Together, they unpack what it really means to operationalize core values in the everyday: from crafting interview questions that reveal alignment, to navigating difficult decisions when two values seem to conflict. They explore how to hold high performers accountable when their behavior clashes with team culture, and how to embed values into performance reviews, peer feedback, and daily communication. This episode offers more than just theory—it provides actionable tools for leaders ready to stop reacting to culture and start shaping it. Because, as John says, “Your culture is happening whether you lead it or not."
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Episode 208: Purpose-Driven Construction: Building Homes and Businesses That Actually Last
05/08/2025
Episode 208: Purpose-Driven Construction: Building Homes and Businesses That Actually Last
If you’ve ever inherited more than a business—like a legacy, a mission, or a responsibility that feels deeply personal—this episode will resonate. For trades entrepreneur Craig Lenard, taking over wasn’t just about business continuity. It was about honouring a foundation while building something stronger on top. When his mother was diagnosed with cancer and both parents stepped away from the company, Craig returned—not as the same man, but as a builder shaped by experience, reflection, and purpose. Once a teacher, now a systems-minded leader, Craig brought fresh eyes and a deeper calling: to create a company that would not only survive adversity but evolve because of it. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, sits down with Craig Lenard to explore how a personal crisis became a strategic turning point. What began with his wife’s mold illness evolved into a full reimagination of what it means to build homes, teams, and cultures. With a steady focus on systems, clarity, and service, Craig shares how he's reframed growth not as a race, but as a responsibility.
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Episode 207: Rebuilding a Business That Serves Your Life
05/01/2025
Episode 207: Rebuilding a Business That Serves Your Life
If you've ever led a business that looked impressive on paper but felt like it was quietly eroding your well-being behind the scenes, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Many trades entrepreneurs begin with a craft, not a company blueprint. They hustle hard, fueled by grit, only to find themselves imprisoned by the very business they built—exhausted, reactive, and disconnected from the purpose that sparked it all. That’s the real story behind Richard Walsh’s success... and collapse. After two decades running a nationally recognized, award-winning water feature company, Richard watched it all vanish in the 2008 housing crash. No systems. No contingency. No margin for error. But in the ruins, he discovered a deeper truth: the business wasn’t what defined him. And his rebuild would look radically different, grounded in systems, sustainability, and human-first leadership. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, sits down with , CEO of to explore how he redefined what “success” means and how he now equips trades leaders to design businesses that serve their lives, not consume them. From his book Escape the Owner Prison to real-world frameworks that prioritize freedom and purpose, this is a candid conversation for leaders ready to reclaim control.
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Episode 206: Head, Heart, Hustle: Building Trust and Culture Across Trades Teams
04/24/2025
Episode 206: Head, Heart, Hustle: Building Trust and Culture Across Trades Teams
In the trades, it’s not the perks that define culture—it’s how your people show up when things get hard. On job sites, in tight deadlines, across five generations—real culture is built through clarity, trust, and showing up every day. And that doesn’t happen by accident. Too often, trade businesses measure success in activity: 500 calls made, back-to-back shifts worked, 100 tasks checked off. But when output becomes the goal, people burn out, trust breaks down, and culture becomes just another line in the handbook. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, talks with , business development leader at , about how to build a strong culture that actually supports your people, especially in field-based, fast-moving environments. Real culture gets built one deposit of trust at a time. Paul shares insights from decades of experience across operations, hospitality, and business development—plus a clear-eyed philosophy on what he calls the “psychology of the heart.” They dig into how to know whether someone is truly aligned with the team, what to do when your gut says no but the resume says yes, and how to structure tough conversations that build—not break—relationships. This is an episode about seeing your people, naming your values, and leading with presence. In Paul’s words, it’s not just about the sale—it’s about changing one person’s life every day. If you’re serious about growing your business and keeping good people, you’ll want to hear this.
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Episode 205: Stop Yelling Into the Void: How to Actually Get Through to Your Trades Team
04/17/2025
Episode 205: Stop Yelling Into the Void: How to Actually Get Through to Your Trades Team
If your communication strategy only works for half your crew, it's not a strategy—it's a risk. And in the trades, that risk doesn’t just affect productivity—it affects safety, morale, and retention. Today’s job sites are made up of multiple generations working side by side, each with their own preferences, assumptions, and expectations around communication. You've got Boomers printing out emails, Gen Xers living by their calendars, Millennials juggling inboxes and Slack messages, and Gen Zers who'd prefer a quick text over a long meeting. When leaders fail to adapt their communication styles to meet their people where they are, messages get lost, accountability slips, and trust erodes. We see this breakdown most often when companies introduce new tools or systems—like that HRIS app everyone’s supposed to download but no one knows how to use. Without proper guidance, the disconnect between intention and execution widens. What starts as a missed message becomes a safety issue. A dropped thread turns into a missed deadline. And an overwhelmed employee—who might have thrived with a little extra support—becomes your next resignation. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin sits down with Dawn Hart, HR leader at Center Phase Energy and founder of Manage with Hart, to unpack the nuances of generational communication in the trades. Dawn brings more than three decades of HR experience across construction, utilities, and finance, along with sharp humor and clear-eyed leadership advice. Traci also introduces a concept called the Tough Talk Audit—a framework for leaders to address misalignment before it becomes a retention issue. Whether you’re rolling out new systems, running storm crews, or simply trying to get your team on the same page, this episode offers the clarity and empathy leaders need to create communication strategies that work for everyone.
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Episode 204: How a People-First Strategy Helps Retain the Best Crew with Ray Cox
04/10/2025
Episode 204: How a People-First Strategy Helps Retain the Best Crew with Ray Cox
Culture, Coaching & Core Values: How Highfill Retains Talent Through Purpose Forget ping-pong tables and pay raises—this is what actual retention looks like. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, sits down with , Co-founder and Senior VP of Marketing at , for a powerful conversation on what it means to build a people-first company in a technical world. Highfill didn’t avoid the storm of COVID-19. Like many in the trades, they were hit hard. But instead of defaulting to quick fixes or chasing trends, they doubled down on what mattered most: culture, trust, and long-term development. This episode pulls back the curtain on how Highfill rebuilt itself stronger by investing in relationships, not just resources. Ray breaks down how they've embedded coaching into their DNA, created career paths grounded in purpose—not pressure—and fostered a culture where people know they belong. If you’ve ever struggled with turnover, disengagement, or leading multi-generational teams, this conversation will reframe what’s possible. It’s not about surface-level perks. It’s about leading with values and being bold enough to follow through. This is culture done right—not as a corporate cliché but as a competitive edge.
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Episode 203: Generational Disconnect in the Trades: Proven Strategies to Lead and Retain Across Generations
04/03/2025
Episode 203: Generational Disconnect in the Trades: Proven Strategies to Lead and Retain Across Generations
If you’re constantly hiring but still coming up short, the issue might not be the labour market. It might be something deeper—a generational disconnect that’s quietly eroding trust, productivity, and retention. In today’s trades workplaces, it’s common to see four generations working side by side. You’ve got veteran employees who’ve built the company’s foundation and younger workers who bring new skills and expectations to the table. When leaders don’t know how to bridge those differences, communication suffers, accountability slips, and your best people start walking out the door. We see this play out all the time—especially in companies that promote top performers into leadership roles without giving them the tools to lead a multi-generational team. That’s where culture either grows stronger or starts to fracture. In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, sits with , founder of , to talk about what trade organizations can do differently. Kamber brings hard-earned insight from over 5,000 interviews across 65+ industries—offering clear, actionable steps for creating a workplace where every generation feels seen, respected, and committed to the work. This is a conversation about leadership in the real world—messy, human, and worth getting right.
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Episode 171 Recast: Coaching New Hires: How Leaders Can Build Confidence & Competence
03/27/2025
Episode 171 Recast: Coaching New Hires: How Leaders Can Build Confidence & Competence
Most new hires don’t fail because they’re unskilled. They fail because they’re unsure—and no one showed them how to build confidence on the job. In the trades, technical ability is just the starting line. What determines long-term success is how leaders coach employees through the messy, uncertain moments of “firsts.” In this recast episode, Traci Austin reveals the four coaching styles she sees most often—and how each one shapes a new hire’s experience. From setting clear expectations to coaching through first-time failures, this episode offers a blueprint for leaders who want to grow confident, capable teams that stay. Because in today’s labor market, keeping good people isn’t just about hiring well. It’s about coaching well.
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Episode 177 Recast: Onboarding that Works: Setting New Trades Employees Up for Success
03/20/2025
Episode 177 Recast: Onboarding that Works: Setting New Trades Employees Up for Success
New hires in the trades don’t just need a paycheck—they need a reason to stay. First impressions matter, and a lack of communication between the offer letter and day one can send the wrong message. Without an intentional preboarding and onboarding process, you risk high turnover, wasted training, and disengaged workers who walk off the job before they ever really start. In this episode, Traci Austin reveals how trade industry leaders can overhaul their onboarding approach to improve retention and team performance. From engaging the entire crew to eliminating first-day roadblocks, Traci shares proven strategies to set new hires up for success and keep them on the team for the long haul.
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Episode 68 Recast: Mental Health & Safety in the Trades: Why It Matters More Than Ever
03/13/2025
Episode 68 Recast: Mental Health & Safety in the Trades: Why It Matters More Than Ever
Ignoring mental health in the trades isn't just costly—it’s dangerous. Stress, burnout, and unspoken struggles impact retention, decision-making, and job-site safety. Yet, mental health remains an overlooked part of workplace safety programs. In this episode, Bruce Morton, a 20-year safety expert and founder of the Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community, shares how companies in the trades can make mental health a core part of their safety strategy—without overcomplicating it. From reducing stigma to training leaders and leveraging mentorship, Bruce offers practical, no-nonsense strategies to improve employee well-being, increase retention, and create a safer, more engaged workforce.
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Episode 53 Recast: Why Mentorship is the Key to Retaining Your Best Tradespeople
03/06/2025
Episode 53 Recast: Why Mentorship is the Key to Retaining Your Best Tradespeople
How Mentorship Builds Stronger Trades Teams & Reduces Turnover Hiring is hard. Losing good people is even harder. So how do you keep top tradespeople engaged, growing, and loyal to your company? The answer isn’t just better pay—it’s mentorship. In this recast episode, Traci Austin breaks down how mentorship in the trades isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but a critical retention strategy. From on-the-job coaching to apprenticeship programs, she shares how to build a mentorship culture that develops leaders from within, closes skill gaps, and keeps employees from walking out the door. If you’re struggling with turnover or looking to strengthen your leadership pipeline, this episode is a must-listen.
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Episode 121 Recast: Transforming Hiring and Retention Through A Data-Driven Approach
02/27/2025
Episode 121 Recast: Transforming Hiring and Retention Through A Data-Driven Approach
From Revolving Door to Retention: The Hiring Fix That Worked Most companies hire fast and regret it later. Mid-States Concrete changed their approach—and their team has never been stronger. In this episode, Sam Kloppmann, HR leader at Mid-States Concrete Industries, shares how his team cut turnover, strengthened culture, and built a hiring process that actually works. Instead of filling roles just to keep up, Mid-States dug into the data, slowed down hiring, and started hiring for long-term success. The result? A stronger workforce, better retention, and a leadership pipeline that’s built to last. If you’re stuck in a cycle of hiring and losing workers—or just want a proven strategy to attract and keep the right people—this episode is for you.
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Episode 202: Curiosity Unlocks Leadership with Marliz Briano
02/13/2025
Episode 202: Curiosity Unlocks Leadership with Marliz Briano
Marliz Briano, Operations Manager at Cydcor, began her journey with the company six years ago as part of the compliance team. In this role, she oversaw agent onboarding and ensured ongoing regulatory compliance for representatives. As her responsibilities expanded, she transitioned into a leadership role, merging compliance with the service desk team to create a unified department focused on both compliance and operational support. In this episode… Marliz Briano, Operations Manager at Cydcor, shares how curiosity shaped her leadership journey. She opens up about the challenges of shifting from a hands-on doer to a leader who empowers others—and why that transition is harder than most people expect. We also dive into the power of hiring for culture fit, how a strong team environment fuels growth, and what it really means to live out a company’s vision instead of just talking about it. Great leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being open to learning, adapting, and growing alongside your team. If you’ve ever struggled with stepping back, trusting your people, or figuring out how to create a culture where curiosity thrives, this episode is for you. Sponsor for this episode… The People Strategy Podcast is proudly sponsored by the Leadership Development Program from Elevated Talent Consulting. Are you supporting leaders who are new to people management? Transitioning into a leadership role requires more than just technical expertise—it’s about mastering time management, delegation, coaching, accountability, and change management. This program empowers emerging leaders to develop their own leadership style while gaining the skills needed to lead with confidence. Partner with us to build stronger, more effective leaders. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 201: Growing Leaders From Within
02/06/2025
Episode 201: Growing Leaders From Within
Vera Quinn is the CEO and President of Cydcor, a global provider of outsourced sales. In her role, she’s grown revenue by more than 35% and led the company’s retail and omnichannel expansion. Vera began her career in door-to-door sales and joined Cydcor over 25 years ago, serving in various roles, including Senior Vice President, Director of Operations, and COO. In this episode… When growing leaders, organizations must foster an environment where individuals can reach their utmost potential. Leadership programs often focus on technical skills rather than the personal growth necessary to inspire and guide others. How can organizations create a culture that fosters leadership from within? Authentic leader Vera Quinn says that leadership is an internal endeavor that begins with self-awareness and authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of developing personal strengths before leading others, identifying talent within the organization, and implementing structured development plans. Vera believes that organizations thrive when they cultivate a culture of belief and support, helping employees step into leadership roles with confidence. By aligning leadership development with core values and continuous improvement, businesses can create lasting results. In the latest episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin invites Vera Quinn, the CEO and President of Cydcor, to talk about authentic leadership development. Vera shares team reflection exercises to learn from failure, how to become passionate about your role, and how to grow employees through focused people strategies. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 200: Joy as a People Strategy
01/30/2025
Episode 200: Joy as a People Strategy
Hannah McKitrick is the Founder and CEO of My Intuitive Health, which helps corporate leaders transform employee wellness through luxury culinary wellness retreats and mind-body cooking programs. She is also a Chapter President at The Dames, LLC, which empowers women managing six- and seven-figure businesses to scale through events and membership communities. As a board-certified holistic nutritionist, Hannah uses food, connection, and embodiment to inspire vibrancy, fulfillment, and alignment among organizations and teams. In this episode… Workplace fulfillment is often overlooked in favor of productivity metrics, leading to disengagement and burnout. Leaders who prioritize efficiency over employee well-being may find their teams lacking motivation and creativity. How can leaders integrate joy into the workplace to promote engagement and fulfillment? According to leadership and wellness expert Hannah McKitrick, creating a fulfilling work environment begins with personal joy. Leaders who intentionally incorporate activities that bring them happiness — such as mindful breaks, meaningful conversations, or creative outlets — set a positive example for their teams. Hannah recommends starting each day with a reflection on small actions that can uplift personal energy, emphasizing that joy is contagious and can transform workplace culture. Encouraging team-building activities, such as culinary wellness retreats or virtual cooking experiences, can foster connection and inspiration within teams, driving both professional and personal growth. In episode 200 of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin welcomes Hannah McKitrick, the Founder and CEO of My Intuitive Health, to discuss how leaders can infuse joy into their daily routines and organizational culture. Hannah talks about her upcoming culinary leadership retreat with Traci, how to combine personal and professional fulfillment, and her key leadership strengths. Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by , a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions. Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the to level up your team. Discover how they can transform your workforce at .
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Episode 199: What Your People Really Think... About Each Other?
01/23/2025
Episode 199: What Your People Really Think... About Each Other?
David Murray is the Co-founder and CEO of Confirm, a performance management system that enables CEOs to increase capital efficiency. As a product designer, he began his career as a Product Manager at Google, where he received the Google Founders Award and EMG Award for his work on Gmail. In this episode… Performance review metrics are often based on an arbitrary rating system that favors managers’ perceptions. This system focuses on numbers rather than employees’ tangible impacts, so top-performing team members aren’t recognized accordingly. How can leaders maximize employee performance reviews and recognition? According to performance management optimizer David Murray, 15% of employees contribute to 50% of performance outcomes, while 5% create 50% of organizational challenges. Considering these statistics, David recommends developing a transparent performance management system in which managers set employee expectations about individual performance metrics. To identify high-performers, you can request feedback from each team member about who they go to for advice and who creates the most conflict. This can eliminate manager bias and ensure quiet contributors are recognized appropriately. In this week’s episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin hosts David Murray, the Co-founder and CEO of Confirm, to talk about improving organizations’ performance management systems. David discusses his tool that measures individual impact, his research on team development and performance, and how identifying personal and professional goals enhances performance reviews. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 198: Leadership Best Aligned to Your Behaviors
01/16/2025
Episode 198: Leadership Best Aligned to Your Behaviors
Philipp (Phil) Siegel is the Lead Product Manager at Maymont Homes, a full-service acquisition, renovation, and property management company. In his role, he drives customer-centric solutions using data-driven strategies. Before Maymont Homes, Phil held several leadership positions, including the Senior Technical Support Manager at Unanet and the Manager of Client Support Services at BrightEdge. In this episode… First-time leaders often direct their teams in ways that suit their personal styles and needs. However, leaders’ styles should support employee and organizational growth. How can you customize your leadership style to maximize results for the company? Having managed teams in various software companies, Philipp (Phil) Siegel discovered the stark contrast between leading teams of two versus 15. When managing projects and people, one-on-one support and communication may not be practical for larger teams, so delegating tasks allows you to focus more on individual development. Effective leadership requires significant investments in your team, so Phil emphasizes balanced collaboration to move individuals forward within the organization. In today’s episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin talks with Philipp (Phil) Siegel, the Lead Product Manager at Maymont Homes, about aligning leadership with team behaviors. Phil describes the ideal leadership support for career development, how he navigates leadership without direct authority, and his perspective on AI for task delegation. Sponsor for this episode… In today’s competitive landscape, retaining top talent is more critical than ever. By investing in the Team Retention program, experienced managers will learn effective leadership strategies, recruitment approaches, and onboarding techniques that will set your team up for success. Imagine creating an empowering employee journey that supports growth and collaboration from day one. Learn more and sign up for our today! Embark on this transformative journey. Together, we can drive meaningful change and achieve unparalleled success.
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Episode 197: Smart Tech for Team Retention and Talent Growth
01/09/2025
Episode 197: Smart Tech for Team Retention and Talent Growth
Tim Sackett is the President of HRU Technical Resources, an IT and engineering contract staffing firm. With over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition and HR, he worked as a staffing director, recruiter, and HR manager at companies, including Applebees, ShopKo Stores, and Pamida. Tim has been named a Top 10 Global HR Influencer. In this episode… The rapid use of AI and other automated technology has created an epidemic of loneliness among employees. How can HR leaders leverage these tools to transform employee engagement and recruit new talent? HR and talent executive Tim Sackett says rather than using AI solely to automate repetitive tasks, HR leaders can harness it to foster workplace relationships. This may involve having AI compile and summarize employee feedback or gather information about each individual to partner them with mentors or someone who complements their strengths. Tim also advises experimenting with recruitment tools like LinkedIn’s Hiring Assistant to streamline the hiring process and develop a fair, non-biased recruitment system. In this week’s episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin welcomes Tim Sackett, the President of HR Technical Resources, to chat about using technology to enhance team engagement and hiring. Tim shares how workplace relationships can foster personal and professional growth, his innovative solution to the talent crisis, and how AI can align team and organizational values. Sponsor for this episode… In today’s competitive landscape, retaining top talent is more critical than ever. By investing in the Team Retention program, experienced managers will learn effective leadership strategies, recruitment approaches, and onboarding techniques that will set your team up for success. Imagine creating an empowering employee journey that supports growth and collaboration from day one. Learn more and sign up for our today! Embark on this transformative journey. Together, we can drive meaningful change and achieve unparalleled success.
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Episode 196: Mastering Change Management (Leadership Development)
12/26/2024
Episode 196: Mastering Change Management (Leadership Development)
Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery. In this episode… When initiating organizational shifts, change management practices are crucial to prepare teams for changes to their daily work structures. How can you manage change without disrupting day-to-day operations? What strategies can you implement to ensure smooth transitions during these periods? With experience initiating multiple changes within his team, Adam Gruszcynski emphasizes transparent and clear communication with all team members. Leaders should place each employee in roles according to their skills, facilitating trust to execute transitions effectively. He also recommends empathizing with employees as they navigate changes and addressing roadblocks and complaints with understanding before turning them into strategic action plans. Tune in to another episode of The People Strategy Podcast’s Leadership Development series as Traci Austin hosts Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, to talk about change management techniques. Adam shares the leadership skills essential to change management, the four rules of organizational change, and how to cultivate accountability during the process. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 195: Great Problem Solving Comes From Critical Thinking (Leadership Development)
12/19/2024
Episode 195: Great Problem Solving Comes From Critical Thinking (Leadership Development)
Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery. In this episode… Problem-solving and critical thinking are essential skills for conflict resolution, yet they require problem-led leadership to execute. Leaders must navigate complex challenges while fostering collaboration and preventing team burnout. How can leaders refine these skills to drive actionable solutions and maintain a productive team environment? While leaders and managers must direct their teams to identify the problem and its impact on the organization, they shouldn’t devise solutions. Instead, IT director Adam Gruszcynski suggests coaching your team to resolve the conflict by empowering them with critical thinking and problem-solving techniques. This may involve eliciting three diverse solutions and encouraging team members to think critically about the results or consequences. Communication and collaboration are essential to agreeing on viable solutions. In the final episode of The People Strategy Podcast’s Leadership Development Series, Traci Austin and Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, discuss the interplay between conflict resolution, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Together, they explore strategies for prioritizing issues, ensuring transparent communication, and preventing team fatigue during prolonged problem-solving sessions. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 194: Conflict as a Leadership Tool (Leadership Development)
12/12/2024
Episode 194: Conflict as a Leadership Tool (Leadership Development)
Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery. In this episode… Conflict resolution in the workplace is often viewed as a daunting challenge. Many leaders navigate through issues that aren't directly related to them but impact team dynamics and productivity. Yet conflict isn’t always negative, so how can it catalyze actionable results in your organization? Leadership developer Adam Gruszcynski emphasizes identifying the root causes of conflict, which often lie beneath surface issues. He outlines four common types of conflict: task, process, status, and relationship conflicts. Accountability is essential in mitigating task and process conflicts since individuals may have varied approaches to accomplishing tasks. Adam also mentions allowing team members the freedom to determine their methods while maintaining alignment on the end goal. His approach to resolving status and relationship conflicts involves fostering open communication and encouraging individuals to address conflicts directly with their peers before stepping in as a moderator. In the sixth edition of The People Strategy Podcast’s Leadership Development series, Traci Austin and Adam Gruszcynski of Potawatomi Casino Hotel discuss conflict resolution. Adam shares how passive, aggressive, and assertive behaviors manifest during conflict, the role of behaviors in team communication, and how to foster conflict resolution in your team. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 193: Designing & Elevating Teams (Leadership Development)
12/05/2024
Episode 193: Designing & Elevating Teams (Leadership Development)
Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery. In this episode… The highest-performing teams work together to achieve a common goal, but this synergy can become hampered when team members compartmentalize information because they fear losing their jobs. How can leaders empower and elevate their teams? When employees withhold information from the rest of the team, they exhibit a lack of trust and a fear of conflict and collaboration. Team builder Adam Gruszcynski maintains that certain levels of conflict are healthy since they invite spirited discussions to work through issues, accelerate collaborative decision-making, and build strength within the team. Trust and accountability are the secrets to a functional team, so displaying vulnerability, appreciating each team member for their contributions, and accepting responsibility are crucial in elevating performance. In this edition of The People Strategy Podcast’s Leadership Development series, Traci Austin and Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, talk about designing highly functional teams. Adam shares methods for celebrating and appreciating your team, how he navigates conflict within his team, and how leadership cultivates teamwork. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 192: (Leadership Development) Magic of Designed Accountability
11/28/2024
Episode 192: (Leadership Development) Magic of Designed Accountability
Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery. In this episode… Eighty-two percent of managers report having little or no ability to hold their teams accountable. This often occurs when they lack the tools and resources for effective accountability, or the organization equates accountability with negative conversations. However, accountability promotes effective leadership and performance. How can you hold your team accountable? Only 14% of employees believe their performance is managed correctly, necessitating solid accountability structures and performance management. IT team leader Adam Gruszcynski advises conducting one-on-one meetings with employees to discuss goals and task completion. During these meetings, leaders should assess their employees’ management needs and adjust their leadership style accordingly. This ensures a productive and positive experience. You can also leverage productivity tools like Asana or Monday.com to organize tasks and monitor completion. In this week’s episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin and Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, discuss employee accountability strategies. Adam shares his approach to accountability, how to incorporate accountability into leadership development, and how he leads employees with intention. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 191: (Leadership Development) 4 Levers of Employee Engagement
11/21/2024
Episode 191: (Leadership Development) 4 Levers of Employee Engagement
Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery. In this episode… Studies show that 80% of the workforce is not engaged, with 71% of people dissatisfied with their development opportunities. While alarming, these statistics demonstrate the need for employee engagement to increase retention. How can organizations ensure their workforce remains motivated, productive, and aligned with the company's goals? With highly engaged workforces, organizations experience 21% profit increases. IT leadership developer Adam Gruszcysnki has identified five key drivers of employee engagement: role alignment, team cohesion, customized leadership, and culture development. During the interview process, leaders must ensure candidates can execute a position’s core roles and responsibilities, allowing them to grow and develop within the organization. Individual contributions drive team performance, so encouraging your team to collaborate and demonstrating recognition and appreciation for their work promotes increased engagement. Team members have diverse learning styles, so Adam emphasizes tailoring your leadership to individual needs. Additionally, aligning team members and organizational missions, visions, and values allows employees and companies to thrive. In the latest episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin continues her discussion with Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, about promoting employee engagement. Adam shares career development strategies for employee growth, the value of identifying team members’ personal and professional aspirations, and how to show appreciation to team members. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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Episode 190: (Leadership Development) Leadership Coaching That Impacts
11/14/2024
Episode 190: (Leadership Development) Leadership Coaching That Impacts
Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery. In this episode… Even the highest-performing leaders can benefit from coaching sessions. These experts guide leaders along their journeys, helping them develop and hone their skills. What’s involved in a coaching session, and how can coaches and leaders maximize their relationship with one another? Executive leader Adam Gruszcynski maintains that the value of a coaching session hinges on effective communication and trust. During sessions, coaches must ask probing, in-depth questions to elicit honest responses from their mentees. This includes holding space for the mentee without judgment. Throughout the process, coaches and leaders must collaborate to develop solutions to problems, map out goals, and create a growth trajectory. In this installment of The People Strategy Podcast’s Leadership Development series, Traci Austin welcomes Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, back to the show to discuss strategies for effective coaching. Adam and Traci engage in a roleplay coaching scenario involving cultivating a work-life balance, demonstrating the transparent dynamics between coaches and leaders. Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results. Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product. The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders. Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success. Learn more and sign up !
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