The People Strategy Podcast
The People Strategy Podcast offers an ongoing coaching experience for C-suite leaders to align their people with business strategy. Host Traci Austin invites purpose-driven leaders for deep-dive conversations on challenges across the employee lifecycle, providing insights and strategic action steps to increase profits and boost engagement. Episodes are ideal for HR and executive managers seeking to create effective talent strategies.
Episodes
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
Episode 213: Meeting People Where They Are: Lessons from Rolling Tides
At Rolling Tides Construction, people aren't just employees—they're the heart of the company. CEO Matt Rasmussen 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 Rolli
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? Nick Lombardino, Co-Founder of CultureCon, 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 dig
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? James Faulkner, President and Founder of Site Max Systems, brings decades of experience bridging technology and the trades to shed light on how we can elevate the workforce from within
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 West Michigan Janitorial, 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 b
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
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 Art Lenard & Sons 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 a
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 t
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
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,
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, Traci Austin sits down with Ray Cox, Co-founder and Senior VP of Marketing at Highfill Infrastructure Engineering, for a powerful conversation on what it means to build a people-first company i
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
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 m
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 Aust
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 m
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-jo
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
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 bot
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 lead
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 nutritio
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'
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
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 tech
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 epis
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 epis
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 epis
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 epis
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 epis
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 epis
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 epis
Episode 189: (Leadership Development) Leadership Foundation in Action
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 epi
Episode 188: Exit Strategy as a People Strategy
Ab DeWeese is the Founder and Non-executive Chairman of Good Automation, a data science and test automation company he exited when he was 37. He is also the Founder of the DeWeese Group, a private advisory practice designed for medium-sized and Fortune 500 companies. As a serial entrepreneur, polymath, and investor, Ab has become a founder, shareholder, and board member of more than eight AI and e
Episode 187: Navigating Organizational Change Management
Katie Spahnie is the VP of HR Operations at Westfield Bank, where she focuses on employee engagement programs, total reward strategies, risk management, and HR technology. As an executive-level HR professional, she has developed and executed organizational strategies for human resources services, including recruitment and retention, culture and engagement, compensation and benefits, and performanc
Episode 186: Change Management: Painful or Purposeful
John Bernatovicz is the Founder of Willory, which provides payroll and HR staffing and consulting support. As a serial entrepreneur, he has owned six companies, including Centsible Water, a water vending company with conveniently located, self-service water machines. John is a keynote speaker delivering national speaking engagements and the author of HR Like a Boss. In this episode… Adopting inno
Episode 185: Unlocking Productivity and Well-Being With the Four-Day Workweek
Andrew Barnes is the Co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, the world's leading organization changing the future of work by implementing a four-day workweek initiative. As a serial entrepreneur, he has promoted market-changing innovation and industry digitization by leading and transforming companies in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Andrew is recognized as the pioneer and architect of
Episode 184: Empowerment and Accountability: The Growth Equation
Matt Sunshine is the Managing Partner and CEO of The Center for Sales Strategy, a sales performance consulting company helping B2B organizations attract, retain, and develop the highest performing salespeople. Matt developed and launched the company's inbound marketing division, LeadG2, which helps businesses establish thought leadership and lower lead costs. He's also a writer, speaker, and moder
Episode 183: (Team Retention) Mastering the Performance Review
Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspir
Episode 182: (Team Retention) The Trust Equation: Building Better Engagement Through Gratitude
Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspir
Episode 181: Building Connection and Community in Virtual Teams
Jenna Spencer is the Founder and CEO of AssistPro®, a virtual assistant matching and delegation coaching service. Since founding the company, she has helped hundreds of clients delegate and develop their executive assistants into leaders. Under Jenna's leadership, AssistPro® has grown more than 50% each year since its founding, leading her to launch Delegation Works, an educational platform for en
Episode 180: (Team Retention) Crafting Talent Pathway Plans That Work
Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspir
Episode 179: (Team Retention) The WHY Factor: How Intentional Goals Drive Success
Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspir
Episode 178: (Team Retention) The Power of Trust: Key Ingredients for Effective Teamwork
Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspir
Episode 177: (Team Retention) Onboarding Your New Employee To Optimize Team Performance
Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspir
Episode 176: Brian Confer on Building Resiliency in Times of Change Management
Brian Confer is the Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at Capturely, which offers professional headshots tailored to corporate clients. With experience in the B2B, professional services, and technology sectors, he helps founders and their companies scale and establish market dominance. Brian is also a TEDx speaker and holds an executive MBA. In this episode… When a company undergoes a paradigm s
Episode 175: (Team Retention) The Evolution of Job Structures: Flexibility and Innovation
Jennifer Loper is the President of C3, a family and children brand marketing and design agency. As a marketing and communications leader, she has over 30 years of experience working with corporate brands in the restaurant, hospitality, and retail industries. Jennifer is also a board member of the Unleashed Brands Foundation, a charitable organization supporting at-risk youth in communities. In th
Episode 174: (Team Retention) Crafting a Magnetic Employee Value Proposition
Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspir
Episode 173: Strategic Hiring: Unlocking Organizational Growth
Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspir
Episode 172: Impact of Appreciation at Work with Dr. Paul White
Dr. Paul White is a psychologist, speaker, consultant, and coauthor of The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. For over 20 years, he has assisted organizations in creating positive work environments and communicating authentic appreciation. Dr. White has spoken about improving work-based relationships in North America, Europe, Central Asia, the Caribbean, China, and South America. In
Ep 171: Gaining Confidence and Competence in First Times
From onboarding new hires to building a culture of accountability, Traci Austin delves into the intricacies of leadership in this special solo episode of the People Strategy Podcast. Traci, the Chief Strategy Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, shares her top three insights from her conversation with Adam Gruszcynski from Potawatomi Bingo and Casino, which touch upon the importance of clear com
Ep 170: People Strategy Insights Into Action with Adam Gruszcynski
From IT director to strategic innovator, Adam Gruszcynski the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, has masterfully reinvented the onboarding process and organizational culture within his team. Adam joins host Traci Austin, as he shares his transformative journey in implementing an Employee Value Proposition (EVP) strategy that significantly attracts high-quality candidates and enhances job sati
Ep 169: Impact of Team Coaching with Tom Mahoney
From the classroom to the superintendent's office, Dr. Tom Mahoney has charted a transformative journey through the educational landscape, drawing on deep personal and professional experiences. Currently steering the Oregon School District towards innovative educational practices, Tom joins host Traci Austin on the People Strategy Podcast to explore pivotal strategies in education and leadership.
Ep 168: Team Coaching Outcomes to Transform Organizational Culture with Brad Zimmerman and Tom Willis
From personal development workshops to influential education leaders, Brad Zimmerman and Tom Willis have carved impactful paths in transforming organizational culture especially within school districts. On the People Strategy Podcast with host Traci Austin, they share vital insights into the art of coaching, emphasizing the significance of listening and asking meaningful questions. As seasoned pro
Ep 167: Cultivating a Culture of Inclusiveness with CEO Bryan Wolff
From investing to innovating in employee engagement, Bryan Wolff has mastered the art of cultivating inclusive workplaces where every voice is heard. As the President of AllVoices, an employee relations platform, Bryan joins Traci Austin on The People Strategy Podcast to reveal the significance of fostering environments where employees feel safe and empowered to contribute authentically. Additiona
Ep 166: Unleashing Potential with Technology Strategies with Ben Mones
Step into the world of innovation as we chat with Ben Mones, the visionary CEO and founder of Fama. In this electrifying episode, Ben and host Traci Austin explore the dynamic fusion of technology and human potential in the workplace. Ben captivates us with his profound insights, revealing how strategic use of technology can amplify professional effectiveness and boost profitability. Uncover the h
Ep 165: Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace with Jessica Bensch
Jessica Bensch is a renowned advocate for workplace culture transformation and is currently building a not-for-profit global movement (Vanguard Voices) on the topic of psychological safety. In this episode, Jessica and host Traci Austin discuss psychological safety and open dialogue. Jessica artfully underscores the necessity for a holistic approach to creating a workplace where every voice can be
Ep 164: Intentionally Using AI in Communication to Build Employee Trust with Tarek Kamil
Tarek Kamil, CEO and Founder of an internal communication software, Cerkl, is passionate about using AI and big data to transform how organizations communicate, engage, and understand their audiences. In this episode, Tarek draws parallels between Netflix's personalized content delivery and the need for similarly tailored communication in the workplace, illuminating the path to enriching employee
Ep 163: Impact of Job Clarity in the First 90 Days with Traci Austin
In this episode, host Traci Austin discusses the importance of clarity in defining roles and expectations for new employees. She shares valuable insights on aligning goals, behaviors, and core values when hiring and managing talent. Her compelling story about the challenges and successes of hiring a marketing coordinator, shed light on the significance of defining essential job duties, setting cle
Ep 162: Authenticity and AI in Recruitment with Chris Allaire
Chris Allaire, CEO of staffing firm Averity, is passionate about recruiting people for the right role. With extensive expertise in blending technology with human-centric recruiting, Chris articulates the essence of authentically relevant and clear communication within today's dynamic hiring landscapes. In this episode, Chris and host Traci Austin delve into the refined tactics for assembling the i
Ep 161: Power of 'Think Weeks' in Empowering Your Team with Jeff Mould
Jeff Mould, once a reluctant leader has gracefully embraced the mantle of leadership as president and CEO of Stoney Creek . Alongside host Traci Austin, he delves into the perks of a "think week," aimed at personal and professional rejuvenation. In this episode, Jeff unravels the efficacy of positive tension at the strategic table, the EOS model's role in steering through challenges, and the nuanc
Ep 160: Impact of Your BIG WHY on Your People Strategy with Byron Low
Navigating the 'big why' of business with precision and insight is at the heart of this episode featuring Byron Low, a predictive index partner and seasoned coach committed to refining organizational culture. Together, Byron and host Traci Austin unpack the symbiotic relation between personal purpose and its potent ability to drive team inspiration—underscoring the importance of aligning personal
Ep 159: Turning Complaints into Requests with Traci Austin
Traci Austin has seen the power of listening to employee complaints and turning them into opportunities for growth and transformation first hand. In this epsiode, she discusses strategies and techniques to empower employees to come up with solutions rather than just expressing frustrations. She highlights the significance of creating an environment where employees feel heard and valued, leading to
Ep 158: Nurturing Individual Potential with Jonathan Reynolds
Navigating the intricacies of leadership and the vitality of people strategy, Jonathan Reynolds, CEO of Titus Talent Strategies, brings his compelling philosophy to the People Strategy Podcast. In a rich discussion with host Traci Austin, Jonathan illuminates the path to discovering and nurturing individual potential within an organizational framework. He underscores the essential practice of slow
Ep 157: Second Chances in the Workplace with Michelle Cirocco
Transitioning from incarceration to corporate leadership, Michelle Cirocco has forged a unique and impactful career trajectory, demonstrating the transformative power of meaningful employment. As the CEO of Televerde Foundation, Michelle actively champions the cause of providing employment, training, and educational opportunities to incarcerated women as a gateway to successful reentry into societ
Ep 156: People-First HR with Tina-Marie Wohlfield
Tina-Marie Wohlfield believes nobody should ever feel isolated in their missteps; instead, she advocates for a culture where individuals are encouraged to share their journey, including the pitfalls. In this episode, Tina-Marie and Traci discuss her insights as a rehabilitation strategist, emphasizing the critical need for a culture that leverages individuals' strengths and values people as the co
Ep 155: Communication Clarity as a People Strategy with Coye Harrett
In this episode of the People Strategy Podcast, Coye Harrett, president and owner of Prairie Rivet, shares his insights on expanding a business and putting customers first with Traci. Coye talks about his strategies to allow key people to have decision-making authority and creativity to get the job done in the best way possible. By letting go of the vine and trusting his team to reach the desired
Ep 154: Identifying Your People Strategy with Traci Austin
In this episode of the People Strategy Podcast host, Traci Austin, shares a real-life example of working with a rapidly growing renewable energy company, highlighting the importance of aligning business goals with a clear people strategy roadmap. She emphasizes the significance of believing in the attainability of goals, defining what "winning" looks like at all levels of the organization, and ens
Ep 153: Merging Organizational Values with AI with Drew Fortin
A philosopher at heart, Drew Fortin, posits that decisions are akin to the vital currency that propels development forward. In this episode of the People Strategy Podcast, Drew and Traci explore the fascinating intersection of mission, vision, values (MVV), and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. With nearly two decades of experience in growth strategies, Drew, CEO of Lever Talent
Ep 152: Operating Systems as a People Strategy with Andreas Dankelmann
On today's episode of the People Strategy Podcast, we have a captivating conversation with guest Andreas Dankelmann, from FifthAscent. He joins Traci Austin to delve into the world of organizational leadership as they explore how to elevate people and organizations through a people strategy roadmap. Andreas shares his insights on implementing predictive index and the entrepreneurial operating syst
Ep 151: Creating an Employee Evolution with Charlie Saffro
Charlie Saffro is not just the founder of CS Recruiting, a company known for excellence in logistics, transportation, and supply chain recruitment—it's a company that lives and breathes its values. From making a difference to celebrating success and doing what's right, Charlie breaks down how these principles are not just platitudes, but actions that influence every single decision made by her and
Ep 150: Goal Setting with Traci Austin
In today's episode, Traci Austin reflects on the year 2023 and the importance of goal setting. She shares her personal experiences with setting and achieving goals, emphasizing the significance of reflecting on the impact and outcomes of these goals. Traci provides valuable insights into the "SMARTY" goal format and how it can be applied to both personal and organizational goals. She stresses the
Ep 149: It's Not About the Pump, it's About the People w/Rob Grady
Rob Grady is a passionate and insightful leader of a top-tier hydronics rep firm that prides itself on serving better than anyone else. He joins Traci Austin to dive deep into the people-first culture that Rob fosters at Mulcahy, exploring how empowering and supporting their team has been pivotal in driving growth and meeting customer needs. They dissect how Mulcahy actively aligns its core values
Re-Release: Multiple Competing Priorities w/Traci Austin
There are times where we, as leaders and as employees, get frustrated with being asked to complete a specific task, and then being asked to complete another for an individual inside of the organization at the exact same time. During these moments it can be difficult to decide what is the top priority and what isn't. Today I examine how to face these multiple competing priorities and more specifica
Ep 148: Start with Loving Your People w/Marcia Barnes
Marcia Barnes has a knack for rallying people together. Widely recognized for her enthusiasm and strategic mindset, she champions growth not merely as a goal but as an essential ingredient to nurturing talent and ensuring her team members have a vibrant pathway to flourish within Valve and Meter. Her story is one of passion intertwined with the practicalities of leadership, illustrating that at th
Ep 147: Building a Culture of Passion and Strategy with Matthew Schneider
Matthew Schneider is a visionary entrepreneur deeply rooted in his middle-class upbringing. Fueled by a passion for financial inclusivity, Matthew has risen as a champion of change, setting out to bridge the chasm that separates the middle class from the powerful currents of capital growth. Traci and Matthew dive deep into the alignment between organizational culture and personal values, the grass
Ep 146: The 5 Languages of Appreciation at Work
With Thanksgiving soon approaching, today's episode is designed to share the importance of gratitude. Traci Austin explores the power of gratitude and its impact on employee engagement, health, and the bottom line. This episode shares the Five Languages of Appreciation, including Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts, and even Physical Touch (with boundaries, of course). Disco
Ep 145: What is a People Strategy?
In this episode, Traci Austin will be discussing the importance of getting to know your people incredibly well and creating an environment that allows them to thrive. We'll explore how implementing systems and processes can sometimes hinder productivity instead of enhancing it, and why building strong relationships and trust within your organization is crucial. Join us as we uncover key strategies
Ep 144: How to Create Fulfilling Work - Traci Austin on Gut + Science
On this episode, Traci Austin, Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting joins Nikki to discuss the importance of fulfilling work and the ripple effect it has on individuals and communities. Together, they break down the concept of "holding space" as a coaching skill and how it empowers individuals to problem-solve on their own. Traci also shares four powerful levers for creating fulfilli
Re-Release: How to Implement Talent Optimization in Your Business with Matt Poepsel
Matt Poepsel is known as "The Godfather of Talent Optimization." Vice President of Partner Growth for The Predictive Index, Matt has a very interesting background in becoming a people leader in organizations, which led him to creating the framework of "talent optimization." Today he joins the show to explain what talent optimization is and how to implement this strategy into your business. Y
Introducing 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 chal
Re-Release: Implementing Talent Optimization into Your Business with April Moldenhauer
We speak on the subject of talent optimization within organizations quite often on this podcast, and this is something we often help other organizations implement, as well. The use of proper talent optimization within a company can make a huge difference in its success. So, in this episode, we will be speaking with April Moldenhauer, Human Resources Director at Amwood Homes, about her experience i
