The People Strategy Podcast

Hosted by Traci Austin

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225

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Jun 2025

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About the show

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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60 recent

June 19, 202510 min

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 People Strategy Club 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: Join the People Strategy Club Team Retention Program Leadership Development Program Episode 159: Turning Complaints into Requests with Traci Austin Connect with Traci Austin on LinkedIn Elevated Talent Consulting

June 12, 202520 min

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 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: Connect with Matt Rasmussen on LinkedIn Find out more about Rolling Tides Construction Episode 102: Bridging the Gap in Leadership with Jamie Taets Team Retention Program Connect with Traci Austin on LinkedIn Elevated Talent Consulting

June 5, 202524 min

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 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, Traci Austin speaks with Nick Lombardino 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: Connect with Nick Lombardino on LinkedIn Find out more about CultureCon Episode 117: How Culture Can Impact Retention AND Turnover with Zech Dahms Team Retention Program Connect with Traci Austin on LinkedIn Elevated Talent Consulting

May 29, 202537 min

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. 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: Connect with James Faulkner on LinkedIn Find out more about SiteMax Systems Episode 197: Smart Tech for Team Retention and Talent Growth with Tim Sackett Team Retention Program Connect with Traci Austin on LinkedIn Elevated Talent Consulting

May 22, 202532 min

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 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, Traci Austin sits down with Greg Brouwer, 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: Connect with Gregory Brouwer on LinkedIn Find out more about C12 Leadership West Michigan Janitorial Episode 172: Impact of Appreciation at Work with Dr. Paul White Team Retention Program Connect with Traci Austin on LinkedIn Elevated Talent Consulting

May 15, 202521 min

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? John Knowlton 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, Traci Austin sits down with with leadership coach John Knowlton 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." Connect with John Knowlton on LinkedIn Find out more about C12 Leadership Episode 157: Second Chances in the Workplace with Michelle Cirocco

May 8, 202529 min

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 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, Traci Austin 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.

May 1, 202541 min

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, Traci Austin sits down with Richard Walsh, CEO of Sharpen the Spear Coaching, 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.

April 24, 202527 min

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, Traci Austin talks with Paul McCarthy, business development leader at Hero Facility Services, 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.

April 17, 202533 min

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.