The People Strategy Podcast

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. In this episode, Tom lays bare the crucial difference between transactional relationships and true partnerships in educational settings. He shares his firsthand experiences of overcoming challenges with leadership turnover and implementing effective governance to enhance student and district outcomes. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Tom Mahoney Learn about Phoenix Perform  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 professionals working with CEOs and educational leaders, their combined efforts aim to nurture social-emotional learning and build environments that thrive on engagement and purposeful work. Additional Resources:  Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Tom on LinkedIn Connect with Brad on LinkedIn Learn about Phoenix Perform Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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. Additional Resources:  Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Learn more about AllVoices Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 hidden psychological hurdles obstructing your path to achievement and learn why fostering inclusivity and diversity is paramount for propelling your company towards greatness. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn  Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Ben on LinkedIn Learn More about Fama Technologies Inc. Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 heard. She brings to light the vital nature of leadership discipline and strategic practices that foster an environment ripe for cultural change. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn  Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn Learn more about Vanguard Voices Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 engagement and organizational growth. Tarek champions AI and predictive indexes as key to crafting relevant and targeted messaging, cutting through the noise of excessive, unproductive emails. He and host Traci Austin discuss the careful balance of need-to-know versus want-to-know information and its impact on efficiency and trust within the workforce. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Tarek on LinkedIn Learn more about Cerkl  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

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 clear onboarding goals, and managing performance through structured scorecards. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Ep 158: Nurturing Individual Potential with Jonathan Reynolds Book: Who Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

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 ideal team, and using AI as a powerful ally—enhancing data analysis and predictive analytics without losing sight of the human touch. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Learn more about Averity  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 nuanced art of delegation and empowerment. He shares a narrative of fostering a thriving culture—where values aren't just wall decorations, but lived experiences that define every organizational facet. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Jeff Learn more about Stoney Creek Hospitality Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 and professional ambitions. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Byron on LinkedIn Learn more about BigWhy Coaching  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 a more engaged and fulfilled workforce. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Strategy Roadmap Webinar Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 slowing down to genuinely support and elevate employees' aspirations, going as far as integrating their life goals into the company culture. Emphasizing a no-nonsense approach to organizational values, Jonathan explains his uncompromising stance on integrity and honesty. Additional Resources:  Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Learn about Titus Talent Strategies Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 society. In her conversation with host Traci Austin, Michelle sheds light on the importance of offering individuals with criminal records the prospect of a second chance, mirrored through her personal journey and the significant work of Televerde. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn Learn about Televerde Foundation  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 core of every business decision. We'll learn how a people-first approach can align with corporate goals, transforming traditional HR from an administrative function into one that’s value-driven and deeply integrated into the decision-making processes. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Tina-Marie Wohlfield on LinkedIn TIMAWO Website  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 outcomes, Coye is creating a transparent environment that embraces both successes and mistakes as learning opportunities. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Coye Harrett on LinkedIn Prairie Rivet Website Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 ensuring that the right people are in the right roles. Traci provides insights into leveraging tools such as predictive index and addressing potential areas of misperception and disengagement within a growing organization. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Strategy Roadmap Webinar Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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, brings a wealth of knowledge on aligning teams and fostering engagement through clear organizational MVV. Additional Resources: Drew Fortin on LinkedIn Lever Talent Website  Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting  Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 system within organizations. They discuss the importance of building strong leadership teams, defining success, and creating a structure that allows people to thrive in their roles. Join us as we uncover the key insights and actionable people strategies to drive business results. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Andreas on LinkedIn Learn more about FifthAscent Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 her team, including some of the most difficult ones. She joins Traci to share her personal leadership journey, from the transition to a leadership role, handling the challenges of delegation and empowerment, to the integration of personal and organizational values. She's candid about the struggles she faced, how feedback has been critical to growth, and why vulnerability isn't just a buzzword but a real strength in leading a team. Join us as we discuss what it means to see the person behind the title, to make human connections, and to lead with heart—not just in metrics, but in our remote-working world. We'll also discover the power of employee evolution meetings and understand why trust, communication and psychological safety are non-negotiable for a truly engaged and productive workforce. Additional Resources: Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn Learn more about CS Recruiting Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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 importance of aligning goals with core values and finding intrinsic meaning in them. Join her as she dives deep into the power of goal setting and the impact it can have on our lives and organizations. Thank you for tuning in, and let's make 2024 a year of achieving meaningful and impactful goals!    Additional Resources Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network