Claim OwnershipThe Trades Accelerator: Women Leading Business Innovation
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The Trades Accelerator: Women Leading Business Innovation
For trades business owners and their teams ready to grow together. We share stories, strategies, and proven insights to help you lead better, work smarter, and build the career you want—no matter where you're starting from.
Hosted by Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane.
With engaging conversations, real-life success stories, and actionable advice, each episode is crafted to inspire growth and innovation. From overcoming business challenges to fostering leadership skills and building thriving companies.
80 Episodes
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In this episode, we dig into what “winning the day” actually means. It’s a phrase we throw around, but when no one defines it, people end up guessing. That leads to confusion, burnout, and a lot of busy work that doesn’t move things forward. We talk about how setting clear daily wins helps the whole team—from leadership to the front lines—understand what a good day really looks like. We also talk about how things like communication, structure, and personal habits play a role. This isn’t ab...
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Valerie Heck, a remarkable woman who transformed her life from battling addiction to becoming a culture-building leader in the HVAC industry. Valerie doesn't hold back as she shares her raw, authentic journey—from her darkest moments to discovering her purpose as what she calls the "fun ambassador" at her company. This conversation reveals the profound impact employers can have on their employees' personal lives. Valerie's story demonstrates how com...
In this episode, we sit down with Madison Staszkiewicz—entrepreneur, mom, and someone who’s figured out a whole lot by doing the hard things first. Madison shares how she built her first business from a one-room space, what she learned through selling it, and how that experience led to starting something completely new. We talk about the pressure to “have it all together,” why balance isn’t always the goal, and how trusting your gut (even when it’s scary) can open the right doors. This conver...
In this episode, we talk about what really keeps us going. Motivation isn’t always clear or consistent—it shifts as life and business change. We share honest stories about what pushed us in the early days, what drives us now, and how things like fear, pride, and purpose play a part. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes it’s goals, and sometimes it’s just not wanting to let your people down. If you’ve ever hit a wall or felt like you were running on empty, this one’s a reminder to step back, check...
In this episode, we talk about compensation and incentives from both sides — as an employee and as a business owner. We share what to think about before asking for a raise, why it’s important to track your work, and how going above and beyond can open new doors. We also talk about how companies can build clear pay ranges, create paths for growth, and offer incentives that make sense for both the business and the team. Whether you’re working toward your next raise or building a pay plan for yo...
In this episode, we talk about what personal brand really means — and why it matters more than you might think. Whether we realize it or not, we’re building our personal brand every single day through the way we show up, the way we work, and how we treat people. We share real stories from our own experiences, what we’ve learned about brand and reputation in business, and why being intentional about it can open doors for both your personal growth and your career. If you’ve ever wondered how to...
In this episode, we sit down with Megan Wilson to talk about her unexpected path from warehouse work to HVAC service tech, and eventually, business owner. Megan shares what it was like stepping into a male-dominated industry, the challenges she faced, and the lessons that shaped her along the way. From learning the technical side of the trade to building strong relationships with customers, Megan opens up about what helped her grow — and what companies often miss when it comes to supporting w...
In this episode, Melanie and Dana dive into what mentorship actually looks like—from both sides of the table. They share personal stories about how formal and informal mentorship shaped their careers, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and why mentorship doesn’t always need a title to make an impact. You’ll hear how small conversations can lead to big growth, what it really means to show up for someone, and how being mentored (or mentoring) can shift the way you lead and work. Whether...
In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to attract and support female service experts in the trades. It’s not just about posting a job ad—it’s about being intentional with your culture, your language, and the way you show up. We share what worked, what we’d do differently, and the small details that make a big impact, like flexible schedules, proper uniforms, and creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong. We get into real stories from the field—how small adju...
In this episode, we sit down with Katy Higgins for a raw and honest conversation about leadership, accountability, and speaking up. Katy shares what it felt like to raise a concern and the ripple effects it had on both her and the team. We talk through the tension, the silence that followed, and what growth really looks like behind the scenes. It’s not about blame—it’s about learning, listening, and showing up better. This one is about doing the hard thing when it matters most. We also unpack...
In this episode, we talk about the impact of coaching groups on business and personal growth. We break down the differences between coaching groups, masterminds, and networking groups to help you find the right fit. We share our own experiences, including how these groups helped us scale our business and build valuable connections. We also discuss the importance of fully participating, implementing what you learn, and knowing when it’s time to move on. Listen now to learn how the right coa...
In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane dive into the complexities of having an owner’s kids join the family business. They explore the dynamics from the kids’ perspectives, no matter their age and what it means for the future of the business. They also break down how this affects other employees and the overall company culture. Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, as...
In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane explore why companies often hit a wall of chaos around the $3M mark and what owners can do to regain control. They emphasize the importance of stepping back regularly, at least quarterly, to assess where bottlenecks are forming and what new systems or role separations are needed. They share personal experiences of being pulled back into the daily chaos when processes aren’t updated. Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listeni...
This conversation explores the complexities of integrating family members into a business, focusing on the dynamics of management roles, the importance of clear communication, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. The speakers share insights on establishing expectations, the value of experience, and the potential challenges that arise when family and business intersect. Note: For best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to...
In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the challenges faced by organizations when there is a disparity in workload between office staff and field experts. They emphasize the importance of understanding the customer journey, exploring processes, and fostering communication and collaboration among teams. The discussion highlights the need for curiosity in problem-solving and the significance of evaluating workloads to ensure efficiency and support for all employees. ...
In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the complexities of managing employees who may no longer fit their roles as a company grows. They emphasize the importance of having honest conversations about career aspirations, the potential need for transitions, and the consequences of avoiding difficult discussions. The dialogue highlights the necessity of feedback, growth, and creating clear timelines to ensure both the company and the employee can navigate changes effec...
In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the challenges of managing a growing workforce, particularly in the context of hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of structured onboarding processes, creating a positive company culture, and learning from employee turnover. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective management practices and continuous self-reflection to build a sustainable workforce...
In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the complexities and challenges of promoting employees from within an organization. They explore the importance of communication, curiosity, and mentorship in ensuring that newly promoted managers succeed in their roles. The discussion highlights common mistakes made by new managers, the need for honest conversations, and the significance of continuous growth and support in leadership roles. Note: For the best audio experience...
In this conversation, Melanie Sloane and Dana Staszkiewicz discuss the challenges between the field and office. They explore strategies for resolution, the importance of understanding roles, and the necessity of collaboration. The conversation also addresses the reality of unresolvable conflicts and the tough decisions that may need to be made for the success of the business. Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphones. Don’t forget to follow us ...
In this conversation, Dana Staszkiewicz and Melanie Sloane discuss the challenges business owners face when experiencing revenue growth without corresponding increases in profitability. They explore the importance of understanding financial metrics, the impact of owner involvement on profitability, and the necessity of empowering employees with financial knowledge to improve overall business efficiency. Note: For the best audio experience, we recommend listening to this episode with earphon...
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