Episode 174-In this insightful and energizing episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to your by Optiline Enterprises, we sit down with Traci Austin, Chief Talent Officer of Elevated Talent Consulting, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing teams through intentional HR practices and values-driven leadership. Traci brings over two decades of experience in human resources, organizational development, and talent strategy to the mic—and she doesn't hold back.

As the driving force behind Elevated Talent Consulting, Traci partners with growing organizations to rethink how HR can serve not just compliance needs, but as a strategic force that fuels company culture, accountability, and measurable results. In this conversation, she shares the real-world tools and frameworks that help businesses go from reactive HR to proactive people development.

We dive into how leaders can align their core values with hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies that don’t just fill seats, but build meaningful engagement. Traci discusses how companies can move away from outdated annual reviews and toward consistent, values-based performance conversations that spark growth and clarity. She also opens up about her personal passion for helping managers step into confident, people-first leadership—no matter their industry or experience level.

Whether you're a business owner, HR professional, or just someone looking to build a healthier workplace culture, Traci's approach is both refreshingly practical and deeply human. She shares actionable tips for creating an employee experience that attracts top talent—and keeps them—while driving business performance.

Listeners will walk away with a new perspective on how HR can be a catalyst for transformation, rather than a box-checking department. And you’ll learn why the best HR leaders are coaches, culture carriers, and courageous truth-tellers.

Key Takeaways:

• Why values-based HR is the future of team success
• How to turn managers into culture champions
• Common mistakes growing companies make with talent—and how to avoid them
• How Elevated Talent Consulting helps businesses develop HR systems that actually work

Don’t miss this episode packed with wisdom, humor, and heart from one of the most dynamic voices in modern HR.

🎧 Tune in now to discover how you can elevate your talent strategy—and your entire organization.

Listen to the official podcast of @Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts here >> https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://optiline.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://www.decco.com/

Learn more about Elevated Talent Consulting: https://elevatedtalentconsulting.com/contact/

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