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.

• 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

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.

• 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

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 in a technical world.

Highfill didn't avoid the storm of COVID-19. Like many in the trades, they were hit hard. But instead of defaulting to quick fixes or chasing trends, they doubled down on what mattered most: culture, trust, and long-term development.

This episode pulls back the curtain on how Highfill rebuilt itself stronger by investing in relationships, not just resources. Ray breaks down how they've embedded coaching into their DNA, created career paths grounded in purpose—not pressure—and fostered a culture where people know they belong.

If you've ever struggled with turnover, disengagement, or leading multi-generational teams, this conversation will reframe what's possible. It's not about surface-level perks. It's about leading with values and being bold enough to follow through.

This is culture done right—not as a corporate cliché but as a competitive edge.

HR leaders have the highest turnover per position according to a recent LinkedIn Global Survey. Today, we chat about keyways to care for yourself in HR.  AND, no it is not sleep, exercise and healthy food.  Although those are great! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO122

Turnover Problems in the first 90 days?  On today's show we talk about the importance of slowing down to speed up in hiring and retaining the right staff in the first 90 days of employment.  There is an impact on supervisors and staff when turnover in the first 90 days is extremely high.  When this problem is fixed, Human Resources gains credibility as well as becoming a partner with organizational leaders, as they will have the team they need to succeed. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO121

Turnover Problems?   

Do you know exactly what is causing them?   

Fit to role.  If your employees are not in the right role, they are more likely to turnover in their role and with the organization.  Today we chat about creating a job assessment to determine what the role really needs.  Listen in as we examine how to set up your staff for success by defining their roles for the organization and more specifically defining what winning looks like within that role. 

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO120

Are your managers great leaders? 

Hint… 

A leader empowers your team – A manager tells them what to do 

A leader shares their thought process – A manager gives the answer and closely monitors the results 

A leader gives control away – A manager seeks control 

Does a manager or a leader develop and engage the best employees?   

Listen in as Michael Yinger with Resume Sieve and I chat about making and managing agreements as a leader. We will explore the importance of winning and how utilizing positive reinforcement can achieve amazing results. 

you can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO119

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 specifically how they can be used to elevate your team to build better solutions and inspire your staff. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO118

Massive layoffs are having a significant impact on staff morale and engagement. As leaders creating and a coaching culture is one that can continue to engage staff and meet them where they are at with empathy. Today I have the pleasure of being joined once again by Donna Star on the show. She is an expert in coaching and consulting as well as the author of her upcoming book Unsuccessfully Successful. Listen in as we observe the impact of a coaching culture on the wellbeing of our staff. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO117

Embellishments to look better?  Ever happen when you are trying to enroll someone in a decision?  Yep, it happens in recruitment.  There are times putting a filter on what our organizations are like sounds like a great idea.  Yet, this has a negative impact once a person is hired and realizes that this is not the culture they were looking for.  Join Danielle Diel and I as we chat about using marketing effectively for recruiting your next employee.  You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/TOP116

Your organizational culture can be the gateway to attracting new hires to your company, but what about the employees working with you right now? Today I am joined by Zech Dahms on the show. He is an expert in culture development as well as the founder of Perennial Culture and the Community Engagement & Content Lead of Achieve Engagement. Listen in as we break down the importance of building trust through feedback and more specifically how this kind of feedback can play into their development. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/TOP115

You may already know what a "coaching culture" is, but I'm sure you're now wondering how to cultivate one and what exactly goes into maintaining it? That's the question that we are answering today as we are joined once again by Damon Clark. He is an expert in Predictive Index as well as the founder of Talent Optimizers. Listen in as we discuss developing coaching methods and how having these conversations with your team can ensure the best success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/3F5b4pQ

Is your organizational culture impacting employee retention? That's the question that we are answering today as we discuss the ever-changing job landscape and how your organization's environment can affect not just retention, but also employee recruitment. Listen in as we explore the importance of not only valuing your employees but celebrating them as well.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/3Zj5ms3

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 skills and expectations to the table. When leaders don't know how to bridge those differences, communication suffers, accountability slips, and your best people start walking out the door.

We see this play out all the time—especially in companies that promote top performers into leadership roles without giving them the tools to lead a multi-generational team. That's where culture either grows stronger or starts to fracture.

In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin sits with Kamber Parker Bowden, founder of Generational Performance Solutions, to talk about what trade organizations can do differently. Kamber brings hard-earned insight from over 5,000 interviews across 65+ industries—offering clear, actionable steps for creating a workplace where every generation feels seen, respected, and committed to the work.

This is a conversation about leadership in the real world—messy, human, and worth getting right.

Get ready to continue our conversation on how policies impact our culture! Our guest today is Laura Morgan, founder of MorganHR and Simply merit. She specializes in engagement and compensation strategies that not only benefit the organization but the relationships within. Listen in as she shares her thoughts on compensation policies, and, in particular, how having these conversations between leaders and team members can benefit your organization's environment and relationships.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3KcLwe3

Interested in how proper compensation systems can benefit your organization? 

You can find show noted and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/40R5913

Get ready to have some fun and gain valuable insights on the crucial and timely topic of pay transparency! Our guest today is Erin McAdams Franzblau from Freeborn & Peters Law Firm in Chicago, and she is an expert on management-side employment issues. Listen in as she shares her thoughts on pay topics, and, in particular, how pay can impact organizational culture and employee retention.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3DEkSXg

What is the impact on your organizational culture from the policies that are in place? That's the question that we are answering today as we discuss the ever-changing legal landscape and how these changes affect not just your policies, but also your culture. Listen in as we explore the sometimes unintended consequences of policies and the importance of aligning priorities across all levels of your organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Rj7OMC

So often, we get asked "what is a coaching culture?" and "how can I build that in my organization?" And for good reason—there is something really magical about crafting this for your staff. So, today, we have an expert in this area, Jackie Cumo, on the show. An Executive and Leadership Coach, Jackie shares how she works with organizations on setting up that coaching culture and helps leaders take the necessary steps to create a more positive and productive work environment.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3HhIxPx

January is one of those special months because it's the start of something new, and today we're continuing our topic of mentoring with Suzanne Lucas. Also known as the Evil HR Lady, Suzanne has made it her mission to demystify human resources. In this episode, we're diving into the importance of mentoring and discussing how you can use improv strategies to really connect with your mentee so that they are more likely to make an impact as a result of your mentorship.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Xs0bpz

Get ready to continue our conversation about how HR professionals can optimize employees, this time with one of our very own Elevated clients! Andrea Grant is with Jackson's Chips, and we helped to recruit her into the organization as their very first HR and Purchasing Specialist. She joins the show today to share what the recruitment process was like, what she has learned along the way, and how going through the program has benefited her—and Jackson's Chips!

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3QnISTu

Elevating others requires elevating ourselves, first and foremost. In this short but sweet episode, we reflect back on the importance of aligning our personal and professional lives so that our work is meaningful, and we're also able to lift up the people within our organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3jLYV1p

This is the perfect time to reflect back on the last year and dream of what 2023 can hold. So, in this episode, I have Michael Alexander, Founder and CEO of Talent Leaderboard Systems, with me to help us do just that. Michael helps ambitious companies build and implement actual strategies for creating and improving enterprise value. Today we're diving into what the most successful companies are doing to increase employee engagement and happiness, as well as why you should be looking at how you can inspire your employees every day of the year.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3FNUKcD

As human resource professionals, it's important to support the mental health of our staff. In this episode, we'll discuss some key ways to do that with Azizi Marshall, a Creative Arts Psychotherapist, award-winning Corporate Mental Health Trainer, and Workplace Wellness Consultant. Listen in to learn what steps we can take to support the mental health of our staff and help create a happier, more productive workplace.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3BA8CpN

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 most often—and how each one shapes a new hire's experience. From setting clear expectations to coaching through first-time failures, this episode offers a blueprint for leaders who want to grow confident, capable teams that stay.

Because in today's labor market, keeping good people isn't just about hiring well. It's about coaching well.

With the end of another year around the corner, now is the perfect time to be really thinking about how to plan and move into the next year with intention and actionable steps. Jamie Taets is an author, speaker, fellow podcast host, and the CEO of Keystone Group International, an organization that helps businesses and leaders drive organizational impact at the human level. Jamie joins the show today to share how to balance the business's needs with the human needs through conscious leadership so that everyone wins.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ULEWwE

As HR professionals, we talk so much about how to create an environment where people are fulfilled in their work, but one area we often miss is how we can support our people even when we don't know what's on their plate—while also meeting business outcomes. Retired Navy captain and former CEO of Sparton Corporation, William Toti, joins the show today to discuss how we can optimize for a very specific group reintegrating into the workforce: our veterans. William has been doing the work of serving organizations and veterans in the reintegration process, so tune in to learn from his impressive knowledge and wisdom!

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Hdt43s

The theme for this month is looking at and reflecting on what we have done and accomplished this past year—and planning for the next one. In this 100th episode of the podcast, Traci discusses how you can reflect on your own year in key ways, such as aligning output and outcome. Listen in to learn effective ways to preview future performance and set yourself and others up for success in the coming year.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ub6zV0

Which relationships move the needle in your business? Jamie Shibley is the Founder and CEO of The Expressory, a strategic gifting agency that serves business leaders by helping them maintain the human connection in what they do. Jamie joins the show today to talk about the ROI of showing gratitude to all the relationships in your business, from leads to clients to staff, and everyone in between.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Eku3eQ

Do you welcome feedback, or do you shy away from it out of fear of what you might hear? Sarah Gibson is an Executive Coach, Vistage Chair, and Communication expert, and she joins the show today to talk about gratitude in a very specific way: how to look at feedback as a gift that can accelerate meaningful change within your organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3G629WJ

Did you know that, according to a recent Inc. magazine article, 79% of employees quit because they did not feel appreciated at work? Gratitude is definitely one of those things that we want to share with others, and in this episode we're sitting down with Katie Wheelock, Program and HR Director at Community Action, to discuss how to incorporate diverse gratitude into your organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3NDzcmQ

With November being the unofficial month of gratitude in the United States, we're talking all about gratitude today! Not only are we diving into how we can show ourselves gratitude on a daily basis, but we're also circling back to last month's theme of culture and discussing how we as HR professionals can foster a culture of gratitude in our organizations.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3DqfaHr

Whether we realize it or not, we create culture by the behaviors and energy that we bring to the office, to Zoom meetings, or to whatever else we might be doing every single day in our organization. Lisa Even, a speaker, facilitator, coach, and joy connoisseur, is here today to continue our conversation on culture. Listen in as we dive into the ripple effect and all the many ways it can tie into organizational culture.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3MO5xql

We all know that people don't quit their jobs—they actually quit their bosses. In this episode, we're continuing our conversation on organizational culture with John Broer and Sara Best of Real Good Ventures and diving into how to create a great culture by preventing 'bossholes.' Listen in as we break down why culture is not a thing that you aim to create, but rather who you are at the core level as an organization and what you do to optimize and lift up your people.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ght075

Continuing our conversation on culture this month, we are joined by Tanya Hanson, HR Director at Paradigm, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of building a really great organizational culture in a hybrid world. In this episode, we're diving into how the pandemic has changed the way in which organizations approach culture, how to navigate culture-building, and tips on how to build a really amazing and thriving culture in your own organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3fUqRhI

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 Austin reveals how trade industry leaders can overhaul their onboarding approach to improve retention and team performance. From engaging the entire crew to eliminating first-day roadblocks, Traci shares proven strategies to set new hires up for success and keep them on the team for the long haul.

When you look at the culture inside of your organization, how are you supporting folks in quietly quitting? This means you are allowing your staff to stop doing the things they said they were going to do. In this episode, we'll dive into how your organization's culture actually plays a significant role in how your staff navigates their responsibilities, including the decisions that lead them to quit or power through challenging situations.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3SPsUlj 

Today we are talking all about culture and how culture plays into talent pathway planning for women. Jenny Moebius is a top marketing executive and leader with a track record of building powerful brands and categories, generating demand, and creating mission-driven cultures. She joins us on this episode to discuss how to rock the boat with integrity, how remote work has impacted talent pathways for women, how to challenge career-limiting assumptions in the workplace, and more.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3DU247i

Stress around finances can hinder our employees' self-confidence, making it hard for their unique talents to shine through in work and life. So, how can we help them gain financial security so that they can show up as their best selves every single day? Jeanne de Cervens, Director of The AgingWell Hub, joins the show to share her advice regarding financial wellness, including what people seem to be struggling with the most financially, how to support them, and how to boost education around this within your company.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here:  https://bit.ly/3eVuWl2 

How do you ensure that you're moving people forward in your organization in a way that meets their needs, as well as the needs of the organization? That's what we're talking about today with Nchopia Nwokoma, the Principal Assessment and Succession Consultant at Korn Ferry. Listen in as we paint a picture of what internal talent pathways are, how we lay them out, and how we utilize the resources at our disposal to move people forward in the organization in a way that best serves everyone.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3L3T1SE

Having both the strategic and tactical components of HR is the key to attracting and retaining the talent necessary to grow and run a successful organization. But what is the distinction between strategic and tactical HR—and how do we know when to use each of these elements? Here to help us discuss this topic is Kimeran Johnson, Chief People Officer at Studer Family of Companies. Listen in to learn how to grow these necessary skills and more.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3D8fCMj 

One of the key issues for many leaders is succession planning, particularly when it comes to backfilling roles from outside their organization. How can you maintain the company culture that you've worked so hard to create when you are hiring from the outside? That's what we're diving into today as we look at the importance of culture when it comes to planning talent pathways.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Krv7QP

When looking at your organization, do your staff understand exactly what they need to do in order to move to the next position that may be on the horizon for them? Do they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them? It's important for our staff to know what they are responsible for and to have processes in place to give them effective feedback when they are not performing up to standard. So, in this episode, Harrison Kim will be joining the show to share how to give constructive and efficient feedback, as well as his advice on how to receive feedback, too.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3QKJr9A 

Keeping our employers and employees happy and supported throughout their careers is essential to the success of our organizations. So, how can we support our staff and organizations through financial wellness? And what does financial wellness entail as it relates to the workplace? Surya Kolluri, Managing Director of Retirement Research & Insights for Bank of America, will be joining the show to discuss the connection between financial wellness and the race for talent, as well as his advice for how businesses can support their teams moving forward.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3bHh24S 

Going into the 4th quarter, most (if not all) of us are getting ready to close out the year in a really amazing way—and one way to do that is to plan out your talent pathway planning in your organization. In this episode, I'm joined by Patrick Casola, the Marketing Intern at Elevated Talent Consulting, and we're talking all about internships. Listen in to hear how they can help your organization finish the year out strong, as well as how internships are a great way to "pay it forward" by providing training and knowledge to the next generation of leaders.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3zDsIxD

Can you remember back to your childhood and the newness and excitement of the 'back to school' season? Have you wondered how you could harness that 'back to school' mindset as an adult? In this episode, I'm sharing one way to cultivate that mindset in your professional life and use the momentum it creates to make a significant impact within your organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Sg0pO5

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 make mental health a core part of their safety strategy—without overcomplicating it.

From reducing stigma to training leaders and leveraging mentorship, Bruce offers practical, no-nonsense strategies to improve employee well-being, increase retention, and create a safer, more engaged workforce.

Every business problem is a people problem. So how do you diagnose people problems within your organization so you can work to solve your business challenges? Nate Larson is an HRIS Analyst, and he joins the show today to talk about how you can leverage analytics in your business to solve people problems, and at the same time, solve your business problems.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3b7Th5D

How do you know when things are going great in your business? And on the flip side, how do you know when they're not? David Princeton is the Principal Consultant at Advocate Claim Service LLC, and he joins the show today to discuss some good, honest risk management advice, including key tips and tricks to diagnose gaps in your insurance coverage. He also covers the top things to pay attention to as you enter into the renewals or new broker stage to make sure that your organization is fully covered.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3yQ5OCH

One of the things we know with certainty is that every single business problem in an organization is a people problem. So how do we diagnose areas of our organization that are not working so well, and also celebrate the areas that are? Andrew Bartlow has been in HR for 25 years working with organizations in many different industries, is the co-author of Scaling For Success, and leads Series B Consulting helping businesses articulate their people strategy to accelerate their growth. He joins the show today to discuss how HR can play a strategic role in solving the problems found within an organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3OTte0O