Talent Optimization with Traci Scherck: Recent Episodes

Traci Scherck

Join Traci Scherck of Elevated Talent Consulting to discover how CEOs and HR Professionals can bridge the gap between the strategy and tactical implementation of Talent Optimization in their organizations. This is the key to achieving the most common goal of a more fulfilled workforce while increasing ROI for the company.

Tune in weekly for new episodes featuring educational segments, chats with HR Professionals and CEOs on the strategies and implementation of Talent Optimization! You’ll find more tools and resources for CEOs and HR Professionals at https://elevatedtalentconsulting.com/ and be sure to access our free Talent Optimization Foundation Membership Program at https://elevatedtalentconsulting.com/foundation.

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Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery.

In this episode… Even the highest-performing leaders can benefit from coaching sessions. These experts guide leaders along their journeys, helping them develop and hone their skills. What’s involved in a coaching session, and how can coaches and leaders maximize their relationship with one another?

Executive leader Adam Gruszcynski maintains that the value of a coaching session hinges on effective communication and trust. During sessions, coaches must ask probing, in-depth questions to elicit honest responses from their mentees. This includes holding space for the mentee without judgment. Throughout the process, coaches and leaders must collaborate to develop solutions to problems, map out goals, and create a growth trajectory.

In this installment of The People Strategy Podcast’s Leadership Development series, Traci Austin welcomes Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, back to the show to discuss strategies for effective coaching. Adam and Traci engage in a roleplay coaching scenario involving cultivating a work-life balance, demonstrating the transparent dynamics between coaches and leaders.

Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results.

Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product.

The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders.

Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success.

Learn more and sign up today!

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Adam Gruszcynski is the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. He previously served as the venue’s Information Technology Security Manager, where he reduced cyber risk while securing team member and guest information. As a network and security expert, Adam was also a Network Administrator at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, where he supported network resources and secured IT system delivery.

In this episode… Employee fulfillment and growth have created a need for transformational leadership. While managers oversee tasks and ensure process continuity, true leaders inspire, innovate, and bring out the best in their teams. How can you transform from a manager into an influential leader?

IT leader Adam Gruszcynski describes transformational leaders as those who encourage their team members to work toward both individual and shared visions. This involves mentoring employees and modeling behaviors and actions to execute the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Additionally, treating mistakes and failures as learning opportunities rather than lecture sessions empowers team members to make autonomous decisions and improve continuously. Leaders can also have one-on-one sessions with each team member to address personal goals, roadblocks, and performance, cultivating trust and transparency.

Join Traci Austin in this episode of The People Strategy Podcast as she hosts Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, to talk about transformational leadership strategies. Adam shares advice for new leaders, how he embodies transformational leadership, and the practical applications of leadership.

Sponsor for this episode… The Leadership Development Program isn’t just about theory — it’s about tangible results.

Imagine understanding how you tick and its impact on how you lead. In our last cohort, participants realized they were leading others the way they needed to be led instead of how their team members needed to be led. This increased understanding and trust within the team resulted in a better work product.

The leadership program offers tailored training covering topics like employee engagement and accountability. Through this course, you will learn and practice ways to build trust with your team and organizational leaders.

Achieving personal and professional goals yields positive results! This program is your opportunity for new leadership to learn and practice the style of leadership that drives organizational success.

Learn more and sign up today!

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Ab DeWeese is the Founder and Non-executive Chairman of Good Automation, a data science and test automation company he exited when he was 37. He is also the Founder of the DeWeese Group, a private advisory practice designed for medium-sized and Fortune 500 companies. As a serial entrepreneur, polymath, and investor, Ab has become a founder, shareholder, and board member of more than eight AI and emerging technology businesses.

In this episode… As AI emerges as a groundbreaking new technology, organizations must adapt their people strategies to retain key talent and keep up with trends. This can be tricky since many fear AI will end up replacing their jobs. How can you incorporate AI into your organization while maintaining employee trust and operational transparency?

Having implemented a personal retirement plan early in his business, AI pioneer Ab DeWeese created a pathway for his employees to develop their roles and take over the organization. This involved providing them with tools and resources like AI to take control of their careers and steer the business in a new direction. When integrating AI tools, Ab says to emphasize human oversight and encourage your employees to familiarize themselves with the tools for each task, allowing them to discover new productivity methods. He also emphasizes the ethical use of AI, urging organizations to review service terms and privacy policies to protect sensitive information and foster employee trust.

In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin hears from Ab DeWeese, the Founder of Good Automation and the DeWeese Group, who talks about integrating AI into your people strategy. Ab explains how to foster employee engagement with AI, how retirement plans strengthen people strategies, and AI’s role in talent development.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Katie Spahnie is the VP of HR Operations at Westfield Bank, where she focuses on employee engagement programs, total reward strategies, risk management, and HR technology. As an executive-level HR professional, she has developed and executed organizational strategies for human resources services, including recruitment and retention, culture and engagement, compensation and benefits, and performance management. Katie is a graduate of PRADCO’s Women In Leadership Program.

In this episode… When an organization undergoes a major transition, change management is crucial for sustaining employee engagement. How can you maintain organizational values and culture during key transition periods?

Seasoned HR executive Katie Spahnie spearheaded a people strategy during her bank’s separation from an insurance company by deploying a change management network. This diverse leadership group kept the organization’s core values and beliefs intact while communicating each stage of the process to other team members. Katie affirms that transparent communication reduces resistance to change and encourages feedback and adherence to organizational culture.

In the latest episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin talks with Katie Spahnie, the VP of HR Operations at Westfield Bank, about her organization’s change management process. Katie shares her commitment to culture and teamwork, the value of partnerships in change management, and what she learned from the process.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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John Bernatovicz is the Founder of Willory, which provides payroll and HR staffing and consulting support. As a serial entrepreneur, he has owned six companies, including Centsible Water, a water vending company with conveniently located, self-service water machines. John is a keynote speaker delivering national speaking engagements and the author of HR Like a Boss.

In this episode… Adopting innovative technology, implementing new procedures, and hiring for new roles require significant employee adjustments, necessitating change management practices to streamline the transitions. What are the secrets to successful change management, and how can organizations ensure their teams are well-prepared for transitions?

Seasoned HR professional and entrepreneur John Bernatovicz says since many organizational transitions involve implementing technology employees aren’t familiar with, setting expectations, over-communicating, and raising awareness are crucial to navigate the change. This builds trust with employees as they adapt to changes in their roles and responsibilities. Organizations must also provide managers with the tools to guide their teams through transitions effectively.

In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, John Bernatovicz, the Founder of Willory, joins Traci Austin for a discussion about change management in HR. John shares how to use AI responsibly in HR settings, key concepts from his book, and the importance of being bold and taking action in personal and professional endeavors.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Andrew Barnes is the Co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, the world’s leading organization changing the future of work by implementing a four-day workweek initiative. As a serial entrepreneur, he has promoted market-changing innovation and industry digitization by leading and transforming companies in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Andrew is recognized as the pioneer and architect of the four-day workweek movement, working with companies and national and international governments to change how populations work. In 2019, he wrote The 4 Day Week, a how-to guide for reducing work hours and increasing productivity.

In this episode… Statistics show that people in the UK and Canada are only productive for 2-3 hours a day, and it takes approximately 22 minutes to return to total productivity following an interruption. With distractions mounting as the distinction between personal and professional becomes increasingly blurred, how can organizations elevate productivity and engagement among their employees?

Hailed as the pioneer of the global four-day workweek movement, Andrew Barnes has observed a 40% increase in employee engagement, recruitment, retention, and team cohesion in organizations that have implemented this model. Employees are often more productive when given less time to complete tasks, with US companies observing a 36% increase in productivity. A four-day workweek also allows employees more time to engage in community-building activities that enrich their personal lives, leading to greater satisfaction and fewer absences in the workplace.

In this week’s episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin welcomes Andrew Barnes, the Co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, who discusses restructuring the conventional workweek. Andrew shares how companies can recruit and retain top talent with this model, how to measure productivity effectively, and how companies can foster a work-life balance.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Matt Sunshine is the Managing Partner and CEO of The Center for Sales Strategy, a sales performance consulting company helping B2B organizations attract, retain, and develop the highest performing salespeople. Matt developed and launched the company’s inbound marketing division, LeadG2, which helps businesses establish thought leadership and lower lead costs. He’s also a writer, speaker, and moderator offering lead generation, inbound marketing, and sales process expertise.

In this episode… When employees are accustomed to excelling in their roles, it can be challenging to transition to a leadership position. By outlining expectations and cultivating intentionality, companies can nurture their leaders’ strengths. How can you create a culture of intentional growth?

Although it may seem counterintuitive, growth and leadership advocate Matt Sunshine maintains that leaders can grow professionally through a combination of freedom and responsibility. This involves encouraging leaders to take ownership of their career trajectories. Yet freedom must accompany clear expectations that define role success, core values, and culture. Through rigorous mentorship and culture alignment, employees can transition effectively from being top performers in their roles to leading others in their career growth.

Tune in to the latest episode of The People Strategy Podcast as Traci Austin hosts Matt Sunshine, the Managing Partner at The Center for Sales Strategy, to discuss driving organizational culture and growth. Matt describes the role of trust, accountability, and belief in professional growth, his unique approaches to culture integration, and The Center for Sales Strategy’s innovative growth trajectory.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspirations with business goals. She also hosts The People Strategy Podcast.

In this episode… Most people dread annual performance reviews, fearing their managers will judge them for poor performance. In reality, these review sessions should encourage employees to maintain autonomy over their roles so they can pursue their strengths and passions. How can managers and leaders optimize the performance management process to keep employees engaged and proactive in their roles?

Rather than conducting performance reviews to maintain organizational compliance, HR executive Traci Austin says performance management should be an ongoing feedback loop that aligns company and employee goals. Managers can gather feedback through employee self-assessments and by conducting monthly and quarterly reviews. These review meetings are joint responsibilities between employees and managers to set and achieve goals aligned with the organization’s desired outcomes. Throughout the process, leaders should maintain clear accountability expectations and communication, providing employees with a platform to express concerns and grow in their roles.

In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, co-host Chad Franzen of Rise25 sits down with Traci Austin to discuss the performance management process. Traci shares practical tips for creating conditions for employees to contribute, the significance of continuous performance documentation, and how performance reviews support employees' goals.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspirations with business goals. She also hosts The People Strategy Podcast.

In this episode… Work environments are built on various interconnected relationships nurtured by appreciation, gratitude, and trust. How can leaders maintain healthy relationships with their teams to boost organization-wide engagement?

According to people strategist Traci Austin, trust is the foundation for every relationship, allowing individuals to work together to achieve organizational goals. Cultivating this trust requires identifying employees' unique behavioral and emotional needs through psychologically safe environments. These workspaces allow individuals to express themselves openly; to support this, you can have your team identify each other's strengths, relationship dynamics, outcomes, and shared purposes. Through these exercises, your team can promote honesty, vulnerability, clear expectations, and accountability.

In The People Strategy Podcast’s latest Team Retention series episode, co-host Chad Franzen meets with Traci Austin to discuss the role of trust in employee engagement. Traci shares how executing your mission, vision, and values contributes to employee appreciation and gratitude, how to measure the impact of psychological safety exercises, and the common barriers to organizational trust.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Jenna Spencer is the Founder and CEO of AssistPro®, a virtual assistant matching and delegation coaching service. Since founding the company, she has helped hundreds of clients delegate and develop their executive assistants into leaders. Under Jenna’s leadership, AssistPro® has grown more than 50% each year since its founding, leading her to launch Delegation Works, an educational platform for entrepreneurs and small business owners. She is also a member of professional and community organizations, including Women Entrepreneurs Inc. and Strategic Coach.

In this episode… Virtual executive assistants provide entrepreneurs with invaluable support and allow them to step away from the daily grind to focus on growth. These positions also allow driven professionals to work remotely and flexibly while gaining experience, knowledge, and skills. How can entrepreneurs and virtual executive assistants work together to propel the organization forward?

Business coach Jenna Spencer advocates for authentic and genuine connections between entrepreneurs and their virtual executive assistants. When business owners identify an assistant who aligns with their values, goals, and needs, they gain the time and energy to maintain a consistent presence in their companies. Entrepreneurs can even act as mentors to their executive assistants, providing them with learning opportunities and a sense of community engagement through skill development initiatives. This mutually beneficial relationship enhances customer service and employee experiences.

Listen to this episode of The People Strategy Podcast as Traci Austin interviews Jenna Spencer, the Founder and CEO of AssistPro®, about creating community and connection in virtual workspaces. Jenna highlights the value of networking and business relationships, her company’s most memorable wins, and her aspirations for her team.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspirations with business goals. She also hosts The People Strategy Podcast.

In this episode… Leading organizational studies show that employee skill development and training is 70% experiential, 30% collaborative, and 10% in-classroom learning. These methods create pathways for employees to progress within an organization. How can you nurture team growth while supporting your organization’s needs?

Talent development expert Traci Austin has established a proprietary talent pathway plan to identify and support employees’ growth trajectories within an organization. The process involves collaborating with management and leadership teams to identify employees’ invaluable skills and traits and determine ideal role progressions that align with organizational structures. The plan is only effective when an organization determines its intention and aligns it with company-wide outcomes. They must also foster continuous improvement through feedback structures and training that supports long-term growth.

In this installment of The People Strategy Podcast Team Retention series, co-host Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews Traci Austin about developing talent pathway plans. She talks about how to integrate diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and feedback into these plans, how to consider individual career aspirations, and the difference between succession, employee development, and talent pathways.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspirations with business goals. She also hosts The People Strategy Podcast.

In this episode… According to Psychology Today, only 20% of people set goals. What’s more, 70% of those people fail to achieve them. This often happens when they lack accountability and intention in setting goals. What strategies can you implement to set and achieve goals successfully?

Well-defined goals can improve employee engagement and enhance collaboration between HR and executives. HR strategist Traci Austin employs the SMART framework — specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-based — to help middle-managers set goals that propel their organization forward. Additionally, identifying the “why” behind your goals integrates them with meaning and boosts team motivation to work toward them. Traci also mentions that aligning employees’ personal and professional goals helps retain them as they identify a purpose within the organization.

Tune in to episode 180 of The People Strategy Podcast as co-host Chad Franzen of Rise25 joins Traci Austin to talk about crafting goals with intention. Traci explains the various types of goals, the common mistakes in goal-setting, and her approach to aligning organizational goals.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspirations with business goals. She also hosts The People Strategy Podcast.

In this episode… Creating a culture where people can thrive is vital, yet with various team dynamics at play, it can be difficult to foster collaboration and cohesion. How can you align your organizational strategy with individual contributions to achieve a unified goal?

Individuals in high-performing teams are passionate, accountable, and clear communicators who make decisions based on the team’s best interests. With experience building these efficient teams, Traci Austin says you must identify optimal performance levels for both the team and the individual and align them with your desired organizational outcomes. She also recommends implementing KPIs that measure milestones and achievements, ensuring the team remains on course. This allows you to communicate potential missteps and build lasting trust within the organization.

Tune in to another episode of The People Strategy Podcast as Traci Austin is interviewed by co-host Chad Franzen of Rise25 about creating high-performance teams. Traci talks about the importance of goal alignment and strength assessment, sharing tools for assessing team behaviors and identifying shared organizational strategies.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspirations with business goals. She also hosts The People Strategy Podcast.

In this episode… Lack of communication during onboarding can leave new hires uncertain, potentially affecting how they perceive their role in the new company. How could a well-structured preboarding process change this narrative and foster a better start for employees and employers?

Seasoned HR expert Traci Austinunravels the secrets of helping new hires feel integrated and valued even before they officially start. Outlining the value of strategic preboarding interactions in setting the stage for a welcoming first day, she suggests activities such as connecting on LinkedIn, sending welcome packages, and assigning a buddy to make a significant impact. By fostering open communication and setting clear expectations, employers can reduce the anxiety of starting a new job, leading to higher engagement and retention. According to Traci, collaboration between the hiring manager and the team in the preboarding process facilitates knowledge transfer and minimizes turnover by setting clear expectations and focusing on cultural alignment.

In this new episode of The People Strategy Podcast, co-host Chad Franzen joins Traci Austin, Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, to discuss key strategies for transforming the new hire experience. Traci highlights how preboarding can lead to higher retention rates and employee performance, how to project employee culture and values effectively, and how to avoid potential pitfalls in employee onboarding.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Brian Confer is the Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at Capturely, which offers professional headshots tailored to corporate clients. With experience in the B2B, professional services, and technology sectors, he helps founders and their companies scale and establish market dominance. Brian is also a TEDx speaker and holds an executive MBA.

In this episode… When a company undergoes a paradigm shift, team members are often forced to change roles suddenly, making it difficult to sustain a strong culture. How can you empower your team to remain resilient and innovative as you transition your organization to new heights?

Organizational change-maker Brian Confer began offering professional headshots in a vibrant pink truck. Yet this wasn’t sustainable during the pandemic, so he pivoted his organization to integrate technology for virtual photo options. This shift entailed cross-training team members in new roles to build skill sets for a new organizational structure. Although some team members may struggle with the adjustment initially, Brian says that fostering a culture of transparency and engagement empowers them to embrace new opportunities and grow professionally.

Tune in to the latest episode of The People Strategy Podcast as Traci Austin talks with Brian Confer, the Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Capturely, about how he evolved his people strategy to align with a new business model. Brian also discusses how headshots elevate organizational professionalism, how AI compromises authenticity in professional imaging, and how personalized headshots can serve as an innovative people strategy.

Sponsor for this episode… This episode is brought to you by Elevated Talent Consulting, a leading provider of comprehensive talent management solutions.

Whether you're looking to optimize your recruitment process, enhance employee engagement, or develop effective leadership strategies, Elevated Talent Consulting has the expertise to level up your team.

Discover how they can transform your workforce at elevatedtalentconsulting.com.

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Jennifer Loper is the President of C3, a family and children brand marketing and design agency. As a marketing and communications leader, she has over 30 years of experience working with corporate brands in the restaurant, hospitality, and retail industries. Jennifer is also a board member of the Unleashed Brands Foundation, a charitable organization supporting at-risk youth in communities.

In this episode… Traditional work structures have evolved significantly over the past 30 years. What once required a rigid 9-5 structure has now morphed into a more fluid and personalized way of achieving professional success. How can organizations adapt to this new dynamic, and what does it mean for the future of work?

As a leader in workplace flexibility and employee personalization, Jennifer Loper advocates for alternative work structures that promote personal and professional fulfillment. For instance, fostering transparent conversations about employee needs and work preferences boosts performance and allows them to thrive. Additionally, maintain flexibility in your hiring structures, recognizing that people aren’t defined by their education and skills but rather by their core values and work ethic. Evolutionary workplaces and compassionate leadership cultivate innovation and allow your organization to adapt and scale.

Tune in to the latest episode of The People Strategy Podcast as Traci Austin welcomes Jennifer Loper, the President of C3, to talk about shaping people strategies with flexibility and workplace evolution. Jennifer shares how workplace flexibility benefits multiple industries, how compassionate leadership promotes evolutionary practices, and key insights from the Restaurant Leadership Conference.

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Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspirations with business goals. She also hosts The People Strategy Podcast.

In this episode… When it comes to attracting employees, it's not just about offering a job; it's about providing an experience, a pathway, and an environment where individuals feel valued and compelled to stay. How can organizations turn their workplaces into a beacon for top talent?

As a seasoned HR expert, Traci Austin advocates for an employee value proposition that resonates authentically with potential candidates. This should be a strategic proposal that aligns workplace culture, a customized compensation and benefits package, career growth opportunities, and an organizational structure to meet both company and employee needs. You should also incorporate feedback from current employees for greater authenticity and engagement. Traci suggests communicating these unique benefits to potential candidates through social media and targeted marketing campaigns.

In this new episode of The People Strategy Podcast, co-host Chad Franzen joins Traci Austin, Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, to talk about crafting a compelling employee value proposition. Traci discusses the importance of employee and candidate transparency, how to create an environment for employees to thrive, and how to promote employee career development.

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Traci Austin is the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, a certified woman-owned HR firm. As an HR professional and chief strategy consultant, she has over two decades of experience creating and building HR departments for small businesses. Traci specializes in employee development, consulting, and coaching and creates fulfilling work environments that align employee aspirations with business goals. She also hosts The People Strategy Podcast.

In this episode… A well-defined talent strategy is essential to guide an organization toward success. Are you approaching your organization's growth with a people strategy that actually aligns with your business outcomes? How can you shift your team's trajectory from frustrating wheel-spinning to soaring productivity?

As a recognized talent consultant, Traci Austin has developed a proprietary people strategy roadmap that aligns business goals with strategic staffing and employee development. The framework involves creating a thorough staffing plan that anticipates talent needs throughout each stage of the business and provides a nurturing applicant and onboarding experience. By strategically planning staffing and training and offering career progression opportunities, companies can create a motivating environment where employees thrive and business outcomes excel.

Tune in to this episode of The People Strategy Podcast as Traci Austin, the Owner and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, is interviewed by co-host Chad Franzen of Rise25 about developing a refined people strategy roadmap. She shares the components of an effective people strategy, how to align finances with staffing and growth objectives, and the impact of strategic staffing plans on team dynamics.

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Dr. Paul White is a psychologist, speaker, consultant, and author of The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. For over 20 years, he has assisted organizations in creating positive work environments and communicating authentic appreciation. Dr. White has spoken about improving work-based relationships in North America, Europe, Central Asia, the Caribbean, China, and South America.

In this episode… Have you ever felt unappreciated at work, or struggled to convey heartfelt gratitude to your colleagues or employees? Understanding the correct way to express appreciation can transform workplace relationships and drive positive organizational change. How can you demonstrate personalized appreciation to your team?

Leadership facilitator Dr. Paul White has reimagined the five love languages for the workplace. Languages like words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, and even physical touch contain specific actions that leaders must personalize and refine for the workplace setting and team members’ preferences. Identifying your and your employees’ appreciation languages allows you to recognize various forms of acknowledgment, create a more inclusive environment, and encourage a culture of open communication, respect, and appreciation.

In today’s episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin speaks with Dr. Paul White, the author of The Five Languages of Appreciation, about how displaying individualized appreciation can elevate organizational cultures. He shares how to foster a value-centered workplace, the juxtaposition between personality tests and appreciation languages, and a case study of the five appreciation languages.

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From onboarding new hires to building a culture of accountability, Traci Austin delves into the intricacies of leadership in this special solo episode of the People Strategy Podcast. Traci, the Chief Strategy Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, shares her top three insights from her conversation with Adam Gruszcynski from Potawatomi Bingo and Casino, which touch upon the importance of clear communication, team engagement, and defining organizational success. Through an engaging personal story about learning to back into a parking stall, Traci illustrates the four types of coaching methods and how they apply to leadership development.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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From IT director to strategic innovator, Adam Gruszcynski the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, has masterfully reinvented the onboarding process and organizational culture within his team. Adam joins host Traci Austin, as he shares his transformative journey in implementing an Employee Value Proposition (EVP) strategy that significantly attracts high-quality candidates and enhances job satisfaction.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Traci on LinkedIn Learn about Elevated Talent Consulting Connect with Adam on LinkedIn Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Rob Grady is a passionate and insightful leader of a top-tier hydronics rep firm that prides itself on serving better than anyone else. He joins Traci Austin to dive deep into the people-first culture that Rob fosters at Mulcahy, exploring how empowering and supporting their team has been pivotal in driving growth and meeting customer needs. They dissect how Mulcahy actively aligns its core values with its business decisions, from hiring practices to geographic expansion, creating a strong foundation that guides the company's trajectory.

Rob also shares invaluable insights into Mulcahy's people strategies. They'll discuss the importance of understanding your employees, aligning core values with everyday decisions, and the profound impact of employee appreciation. So, whether you're an executive, a team leader, or just someone interested in nurturing a thriving workplace, this episode is packed with practical strategies and heartfelt advice.

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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.

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12 Tips to Determine What Needs Action First

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Marcia Barnes has a knack for rallying people together. Widely recognized for her enthusiasm and strategic mindset, she champions growth not merely as a goal but as an essential ingredient to nurturing talent and ensuring her team members have a vibrant pathway to flourish within Valve and Meter. Her story is one of passion intertwined with the practicalities of leadership, illustrating that at the heart of successful business growth lies the well-being and progression of its people.

This conversation is filled with wisdom and practical examples that shed light on the significance of integrating core values into business decisions and strategies. Tune in for an engaging discussion with Traci Austin that brings valuable insights to the forefront of organizational leadership and growth.

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Matthew Schneider is a visionary entrepreneur deeply rooted in his middle-class upbringing. Fueled by a passion for financial inclusivity, Matthew has risen as a champion of change, setting out to bridge the chasm that separates the middle class from the powerful currents of capital growth.

Traci and Matthew dive deep into the alignment between organizational culture and personal values, the grassroots passion for democratizing real estate, and the evolution of roles within a startup. They explore the challenges of determining the right team composition as a company scales and the significance of cultural alignment and coachability in building a successful organization. Join us as we unpack the essential elements of creating a people strategy inside a startup organization.

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With Thanksgiving soon approaching, today's episode is designed to share the importance of gratitude. Traci Austin explores the power of gratitude and its impact on employee engagement, health, and the bottom line. This episode shares the Five Languages of Appreciation, including Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts, and even Physical Touch (with boundaries, of course). Discover how understanding these languages can help you create a more positive and appreciative workplace culture - enjoy this journey of appreciation and growth.

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In this episode, Traci Austin will be discussing the importance of getting to know your people incredibly well and creating an environment that allows them to thrive. We'll explore how implementing systems and processes can sometimes hinder productivity instead of enhancing it, and why building strong relationships and trust within your organization is crucial. Join us as we uncover key strategies shared by organizational leaders from around the world, who will shed light on reducing turnover, increasing staff productivity, and fostering high levels of alignment and teamwork. We'll also delve into the significance of core values, feedback mechanisms, and effective use of people data in shaping a successful people strategy.

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On this episode, Traci Austin, Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting joins Nikki to discuss the importance of fulfilling work and the ripple effect it has on individuals and communities. Together, they break down the concept of "holding space" as a coaching skill and how it empowers individuals to problem-solve on their own. Traci also shares four powerful levers for creating fulfilling work experiences: job fit, leadership, team dynamic, and values alignment.

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Matt Poepsel is known as “The Godfather of Talent Optimization." Vice President of Partner Growth for The Predictive Index, Matt has a very interesting background in becoming a people leader in organizations, which led him to creating the framework of “talent optimization.” Today he joins the show to explain what talent optimization is and how to implement this strategy into your business.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/30Q373z

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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 best serve their organization best.

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We speak on the subject of talent optimization within organizations quite often on this podcast, and this is something we often help other organizations implement, as well. The use of proper talent optimization within a company can make a huge difference in its success. So, in this episode, we will be speaking with April Moldenhauer, Human Resources Director at Amwood Homes, about her experience implementing this into her organization using Elevated Talent Consulting.

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

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To grow a business, there’s no way around delegation. If you hold all of the responsibility in your own hands, you can’t scale at a desired rate. In order to grow your business and see the success you are working towards, you need to help your employees play on their strengths and take some responsibility. No one knows this topic better than Mike Zani, CEO at The Predictive Index. Today he joins the show to help us discuss the idea of self-managing teams and how to implement this strategy into your business.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Cjdu17

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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

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What's really important about gratitude? It's sharing very specifically what it is that another has done that you you're grateful for. Here's a couple of statistics, 93% of employees who reported feeling valued so that they are motivated to do their best work.

Feeling valued comes from that gratitude from others. 88% of employees who reported feeling valued said that they are engaging in their work, and 81% of employees stated that they would be motivated to work harder if their boss expressed gratitude.

Also think of the reverse, our boss is grateful for us, but 74% of us never expressed our gratitude to our boss. Remember, like we, these are all human relationships, and they are reciprocal.

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When we talk about the story of how we got to where we are right now, so many was by accident but we found that thing that we liked, and we kept going.

When we can get folks excited about what they love to do and have that heart, that passion for it, because what we know is that when we're passionate about something, and we understand the why behind it, we're much more likely to do it and do it well over time.

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What we're specifically digging into within this specific conference is, how do we hire in a way that allows us to bring in the best quality candidates? And how do we ensure that we keep them over the long term.

Understand the Job Role: Every job has a need. Yet, not every leader in the organization is on the same page for what the job is and what winning looks like in that job. When we understand what it takes to win and how we need this person to show up in the job, on the team and in the organization, we can attract the right person to the role.

Hiring the Whole Person: Have you ever hired someone and 30, 60, 90 days later you are wondering what happened to the person in the interview? We can increase the predictability of success by 58% when we match a person’s natural behaviors and cognitive abilities to the role. In today’s market, we need to hire the whole person! When you understand what makes a person tick, how to motivate them, lead them and where they can contribute on a team, you will increase the number of great hires and productivity in the organization.

Offering a Career: Now that you know what makes your ideal candidate tick and the job you will offer. Give them something more, a career! We know that the average time in a position at an organization is under 5 years. Your competitors are offering jobs, you can offer them a talent pathway to a career. By understanding their natural behaviors and where they want to go, you can lay out a career pathway for them with the steps to get to where they want to go and where you can pipeline future hiring needs.

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When your stress levels are very low, the cortisol in your bloodstream is low. We actually perform really poorly and it means that we don't do very well with remembering things or problem solving or thinking creatively.   But if you don't have enough pressure, when it comes to a particular application in life, if there's not enough at stake, if we don't care enough about something, if we don't have enough skin in the game - there are plenty of other things that are going to grab our attention and our energy. And so without very much stress or pressure at all in an area we won't perform particularly well.   If you increase that cortisol and get this moderate amount of pressure, we perform beautifully right. We hit things out of the park. We step up and do things that we didn't even think that we could do. - Jolie Wills

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Andrew Wegner, Senior HR Generalist, defined talent pathway as everything that you use to initially source talent up, through bringing it on board and then cultivating that talent once you've brought the person on board. It's both procedural and personal, and it's essentially everything you do to attract and maximize the growth of the right people who you want to run your organization.

You have to be comprehensive, and you have to be constantly adapting your approach to build the right talent pipeline by offering the employees the right talent pathway.

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Consciousness serves as a mechanism for alignment, enabling us to establish harmony within ourselves, our connections, the workplace, and our alignment with our company's vision and mission. In this process of alignment, various tools play pivotal roles, among them are the guiding principles of values, truth, and honesty. By embracing and embodying these principles on both individual and organizational levels, we foster genuine, progressive cultures that ultimately lead to improved performance and a positive, meaningful influence.

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Fostering a fun atmosphere that aligns with desired business outcomes isn't achieved solely by exerting effort and labor. Instead, it stems from cultivating a culture and establishing frameworks that empower individuals to embrace their true selves and contribute authentically.

What are some of those key items that you've seen that really has an individual go from being a bad manager into stepping in their true authentic leadership?

It's kind of like for the analogy, it's a little bit like becoming a parent.

No matter how much you do to prepare for it. You're not prepared, and it's crushing difficult. However, it can be the most rewarding thing you've ever done.

and it's the same as true kind of becoming a leader of people in the professional world can be so rich and rewarding your role in large parties to help other people thrive

to see them, to create the conditions for success within your environment.

Your key takeaway to elevating your own management and leadership is, Are you creating a psychologically safe team where individuals feel that they can truly, authentically be themselves at work?”

2nd is Are you making clear and concise requests, and then 3 is alignment. Does everybody in the team understand what everyone else is doing, and why?

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We put a talent plan around the number one issue that really limits our growth, and where we spend most of our time. Talent planning works upstream to resolve and really take advantage of people related issues or opportunities before they impact your business, not afterwards. Talent planning really helps you be proactive, and not reactive.

Talent planning includes succession, it includes retention and includes hiring. It really addresses everything that you need to do on your team. And so when you get to a talent plan, it's like, you know exactly what order of hire you're going to make, who you're going to promote. What's the session plans you got to put in place. What is your development focus for each of your team members? So again, it lays out everything that you need to do over the next 3 years, and when a leader has that now they have confidence to execute that strategy because they got their people plan in place.

https://bit.ly/hrinnovatesTO136

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How can I design a really great people experience? It’s the mind shift that makes the difference. That people experience doesn't have to be anything, fancy, it can be as simple as listening to your people. But you have to influence yourself first. So, there's a real mindset shift that's required. Are you looking at your job, getting up and thinking like I've got this mountain of paperwork I have to do? Or are you getting up and thinking, to create the systems and processes for my people. How can I design a really great people experience? I'm really going to think about our people and how their lives are impacted by the work that we do. It's shifting from what do I have to do versus what do I want to do that's going to create an impact? Like, we believe every individual has a right and a choice to be fulfilled in their work. As leaders we have an obligation to create the container for that, so they can step into it if they want, and still need the business outcomes at the same time. https://hrinnovates.me/TO135

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How do we inspire people from different generations, especially Gen Z? Diversity in the work force is causing leaders to be challenged, one of which is generational diversity. Gen Z, they are unique, there are different things they are looking for to stay engaged, to stay motivated and perform at their best.

Encourage, equip and empower your people, that’s different that directive leadership, directive management – this is a big shift that is really important to this generation. They want to deeply understand the mission of where they’re working and to understand the impact of what the company is doing, matters to them – that's a Gen Z characteristic.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here:

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How do we inspire people to perform? And how do we also inspire ourselves as we align with the mission, vision and values of our organization, and really use that as a litmus test?

If we're going to inspire people to perform, we need to be on the same page as to what the expectations are. The next point that we really had around inspiring our people to perform with those is looking at, what are our goals and checking in to ensure that we stay aligned and creating that long-term plan for both the organization and the employee within the talent pathway plans.

Join me in this episode as we dig into the steps to elevate performance with coaching.

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Pre-boarding is what happens between when the offer is made and when the individual starts.

We want to ensure that the applicant journey into the employee journey is something that they imagined and hoped for...that's when Preboarding becomes impactful.

We want to connect during this Preboarding process, that the individual feels ‘belong’ and brought in as they feel part of the organization.

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An offer makes it impactful as we’re offering an individual an opportunity to make an impact and add value to you as an organization. You want to tie the offer back to what is important to them as an individual: their well-being and what is important to grow in their career.

Making an offer is fun: it is giving something to someone that they want and that also serves you. It’s a win-win. It is the beginning of a relationship when it is the supervisor who makes the offer.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO131

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We have been chatting so much about the hiring process, and how important it is to hire the right people for the role. We also have a great renegotiation taking place in regard to what people want when they come to work. Today I am once again joined by Dr. Mandolen Mull. Listen in as we talk about the great renegotiation and the impact that it has when it comes to hiring new folks into our organization. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO130

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Do you feel like your organization suffers when you or your staff are going through a season of life? Ensuring your organization is supported during these seasons of life is crucial for developing a culture that is built on trust. I am joined today by the fantastic Shari Simpson, who is host of HR Mixtape and one of the key leaders at paylocity. Listen in as we discuss the seasons of life and how this impacts HR. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO129

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Having a process and training our team on that process make it better for the applicant journey, employee journey, and you as the HR leader. If you have a system where the interviews are scheduled, and you can automate some of the follow up, do so. Yet, ensure you have the personal touch. If you meet them in person - make sure they get a personal follow-up call, email etc. Handwritten notes go a long way. Join me in today’s episode as we talk about conducting an interview and how a great process can ensure everyone’s goals are aligned. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO128

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Do you feel like your organization is suffering from turnover? The reason why may surprise you! Identifying great candidates is easier said than done, yet it is one of the keyways to ensure a great team. Join me in today's episode as we talk about what defines a great candidate and how a great hiring process can get the results we need. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO127

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What determines your success? Your preparation. Yet, this is oftentimes the most time consuming and is not seen. In bringing in the best people to fill your roles, that time spent before the interview will save time and money on the back end. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO126

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How do we serve from inside of our organization? From ensuring that our staff are in the right place in the right role to our leaders leading in the right way. Today I am joined once again by Matt Poepsel on the show. He is the author of a brand-new book called Expand the Circle. Listen in as we dig into the way that our teams are turning up our strengths, and more specifically, the importance of having the organizational culture truly align with individuals' values. you can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO125

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Good processes allow us to get things done, as long as they don’t take more time! In HR, there are two types of HR, in our opinion, Foundational HR and Transformational HR. A good audit and process allows us to have a strong foundation so that we can focus on the transformation of HR that ties to the people strategy. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO124

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Self-care. Yup, we all say we do it. Yet, as HR professionals and business leaders how often do you walk the talk when it comes to taking care of yourself? When HR professionals are dealing with the stress of everyday life it can be easy to overlook self-care and today, I want to address that. I am joined by special guest Nicole Greer on the show, and she is an expert in coaching and consulting as well as the Executive and Leadership Coach and Consultant of Vibrant. Listen in as we talk about building healthy habits for HR leaders and how communicating your experience can benefit the organization as a whole. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://hrinnovates.me/TO123

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Do you really understand what your employees need? When we have our finger on the pulse of what is really going on in our organization, we can meet the needs of our staff and address challenges head-on. In this solo episode, Traci shares how to diagnose what is happening in your organization and how to use that data to build trust with your employees.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3I4h4zH

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What does it mean to have a people strategy? And how does this strategy affect business results? Danielle Diel is a member of the Elevated Talent team, and she’s here to share how to design your organization around your people so you can meet organization goals and have fun at the same time.

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

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How often do you utilize LinkedIn to really build your network? Joe Apfelbaum joins the show today to talk about putting LinkedIn to use in the most effective ways. Highly experienced in business and networking, he is the author of High Energy Networking, and he joins us today to share how to level up your LinkedIn and turn those connections into something much greater.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3O7hJCl

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We all want to see our organizations grow and scale, and HR professionals have a unique opportunity to affect that growth by developing the people within their organizations. Barbara Rea is the COO at Arden Logistics Parks and Founder of Rea Advisory Group, and has built and scaled several businesses, both from within and through consulting as a third party. She joins the show today to share her thoughts on how organizations can ensure their people feel fulfilled in the work that they do while also ensuring that the business goals are met.

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

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How do we inspire our individuals to perform in our organizations? A key factor that plays into this is how we design our teams and how we ensure the culture we create is human-centered, trusting, and stimulating for our staff. To help us discuss this topic more in depth is Jonathan Reynolds, CEO of Titus Talent Strategies.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Q0NazN

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Does the design of your organization have an impact on how your leaders lead? Absolutely! How our organizations are designed has a tremendous amount of influence over the motivation of our teams, including our leaders. So, how can we ensure that there is clarity around our organization's values and motives? In this episode, I will be sharing how to create an organizational design that up-levels your people to where they are doing their best work all the time.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3wJ9DcZ

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For almost everyone, the last two years have been a long roller-coaster of emotions and stress. During this time, it has become more important than ever to take care of ourselves to ensure we’re navigating these transitions and changes with a clear and healthy mindset. So, how do we approach this within our businesses? Here to help us answer this question is Melissa Marsh, HR Consultant for LP Insurance Services.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3LCkA4u

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Every single person is created perfectly the way that they are. However, not every single person is created perfectly for every job or organization. That is why it is essential to ensure your staff are in the right roles where they will feel passionate about what they are doing and thrive every step of the way. To help us discuss this topic more in depth and share his knowledge about bringing passion and purpose into the workplace is Steve Browne.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3wwLg0O

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Do you make the time for self-care? If you’re a busy HR professional, chances are your self-care game could use some improvement. Julie Develin is a Global Talent Management Leader, HR Speaker and Professor, and Podcast Host, and in this episode she shares how to up your self-care as an HR professional so you can continue to take care of those around you.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3F1zjUM

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Everyone is susceptible to burnout. Our highly-engaged top-performing talent, the individuals sitting in our leadership positions and even ourselves. Regardless of how we want to show up for work, things happen and the list of tasks begins to pile up. So, how can we learn to give ourselves and our staff the breathing room needed to ensure we are all showing up as our best selves? In this episode, I will be sharing how to put the appropriate systems in place so that you are taking care of yourself every day.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/37Zispo

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The systems that we have in place within our organizations can lead to either the success of our team—or failure. Without having the right systems in place or following them correctly, we could end up hiring the wrong people for certain roles, creating an unhappy work environment or leading to staff feeling undervalued. Here to help us discuss this topic more in-depth and share more about how to inspire your team to perform is Damon Clark, Founder and Leader at Talent Optimizers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3vFd8iP

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The needs of our employees can vary greatly from person to person. However, if we take the time to consider every individual's needs, we will likely build a company culture filled with trust and the desire to do their best. So, how do we go about this? Today we are joined by Bruce Morton, Senior Risk Control Consultant at the Marsh McLennan Agency, who will be sharing his own employee journey, specifically how he inspires his employees to perform to the best of their ability.

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

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Oftentimes we don’t create opportunities to chat with employees within our organizations about what their perspectives are. However, if we give our employees the chance to share their thoughts and speak their minds, we create a space for them to grow as individuals and for our organizations to grow as a whole. So, in this episode, we will be speaking with Dave Workman from Amwood Homes about his experience leaving the company and then returning, including what encouraged those decisions along the way.

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

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We speak on the subject of talent optimization within organizations quite often on this podcast, and this is something we often help other organizations implement, as well. The use of proper talent optimization within a company can make a huge difference in its success. So, in this episode, we will be speaking with April Moldenhauer, Human Resources Director at Amwood Homes, about her experience implementing this into her organization using Elevated Talent Consulting.

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

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Why do people stay at their current job with their current employer? This is a question that has been asked so many times, especially over the last few years as we’ve seen the Great Resignation take place. So, in this episode, Traci digs into the data behind employee retention and engagement, as well as how leaders can inspire their team to perform.

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

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Recruiting is about so much more than filling a seat—it’s a unique sales process that aims to fit people with the right roles. Michael Yinger has been in talent acquisition for 20 years, providing support to organizations across a spectrum of industries, and is the COO and Co-Founder at Resume Sieve, an intuitive candidate evaluation platform that fast-tracks resume assessment. In this episode, Michael shares how to attract and retain great staff through the sales process of hiring.

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

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When we are bringing new members into our organizations, it's essential to ensure that they will align well with our culture and values. One way that an organization might go about this is by having their employees support the community in some way. This could be a blood drive, community work, or some other scenario. Here to help us dive into this topic and share how even the smallest organizations can make an impact is Sara Horein, business owner and American Red Cross volunteer.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/362JpY3

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There is plenty of data available to help companies answer key questions about their workforce and its needs. However, many businesses are not utilizing this approach for attracting and retaining staff. Instead, many businesses are searching externally for the answers that are available to them internally. So, in this episode, Rashad Nelms, Executive-in-Residence at Indiana University, will be joining the show to discuss how to use data to make an amazing impact within our organizations.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3sVT77P

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How do you make decisions? Do you base them on how you’re feeling, or do you base them on objective reasons? Knowing how we make decisions can help us understand how to best serve inside of our organizations, as well as how to manage that as leaders. So, in this episode, I'll be discussing how decision making impacts the culture of our organizations, including the way we attract and retain talent.

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

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Bobbie Sue Wolk is the first International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certified Coach in Alaska and has coached clients on every continent except Antarctica! Also a certified executive coach, business consultant, author, and entrepreneur, Bobbie Sue joins the show today to share her approach to working with executives to maximize their potential. Listen in as she dives into how she helps people, both personally and professionally, and provides them with the knowledge to create an excellent coaching culture.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3oSYp1e

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Coaching flows through every area of our lives, and it is such a needed skill for anyone in leadership positions. By creating a coaching culture, as well as ensuring there is a level of accountability with your staff (and leadership team!), you’re able to help your employees exceed their job responsibilities. Your staff will feel confident in what they are doing, and the executives will feel confident that their teams are going above and beyond for their company. So, here to help us dive further into this conversation surrounding the need for dynamic coaching in organizations is Connie Whitman, CEO of Changing the Sales Game.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/34WsR3i

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A coaching culture is all about creating a positive place for your team to be who they are whilst also elevating each other. As a former corporate executive turned corporate coach, Donna Star knows a thing or two about implementing a coaching culture into a business. Today she joins the show to discuss how you can ensure your employees are the best employees they can be by creating an environment where they can thrive as individuals and feel secure in speaking their minds or asking for help.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ohmFK4

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Creating a coaching culture within your organization can improve not only the way employees interact with each other, but also the way they communicate with customers. It can improve the way a business is run and transform the organization at its core simply by opening up the conversation on a daily basis. In this episode, I will be sharing how to start implementing a coaching culture into your organization, as well as how to ensure your employees (and coaches) feel comfortable and confident along the way.

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

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Mentorship programs are a wonderful way to set your team up for success and ensure everyone is on the same page within your organization. However, there are many ways that a mentorship program can be discriminatory or exclusive. So, how do we keep our programs inclusive and within the legal limits? Our guest today is Bob Gregg, co-chair of the Boardman & Clark Employment & Labor Law Practice Group, and in this episode, he will be sharing several pitfalls of mentorship programs from a legal perspective—and how to avoid them.

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

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When we have the right processes in place, our people should be able to thrive in their positions. If your staff—whether high level or not—are not exceeding in their positions, it's so important that we are able to diagnose that problem correctly. So, in this episode, I will be discussing high potential mentoring programs, specifically how we can implement these in our organizations and the benefit of having them in the first place to avoid "people issues" down the line.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Gu8NTM

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Have you ever started a job and thought to yourself how much easier it would have been if you had someone there showing you the ropes? Mentoring is an essential part of any successful business and is an exceptional way to retain quality staff. As the Director of Business & Workforce Development at CCI, Heather Dobson works with the leadership team on project tracking, building client relationships, and ensuring the team has the right mentors in place. In this episode, she will be joining the show to share how to start a mentorship program within your organization, as well as how to support those mentors.

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

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There are many times in our lives when we become uncertain of where we should be headed, or perhaps we require a gentle push in the right direction. The same goes for our staff within our organizations. Having someone there to guide them when they are unsure, or to teach them the right way, is essential to the growth and success of our businesses. So, in this episode, Traci will be sharing a deeper dive into the topic of mentorship, specifically explaining how having a mentoring program can elevate your organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3J5P0fg

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As we approach 2022, it is important to elevate ourselves, take some time to reflect, and celebrate all of the amazing things we did this year. This will allow us to finish the year off strong and will bring us momentum, intention, and focus into the New Year. In this episode, Laura Eigel, Founder of The Catch Group, will be sharing her best advice to ensure you start this year off in the best way possible, both in your organization and in your life.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3H7sUr3

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How are you and your team approaching debriefs and planning as we near the end of 2021? Debriefing (or reflection), as we have previously discussed, is an important tool to utilize when hoping to make positive changes within an organization. So, in this episode, Dr. Alicia Schatteman, Director at Center for Nonprofit and Associate Professor at Northern Illinois University, will be joining the show to share how you can tackle appropriate debriefing and planning to ensure your organization is set up for success in the new year.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3E0sWz3

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What type of reflection have you done over the last year? What project plans do you currently have in progress for the year ahead? Reflection gives us a chance to see where we can improve in our business—specifically what processes we need to put in place to ensure the success of our organization moving forward. So, in this episode, I am going to be sharing how to implement a “people strategy” in your organization so that your business (and your team) can reach its full potential.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/30iDBau

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Planning for the future may not always seem like the most exciting task, however, this is an essential step towards business (and personal) success. Through proper planning, you can ensure your business is on the right track to meet its goals and you are taking the necessary steps to make your dreams a reality. To help us discuss this topic today is Damon Clark, Talent Optimization Consultant for Talent Optimizers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3E9KGss

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Reflection is an essential part of any leadership role. It gives us an opportunity to pause and consider observations or experiences, reviewing the things we have learned and how far we have come. However, many leaders miss this important process. So, in this episode, I will be sharing the benefit of taking the time to reflect and how to implement this process into your business.

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

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Oftentimes, organizations forget to ensure their employees feel listened to and heard. This leads to disengaged staff who feel as if their voices don’t matter and that the work they do for the company is not appreciated. So how do we express our gratitude for our employees and make sure that we understand their wants and needs? Jen Zahari will be joining the show to answer this question and more as we continue our conversation on the topic of gratitude.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3p2Cioz

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There is so much involved in designing a culture within an organization where we show gratitude towards our staff day in and day out. One of the ways we can do that is through our policies and our benefit plans. Here to help us dive deep on the topic of gratitude is Rachel Leader, an employee benefits consultant at Johnson Financial Group. She works to demystify and simplify employee benefit plans so that employees and staff always feel valued, and she breaks down this topic for us today.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3HgKt8G

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We’re in a period of time where people are feeling more alone, possibly experiencing withdrawals from the lives and in-person connections they were once accustomed to. If we don’t take the time required to replenish our needs and the needs of our employees, how can our organization thrive and grow? In this episode, Quint Studer will be joining the show to share how you can create a culture of gratitude within your business, including how to give needed feedback and how to ensure employees of all levels feel valued.

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

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The practice of gratitude and appreciation has started to infiltrate workplaces—and rightly so! While it might feel awkward to express gratitude to your colleagues or employees, building a culture of gratitude can impact business outcomes and lead to deeper connections with each other and to the work we’re doing. So, in this episode, I will be sharing how to cultivate more gratitude within your organization so that your team feels engaged and recognized.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Bj5yuY

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Talent management is so important for the growth of your company, and when we’re talking about recruitment and retention, we need to think strategically and long term. So how can we create a more inclusive and diverse culture within our organization so that employees feel they are not only contributing, but also valued? To help us discuss this topic today is Toby Egbuna, Co-Founder and CEO of Chezie.

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

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Despite the many differences in execution and strategy, a lot of organizational problems can be traced back to a few of the same things. Fortunately, there’s a simple place where you can begin to help alleviate many of the major organizational problems at once: improving your leadership’s mental health. So, in this episode, we are going to be talking about how trauma and our leadership can impact our business. Here to help break down this topic is Amee Quiriconi, an author, leadership coach, and consultant.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2YEKTUJ

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Oftentimes, businesses are able to locate a problem, but are unsure of where to begin when it comes to solving it. Instead of attacking the issue head-on, they wait for the issue to worsen. However, through good management and appropriate solutions, it is possible to hold your team and leadership accountable so that these problems are handled and prevented. Here to break down this topic for us today is Farrah Rifelj, a partner and member of the Management Committee, as well as Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee at Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3FA8siz

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Brianna Goodwin is the President & CEO of Ver-Tex Construction, a specialty window treatment company that has been revolutionizing the industry since its inception more than 30 years ago. Throughout her career, Brianna has advocated for gender equality in the workplace, frequently being cited as an influential voice in the fight for women’s leadership across industries and her community. Today she joins the show to discuss how to identify what needs to be changed inside of your organization, while also diagnosing what’s going well and improving upon your team culture.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2XXJGHL

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Employee engagement is the extent to which employees feel passionate about their jobs, are committed to their organization, and are willing to go the extra mile within their positions. But how do we ensure individuals are engaged? In this episode, I will be diving into this topic, focusing on how engagement impacts performance and how to identify whether our teams are as engaged as possible.

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

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Farmers are in the business of management—they manage the growth and performance of living things. However, they do things fundamentally differently because they know that their crops will grow to their fullest potential as long as they provide an environment in which they can thrive. That is the model we need in business management. So, in this episode, Jason Lauritsen will be sharing how you can cultivate great relationships with your staff and then use those relationships to impact and motivate. It all comes down to the three keys to cultivating employees: (1) Giving people permission to care, (2) providing a structure for how to check in on your staff, not their performance, and (3) being crystal clear on expectations.

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

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Performance management should be about having regular, open and honest conversations. It is an opportunity to learn how someone is doing, assess how they might progress to the next level in the organization and figure out how to improve a specific skillset in order to meet goals. In other words, it doesn’t have to be negative. To help us discuss this topic and dive into how to keep performance management positive is Michele Haugh, Co-Founder of EarlyHR Solutions.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3BQb6xX

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Leaders who struggle to hold their employees accountable and improve performance in their organization are generally too harsh, too lenient, or too disconnected. So how do we ensure our leaders are not only holding their staff accountable, but also themselves in this constantly changing, distraction-filled world? To help us answer this question today is Cheryl Johnson, Chief Human Resources Officer for Paylocity.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3ye1xqn

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Leaders within our organizations have the responsibility to hold their employees accountable for their own success. However, it is still up to the employees to decide whether they want to be successful or not. So, how do we motivate our employees to do outstanding work and meet their goals every time? In this episode, I am going to be sharing how to provide your staff with high-level support so that they feel prepared and ready to achieve any task set out for them.

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

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For organizations wanting to become more productive or successful, culture change is often the most challenging part of the transformation. A leader with authority can demand compliance, but they can’t dictate optimism, trust, or creativity—this must be earned. So how do we create great company culture within our organizations? Here to help us unpack this topic is Shelley Taylor, Executive Director of Consortium for Educational Change and a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT).

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

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We know that leadership is a process in which an individual influences the behavior and attitudes of other people. Unfortunately, not all influence is positive. So, is there a way to ensure the leaders within our organization are setting up our employees with the right tools to succeed? In this episode, Kelly Renz, CEO of inVantage, joins the show to discuss the art and science behind running a business and how to build accountability to achieve results.

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

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To grow a business, there’s no way around delegation. If you hold all of the responsibility in your own hands, you can’t scale at a desired rate. In order to grow your business and see the success you are working towards, you need to help your employees play on their strengths and take some responsibility. No one knows this topic better than Mike Zani, CEO at The Predictive Index. Today he joins the show to help us discuss the idea of self-managing teams and how to implement this strategy into your business.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3Cjdu17

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What is a self-managing team? Where are they effective? And where are they not? These are all questions I’ll be exploring in this episode because, to be frank, self-managing teams are phenomenal in the right organization or team—but they don’t work for everyone. However, if you want team leaders to be able to focus on the ‘why’ and specific results, this may be a great route to take.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2VJ5FBn

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What does talent development truly mean for the managers inside of our organizations? And who has the power to change the direction and success of our business? Here to help us answer these questions is Dr. Mandolen Mull, an Organizational Development and Leadership scholar currently working at Rockford University. In this episode, she will be sharing how you can train individuals to become great leaders in day-to-day life. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2Ufjp66

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Have you ever looked around your own organization and wondered why some teams work so well together while others seem to struggle with every step? Poor team performance is almost always due to a lack of honest communication, commitment, reliability, or respect. So, in this episode, Tina Hallis joins the show to discuss how to successfully build a dream team by creating trust within your organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2UOo3Iw

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When we create self-managing teams, there are generally three key points to consider: purpose, process, and people. But how do we implement this into our organization to ensure the success of our team? Our guest today will be helping to break down the answer to this question and more. Assad Mirza, president of Infinity Operational Excellence, is a business transformation expert, and he will be giving us his tips for creating a productive, self-managing team.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/36q18FR

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What defines a dream team and what are the steps to creating one within your organization? Our guest for this episode is Jeanine Woyner, the Vice President of Human Resources for Blackhawk Bank. Today she is joining the show to discuss her journey in using Predictive Index, specifically how she has gone through some of the trials and tribulations of creating several really strong dream teams inside of the bank.

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

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Building a dream team of engaged and hardworking employees who can propel a business forward requires organizations to create a welcoming culture that fosters trust and cooperation. So, today we are going to be talking about what it looks like to create that dream team within your organization, what the benefits are for the employees to be on a dream team and how organizations will profit from this, as well.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3x3w5vl

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Employees usually feel more engaged when they believe that their employer is concerned about their growth and provides avenues to reach individual career goals while remaining true to the company’s goals. The most traditional method to implement this is by creating clear talent pathways within your organization. To help us discuss the best way to do this is Rebecca Gibson, Lead Recruiter with Option Care Health. Listen in to learn the best time to look for a job, how to create amazing culture, and the importance of networking.

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

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As we look at our organizations from the executive level, it’s important to evaluate whether people are in the right seat or the right role. Specifically, it is important to be looking at your talent and whether they are in the right position for where the company is going to go. To help us break down this topic today is Amy Stalker, Sr. Director of People Operations for GPN. In this episode, she will be sharing her thoughts on how to efficiently and appropriately move talent throughout your organization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2RH3ix6

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Have you ever been left wondering about your path through an organization? Hopefully, this episode will make certain your employees never feel that way. Today we are speaking with Derrick Carter, Hendricks CareerTek Director, about how you can create meaningful talent pathways within your organization and ensure your staff actually recognize that they exist.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/34MHK4V

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How can you climb the ladder within your organization, and what exactly does it take to work your way into the dream position that you want? So often our team members are left wondering which direction they are heading within our business, and this generally comes down to a lack of communication. In this episode, I will be sharing how to create a talent strategy so that your employees have a pathway to follow on their journey to success.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/34j2QHS

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Great communication gets the message out and connects the dots for your employees. Leaders have to be great communicators to inspire and motivate those they lead to ensure the best results possible. To help us dive into this topic further is Matthew Kovnesky, Employee Health and Benefits Consultant for Marsh & McLennan. In this episode, he will explain the importance of understanding how your employees want to be communicated to and how to ensure your employees feel heard.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3v1nTdG

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It’s so important to have good management so in this episode we’ll be talking about our managers and how they lead by being authentic. Christy Metcalf has been a leader in training and development for various organizations for over 20 years. She has recently been working one-on-one with business owners on how to lead their teams and grow them to profitability.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/33V0wXy

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The most important part of any type of relationship, but especially work relationships, is the ability to communicate. Amy Stalker is an HR professional and head of Total Rewards who has incredible insight into the best strategies for successful communication and relationship building between all levels of an organization.

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

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Most of us can agree that poor communication or a lack of teamwork among team members is the main cause of many workplace failures. If your team is unaligned with the brand strategy and unable to communicate what the goal of the organization is, that will add more confusion and inadequacy in the company. So, how can you effectively communicate with your team so that everyone is on board and you can achieve your desired results? In this episode, I will be sharing my tips for leading your team to success.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2QCqNab

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If you want your team to perform well and consistently reach their goals, you must have a manager who excels at leading. Today we are talking with an expert on the topic of great leadership, Erich Kurschat, owner of Harmony Insights LLC. In this episode, Erich shares his advice on how to strengthen professional and personal relationships so we can not only better serve our team, but also better serve ourselves.

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

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Have you ever had a leader in your organization who was doing such an amazing job at inspiring your team members that you wished you could clone them? That is exactly what we will be talking about today with our special guest Joy Duce, a business executive with 20 years of experience helping organizations enable their strategic business objectives through talent management. In this episode, Joy will be sharing what truly defines great leadership and why it is what you do behind closed doors that really counts.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2RPQvrR

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Today I want to inspire you to be creative about how you lead your team, including those new members of your leadership team. It can become overwhelming when you are trying to check off every single box by yourself, but what you may not realize is that things will run much smoother if you work with your team. So in this episode, I will be discussing how to pay attention to the specific needs of your team while remaining authentic to yourself.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3mIL4Gz

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Mark Vincent is the founder of Design Group International, which includes a growing community of consultants who serve a variety of organizations to help leaders elevate to their highest possible level. He is also the founder of the Society of Process Consulting, offering education, credentialing, and a framework of professional ethics for process consultants. In this episode, we discuss the importance of leadership development to the growth of organizations, as well as why personal and professional development is key not only for business growth, but also for talent retention.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2R01gHy

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Orientation is a big topic for new hires and managers alike because a good orientation process really does set new hires up for success. Tess Heissner is a Human Resources Generalist at Baker Manufacturing based out of Wisconsin, and she joins me today to talk about the importance of a good orientation process. Listen in as Tess discusses some of the challenges of orientation and some of the key things that she has done at Baker to make sure that new hires have an amazing experience.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3co06Op

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We know that onboarding is an important step during the hiring process—and something that requires a lot of planning and strategy. So how do we onboard individuals based on the size of the organization, the type of the organization, and the type of position that we are looking to fill? Here to answer this question and help us discuss this topic in depth is Nicole Markos, an organizational change agent with 20 years of repeated success building and developing training solutions for corporate performance optimization.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2PjAhG0

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Many of us have experienced the thrill of being part of an amazing team, but unfortunately, we have also likely experienced a less-than-positive onboarding process. To help us continue our conversation about onboarding today is Kristen Robertson from The Predictive Index. In this episode, we discuss what pre-boarding is and how to set your new hire up for success before their first day of work.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/30PBmYK

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Today we are going to continue our conversation about onboarding and orientation, this time with the help of Nicole Smithback, a Certified Patient Experience Professional and healthcare administrator with a passion for the patient experience. In this episode, we will be discussing how to create a shift in your employees’ perspectives so they are motivated to provide better work for their organization, as well as how to ensure your organization’s values are recognized and accepted by your employees.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/3bWMcT6

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Onboarding really is that magic moment when an employee decides to become engaged—or remain disengaged—inside of an organization. If your organization is spending the time and the resources to hire an individual, you probably have a very specific need and a clear idea of what that is. Unfortunately, we often forget to create a great first connection during the intake process. So today’s episode is all about how to onboard your new hires in a way that ensures their success before they even set foot in the door.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/30SJIim

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When considering taking on a new hire, finding the right fit for your organization can be scary and time-consuming. So today Becca Peterson, Sales Executive for QPS Employment Group, joins the show to discuss the right way to go about searching for new talent and how to utilize your network so that you know you are bringing in people who will fit in with your team.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3t21I64

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The way you hire has a big impact on your organization's results. Effective recruitment will enhance your company’s reputation (and culture), and it will ensure that the very best talent is identified, engaged, and brought into the business. Here to help us discuss this topic is Candy Underwood, HR Leader for QPS Employment Group. In this episode, she will explain the importance of truly knowing what your organization needs to make the right hire.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3v3uHbj

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Today we will be diving deep into the topic of hiring for your organization with the best in the business, Ryan Festerling. Ryan is the President at QPS Employment Group, where he blends vision and strategy with a passion for creating high performing teams and strives to leave businesses better off than he found them. In this episode, we will be discussing the most important aspects to look at when optimizing talent and what truly defines your company culture.

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

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Hiring is one of the most important pieces of your organization's success. By hiring the right person, your business will move in a positive direction and you will pave the way for future growth. So how do we optimize the talent in our organization at the very beginning? Today we will be discussing how to hire successfully, as well as how to prepare internally for success in this area.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3qu2czU

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A lot goes into hiring the right person for your organization, and in order to build a great and inclusive culture, you must ensure every individual meets your company’s needs. Jeff Dollar is the co-founder and Head of Technical & Executive Search for Blue Lake Consulting. Jeff has integrated Predictive Index into his hiring and executive search over his 13 years in that specific area, and in this episode, he will be sharing how he implemented this framework so successfully.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3bTTi9M

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Is it possible to intentionally create a great culture inside of our organizations? Within our Talent Optimization framework, we are very specifically looking at how we connect our business strategy to our business results, but it is not always so simple. Here to help us bring clarity to this topic is Micahel Noack, co-founder of Blue Lake Consulting. In this episode, he will be sharing how to get your team to open up, how to be more inclusive within your company, and more.

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

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Matt Poepsel is known as “The Godfather of Talent Optimization." Vice President of Partner Growth for The Predictive Index, Matt has a very interesting background in becoming a people leader in organizations, which led him to creating the framework of “talent optimization.” Today he joins the show to explain what talent optimization is and how to implement this strategy into your business.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/30Q373z

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Welcome to Talent Optimization, the go-to podcast for CEOs and HR Professionals wanting to bridge the gap between the strategy and tactical implementation of talent optimization within their organizations. Each week, your host, Traci Scherck, will bring you interviews and share personal experience to guide you from both a CEO and HR perspective to truly create The Dream Team for your organization. In this opening episode, Traci shares what she calls the ‘easy button’ for connecting your business strategies to your business results inside of your organization.

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