Episodes

  • 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…

    Studies show that 80% of the workforce is not engaged, with 71% of people dissatisfied with their development opportunities. While alarming, these statistics demonstrate the need for employee engagement to increase retention. How can organizations ensure their workforce remains motivated, productive, and aligned with the company's goals?

    With highly engaged workforces, organizations experience 21% profit increases. IT leadership developer Adam Gruszcysnki has identified five key drivers of employee engagement: role alignment, team cohesion, customized leadership, and culture development. During the interview process, leaders must ensure candidates can execute a position’s core roles and responsibilities, allowing them to grow and develop within the organization. Individual contributions drive team performance, so encouraging your team to collaborate and demonstrating recognition and appreciation for their work promotes increased engagement. Team members have diverse learning styles, so Adam emphasizes tailoring your leadership to individual needs. Additionally, aligning team members and organizational missions, visions, and values allows employees and companies to thrive.

    In the latest episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin continues her discussion with Adam Gruszcynski, the IT Director at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, about promoting employee engagement. Adam shares career development strategies for employee growth, the value of identifying team members’ personal and professional aspirations, and how to show appreciation to team members.

    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!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Dr. Paul White is a psychologist, speaker, consultant, and coauthor 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.