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Mastering Tough Conversations in the Trades with Traci Austin
Navigating difficult conversations in the workplace—especially in high-stakes, high-pressure environments like the trades and construction industries—can be a challenge. In this episode of Biz Blend, host Sana sits down with Traci Austin, an HR and leadership expert specializing in skilled trades.
Traci shares practical strategies for handling tough talks, balancing authority with approachability, and turning conflict into collaboration. She also explains why many field leaders struggle with communication and how to shift from avoidance or aggression to effective leadership.
If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating to address workplace issues, worried about being too “soft” or too “harsh,” this conversation will equip you with the mindset and tools to lead with confidence.
About the Guest:
Traci Austin is the Founder and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, where she helps construction and trades businesses build high-performing teams and future-ready leaders. With over 20 years of HR and leadership experience, Traci specializes in people development, communication strategies, and accountability frameworks tailored for the skilled trades industry.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Why Tough Conversations Feel Difficult – Understanding why trades professionals often struggle with direct communication.
✅ The Shift from Worker to Leader – How to move from “getting the job done” to leading effectively.
✅ Balancing Authority and Empathy – Why being too “nice” isn’t the problem—it’s unclear expectations.
✅ The Power of Curiosity Over Complaints – Turning workplace frustrations into productive solutions.
✅ The Accountability Dial – A step-by-step method for delivering feedback without creating resentment.
✅ Open-Door Policy vs. Hierarchy – How leaders can encourage feedback while maintaining clear decision-making structures.
How to Connect with Traci Austin:
Website: Elevated Talent Consulting
🎙 Podcast: The People Strategy Podcast
📩 LinkedIn: Traci Austin
📚 Leadership Training: Learn more about Traci’s leadership development programs for the trades on her website.
Want to Be a Guest on Biz Blend? 📩 DM Me on PodMatch: Click Here
📩 Subscribe to the Newsletter: Join Here
📩 Join the Community: Connect Here
🎥 Stay Tuned & Follow Us:
🔹 YouTube - @healthymind-healthylife
🔹 Instagram - @podhealth.club
🔹 Threads - @podhealth.club
🔹 Facebook - Podcast Healthy Mind
🔹 LinkedIn - Avik Chakraborty
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Your support helps us bring valuable leadership insights to business owners and entrepreneurs worldwide.
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By Sana and Avik Chakraborty - by Healthy Mind by Avik ™. All rights reserved.Navigating difficult conversations in the workplace—especially in high-stakes, high-pressure environments like the trades and construction industries—can be a challenge. In this episode of Biz Blend, host Sana sits down with Traci Austin, an HR and leadership expert specializing in skilled trades.
Traci shares practical strategies for handling tough talks, balancing authority with approachability, and turning conflict into collaboration. She also explains why many field leaders struggle with communication and how to shift from avoidance or aggression to effective leadership.
If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating to address workplace issues, worried about being too “soft” or too “harsh,” this conversation will equip you with the mindset and tools to lead with confidence.
About the Guest:
Traci Austin is the Founder and Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, where she helps construction and trades businesses build high-performing teams and future-ready leaders. With over 20 years of HR and leadership experience, Traci specializes in people development, communication strategies, and accountability frameworks tailored for the skilled trades industry.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Why Tough Conversations Feel Difficult – Understanding why trades professionals often struggle with direct communication.
✅ The Shift from Worker to Leader – How to move from “getting the job done” to leading effectively.
✅ Balancing Authority and Empathy – Why being too “nice” isn’t the problem—it’s unclear expectations.
✅ The Power of Curiosity Over Complaints – Turning workplace frustrations into productive solutions.
✅ The Accountability Dial – A step-by-step method for delivering feedback without creating resentment.
✅ Open-Door Policy vs. Hierarchy – How leaders can encourage feedback while maintaining clear decision-making structures.
How to Connect with Traci Austin:
Website: Elevated Talent Consulting
🎙 Podcast: The People Strategy Podcast
📩 LinkedIn: Traci Austin
📚 Leadership Training: Learn more about Traci’s leadership development programs for the trades on her website.
Want to Be a Guest on Biz Blend? 📩 DM Me on PodMatch: Click Here
📩 Subscribe to the Newsletter: Join Here
📩 Join the Community: Connect Here
🎥 Stay Tuned & Follow Us:
🔹 YouTube - @healthymind-healthylife
🔹 Instagram - @podhealth.club
🔹 Threads - @podhealth.club
🔹 Facebook - Podcast Healthy Mind
🔹 LinkedIn - Avik Chakraborty
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Your support helps us bring valuable leadership insights to business owners and entrepreneurs worldwide.