Forget ping-pong tables and pay raises—this is what actual retention looks like.

In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin sits down with Ray Cox, Co-founder and Senior VP of Marketing at Highfill Infrastructure Engineering, for a powerful conversation on what it means to build a people-first company in a technical world.

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

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

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

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

If you’re constantly hiring but still coming up short, the issue might not be the labour market. It might be something deeper—a generational disconnect that’s quietly eroding trust, productivity, and retention.

In today’s trades workplaces, it’s common to see four generations working side by side. You’ve got veteran employees who’ve built the company’s foundation and younger workers who bring new skills and expectations to the table. When leaders don’t know how to bridge those differences, communication suffers, accountability slips, and your best people start walking out the door.

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

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

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

Most new hires don’t fail because they’re unskilled. They fail because they’re unsure—and no one showed them how to build confidence on the job.

In the trades, technical ability is just the starting line. What determines long-term success is how leaders coach employees through the messy, uncertain moments of “firsts.”

In this recast episode, Traci Austin reveals the four coaching styles she sees most often—and how each one shapes a new hire’s experience. From setting clear expectations to coaching through first-time failures, this episode offers a blueprint for leaders who want to grow confident, capable teams that stay.

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

New hires in the trades don’t just need a paycheck—they need a reason to stay.

First impressions matter, and a lack of communication between the offer letter and day one can send the wrong message. Without an intentional preboarding and onboarding process, you risk high turnover, wasted training, and disengaged workers who walk off the job before they ever really start.

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

Ignoring mental health in the trades isn't just costly—it’s dangerous.

Stress, burnout, and unspoken struggles impact retention, decision-making, and job-site safety. Yet, mental health remains an overlooked part of workplace safety programs.

In this episode, Bruce Morton, a 20-year safety expert and founder of the Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community, shares how companies in the trades can make mental health a core part of their safety strategy—without overcomplicating it.

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

Hiring is hard. Losing good people is even harder.

So how do you keep top tradespeople engaged, growing, and loyal to your company? The answer isn’t just better pay—it’s mentorship.

In this recast episode, Traci Austin breaks down how mentorship in the trades isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but a critical retention strategy. From on-the-job coaching to apprenticeship programs, she shares how to build a mentorship culture that develops leaders from within, closes skill gaps, and keeps employees from walking out the door.

If you’re struggling with turnover or looking to strengthen your leadership pipeline, this episode is a must-listen.

Most companies hire fast and regret it later. Mid-States Concrete changed their approach—and their team has never been stronger.

In this episode, Sam Kloppmann, HR leader at Mid-States Concrete Industries, shares how his team cut turnover, strengthened culture, and built a hiring process that actually works.

Instead of filling roles just to keep up, Mid-States dug into the data, slowed down hiring, and started hiring for long-term success. The result? A stronger workforce, better retention, and a leadership pipeline that’s built to last.

If you’re stuck in a cycle of hiring and losing workers—or just want a proven strategy to attract and keep the right people—this episode is for you.

Marliz Briano, Operations Manager at Cydcor, began her journey with the company six years ago as part of the compliance team. In this role, she oversaw agent onboarding and ensured ongoing regulatory compliance for representatives. As her responsibilities expanded, she transitioned into a leadership role, merging compliance with the service desk team to create a unified department focused on both compliance and operational support.

Marliz Briano, Operations Manager at Cydcor, shares how curiosity shaped her leadership journey. She opens up about the challenges of shifting from a hands-on doer to a leader who empowers others—and why that transition is harder than most people expect. We also dive into the power of hiring for culture fit, how a strong team environment fuels growth, and what it really means to live out a company’s vision instead of just talking about it.

Great leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being open to learning, adapting, and growing alongside your team. If you’ve ever struggled with stepping back, trusting your people, or figuring out how to create a culture where curiosity thrives, this episode is for you.

The People Strategy Podcast is proudly sponsored by the Leadership Development Program from Elevated Talent Consulting.

Are you supporting leaders who are new to people management? Transitioning into a leadership role requires more than just technical expertise—it’s about mastering time management, delegation, coaching, accountability, and change management.

This program empowers emerging leaders to develop their own leadership style while gaining the skills needed to lead with confidence. Partner with us to build stronger, more effective leaders.

Learn more and sign up today!

Vera Quinn is the CEO and President of Cydcor, a global provider of outsourced sales. In her role, she’s grown revenue by more than 35% and led the company’s retail and omnichannel expansion. Vera began her career in door-to-door sales and joined Cydcor over 25 years ago, serving in various roles, including Senior Vice President, Director of Operations, and COO. 

When growing leaders, organizations must foster an environment where individuals can reach their utmost potential. Leadership programs often focus on technical skills rather than the personal growth necessary to inspire and guide others. How can organizations create a culture that fosters leadership from within?

Authentic leader Vera Quinn says that leadership is an internal endeavor that begins with self-awareness and authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of developing personal strengths before leading others, identifying talent within the organization, and implementing structured development plans. Vera believes that organizations thrive when they cultivate a culture of belief and support, helping employees step into leadership roles with confidence. By aligning leadership development with core values and continuous improvement, businesses can create lasting results.

In the latest episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin invites Vera Quinn, the CEO and President of Cydcor, to talk about authentic leadership development. Vera shares team reflection exercises to learn from failure, how to become passionate about your role, and how to grow employees through focused people strategies.

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!

Hannah McKitrick is the Founder and CEO of My Intuitive Health, which helps corporate leaders transform employee wellness through luxury culinary wellness retreats and mind-body cooking programs. She is also a Chapter President at The Dames, LLC, which empowers women managing six- and seven-figure businesses to scale through events and membership communities. As a board-certified holistic nutritionist, Hannah uses food, connection, and embodiment to inspire vibrancy, fulfillment, and alignment among organizations and teams. 

Workplace fulfillment is often overlooked in favor of productivity metrics, leading to disengagement and burnout. Leaders who prioritize efficiency over employee well-being may find their teams lacking motivation and creativity. How can leaders integrate joy into the workplace to promote engagement and fulfillment?

According to leadership and wellness expert Hannah McKitrick, creating a fulfilling work environment begins with personal joy. Leaders who intentionally incorporate activities that bring them happiness — such as mindful breaks, meaningful conversations, or creative outlets — set a positive example for their teams. Hannah recommends starting each day with a reflection on small actions that can uplift personal energy, emphasizing that joy is contagious and can transform workplace culture. Encouraging team-building activities, such as culinary wellness retreats or virtual cooking experiences, can foster connection and inspiration within teams, driving both professional and personal growth.

In episode 200 of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin welcomes Hannah McKitrick, the Founder and CEO of My Intuitive Health, to discuss how leaders can infuse joy into their daily routines and organizational culture. Hannah talks about her upcoming culinary leadership retreat with Traci, how to combine personal and professional fulfillment, and her key leadership strengths.

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.