TRAITS podcast: Building Higher Performing Organizations (TRAITS)

In this TRAITS podcast episode Mark interviewed Jamie Irvin, a successful business consultant in the heavy-duty trucking industry and a skilled podcaster. They discussed a wide range of topics including business restructuring, the impact of personality on professional roles, and the importance of strategic employee placement. Additionally, they delved into the costs associated with hiring and rehiring employees, emphasizing the importance of making informed personnel decisions to foster a thriving business environment. Show Notes -0:00 Interview introduction -4:33 Can we change an employee's behaviour? -6:48 Can we measure the complexity of a job role or potential hire? -11:17 Finding the right role for good people -14:31 The invisible costs of poor retention -16:34 How can we get better at hiring the right people? -17:25 What is the role of someone who communicates well for both leaders and entry level employees -22:05 Difficulties with restructuring in a company: An organization design chart -25:45 Every individual has strengths AND weaknesses… focus on their strengths -28:25 Once someone is in the right role, train and increase their strengths -31:15 Post interview comments Resources & Links heavydutyconsulting.com heavydutypartsreport.com Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this first TRAITS podcast episode, Mark shares insights from his experiences and psychology background, emphasizing the importance of aligning job roles with individual personalities and intrinsic desires. He explains that the podcast will help organizations understand intrinsic motivations to enhance job satisfaction and performance.

Join Mark in a conversation with Mike Moreau, President of Concord Consulting, as they discuss TRAITS, a psychometric assessment tool designed for the workplace. Mike explains how TRAITS goes beyond categorization, focusing on measuring behaviour on a scale to understand individuals better and unlock the employee potential. Discover how TRAITS can help you match personality traits with job requirements for optimal performance and organizational success. Listen now to unlock the full potential of your team! Show Notes: -0:00 Episode introduction -00:15 What is TRAITS? -1:00 Understanding intensity of personality characteristics -1:56 Moving beyond categorization -2:38 Benefits of measuring behaviours on a scale -5:10 Applying TRAITS in the workplace -7:54 Clarifying misconceptions -13:25 7 TRAITS that drive work behaviour -14:39 Customizing Job Roles -16:56 Avoiding Simplification -20:00 Post interview comments Resources & Links linkedin.com/in/mikejmoreau/ traits.com/how-it-works/ Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this week’s episode Mark chats with Jennifer Testawich, a visionary HR director who is redefining the role of human resources in modern workplaces. From mentoring leaders to navigating the complexities of workplace diversity, Jennifer provides invaluable insights into transforming HR from a mere administrative function to a pivotal element of strategic organizational success. Tune in to learn how effective HR practices can lead to real change and why every company needs a proactive HR leader at the table. Show Notes 0:00 - Interview introduction 1:40 - What is “Women building futures?” 5:20 - Effective HR is about growing leadership in a company 10:10 - How can leaders take more off their plate to better focus on their own roles? 12:24 - There is a place for paper pushing… but HR directors CAN’T be paper pushers 14:55 - How can culture be influenced by HR? 16:45 - Promoting out of success 19:30 - Difficult conversations about money and promotions 22:20 - How to find the right person for a needed role? 24:00 - The importance of creating a perfect job model 25:45 - Getting internal hires right 27:43 - Hiring the perfect FUTURE leader…. Secret sauce to do this well 30:10 - A story of someone who became poison in an organization 34:05 - Jenn commits to talk performance appraisals in a future interview! Resources & Links Learn how you can contribute Women Building Futures by visiting: womenbuildingfutures.ca womenbuildingfutures.ca/about/ways-to-support Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode of the TRAITS podcast, Mark interviews Ralph Kison, a consultant and executive coach, to explore the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's hardwiring in achieving personal and organizational success. Ralph shares his insights on how psychometric tools like TRAITS can help diagnose and develop individuals' strengths, leading to more effective team placements and better overall performance. They discuss practical strategies for increasing self-awareness, recognizing blind spots, and aligning personal traits with job roles to create thriving work environments. Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro to episode 1:32 - Who is Ralph Kison? “I help make people better” 3:10 - Leaders need to know who they are 4:17 - The value of objective tools 11:04 - The gap between our hard wiring and what we find ourselves doing in work 14:05 - The plant analogy 18:43 - Self-awareness = An ability to better understand what is screaming at others around us 23:00 - What are the benefits to our company? 26:26 - What can change un unhealthy culture: A teaser 29:50 - The value of objective assessment for optimal organizational performance Resources & Links Discover The 5 Hiring Mistakes That Are Crippling Your Company Download The Guide Now! Guest Links kison.com growththroughlearning.com linkedin.com/in/ralphkison/ Please reference the TRAITS podcast and Ralph will respond to your inquiry Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode, Mark chats with Joel Cawthorn, Board Director and Former President of Startec Group. Joel shares his experience in managing rapid growth, expanding the company from 100 to 250 employees. He delves into the critical aspects of aligning strategy with culture, overcoming the challenges of scaling systems and processes, and ensuring the right managers are in place. The discussion also highlights the role of the TRAITS tool in identifying and developing leaders, maintaining cultural fit, and effectively managing organizational changes. Show Notes 0:00 - Intro to episode 1:41 - Introduction to Joel and Startec 3:57 - Challenges of growth in the HR department 5:16 - How were hiring problems solved in a high growth environment? 7:02 - How culture is essential to sustainable growth 7:56 - What is an everyday Maverick? 10:50 - What to do about turnover during high growth 11:40 - How to identify people who aren’t a fit 13:00 - What is the place for psychometric assessments in high growth companies? 17:03 - An example of someone who wasn’t a fit and left happy! 19:25 - The role of a great manager in successful growth 20:52 - What are the personality TRAITS that are essential for managers? 24:40 - Advice for other companies going through faster growth 26:45 - The value of strategic planning to prepare for fast growth 30:20 - Some help for companies looking for more help Resources & Links Learn More About Tools to Support Rapid Growth TRAITS: https://www.concordconsulting.com/tools/ Strategic Planning for your organization: https://www.concordconsulting.com/consulting/ From our Library https://traits.com/how-do-i-find-the-right-balance-in-managing-others/ Guest Links Website: startec.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startec-refrigeration-compression-&-process-solutions/ Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

Join us for an insightful discussion that addresses common objections to using psychometric assessments in business. Discover how the TRAITS tool developed by Concord Consulting helps individuals and businesses thrive by placing people in roles that match their natural strengths and tendencies. Mike shares his experiences and insights on overcoming skepticism and demonstrating the importance of understanding individual traits to reduce stress and enhance productivity in various organizational contexts. Show Notes 0:00 Introduction to Mike and TRAITS. 3:50 Objection #1: I don’t need generalizations… I need specific help for my business and the people who work here. 9:55 Objection #2: These tools are too simplistic… Can this really tell me anything?  16:14 Objection #3: Isn’t this simply putting people in boxes? 20:45 What type of company does an objective assessment fit best? Resources & Links Traits.com concordconsulting.com info@traits.com mike@traits.com markf@concordconsulting.com Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode, Mark interviews Sean Lavin, president of Aircom Instrumentation, about the power of psychometric assessments in creating effective, engaged, and successful teams. Discover how knowing a hire’s personality can greatly help accelerating success and improve communication within your business. Tune in to learn how understanding and aligning people's traits can transform your company and community. Show Notes - Accelerating Success 1:25 - Introduction to Sean Lavin, president of Aircom Instrumentation 3:00 - Is it valuable to know ourselves better as managers and leaders? 6:15 - Failure leads to insight in business 9:15 - How can better hiring affect turnover? 10:38 - How can leaving people alone in an ideal role affect turnover? 14:15 - A great story that shows how someone who isn’t a fit can become a fantastic fit in a business 18:05 - Hiring and dating are similar… It’s difficult to see the real person on a first date 22:25 - Knowing a hire’s personality can greatly speed success and helps with communication in a business 27:05 - Self awareness leads to better relationships and communication 29:05 - Discovering company values that already exist in your business Links Aircom Instrumentation Ltd. LinkedIn Sean Lavin LinkedIn Mark's email

This episode explores he impact of personality in the workplace and how it influences those around us. Fraser Engel shares insights on how self-awareness and objective assessments can help us understand our impact on colleagues and improve communication and teamwork. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adapting our behavior to create a more positive and productive work environment. Show Notes 0:00 Intro to the episode 2:00 Intro to Fraser Engel 3:34 How do our personalities in the workplace affect others around us? 5:00 How do we help people in our workplace understand their impact on others? 7:50 A way to help people see themselves in the mirror (and their impact on others) 12:50 Once people see themselves more clearly… how do we help motivate them to change certain behaviours? 17:08 Help for placing that mirror in front of others in an organization 19:30 Without a capable facilitator for people, the best tools can be wasted: We need training 24:00 The value of mastering the tools we are using in our business 28:10 An example: A “bad fit” to CEO of an organization 30:10 Ways to connect with Fraser Learn more about the Impact of Personality Learn More About Assessments tools Fraser Engel LinkedIn Mindworks Consulting website

In this episode, Mike Moreau, President of Concord Consulting, breaks down how the TRAITS helps organizations get a better handle on personality traits to match personalities with roles. Mike dives into the idea of personality scales, where traits are measured to provide more nuanced insights into how someone might perform in different jobs. Whether it's project management, sales, or customer service, Mike discusses how these scales can predict behaviour and how the right mix of traits can either boost or hold back job performance. The episode underscores the importance of understanding these dynamics to make smarter hiring decisions and build stronger teams. Show Notes: 0:00 - Summary of our last interview together (with a focus on how the TRAITS tool is very specific because of it’s ability to provide a scale for each trait) 2:50 - What happens when you hire some who is really social? 6:40 - What happens when you have a director who is more assertive than sociable? 13:40 - Where is a good fit for assertive people in an organization? 15:15 - When is a very assertive person not an ideal fit for a specific role? 16:58 - Let’s switch… What happens with people more social than assertive? 22:48 - A tale of two salespeople 26:30 - Some ways to help organizations with finding an exact fit for positions Resources & Links TRAITS Blog Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode, we sit down with Darren Elder, a unique government leader who’s revolutionizing the way municipalities operate. Darren has implemented business strategies within the public sector, treating government like a business and creating entrepreneurial solutions for his community. Tune in to discover how Darren's entrepreneurial mindset is transforming his municipality, boosting performance, and solving community problems. Learn valuable insights on leadership, performance management, and how personality traits play a key role in building successful teams. Transforming Government with Business Strategies Show Notes : 0:00 Have you ever met a unicorn? 2:30 Being creative with limited capital 4:20 The beginnings of Swiftnet 6:30 Running government like a business and investor 10:45 How does any organization best deal with growth and reaching high performance? 13:00 Moving great people into the right roles; Innovation wherever it exists 15:00 What to look for in higher performers 16:00 Various levels and needs in an organization 17:45 Stop putting reeboks on turtles 20:50 When communicating with people… Start with understanding who they are 23:30 Reducing latency is key! Resources & Links Compare Report Launch Event Introduction to Communicator Training markf@concordconsulting.com Swift-Net.ca Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode Mark interviews Stephen Wallace, a former engineering firm owner turned consultant, who shares his journey from building a successful business to selling it unexpectedly. Stephen discusses the importance of making a business "shiny"—operating as if it were always ready for sale—even if there are no plans to sell. Through his experience, he emphasizes how strategic planning, well-defined organizational structures, and detailed job descriptions lead to higher performance, efficiency, and ultimately a more attractive company, whether for clients, employees, or potential buyers. Stephen’s insights offer valuable lessons for business owners looking to improve their operations and boost long-term success. Show notes 2:00 Why did Stephen Wallace create a “Shiny” business? 6:10 What is a strat plan? How does it help create a higher performing business? 7:50 Taking a step back and becoming coordinated 10:20 What is a shiny business? 14:30 Why think through a ‘selling’ exit from your business? 16:00 The greatest benefit to preparing a business for sale 18:20 The value of great job descriptions 21:00 The end result of investing in strategy 25:25 Getting a higher multiple than expected (you’ve gotta do the work!) 29:20 How Stephen helps other businesses Strategic Planning Resources & Links We can help develop your Strategic Planning process to improve your organization’s performance and achieve long-term success. Contact us today or markf@concordconsulting.com. Guest information: Stephen’s email: stephen.wallace64@gmail.com Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode, we're excited to introduce a game-changing feature that will transform the way you hire. The new Compare Report combines our job modeling expertise with the TRAITS survey to provide deeper insights into candidate-job fit. Discover how this feature helps managers identify key differences, gaps, and opportunities, making the hiring process more accurate and efficient. Whether you're recruiting, promoting, or simply ensuring the right fit in your team, this tool offers actionable insights to make smarter decisions. Tune in to learn how this innovative feature can elevate your hiring strategy. Episode Resources & Links Elevate your Hiring Decisions - Try TRAITS Introduction to Communicator Training Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode, Kayla Baretta, Managing Director at Paper Leaf, opens up about her experience leading a fully remote team and highlights the value of remote teams in boosting business performance. From building a connected company culture remotely to practicing empathetic leadership, Kayla shares her tips for creating high-performing teams, balancing work and life, and the power of clear communication. Tune in to hear her take on navigating the challenges of remote work and keeping teams connected, no matter where they are. Show Notes -0:00 Intro to this week’s episode -1:40 Who is Kayla Baretta and what does Paper-leaf do for clients? -4:45 The birth and magic of remote teams for Paper-leaf -7:20 Empathy and its value with culture and clients -9:50 Some interesting tips: “Pods”, “2 pizza teams”, and building community -13:40 Debunking a massive myth… connection doesn’t mean being in the same space -16:10 Addressing elephants tends to lead to deeper connections quickly -18:40 Other hurdles for going ‘remote’ (onboarding is key) -20:40 Greatest benefits to growing remote teams -22:40 Which situations work better or worse for remote workspaces? -24:10 Some tricks of the trade for bringing people together -27:50 Strat planning and higher performance within Paper-leaf -31:10 Some higher performance communication in an organization (it’s so much more than ‘active listening’ -40:25 An unusual interviewing experience and how to connect with Paper-Leaf and Kayla Resources & Links Our Communication Training can help you strengthen your team’s connections and boost collaboration. Guest Information: Paper Leaf Website: paper-leaf.com Kayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-baretta/ Paper Leaf on IG: https://www.instagram.com/paper_leaf/ Paper Leaf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paper-leaf-design/ Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode, Carmel Macpherson, a seasoned HR leader, explores the real job of every manager: accountability, mentorship, and employee development. With lessons from teaching, parenting, and hands-on management experience, Carmel highlights key skills like spotting “yellow flags” in performance, avoiding the common trap of promoting employees beyond their strengths, and creating safe, honest work environments. This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders looking to foster growth and unlock true potential in their teams. Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction to the episode 3:00 Carmel’s personal set of rules with people; positive feedback with people 6:25 An essential lesson from star trek 8:20 Taking lessons from teaching and parenting into management: Know who you’re working with! 14:45 A way to reduce ‘promoting to a lower level of competency’ 15:35 The real job of every manager 16:05 Systemic discrimination in terms of personality 20:05 The importance of having managers take full responsibility for their direct reports 23:30 How can managers better understand their direct reports… Some simple tips 26:55 Creating a safe environment for honesty and openness 31:45 How to help managers take full responsibility in their role 42:10 Tips for getting the most out of mentorship 48:48 What most people want more than comfort… Episode Resources & Links Related Episodes: More on the 7 Essential Work Traits Here are additional episodes where Mike dives deeper into the concept of the 7 Essential Work Traits: https://traits.com/podcast/003/ https://traits.com/podcast/006 Carmel's Contact Information: -Email address carmel@roleaffinity.com -LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmelmacpherson/ Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this powerful two-part episode, Chris Decock shares his journey in the restaurant industry and his people-first leadership philosophy. From building executive teams from frontline staff to fostering long-term employees, Chris discusses the critical role of work ethic, character, and values in team success. He dives into the pros and cons of employee-owned businesses, handling leadership transitions, and why hiring the right people is the key to thriving workplace culture. Plus, he unpacks the truth behind the saying, “people leave managers, not organizations,” offering actionable advice for leaders aiming to unlock their team’s potential. Show Notes: Part 1 of interview 2:25 The restaurant industry? This is terrifying! Who is Chris Decock? 5:10 Covid killed talent… How to develop within an organization 8:00 Building an executive team from front line staff 12:40 Developing potential long term employees 16:40 Work ethic, character, and values fall outside of personality! Part 2 of interview 19:10 Employee owned businesses; strengths and weaknesses 24:40 Handling transition: bring value to employees 27:10 Growing old together as a leadership team 32:40 The strategic advantage of having the right people 36:55 “People leave managers, not organizations” Episode Resources & Links -https://hudsonscanadaspub.com/locations/?all=1 -https://www.gretabar.com/ For Greta locations, scroll down to the bottom of the page or hover your mouse over locations on the menu bar at the top of the page Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode, Stephen Smith, CEO of Strike Group, addresses critical leadership challenges, including the pitfalls of over-promoting employees and fostering authentic leadership. Stephen shares actionable insights on building trust, aligning teams, and creating a collaborative culture. He also reveals why “people leave managers, not organizations” and how leaders can transform their teams by focusing on authenticity and vision-sharing. This episode is a must-listen for managers looking to elevate their leadership skills and team success. Show Notes: 0:00 Introduction to this episode 2:00 Who is Stephen Smith and what is Strike Group? 7:15 Leadership styles from an expert 15:20 Advantages of leading from the front 16:45 Reach: How does a leader ACTUALLY become accessible 20:00 Some tips on sharing vision with staff 24:25 Preach: Consensus vs. collaboration 25:15 The strength of a 1-page plan 27:15 Teach: creating a management training program 32:10 Helping your people by being open and vulnerable 35:45 How do you handle someone whose aspirations don’t fit their ability? 39:45 Scaling leadership: Do not over promote and “red boxing”  43:45 Characteristics of great potential managers 46:20 Real authenticity as a leader; Be who you are! 48:50 Stephen’s biggest mistake Episode Resources & Links Strike website Strike Group News Stephen's Bio Stephen’s LinkedIn profile Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

In this episode, Corey Smith shares hard-earned lessons from surviving major business crises and turning struggles into strategic opportunities. He reveals how to navigate business downturns, uncover hidden cracks in operations, and build resilience through strategic planning. Corey breaks down the patterns that cause businesses to falter, from communication breakdowns to organizational misalignment, and provides actionable steps for leaders to stabilize and scale their companies. If you’ve ever faced unexpected business challenges or struggled to make tough decisions, this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes: 2:15 - Intro to Corey 7:45 - A significant business ‘valley’ 11:45 - How to get through survival mode when things are going pear-shaped in business? 20:35 - The value of asking: “Maybe we can…” 27:30 - What are the patterns for cracks that show up in a business? 30:27 - What is Corey’s strat planning process? 35:20 - How do you justify the cost of strat planning? 37:15 - How do you get your own mindset ‘right’ in the valleys of business? 41:35 - “We lift people up!” 43:15 - The value of tough love from other business owners 45:35 - “My dog can’t help me build my business” Episode Resources & Links RAM Elevators & Lift: https://trustram.com Corey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-smith-66333a84/?originalSubdomain=ca Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

Scaling a business isn’t just about growth—it’s about growing the right way. In this episode, Dave Bulloch shares hard-earned lessons from his experience leading high-growth companies, mergers, and turnarounds. He dives into the hidden risks of rapid expansion, why businesses fail to anticipate blind spots, and how to fix business inefficiencies before they cost you everything. If you’re navigating business growth or restructuring, this conversation is packed with strategic insights you don’t want to miss. Show Notes: 3:15 Who is Dave Bulloch 8:45 Keys to handling unforeseen problems in business and economies 10:45 Biggest blindspots for businesses  14:40 Key insights regarding growing companies 16:45 Focus on strengths, not weaknesses! 18:15 Next step for growth strategies; Strategic planning 20:10 What to do when people freak out about looking ahead 22:35 Conducting the perfect pivot? Go back to your competitive advantage 24:15 Pitfalls of extreme growth 27:00 An example of becoming lean and efficient 30:15 What to do if you’re experiencing high growth; know your processes 36:35 Org designs (and redesigns) 40:45 What is missed with growth strategies Episode Resources & Links Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter

Are You Hiring the Right People? In this episode of the TRAITS Podcast, Jason Woodard uncovers why so many companies struggle with hiring the right people and how poor hiring decisions impact retention, leadership, and productivity. He explains the difference between initiators vs. implementers and how to avoid promoting the wrong people, preventing costly missteps that can weaken team performance. Jason also dives into how businesses can create stronger teams by aligning talent with roles that maximize performance. He shares insights on recognizing leadership potential, structuring teams for long-term success, and making hiring decisions that truly support business growth. Show Notes: 3:15 - The “glamour” of Metromont9:10 - AI and job loss10:45 - Jason’s background and change of roles over time to find the right fit17:30 - The difference in perspectives between owners and non-owners in a company22:15 - Change agents… The more chaos the better?!26:15 - Wiring vs. growth… Adapting behaviour can happen FOR A TIME AND FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE!30:10 - Finding common ground32:10 - How do you hire for a future need?32:10 - An invaluable lesson from ‘form setters’42:40 - That ‘new car smell’ that hides rotten eggs47:00 - Ideal career growth: It starts with communication to ease people into the right place long term53:10 - Knowing who people are before THEY know who they are and prepping for the interview58:15 - Some final thoughts on interview #1 Resources & Links Metromont LinkedIn Jason Woodard LinkedIn ✅ Hiring the right people starts with better communication! Join our Intro to Communication Styles training and learn how to improve workplace interactions: Sign Up Here ✅ Avoid hiring mistakes and build stronger teams! Get TRAITS Certified to master strategic hiring and leadership development: Enroll Now Connect with TRAITS: 🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn 📸 Follow us on Instagram 📰 Read our BLOG 📩 Sign up to our Newsletter