From Doers to People Developers: Leadership in the Trades that Boosts Retention with Traci Austin
Eps. #160 Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
In this episode of the HR Mixtape, host Dr. Shari Simpson welcomes Tracy Austin, Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting. They dive into the often-overlooked world of skilled trades, discussing the misconceptions surrounding these roles and the importance of effective leadership in these environments. This conversation is timely as organizations face challenges in attracting and retaining talent in the trades, especially amidst the rise of AI and changing workforce dynamics. Tracy offers unique insights into how to foster a positive employee experience and build a culture of psychological safety.
Listener Takeaways:
Learn how to shift perceptions about trade roles and their earning potential.
Discover strategies for developing leadership skills tailored to frontline workers.
Explore ways to create engaging, hands-on experiences for young talent in the trades.
Hit “Play” to gain valuable insights that can transform your HR practices!
Guest(s): Tracy Austin, Chief Talent Officer, Elevated Talent Consulting
Guest(s): Tracy Austin, Chief Talent Officer, Elevated Talent Consulting
Traci Austin is the Founder and CEO of Elevated Talent Consulting, where she partners with contractor businesses to retain top talent, develop field-ready leaders, and create thriving workplaces that attract quality hires through culture, not gimmicks.
Having grown up in the field herself, she truly understands the unique challenges and dynamics of trade-based organizations. With over two decades of human resources expertise focused on these industries, she empowers leaders to lead with greater impact, efficiency, and purpose.
Traci also hosts The People Strategy Podcast, which has produced 214 episodes delivering actionable leadership insights for industries often overlooked in mainstream business conversations.
