In this episode of The Mindful Journey, host Sana breaks down the truth behind mindful leadership in the trades. This isn’t about soft talk. It’s about clarity, presence, accountability, and emotional intelligence that keeps teams stable when pressure spikes. Guest Traci Austin, founder of Elevated Talent Consulting, unpacks why leaders struggle with self-awareness, why empathy without accountability backfires, and how mindful leadership directly impacts retention and performance. The conversation challenges old-school field mindsets and shows how awareness, energy management, and presence redefine leadership in construction and skilled trades.
About the Guest:Traci Austin is the founder of Elevated Talent Consulting and a leading voice in mindful, grounded leadership across construction and skilled trades. With two decades of HR and leadership experience, she helps organizations close the leadership gap through emotional intelligence, practical accountability frameworks, and culture clarity.
Key Takeaways:-
Leaders often think they’re self-aware, but most aren’t tracking their own reactions. Frameworks like the Tough Talk Audit reveal the truth fast.
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Complaints on the jobsite often mask avoidance. When leaders stop complaining and start taking ownership, clarity improves overnight.
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Empathy isn’t a weakness. It only becomes a liability when it’s not paired with accountability.
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Clarity in direction reduces rework, tension, and safety risks. Many leaders give orders but skip defining expectations.
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Mindful leadership equals presence. One hundred percent attention to a team member can shift performance more than any tool or tactic.
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Retention improves when leaders define culture, connect with people as humans, and give them a role aligned with their behavioral style.
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Accountability is the fastest lever for retention. It raises standards and shows employees what they’re capable of when guided well.
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Leaders who say they are “too busy for mindset work” are often stuck in cleanup mode. The real issue is unexamined energy drains and unclear processes.
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Culture is not what’s written on the wall. It is what’s tolerated, repeated, and lived down the hall.
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Asking employees about their work and personal bucket list goals can reveal their motivation, alignment, and focus better than any performance tool.
LinkedIn: Traci Austin Traci Austin's Website Explore the Tough Talk Blueprint on her site.
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DisclaimerThis video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
About Healthy Mind By Avik™️Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it has become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on mental health, spirituality, trauma recovery, holistic healing, and conscious living. With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, the mission is simple: unite voices, break stigma, and make every story count.
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