In this episode of The Mindful Living Podcast, host Sana sits down with Tracy Austin, founder of Elevated Talent Consulting and host of the People Strategy podcast, to unpack what mindful leadership actually looks like on job sites in the trades. Instead of treating mindfulness as a buzzword, Tracy breaks it down as clear intention, safety focused decision making, and the shift from autopilot to conscious leadership.
You will hear how she reframes productivity from outputs to outcomes, why “I don’t have time” is usually a symptom of unclear goals, and how curiosity can short circuit blame and defensiveness in tough conversations. Tracy also walks through her Tough Talk Blueprint, a practical framework that helps leaders separate facts from feelings, address real problems, and have direct conversations without defaulting to “my way or the highway”.
If you are leading crews, managing subs, or responsible for people in any high pressure environment, this conversation will help you rethink how you show up. Not softer, just smarter.
About the Guest :Tracy Austin is a strategic HR and leadership consultant for the trades and founder of Elevated Talent Consulting. She hosts The People Strategy Podcast and uses tools like the Predictive Index to help organizations understand natural behavioral styles, hire better, and retain key talent. Through her Tough Talk Blueprint, she equips leaders to handle difficult conversations with clarity, data, and empathy so teams can operate safely, efficiently, and with less drama.
Key Takeaways :-
Mindful leadership in the trades is not about slowing everything down. It is about clarity so work, safety, and communication become more efficient and less reactive.
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There is a crucial difference between outputs and outcomes. Output is the task, like “recording a podcast” or “framing the door”. Outcome is the impact, like revenue, new clients, or safer job sites. Leaders need to design their calendars around outcomes, not busywork.
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The common complaint “I don’t have enough time” usually means the leader is doing outputs that do not actually drive outcomes. When tasks do not lead to clear results, they should be redesigned or eliminated.
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In the trades, safety is a strong reason for mindful leadership. Questioning processes, vendors, and habits keeps teams off autopilot and reduces preventable risk.
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Mindfulness is not always the word you sell. Tracy often frames it as curiosity and clarity, matching the language of her audience so the ideas land instead of getting dismissed.
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Curiosity gets leaders out of blame and shame. Asking “I wonder what is going on with this person or process that I do not yet know about” interrupts judgment and opens space for collaboration.
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The Tough Talk Blueprint separates facts from feelings, clarifies the real impact of a problem, checks whether the right data is on the table, and then aligns on a clear request and result.
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Resistance like “this will never work here” is often a self issue, not an organizational issue. Doing nothing is also a decision, and it guarantees the current problems stay.
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Effective tough talks require self awareness and empathy. Leaders need to be willing to see their own blockers, listen for what is not being said, and move away from “my way or the highway” dynamics.
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Real leadership in the trades is about presence and intention, not toughness for its own sake. The goal is to lead from grounded awareness instead of constant reactivity.
Listeners can connect with Tracy Austin and access her work here .
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Website : Elevated Talent Consulting - https://www.elevatedtalentconsulting.com
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LinkedIn : Tracy Austin
Check the website for direct links to connect with Tracy, explore the Tough Talk Blueprint, and learn more about her People Strategy work for leaders in the trades.
Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM . Send me a message on PodMatch
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Disclaimer: This 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.
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