Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Dr. Noelle Seybert Settle in and listen to a data scientist and millennial leader with the confidence to sport hot-pink hair. In this episode of Suits & Sneakers, Dr. Noelle Seybert shares her insights on the ever-changing landscape of leading a social media team in higher education. With a doctorate in business with an emphasis on quantitative marketing from George Fox University, I appreciated Noelle’s perspective on balancing data-driven decision-making with gut instincts and the role of metrics in evaluating performance. Noelle is a firm believer in the importance of human connection in leadership and in the socials and offers valuable resources for social media management. She talks candidly about the reality of social media pressures and the importance of prioritizing your mental well-being. When she talks about the challenges of navigating generational differences in the workplace, take notes! QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: "The data never lies, statisticians do." "I pour what I've learned throughout the years into [my team]. So then hopefully they're the next domino and can do the same when they become leaders.” “It’s huge when a leader shows vulnerability, especially on social. What's your team or your business doing that you can also make relatable?” EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Social media management requires a strategic approach, not just creativity. Self-promotion is essential, especially for women in leadership. Leaders should humanize their presence on social media. Generational differences impact workplace dynamics and motivations. Balancing data with gut instincts is crucial for effective leadership. Metrics should inform decisions but not dictate them entirely. Learning from mistakes is a vital part of leadership growth. Social media has transformed career trajectories and interactions. Setting boundaries is important for mental health in social media roles. Authenticity is key to effective leadership and team success. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Noelle Seybert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelleseybert/  University of Colorado Boulder website: http://colorado.edu Books and resources mentioned: Generations, Jean M. Twenge, PhD https://amzn.to/48U5KDw       Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham & Donald C. Clifton, PhD https://amzn.to/4eGQb3k Social Media Examiner: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/ Girl Power Marketing: https://girlpowermarketing.com/ Note: We use affiliate links for recommended resources and might receive a few cents if you choose to buy something. ---------- Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Serge Boudreau Serge Boudreau, expert in talent acquisition space for the last 20 years, opens up about the evolving landscape of recruitment in this episode of Suits & Sneakers. Serge has served as both a practitioner leading large recruitment teams at some of Canada’s largest brands, but also worked on the vendor side with Workopolis, Indeed, CareerBeacon and now C Squared Technology where he leads global partnerships. Serge’s tips on creating realistic job descriptions, effective interview techniques, and the significance of onboarding and retention are worth hearing for any leader. He gives hiring managers a good perspective on how a good recruiter makes a difference and things to consider when hiring directly. He talks candidly about AI-automated applications bumping up against AI candidate screeners and what that means for hiring managers looking to find the best for their role and company culture. As former co-host of the very popular podcast, The Recruitment Flex, and now a co-host on the HR Morning Show, he is a well-respected voice on these topics. You don’t want to miss it! QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: "AI making hiring decisions is a slippery slope. We all have bias, but with the AI algorithm, suddenly it's bias at scale." “Don't make the [screening] process extremely long. Make it quick, but don't hesitate to dig deep in your interviews.” EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Passion for talent acquisition can develop over time. AI is significantly changing the recruitment landscape. Job descriptions often fail to accurately represent roles. Realistic job ads can help filter out unsuitable candidates. New leaders should leverage technology in recruitment. Effective interviewing is a critical skill for leaders. Confidence in hiring decisions grows with experience. Recruiters play a vital role in the hiring process. Onboarding is crucial for employee retention. Building a personal brand can open up career opportunities. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Serge Boudreau on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serge-boudreau-861b267/ C Squared Technology website: www.csquaredtechnology.com The HR Morning Show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purpleacorn/ The Recruitment Flex: https://www.therecruitmentflex.com/podcast Resource Mentioned: Recruiting Brain Food https://www.recruitingbrainfood.com/ ---------- Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Lindsay Recknell If you’ve never heard of a Mental Health Skills Trainer, Lindsay Recknell will open your mind! She is an expert in hope and a certified psychological health and safety advisor. Lindsay works with individuals and organizations to increase their levels of psychological health and safety in the workplace using positive psychology and the science of hope. In this episode, Lindsay gives real skills and talk tracks leaders can use to create an open dialogue about mental health and exercise compassionate leadership. She gives guidance on inquiring, co-creating support plans, protecting confidentiality and enrolling the entire team in making accommodations to truly support people through challenges. The science of hope is a new concept to many people, so tune in to hear about fascinating research, pathways thinking and what it all means to people in business! QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: "We are not our moments. We are the collective of our behavior and character." “The future will be better than today, when we take action over the things we can control.” EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Mental health skills training is essential for effective leadership. Leaders must learn to recognize and address emotional dysregulation. Effective communication is key to supporting team members' mental health. Hope can be cultivated and is crucial for workplace success. Leaders should model vulnerability to build trust with their teams. Recognizing suffering in others requires awareness of behavioral changes. Confidentiality is important when discussing mental health in teams. Accommodations should be co-created with team members for effectiveness. Aligning personal values with professional goals enhances motivation. Leaders should focus on opportunities rather than obligations in their roles. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Lindsay Recknell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-calder-recknell/ Paradigm Corporate Wellness website: https://paradigmcw.com Mental Health Skills Training: https://mentalhealthforleaders.com/mental-health-skills-training/ CMHA https://cmha.ca/what-we-do/national-programs/workplace-mental-health/psychological-health-safety-training/ Books mentioned: The 5AM Club https://amzn.to/3YgOTpz Atomic Habits https://amzn.to/40aQXSv Note: We use affiliate links for recommended resources and might receive a few bucks if you choose to buy something. ---------- Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Jamie L. Smith Two words sum up this episode with Jamie L. Smith: caring candor! Jamie is co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of Amplify Advisors. She used those words to describe her leadership style and Jamie demonstrated caring candor in speaking of how her fractional CFO’s support clients. Jamie puts client experience as a top priority and shares how the business model she and her partner chose ensures high satisfaction. Jamie discusses some of the ways Amplify overcomes the challenges of managing a remote team and helps team members feel like a unit. She also shares an honest story about how a leader can create stress when giving choice. Wow, it’s a great insight. I think you will appreciate Jamie’s reflection on learning to understand individual team members' needs and how they work best. According to Jamie, leaders’ success in achieving growth goals requires mindful attention to the three-legged stool. Listen in if you don’t know what that is because she gives solid advice on where to focus your attention! These are incredible lessons. QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: "You're always going to hit a ceiling in your growth and then you have to reinvest in order to move that ceiling up." “It's deliberate effort to earn that trust and earn that influence…then, you can challenge [team members]" EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Amplify Advisors focuses on financial strategy for small and medium businesses. The understanding of fractional CFO services has evolved significantly since 2018. Client experience is a top priority and is driven by company values. Investing in technology and processes early can save time and costs in the long run. Managing remote teams requires deliberate effort and effective communication tools. Client feedback highlights the importance of integration into their culture. Leadership should be tailored to the needs of team members, not just personal preferences. Empowering employees can lead to ambiguity and stress if not managed properly. Delegation is crucial for business growth and should be embraced by leaders. Continuous investment in team structure and technology is necessary to break growth ceilings. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Jamie L. Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamielsmithcpa Amplify Advisors website: https://amplifyadvisors.ca/ Amplify Advisors on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyadvisors/ AmplifyTech on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifytech/ Amplify Advisors on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/XvBjYtsttrPVkrJ3/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Amplify Advisors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplifyadvisorsinc?igsh=MWVtcWNrZHpxcmN0ag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ---------- Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Judith Virag In this Suits & Sneakers conversation with Judith Virag, CEO of Clean Club Calgary, and a 2024 AB Business Award of Distinction winner, we talk about hiring newcomers, enforcing clear company policies and the big/little things that show she cares. She has a great BHAG (Big, Hairy Audacious Goal) too! Judith shares her journey from being a refugee to becoming a successful entrepreneur and her approach to training with hands-on, experiential creativity. Her honesty is humbling. As a hard worker herself, she documented the standards of excellence and her expectations, so language translation isn’t a barrier for her staff. Judith takes customer service very seriously and I think you’ll find the clear lines of communication she has set for customers and team members an interesting example. She explains the importance of company culture, employee engagement, and the considerations of leading a diverse team of newcomers. Judith is a leader willing to get “dirty”, but not in the way you think! QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: "Know your team members and know some of their dreams." "[Making their dream happen is] an investment because you're getting them engaged and then you're showing them the company cares, beyond the work" "The biggest trust factor is when a customer hands you their keys to their home… We take that very seriously." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Judith's journey from refugee to entrepreneur highlights resilience. Company culture is crucial for business success and employee satisfaction. Involving team members in core values development fosters ownership. Hiring newcomers requires understanding their unique challenges. Creating a supportive work environment enhances employee engagement. Training and development are essential in high-turnover industries. Team-building activities can significantly improve morale and cohesion. Authenticity in leadership leads to better communication and trust. Difficult conversations are beneficial for team growth. Investing in employees' personal goals strengthens company loyalty. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Judith Virag on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-virag-72b4775/ Clean Club Calgary website: https://www.cleanclubcalgary.com/ On Facebook: www.facebook.com/cleanclubcalgary On Instagram: www.instagram.com/cleanclubcalgary Book: Culture Revolution - for purchase in CA: https://buff.ly/3KB0r0w or in USA: https://buff.ly/4cunK8j ---------- Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Erin Hicks This episode of Suits & Sneakers with guest Erin Hicks, SVP Client Success and Partnerships with Pure IT, has so many leadership nuggets. Her perspective is to address hard conversations directly before they become bigger issues. She is a supportive and collaborative leader who advises you to be true to yourself. Erin talks about the unique culture of credit unions and the need for alignment and visibility within an organization. She shares her early experience of being a leader without necessarily managing people and the importance of stepping up and driving initiatives. Erin supports her team members in their goals and makes work enjoyable. I was humbled by the sense of responsibility she feels in leadership. Overall, she emphasizes the importance of being authentic and aligning one's values with their career. QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: “You make the best decision you can and move forward.” "Collaboration and transparency are key to driving initiatives and supporting team members' growth." "Leading people is probably the hardest but best job that you'll ever have." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: You can be a leader without necessarily managing people. Collaboration and transparency are key to driving initiatives and supporting team members' growth. Culture is critical in an organization and should be aligned and visible throughout. Work-life balance is important for personal fulfillment and creativity. Stay true to yourself and align your values with your career. LINKS FROM EPISODE: Erin Hicks on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinfhicks/ Pure IT website: https://pureitcuso.com/ Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Sean Stratton If you want to be a people-focused technology leader, you’ll want to hear this episode with Sean Stratton. His deep experience and respect for others show. He has led tech teams across legal, financial and petroleum industries. Sean reminds us that no matter what industry you’re in or tech perspective you have, if you are managing people, communication skills are essential. He even talks about how he has used Myers Briggs in understanding and relating to his teams. I appreciated his perspective on mentorship, something he’s very passionate about, and succession planning. Sean’s “tech peeve” might surprise you. We talked a lot about what tech and non-tech leaders need to remember, like matching IT systems to specific business needs. If you are looking for mentorship, give this a listen. There was so much good advice Sean freely shares here. QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: • "Don’t let your job be your identity.” • "Reflect before making decisions. Understand the business and your team." • "My biggest passion is growing talent and growing people." • "The job of mentoring is to develop their skills so that they independently can do it on their own." • "Knowing your blind spots is really important.” EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: • Focus on the people side of IT and build strong relationships with team members. • Leadership is about setting a direction and empowering others to find their own path. • Recognize and leverage the strengths of team members, especially in technical roles. • Listen, ask questions, and understand the business needs and the people you lead. • Avoid chasing the latest technology trends and align technology with business goals. A mentor should understand the goals and aspirations of their mentees and guide them in the direction they want to go. • Mentors should help mentees develop their own skills and find their own solutions, rather than providing all the answers. • Personality tests, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, can help mentors understand individual styles and blind spots. • Succession planning is an important responsibility for leaders, and it's crucial to have a plan in place for the future of the team or company. • Leaders should not let their job define their identity. • Building a network and learning from other leaders in various industries is a valuable source of knowledge and growth. LINKS FROM EPISODE Sean Stratton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-stratton-1761972/ ---------- Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest? APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Masako Long Sales leaders, you want to hear this episode with Masako Long, VP of Sales at Janusea in Seattle. She shares her journey from inside sales to leadership, and lots of learnings along the way. Masako emphasizes the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous learning in sales. I love how she talks about vulnerability and the significance of creating a safe space for team members to grow and succeed. She suggests putting yourself out there and being willing to make mistakes! Masako shares her advice for new leaders and the importance of building mutual respect and trust within a team. She encourages leaders to provide opportunities for their team members to stretch themselves and try new skills. QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: ·      "It’s okay to say you don't always have the answers and you're willing to work with [the team] to figure it out." ·      “Perfection is not the answer here. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.” ·      “Have confidence in your skills and trust your ability to learn along the way.” EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS ·      Curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous learning are essential in sales and leadership. ·      Bridging the gap between old and new technology is crucial in the financial institution space. ·      Creating a safe space for team members to grow and succeed is important. ·      Vulnerability as a leader means putting yourself out there and being willing to make mistakes. ·      Staying up to date with industry trends and learning from other salespeople is valuable. ·      Success is defined by creating an environment where people feel comfortable and supported, and where they can grow and succeed. ·      Leaders should provide opportunities for team members to stretch themselves and try new skills. ·      Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. ·      Authenticity and leading with unique strengths are key in leadership. LINKS FROM EPISODE Masako on LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/masako/⁠ Janusea Website ⁠https://janusea.com/⁠ ---------- Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Lindsay Harle-Kadatz This episode goes deep on values faster than you can imagine! Lindsay Harle-Kadatz is a business consultant on brand and culture, AKA the ‘Values Vixen’. She connects leaders to their voice to guide, connect, and lead their teams to greatness through values, behaviour, and actions that matter for optimal business performance through optimally performing people. This raw and real conversation about hard topics might trigger you, and hopefully, inspire you to think about the effects on mental health for your or your team when work is misaligned with values. Lindsay explains that values are not just marketing statements, but underlying beliefs that guide aligned action. When companies are clear and aligned among their leadership team, they can achieve higher engagement, productivity, and understanding. QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: "Values are not just marketing statements, but underlying beliefs that guide aligned action." "No one's definition of a value, even if it's the same value, is right or wrong." “Values help individuals and teams connect to a larger purpose and make a positive impact in their work.” EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS ·      Values are not just marketing statements, but underlying beliefs that guide aligned action. ·      Clarity and definition are crucial in values to avoid misalignment and different interpretations. ·      When companies are not clear on their values, they can make poor decisions, experience low engagement and retention, and create a toxic culture. ·      Leaders have a responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for their team members. ·      Harmful leadership behaviours can include making derogatory comments, not believing or listening to team members, and not providing support for mental health. ·      Leaders should engage in self-reflection and understand their own emotions in order to be more effective leaders. LINKS FROM EPISODE BRP Consulting Website https://brpconsulting.ca Lindsay on LinkedIn  http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayharle Lindsay’s Instagram http://www.instagram.com/quirkylindsayharle/ Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Phil Roberts Phil Roberts, CEO of Valo Networks is longtime leader in senior level positions in the energy, telecommunications and software industries. He has started and scaled several companies locally and internationally. Chatting IRL in a podcast bar, it’s fascinating to hear Phil’s stories of turning an entire company around in an underperforming market. He shares experiences on hiring, cutting workforce, repositioning a product and transparent leadership. Phil will inspire you to have multiple backup plans and consider volunteering. He is an enthusiastic and active volunteer with civic and economic development organizations, but also talks about serving on a fire crew! QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: "Always have your plan B, C, D and E in place." "The challenge as a leader becomes not only telling the story of how we're going to make it through it, but actually demonstrating the actions.“ "The answer is always empathy and questions." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS ·      Transparency and empathy are crucial in leadership. ·      Tying personal goals to team goals can be achieved by breaking team goals into individual performance goals. ·      Scaling a startup requires operational excellence and hiring the right people. ·      Volunteering can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities. ·      Recharging can be achieved through activities like running and traveling. ·      The satisfaction of seeing the growth and success of a company is a rewarding aspect of leadership. ·      Be patient, learn, and focus on implementing good ideas. LINKS FROM EPISODE Valo Networks Website ⁠https://valonetworks.com/⁠ Valo Networks on Linkedin ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/valo-networks/⁠ Kaks Bar & Podcast in Calgary ⁠https://kaksbarpodcast.com/⁠   Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  ⁠APPLY HERE⁠

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Anita Lee   Anita Lee, founder of Catch Communications, discusses experiences along her leadership journey from independent marketing consultant to company owner for six years. She highlights the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, respecting different experience levels, ages and backgrounds. Anita shares her approach to leadership, which is grounded in her company values and her strength of actively listening to team members. She talks about the significance regular feedback and building trust plays. Anita also discusses the differences between managing employees and contractors and the importance of values alignment in the hiring process. She also shares about a ruptured relationship. Lots of ground was covered in this episode! She encourages emerging leaders like herself to embrace challenges and continuously learn and grow. QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS ·      "Create an environment that is safe for team members to come together, feel comfortable, and thrive." ·      "How do we build an environment where someone's job is more than just a job?" ·      "Active listening helps foster relationships where people feel heard and understood." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS ·      Create a diverse and inclusive work environment to foster innovation and growth. ·      Prioritize active listening and ask meaningful questions to understand others' perspectives. ·      Lead and hire to align with values, such as integrity, respect, care, transparency and accountability. ·      Regularly provide feedback and create a safe space for open communication. ·      Consider the differences in managing employees and contractors and ensure values alignment in hiring. ·      Embrace challenges and continuously learn and grow as a leader. LINKS FROM EPISODE Anita Lee on LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitalee1/⁠ Catch Communications Website ⁠http://catchcommunications.ca/⁠ Company LinkedIn  ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/catchcommunications/⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/weareteamcatch/⁠   Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  ⁠APPLY HERE⁠

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Lisa Reimer Lisa Reimer, a senior leader with 20 years of experience in the gas and convenience industry, shares her insights on leadership, team management, and navigating challenging corporate transitions. She has spent most of her career in mid-level and senior leadership roles. In her most recent role as Director of Operations, she led a team of over 40 staff while the company was being sold, a difficult process with many team members knowing they were losing their jobs at the end of the sale. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, resilience, and the value of learning from diverse experiences. You’ll love the moments when she encourages listeners to be bold and open to new opportunities! QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: ·      "Lead with very honest and open communication.” ·      "Be the leader and let the team teach you. Ask a lot of questions.” ·      "Look at lateral moves as an opportunity, not always having to have a promotion." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS ·      Open and honest communication is crucial for driving business forward and creating a safe space for team members to express their feelings. ·      Leadership involves being open and vulnerable, consulting with the team, and making tough decisions when necessary. ·      Taking on lateral roles and learning new aspects of the business can be beneficial for career growth and knowledge acquisition. ·      Women in leadership should be bold, authentic, and supportive of each other, learning from diverse perspectives and building their own leadership toolkit. LINKS FROM EPISODE Lisa on LinkedIn  Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE

Host: Carrie Tuttle Guest: Hamish Knox Hamish Knox, award-winning business owner and two-time author, discusses the human side of change and how leaders can effectively implement and navigate change within their organizations. Hamish worked in a variety of industries including media, communication services, software and professional sports before joining the Sandler network, which melded his passions for sales and education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the stages of transition and the roles team members may take in accepting change. Hamish also highlights the need for leaders to communicate clearly, delegate effectively, and provide support and clarity throughout the change process. Note: There were internet delays on recording day, so excuse the overlaps! QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS: "Change is super simple, right? Change is a light switch. However, we have these squishy, emotional creatures in our businesses called ‘humans’, and humans don't change, they transition." “It doesn’t matter what the leader says. It matters what the leader does.” "Delegate, even when they won’t do it like you." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Change is a personal and emotional experience for individuals, and leaders must understand the human side of change to effectively navigate it. Leaders should identify the different roles team members may take in accepting change, such as angels (change champions), agnostics (fence sitters), and atheists (change deniers). Communicate clearly, provide a why behind the change, and lead by example to gain buy-in and support from team members. Use specific, observable, and measurable performance measurements to track progress and provide regular check-ins to ensure everyone is on track. To delegate effectively, trust, but verify, and provide support and clarity throughout the change process. Vulnerability is a strength for leaders. Leaders should be vulnerable but maintain professionalism and focus on the goals of the change.   Hamish Knox’s Website https://www.hamish.sandler.com/ Hamish on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishknox/ Sandler Calgary LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandlerincalgary/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sandlercalgary/ Full Funnel Freedom Podcast https://www.fullfunnelfreedom.com/ Book: Accountability - https://www.hamish.sandler.com/resources/sandler-books/accountability Book: Change - https://www.hamish.sandler.com/resources/sandler-books/change   Tell us a topic you’d like to hear more about in the comments. Want to be an expert guest?  APPLY HERE