Episode Details

On Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Traci Austin, Founder & Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, to unpack a practical shift for stressed leaders—turn complaints into clear requests. We tackle why avoidance masquerades as strength, how accountability reduces stress, and a simple blueprint for reframing “My boss never supports me” into outcomes. If you lead in the trades—or any high-pressure workplace—this episode offers straight-talk tools to set expectations, give/receive feedback, and build trust without micromanaging.

About the Guest  :

Traci Austin is a strategist for HR and leadership in the trades. With 20+ years of experience, she helps construction and skilled-trades companies attract, develop, and keep talent, and equips supervisors with goal-setting, feedback, and accountability systems that build teams people don’t want to leave.

Key Takeaways:

• Complaints are often avoidance; accountability begins with naming facts, not stories.

• Use the video-camera test: what would footage show (words, tone, behaviors) versus your interpretation?

• Reframe a complaint into a request with four steps: Facts → Impact → Specific Request → Follow-through.

• Ask, “What does support look like to you?” to move from vague frustration to actionable clarity.

• Define “what winning looks like” before holding anyone accountable (done = specific, observable).

• Feedback fuels confidence: name what worked (the 80%) before coaching the 20% that needs refinement.

• Distinguish accountability vs. micromanagement: clear goals and standards reduce oversight creep.

• Allow brief venting with boundaries—but always ask, “What do you want to do with this now?”

• Culture tip: talk to people, not about people; redirect disparaging talk into direct, constructive dialogue.

• First step today: get curious. List your top complaints and convert each into one clear, respectful request.

Connect with the Guest  

• LinkedIn: Traci Austin (Elevated Talent Consulting)

• Resource:Tough Talk Blueprint (free download referenced in the episode)

• Company: Elevated Talent Consulting

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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.