Beyond The Handbook: Real Talk About Leadership, Loss, And Listening With Traci Austin

What does it take to create a workplace where people feel truly seen, supported, and inspired to grow? In this powerful episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, host Zander Sprague sits down with Traci Austin —HR strategist, leadership expert, and founder of Elevated Talent Consulting —to explore the intersection of people strategy and compassionate leadership. With over 20 years in HR, Traci shares transformative insights on building fulfilling work environments, developing talent pathways, and the often-overlooked impact of life’s hardest seasons—like grief—on performance. From redefining bereavement policies to demystifying Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), this conversation goes beyond the handbook into the heart of what really matters in business: people. You’ll hear candid stories, practical tools, and a refreshing take on how managers and organizations can create epic workplaces by showing up, listening deeply, and meeting employees where they are. Whether you lead a team or want to build a more human-centered culture, this episode delivers the guidance you didn’t know you needed. epicbegins.com Free E-book Apply to be a Guest on My TV show #EPICBeginswith1StepForward, #ZanderSprague, #HRStrategy, #EmployeeEngagement, #TalentDevelopment