TRAITS podcast: Building Higher Performing Organizations

Episode 19: Hiring the Right People – Avoid Costly Mistakes & Build Stronger Teams with Jason Woodard
In this episode of the TRAITS Podcast, Jason Woodard uncovers why so many companies struggle with hiring the right people and how poor hiring decisions impact retention, leadership, and productivity. He explains the difference between initiators vs. implementers and how to avoid promoting the wrong people, preventing costly missteps that can weaken team performance.
Jason also dives into how businesses can create stronger teams by aligning talent with roles that maximize performance. He shares insights on recognizing leadership potential, structuring teams for long-term success, and making hiring decisions that truly support business growth.
Show Notes:3:15 – The “glamour” of Metromont
9:10 – AI and job loss
10:45 – Jason’s background and change of roles over time to find the right fit
17:30 – The difference in perspectives between owners and non-owners in a company
22:15 – Change agents… The more chaos the better?!
26:15 – Wiring vs. growth… Adapting behaviour can happen FOR A TIME AND FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE!
30:10 – Finding common ground
32:10 – How do you hire for a future need?
32:10 – An invaluable lesson from ‘form setters’
42:40 – That ‘new car smell’ that hides rotten eggs
47:00 – Ideal career growth: It starts with communication to ease people into the right place long term
53:10 – Knowing who people are before THEY know who they are and prepping for the interview
58:15 – Some final thoughts on interview #1
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