TRAITS podcast: Building Higher Performing Organizations

Episode 24: From Chaos to Clarity: Creating Culture with Rick Hays
SummaryWhat if the problem isn’t your people—but your clarity as a leader? In this episode, Rick Hays shares how his experience at Aircom, a growing Western Canadian company, taught him that culture doesn’t just happen—it’s created. From rethinking how leaders show up, to facing the truth about hiring missteps and personal blind spots, Rick opens up about the mindset shifts that helped turn uncertainty into purpose.
Whether you’re building a business or trying to reset your team, this episode will get you thinking differently about creating culture that truly works.
Show Notes:1:45 Nothing to improve?
8:05 The beginnings of the three amigos
17:05 A mindset of growth in leadership
21:50 Hiring needed to get right
32:40 The missing leg of a chair
43:50 Creating culture
49:50 Openness vs. honesty vs. uncertainty
58:45 The greatest changes with Aircom’s employees
Episode Resources & LinksLoved this conversation with Rick? In Episode 007, Aircom President Sean Lavin shares how the leadership foundation Rick helped build is driving real, measurable impact today.
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