Summary
What’s actually separating the organizations that are thriving right now from the ones that feel stuck? Most leaders point to technology, talent, or timing. Ericka Hyson makes the case that the real variable is courage — and not the inspirational poster version.
In this conversation, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie sit down with growth advisor Ericka Hyson of Hyson Advisory to dig into what courageous culture actually looks like in practice — and how leaders can build it deliberately before the pressure forces their hand.
Ericka brings two decades of experience building Ettain Group from a startup to over $150 million in revenue, and she doesn’t work from theory. The conversation covers the paralysis that’s keeping leaders frozen in the face of AI and market uncertainty, the real reason most core values don’t stick, and why the most important question you can ask your team this week is one most leaders are avoiding entirely.
Three moments stand out. First, Ericka’s reframe of vulnerability as a leadership skill — not a weakness, but the muscle that creates psychological safety for everyone around you. Second, her practical breakdown of how to use core values as a daily decision-making lens, not a wall decoration — including what it means when your top producer isn’t living them. And third, the zoom in/zoom out framework for knowing which circle to turn to when the weight of leadership gets heavy.
This one doesn’t just challenge how you think about culture. It gives you something to do about it this week.
Key Takeaways
Start by starting — The leaders winning right now aren’t the most prepared. They’re the most willing to act with clarity before they have all the answers. Waiting for certainty is its own kind of decision.
Redefine courage for your team — Courage isn’t about bold speeches or having the answers. It’s about being vulnerable enough to admit what you don’t know — and creating a space where your team can do the same.
Make your core values a decision-making lens — If your values only live on a wall, they’re not working. Define the specific behaviors behind each one, and use them to coach, recognize, promote, and — when necessary — make the hard call.
Stop being the complaint department — When you solve every problem that lands on your desk, you train your team to bring you problems instead of solutions. Ask for two ideas before you offer one of your own.
Share the backpack — Innovation doesn’t have to live at the top. Empower people to own ideas from conception to execution, and watch what happens when they come back with the plan themselves.
Know when to zoom in and when to zoom out — Your internal circle helps you execute. Your external circle — peers, coaches, advisors — helps you see the bigger picture. The right conversation in the wrong circle produces the wrong result.
Ask the question your organization is avoiding — This week, find someone you trust and ask: what’s one conversation we’re not having that we should be? Then actually listen.
Sponsors
Allied Insight: Building a courageous culture starts with having the right partners in your corner. Allied Insight helps staffing and consulting firms find their voice, sharpen their positioning, and show up with clarity in the market. The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting businesses.
All Things Staffing: Expert resources for the staffing community. Whether you’re building culture, navigating change, or growing your firm, All Things Staffing connects you with the tools and insights to move forward. Expert Resources for the Staffing Community.
