Virtual Rolodex with Julie Thiel Founder, TTS Company

Don't Assume, Ask: The Leadership Conversations That Build Stronger Teams

Episode Summary

What if one of the most effective ways to retain your best employees takes just 15 minutes?

In this episode of TXCPA Houston Virtual Rolodex, Kristie Ondracek sits down with Julie Thiel of TTS Company, an HR professional with 30 years of experience, to discuss why strong leadership starts with meaningful conversations. While CPAs and finance professionals spend years developing their technical expertise, managing people, communicating effectively, and supporting career development require an entirely different set of skills.

Kristie and Julie explore the importance of regular one-on-one meetings, creating opportunities for honest career conversations, and helping employees take ownership of their professional growth. They also discuss how leaders can recognize potential they may not see in themselves, navigate concerns about losing talented employees, and prepare their teams for the demands of busy season.

Whether you're a firm leader, manager, emerging professional, or someone looking to take the next step in your career, this conversation offers practical strategies for building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating a workplace where people feel supported and valued.

What You'll Learn

Why regular 15-minute check-ins can make a meaningful difference in employee engagement and retentionHow leaders can move beyond project updates to have meaningful career development conversationsWhy employees need to communicate their goals, interests, and professional development needsPractical ways to initiate difficult conversations with managers, including preparing an agenda or sending an emailHow mentors and professional networks can help individuals discover opportunities and strengths they may not recognizeWhy succession planning and cross-training are essential when developing and retaining talentHow leaders can better prepare their teams for busy season by asking questions instead of making assumptions

Key Leadership Insight

Don't assume you know what your employees want or need. Have the conversation.

A high-performing employee who wanted a promotion last year may have different priorities today. Career aspirations, personal circumstances, and professional goals change.

Great leaders make time to understand those changes rather than relying on assumptions. Sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference in retaining a valuable team member and b