What does it actually take to build a people-first culture that performs?

In this episode of The People Playbook Podcast, Jason Taylor sits down with Chris Caldwell, President & CEO of Community National Bank, to break down the leadership principles that don’t change, even as industries evolve.

Chris shares why no one is “above the work,” how understanding your team’s “why” drives real performance, and why simple, common-sense leadership often beats overcomplicated strategies.

They also dive into:

• How to build trust as a new CEO
• Why culture is contagious (for better or worse)
• The difference between managing people and truly leading them
• How to maintain human connection in an increasingly digital world

If you’re leading a team, scaling a company, or trying to become a better leader, this conversation is a masterclass in keeping people at the center of everything you do.

What separates average teams from high-performing ones?

In this episode of The People Playbook Podcast, Jason Taylor sits down with Nevil Corbeth, Vice President of Sales at NFI Canada, to unpack what it really takes to build winning cultures, lead top performers, and grow teams that stay motivated under pressure.

Nevil shares lessons from leading across Canada and the U.S., why friendly competition can drive results, how to coach A-players without neglecting the rest of the team, and why preparation is one of the most underrated leadership skills.

They also dive into leadership lessons from coaching elite baseball talent, creating loyalty without always relying on money, and the importance of honesty, listening, and experience when leading people.

If you’re a CEO, sales leader, or people-first executive looking to build stronger teams and better culture, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways.

What happens when a police officer and military veteran builds a fast-growing coffee company rooted in purpose, culture, and community?

In this episode of The People Playbook Podcast, Jason Taylor sits down with Shawn Black, Founder of Sheepdog Brew Company, to unpack how frontline leadership lessons from policing and the military shaped the way he builds teams, earns trust, and scales a values-driven business.

Shawn shares the transition from public service to entrepreneurship, why culture must be lived and not just preached, and how putting the customer first can become a company’s biggest competitive edge.

This is a powerful conversation for founders, leaders, and anyone building something that matters.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why smooth is fast when scaling a business
• How trust and clarity drive team performance
• The danger of hypocrisy in leadership
• Why culture starts with everyday behaviour
• How purpose can become a true growth strategy
• Advice for founders building something meaningful