Episode 18

šŸŽ™ļø Is your team truly engaged, or just showing up? Learn how to transform your leadership style and boost retentionā€”starting today! šŸ”„

Welcome to another powerful episode of From Battle to Business! In this episode, host Dean Van Dyke sits down with the incredible Isabelle Fortin, a leader with deep military roots turned corporate trailblazer. Isabelleā€™s journey started in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where she honed her leadership and communication skills. Transitioning into the corporate world, she quickly realized something was missingā€”true teamwork and leadership with a human touch.

Now, with over 30 years of leadership experience, Isabelle has dedicated herself to helping CEOs and HR leaders create engaged, high-performing teams. Through her behavioral and motivational assessment tools, she is transforming workplace culture and proving that human-centered leadership is the future of success.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, retention, and building a thriving workplace culture. If youā€™re a leader looking to level up your approach to team management, you wonā€™t want to miss this conversation!

Key Takeaways

1. Human-centered leadership is essential ā€“ Teams thrive when leaders prioritize people over processes.

2. Military leadership vs. corporate leadership ā€“ The stark differences and how to bridge the gap.

3. The power of behavioral assessments ā€“ How understanding team membersā€™ motivations and behaviors can drive better performance.

4. Retention starts with engagement ā€“ Leaders must create an environment of trust and support.

5. Why traditional leadership models are outdated ā€“ A fresh approach to coaching and empowerment is needed.

6. Overcoming workplace isolation ā€“ How to rebuild camaraderie in a corporate setting.

7. Stories of transformation ā€“ Real examples of leaders who have successfully shifted to a people-first mindset.

8. Practical steps to implement change today ā€“ Actionable strategies to create a stronger, more engaged team.

Steps to Implement Human-Centered Leadership

1. Listen First ā€“ Before making decisions, seek to understand your teamā€™s needs and challenges.

2. Encourage Open Communication ā€“ Create a culture where employees feel safe to express ideas and concerns.

3. Assess and Adapt ā€“ Use tools like behavioral and motivational assessments to understand what drives your team.

4. Empower Through Trust ā€“ Give your team the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work.

5. Recognize and Reward ā€“ Acknowledge contributions and celebrate small wins to maintain engagement.

6. Lead with Purpose ā€“ Inspire your team by aligning goals with a greater mission.

Memorable Quotes

šŸ“¢ ā€œLeadership is not about being in charge. Itā€™s about taking care of those in your charge.ā€ ā€“ Isabelle Fortin

šŸ“¢ ā€œThe corporate world lacks the camaraderie that the military fosters. We need to rebuild that sense of belonging.ā€ ā€“ Isabelle Fortin

šŸ“¢ ā€œRetention isnā€™t about perksā€”itā€™s about people feeling valued.ā€ ā€“ Dean Van Dyke

šŸ“¢ ā€œGreat teams donā€™t happen by accident. They are built with intention.ā€ ā€“ Isabelle Fortin

šŸ“¢ ā€œYour team is your greatest assetā€”invest in them, and success will follow.ā€ ā€“ Dean Van Dyke


Resources Mentioned

ā€¢ Behavioral & Motivational Assessment Tool ā€“ A game-changing tool that helps leaders understand and manage their teams effectively.

ā€¢ The Human Leader Livestream ā€“ Isabelā€™s platform where she interviews leaders who challenge the status quo in leadership.


Best Advice from This Episode

If youā€™re a leader looking to create an engaged and high-performing team, start by understanding your people. Leadership is not just about making decisionsā€”itā€™s about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered. Take time to invest in your teamā€™s growth and well-being, and youā€™ll see productivity, retention, and morale soar.


Connect with Isabelle Fortin

šŸŒ Website

Connect with Dean Van Dyke at The Breakthrough Blueprint

šŸŒ Website

šŸ“ø Instagram

šŸ“˜ Facebook

ā­ļø If you enjoyed listening, please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Your reviews help others discover the podcast, and it means the world to us! Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. šŸš€

About the Podcast

Show artwork for From Battle to Business
From Battle to Business
Actionable Business Strategies | Veteran Entrepreneurs | Operational Efficiency Tips

Listen for free

About your host

Profile picture for Dean Van Dyke

Dean Van Dyke

Dean Van Dyke is a business strategist and Fractional COO. He supports small business owners in creating actionable strategies and structures around their businesses to gain momentum toward their vision. As you're looking at revenue challenges, trying to find savings opportunities, or worrying about employee turnover, you need an outside advisor to bounce ideas, work through challenges, or just be 'in it' with you. His clients don't make decisions without calling Dean first. You can visit his website at (https://www.deanvandyke.com) or connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanvandyke/) to learn more.