If you’ve ever let a high performer slide on bad behavior because they “get the job done,” you’re not alone. In the trades, where the pressure to meet deadlines, budgets, and output is relentless, it's easy to overlook the slow creep of cultural breakdown. But the truth is, what you tolerate becomes your culture. And without clear core values, that culture starts writing itself.

That’s where John Knowlton comes in. A former pastor turned leadership coach for trades and service businesses, John has seen firsthand how misalignment—between what a company says it stands for and what it actually rewards—erodes trust, accountability, and long-term growth. He believes culture isn’t defined by slogans or swag; it’s defined by behavior. And if leaders don’t model the values, no one else will.

In this episode of The People Strategy Podcast, Traci Austin and John dive deep into how trades leaders can stop fighting fires and start building teams that thrive. They break down what it really means to operationalize core values—from creating values-based interview questions to navigating tough choices when two values collide. And they explore how “hierarchical core values” can give leaders clarity under pressure.

If your business is struggling with inconsistency, toxicity, or turnover, this episode isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Because in John's words, your team’s culture is happening whether you lead it or not.