In our latest episode of Blu Thread Conversations, we had the privilege of hearing from Mark Edgar, the Chief People Officer at Wajax. With over 25 years of experience in HR, Mark is a seasoned veteran in the field, and his insights into creating a people-first culture are nothing short of revolutionary.
Listen to S01E03 – People First Cultures
Wajax, an iconic Canadian company with a history spanning over 165 years, is at the forefront of an organizational transformation. Under Mark’s leadership, the company is not just selling industrial products and services; it’s also selling a vision of the future of work—one that puts people at the very center.
Mark’s approach is refreshingly candid and grounded in reality. He acknowledges the challenges and doesn’t shy away from the tough questions: How do you handle underperformance or navigate economic downturns while maintaining a people-first culture? His answers are thought-provoking, and they challenge the conventional wisdom of the corporate world.
One of the key takeaways from the conversation is the importance of embedding company values into everyday operations. For Wajax, this means living their values consistently, which, according to Mark, is the essence of being a people-first company. It’s not just about having a set of values; it’s about making them a part of the organizational DNA.
Mark also emphasizes the critical role of middle management in driving this cultural shift. These leaders are the linchpin in ensuring that the values and strategies trickle down to every level of the company. By empowering these managers and giving them the tools to succeed, Wajax is building a stronger, more connected workforce.
The conversation is also a testament to the power of listening. Mark shares how Wajax is engaging in ongoing dialogues with employees, ensuring that their voices are heard and their feedback is acted upon. This collaborative approach is what makes their strategy authentic and resonates with their team members.
As we wrapped up the episode, it was clear that Wajax’s journey is one to watch. Their commitment to a people-first culture is not just a passing trend; it’s a strategic business move that promises to yield dividends in employee satisfaction, retention, and performance.
For anyone interested in the intersection of people, culture, and performance, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a masterclass in HR strategy and a blueprint for those looking to make a tangible impact in their organizations. So, tune in, get inspired, and start weaving your own Blu Thread of transformation in your workplace.
Guest Links:
- future foHRward
- foHRsight podcast with Mark Edgar & Naomi Titleman
Episode Host:
Episode Intro & Wrap-up:
Episode Chapters:
(00:00) Blue Thread Conversations is podcast designed for transformational leaders reshaping organizations
(02:31) Leandra: Welcome to our third podcast on Blu Thread conversations
(04:50) Mark is a recovering CHRO who joined Wajax in 2011
(06:41) Mark spent three and a half years in consulting before joining Wajax
(10:12) You’ve spoken about macro trends including changing employee expectations
(11:49) Mark says changing expectations are impacting the way people interact with work
(16:02) Is it achievable? Some people may say, what do you do if layoffs are necessary
(17:25) Wajax sees the important role that organizations play in society these days
(20:35) What does people-first mean at Wajax? It’s something we’re wrestling with
(23:30) Mark: Senior leadership making commitment to be authentic with employees is critical
(29:16) How will you engage your managers? Because they’re critical stakeholder
(34:03) Leandra: How does this work fit in with overall business goals
(39:02) Mark shares his company’s people first business strategy with us
Blog Contributor:
James Powell
Vice President Client Strategy & Creative
Blu Ivy Group
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