Most hiring mistakes don’t happen in the interview. They happen in the first 90 days because of conversations that never happened.

In this episode, Troy Ashby / President of Benchmark Search, breaks down what actually makes a new hire stick…or quietly start checking out. We’re talking about the real stuff leaders often miss:

• The expectations you think you communicated (but didn’t).
• The early warning signs of disengagement you’re overlooking.
• And why unmet expectations (not bad hires) are behind most turnover.

Troy shares simple, practical strategies you can use immediately to create early wins, build trust faster, and strengthen the relationship between leaders and their teams from day one.

Because here’s the truth… Retention isn’t about perks. It’s about clarity, communication, and connection.

If you’re leading a team, hiring right now, or wondering why great people don’t stay…this conversation will hit home.

You can find Troy on LinkedIn here - -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyashby/

Be sure to check out Troy's ultimate 90-day checklist too...it's a great resource. -- -> https://www.linkedin.com/smart-links/AQG5GrUcJ_IsGQ/3ff85a74-b0e3-4463-823b-9dd1117e712a

Employee turnover is rarely about compensation; it’s about communication. In this episode, Heather and her guest, Michele Haugh Co-Founder of EarlyHR and EarlyEngage, explore why top talent leaves organizations, and how leaders unknowingly contribute to it. Learn how to improve employee engagement, retention strategies, and communication that keeps your best people.

EarlyHR & EarlyEngage provides HR solutions catered to early-stage to growth-stage organizations and provides creative solutions to people-related issues that keep early-stage leaders and founders up at night through a high-touch, consultative approach. To learn more about Michele, check out her LinkedIn profile here - -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-haugh-shrm-scp/

Most people either avoid hard conversations or handle them poorly. In this episode, Heather shares a practical framework for having difficult conversations at work with clarity and confidence. Learn what to say, how to say it, and how to tailor your message based on communication styles.

Avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t protect your team. It costs you credibility, performance, and results. In this episode, Heather breaks down how conflict avoidance in leadership leads to confusion, frustration, and disengagement. Learn how to address issues directly while maintaining trust and respect.

Most deals don’t fall apart because of pricing…they fall apart because of poor communication in sales conversations. In this episode, Heather and her guest, Neil Barrow, unpack where deals break down, how misalignment happens, and what top performers do differently.

Learn how to improve client communication, build trust faster, and close more business.

If you want to improve your influence and results, you have to learn how to read a room quickly. In this episode, Heather shares how to identify communication styles, pick up on nonverbal cues, and adjust your message in real time.

This is a must-listen for leaders who want stronger executive presence, better meetings, and more effective conversations.

Most leaders don’t realize how often miscommunication in the workplace is costing them clients, revenue, and trust. In this episode, Heather breaks down how unclear messaging, assumptions, and missed conversations lead to lost opportunities…and what to do instead.

Learn how to identify communication gaps, improve leadership communication, and prevent misunderstandings before they impact your bottom line.

Keywords: leadership communication, workplace miscommunication, client communication, business communication mistakes, communication breakdown