TLDR: Great conversation - here’s the episode description for Alex Black, written in the same format, tone, and structure as the others, and based strictly on the transcript.
A grounded, people-first look at what great leadership really requires - and why culture is built in the small moments.
In this episode, Matt sits down with Alex Black, HR professional and people leader at SIIT, to unpack what it actually takes to build healthy, high-performing teams. With nearly two decades in HR and years spent in people leadership, Alex shares why trust, empathy, and psychological safety are no longer “soft skills,” but foundational business necessities. They explore outdated leadership models that no longer work, the difference between managing work and leading people, and how tools like DISC help leaders understand themselves and their teams better. The conversation also dives into accountability, feedback, conflict, and why strong workplace culture is everyone’s responsibility - not just management’s.
You’ll hear about:
How trust, empathy, and psychological safety directly impact performance, retention, and innovation.
Why many leaders struggle when moving from subject-matter expert to people leader - and how to close that gap.
Practical ways to build healthier teams through communication, self-awareness, and shared accountability.
Connect with Alex Black:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-blackcphr-clc-ctmp-qmed-rpr/
