HIRED! The Podcast (Ft. Bryan Howard) | Ep. #53
Your Team is Good. But is it Vanguard Good?
Season 4 of HIRED! The Podcast begins with a fascinating conversation between host Travis Miller and Bryan Howard, CEO of Peoplyst and author of The Vanguard Edge.
Bryan’s career is built on helping organizations solve their toughest people problems, and in this episode, he shares how leaders can build teams that thrive in any environment. From fostering resilience to rethinking how we hire, Bryan’s insights are practical, thought-provoking, and perfect for anyone looking to level up their approach to leadership—or their career.
Leading Through the Tough Times
A few years ago, Bryan’s company—then known as Mercury Performance Group—faced a major challenge: a cease-and-desist letter over its name forced a rebrand. Instead of letting frustration take over, Bryan took the opportunity to demonstrate the power of resilience.
He didn’t make the decision in isolation. Bryan gathered his team, treated them like partners, and shared the reasons behind the rebrand. By involving them in the process, he minimized resistance and turned the situation into a moment of growth for everyone involved.
Transparency, he says, builds trust. When employees understand the reasoning behind decisions, they’re far more likely to rally behind a solution. Challenges don’t have to derail progress—they can be opportunities to strengthen a team’s foundation.
What It Means to Be a Vanguard
At the heart of The Vanguard Edge is the concept of the Vanguard—a team or individual who’s resilient, adaptable, and always leading the charge when change happens.
Bryan’s Mindset and Strength Evaluation Tool (MSET) measures teams across two dimensions: their ability to collaborate effectively and their willingness to grow. The highest-performing teams land in the Vanguard Quadrant, where these two qualities intersect.
Creating an environment where adaptability and growth thrive starts with the right mindset. Teams that embrace learning and flexibility are better equipped to handle challenges. On the flip side, a rigid mindset can hold even the most talented groups back.
Whether you’re building a team or joining one, consider whether these values are truly embedded in the culture. Growth doesn’t just happen—it’s nurtured.
Hiring: It’s About More Than Skills
When Bryan hires, he looks beyond resumes and technical qualifications. For him, understanding how candidates measure success is key. Questions like, “How did you know when you were doing a good job?” can reveal a lot about someone’s ability to take accountability and self-assess.
The interview process is a two-way street, though. Bryan emphasizes the importance of asking thoughtful questions to uncover leadership styles and company culture. One great question is, “Can you tell me about a time you supported an employee’s promotion?” It’s an easy way to gauge how an organization supports growth and advancement.
Cultural alignment matters just as much as technical skills. A strong match ensures teams can thrive, even when challenges arise.
Making Hybrid Work Actually Work
The shift to remote and hybrid work environments has created new challenges for teams, but it’s also opened the door for more creative solutions. Leaders can’t rely on chance encounters at the water cooler anymore—they need to create moments of connection intentionally.
Small gestures, like calling a team member for a quick chat or organizing virtual brainstorming sessions, can foster collaboration and inclusion. These interactions also help ensure remote employees don’t feel disconnected from their in-office counterparts.
For candidates, understanding how a company approaches hybrid or remote work can provide insight into how well they’re prepared for the future of work. Communication practices and team dynamics matter as much as the job description itself.
Mentors and Advocates: The Career Boost You Need
Mentorship and advocacy are two key ways to foster growth within an organization. Mentors guide their team members, helping them develop skills and confidence. Advocates take it a step further by championing employees for promotions and new opportunities.
When evaluating a potential employer, asking about mentorship programs or examples of leadership advocacy can offer a glimpse into the organization’s priorities. Similarly, leaders who reflect on these practices can build stronger, more engaged teams. Supporting others isn’t just about the individual—it’s about creating a culture where growth is part of the DNA.
Catch the full episode of HIRED! The Podcast to learn more about Bryan’s strategies and how The Vanguard Edge can transform your team.
About Bryan Howard
Bryan Howard is the CEO of Peoplyst and an expert in human performance with over 20 years of experience enhancing leadership, efficiency, and organizational growth. Known for his “5 G’s of Success”—Grit, Growth, Gratitude, Generosity, and Grace—Bryan specializes in people-centric solutions and tailored strategies that drive resilient, high-performing teams. He is also the author of The Vanguard Edge, a guide to fostering adaptability and alignment within teams, and a sought-after thought leader in leadership development and professional transformation.
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