In this episode of Mission in Motion: A Minute with Maxwell, Heather Maxwell welcomes back Brian Emmerton, President of Complete Purchasing Services, for Part 2 of their conversation. They cover a question every leader is asking: how do you attract, keep and develop great people?
Some of Brian's team members have been with him for decades. He explains what keeps them there: purpose, trust, a team that wants each other to succeed, and a "beg for forgiveness later" culture that lets people do what's right for the customer. He also talks about Complete Purchasing Services' partnership with Maxwell Management Group to recruit key leaders in British Columbia and Ontario, and why he hires for culture, not just credentials.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why team members stay for decades, and the role of purpose and growth
- How "beg for forgiveness later" builds trust and empowerment
- Why recognition should fit the person, from handwritten notes to a shout-out at a town hall
- Common onboarding mistakes that push good people away, and why new managers need people-management training
- How to spot future leaders who lead without formal authority
- Leading across generations and communication styles
- Why cultural fit matters most when hiring for key roles, and the case for trusting the experts in executive search
About Maxwell Management Group:
This podcast is brought to you by Maxwell Management Group, a national executive search and education firm specializing in the continuing care and healthcare sectors. For nearly two decades, they’ve partnered with organizations to build values‑driven leadership, vibrant workplace cultures, and purpose‑led employer brands.
Learn more: maxwellmanagementgroup.com
What is Mission in Motion: A Minute With Maxwell?
Mission in Motion: A Minute with Maxwell is a bold new podcast and a leadership companion for mission-driven organizations and changemakers across the care sector and beyond. Hosted by Heather Maxwell, founder of Maxwell Management Group, each episode delivers transformative insights through candid conversations with renowned leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who are redefining what it means to lead with purpose.
In every short, powerful episode, listeners will uncover “aha” moments in leadership—those pivotal insights that shift perspectives, spark innovation, and drive meaningful change. From navigating people and culture to leading through uncertainty, challenge, and change, the podcast is designed to offer real value to executive leaders, HR professionals, and visionaries who are seeking meaningful conversations and lightbulb moments that both inspire and challenge the status quo.
Whether you're looking for inspiration, strategy, or just a moment to reflect, A Minute with Maxwell - Mission in Motion brings the voices and stories that matter most—amplifying the lessons and leadership breakthroughs that can move your mission forward.