The People Playbook with Jason Taylor
Better People Decisions. Stronger Teams. Scalable Results.
The People Playbook is your weekly guide to building high-performing teams and cultures that scale. Hosted by leadership coach and executive advisor Jason Taylor, this podcast features raw, insightful conversations with CEOs, founders, and culture builders who know what it really takes to lead in today’s world.
From mindset to execution, every episode unpacks the strategies, missteps, and breakthroughs behind exceptional leadership - and how to align your people, purpose, and performance for lasting impact.
Whether you're a CEO scaling fast, a senior leader navigating change, or a builder at heart - this is your playbook for becoming the leader your team needs.
🎯 New episodes weekly
🔥 Real talk. No fluff.
🧠 Actionable insights you can use today
Because growth doesn’t start with strategy - it starts with people.
Join the People Playbook Circle for exclusive leadership tools & community: jetcoaching.app.clientclub.net
The People Playbook with Jason Taylor
George Croft, Senior Advisor at First Key Consulting & Board Member at BrewDog
In this powerful and candid conversation, George Croft- Senior Advisor at First Key Consulting and Non-Executive Board Member at BrewDog - joins Jason Taylor to reflect on a leadership journey that spans decades in the beverage industry. From his humble beginnings at Labatt to transforming Waterloo Brewing into a national player, George shares how persistence, people-first leadership, and radical candor shaped his approach and legacy.
This episode is a masterclass in leading with values, building resilient teams, and making the tough calls when it counts. Whether you’re scaling a company or growing your career, George’s wisdom will challenge and inspire you.
00:00 – Introduction
Jason introduces George Croft and highlights his extensive leadership career in the beverage industry.
01:36 – When you started your career, did you ever imagine it would take you where it did?
George shares his unexpected start at Labatt and how humility and gratitude shaped his mindset.
02:40 – How has your leadership style evolved from the beginning to now?
George discusses learning from mistakes, recruiting complementary skill sets, and the importance of surrounding yourself with great people.
04:19 – Where does your direct, straight-shooting leadership style come from—and has it helped or hurt your career?
He credits his upbringing and hockey background, emphasizing respect over likability and a relentless focus on winning.
06:17 – What’s the difference between high-performing vs. high-achieving teams?
Jason and George explore team dynamics, referencing the Florida Panthers as a metaphor for persistence and grit.
08:16 – When making big decisions, do you lean on gut, data, or people?
George emphasizes having a clear strategic plan, gathering facts quickly, and executing decisively.
09:56 – How do you build trust with stakeholders, especially when delivering hard news?
Transparency and consistent honesty, especially with boards and teams, are at the core of George’s leadership approach.
11:37 – Have you ever prioritized people over profit—and was it the right decision?
George shares a story where misaligned values around people-first leadership led him to leave an organization.
12:41 – How do you spot talent early in someone’s career?
He looks for persistence, emotional intelligence, and how people behave when no one’s watching.
16:13 – What do people often get wrong about leadership?
George explains that leadership isn’t for everyone and highlights the importance of making tough calls quickly.
20:11 – What do tough moments reveal about great leadership?
Small wins, clear plans, and surrounding yourself with the right people are vital during crises.
27:02 – What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self?
Double down on your strengths and surround yourself with people who fill your gaps.
29:38 – What legacy do you want to leave behind?
George hopes to be remembered as a straight shooter who positively impacted careers through honest, values-driven leadership.
31:48 – What belief or principle will you never compromise on?
Two non-negotiables: people and persistence.
33:32 – Wrap-Up
Jason closes with heartfelt thanks, acknowledging George as one of the best leaders he's had the privilege to work with.
