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.
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The People Playbook with Jason Taylor
Joe Salemi – Culture, Clarity, and the Power of People-First Leadership
In this episode of The People Playbook, host Jason Taylor sits down with Joe Salemi, Executive Director of Landscape Ontario, to explore what it really takes to lead with empathy, build high-performing teams, and create a culture that thrives -even when you're not in the room.
Joe shares his personal journey from software to association leadership, what it means to step into the shoes of a legend, and why the best leaders empower others to lead too. We also dive into the leadership gap facing many landscape businesses, the power of peer-to-peer vulnerability, and how one green tie became a symbol of trust and transformation.
If you're a leader, culture builder, or entrepreneur navigating people challenges -this one is a must-listen.
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
Jason introduces Joe Salemi and sets up the episode around people-first leadership, career transitions, and culture building.
01:15 – How has your career shaped your leadership style?
Joe reflects on the mentors who influenced his approach and how the people-first leadership philosophy became his foundation.
03:03 – Why are difficult conversations essential in leadership?
Joe explains how early struggles with accountability conversations shaped his leadership maturity.
04:46 – What led to your transition from Dynascape to Landscape Ontario?
Joe shares the story of exiting a successful software company and stepping into a legacy leadership role at LO.
08:06 – What did it feel like to be tapped as a successor by a legend?
Joe talks about being chosen by Tony DiGiovanni and what it means to live his "big kid dream."
10:35 – What’s the most common hurdle landscape business owners face today?
Joe outlines the leadership gap in the industry and why strong technicians don't always become strong leaders.
12:56 – Why is it dangerous to "buy yourself a job"?
Jason and Joe discuss the difference between being a business owner and being self-employed.
13:58 – How do you build community inside a trade association?
Joe describes the cultural foundation of Landscape Ontario and their unique peer-sharing model.
16:03 – What role does vulnerability play in community leadership?
Joe shares how Landscape Ontario fosters safe, judgment-free environments for real growth.
18:48 – How do you balance running an association and supporting members' growth?
Joe credits his leadership team and the power of internal alignment and trust.
21:20 – What’s been your most memorable moment as Executive Director?
Joe recalls an emotional team retreat and the unexpected gift of a green tie—a symbol of gratitude and connection.
26:50 – You are a culture creator—what’s your strategy?
Joe breaks down how empathy and intentional culture-building create workplaces people want to return to.
28:48 – How do you see Landscape Ontario impacting the industry’s future?
Joe shares plans for upskilling, leadership development, and preparing the next generation of landscape entrepreneurs.
30:10 – Closing
Jason thanks Joe for his insights and leadership—and reflects on the power of showing appreciation to those making a difference.
