00:00 – 00:35
Jason Taylor: Welcome to the People’s Playbook Podcast. We’re excited to have Lindsay Wilson, GM of Sales Ontario at Molson Coors, with us today. Lindsay, you’ve been a veteran in the industry for years—welcome to the show!
Lindsay K Wilson: Thank you so much, Jace. I’m thrilled to be here.
00:39 – 01:27
Jason Taylor: You’ve just been appointed GM of Ontario…
Lindsay K Wilson: Feels like I just have, but it’s coming up on a year this December. It’s been an incredible journey, tripling our field sales team and quadrupling our key account team this year.
01:27 – 02:01
Jason Taylor: With all this change, how do you manage people through growth and uncertainty?
Lindsay K Wilson: It starts with mindset. Early in your career, you think success is a destination. But real leadership is understanding there’s always a next challenge.
02:01 – 03:50
Lindsay K Wilson: I was introduced to the VUCA framework—Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity—which helps teams grow through storms. Going through these challenges strengthens teams and builds vision, understanding, clarity, and agility.
03:50 – 05:08
Jason Taylor: That must make your team stronger. How do you drive team culture through change?
Lindsay K Wilson: Culture isn’t just a statement; it’s lived. For example, I started “Friday Wins” to celebrate all wins, big or small, which builds momentum and energizes the team.
05:08 – 07:28
Lindsay K Wilson: Leaders must also acknowledge people’s lives outside work. Talking about family and personal life fosters authenticity.
Jason Taylor: That makes you come across as genuine and human.
07:28 – 08:51
Jason Taylor: Many people confuse culture with a statement on the wall. How do you embed it in your team?
Lindsay K Wilson: You live it daily, check in with people, and ask simple questions like, “How are you feeling?” That creates connection and alignment.
09:08 – 11:37
Jason Taylor: What leadership style inspires you most?
Lindsay K Wilson: Authenticity. Leaders who are themselves energize their teams. Vision matters, but only if people can make it their own.
Jason Taylor: How do you get cross-functional teams aligned with your vision?
Lindsay K Wilson: Bring everyone in, know their motivations, and include them in initiatives. It strengthens collaboration and contribution.
13:31 – 15:20
Jason Taylor: Looking back, what’s a leadership mistake you learned from?
Lindsay K Wilson: Early on, I thought success meant working every hour. I learned the importance of boundaries and leading by example.
Jason Taylor: Taking time for yourself makes you a better leader and models healthy work habits for your team.
16:50 – 20:19
Jason Taylor: How do you spot future leaders?
Lindsay K Wilson: I look for curiosity, vulnerability, and willingness to say, “I don’t know, but I’m in.” Diverse teams and giving people opportunities to flex their strengths are key.
20:40 – 23:48
Jason Taylor: Who do you go to for guidance?
Lindsay K Wilson: Mentors and my father, a seasoned business leader. It’s crucial to have honest people who can challenge you and give perspective.
24:50 – 25:47
Jason Taylor: What’s your view on diversity in leadership?
Lindsay K Wilson: Diverse teams lead to better decisions. We recently appointed our first female president—an inspiring milestone for the company.
25:58 – 28:44
Jason Taylor: How do you make tough decisions?
Lindsay K Wilson: Trust your instinct and gut. Supportive teams make it easier, but ultimately, leaders need to own decisions. Authenticity is my non-negotiable—everyone must show up as themselves.
28:54 – 30:29
Jason Taylor: What advice would you give young leaders?
Lindsay K Wilson: Say yes to new opportunities. Overcome self-doubt, embrace challenges, and learn from every experience.
30:29 – 31:10
Jason Taylor: Lindsay, your authenticity and care for your team are inspiring. Thank you for sharing your insights and time today.
Lindsay K Wilson: Thanks, Jace. It’s been an honor.