Why More Money Isn’t the Answer (And What Is)

High turnover is draining your business—but here’s the good news: keeping great employees doesn’t always mean paying more.

In this episode of The Unlocked Potential Podcast, I sit down with Tom Leung, former Google and YouTube product leader and host of Fireside PM, to break down what really keeps people loyal, engaged, and motivated—especially in small and blue-collar businesses. Whether you run a construction crew, a restaurant, or a manufacturing operation, this episode is packed with practical, advice to help you build stronger teams, keep your best people longer, and become a better leader.

We dive into:

🔹 Why people actually leave jobs (hint: it’s rarely just about money)

🔹 How to build a workplace people don’t want to walk away from

🔹 The truth about motivation vs. accountability

🔹 What small businesses can learn from Google’s leadership practices

🔹 How to spot disengagement early—and fix it

🔹 Why growth, feedback, and feeling valued matter more than another dollar

Tom shares battle-tested insights from startups to Big Tech, and shows how to apply them in any work environment—no ping pong tables or tech jargon required.

🔧 If you’re a business owner struggling with retention, team morale, or leadership burnout—this one’s for you.

Brought to you by:

TANDA - Unlocking employee retention, productivity, and happiness https://www.tanda.io/

Where to find Tom:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toml/

Where to find Jesse:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessechor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessechor/

X: https://x.com/jessechor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesse.chor

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jessechor

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jessechor

🎉 Shoutout for This Episode (DC Edition!)

If James Gunn can reboot Superman, you can definitely rethink how you lead your team.

💥This episode is all about ditching outdated playbooks and discovering your own leadership superpower — no cape required.

🦸‍♂️ Whether you’re a Man of Steel at work or just trying to avoid kryptonite (like high turnover), hit that like button, share it with your Justice League, and let’s build workplaces that actually work.

#DCFan #JamesGunnSuperman #LeadershipReboot #ModernLeadership #EmployeeRetention #workplaceculture #leadwithpurpose #retentionstrategies

High employee turnover is draining your business more than you realize. When workers don’t feel valued or safe speaking up, they disengage—or worse, they leave.In this episode, Trista Taylor, founder & CEO of Regroup and former leader of Google’s Global Team Development program, shares how trust and psychological safety can reduce turnover, boost morale, and improve productivity.🔹 Why turnover is costing you thousands in lost time and productivity🔹 The #1 reason employees check out (and how to fix it)🔹 How great leaders build loyal teams that stick around🔹 Why “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions” is hurting your businessIf you’re struggling with retention, engagement, or employee morale, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you turn things around.🎧 Subscribe & listen now to start keeping your best employees longer!

Brought to you by:

TANDA - Unlocking employee retention, productivity, and happiness https://www.tanda.io

Where to find Trista:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristataylor/

Regroup: https://www.regroup.co/

Where to find Jesse:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessechor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessechor/

X: https://x.com/jessechor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesse.chor

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jessechor

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jessechor

Hi—I’m Jesse Chor, Founder and CEO of TANDA, host of the Unlocked Potential Podcast. I’m passionate about technology and ideas that unlock human potential within companies. I’ve always been driven to build the kind of team and culture I’ve wanted to be a part of. On YouTube, I share conversations and insights on how technology is transforming the way we inspire and drive extraordinary achievements.My goal is to help founders and CEOs invest in their skilled teams by learning from other great founders and leaders. If that resonates with you, subscribe for more!

In this episode of Unlocked Potential, I sit down with Michael Allen, co-founder of Together Chicago, to explore how communities can break free from cycles of violence and poverty.

We dive into:

✅ The root causes of gun violence and the role of generational poverty

✅ How financial literacy and economic opportunity create lasting change

✅ The power of mentorship, community, and exposure to new experiences

✅ Why hope and delayed gratification are key to escaping poverty

✅ How businesses and nonprofits can work together for impact

✅ The innovative ways Together Chicago is reducing violence and building thriving neighborhoods

✅ What startups can learn from nonprofits about mission-driven leadership and building high-retention teams

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and the tangible steps we can take to transform lives. Don’t miss it!

🎙️Brought to you by:

TANDA - Unlocking employee retention, productivity, and happiness https://www.tanda.io

Where to find Michael:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-allen-a2358243

https://togetherchicago.com/

Where to find Jesse:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessechor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessechor/

X: https://x.com/jessechor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesse.chor

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jessechor

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/jessechor

🎉 Shoutout for this episode!I’m rocking a t-shirt from Café Joyeux, an amazing nonprofit coffee shop that creates meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission is all about inclusion, dignity, and empowerment—just like the themes in today’s conversation. If you’re ever in New York or beyond, check them out! ☕💙👉

Learn more about Café Joyeux: https://us.cafejoyeux.com/

In the inaugural first episode of Unlocked Potential, I sit down with Gen Z to tackle the big questions older generations have about work, culture, and what really motivates them. From work-life balance to job-hopping to the impact of social media, I break down stereotypes and explore how Gen Z is reshaping the workplace—one viral trend at a time.

Brought to you by:

TANDA - Unlocking employee retention, productivity, and happiness - https://www.tanda.io

Where to find Jesse:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessechor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessechor/

X: https://x.com/jessechor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesse.chor

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jessechor

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/jessechor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JesseChor

Hi—I’m Jesse Chor, Founder and CEO of TANDA, host of the Unlocked Potential Podcast. I’m passionate about technology and ideas that unlock human potential within companies. I’ve always been driven to build the kind of team and culture I’ve wanted to be a part of. On YouTube, I share conversations and insights on how technology is transforming the way we inspire and drive extraordinary achievements.My goal is to help founders and CEOs invest in their skilled teams by learning from other great founders and leaders. If that resonates with you, subscribe for more!