Finding great people has always been a challenge, but many leaders would agree that attracting and retaining engaged employees feels more difficult today than ever before.

In the second guest episode of Lead and Connect with Vlasta, Vlasta Eriksson, Director of Signature Staff, sat down with Cameron Matthews, performance coach and founder of Choose Act Master Performance Coaching, to discuss a question many businesses are asking themselves:

How do we bring out the best in our people?

What made this conversation particularly interesting is that it quickly moved beyond salaries, benefits and financial incentives. Instead, it focused on something much deeper: the difference between motivating people and inspiring them.

According to Cameron, motivation often comes from external factors. It can be a reward, a bonus, a deadline or someone constantly encouraging us to push harder. Inspiration, however, works differently. It comes from within and is closely connected to purpose, growth and a genuine desire to contribute.

Drawing on her experience in recruitment, Vlasta pointed out that some businesses are far easier to recruit for than others. More often than not, the difference is not how much they pay, but the culture they have built.

Today’s candidates are increasingly looking for workplaces where they feel valued, heard and part of something bigger than a job description.

One of the most thought-provoking parts of the episode was the discussion around leadership. Cameron explained that many organisations still operate under traditional leadership models where managers focus on telling people what to do and how to do it. While this may deliver short-term results, it does not always create engagement, ownership or accountability.

By contrast, when people are given the opportunity to contribute, take responsibility and make decisions, they are far more likely to become invested in the success of the business.

During the conversation, Cameron posed a simple yet powerful question:

“Would I like to work for myself?”

For many leaders, it is an excellent way to honestly assess the culture they are creating within their organisation.

Vlasta also shared reflections from her nearly 30 years in business. She acknowledged that in the early years, it is common for business owners to want to control every detail and oversee every decision. However, real growth often happens when leaders learn to trust their teams, allow people to develop and create opportunities for them to take ownership.

Another important topic was how businesses respond to mistakes.

Both Vlasta and Cameron agreed that mistakes should not automatically be viewed as failures. In a culture built on trust, mistakes can become valuable learning opportunities that help improve processes, strengthen teams and encourage growth.

Cameron also noted that many organisations say they want accountable employees, yet react negatively when someone admits to making a mistake. Creating an environment where people feel comfortable owning their errors, learning from them and moving forward is a critical part of building strong teams.

Towards the end of the episode, Cameron shared one of the most valuable pieces of advice he has ever received:

“You’re in charge of your mind and therefore your results.”

It is a message that captures much of the discussion and applies equally to leaders and employees.

The key takeaway from this episode is that the most successful organisations do more than simply motivate people. They create environments where individuals want to grow, contribute and be part of the journey. In an increasingly competitive employment market, that may be one of the greatest advantages a business can have.

If you would like to explore these ideas further, you can listen to the full episode of Lead and Connect with Vlasta on Spotify. You can also discover previous episodes where Vlasta shares practical insights, personal reflections and advice on leadership, recruitment and professional growth, alongside conversations with guests who bring fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today. It is a great opportunity to learn from people who are building teams, leading organisations and creating meaningful impact within their communities.