Q4 Priorities and EOY Housekeeping

Summary

In this power-packed episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin McKenzie sit down with Tom Erb, President of Tallann Resources and one of staffing's most respected thought leaders, to decode the four mindsets that separate industry champions from the rest of the pack.

With over 30 years in the trenches, Tom reveals why success isn't about having the right skills—it's about approaching your work with the right mindset. Drawing from his experience managing teams, building businesses, and now consulting with hundreds of firms, Tom breaks down exactly how top performers think differently about their daily activities.

The conversation explores Tom's evolution from individual contributor to industry advisor, his discovery that mindset trumps tactics, and why most staffing professionals are leaving money on the table by avoiding one simple activity: picking up the phone. Tom challenges conventional wisdom about email efficiency and digital-first strategies, making the case that human connection still drives results in our increasingly automated world.

Plus, get Tom's travel hacks for the conference circuit, including his game-changing Solgaard portable closet system and his philosophy on never checking bags. This episode delivers both strategic frameworks and tactical tips that leaders can implement immediately.

Key Takeaways

Performance Mindset – Success starts with doing enough of the RIGHT activities that only you can do, not tasks that can be automated or delegated

Value Mindset – Shift from apologizing for interrupting to believing prospects are better off knowing you than not knowing you

Long Game Mindset – What you do today determines your bank account in six months—build tomorrow's pipeline while filling today's orders

Mastery Mindset – Purposefully improve through continuous learning, following thought leaders, and constantly increasing efficiency

Phone Calls Still Win – The more people you talk to, the more good things happen—email alone won't buil