Values aren’t defined by what leaders say—they’re revealed in the decisions they make when the stakes are high. In this episode of The People Playbook with Coach Cora, Coach Cora sits down with Preston Atkinson, President and CEO of Trestleworks and former CEO of Whataburger, to explore what it really means to lead through values.

Drawing on decades of leadership in legacy, community-rooted organizations, Preston shares how leaders drift when they prioritize being right over being aligned—and how that erodes trust inside teams. When values are consistently modeled, people stay engaged, extend grace, and remain committed to the organization’s long-term success.

Values aren&rsquo;t defined by what leaders say&mdash;they&rsquo;re revealed in the decisions they make when the stakes are high. In this episode of The People Playbook with Coach Cora, Coach Cora sits down with Preston Atkinson, President and CEO of Trestleworks and former CEO of Whataburger, to explore what it really means to lead through values.
Drawing on decades of leadership in legacy, community-rooted organizations, Preston shares how leaders drift when they prioritize being right over being aligned&mdash;and how that erodes trust inside teams. When values are consistently modeled, people stay engaged, extend grace, and remain committed to the organization&rsquo;s long-term success.

The People Playbook is for professional business owners and leaders who understand business rises and falls on people. You will hear practical, real-world conversations on clear leadership, smart hiring, and building strong teams- all formulas for retention! Get ready to hear your professional peers and industry experts as they discuss lessons learned and best practices. Get that journal out, you'll be taking lots of notes! 

The People Playbook is for professional business owners and leaders who understand business rises and falls on people.&nbsp;You will hear practical, real-world conversations&nbsp;on clear leadership, smart hiring, and building strong teams- all formulas for retention! Get ready to hear your professional peers and industry experts as they discuss lessons learned&nbsp;and best practices. Get that journal out, you'll be taking lots of notes!&nbsp;

The People Playbook with Coach Cora Podcast

Your People Playbook, with Coach Cora is a weekly leadership and business radio show for owners, managers, and professionals who understand that their business rises and falls on their people.

Hosted by organizational development consultant and executive coach Cora Lonning, the show delivers practical, real-world conversations about the people challenges leaders face every day — and what actually works to solve them. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience working with organizations across Texas and beyond, Coach Cora helps listeners turn unclear leadership, hiring struggles, communication breakdowns, and retention issues into opportunities for stronger teams and healthier workplaces.

Each episode focuses on clear leadership, smart hiring, effective communication, and building strong, resilient teams. Conversations are professional but approachable — like sitting down with a trusted colleague who understands the realities of running a business and leading people.

Listeners can expect:
Actionable leadership insights grounded in real workplace experience
Honest discussions about people problems leaders don’t always talk about
Practical guidance they can apply immediately with their teams

Your People Playbook, with Coach Cora airs Saturdays at 2:00 PM on KLUP Radio 930 AM The Answer and is also available as a podcast after broadcast.

Because great businesses aren’t built by accident — they’re built by leaders who know how to develop their people.

<ul></ul>
Your People Playbook, with Coach Cora is a weekly leadership and business radio show for owners, managers, and professionals who understand that their business rises and falls on their people.
Hosted by organizational development consultant and executive coach Cora Lonning, the show delivers practical, real-world conversations about the people challenges leaders face every day &mdash; and what actually works to solve them. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience working with organizations across Texas and beyond, Coach Cora helps listeners turn unclear leadership, hiring struggles, communication breakdowns, and retention issues into opportunities for stronger teams and healthier workplaces.
Each episode focuses on clear leadership, smart hiring, effective communication, and building strong, resilient teams. Conversations are professional but approachable &mdash; like sitting down with a trusted colleague who understands the realities of running a business and leading people.
Listeners can expect:
<ul>
<li>Actionable leadership insights grounded in real workplace experience</li>
<li>Honest discussions about people problems leaders don&rsquo;t always talk about</li>
<li>Practical guidance they can apply immediately with their teams</li>
</ul>
Your People Playbook, with Coach Cora airs Saturdays at 2:00 PM on&nbsp;KLUP Radio&nbsp;930 AM The Answer and is also available as a podcast after broadcast.
Because great businesses aren&rsquo;t built by accident &mdash; they&rsquo;re built by leaders who know how to develop their people.