The Chris LoCurto Show

Cindy Taylor went from hiring based on skill to building a culture-first team and everything changed. Coaching helped her reduce stress, grow strong leaders, and create a team that thrives.00:06:32 — When “Qualified” Isn’t the Same as “Aligned”00:12:03 — The Pain of Holding On Too Long00:21:12 — How You Changed the Way You Hire00:28:22 — Involving Your Leaders in Hiring and Culture00:30:50 — The Result: A Team That Fits, Stays, and Thrives00:38:05 — Action Steps00:39:59 — Next-Level Leadership LIVE Event00:42:01 — Conclusion

Too many interviews rely on gut feelings and charisma—but that won’t protect your team. In this episode, we walk through 5 interview shifts that help you identify character, cultural fit, and real competence—before you make the hire.Use the time stamps below to jump to what you need:Stop Using Generic Questions—Start Revealing Patterns (00:01:49)How to ask behavior-based questions that expose real patterns—not rehearsed answers.Structure the Interview in 3 Distinct Segments (00:09:11)Break every interview into three clear parts: culture, skills, and problem-solving.Match Questions to the Role Using DISC (00:14:34)Tailor your interview questions to fit DISC profiles and the role’s demands.Use a Scoring Rubric—Not Your Gut (00:19:01)Use a scorecard to evaluate culture, skill, and team fit with clarity—not bias.Pause Before the Offer: The 24-Hour Clarity Rule (00:25:28)Why taking 24 hours before making an offer can save your team from the wrong hire.Action Steps (00:29:11)5 practical next steps to build a better hiring system.Smart Hiring Framework (00:30:15)Join us this October for the full Smart Hiring Framework at chrislocurto.com/hiringframeworkNext-Level Leadership LIVE Event 2026 (00:31:09)Learn more tools like these in person—get the details at chrislocurto.com/liveevents

Struggling to hire the right people? The best talent isn’t job-hunting—they’re listening for the right mission.In this episode, we break down a smarter, culture-first approach to hiring that attracts high performers before you even post a role.Timestamps:00:01:26 – Great People Aren’t Looking—They’re ListeningTop-tier talent is drawn to mission, not job boards. Here’s how to make them lean in.00:08:46 – Your Culture Is Your First InterviewCandidates audit you before you ever meet. Make sure your culture speaks clearly.00:15:16 – Job Descriptions Must Inspire, Not IntimidateReplace task lists with vision. Inspire ownership and growth.00:20:07 – The Right People Say Yes to the Right VisionMoney isn’t the magnet—meaning is. Learn how to communicate your “why.”00:23:24 – DISC = The Culture Fit FilterUse DISC to hire for alignment, not just skill. Culture fit starts here.00:28:38 – Action ItemsPractical steps you can take this week to upgrade your hiring process.00:31:19 – Additional ResourcesSign up for the Smart Hiring Framework at chrislocurto.com/hiringframework00:32:11 – ConclusionWhen your mission is clear, the right people will find you.

You can't hire strategically if you're desperate and unclear. In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we break down five critical questions every leader must answer before posting a job.The worst hiring mistakes don’t happen in the interview — they happen way earlier.This episode will help you avoid costly mis-hires, protect your culture, and hire with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re adding your first team member or your fiftieth, these questions will sharpen your leadership and save you months of regret.What we cover:(00:01:32) What’s the Strategic Why Behind This Hire?Hiring for relief vs. hiring for growth leads to very different outcomes.(00:07:13) What Are My Cultural Non-Negotiables?Top performers who don’t align with your values will erode your team from the inside.(00:11:01) What Does Success Look Like at 30/60/90 Days?Define it early, or you won’t recognize it when it shows up.(00:14:39) Do I Have the Bandwidth to Lead This Person Well?No matter how skilled they are, every new hire needs strong leadership.(00:20:42) What Will It Really Cost Me If I Get This Wrong?A bad hire doesn’t just waste salary — it can break momentum and morale.Want the full Smart Hiring Framework?Get free access at: chrislocurto.com/hiringframework

Most hiring mistakes don’t happen in the interview—they happen before you ever post the job. In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we break down why hiring from stress instead of strategy leads to misalignment, burnout, and costly rehires.We cover:00:02:09 – The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47–50)A wide net catches everything—including the wrong people. Learn how clarity in your hiring process acts as a filter, not just a funnel.00:03:18 – Attachment to Filling the Role—Not Solving the ProblemStop rushing to replace a warm body. Start by asking if the role even fits your current mission and strategy.00:12:20 – Attachment to the Resume—Not the ResultsA polished resume doesn’t equal performance. We show you how to ask better questions that reveal real-world capability.00:17:49 – Attachment to Past Roles—Not Current StrategyIf your business has changed, your roles should too. Don’t hire for yesterday’s needs—clarify what the role needs to deliver now.00:22:20 – Attachment to Charisma—Not Culture FitCharisma fades. Culture fit endures. Learn how to look past personality and identify alignment with your core values.00:26:27 – Smart Hiring FrameworkThis episode kicks off a full series on building a better hiring system. Sign up to get every resource at chrislocurto.com/hiringframework

Can You Lead Too Much? In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we break down how even good leadership can go too far—leading to resentment, confusion, or dependency. If you’ve ever wondered whether your praise, accountability, or delegation is actually helping—or hurting—this one’s for you.👇 Episode Breakdown:00:03:24 – Too Much Praise Feels InauthenticWhen everything is celebrated, nothing feels meaningful. Praise loses power when it's overused.00:08:14 – Over-Accountability Breeds Resentment and FearConstant check-ins and harsh reactions don’t build trust—they build fear and resentment.00:13:57 – Over-Delegating Without Support Sets People Up to FailDumping tasks without guidance or check-ins leaves people confused and unprepared.00:16:29 – Overleading Creates Dependency—or RebellionToo much oversight leads to either passive followers or frustrated rebels.00:21:32 – The Sweet Spot Is Empowerment, Not ControlTrue leadership creates ownership and growth, not just compliance.00:24:39 – Action StepsSimple ways to audit your leadership habits and shift toward healthier team dynamics.00:26:06 – Additional ResourcesCheck out Episodes 641–644 for more on leadership balance.641 | The Role of Coaching in Leadership: Growing Teams Through Mentorship642 | Too Little Leadership—Communication, Problem-Solving, and Guidance643 | Too Much Leadership—Communication, Problem-Solving, and Guidance644 | Too Little Leadership: The Silent Cost of Missing Praise, Accountability & Delegation00:26:28 – ConclusionLeadership is a relationship, not a formula—and balance is the key to building strong teams.

Is your team missing clarity, energy, or follow-through?In this episode, we break down what happens when leaders give too little praise, too little accountability, and too little delegation—and how those gaps silently wreck culture and performance.Learn how to recognize the signs of underleading, how to course-correct with clear action steps, and how to build a team that’s aligned, motivated, and growing.Timestamps:00:01:39 – Too Little Praise Makes People Feel InvisibleWhy a lack of recognition quietly erodes motivation.00:14:38 – Too Little Accountability Breeds InconsistencyHow low standards spread when no one is held to them.00:22:26 – Too Little Delegation Leaves You OverwhelmedThe hidden cost of holding onto tasks instead of developing your team.00:26:54 – A Lack of Praise + Accountability = Culture DriftWhat happens when leadership goes quiet in both areas.00:29:17 – Delegation Is the Fastest Way to Multiply LeadershipWhy real delegation expands your influence and frees your time.00:31:56 – Action StepsFive clear things to do this week to lead better—without burning out.00:34:50 – Additional ResourcesLinks to related episodes on coaching, communication, and leadership balance.641 | The Role of Coaching in Leadership: Growing Teams Through Mentorship642 | Too Little Leadership—Communication, Problem-Solving, and Guidance643 | Too Much Leadership—Communication, Problem-Solving, and Guidance00:35:16 – ConclusionPraise, accountability, and delegation done well lighten your load and lift your team.Need clarity on what to delegate or how to lead with less stress? This one’s for you.Listen now and lead with purpose.

Are You Doing Too Much for Your Team?In this episode, we unpack how over-communicating, over-solving, and over-guiding might be killing initiative, creativity, and ownership on your team. When leaders do too much, they accidentally become the bottleneck. Here's how to fix it.Timestamps:00:00:44 – Intro: The Goose and the Golden EggsA classic fable that shows how too much control can ruin what’s working.00:02:41 – Over-Communicating Can Create Confusion, Not ClarityToo many updates? You might be causing information fatigue.00:06:50 – Solving Every Problem Makes You the BottleneckFixing everything trains your team to stop thinking for themselves.00:10:41 – Over-Guidance Cripples Creativity and ConfidenceMapping every step robs your team of ownership and buy-in.00:13:46 – Over-Leading Often Comes from a Good Heart—But the Wrong FearWe dig into the fear of failure and fear of not being needed.00:18:41 – The Best Leaders Pull Back So Others Can Step UpGreat leaders ask questions and give space for their team to grow.00:22:43 – Action StepsFive practical ways to stop overleading and start empowering.00:24:32 – Additional ResourcesThis is the third episode of the series, go check out part 1 and part 2!00:24:53 – ConclusionStop overdoing it. Lead with balance and give your team the gift of ownership.

It might not be their effort—it could be your leadership. In this episode, we break down five signs you’re leading too little: poor communication, unresolved problems, unclear expectations, and more. Learn what to watch for and how to adjust without micromanaging.Timestamps:00:01:37 – Too Little CommunicationWhen clarity fades, people start guessing—and execution suffers.00:11:36 – Ignoring Problems Breeds FrustrationAvoiding issues doesn’t grow leaders—it causes disengagement.00:16:44 – Assuming People Know What to DoUnspoken expectations lead to confusion and dropped results.00:28:37 – Too Little Leadership Feeds InsecuritySilence and distance create team anxiety and cultural instability.00:33:17 – You Can’t Expect What You Don’t ExpressWithout defining success, you won’t see it.00:36:46 – Action StepsAudit your communication, reset expectations, and check in with purpose.00:38:32 – Additional ResourcesExplore Episode 641 and the first part of this Leadership Balance series.00:38:46 – ConclusionUnderleading may feel safe—but it leads to drift. Show up, lead well.

Ever feel like you’re the only one solving problems in your business? In this episode, we kick off our Leadership Balance series with Monique James from Alaska Auto Rental—a leader who transformed her team (and herself) through coaching.We explore how shifting from control to coaching creates clarity, ownership, and freedom. Monique shares her powerful journey, including what changed when she stopped carrying the load and started developing leaders.Timestamps & Highlights:00:01:05 – Introduction: Monique JamesMonique’s leadership journey begins at a live event with a major wake-up call.00:02:20 – Monique’s Experience with CoachingThe moment she realized she was both the problem—and the solution.00:06:49 – Monique’s Path in Leading PeopleHow leading by example changed her team and culture.00:19:46 – The Big Shift’s Impact in Her TeamCoaching turned followers into owners.00:38:27 – Key Questions to AskMonique’s top coaching questions that develop critical thinking.00:40:36 – Marshall’s One, Three, One TacticA simple tool to grow confident problem-solvers.00:41:56 – Taking the TimeWhy coaching saves time (even when it feels slower at first).00:46:47 – A Team That Owns ItHer team now solves problems—and holds her accountable too.00:56:22 – If You Could Go BackThe one thing she’d tell her younger self: release control.00:57:49 – ConclusionLeadership freedom begins with coaching.00:58:35 – Action StepsTry this: coach just one person this week. Don’t give answers—ask questions.01:00:07 – Additional Resources578 | The Mentorship Advantage: Why Every Small Business Leader Should Have a MentorWe explore the transformative power of mentorship in small business leadership, offering insights and solutions to common challenges faced by entrepreneurs. .

Does your team feel busy but disconnected?In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we talk about how to stop team drift—when focus fades, priorities get fuzzy, and silos form. Here’s the breakdown:Vision Leaks—So Recast It Relentlessly (00:01:59)Vision fades unless repeated and tied to real work—keep it front and center.Define the Culture—And Keep It Visible (00:05:28)Culture must be taught, modeled, and celebrated—not just posted on a wall.Create Rhythms That Keep People Grounded (00:09:39)Consistent meetings and communication keep alignment strong and drift low.Address Mismatched Priorities and Silos Immediately (00:13:49)Leadership unity is the foundation for company-wide alignment.Invite Ownership, Not Just Agreement (00:22:19)True buy-in comes from involvement, not just nodding in meetings.Action Items (00:25:41)Recast vision, define culture, build rhythms, unify leaders, invite ownership.Additional Resources (00:26:42)See Episode 494 for more on building team ownership of vision.Conclusion (00:26:56)Drift isn’t failure—it’s a signal to re-engage, re-focus, and lead with purpose.

Does your team hesitate, second-guess, or play it safe when bold action is needed? In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we uncover how to spot fear-based decision making, why it happens, and how to lead people out of it and into ownership.00:03:43 – Parable: Yeshua Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35–41)A powerful lesson in confronting fear without shame, and leading with calm instead of chaos.00:10:03 – Spot the Patterns of Fear-Based BehaviorLearn to recognize chronic indecision, perfectionism, second-guessing, and other fear-driven habits.00:22:41 – Address the Root, Not Just the ResultsWhy surface-level fixes don’t work—and how coaching questions reveal the real fear.00:33:28 – Create Safe Spaces for Calculated RiskGive team members safe, low-risk opportunities to decide, act, and learn without fear of punishment.00:40:06 – Speak Identity and Belief Into ThemCall out their strengths and value to replace fear with purpose and confidence.00:42:49 – Set Clear Expectations and Accountability—With SupportBalance challenge with encouragement so growth is steady and sustainable.00:45:02 – Action ItemsPractical steps to help your team move from fear to confident ownership.00:45:44 – Additional ResourcesLinks to more tools and episodes for overcoming fear and building a courageous culture.00:46:20 – ConclusionFear-based decision making doesn’t have to be permanent—lead with clarity, compassion, and challenge to inspire transformation.

Got a team member who always finds what’s wrong but never what’s right?In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we walk through five key ways to lead someone out of constant complaining—and into real contribution.Separate the Person from the Behavior (00:02:52)We show how to approach chronic negativity with curiosity and care, not condemnation.Name the Impact, Not Just the Complaint (00:05:49)Learn how to help them see how their words are affecting morale and team dynamics.Shift Their Identity From Problem-Spotter to Problem-Solver (00:08:24)Redirect that critical energy toward meaningful, solution-focused action.Build a Culture That Rewards Contribution, Not Criticism (00:11:14)We explore how to recognize and reinforce the right behaviors—so others follow.Coach Progress, Not Perfection (00:17:20)Real change takes time. Here’s how to keep coaching consistently and patiently.Action Items (00:22:37)Quick steps to help complainers take ownership and turn into culture-builders.Additional Resources (00:23:39)Check out our blog on Unhealthy Attitudes: How Your Leadership Mindset Impacts Your TeamConclusion (00:23:57)Complainers can change—with the right leadership. Let’s lead with clarity and care.

What Happens When Two High-Performing Leaders Clash?Two strong leaders can mean double the drive—or double the drama. In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we break down how to resolve conflict between high performers without damaging your team’s culture.If you’ve ever led alongside a strong personality or witnessed leadership tension unfold, this one's for you.Know the Root—Is It Personality, Ego, or Structure? (00:02:38)We examine the source of leadership conflict—whether it’s personality styles, insecurity, or structural confusion—and how to get clarity before reacting.Clarify Authority and Decision Rights (00:12:20)Why turf wars happen and how to eliminate confusion by clearly defining who owns what decisions, responsibilities, and outcomes.Teach Leaders to Lean Into Each Other’s Strengths (00:17:30)Not all leadership styles look the same. We discuss how embracing differences can reduce tension and elevate the whole team.Facilitate Hard Conversations Early—Not After Resentment Builds (00:22:25)Avoid waiting until emotions boil over. Learn how to lead tough conversations before dysfunction takes root.Align Both Leaders to a Higher Mission (00:25:39)When egos rise, the mission suffers. Refocusing on shared goals helps leaders drop the power struggle and align with purpose.Action Steps (00:28:55)A recap of the key takeaways: know the root, define roles, teach understanding, and keep the mission front and center.Additional Resources (00:29:40)Blog post: How to Tackle Conflict Head-On by Embracing Healthy ConfrontationsEpisode 594 | Face the Facts: Stop Avoiding Tough Conversations in Business – Part 1Conclusion (00:30:35)Handled well, conflict can make your team stronger. Don’t wait—start resolving leadership tension today.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t my team just figure it out?”—this episode is for you.We’re unpacking why unmet expectations often point back to unclear leadership.You’ll learn how to communicate with clarity, model what matters, and use accountability to finally get the outcomes you want from your team—without micromanaging or burning out.Clarity is Kindness (00:02:00)Clear expectations reduce confusion and increase team confidence.Unspoken Expectations Are Unfair Standards (00:07:37)Expecting what you haven’t taught is a leadership trap that sets others up to fail.Teaching Isn’t a One-Time Event (00:13:26)Repetition and feedback are key to helping people learn and succeed.Modeling Creates Alignment (00:15:51)Your team mirrors your behavior—model what you want to see.Accountability Brings It All Together (00:18:59)Without follow-through, even great training falls apart.Action Items (00:23:40)Pick one frustrating area and revisit it with fresh clarity and feedback.Additional Resources (00:24:51)Check out Episode 618: The Silent Team Killer and the blog post The Silent Leader for deeper insights on communication and clarity.Virtual Team Trainings (00:25:25)Practical tools and insights for your team—on your schedule.Conclusion (00:25:51)Lead with clarity, hold people accountable, and watch your team succeed.

If your team can’t move without you and your calendar feels like a crisis hotline, it’s time to shift from fixing everything to coaching intentionally. In this episode, we break down how to move from chaos to clarity by building a team that takes ownership.Timestamps:00:02:56 – Firefighting Feels Productive—But It’s Short-TermWhy solving every problem yourself creates dependency, not growth.00:08:40 – Coaching Unlocks OwnershipHow asking questions empowers your team to solve problems on their own.00:15:48 – Great Coaches Lead with Questions, Not ControlCoaching isn't about control—it's about helping people think for themselves.00:19:03 – Coaching Requires Patience—but Multiplies ProgressWhy short-term coaching leads to long-term time and freedom.00:23:23 – You Can’t Coach What You Don’t ModelYou can’t expect behaviors you don’t demonstrate yourself.00:26:04 – Action StepsSimple things you can do this week to start coaching instead of fixing.00:27:19 – Additional ResourcesExplore Episode 577 on proactive leadership.00:27:40 – Virtual Team TrainingsLearn how to lead better without leaving your office at chrislocurto.com/training.

Too many leaders are still trying to carry the weight alone—and it’s costing them more than they realize. In this episode, we’re uncovering the hidden dangers of lone-wolf leadership and showing how building the right support system can transform your business and your life.Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (00:01:38)Scripture reminds us: two are better than one. Leading alone was never the plan.Lone-Wolf Leadership Feels Noble… But It’s Rooted in Fear or Pride (00:02:25)Isolation often looks strong on the outside but stems from fear and pride—and it limits your growth.Isolation Dulls Your Perspective (00:05:26)When you’re the only voice you hear, your clarity, confidence, and decision-making take a hit.Going Alone Slows Your Growth (00:08:32)Doing it all yourself keeps your team small, underdeveloped, and dependent on you.The Right Support System Challenges and Sharpens You (00:13:18)You don’t need cheerleaders. You need people who speak truth in love and help you grow.Vulnerability Builds Strength (00:17:40)Real leadership includes vulnerability—and when you model it, your team gets stronger too.Action Items (00:24:39)Pinpoint one area you’re carrying alone, identify the root, and invite someone healthy into that space.Additional Resources (00:26:25)Check out episode 564 on how isolation is quietly hurting CEOs and what to do about it.Virtual Team Training (00:26:50)Get your team growing without leaving your office—check out our Virtual Team Trainings.Conclusion (00:27:24)You were never meant to lead alone. Build support, share the load, and lead with strength and clarity.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about taking responsibility. In this episode, discover how ownership shifts your mindset, your culture, and your results. You’ll learn how to stop blaming, start responding with purpose, and create momentum that lasts.Ownership Is the Opposite of Blame (00:01:38)Blame keeps you stuck—ownership leads to problem-solving and growth.Ownership Means You Respond, Not React (00:06:40)Responding with intention brings clarity and better outcomes than emotional reactions.Ownership Doesn’t Equal Perfection (00:09:35)You don’t need perfect answers—just the next right step.Ownership Sets the Cultural Standard (00:16:27)How leaders model ownership shapes the team’s entire approach to mistakes and growth.Ownership Creates Margin and Momentum (00:20:56)Owning your time and habits unlocks the margin and energy you need to lead well.Action Items (00:25:29)Start today with three simple ways to practice ownership and lead your team better.Additional Resources (00:26:43)More tools to grow your leadership—starting with Episode 310.Virtual Team Training (00:26:56)Get powerful leadership tools delivered virtually to your team.Conclusion (00:27:26)Ownership leads to growth—lead with intention and change everything around you.

Before you can lead others well, you’ve got to lead yourself first. In this episode, we’re diving into five powerful mindset shifts that every leader needs to create a stronger, healthier business and team.If you're stuck in control mode, overwhelmed by doing it all yourself, or frustrated that your team just “doesn’t get it,” this episode is for you. These practical insights will help you uncover beliefs that are holding you back and give you tools to reframe, grow, and lead with more clarity and confidence.Here’s what we cover:Your Business Mirrors Your Beliefs (00:01:57)Your beliefs about control, trust, and delegation are shaping your team more than you realize.Language Reveals Mindset (00:05:41)What you say reflects what you believe—learn how to reframe negative language into growth-driven leadership.Reaction vs. Response (00:09:41)Emotional reactivity keeps leaders stuck. Discover how to respond with wisdom and maturity.Small Shifts Make Big Impacts (00:16:13)It doesn’t take an overhaul—just one mindset shift can create a ripple effect of growth.If You Want Change, Go First (00:22:38)Teams mirror their leaders. If you want change, model it first.Action Items (00:24:39)Practical next steps to help you recognize and replace limiting beliefs.Additional Resources (00:25:15)Don’t miss our recommended episode on leading yourself and info on our Virtual Team Training.Conclusion (00:26:29)You don’t need a title to lead—just a willingness to start with you.

If your team is underperforming, miscommunication—not laziness—might be the real issue. In this episode, Chris LoCurto and top leadership coach Aaron West unpack how using DISC personality styles can help you set better expectations, improve clarity, and get your team back on track.TimestampsIntro: Exodus (00:01:02)We kick things off with a powerful example from Moses and Aaron on why communication support matters.It’s Not Always What You Think (00:03:18)Most underperformance stems from poor communication—not lack of effort.How DISC Helps Clarify the Real Problem (00:08:33)DISC helps leaders tailor their communication to how team members actually process information.Spotting the Signs of Miscommunication (00:20:24)Missed deadlines or disengagement often point to unclear expectations, not incompetence.Rebuilding Clarity and Trust with DISC (00:29:23)Leaders can fix communication gaps by knowing their style and preparing intentional conversations.Building a Culture of Communication Awareness (00:33:37)Teams using DISC see better relationships, fewer conflicts, and clearer accountability.Action Items (00:44:53)Five steps to improve communication and boost team performance starting today.Conclusion (00:48:05)Clear communication creates a culture where people thrive—and DISC helps make that possible.Free Resource:Grab the DISC Quick Guide HERE to start leading with clarity.