In today's episode, we're talking about something every business owner, entrepreneur, and leader needs to understand—how to manage strong-willed employees. These are the people who challenge you, question you, and push back hard—but they're also the ones with the potential to become your most valuable assets. I'm joined, as always, by Amanda May, and we're diving deep into what it really takes to lead high-performing, driven team members without shutting down their fire.

We break down five key strategies that help you lead these bold personalities the right way, starting with seeing strong will as a strength, not a liability. From there, we talk about how to channel that energy into ownership, how to create structure without stifling independence, and how to lead with clarity so they stay aligned with your mission. These aren't theoretical ideas. This is real-world, battle-tested leadership that we've applied inside Genesis and our growing companies.

This episode is also about the growth you have to go through as a leader. Strong-willed people don't follow weak direction. They need vision. They need clarity. And they need to believe in you. We talk about confidence, culture fit, how to handle disrespect versus directness, and why you want the people who challenge you—because they're often the ones who care the most. If you've ever been frustrated by a bold personality on your team, this episode will give you the clarity, tools, and mindset to lead them well.

Welcome to The Spinoso Podcast hosted by CEO, doctor, comic book geek, and car guy, Alex Spinoso. I help people and companies grow - especially in the medical business. While my experience and expertise is in scaling all types of medical businesses to 7, 8, 9-figures or more, I can be a mentor to anyone who wants to take ownership of their lives, become a better leader at home and at work, and overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:45) - Managing Strong-Willed Employees: Introduction and Purpose

(2:53) - Strategies for Managing Strong-Willed Employees

(10:38) - Directness vs. Disrespect

(18:24) - The Role of Culture Fit and Emotional Intelligence

(25:14) - Building a Strong Team and Core Values

(36:13) - The Impact of Strong-Willed Employees on Leadership

(38:14) - Conclusion

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