Welcome to the Chris LoCurto Show, where we discuss leadership and life and discover that business is what you do, not who you are. I hope you're having a fabulous day wherever you are.

Today, we're talking with a true champion for developing leaders through personal growth, my good friend Justin Epple. Justin will share his and his leaders' experiences going through Next-Level Life.

It's all about the connection between personal growth and professional excellence. If you haven't figured it out by now, you're never going to achieve professional excellence, depending on your definition of excellence, unless you are working on your personal growth.

Key Points Covered:

• Personal and Professional Growth
  • Justin discusses how his leadership journey started with seeking resources for professional development, which led him to our content and the Next-Level Life event.
  • He highlights how personal growth inevitably impacts professional excellence.
  • Personal development isn't just about professional success but improving every aspect of life.
• Next-Level Life Experience
  • Justin and his wife, Elena, both went through Next-Level Life. The event significantly impacted their marriage, family life, and professional roles.
  • They discovered the importance of aligning personal and professional lives and creating a vision and plan for the future.
• Investing in Personal Development
  • Justin emphasizes the importance of leaders experiencing personal development first to lead by example and see the benefits firsthand.
  • He compares investing in personal development to investing in retirement—both are crucial, but personal development yields immediate returns.
• Tools and Insights Gained
  • Justin talks about the "watch it like a movie" concept, where you detach emotionally from conflicts and observe objectively, leading to better decision-making.
  • He also discusses the significance of understanding one's Root System and how past experiences influence present decisions and behaviors.
• Impact on Leadership and Team Performance
  • The insights from Next-Level Life have helped Justin handle conflict more effectively and improve his overall leadership approach.
  • His team members who went through the program experienced increased job satisfaction and performance, contributing to a healthier work environment.
• Communication and Relationships
  • Better understanding of personality styles and Root Systems has enhanced communication and relationships both at work and at home for Justin.
  • He shares how these tools have helped in setting healthy boundaries and improving overall interaction with others.

If you've been inspired by Justin's story and are curious about how Next-Level Life can transform your approach to business and leadership, go to https://chrislocurto.com/life-coaching/.

I hope this episode has provided valuable insights into the profound connection between personal growth and professional excellence.

Take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and join us next time on the Chris LoCurto Show.

Got any questions on this? Email us at [email protected] - we check that email daily!

Hey folks!

In today's episode, we unpack the incredible journey of a seasoned business owner who has transformed his leadership and business through profound personal development.

Today, I am thrilled to introduce my good friend, business owner, and leader, Patrick Devereaux. Patrick, welcome to the show.

Key Points Covered:

• Personal and Professional Growth Connection
  • Patrick shares how he sought leadership development when he stepped into the CEO role, looking for a playbook to guide him.
  • He emphasizes the importance of personal growth in achieving professional excellence, highlighting how his journey with Next-Level Life has impacted both his personal and business life.
• Next-Level Life Experience
  • Patrick initially hesitated about the touchy-feely aspects of personal development but realized its profound impact on his leadership and business.
  • He shares how personal struggles led him to seek deeper insights through Next-Level Life, which helped him navigate tough personal and professional challenges.
• Setting Healthy Boundaries
  • One of the major takeaways for Patrick was learning to set healthy boundaries, both personally and professionally.
  • He discusses the anxiety and fear that used to accompany difficult conversations and how understanding and setting boundaries has improved his leadership and personal interactions.
• Reducing Anxiety and Improving Decision-Making
  • Patrick talks about how separating truth from lies has significantly reduced his anxiety, helping him make better decisions.
  • He highlights the importance of focusing on what keeps him healthy, leading to better performance and less stress in both personal and professional spheres.
• Impact on Leadership Style
  • Patrick’s leadership style has evolved to be more patient, less reactive, and more focused on gaining perspective and asking the right questions.
  • He now encourages his team to maintain balance and not overwork themselves, understanding the importance of their well-being for the business’s success.
• Importance of Personal Development for Business Owners
  • Patrick emphasizes that personal development is crucial for business growth. Without it, leaders can maintain but not truly grow their organizations.
  • He advises other business owners to invest in personal development to improve their leadership and create a healthier, more productive business environment.

If you've been inspired by Patrick’s story and are curious about how Next-Level Life can transform your approach to business and leadership, visit https://chrislocurto.com/life-coaching/.

Do you have any questions or struggles? Reach out to us on social media, or shoot us an email at [email protected] - we check that email daily!

Welcome to the Chris LoCurto Show! Today, we're diving into an essential, yet often overlooked ingredient in the workplace: happiness. Is your team missing this crucial component? We’re about to find out.

Key Points Covered:

• The Importance of Happiness
  • We often discuss processes, meetings, and communication as pillars of productivity, but happiness is equally critical. Today’s episode isn't about superficial happiness but the profound impact it has on your team’s performance.
• Balancing Hard and Soft Skills
  • While implementing hard skills like accountability, communication, and culture is vital, integrating soft skills is just as important. Leading people, understanding their struggles, and helping them become better versions of themselves are crucial for a thriving business.
• Choosing Happiness
  • Happiness is a choice and can be contagious. While misery loves company, a positive environment where people choose to be happy can lead to better teamwork, higher sales, and improved client service.
• Impact on Culture
  • People often leave bad cultures, not jobs. If you're a leader, understand that your attitude and communication affect those around you. Building a positive culture starts with you.
• Personal Stories
  • Chris shares stories illustrating how leaders’ attitudes can set the tone for the entire team. From a leader unaware of his unapproachable demeanor to a team member mistaking focus for indifference, these examples highlight the importance of perception and communication.
• Creating a Positive Environment
  • It’s not about being happy 24/7 but about creating a culture where happiness is valued. Chris discusses how leaders can set positive examples, be accessible, and encourage open communication to foster a happy and productive team.
• Accountability and Culture
  • Establishing what’s acceptable and unacceptable in your culture is crucial. Addressing bad attitudes and fostering a supportive environment helps maintain a positive and productive workplace.
• Recognizing Achievements and Growth Opportunities
  • Rewarding achievements and providing opportunities for growth and learning are key strategies for fostering happiness. Encourage team members to fully express their thoughts and build trust through clear communication.
• Balancing Happiness and Profit
  • While focusing on happiness, it’s essential to maintain the tactical aspects of the business. A balanced approach ensures that productivity and profitability are not compromised.
• Customer Satisfaction
  • A happy team leads to satisfied customers. The positive culture you create will reflect in how your clients experience your business, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Implementing these strategies can significantly impact your business’s success. By focusing on happiness, not only will your team be more productive and innovative, but your business will also achieve lasting success.

Tune in to hear more about how happiness can transform your team and business. Take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and join us on the next episode of the Chris LoCurto Show.

Got any questions or struggles? Email us at [email protected] - we check that email daily!

Additional Resources
545 | Building Healthy, Happy, Hybrid Teams

Welcome to the Chris LoCurto Show! Today, we're diving into the power of vulnerability in leadership. Discover how sharing your weaknesses can lead to greater personal and professional growth. Trust me, it's not about getting all emotional—it's about harnessing vulnerability as a strength.

Key Points Covered:

• Redefining Vulnerability
  • Vulnerability isn't about being weak or emotional. It's about admitting when you don't have all the answers and being open about your mistakes. This can foster trust and deeper connections within your team.
• Balancing Emotions and Leadership
  • It's not about crying at every little thing, but rather being genuine about your struggles and failures. Vulnerability can be a powerful tool in leadership when used correctly.
• Building Trust Through Vulnerability
  • Trust is foundational. Leaders often claim to trust their teams, but real trust is shown when you're willing to share your biggest mistakes and uncertainties. This transparency can build a stronger, more resilient team.
• Examples from Experience
  • Chris shares stories of leaders and team members who struggled with being vulnerable, highlighting how acknowledging their failures led to stronger team dynamics and better outcomes.
• The Misconceptions of Vulnerability
  • Many fear that showing vulnerability will make them appear weak or incompetent. In reality, it's only seen as a weakness by those who are weak themselves. True strength lies in being open and honest.
• Creating a Culture of Trust
  • When leaders are vulnerable, it encourages team members to do the same. This openness can lead to better communication, increased trust, and more collaborative problem-solving.
• Practical Steps for Cultivating Vulnerability
  • Start with self-awareness and acknowledging your own areas for improvement. Promote open communication and create a supportive network that values vulnerability.
• Encouraging Team Vulnerability
  • Lead by example. Share your own failures and struggles to create an environment where team members feel safe to do the same. This can improve team cohesion and productivity.
• Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity
  • Shift the narrative around failure. Celebrate when team members learn from their mistakes and turn failures into successes. This fosters a culture where risk-taking and innovation are encouraged.
• Celebrating Small Wins
  • Recognize and celebrate small achievements to reinforce a positive and supportive team culture. This encourages continued effort and growth.

Embrace vulnerability as a core element of authentic leadership. Use it to foster stronger team dynamics, drive business growth, and enhance personal and professional development. By leading with vulnerability, you’ll build a more resilient and connected team.

Tune in to hear more about how embracing vulnerability can transform your leadership and your team. Take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life, and join us on the next episode of the Chris LoCurto Show.

Got any questions, struggles, or doubts? Email us at [email protected] - we check that email daily!

Additional Resources:
414 | Fostering Unity: Both at Home and at Work