Podcast Summary: REAL AF with Andy Frisella Episode: 911. Q&AF: Stay Or Leave, Leading Young Employees & Finding Direction After A Layoff Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction and Show Rundown

[00:17] Andy Frisella:
Andy opens the episode by welcoming listeners to "REAL AF," emphasizing the show's commitment to cutting through societal lies and embracing reality. He introduces the Q&AF segment, where audience questions are addressed live. Andy outlines the weekly structure, including segments like CTI (Cruise the Internet), Real Talk, and occasional discussions on the "75 Hard" program, a renowned mental transformation initiative.

Notable Quote:
"This is the biggest show in the world that does not run ads. If it makes you think, laugh, or gives you new perspectives, share the show." — Andy Frisella [02:17]

UFC Fight Discussion and Introducing Guest Madot

[02:37] DJ and Andy discuss the recent UFC fight, specifically highlighting Poirier's performance. They segue into introducing Madot, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) legend and top-ranked up-and-comer in the sport.

Notable Quote:
"Winners win." — DJ [04:38]

Madot shares his achievements, including recent tournament victories, attributing his success to consistency and relentless grinding.

Q&AF Segment

1. Should I Stay or Leave My Current Job?

Caller: Hunter
[05:01]
Hunter's Dilemma:
Hunter, a 24-year-old project manager and estimator at a plumbing contractor, feels undervalued and sidelined due to his age. Despite his loyalty, the company admits he's "out of sight, out of mind," prompting him to consider whether to stay and wait for opportunities or seek assured prospects elsewhere.

Andy’s Advice:
Andy encourages Hunter to communicate his ambitions directly with his employers. He emphasizes the importance of not waiting passively for opportunities but actively seeking and asserting oneself to create them.

Notable Quotes:
"Opportunities are never coming. You have to assume they're never coming." — Andy Frisella [09:04]
"If they don't agree, just go take it anyway." — Andy Frisella [15:23]

Hunter acknowledges having already approached other companies and seeks reassurance on his path forward. Andy reassures him of his proactive mindset and underscores the necessity of breaking barriers independently.

2. Leading Young, Unmotivated Employees in a New Company

Caller: DJ
[19:04]
DJ's Challenge:
After purchasing a small software company, DJ faces difficulties managing six young employees under 26. Despite their technical skills, the team lacks teamwork and exhibits laziness, leading DJ to contemplate firing them versus trying to realign their motivation and performance.

Andy’s Advice:
Andy highlights that owning a company doesn't inherently make one a leader and stresses the importance of developing leadership skills. He suggests that DJ assess whether his own leadership is contributing to the team's underperformance before deciding to let employees go. However, if the employees remain unresponsive to improvement efforts, Andy advises taking decisive action to maintain company standards and growth.

Notable Quotes:
"Sometimes you have to burn asses, okay? Sometimes you gotta get all the way up on them to get people to perform." — Andy Frisella [23:10]
"Every company that ever won anything, their leader was a tyrant." — Andy Frisella [28:14]

Andy further criticizes modern political correctness, advocating for performance-based evaluations devoid of diversity quotas, asserting that quality should always take precedence.

3. Finding Direction After a Layoff

Caller: Andrew (Madot)
[34:06]
Andrew's Experience:
At 28, Andrew was laid off from a six-month stint as a sales and business development representative at a high-end custom integration firm. Despite prior success and strong recommendations, the company’s poor financial performance led to his termination. Andrew feels lost despite multiple job interviews and seeks guidance on leveraging his skills for future success.

Andy’s Advice:
Andy reassures Andrew by highlighting his transferable skills in sales, management, and initiative. He advises focusing on immediate income while simultaneously building towards long-term entrepreneurial goals. Andy emphasizes the importance of not waiting for opportunities but creating them through relentless effort and skill development.

Notable Quotes:
"At 28, I was living with my dad... You’re already way ahead of the game." — Andy Frisella [47:18]
"Most people think you have time when you really don't." — Andy Frisella [54:06]

Andrew expresses concerns about ensuring his next move aligns with his long-term goals, acknowledging the competitive nature of the industry. Andy reinforces the necessity of relentless pursuit and adaptability, encouraging Andrew to continue honing his skills and not become complacent.

Conclusion: Philosophy on Winning and Leadership

Throughout the episode, Andy underscores the relentless nature of success, emphasizing that “doing whatever it takes” is non-negotiable. He advocates for a no-excuses mentality, where pressure and fear of failure drive individuals to excel. Andy draws parallels between leading a company and leading oneself, stressing accountability, discipline, and unwavering commitment.

Notable Quotes:
"Whatever the fuck you gotta do, that's what it takes." — Andy Frisella [59:55]
"The lie of society is that you can win without doing whatever it takes." — Andy Frisella [60:21]

Andy closes the episode by reiterating the core message: success demands uncompromising effort, strategic leadership, and a mindset prepared to overcome any obstacle.

Key Takeaways:

• Proactive Career Management: Don't wait for opportunities; actively create them through assertive communication and skill development.
• Effective Leadership: True leadership requires continuous learning and the ability to make tough decisions to maintain team performance and company growth.
• Resilience After Setbacks: Leverage transferable skills and maintain a relentless pursuit of goals to navigate career challenges and setbacks.
• Winning Mindset: Embrace a no-excuses approach, driven by the fear of failure and the determination to excel in every endeavor.

Remember: Sharing and engaging with the show helps spread valuable insights and supports the community of realists striving for success.

"Don't be a hoe. Share the show." — Andy Frisella [02:37]