Podcast Title: REAL AF with Andy Frisella
Host/Author: Andy Frisella
Episode: 919. Q&AF: Accountability With Team Members, Dealing With Loss & Finding Good Employees
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 919 of REAL AF with Andy Frisella, host Andy Frisella engages in a candid and insightful Q&A session, addressing critical topics that resonate deeply with entrepreneurs and leaders. This episode delves into accountability with team members, dealing with personal loss, and strategies for finding and retaining good employees. Through real-life scenarios and actionable advice, Andy provides listeners with the tools they need to navigate these challenges effectively.

1. Leadership and Accountability with Team Members

Timestamp: 05:04 – 23:32

Caller: Wes (Vince)
Topic: Navigating Leadership Challenges as a New Team Leader

Overview:
Wes, a newly appointed team leader at a well-known grocery retail store, shares his struggles with holding team members accountable, particularly those who are older and resistant to taking direction from a younger leader. He mentions experiencing pushback, including a team member outright refusing to follow his instructions due to age-related biases.

Key Insights and Discussions:

• Challenges of Leading Across Generations:
  Andy empathizes with Wes’s situation, sharing his own experiences of leading older team members when he was in his mid-20s. He emphasizes that resistance often stems from a misplaced sense of seniority rather than actual competence.

• Identifying and Addressing Toxic Team Members:
  Andy advises Wes to identify toxic individuals who undermine team cohesion and to systematically replace them with more cooperative members. He states, “Those people create cancer in the group. They will undermine you and kill your ability to create an effective team” (08:30).

• Inspiring vs. Commanding:
  The core of effective leadership lies in inspiring team members rather than commanding them. Andy explains, “They are only going to work at their best when they are inspired to be their best, not motivated to be their best” (13:45).

• Consistent Communication of Vision:
  Leaders must consistently communicate the team’s long-term vision and how individual roles contribute to achieving it. This approach helps align team members’ personal goals with organizational objectives.

• Positive Reinforcement and Honest Feedback:
  Utilizing techniques like the positivity sandwich—where positive feedback is given, followed by constructive criticism, and ending with positive remarks—can make difficult conversations more palatable and effective.

Notable Quotes:

• “Leadership of people is the hardest job on the planet.” – Andy Frisella (07:23)
• “If you have the ability to start to work people like that out, you will do better and move faster with younger people.” – Andy Frisella (10:15)

2. Dealing With Personal Loss

Timestamp: 26:48 – 38:02

Caller: Anonymous Listener
Topic: Coping with the Loss of a Pet

Overview:
A listener shares his profound grief over losing his dog, highlighting the emotional turmoil that affects his daily routines, including his commitment to workouts. He expresses feelings of inadequacy and frustration, exacerbated by his perception of himself as a "sad sack of shit."

Key Insights and Discussions:

• Acknowledging Grief as a Universal Experience:
  Andy validates the listener’s grief, sharing his own experiences with losing pets. He underscores that grief is a natural part of life and a testament to the bond shared with their pets.

• Taking Action as a Path to Healing:
  Contrary to conventional advice to "take it easy," Andy advocates for taking proactive steps to overcome grief. He suggests immersing oneself in structured programs like 75 Hard to rebuild mental fortitude and regain a sense of purpose.

• Finding New Purpose and Companionship:
  Andy recommends getting another pet as a means to heal. He shares his personal journey of adopting another dog, which helped him move forward without diminishing the memory of his lost pet.

• Building Resilience Through Adversity:
  Developing mental toughness allows individuals to handle unexpected and difficult circumstances more effectively. Andy emphasizes that resilience is not an innate trait but a skill that can be cultivated through consistent effort and purpose-driven actions.

Notable Quotes:

• “The answer to getting through those times is to take action towards where you would like to be.” – Andy Frisella (28:15)
• “If you can become the kind of person that will execute no matter what's going on around them, you can't be fucking beat, bro.” – Andy Frisella (36:27)

3. Finding and Retaining Good Employees

Timestamp: 38:14 – 62:38

Caller: Wes
Topic: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Reliable Employees in a Construction Business

Overview:
Wes, a 37-year-old general contractor from Dewey, Arizona, discusses his difficulties in finding dependable workers for his fencing and construction business. He faces issues with employees not showing up or quitting abruptly, which hampers his ability to manage large projects effectively.

Key Insights and Discussions:

• Shifting Mindset to Building a Company Vision:
  Andy advises Wes to transition from viewing employees as mere workers to seeing them as integral parts of a larger mission. By articulating a clear and compelling vision for the company, Wes can attract and inspire employees who are committed to the mission rather than just working for a paycheck.

• Defining and Communicating a Clear Vision:
  Leaders must clearly define what they want to achieve and communicate this vision consistently to their team. This clarity helps in attracting individuals who resonate with the company’s goals and are willing to commit long-term.

• Incentivizing Through Purpose and Growth:
  Instead of offering superficial perks, Andy suggests focusing on providing meaningful growth opportunities and demonstrating how each employee’s role contributes to their personal and professional development.

• Building a Strong Company Culture:
  Creating a culture of mutual respect, accountability, and shared purpose fosters loyalty and reduces turnover. Andy emphasizes that a strong culture acts as both a magnet for good employees and a filter for those who are not a good fit.

• Investing in Employee Relationships:
  Andy underscores the importance of treating employees with genuine care and interest in their well-being. This approach not only enhances job satisfaction but also promotes a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Notable Quotes:

• “Business is ultra competitive. It's the most competitive thing in the world.” – Andy Frisella (43:17)
• “If you can operate and execute in those times, you are executing at at least double the rate of everybody else.” – Andy Frisella (35:00)
• “There is no finish line. There's always room to grow.” – Andy Frisella (24:11)

Conclusion

Episode 919 of REAL AF with Andy Frisella offers a treasure trove of insights for leaders and individuals grappling with accountability, personal loss, and building a reliable team. Andy’s no-nonsense approach, backed by personal anecdotes and practical advice, provides listeners with actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. Whether you’re a new team leader like Wes, dealing with the grief of losing a pet, or struggling to find dependable employees for your business, this episode equips you with the mental fortitude and tactical knowledge to navigate these hurdles successfully.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective Leadership: Focus on inspiring your team with a clear vision and consistent communication. Identify and address toxic behaviors to maintain team cohesion.
• Coping with Loss: Acknowledge your grief, take proactive steps to rebuild your life, and find new sources of purpose and companionship.
• Building a Strong Team: Shift your mindset to see employees as integral parts of your mission. Define a compelling vision, invest in their growth, and cultivate a robust company culture to attract and retain reliable talent.

By embracing these principles, leaders can foster resilient, motivated teams capable of achieving remarkable success even in the face of adversity.

Final Thoughts:
Andy Frisella’s episode is a powerful reminder that leadership, personal resilience, and team building are ongoing journeys filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. His honest and straightforward advice provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to excel in these areas.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are intended to highlight key parts of the discussion.