Podcast
The Aligned Leadher
Hosted by Michele Kostos · EN
"Success without fulfillment is the greatest failure"- Tony Robbins.
Listen in weekly to hear success strategies and mindset elevation!
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Letting Go of Hustle: Focus on Your Essentials to Hit Your Goals Faster
2d ago00:12:32Tap to summarizeMichele discusses why entrepreneurs—especially female entrepreneurs in direct sales—fall into the trap of over-actioning when pursuing big goals. She reveals that the problem isn't doing enough, but doing the right actions. Learn how to identify your essentials, create simple systems, and maximize results without burnout. Key Takeaways Over-actioning trap: Your brain wants you to do everything at once, but this leads to burnout and inconsistent results The real solution: Get intentional with actions you're already taking, not adding more Define your essentials: Identify the 3 things that created your last 3 sales/recruits Simple systems work: Duplicatable processes beat complicated shortcuts Quality over quantity: You may need to work less, not more, to hit your goals Topics Covered Why entrepreneurs over-action when setting big goals How to identify your business essentials Creating simple, duplicatable processes Maximizing sales and recruiting averages Building confidence and control in your business Work-life balance while hitting income goals Resources Mentioned Peaceful and Profitable Collective (membership launching end of month) Website: michelekostos.com Join the waitlist for upcoming offers Follow on Instagram for announcements Perfect For Direct sales professionals, entrepreneurs, coaches, business owners, women in sales, network marketers The Over-Actioning Trap @ 6:35 Get Intentional With Current Actions @ 7:48 Identify Your Business Essentials @ 14:21
Transcribe →From Convincing to Connecting: The Secret to Recruiting Naturally
1w ago00:15:58Tap to summarizeEpisode 189 | The Align Leader Podcast with Michele Kostos Learn how to recruit naturally and grow your direct sales team without feeling pushy. Michele shares the mindset shifts that transform recruiting from stalled to unstoppable. Topics Covered: Why direct sales leaders get stuck in sales-only mode How to shift from convincing to connecting with prospects The role of belief in authentic selling and recruiting Leading emotionally vs. transactionally Why "why now" matters in closing recruits Selling from service: the secret to organic growth Vision-casting and storytelling over facts and figures Key Insight: People can feel your belief. When you focus on serving others and getting them what they want, you inevitably get what you want. Keywords: direct sales recruiting, team building, sales mindset, network marketing, coaching business growth, authentic selling, sales strategy Ready to grow? Book a consult call with Michele: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
Transcribe →Your Emotions Are Contagious: Why Personal Growth Precedes Professional Success
2w ago00:16:52Tap to summarizeYour emotions directly impact your business results. Michele explores why "faking it till you make it" doesn't work, how emotional contagion affects your team, and why processing feelings is the foundation for sustainable growth. Key Takeaways: Emotions are contagious—your energy influences your team, clients, and family Only 6% of communication is words Unprocessed emotions create invisible barriers to action and sales Personal development always precedes professional growth Clean brain work beats external fixes (systems, automation, appearance) Topics Covered: Emotional mirroring in leadership Why your nervous system sabotages your business goals The "spot it, you got it" principle in team dynamics Building a grounded, peaceful leadership approach The value of coaching, therapy, and masterminds for sustainable success Click here to connect with Michele: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
Transcribe →Leading vs. Managing – The Key to Building Sustainable Teams
3w ago00:17:58Tap to summarizeThe critical difference between leadership and management, and why leadership is essential for building scalable, profitable businesses. Key Takeaways: Management (Outdated Approach): Focused on tasks, control, and short-term results Constantly giving ideas and strategies Belief that you're the only one who can do it Telling people what to do; "next-stepping" new recruits Creates dependent teams that need constant direction Caps growth—limited by your time and energy Leadership (Modern Approach): Focused on people and long-term growth Casting vision and developing others Patient, grounded, not attached to immediate results Empowering people to be resourceful Driven by belief in others' potential Creates multiplication through duplicating leaders The Simple Shift: Ask yourself: Am I trying to control? If yes, you're managing. Leadership requires slowing down, seeing the big picture, and asking better questions instead of providing all the answers. Why This Matters: Managing spreads you thin; leadership creates sustainable, peaceful, profitable businesses Leadership compounds over time through multiplication You can only lead people where you believe they can go—mindset work is essential Upcoming Events: Masterclass: April 30th, 11 a.m. PST – "Confident Leadership" (register in show notes) Driven Mastermind: May 4-6 (3-month program, limited to 10 people) Connect with Michele: Instagram | Coaching Consults | Masterclass Replays: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
Transcribe →Why Your Team Isn't Growing (And the Shifts That Will Change Everything)
Apr 2100:17:44Tap to summarizeIf you feel like you're doing all the things but your team still isn't growing consistently, this episode is for you. In Episode 186 of the Aligned Leadher Podcast, Michele celebrates a huge milestone — 10,000 downloads! — and dives into the real reasons your team may be stalling and exactly what to do about it. Michelle breaks down the three core shifts she works on with clients inside her Driven Mastermind: 1. Lead at a New Level (Stop Managing, Start Coaching) Learn the difference between next-stepping new team members and actually coaching them — because coaching IS leading, and leading IS selling. 2. Simplify Your Process Most leaders are throwing spaghetti at the wall. Michele teaches you how to identify what's actually making you money, strip away what isn't, and build a simple, duplicatable system your team can replicate. 3. Prioritize Connection Over Convincing If you want retention, raving fans, and long-term clients, you can't convince your way there — you have to connect your way there. Michele explains exactly how to build relationships that create lasting results. Whether you're in direct sales, coaching, or small business ownership, this episode will help you get clear on your vision, increase recruiting through deeper connection, and finally build a team that grows — with or without you doing all the heavy lifting. Doors are opening to the Driven Mastermind May 4th–6th! Sign up by May 4th to receive a bonus call on May 7th. Click the link in the show notes to join the waitlist now. https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
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What actually causes entrepreneurs to get stuck
Apr 1400:15:00Tap to summarizeAre you solving the smoke instead of the fire? In this episode, Michelle breaks down the real reason why entrepreneurs and their teams stay stuck — and it's almost never what they think it is. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why the reasons people give for being stuck (no leads, no time, no system) are almost always the smoke, not the fire How to identify the true underlying beliefs and thoughts that are actually blocking progress Why 90% of change is awareness — and how to develop that skill as a leader The difference between coaching for symptoms vs. coaching for root causes Real coaching examples: the team member who "had no leads," the leader whose team had low commitment, and the seasoned entrepreneur who stopped booking appointments after a system change How to listen for the fire through the smoke — a skill that separates good leaders from great ones Why one-on-one coaching vs. group programs serve different needs (and how to know which is right for you) Key Takeaway: Thoughts are the fire. Strategy and skills are only 10–20% of the picture. When you get clear on the real thoughts driving your results, breakthroughs can happen fast. Book a free call with Michelle to identify your fire: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
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The Power of Follow-Up: Unlocking Your Business's Potential
Apr 700:16:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Michele delves into the critical importance of follow-up in business. She cites compelling statistics that highlight how essential follow-up is for sales and client retention, noting that only 2% of sales happen on the first contact, while 80% of sales require 5 to 12 follow-ups. Michele emphasizes that follow-up is not about being pushy or a burden, but rather an act of service and relationship-building. She encourages listeners to reframe their mindset around follow-up, viewing it as an expression of care and integrity rather than a chore. Michele shares valuable insights on how consistency in follow-up demonstrates confidence and professionalism, building trust and long-term loyalty with clients and team members. She stresses that silence from a prospect does not necessarily mean a "no" – a person's circumstances can change dramatically every 60-90 days, and persistent follow-up can make all the difference. Click here to connect with Michele: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
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Embracing the Messy Middle: Authenticity as a Path to Breakthrough
Mar 3100:16:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Michele Kostos shares a powerful message about the importance of embracing the "messy middle" and being authentic in our leadership and personal growth. Some key highlights: Michele discusses her own journey with postpartum anxiety and perfectionism, and how it has impacted her business and desire to show up authentically. She emphasizes that the world is craving authenticity, and that people will only follow leaders who are willing to be vulnerable and transparent about their own challenges and growth process. Michele encourages listeners to resist the urge to present a perfect image, and instead focus on sharing the tools and mindset shifts that are helping them navigate the messy middle. She explains that this level of vulnerability and transparency is essential for truly connecting with and leading others to their next level of success. Michele offers an invitation for listeners to connect with her further, whether through her Instagram, one-on-one coaching, or an upcoming client graduation opportunity. The key takeaway is that embracing the messy middle and showcasing your authentic journey is not only liberating, but also a powerful way to inspire and guide others towards their own breakthroughs. https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
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Don't Stop Until the Miracle Happens
Mar 2400:15:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Michele shares a personal story about dyeing her hair and the importance of perseverance. She emphasizes that the difference between success and failure often comes down to that "one more try." Michele encourages listeners to have faith without evidence, to work as if the results need to happen today, and to never give up on their goals, even when it gets tough. She shares insights from her coaching practice, highlighting how the top entrepreneurs she works with are the ones who keep going until the miracle happens. If you're feeling discouraged about reaching your business goals, this episode will inspire you to push through and achieve the breakthroughs you desire. https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
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Mastering the Bounce Back: Overcoming Business Setbacks
Mar 1700:15:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Michele Kostos shares powerful insights on the importance of "bounce back ability" - the skill of quickly recovering from setbacks and maintaining momentum in your business. She emphasizes the need to avoid getting stuck in "low-value cycles" and instead approach challenges with compassion, curiosity, and a problem-solving mindset. Michele draws from her own experiences, including bouncing back after taking time off for maternity leave, to illustrate how successful entrepreneurs don't let a single "bad month" derail their progress. She encourages listeners to avoid beating themselves up over ebbs and flows, and instead focus on taking action, adjusting their mindset, and continuing to add value. Whether you're a coach, direct sales professional, or any type of business owner, this episode will equip you with the strategies to quickly bounce back from challenges and maintain consistent, organic growth in your venture. Don't miss Michele's invitation to join her Winner's Circle program, where you can get the support and accountability to turn setbacks into opportunities. Click here to connect with Michele: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos
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