Summary3 min read

The Level Up Podcast with Paul Alex

Episode: How to Attract Winners to Your Team
Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Paul Alex Espinoza

Overview

In this concise, motivational solo episode, Paul Alex dives into a crucial question for anyone hoping to lead: How do you attract winners to your team? Drawing from his transformation from ex-detective to 8-figure entrepreneur, Paul discusses the mindsets and actions that set high-performing teams apart. This episode is aimed at both aspiring and established leaders—particularly those making the leap from “doer” to “builder.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Myth of Skills vs. The Power of Hunger

(Timestamp: 01:05)

Paul reflects on his early mistake: thinking he had to hire people with the most skills.
- "When I built my first team, I thought I needed [people] who were skilled. What I really needed were people who were hungry." (Paul Alex, 01:10)
Skills can be taught, but true drive and ambition (“hunger”) are intrinsic and invaluable for team chemistry and growth.

2. Becoming the Leader You’d Want to Follow

(Timestamp: 01:28)

Paul emphasizes self-leadership before team leadership.
- "If you're working a 9 to 5 right now and you dream of leading a team, start becoming the kind of person you want to follow." (Paul Alex, 01:30)
Winners don’t follow talkers—they follow doers. Action and consistency matter more than talk and bravado.

3. Actions that Attract Top Talent

(Timestamp: 01:40)

Examples of behaviors that set you apart:
- Show up early.
- Keep your promises.
- Quietly raise the bar.
This modeling attracts other committed, motivated individuals.
"Winners don't follow talkers, they follow doers. Show up early, keep your promises, raise the bar quietly. The right people will notice." (Paul Alex, 01:36)
Energy is contagious—protect yours and be intentional with the team energy you project.

4. Self-Assessment: Would You Hire Yourself?

(Timestamp: 01:55)

Paul issues a direct challenge to listeners:
- "So I challenge you this. Ask yourself: would I hire me right now? If the answer is no, fix it. If the answer is yes, find someone who matches your pace and build with them." (Paul Alex, 01:55)
Growth begins with honest self-reflection followed by corrective action.

5. From Doubt to Drive, One Step at a Time

(Timestamp: 02:10)

The journey starts with small, consistent moves.
"That's how you shift from doubt to drive. One move at a time." (Paul Alex, 02:10)
Everyone’s journey is different—be patient, keep leveling up, and focus on continual progress.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"Skills can be taught, hunger can't." (Paul Alex, 01:14)
"Energy is contagious, so guard yours." (Paul Alex, 01:46)
"Would I hire me right now? If the answer is no, fix it." (Paul Alex, 01:57)

Timestamps for Key Segments

01:05: Skills vs. Hunger—What should you look for?
01:28: How to become a leader winners want to follow
01:40: Concrete habits that attract great teammates
01:55: Self-assessment & growth challenge
02:10: Turning doubt into drive, step by step

Tone and Language

Paul Alex’s delivery is direct, energetic, and rooted in real-world experience. He combines tough love with motivational encouragement, urging listeners to take self-inventory and immediate action.

Closing Takeaways

Success isn’t about finding the most talented—it's about finding the most driven.
The type of person you are determines the type of team you attract.
Consistency and authenticity are magnetic—be someone winners want to join.

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Transcript2 lines

[00:02]
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[00:52]
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Welcome to the Level Up Podcast. I'm your host, Paul Alex. I went from being a cop to an eight figure entrepreneur that helps average people like you and me make money every single day. I created this podcast to help you get motivated and to crush your goals. Let's win together. Remember, I have your six. Get ready to level up right now. What's up everybody? And welcome back to the Level Up Podcast. I'm Paul Alex and today we're gonna be talking about something that every leader needs to master. How to attract winners. When I built my first team, I thought I needed who were skilled. What I really needed were people who were hungry. See, skills can be taught, hunger can't. If you're working a 9 to 5 right now and you dream of leading a team, start becoming the kind of person you want to follow. Winners don't follow talkers, they follow doers. Show up early, keep your promises, raise the bar quietly. The right people will notice. Energy is contagious, so guard yours. So I challenge you this. Ask yourself, would I hire me right now? If the answer is no, fix it. If the answer is yes, find someone who matches your pace and build with them. That's how you shift from doubt to drive. One move at a time. So no matter where you're at in your journey, remember guys, keep leveling up. Thanks for listening up to Level Up Podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, make sure to share with a family, friend and everyone you know who's ready to level up. Like leave a five star review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you tune in it really helps spreading the word. And don't forget to check out officialpaulalex.com for more episodes and resources to kickstart your journey. Let's level up together.