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.