"Dreaming big takes the same amount of effort as dreaming small, so go big.

- Jose R. Costa

On this episode of The Pivotal Leader, Gina Trimarco interviewed Jose R. Costa, CEO of For Eyes, which is part of GrandVision, a global leader in optical retail with more than 7,000 stores worldwide. He has a background steeped in marketing, franchising, multi-unit retailing and enhancing customer experience at some of the most recognized brands in the world.

He is the author of "Leading With Edge: Activate Your Advantage Through Personal Insight," which features the concept of leadership as a practice, inviting readers to acknowledge the determination and grit it takes to be a good leader. Previous to his current role as CEO, he served as Group President of Driven Brands where he led MAACO®, CARSTAR® and Drive N Style®. Collectively, these brands operate more than 1,400 body shops across North America, generate more than $1.8 billion in annual system sales and further establish Driven Brands as a leader in the automotive aftermarket space. Previously, he was President of MAACO®, where he was responsible for managing and developing 500 automotive body shops across the U.S. and Canada.

Podcast Topics Include:

The inspiration for writing a leadership book
Why there is high demand but low supply for strong leadership
How to lead with edge
The importance of the "Ask, Listen & Be Curious"
How to become more curious and a better listener and how improv skills can help
Theater and improv skills in business
Employee engagement strategies
Core (common sense) leadership fundamentals
Jose's "no computer" policy during meetings
Jose's four key meeting reasons: to explore, inform, decide or debate
Advice for becoming a CEO and successful in business
His experience on Undercover Boss
Performance reviews, "spontaneous feedback" and millennials
Training and development strategies for employees
The value of working with the worst managers
Creating a culture of education and continuous learning
Advice for franchisees and franchisors
Jose's favorite books (and he reads a lot) – book list available on our website

FULL SHOW NOTES