The Aligned Leadher

Michele 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...

Episode 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 sellin...

Your 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 barri...

The 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 Key Takeaways: Management (Outdated Approach): Focused on tasks, control, and short-term results Constantly giving ideas and strategies Belief that you're the only one who can do it Telling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 t...

If 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...

Are 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 th...

In 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 a...

In 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...

In 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 insight...

In 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...

In this episode, Michele Kostos shares a powerful message about the importance of operating your business from a place of service and impact, rather than just focusing on profits. She emphasizes that true success and fulfillment come when you are deeply committed to helping your ideal clients and making a meaningful difference in their lives. Michele dives deep into what it means to truly serve ot...

In this episode, Michele Kostos shares the systems every entrepreneur needs to build a successful and profitable business: A simple, duplicatable sales process A consistent communication calendar Support systems for your home and business Effective time management strategies Developing self-leadership Michele explains how these systems, combined with working on your self-concept and identity, can...

In this episode, Michele Kostos shares insights on why business numbers can decline after a period of growth, and provides practical solutions to get back on track. She covers key factors like loss of belief, vision, and effective systems, as well as addressing self-sabotage. Michele offers guidance on evaluating what's working, making necessary changes, and regaining the momentum you once had - o...

In this episode, Michele Kostos shares her insights on the importance of emotional processing and self-care for business owners, especially female entrepreneurs. She discusses how buffering behaviors, like shopping, eating, or overworking, can provide temporary relief but ultimately hinder long-term growth and success. Michele emphasizes the need for leaders to have the capacity to handle their ow...

In this episode, Michele Kostos shares a powerful lesson on the importance of being a decision-maker as a leader. She recounts her personal journey of struggling to make a critical decision about her son's tongue and lip tie, and how her indecision caused her unnecessary pain and challenges. Michele emphasizes that being a decisive leader is crucial for building trust and creating safety for your...

In this episode, Michele Kostos shares her personal journey of raising her standards in all areas of life - from health and business to home and personal appearance. Michele emphasizes that raising your standards is not about judgment or shame, but rather about getting curious about the future version of yourself and aligning your current actions and habits with that vision. She discusses how moth...

In this episode, Michele shares how she's been navigating feelings of overwhelm and the need for control in her business and personal life. She discusses the power of therapy, coaching, and brain dumps to create more certainty and safety for yourself. If you're feeling uncertain about hitting your business goals or managing the demands of work and life, this episode is for you. Michele shares prac...

In this episode, Michele shares her insights on how to create a consistently growing business by focusing on over-delivering and being transparent with your clients. She discusses the importance of selling what you can truly deliver, building trust through honesty, and creating raving fans through exceptional customer experiences. Michele also shares her own journey of achieving consistent growth,...

In this episode, Michele Kostos shares her insights on the four key components entrepreneurs need to reach their full potential. She discusses the importance of having a clear vision, an aligned path, mastering mind management, and securing the right support system. Michele emphasizes that reaching your potential is an ongoing journey, not a destination. She provides practical advice on how to des...

In this episode, Michele Kostos, your host, discusses the concept of "belief burnout" - the tendency for entrepreneurs and high-achievers to lose faith in their ability to reach their goals over time. She emphasizes the importance of setting "gap goals" - short-term, achievable milestones that keep you motivated and on track towards your bigger, long-term vision. Michele shares her own experience...

In this episode, Michele shares a powerful mindset shift that can transform your business - selling to your ideal client, "the one," instead of trying to appeal to everyone. Michele explains how trying to sell to the masses often results in lukewarm marketing that fails to connect with your true champions. Instead, she encourages focusing your messaging and outreach on the specific type of client...

In this episode, Michele Kostos, mindset and business coach, discusses the importance of shifting from a transactional, entrepreneur-driven mindset to a transformational, service-oriented leadership mindset. She highlights how the entrepreneur brain can lead to frustration and attachment to results, ultimately hindering business growth. Click here to join the waitlist: www.michelekostos.com

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of effective communication in business and personal relationships. She shares her own experience as a new mom learning to understand her baby's different cries and cues. Michele emphasizes that as an entrepreneur, your communication skills are essential - they create connection and drive results. She encourages listeners to increase the frequency a...

In this episode, Michele Kostos discusses the common entrepreneurial struggle of feeling "behind" in your business. She explains how this feeling is often just a story we tell ourselves, not reality. Michele shares strategies to reframe your mindset, accept where you are, and focus on moving forward with excitement rather than shame. She encourages listeners to let go of "should" mentalities, conn...

In this episode, your host Michele Kostos discusses the keys to creating consistency in your business and life. She shares 3 powerful strategies: Design a business process you genuinely love - when you enjoy the day-to-day work, consistency becomes effortless. Plan to "not feel like it" - discipline is built through small, consistent actions, not just big changes. Get into service - focus on how y...