How to Build the Most Effective and Productive Team Possible (EP23)

What if the biggest reason your team is falling short isn’t their skill, but their mindset? Alan unpacks exactly how to build the most effective, reliable team by focusing on three simple core values: humility, work ethic, and self-improvement. With nearly nine years of experience growing a business from scratch to a 20-person global team, Alan shares real-life hiring lessons, how to spot red flags, and why leading by example is the non-negotiable key to success. Whether you’re a solopreneur hiring your first freelancer or a CEO refining your culture, this episode is packed with clarity, honesty, and tools you can use right now.

How to connect with Alan?
📧 alan@nextleveluniverse.com
Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/

Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/

Episode highlights:

(1:04) What does "team" really mean in business
(2:18) Who counts as a team member (freelancers, contractors, etc.)
(3:03) Choosing aligned clients and businesses
(4:06) The “win-win-win-win-win” business model
(5:01) Hiring and firing decisions in a global market
(6:14) From 2-person startup to a 20-person team
(7:06) How a time audit revealed the need for team growth
(8:03) Expanding and contracting: the natural cycle of business
(9:07) The 3 core values at Next Level University
(11:46) Defining humility, work ethic, and self-improvement
(14:49) The 10-10-10 system to identify your "absolutely" people
(17:04) Red flags: identifying “absolutely not” people
(20:00) Don’t just pick your values...live them daily
(23:36) Invitation to a free December 4th business masterclass
(24:46) Final thoughts and deep gratitude