216. Turning Field Leaders into People Leaders

Most business owners think hiring the right people is the key to success. But even the best team members will fail or leave under bad leadership. In this episode, we’re tackling the crucial yet often overlooked challenge: how to turn field leaders into strong people leaders.

My guest, Ryan Englin, has spent years helping business owners in the trades and service industries build teams that don’t just show up for a paycheck but actually want to be there. We discuss why so many leaders struggle to connect with their employees, how to shift from just being a boss to becoming a leader people want to follow, and the small but powerful changes that can transform your company culture.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated that your team isn’t meeting expectations, this episode is for you. Ryan and I unpack the leadership skills that truly matter, why communication is the #1 skill every field leader needs, and how you can start seeing changes in just 30 days.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[2:20] Why business owners in the trades struggle with leadership

[4:06] The #1 misconception about hiring and retention

[5:02] What makes a great field leader?

[7:07] Why empathy and emotional intelligence matter—even in blue-collar industries

[9:35] The most important leadership skill you need to develop

[14:15] How to communicate expectations clearly (and what happens when you don’t)

[17:42] The step-by-step framework Ryan uses to transform company culture

[19:06] How long it takes to see real change in your business

[22:23] Ryan’s book: Hire Better People Faster (how to get a free copy!)

[22:58] Where to find Ryan’s podcast, Titans of the Trades

Resources & Links Mentioned:

📖 Get a FREE copy of Ryan’s book Hire Better People Faster – just cover shipping & handling corematters.com/freebook

🎙️ Listen to Ryan’s Podcast: Titans of the Trades Titans of the Trades

💻 Learn more about Ryan and Core Matters corematters.com

📍 Follow Ryan on LinkedIn for more insights LinkedIn: Ryan Englin