The Aligned Leadher

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 that people will only follow leaders who are willing to be vulnerable and transparent about their own challenges and growth process. Michele encourages listeners to resist the urge to present a perfect image, and instead focus on sharing...

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 insights from her coaching practice, highlighting how the top entrepreneurs she works with are the ones who keep going until the miracle happens. If you're feeling discouraged about reaching your business goals...

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 bouncing back after taking time off for maternity leave, to illustrate how successful entrepreneurs don't let a single "bad month" derail their progress. She encourages listeners to avoid beating themselves up over ebbs and flows, and instead focus on taking action...

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 others, going beyond just making them feel good in the moment. She shares her own passion for empowering women to step into their full potential, break free from limiting beliefs, and use their platforms...

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 create permanent, aligned systems that give you more time, energy, and profitability in your business. Click here to connect with Michele: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos

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 - or even exceeding it. Whether you're a direct sales professional, coach, or small business owner, this episode is filled with actionable advice to reignite your business and achieve sustainable success. Michele invites listeners to explore her Driven...

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 own emotions and those of the people they lead, as this creates a safe and supportive environment that fosters retention and sustainable growth. She shares her personal rituals and practices that help her stay grounded, regulated, and present, enabling her to show up...

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 team, clients, and business. She encourages listeners to identify any areas in their life or business where they may be "fence-sitting" and challenges them to make a decision, whether it's about coaching, decluttering their...

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 motherhood has helped her become a more focused, decisive leader, and how that clarity has positively impacted her coaching and business. Michele encourages listeners to take time to reflect on who they're becoming and to...

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 practical tips to help you create more certainty and peace of mind. Click here to connect with Michele: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos

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, even while taking time off, and how this mindset has been a game-changer for her and her clients. If you're looking to build a sustainable, organic business, this episode is a must-listen. Book a clarity call now: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos<...

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 design a business and life that feels sustainable and fulfilling, rather than forcing growth. Click here to apply for the mastermind: www.michelekostos.com

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 of setting and achieving goals with her husband, and how this intentional approach has led to their greatest financial success yet. She encourages listeners to create a plan for 2026 that includes annual, 3-year, and even 5-10 year goals...

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 or team member who is the best fit for your offer. Click here to join the waitlist: www.michelekostos.com

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 and value of their communications, whether through text, email, social media or one-on-one interactions. Michele challenges listeners to set a goal of 32 "touches" per year to deepen relationships and better serve their audience. She offers support through her one-on-one coaching program...

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, connect with their numbers, and work to "win" instead of just avoiding "losing." The key is embracing the present moment and celebrating your progress, no matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey. Click here to connect with...

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 your work helps others, not just yourself. This intrinsic motivation powers long-term consistency. Michele also opens up about her own journey with postpartum challenges and how coaching and therapy have helped her maintain consistency through...

In this episode, Michele opens up about her personal experience with postpartum depression and how it taught her the importance of having the capacity to hold tough emotions. She shares how accepting and moving through the difficult feelings, rather than resisting them, was key to her recovery. Michele emphasizes that the ability to handle challenging emotions is directly tied to your potential for growth and success in business and life. She encourages listeners to develop the strength to sit with negative feelings, as this will prepare you for your next level of achievement. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a...

In this episode, business coach Michele Kostos discusses the importance of chasing your vision rather than just chasing dopamine. She shares tips for evaluating your activities and business offerings to ensure they're aligned with your long-term goals. Visit michelekostos.com to learn more.

In this episode, Michele discusses how your schedule can be the "domino" that creates a ripple effect of success in your business. She shares how having a schedule you actually want to follow can provide freedom, predictability, and the ability to consistently book sales appointments. Michele also talks about her own experience realigning her schedule after having a baby, and how that has unlocked new possibilities. The key takeaway is that crafting a schedule that prioritizes what you truly want can be a game-changer for your productivity and results. Click here to connect with Michele: https://linktr.ee/michelekostos<...

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of having a 'clean brain' as an entrepreneur. She explains how our subconscious thoughts can significantly impact our actions and results, and how coaching can help us identify and shift those thoughts to create more success. Michele emphasizes the value of consistently 'cleaning' your brain through practices like journaling, and how this simple habit can lead to dramatic changes in your business and life. She shares personal examples and client stories to illustrate the power of this concept. If you're looking to boost your productivity, confidence, and outcomes, this is an insightful...

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset when dealing with changes in your direct sales or entrepreneurial business. She emphasizes that your personal brand and the value you provide to customers is what truly matters, not the fluctuations of the company you're associated with. Michele encourages listeners to focus on what they can control - their own consistent effort and beliefs - rather than worrying about an uncertain future. She shares her own experiences transitioning between different business ventures, and how her personal brand and relationships have carried over. The key takeaway is that...

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of focus and how to shift your mindset to look for what's working rather than what's wrong. She shares practical tips like starting each day listing 3 things going well in your business, celebrating weekly wins, and curating your social media feed to be uplifting. Michele emphasizes that focusing on the positive doesn't change your circumstances overnight, but it changes you - and that's what leads to lasting results. She encourages listeners to prioritize personal growth through coaching, as that drives professional growth as well. This is a must-listen episode for any entrepreneur...

In this episode, host Michele Kostos shares powerful insights on how to get unstuck in your business and life. She explains the 3 key areas to focus on: Thoughts about yourself - Shift limiting self-beliefs to empower your self-trust and confidence. Thoughts about others - Adopt a more optimistic, service-oriented mindset in your relationships and sales. Thoughts about your offering - Cultivate unwavering belief in the value you provide to clients/customers. Michele also emphasizes the importance of developing connection and communication skills to fully unlock your potential as a leader. If you find yourself repeatedly hitting roadblocks, this episode...

In this episode, Michele discusses the concept of "success intolerance" - the tendency for people, especially entrepreneurs, to feel anxious, exhausted or nervous when they achieve a big goal, leading to self-sabotage. Michele explains that this is often rooted in a subconscious belief that we're not capable of maintaining that level of success. She emphasizes the importance of expanding our self-concept to match our achievements, and working with a coach or mentor to uncover and overcome these limiting beliefs. Michele shares her own journey with overcoming success intolerance, and provides actionable tips for listeners to identify and address this...

In this episode, Michele discusses the value of experimenting in your business as an entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of protecting your existing profitable activities while cautiously adding new experiments. Michele shares her own experiences with launching a group program, highlighting the need for patience, evaluation, and belief-shifting when trying something new. She encourages listeners to approach experiments with a service-focused mindset, rather than being solely driven by increasing revenue or reducing effort. Overall, this episode provides a thoughtful framework for strategically testing new ideas in your business.

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of "winning the day" as an entrepreneur and new mom. She emphasizes the illusion of time and how being intentional with each day is key to long-term success. Michele shares strategies like creating a 3-item daily to-do list and celebrating small wins, as these build momentum and positive mindset. She encourages listeners to approach the past with curiosity rather than judgment, and to focus on what they can control in the present moment. The overall message is that consistently winning each day, even in small ways, is the path to achieving bigger...

In this candid and vulnerable episode, Michele shares the lessons she's learned and was reminded of during her first 12 weeks as a new mom. From the importance of asking for help, to priority management over time management, to the power of embracing hard things - Michele's insights are applicable to both business and life. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur or go-getter looking to grow their capacity, strengthen their resilience, and show up more authentically. Click here to work with Michele: michelekostos.com

In this candid and vulnerable episode, Michele shares the lessons she's learned and was reminded of during her first 12 weeks as a new mom. From the importance of asking for help, to priority management over time management, to the power of embracing hard things - Michele's insights are applicable to both business and life. She's open about the mental health challenges she faced postpartum, encouraging listeners that even the most successful people struggle with their human brains sometimes. Michele also discusses the value of listening to your intuition, and shares an exciting announcement about her upcoming Driven Mastermind program...

In this episode, Michele shares powerful strategies to help you grow past where you are and achieve your biggest goals. She discusses the importance of thinking something new, reading something new, attending new events, putting yourself in new rooms with high-caliber people, and developing new relationships. Michele also highlights the upcoming launch of her Driven Mastermind program, which is designed to help driven women in direct sales rapidly grow their businesses and income. If you're ready to make a quantum leap in your life and business, this episode is a must-listen. Click here to join the waitlist: www.michelekostos...

In this episode, Michele Kostos shares her insights on the power of community for entrepreneurs. Michele discusses how being part of a mastermind group or coaching community has been pivotal to her own growth and success. She highlights how community provides support, accountability, and the opportunity to learn from others' experiences - both successes and failures. Michele emphasizes that community helps overcome the isolation that can come with entrepreneurship and allows you to celebrate wins with like-minded peers. She announces the launch of her new "Driven Mastermind" program designed for women leaders in direct sales, inviting listeners to get...

This week Michele discusses the importance of developing a "multiplication mindset" for entrepreneurs and leaders, rather than just an "addition mindset." Michele emphasizes that adopting this multiplication mindset is crucial for maximizing your results and leading your organization to new levels of growth. She invites listeners to get on the waitlist for her upcoming direct sales leadership group program. Visit www.michelekostos.com to join the waitlist.

In this episode, Michele discusses why it can feel like 'no one is working' on your team, and provides 3 key reasons this may be happening: 1) Not leading by example with activity, 2) Inconsistent communication with your team, and 3) Your team needs more vision and encouragement, not just a focus on the work. Michele shares strategies to turn this around, including her unique coaching approach to motivate and move people forward. If you're struggling to get your team engaged, this episode is for you! Click here to join the waitlist: www.michelekostos.com

In this episode, Michele discusses how to create momentum in your business during any season, even when you have limited time and energy. She shares strategies for focusing on your essential activities, delegating or eliminating non-essentials, and leveraging your strengths to drive results - even during busy or challenging periods like summer. Michele emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, managing your mindset, and trusting natural ebbs and flows. She also highlights how vacations can actually boost your business. If you're looking to maintain or grow your momentum no matter the circumstances, this episode is for you. Click here to join...

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of creating your own path as an entrepreneur, rather than always following someone else's step-by-step plan. She shares her personal experience of finding more success and joy when she customized her sales process to align with her values and priorities, rather than just copying what others were doing. Michele emphasizes the power of self-trust and confidence in allowing you to forge your unique business journey. She also previews an upcoming group coaching program designed to help driven direct sales leaders create their personalized path to the next level. Click here to join...

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of planning and acting like a CEO in your business, even if you're a solo entrepreneur or in direct sales. She emphasizes the power of taking intentional, proactive steps to map out your activities, events, and marketing well in advance. Michele explains how this "CEO mindset" creates more peace, confidence, and control over your results, versus a reactive, last-minute approach. She encourages listeners to schedule regular "CEO time" to thoughtfully plan their business, and shares how this can multiply positive execution throughout your entire organization. If you want more profit and less...

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of loving your business process. She explains how having a process you genuinely enjoy can unlock consistency, motivation, and growth in your business. Michele provides an analogy of how we eagerly prepare for vacations, versus feeling obligated for other tasks. She emphasizes that by customizing your sales, onboarding, and team-building processes to align with your strengths and personality, you can create a contagious enthusiasm that inspires your team. Michele also mentions an upcoming Driven Leaders Mastermind program launching in September that can help entrepreneurs develop a process they love. Join the waitlist...

In this episode, Michele discusses the importance of reconnecting to your business and your purpose as an entrepreneur. She shares insights from a recent mastermind call where she witnessed female entrepreneurs struggle with feeling disconnected from their successful businesses. Michele emphasizes that the key to maintaining motivation and inspiration is to focus on serving your clients and the impact you can have, rather than just chasing revenue goals. She provides practical tips on how to realign your mindset and reignite your passion for your work. If you've been feeling burned out or uninspired in your business, this episode will...

In this episode, Michele celebrates the wins and achievements of her clients, many of whom are wrapping up a successful fiscal year in their network marketing or direct sales businesses. Michele emphasizes the importance of taking time to properly celebrate and evaluate your wins, no matter how big or small. She encourages listeners to recognize their own progress and growth, and to create a culture of winning on their teams by consistently acknowledging and celebrating everyone's efforts. Michele shares strategies for meaningful self-celebration, and how this mindset can boost confidence, leadership, and momentum going forward. Whether you're a coach...