625 | From Procrastination to Progress: Leading Through Decision Paralysis

The Chris LoCurto Show

#Leadership #Chris LoCurto #Business #Careers

36:44

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Amar Bakshi, founder of Shared Studios and Noro, to explore how Amar’s visionary work is redefining human connection through immersive technology. Amar shares the evolution from his original art project, which connected strangers worldwide via life-size video portals installed in locations from New York to Tehran, refugee camps, and universities, to creating Noro’s cutting-edge video conferencing solutions that bridge the gap between virtual meetings and face-to-face interaction. They discuss the inspiration behind his projects, including his personal experiences as a journalist and his grandmother’s story of displacement, highlighting the emotional and cultural impact of authentic human connection. Amar explains the challenges of building a global network in complex political environments, the importance of community-led curation, and leveraging technology to enable deeper trust and collaboration beyond traditional video calls like Zoom. The conversation also covers insights into building company culture, navigating the transition from art to business, raising capital, and how AI and future tech innovations could enhance multilingual communication and intimacy in virtual settings. Amar closes by sharing lessons learned as a founder about balancing commitment with perspective and fostering inclusive, purpose-driven teams. This episode provides a thoughtful look at how technology can create meaningful, serendipitous human connections across borders and industries. Learn more about Amar's work at https://noro.co/ Connect with Amar on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarcbakshi/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/podcast-guest-application/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

about a year ago 27:33

MP3•Episode home

Ever feel stuck overthinking a decision, spinning in circles, and not moving forward? You’re not alone—and today we’re breaking down how to overcome decision paralysis and lead with confidence.
In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, I walk through the root causes of decision paralysis, how it quietly kills momentum, and 5 practical steps to help you move from procrastination to progress.
Plus, I’ll show you how to coach your team out of indecision and take action faster.
Here’s what we cover:
Intro - Story (00:01:10)
Churchill’s Dunkirk decision shows how bold action beats perfect planning.
What Is Decision Paralysis and Why Does It Matter? (00:03:12)
Understand what’s really happening when you (or your team) get stuck—and how much it costs.
What Keeps Leaders Stuck in Procrastination? (00:06:08)
Fear, perfectionism, overwhelm, and more—we walk through examples of each.
5 Practical Steps to Move from Procrastination to Progress (00:10:50)
From clarifying goals to setting deadlines, these steps help you act fast and smart.
Coaching Your Team Through Decision Paralysis (00:20:26)
Learn how to guide your team with questions instead of giving all the answers.
Action Items for Listeners (00:24:28)
Five next steps to take this week to break the swirl and build momentum.
Additional Resources (00:26:21)
Check out Episode 315 to go deeper on strategic decision making.
Conclusion (00:26:40)
Progress is built on decisions—start making yours today.
🎧 Hit play and let’s lead better, one bold decision at a time.

629 episodes

625 | From Procrastination to Progress: Leading Through Decision Paralysis

The Chris LoCurto Show

105 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

629 episodes

#Leadership #Chris LoCurto #Business #Careers

All episodes

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
630 | How Key Leaders Can Lead Up, Down, and Sideways with DISC, with Lyneé South 41:10

1 day ago41:10

41:10

How to Lead in Every Direction Using DISC If you’ve ever struggled to get your point across to upper leadership, motivate your team, or work alongside your peers, this episode is for you. Chris is joined by Executive Coach and DISC expert Lyneé South to talk about how leaders can influence and communicate more effectively in every direction—up, down, and sideways—using DISC. Whether you're in a mid-level leadership role or leading a team, you'll walk away with tools to increase trust, adapt communication, and lead with confidence. Genesis 41 (00:01:01) A biblical example introduces the concept of leading in every direction. Why Leading in All Directions Is So Hard (00:02:41) Mid-level leaders often feel stuck between their team and upper leadership. Using DISC to Lead Up (00:09:39) DISC helps leaders tailor communication to gain trust and support from their leaders. Leading Your Team With DISC (00:16:11) Understanding DISC helps leaders guide and connect with team members more effectively. Influencing Peers and Cross-Functional Teams (00:20:10) Leaders can use DISC to build better collaboration across departments. What Happens if We Are Implementing DISC? (00:23:46) Using DISC in meetings and brainstorming leads to better alignment and reduced friction. Helping Your Leadership Team Use DISC Effectively (00:28:36) Leadership teams that use DISC intentionally see improved trust and fewer misunderstandings. Action Steps (00:37:22) Five practical ways to start using DISC to lead more effectively. Conclusion (00:39:14) Leading based on how people are wired leads to better communication, stronger relationships, and a healthier culture. Go check out our page to get our free DISC bundle!…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
629 | Why Personality Styles Should Shape Your Hiring Process, with Joel Fortner 43:30

8 days ago43:30

43:30

Ever hired someone who looked great on paper but just didn’t work out? In this episode, we dive into how DISC personality styles can help you hire the right fit—not just the right resume. Joel Fortner, our team’s president and hiring expert, is joining me to walk through how personality profiles help you go deeper than resumes and interviews, and avoid costly mis-hires. Learn how to match the right person to the right role, avoid cultural misfits, and improve your hiring process with practical, proven strategies. 👇 Here’s what’s covered in this episode: Samuel 16 (00:01:00) A biblical example reveals why looking beyond appearances is essential in hiring. You’re Not Just Hiring a Resume (00:04:24) Why resumes and interviews don’t give the full picture—and what to use instead. DISC Reveals the “How” Behind the Work (00:08:21) How DISC uncovers how someone works, thinks, and communicates on the job. DISC and Roles (00:10:40) Which DISC styles thrive in specific roles like sales, admin, and accounting? Hiring for Culture Fit, Not Just Skills (00:19:49) Why cultural fit matters more than experience when it comes to team health. How Do I Use DISC in the Hiring Process? (00:24:05) Steps to apply DISC throughout your hiring process for smarter decisions. The Cost of Getting It Wrong (00:29:08) What a wrong hire really costs your business—financially and emotionally. Action Steps (00:38:44) 5 practical ways to strengthen your hiring process with DISC today. Conclusion (00:41:44) A final reminder: hiring well is one of the most important things you’ll ever do as a leader. 🎧 Ready to hire smarter? Press play and take notes. And grab our free DISC Quick Guide to get started.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
628 | How DISC Can Transform Leadership & Business Success with Bryan Arzani 1:05:24

15 days ago1:05:24

1:05:24

If your team’s communication feels off or productivity is dragging, the problem might not be what you think—it might be how you lead. In this episode, Chris sits down with DISC expert Bryan Arzani to unpack how understanding personality styles leads to better leadership, communication, and performance. Fill the form HERE and get your free PDF now! Whether you’re brand new to DISC or already using it, this episode gives you practical tools and language to create lasting change in your team. Episode Timestamps 00:04:01 – What’s Really Going On When Leaders Feel Misunderstood Why saying the right thing doesn’t always lead to being understood. 00:07:42 – Blind Spots That Hurt Communication How unaddressed blind spots lead to leadership breakdown. 00:10:40 – Self-Awareness Is a Trust Builder The first step to better communication is understanding yourself. 00:21:02 – Who Owns DISC and Why It Works A quick history and why DISC is the most widely used tool in business. 00:30:46 – When Personality Styles Clash Under Pressure The patterns and causes behind personality-based conflict. 00:43:23 – The Most Common Mistakes Leaders Make with DISC What to avoid when using DISC with your team or hiring process. 00:55:43 – How to Use DISC to Improve Team Performance Practical ways to apply DISC for stronger leadership and better results.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
627 | When Emotions Drive Decisions: How to Lead Rationally in High-Stress Situations 16:16

22 days ago16:16

16:16

Ever reacted emotionally as a leader—and regretted it? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, we break down how to stay grounded, respond with wisdom, and lead rationally when the pressure is high. Learn how to recognize emotional hijacking, understand your triggers, and set a calm tone for your team using simple, powerful tools. Timestamps: Emotional Hijacking Happens—But You Can Stop It (00:01:28) How to recognize when emotions override logic—and what to do in the moment. Know Your Triggers Before They Explode (00:04:03) Understand your emotional landmines before they create leadership damage. Slow Down to Speed Up: The 3-Second Rule (00:06:14) A simple pause strategy to help you lead rationally in emotionally charged situations. Use Emotion as Data, Not a Driver (00:07:26) Turn emotional cues into insight without letting them control your decisions. Your Emotional State Affects Everyone Else’s (00:10:28) How your mood shapes your team’s culture, performance, and risk-taking. Action Items (00:14:04) Five steps to practice emotional intelligence in your leadership today. Additional Resources (00:14:56) Check out Episode 607 for more on emotional intelligence in leadership. Conclusion (00:15:12) Great leadership isn’t about feeling better—it’s about choosing to lead rationally, no matter how you feel.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
626 | The Role of Self-Awareness in Becoming a Transformational Leader 28:31

29 days ago28:31

28:31

Why do some leaders earn deep trust and loyalty, while others struggle to connect? It comes down to one key skill: self-awareness. In this episode, we unpack how knowing yourself is the foundation of great leadership—and how to lead with clarity, emotional intelligence, and influence. Timestamps: 00:02:05 – Self-Awareness Is the Foundation of All Great Leadership 00:08:07 – Self-Awareness Reveals What’s Beneath the Surface 00:10:40 – Self-Awareness Is a Trust Builder 00:14:13 – Self-Awareness Leads to Better Decision-Making and Presence 00:16:09 – Self-Awareness Fuels Personal Growth That Inspires Others 00:18:49 – Action Steps for Building Self-Awareness 00:26:15 – Additional Resource: Episode 621 00:26:40 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways If you want to lead others well, it starts with leading yourself well.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
625 | From Procrastination to Progress: Leading Through Decision Paralysis 27:33

5 weeks ago27:33

27:33

Ever feel stuck overthinking a decision, spinning in circles, and not moving forward? You’re not alone—and today we’re breaking down how to overcome decision paralysis and lead with confidence. In this episode of The Chris LoCurto Show, I walk through the root causes of decision paralysis, how it quietly kills momentum, and 5 practical steps to help you move from procrastination to progress. Plus, I’ll show you how to coach your team out of indecision and take action faster. Here’s what we cover: Intro - Story (00:01:10) Churchill’s Dunkirk decision shows how bold action beats perfect planning. What Is Decision Paralysis and Why Does It Matter? (00:03:12) Understand what’s really happening when you (or your team) get stuck—and how much it costs. What Keeps Leaders Stuck in Procrastination? (00:06:08) Fear, perfectionism, overwhelm, and more—we walk through examples of each. 5 Practical Steps to Move from Procrastination to Progress (00:10:50) From clarifying goals to setting deadlines, these steps help you act fast and smart. Coaching Your Team Through Decision Paralysis (00:20:26) Learn how to guide your team with questions instead of giving all the answers. Action Items for Listeners (00:24:28) Five next steps to take this week to break the swirl and build momentum. Additional Resources (00:26:21) Check out Episode 315 to go deeper on strategic decision making. Conclusion (00:26:40) Progress is built on decisions—start making yours today. 🎧 Hit play and let’s lead better, one bold decision at a time.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
624 | Fear is the Enemy of Progress: Building the Courage to Lead Change 29:12

6 weeks ago29:12

29:12

Fear will always knock—but will you let it lead? In this episode, Chris exposes how fear quietly drives leadership decisions, stalls progress, and keeps leaders from stepping into bold, wise action. You'll discover how to recognize fear’s subtle forms, replace it with courage, and build confidence one decision at a time. 🔑 In this episode: 00:00:53 – The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) 00:02:52 – How Fear Manifests in Leadership and Organizational Cultures 00:07:43 – Identifying Fear-Based Decisions vs. Wise Decisions 00:13:12 – Strategies to Confront Fear Head-On and Lead with Courage 00:18:21 – Why Boldness is About Action, Not the Absence of Fear 00:22:23 – 2025 Audience Survey 00:23:10 – Leaders Who Overcame Fear to Create Massive Change 00:24:21 – Action Steps: Building the Courage to Lead Change 00:26:31 – Additional Resources 00:26:56 – Conclusion 🎧 Listen now and take one bold step toward the leader you’re called to be. Take the survey here: chrislocurto.com/survey Full resources + free leadership tools at: chrislocurto.com…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
623 | Why Boldness is Contagious: Leading With Confidence to Inspire Your Team 30:18

8 weeks ago30:18

30:18

In this episode, I’m walking you through five powerful ways boldness transforms your leadership, builds trust, and sets your team in motion. If you want a team that takes ownership, leans into change, and drives results, it starts with how you lead. 👉 Plus, I’m giving you practical action steps and sharing how bold leaders shape culture, innovation, and momentum. ⏱ Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 – Introduction Why bold leadership is the anchor in crisis—and how your team takes its cues from you. 00:05:18 – Boldness Creates Momentum and Energy Your confidence sets the tone and drives the team’s energy forward. 00:12:49 – Confidence in Uncertainty Builds Trust You don’t need all the answers, but you do need to lead with assurance. 00:16:27 – Bold Leadership Fosters a Culture of Innovation When boldness replaces fear, teams step into creativity and problem-solving. 00:18:55 – Boldness Overcomes Fear and Resistance to Change Lead your people through resistance by reframing change as opportunity. 00:22:31 – Bold Leaders Inspire Others to Step Up Your example gives your team permission to take ownership and grow. 00:24:40 – Action Steps Five practical ways to lead boldly—starting now. 00:28:35 – Additional Resources Go deeper with our Boldness Series: Episodes 621 & 622. 00:29:04 – Conclusion Your boldness shapes your team’s future—what bold move will you make this week? 📝 Take our quick 5-minute leadership survey and get a free 5-day leadership challenge: chrislocurto.com/survey…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
622 | Boldness vs. Burnout: Reclaiming Your Energy to Lead with Confidence 52:50

9 weeks ago52:50

52:50

Burnout isn’t inevitable—and boldness doesn’t mean doing more. In this episode, I walk you through the warning signs of leadership burnout and how real boldness can help you lead with renewed energy and clarity. You'll get powerful examples, spiritual insight, and a 3-step plan to recharge and lead well. ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] Welcome – Why burnout and boldness matter [01:26] Warning Signs of Burnout – Fatigue, cynicism, and more (with examples) [17:20] Boldness is the Antidote – Real leadership isn't doing it all [30:50] Building Resilience – How struggle builds stronger leaders [42:05] Tools to Recharge – Mental, emotional, and spiritual refueling [58:55] The Action Plan – 3 bold steps to reclaim your energy [01:04:20] Take the Survey – Help us shape future content [01:06:20] More Resources – Blog + Podcast to go deeper [01:08:00] Wrap-Up – Lead boldly, without burning out Additional Resources Podcast Episode 131 | 8 Ways to Avoid Burnout Take this quick survey to help us shape our future content and we'll give you free access to our 5-Day Leadership Challenge as a thank you!…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
621 | Bold Leadership vs. Resistance: Breaking Cycles and Leading Effectively 40:47

10 weeks ago40:47

40:47

Resistance—whether it’s internal, from your team, or from leaders above—can stall progress and create frustration. In this episode, Chris breaks down how bold leaders confront resistance head-on, overcome the “why try?” mindset, and turn obstacles into action. You’ll learn how to lead in all directions, influence resistant leaders, communicate with clarity, and build a culture of collaboration and accountability. Packed with real-life examples and practical takeaways—don’t miss this one! Timestamps: 00:02:15 – Story of Moses and the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt A powerful biblical example of bold leadership in the face of massive resistance. 00:10:19 – The Nature of Resistance: Where It Shows Up and Why Understand how resistance manifests internally, in your team, and from leadership above. 00:14:48 – Breaking Barriers: Overcoming the “Why Try?” Mindset How to shift limiting beliefs and inspire action with great questions. 00:21:35 – Reigniting Boldness: Tackling Resistance with Confidence and Purpose Redirect resistance toward action and accountability instead of wasting time in arguments. 00:27:30 – Leading in All Directions: Encouraging Boldness in Your Team & Influencing Resistant Leaders Influence up, down, and across using questions, data, and strategic dialogue. 00:31:01 – Effective Communication: Techniques to Inspire Collaboration and Mutual Respect Clear, intentional communication that builds trust and reduces resistance. 00:36:32 – Action Items Five bold steps to lead effectively and break the cycle of resistance. 00:38:04 – Additional Resources A must-listen episode recommendation to further tackle negative mindsets. 00:38:24 – Conclusion Resistance is inevitable—how you lead through it defines your success.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
620 | How to Build Predictable Revenue with Memberships with Stu McLaren 37:22

11 weeks ago37:22

37:22

Tired of unpredictable sales and chasing new customers every month? In this episode, I sit down with Stu McLaren—membership expert and author of Predictable Profits —to unpack how recurring revenue can bring stability and freedom to your business. We break down the four types of memberships (with real-world examples), how to start without a big audience, and how to sell without feeling salesy. If you're ready to stop hustling and start building predictable profits, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Time Stamps + Highlights 00:04:43 – The Reality of Unpredictable Revenue Why feast-or-famine cycles create stress and how recurring revenue helps. 00:14:18 – Different Types of Memberships Product, service, knowledge, and community-based models with practical examples. 00:26:35 – You Don’t Need a Big Audience to Start Start small and scale—how 20 members turned into a 7-figure membership. 00:29:48 – Selling Without Feeling Salesy Use stories and contrast to connect and convert—without high-pressure tactics. 00:33:05 – More About Stu Where to get the book and connect with Stu for more membership wisdom. 00:36:34 – Conclusion Final encouragement to rethink your business model and reduce stress. Like our content? Help us reach more people! Click to leave us a quick review.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
619 | How to Spot and Stop Sabotaging Behavior in Your Leadership Team 24:38

12 weeks ago24:38

24:38

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
618 | The Silent Team Killer: How Unspoken Expectations Undermine Success 29:55

13 weeks ago29:55

29:55

If your team is struggling with execution, accountability, or a disconnected culture, unspoken expectations might be the root cause. These assumptions create confusion, frustration, and failure. Let’s break down what’s really happening and how to fix it. The Reality of Unspoken Expectations (00:01:37) Leaders assume their teams understand what to do, but what’s obvious to you isn’t always clear to them. This leads to missed deadlines, inconsistent performance, and frustrated team members. The Impact on Team Culture (00:06:41) A lack of clarity creates fear, hesitation, and wasted time, hurting team morale and slowing productivity. Without clear expectations, teams don’t take ownership, and accountability suffers. How to Set Clear Expectations (00:14:12) Fixing this isn’t just about telling people what to do—it’s about collaborating with them. Define what success looks like, communicate early and often, document expectations, and reinforce them consistently. The Power of Team Buy-In (00:18:57) People want ownership, not just orders. When your team helps define expectations, they engage more, take responsibility, and perform at a higher level. The Consequences of Not Addressing This (00:23:17) Unclear expectations lead to low morale, inconsistent performance, and high turnover—you could even lose your best talent. How to Fix This in Your Team (00:24:48) Audit expectations – Are you assuming people understand what you want? Have direct conversations – Ask your team what they believe is expected. Define measurable goals – What does success look like? Communicate expectations regularly – One conversation isn’t enough. Invite participation – Let your team shape expectations for greater buy-in. Conclusion (00:28:43) Unspoken expectations kill team performance. As a leader, your role is to clarify, communicate, and reinforce expectations to drive success. Want to develop stronger leadership skills? Our Key Leader Program (KLP) helps leaders master communication, accountability, and execution strategies. Learn more at ChrisLoCurto.com. Like our content? Help us reach more people! Click to leave us a quick review.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
617 | The High Cost of Avoiding Accountability in Your Leadership Team 28:28

14 weeks ago28:28

28:28

Avoiding accountability creates chaos, misalignment, and inefficiencies that impact every part of your business. If leaders aren’t holding each other accountable, you’ll see wasted resources, declining morale, and reduced profitability. Let’s dive into why accountability matters and how to fix it. Kodak: A Leadership Failure (00:02:03) Kodak invented the first digital camera in the 1970s but failed to act. Leadership avoided tough decisions, fearing disruption to their film business. While they stalled, competitors advanced, and Kodak eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2012—not due to technology, but due to poor accountability and leadership. Lack of Alignment Creates Chaos (00:03:37) Misaligned leadership leads to confusion and inefficiency. When leaders push different priorities without accountability, resources scatter instead of focusing on a common goal, ultimately hurting productivity and team morale. Unspoken Issues Breed Toxicity (00:08:31) Ignoring problems creates resentment and disengagement. If leaders fail to address accountability issues, passive-aggressiveness spreads, morale drops, and trust erodes. Tackle problems early to prevent toxicity. Productivity and Profits Decline (00:13:13) A lack of accountability increases inefficiencies, poor decisions, and wasted resources. When leaders aren’t held accountable, disengagement spreads, stalling business growth and profitability. How to Build a Culture of Accountability (00:14:55) Set Clear Expectations – Define responsibilities and metrics. Regular Check-Ins – Keep accountability a priority in meetings. Address Issues Early – Tackle problems before they escalate. Lead by Example – Model accountability to create ownership. Establish Consequences & Rewards – Recognize accountability and correct resistance. Final Thoughts (00:26:55) Avoiding accountability weakens leadership and hurts your business. Aligning your team fosters better communication, stronger morale, and higher profits. Need help implementing accountability? The Key Leader Program can give your leaders the tools they need to take ownership and lead with confidence. Reach out to us to learn more. Take this information, change your leadership, change your business, change your life. See you next time! Like our content? Help us reach more people! Click to leave us a quick review.…

The Chris LoCurto Show

1
616 | How to Address Underperforming Leaders Without Crushing Their Confidence 26:52

15 weeks ago26:52