August 19, 2025
Episode 151: How Great Leaders Build Teams, Earn Trust, and Inspire with Greg Hulsizer
In this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Dane Groeneveld chats with Greg Hulsizer, Executive Coach, Consultant, and Speaker, about building stronger teams through gratitude, curiosity, and genuine human connection. Greg shares stories from running startups under tight deadlines, leading through both political wins and financial challenges, and coaching leaders to set a clear vision, equip their people, and then step back to let them shine.
He explains how leaders can get closer to their team’s day-to-day reality through unique exercises like a “This Seems Stupid to Me” contest, “Black Cloud” meetings, and spending a day in their shoes. Greg also looks at how leaders can tap into their people’s unique “differentiators” to put the right team together, why joy is a factor you should look at when building a team, and lessons learned from navigating high-stakes public-private partnerships.
Whether you’re leading a small local team or managing multi-billion-dollar projects, Greg’s blend of curiosity and genuine connection will inspire and motivate you to look at your leadership with fresh eyes.
🔗 Connect with Greg Helsizer on LinkedIn
How Great Leaders Build Teams, Earn Trust, and Inspire with Greg Hulsizer
Guest Bio
Greg Hulsizer has spent his career building and leading high-performing, customer-driven organizations.
Over the past 40 years, he’s held 17 leadership roles—including four CEO positions—across nine public and private sector organizations. He’s launched start-ups, led major infrastructure projects, restructured complex operations, and worked closely with top elected officials, government agencies, investors, and multi-national boards of directors.
Now retired from full-time work, Greg continues to consult on transportation infrastructure, coach and mentor professionals, and lead leadership development programs. A seasoned storyteller, he helps teams find their voice in high-stakes proposals and shares practical leadership insights on LinkedIn. He’s also writing Life Lessons for Little Surfers, a children’s book series that teaches values through ocean-inspired stories.
Greg serves as President of the San Clemente Lifeguard & Junior Guard Foundation, where he combines his leadership experience, ocean lifeguard background, and deep love for the community. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him surfing waves around the world and investing in what matters most: his faith and family.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork
01:13 Meet Greg Hulsizer
01:42 Greg’s Early Career and Lifeguard Days
02:44 Transition to City Management
03:43 Pioneering Automated Toll Roads
06:17 Consulting and Executive Coaching
07:33 Leadership Philosophy and Team Dynamics
22:10 The Importance of Gratitude in Leadership
24:14 A Memorable Act of Gratitude
24:34 The Importance of Style in Showing Gratitude
25:48 The ‘This Seems Stupid to Me’ Contest
26:44 Customer-Centric Decision Making
28:08 The Value of Ride-Alongs and Hands-On Experience
30:59 Encouraging Creativity and Connection in Teams
33:37 Selecting the Right People for the Team
37:43 Insights on Public-Private Partnerships
42:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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