How to Move Up Fast in the Trades: Turning a Servant Mindset Into Servant Leadership

Most people in the trades think leadership begins when someone hands you the title. Josh Nieves learned the opposite.He started in construction at 18, asking questions others didn’t ask, carrying tools nobody told him to carry, and focusing on the small habits that build trust on a crew. Over time, those habits compounded into leadership roles across complex, high-risk construction environments and a career focused on developing the workforce.His philosophy is simple: “You can lead right where you are.”In this episode of the WorkReady Podcast, Josh explains what separates the people who advance in the trades from those who stagnate, and what frontline workers can start doing on their very next shift to build trust, influence, and leadership. Kevin and Josh also discuss the industry’s mentorship gap, the growing workforce shortage, and why companies must start thinking of workers as industrial athletes if they want careers in the field to last.Tune in to hear how safety, performance, and workforce development are all connected in the trades.CONNECTConnect with Dr. Kevin RindalWorkReady HubLinkedInInstagramFacebookSubscribe to Field NotesConnect with Josh NievesLinkedInInstagramRESOURCESWorkReady Episode ⁠Exclusive Clip⁠SPONSORSVimocity Workforce Readiness PlatformWorkReady Community (FREE for field pros)CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to WorkReady05:21 The Apprentice Playbook: Ask Questions and Learn11:09 How Small Habits Turn Into Leadership16:04 Why the Trades Are a Powerful Career Path19:01 Leadership Mindset vs. Skills Gap24:29 Building Trust and Retaining Great Crews28:50 Mental Health and Real Jobsite Conversations39:25 The Industrial Athlete Mindset53:17 Moving Beyond Compliance to Real Workforce Development