The Selfish Servant with Jesse "Chuy" Hernandez (Episode 88)

About this episode

Jesse "Chuy" Hernandez shares his journey and leadership lessons in the construction industry, emphasizing Lean thinking and problem-solving.

In this no-bullshido episode of Hoots on the Ground, host Adam Hoots reconnects with Jesse "Chuy" Hernandez —the plumber's son turned foreman, GC leader, consultant, author, and unapologetic "selfish servant." Jesse shares his journey from apprentice to industry thought leader, tying sobriety, service, and Lean thinking together. He breaks down his three leadership lessons—zoom level, time horizon, and lingo—and shows how those same gaps cause project failures. Adam and Jesse also tackle problem-solving, the power of listening with eyes and ears, the myth of the "indispensable superintendent," and why sometimes the fastest fix is deciding something isn't a problem. They preview the upcoming LCI Congress , scheduled for October 20-24, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, including Jesse's "Sweat Equity Improvement" workshop, and close with his next mission: training for a full Ironman to prove ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Key takeaways include: · Leadership maturity evolves through zoom level, time horizon, and lingo — meet people where they are, not where you want them to be. · The fastest way to solve a problem? Decide it's not a problem — and focus on the ones that truly…

People in this episode

Host: Adam Hoots

Guest: Jesse "Chuy" Hernandez

Topics covered

• leadership
• Lean thinking
• problem-solving
• construction industry
• personal development

Keywords

• leadership lessons
• Lean thinking
• construction
• problem-solving
• sobriety
• service

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LCI Congress

Places: Arlington, Texas

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