What does Andy Frisella say about being passed over for a promotion on REAL AF?

Andy Frisella told a 27-year-old machinist, whose company would not promote him because skilled workers are hard to replace, that the reason is valid. Being good at a trade and leading people are different skills. Andy said you audition for the next role now: lead before you are named a leader, become the undeniable choice, and do not call a job dead-end just because one position went to someone else.

• Andy Frisella called managing and leading people the hardest job there is, and asked whether the caller truly wants it.
• DJ added that a valuable employee should train the people around him to be as good as he is.
• Andy Frisella said the best way to show value to an outside hire is to make that person's job easier, not harder.

▸In their words

“You have to learn the skill, display the skill, and then get chosen.” Andy Frisella · at 12:57 — open in the transcript →

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on REAL AF with Andy Frisella (2026-10-26). Read the whole episode summary →

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