Unlocked with Skot Waldron

Being a leader has never been tougher. Melissa Doman dives into the neuroscience and psychology of change, uncertainty, and mental health in leadership. She unpacks why stress isn't the villain, it's information, and how motivational interviewing, "rolling with resistance," and emotional honesty help leaders survive the chaos. You'll hear how good stress fuels growth, why resistance is really fear...

In this episode of Thoughts Unlocked, Skot Waldron dives into the dangers of reactive leadership, a mindset where leaders constantly respond to problems instead of proactively guiding their teams with clarity and purpose. Skot discusses how reactionary tendencies erode trust, create confusion, and exhaust both leaders and employees. He shares practical insights on how leaders can shift from reacti...

Stuck? Good. That means you're ready. Ashley Jablow shares how getting laid off became the best "career gift" she never wanted, and how she turned that crash into clarity. We talk about discovering who you are now, designing instead of fixing your life, and why "reinvention" beats "midlife crisis" every time. Ashley breaks down her Four Steps of Life Design, Discover, Define, Imagine, Iterate, and...

Think flow is just a "zone" for athletes and artists? Gaëlle Devins says it's survival for leaders. Forget chasing perks, employees don't want ping pong tables. They want to be seen, valued, and led by someone who actually knows their own emotions. In this episode, we unpack why yodeling (yes, yodeling) is a leadership lesson, how twins + bedrest turned into a corporate framework, and why flow is...

Fruit baskets don't cure burnout. Neither do yoga apps. Dr. Richard Safeer explains why most wellness programs flop, and how leaders can build cultures of health that actually stick. He shares why well-being belongs in the strategic plan, not the suggestion box, and how six building blocks – peer support, leadership engagement, connection points, norms, values, and social climate – turn good inten...

This episode of Thoughts Unlocked dives into why trust is the hidden driver behind every successful team and culture. From balancing warmth and competence to the micro-moments that either strengthen or erode credibility, you'll hear practical ways leaders can create psychological safety, rebuild broken trust, and foster collaboration that feels effortless instead of forced. If you want a team that...

Think Gen Z is a headache? Tim Elmore says they're actually the sandpaper your leadership didn't know it needed. One minute they're flying with pixie dust, the next they're struggling with "adulting." That's the Peter Pan paradox. In this episode, we dig into why authority today comes from a bridge, not a badge. Why Gen Z hops jobs like lily pads. And why the secret to keeping them isn't perks, it...

Ever feel like you're living someone else's script? Jillian Reilly is here to hand you The Ten Permissions, a gutsy, practical roadmap to step out of the box and into your own life. We cover permission to be willful (want what you actually want), how to reframe failure from "I am" to "I can", and why leaders don't need all the answers, just the guts to ask better questions. Jillian shows how to ad...

If your wellness plan feels like another to-do list, you're losing. Brian Von Ancken shows how to design health that actually sticks. We dig into the big three: Community, Nature, Movement, and why behavior change beats vanity metrics every time. You'll hear how to move from programs to systems, where AI, data ethics, and simple archetypes help leaders serve people at scale. The goal isn't perfect...

Leadership is changing – and women are leading the charge. Don Barden breaks down why female leadership is redefining success across industries (and why that's a very good thing). From boardrooms to startups, collaboration is replacing competition, empathy is replacing ego, and results are skyrocketing. We unpack why female-led companies outperform, the "Goodyear & Firestone" moment every business...

Avoiding feedback to "protect" trust? Bad news. You're breaking it. In this episode, Jeff Hancher hands you the playbook for turning hard talks into trust-building wins. His expectations + feedback + accountability framework takes the mystery out of feedback and replaces it with results. You'll learn why being effective beats being right and how a few smart habits can flip your culture from stress...

Think frustration is just anger? Think again. In this episode, Andrew Oxley breaks down the Four Faces of Frustration (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue) and hands you a simple filter for leading when emotions get loud. You'll discover why self-diagnosing under stress rarely works, how to run the people vs. task and speed up vs. slow down tests, and the one question every leader needs to ask: "What's it li...

Younger generations aren't "the problem", but misunderstanding them might be. In this conversation with pathfinding coach Hillary Spiritos, we unpack why older leaders and younger employees keep talking past each other… and how to bridge that gap. If you've ever been frustrated by "lack of loyalty" or felt like you had to follow a career path you didn't choose, this episode is for you. Hillary hel...

Ever rehearsed your big idea 10 times before the meeting, only to say nothing when the moment came? You're not alone. In this episode of  Unlocked , we tackle that stomach-dropping, heart-racing moment before you speak up. We're talking about communication anxiety, why it shows up in the boardroom, Zoom call, or brainstorming session and how to lead your brain instead of letting it lead you. You'l...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron and Pia Mailhot-Leichter explore the themes of creativity, authenticity, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of community, the challenges of language learning, and the role of vulnerability in creative expression. Pia shares her journey of reclaiming her creative power and emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the courage to be vulnerab...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron and Jason Cochran explore the implications of AI on infrastructure, the future of work, and the importance of thoughtful adoption of technology in organizations. They discuss the need for open dialogue and communication to create psychological safety, the balance between profit and purpose, and the lessons learned from companies that have implemented AI...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron and Bonnie Davis explore the evolving landscape of work, focusing on the importance of human-centered practices in the face of increasing technological integration. They discuss the impact of AI on human relationships, the necessity of empathy in leadership, and the hidden forces eroding workplace culture. Bonnie shares insights from her experience in co...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron interviews Ursula Taylor, a former litigator turned conflict resolution consultant. They discuss the limitations of traditional litigation, the emotional drivers behind conflict, and the importance of self-awareness in resolving disputes. Ursula shares her unique perspective on how to approach conflict as an opportunity for learning and growth, rather th...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Zach Smith discusses his journey in the travel industry, emphasizing the importance of crafting unique travel experiences that connect individuals with local cultures. He shares insights on building a business that values individual preferences and the challenges faced during growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also touches on the signif...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron and Derek Gaunt explore the nuances of influence and negotiation, particularly in high-pressure situations. They discuss the importance of intent in influence, distinguishing it from manipulation, and emphasize the role of curiosity and understanding in effective communication. Derek shares insights from his experience as a hostage negotiation commander,...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Steven Puri discusses the challenges and opportunities of remote work, the importance of human connection, and the story behind his productivity tool, Sukha. He emphasizes the need for healthy productivity and how technology can help individuals and teams stay focused and connected. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspects of productivity, including t...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron interviews Bill Zujewski about his journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship, focusing on the importance of a balanced life and the development of life scores to help individuals assess their well-being. Bill discusses the integration of personal and professional life, the significance of accountability in personal growth, and the features of...

Entitlement is about expecting special treatment without special effort. This episode of Thoughts Unlocked delves into the concept of entitlement in the workplace, discussing its origins, impacts, and how leaders can combat it. It emphasizes that entitlement is not about asking for more but expecting special treatment without effort. The episode highlights the dangers of entitlement, including its...

If you've ever thought, "Why do I keep overreacting in meetings" or "I just can't shut my brain off," this episode is for you. The problem isn't your brain. It's that no one ever taught you how to manage your mind.   In this episode of  Unlocked , I sit down with Dr. Caroline Leaf - neuroscientist, bestselling author of 19 books, and someone who's been helping people untangle their thought life fo...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Christy Pretzinger discusses her initiative, the Better Leader Project, which focuses on fostering connection and community in leadership. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and trust in leadership, particularly in the context of generational differences between Millennials and Gen Z. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to create...