Unlocked with Skot Waldron

In this episode of  Unlocked , Doug Zarkin shares his extensive experience in branding, discussing the evolution of brand perception, the importance of emotional connections with consumers, and the dynamics of brand loyalty. He emphasizes the need for brands to foster deep relationships with customers, moving beyond mere transactions to create lasting emotional bonds. The discussion also covers th...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron and Matt Lampe delve into the intricacies of organizational psychology, focusing on the importance of agility in leadership. Matt shares his journey through academia and practical experiences, emphasizing the need for leaders to develop intentional responses rather than reactive behaviors. The discussion highlights the significance of curiosity, psycholo...

It's not always about skill. It's about connection. In this episode of Thoughts Unlocked , the focus is on the critical role of connection in enhancing team performance. It explores how underperformance is often not due to a lack of skill, but rather a lack of connection among team members. The episode delves into the importance of psychological safety, trust, and emotional tone in fostering a pro...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Tom Tonkin, a sales and systems expert, highlights that the main reason companies fail to meet sales goals is often a breakdown in either sales processes or supporting systems, not necessarily the salespeople themselves. He emphasizes that sales should focus on solving customers' problems, rather than just selling a product or service. Tonkin also critiques common le...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Jaime Schwarz, a brand therapist, discusses the importance of active listening, the concept of brand therapy, and the need for human transformation within teams. He emphasizes the role of trust and communication in fostering effective teamwork and the challenges faced in modern organizational structures. The discussion also touches on the evolution of brand therapy a...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron and Jim Carlough delve into the intricacies of leadership, discussing how leaders are developed rather than born. They explore the importance of compassion, empathy, and integrity in leadership, as well as the role of adaptability and humor in fostering a positive workplace culture. Jim shares personal anecdotes and insights from his career, emphasizing...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Dr. Hillary Cauthen, a clinical sports psychologist, discusses the intersection of sports performance and mental health. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and creating supportive environments for athletes and leaders alike. Dr. Cauthen shares her personal experiences with toxic sports culture and the need for accountability in leader...

Your structure might change, but your character shows up every day. In this episode of Thoughts Unlocked , the complexities of organizational restructuring are discussed, emphasizing the importance of communication, relationship building, and leadership character during times of change. Key strategies for leaders to navigate restructuring effectively are outlined, including over-communication, ack...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron and Joe Davis explore the themes of leadership, generosity, and the evolution of intelligence throughout different life stages. They discuss the importance of legacy, the impact of vulnerability in leadership, and the shift from self-centeredness to a focus on team development. Joe shares personal anecdotes and insights from his career, emphasizing the v...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Michael Bungay Stanier and Skot Waldron explore the nuances of effective communication, leadership, and coaching. They discuss the importance of creating a safe environment for engagement, the TERA framework for understanding human interaction, and the challenges of empowerment in coaching. Michael shares insights from his books, including 'The Coaching Habit' and 'H...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Cynthia Pong discusses her journey from being a public defender to becoming a career coach focused on empowering women of color. She shares insights on the challenges of introversion in leadership, the importance of asking the right questions, and her mission to help women of color gain the respect and opportunities they deserve in the workplace. The discussion also...

Your past is not your future. Your upbringing shaped you, but it doesn't define you. This episode of Thoughts Unlocked delves into the profound impact of upbringing on our identities and behaviors, emphasizing how early childhood experiences shape our communication styles, emotional responses, and approaches to conflict resolution. It explores the "nurture" side of the age-old nature versus nurtur...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Skot Waldron and Marcelo Calbucci delve into "The PRFAQ Framework", a strategic tool developed at Amazon that combines press releases and frequently asked questions to clarify product vision and strategy. They discuss the importance of writing in critical thinking, the role of PRFAQ in decision-making, and how it addresses common pitfalls in product strategy. The con...

In this episode of  Unlocked , Andrew Brummer shares his journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of networking, community, and service. He discusses his books, 'You Decide' and 'Leading Magnanimously', and how they reflect his experiences and insights on leadership and building trust within organizations. Andrew highlights the significance of volunteer work in findi...

Richard Reid is an acclaimed organisational psychologist, strategic consultant, and keynote speaker with over two decades of experience driving organisational change and enhancing corporate wellbeing. He is also the former Chief People Officer of a leading Offshore Law Firm, and the ex-psychologist for City of London Police. His core competencies include strategic HR leadership, trauma and resilie...

In this episode, Skot discusses the critical role of trust in leadership, emphasizing that trust is built through everyday moments of acknowledgment and empathy. He outlines practical steps for leaders to foster trust within their teams, including recognizing effort, showing empathy, and creating a culture where trust is a priority. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing support w...

In this episode of Unlocked , Bobby Dutton shares his journey from DJing to running a successful events company, emphasizing the importance of emotional impact in his work. He discusses the concept of 'pilot thinking' and how it can enhance leadership and communication. Dutton introduces the framework of 'Aviate, Navigate, Communicate' to help leaders manage stress and prioritize effectively. He p...

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron interviews Charlie Watkins, CEO of a technology conglomerate and author, discussing leadership, personal development, and the importance of meaningful conversations. Charlie shares his experiences in leadership, the philosophy of calling people up rather than calling them out, and the influence of faith in achieving success. He also discusses his journey o...

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Dr. Rob Lion discuss the intricacies of leadership and motivation in the workplace. They explore the gaps in leadership training, the importance of understanding motivation as a needs-based concept, and the development of frameworks to support leaders in fostering engagement and success within their teams. Rob shares insights from his journey into lead...

"The Feedback Fix: Critique Without Crushing Morale"   Giving feedback shouldn't feel like walking a tightrope, but too often, it does. In this episode of  Unlocked , we break down how to deliver constructive feedback that fuels growth instead of frustration. We'll explore why feedback feels personal (hint: your brain thinks it's a threat), how to ditch the outdated feedback sandwich, and why vagu...

In this conversation, Skot Waldron and Ken Rusk discuss the often-overlooked opportunities in blue collar jobs, the importance of culture in the workplace, and the challenges of recruitment in the industry. Ken shares insights from his book 'Blue Collar Cash' and emphasizes the need for companies to create an environment where employees feel in control and valued. They explore the intersection of...

In this episode of Unlocked,  Skot Waldron and Pam Cusick discuss the significance of Rare Disease Day, the importance of connecting patients with research opportunities, and the role of Rare Patient Voice in advocating for those with rare diseases. They explore how patients can engage in research, share their experiences, and contribute to the development of treatments and services that can impro...

In this conversation, Alex Sabbag shares her profound journey of resilience following her fiancé's terminal brain cancer diagnosis. She discusses the importance of mindset, the challenges of caregiving, and the lessons learned through personal loss. Alex emphasizes the need for authenticity in relationships and the power of surrender in the face of adversity. Her experiences culminate in the writi...

In this conversation, Skot Waldron and Gerry Gadoury discuss the intricacies of recruitment and retention in the workplace. They explore the challenges faced by companies in attracting and retaining talent, the importance of communication and engagement, and the need for a cohesive strategy that aligns with employee expectations. Gerry shares his extensive background in the industry, insights from...

In this episode of Unlocked , we dive into the complexities of workplace politics, because let's face it, they're unavoidable. From dealing with nepotism to managing relationships with your boss and fostering transparency, we tackle the challenges head-on. You'll learn practical strategies to navigate tricky environments, maintain professionalism, and build trust, all while staying true to your va...