Unlocked with Skot Waldron

Hosted by Skot Waldron

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

170

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

What if there was one place to gain short, powerful insights from leaders and influencers worldwide? Join communication strategist Skot Waldron as he interviews people like John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneurs on Fire, Ann Hiatt, who worked directly with Jeff Bezos, Marissa Mayer, and Eric Schmidt, former CIA agent Marc Polymeropoulos, and Matt Doherty, Michael Jordan's former coach, and mines the gold inside each of their heads. Unlock the potential of you and the people you do life with by listening to every episode!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 17149 min

Unlocking The ESPN Empire With Mike Soltys And Garrett Sutton

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot sits down with Mike Soltys ESPN's official historian and a 45-year veteran of the company and Garrett Sutton, attorney, bestselling author, and executive producer of the new documentary Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN. Together, they pull back the curtain on Bill Rasmussen, the 43-year-old who got fired from a hockey team and decided to build a 24-hour sports network instead of feeling sorry for himself. What makes this conversation compelling isn't just the ESPN story it's what that story reveals about leadership, conviction, optimism, and the willingness to believe in something before anyone else does. Bill Rasmussen had to simultaneously close deals with Getty Oil, RCA, Anheuser-Busch, the NCAA, and the city of Bristol none of them finalized while racing toward a launch date he'd already announced publicly. That's not luck. That's a specific kind of leadership most people never talk about. If you've ever had a vision that no one else could quite see yet, this episode will feel like a permission slip. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Cold Start & Intro 00:05:15 – Why Getting Fired Was the Best Thing That Happened 00:07:26 – The Doubters, the Vision, and Sports 24/7 00:08:41 – Conviction vs. Consensus 00:12:39 – The Culture That Built ESPN 00:20:51 – When Bill Was Pushed Out - and What It Did to the Team 00:29:30 – The Juggle: How Bill Closed Five Deals Simultaneously 00:33:21 – Almost Shut Down: The Moment ESPN Nearly Didn't Survive 00:38:35 – What Startups Can Learn from Early ESPN Websites: Book, Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN, Watch: tenero.tv/pages/feature-films/sports-heaven Mike Soltys LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mike-soltys-149b498 Garrett Sutton LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garrettsutton

June 9, 2026Episode 17043 min

Unlocking The Lies Leaders Believe About Performance With Karina Mangu-Ward

Most leaders walk into uncertainty with a 15-point plan, but Karina Mangu-Ward argues that the plan is almost always going out the window and the leaders who admit that openly are often the ones people trust most. In this episode, Skot sits down with Karina, partner at August and author of Teams That Meet the Moment, to unpack the assumptions that keep teams stuck. They explore why humans are neurologically wired to crave certainty even when certainty is impossible, the difference between avoidable failures and intelligent ones, and why one of the most powerful things a leader can say right now is, "Here's what I don't know." Karina also introduces her Candid Comms framework, built around three deceptively simple questions that could change how you approach your next one-on-one. The conversation also tackles the goal-setting debate, the real cost of blame culture, and why strategy, superstar talent, and hard work alone are never enough. If your team feels buried in pressure, reactive, and stuck in a failure narrative when they should be learning, this conversation deserves your full attention. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Cold Start & Intro 00:02:03 - Meet Karina and the Book Launch 00:04:58 - Why Companies Say Agile But Act Rigid 00:06:37 - The Say-Do Gap Nobody Talks About 00:08:48 - What "I Don't Know" Actually Does to Trust 00:12:31 - When Leaders Protect People From the Truth 00:15:49 - What Kills Learning Faster Than Failure 00:20:28 - How to Actually Build Psychological Safety 00:24:14 - Goals vs. Purpose: What Really Moves Teams 00:34:13 - What to Do When Your Team Hits a Wall 00:41:54 - Takeaways and the Know-It-All Problem Website: aug.co/book LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karina-mangu-ward-276a558

June 2, 2026Episode 16943 min

Unlocking Why Teams Stay Stuck With Chris Hallberg

Most leaders think the problem is accountability. Chris Hallberg says the real problem is trust, and accountability is simply what starts to fall apart when trust is missing. In this episode, Chris, a military veteran, entrepreneur, and EOS implementer recognized by Inc. Magazine as a top 10 global leadership expert, explains why smart teams with big goals still struggle to execute. The issue often comes down to focus, clarity, and honest conversations about who is truly on the bus and where the bus is going. Most organizations are not struggling because they lack goals; they are struggling because they have too many of them. Chris brings the discipline of military thinking into the messy reality of building companies, using ideas like Lencioni's trust pyramid and the fire triangle of business problems to offer a practical new lens for team performance, meetings, and culture. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Cold Start & Intro 00:03:43 - Why Goals Aren't the Problem 00:06:00 - The Real Root of Accountability Issues 00:06:30 - Trust, Conflict, and the Five Dysfunctions 00:12:46 - Who's Hijacking Your Bus 00:21:17 - The Cost of Keeping the Wrong People 00:27:14 - Where Systems Help and Where Leaders Hide 00:31:13 - Accountability Isn't What You Think It Is 00:32:24 - Quick Rounds: Meetings, Mistakes, and Military Lessons 00:35:44 - Business Sergeant and Placing Veterans Websites: goexpand.com, implementer.eosworldwide.com/chris-hallberg LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chris-hallberg-01516315

May 26, 2026Episode 16812 min

Thoughts Unlocked - Boundaries? Why?

Why saying NO is essential for success. In a world where being available at all times is often seen as a badge of honor, many leaders struggle with the word "no." Let's explore the importance of setting boundaries as a leader and how saying no can actually improve your effectiveness and the culture of your organization. We'll dive into how to communicate these boundaries without feeling guilty and why they lead to stronger teams. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:16 – The Power of Saying No in Leadership 04:44 – Understanding Boundaries and Their Importance 06:23 – The Impact of Boundaries on Team Dynamics 09:29 – Sustainable Leadership Practices Website: www.skotwaldron.com

May 19, 2026Episode 16751 min

Unlocking The Drama Triangle with Frankie Kemp

Most people think breaking free from the Drama Triangle requires forceful confrontation. Frankie Kemp believes the opposite and shows us how understanding the roles of Persecutor, Victim, and Martyr can transform workplace dynamics. In this conversation, Frankie shares real-world examples and personal insights on how to escape the toxic cycle and foster healthier, more productive relationships. We talk about the power of self-awareness, why conflict often spirals, and how simple shifts in mindset can lead to stronger communication. You'll also get actionable strategies you can apply immediately to create a more empowering work environment. If you want to lead or work in a space where collaboration thrives (without the drama), this episode is your guide. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro & Highlights 00:04:42 – The concept of the Drama Triangle 00:07:07 – Identifying Drama in Your Workplace 00:16:19 – Frankie's Personal Experience with the Drama Triangle 00:20:42 – Strategies for Leaders to Foster Healthy Work Relationships 00:30:15 – Danger of Imposter Syndrome at Workplace 00:37:55 – Skot & Frankie Discuss the implications for leaders in the workplace 00:42:08 – Small Shifts to take from now on 00:48:00 – Final Takeaways for the show Website: frankiekemp.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frankiekemp YouTube: youtube.com/c/FrankieKemp Instagram: instagram.com/thefrankiekemp

May 12, 2026Episode 16643 min

Unlocking Why Kids Are Braver Than Us (And Why That Should Worry You) With Leah Ellis

Most adults think leadership comes later. Leah Ellis proves it starts early and we're the ones getting in the way. In this episode, Leah shares how kids naturally think like entrepreneurs, why we accidentally train confidence out of them, and what happens when you stop saying "no" and start asking better questions. From kids solving real-world problems to influencing legislation, this conversation flips the script on leadership, confidence, and growth. We also dive into how adults can relearn curiosity, decision-making, and courage by watching how kids approach the world. If you're leading a team, raising kids, or just trying to think bigger again, this episode will challenge how you see leadership entirely. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Cold Start & Intro 00:04:48 – The Porch Pirate Problem (Kids Solve It Better) 00:08:41 – Why Pushing Back Builds Stronger Thinkers 00:10:42 – When Kids Start Believing "I Can't" 00:13:16 – Why Asking "How?" Changes Everything 00:16:35 – The Tree Story: What Happens When You Don't Say No 00:28:55 – Confidence Killers & Leadership Lessons 00:29:37 – The "Children Are the Future" Lie 00:30:24 – The Leadership Mistake Adults Make Daily 00:31:12 – What Adults Can Learn About Fearlessness 00:32:48 – Kids, Confidence & Taking Bigger Chances 00:34:37 – Why Teaching Kids Leadership Actually Matters: The Society of Child Entrepreneurs Websites: societyofchildentrepreneurs.org, skool.com/socecircle, bit.ly/m/SoCEHub Instagram: instagram.com/societyofchildentrepreneurs Facebook: facebook.com/SocietyofChildEntrepreneurs

May 5, 2026Episode 16511 min

Thoughts Unlocked - How Labels Are Damaging Your People and Culture

You don't have a people problem. You have a labeling problem. Someone misses a deadline… "procrastinator." Pushes back in a meeting… "difficult." Quiet on a call… "disengaged." Feels accurate. Feels efficient. It's also probably wrong. In this episode of Thoughts Unlocked, I break down how these labels are quietly damaging trust and leading you to solve the wrong problems. Because a label isn't an explanation. It's the end of curiosity. If you've ever felt frustrated with your team and nothing seems to change, this might be the reason why. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The small habit quietly wrecking your team 01:14 – Why labels feel helpful (but aren't) 03:45 – Cognitive ease: why your brain jumps to labels 04:05 – The danger of misdiagnosing behavior 05:10 – A label isn't an explanation. It ends curiosity 07:30 – The Pygmalion effect: how labels shape performance 08:46 – A simple reframe to replace labeling Website: skotwaldron.com

April 28, 2026Episode 16451 min

Unlocking The Hidden Science Behind Stress, Teams, And Performance With Cameron Allen

Most leaders think performance problems are about motivation, discipline, or just "wanting it more." Cameron Allen makes the case that the real issue is usually deeper than that. In this episode, Cameron explains what's actually happening in the brain and nervous system when people are under pressure, why teams can start breaking down even when everyone is talented, and how leaders unknowingly pass stress to the people around them. He also shares the personal story that pulled him into neuroscience in the first place, what neuroplasticity really means in normal-human language, and why resilience is something you can train instead of something you either "have" or don't. If you've ever wondered why smart people make bad decisions under pressure, why stress spreads through teams so fast, or why some leaders accidentally create chaos while trying to create excellence, this conversation will give you a much better lens. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Cold Start & Intro 00:03:35 – Why Everyone Is (Basically) a Neuroscientist 00:05:05 – The Story That Started Everything (His Brother + Turning Point) 00:10:13 – What Neuroplasticity Actually Means in Real Life 00:13:54 – Why Leaders Get Pressure Completely Wrong 00:16:54 – The Hidden Problem with Goal-Obsessed Teams 00:24:03 – Why Your Nervous System Reacts Before You Think 00:26:03 – How Leaders Accidentally Stress Out Their Teams 00:29:08 – What Cameron Is Really Training (Resilience + State Control) 00:40:30 – Why This Works (And How to Actually Apply It) Websites: neuroprogeny.com, sensoriumneuro.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cameron-allen-neuro Instagram: instagram.com/neuro_cameron, instagram.com/neuro.progeny Facebook: facebook.com/people/Neuro-Progeny/61583888395371 To receive a discount and give it a try, use the link and promo below: https://neuro-progeny.circle.so/checkout/5-week-clarity-protocol?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=unlocked-with-skot-waldron This is also your special promo code that your listeners can use to get a discount: PODUIP

April 21, 2026Episode 16344 min

Unlocking Why High Performance Isn't About Strategy with Geoffrey Reid

High performance gets talked about a lot, but rarely understood. In this episode, Geoffrey Reid breaks down what actually separates top performers from everyone else. And spoiler: it's not better strategy, more discipline, or working longer hours. It's belief. We dive into why two people can follow the exact same process and still get completely different results, how identity shapes consistency, and why most organizations focus on the wrong levers when trying to improve performance. Geoffrey also shares how leaders can navigate change more effectively, how belief systems impact execution, and why discipline alone isn't enough to sustain success. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Cold Start & Intro 00:03:56 – Why "High Performance" Gets Overused 00:06:18 – What "Best Version of Yourself" Really Means 00:09:40 – Why Process Alone Doesn't Drive Performance 00:13:15 – The Hidden Role of Belief in Results 00:17:17 – Why Teams Resist Change (Fear vs Courage) 00:19:55 – Coaching Through Resistance & Past Failure 00:26:23 – The Fifth Pillar Explained (What's Missing in Business) 00:28:45 – Identity vs Motivation: The Real Performance Driver 00:34:59 – Belief vs Discipline + Lightning Round Website: geoffreymreid.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geoffreymreid TEDx: The Quantum Power of Belief: Your Mindset Shapes Success | Geoffrey Reid | TEDxConcordia University Instagram: instagram.com/geoffreymreid

April 14, 2026Episode 16250 min

Unlocking the Emotional Blind Spots Holding Leaders Back with Rob McKinnon

What if the biggest obstacle to your leadership growth isn't strategy, talent, or execution, but something happening inside you? In this episode, executive coach Rob McKinnon joins Skot Waldron to explore why so many leaders operate on autopilot and how emotions like fear, anger, and shame quietly shape the decisions leaders make every day. Drawing from more than two decades coaching CEOs and executives, Rob explains how emotional blind spots develop, why high-performing leaders often suppress emotions, and how those same emotional patterns can both drive success and create leadership roadblocks. You'll also hear how leaders can break out of autopilot, build deeper self-awareness, navigate conflict more effectively, and lead teams with greater clarity and trust. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Cold Intro & Start 00:08:05 – Why Leaders Learn to Hide Their Feelings 00:12:31– How Shame Drives High Achieving Leaders 00:16:13– The Problem With Being a "Human Doing" 00:22:00 – The Three Major Leadership Roadblocks 00:23:54 – How Autopilot Thinking Limits Leadership Growth 00:33:27 – Recognizing Emotional Triggers in Leadership 00:36:17 – Turning Fear, Anger, and Shame Into Leadership Tools 00:38:48 – Managing Conflict and Emotional Reactions 00:41:15 – Lightning Round: Leadership Traits That Matter 00:47:13 – Final Leadership Insights and Takeaways Website: www.mckinnonleadershipgroup.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robmckinnon Book: Lead Like You Were Meant To: Make the Switch from Autopilot to Intentional