Unlocking Moves

Hosted by Kurt Wilkin

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May 2026

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About the show

(WARNING: May offend listeners of boring business podcasts.) Business leaders love to tell their success stories; but reality is complicated! Stumbles, mistakes, & battle scars catapult professional & personal growth. Successful leaders know exactly the pivotal moves that unlocked their true potential. Unlocking Moves features candid conversations with some of the nation's smartest entrepreneurs, so you can identify when & where to make your move. Veteran entrepreneur & best-selling author Kurt Wilkin shares key moments with the unscripted, irreverent approach that fueled his 30-year career.

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60 recent

May 28, 2026Episode 6954 min

From Supergoop! to WaterOuai! Holly Thaggard is Reinventing Another Category | Unlocking Moves Ep.69

From Supergoop! to WaterOuai!: Holly Thaggard’s Next Category-Defining MoveJoin us this week on Unlocking Moves as host Kurt Wilkin explores pivotal moments in leadership. In this episode, he talks to Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop! and co-founder of WaterOuai!, about reinvention and category creation.Before revolutionizing the sunscreen industry, Holly was a third-grade teacher and professional harpist. She shares lessons learned from her early experiences, including a classroom project that resulted in 24 dead goldfish and a failed trash bag business. These challenges taught her vital skills in problem-solving and resilience.The conversation dives into the Supergoop! story, highlighting how a friend’s skin cancer diagnosis inspired her to make SPF fun and accessible. Despite skepticism about the brand name, she built the business through retail and later advocated for policy changes to introduce sunscreen in schools.Now, Holly is tackling the water industry with WaterOuai!, a premium canned water brand co-created with her son Will. They aim to change consumer behavior regarding bottled water and hydration.This episode offers key lessons for entrepreneurs about knowing when to bring in the right people, identifying your strengths, and taking bold steps in your career. About Holly ThaggardHolly is the founder of Supergoop!, a pioneering SPF brand that emphasizes education and daily sun protection. Following nearly 20 years with Supergoop!, she is now focused on WaterOuai!, created to shift perceptions about bottled water.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.#UnlockingMoves #HollyThaggard #Supergoop #WaterOuai #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #CategoryCreation #ConsumerBrands #WomenEntrepreneurs #BrandBuilding

May 19, 2026Episode 6840 min

The Mexican Popsicle Shop That Took Over a Texas Town | Paulina & Julian Hernandez, Ep. 68

From ACL Injury to La Ola Pop Shop: How Paulina and Julian Hernandez Bet on ThemselvesJoin us this week on *Unlocking Moves*, where host Kurt Wilkin explores the pivotal moments that reveal a leader's true potential. In this episode, Kurt interviews Paulina and Julian Hernandez, co-founders of La Ola Pop Shop They share their journey through risk, resilience, and building a business that reflects their culture and community.Before La Ola Pop Shop became a beloved dessert brand in Kyle, Texas, Julian was recovering from a serious ACL and MCL injury, prompting him to rethink his future as a Sheriff's Deputy. Paulina was working part-time at Costco while caring for their young son. Together, they chose to take the leap into entrepreneurship.Kurt, Paulina, and Julian share insights from their early days, including the challenges of starting a business as a married couple. Paulina highlights how her intuition guided key decisions, while Julian discusses his drive to move quickly and dream big. A major turning point occurred when they upgraded from a small 800-square-foot shop to a much larger location, transforming their business.The discussion also touches on identity and heritage, with Paulina reflecting on her family's entrepreneurial background and Julian sharing his mission to inspire others. They offer valuable lessons on balancing ambition with patience and fostering a meaningful partnership in both business and life.If you've ever dreamed of starting a business with your spouse or creating a brand that reflects your true self, this episode is for you.About Paulina and Julian HernandezPaulina and Julian Hernandez are the co-founders of La Ola Pop Shop, a fast-growing paleta and dessert brand based in Kyle, Texas. Inspired by their Mexican and American heritage, they've built La Ola Pop Shop into a beloved community-driven business known for creative flavors, culture, and connection.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career at Ernst & Young and today serving as the Founder of BusinessEarth and the Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

April 29, 2026Episode 6754 min

The Founder was the Bottleneck | Sam Goodner, Unlocking Moves Ep. 67

The Moment Sam Goodner Realized HE Was the BottleneckJoin us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” ones. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Sam Goodner, entrepreneur, author of Like Clockwork, and former CEO of Catapult Systems, for a conversation about growth, control, and the hardest realization a founder can face.Sam’s journey didn’t start in Texas. He grew up in Switzerland, served in the Swiss Army, and made the leap to Texas A&M, a move that completely changed his life. That path eventually led him to co-found Catapult Systems and grow it into a successful business. But as the company grew, so did the pressure, and the cracks started to show.Eventually, Sam had a realization that many founders conveniently ignore: he was the bottleneck. The same drive and control that helped build the company were now holding it back. That moment forced him to rethink everything, from leadership style to decision-making, and what it truly takes to scale a business beyond yourself.After exiting the company, Sam made another bold move. He and his family stepped away from everything and traveled around the world for 13 months. That time created space to reflect, reset, and redefine success. It also led to writing Like Clockwork and stepping into a new role helping other leaders build businesses that run without them.Kurt and Sam dig into what it truly means to let go, why most founders struggle to transition from operator to leader, and how building systems is the only way to create true freedom. They also discuss his current coaching work, and why so many leaders stay stuck longer than they should.If you’re building a company, leading a team, or feeling like everything still depends on you, this episode is a reminder that the biggest unlocking move might be getting out of your own way.About Sam GoodnerSam Goodner is an entrepreneur, author of Like Clockwork, and former CEO of Catapult Systems, a company he helped grow and successfully exit. Originally from Switzerland, he served in the Swiss Army before moving to the U.S. to attend Texas A&M. Today, he works as an executive coach, helping leaders build businesses that scale beyond themselves.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

April 16, 202653 min

Ask Better Questions, Build a Better Future | Geoff Woods, AI Leadership – Unlocking Moves Ep. 66

He Essentially Tackled the Keynote Speaker…a Moment that Changed His Entire LifeJoin us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” ones. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader and Founder of AI Leadership, for a conversation about bold moves, big thinking, and stepping into your full potential.Geoff’s journey didn’t start at the top. Early in his career, he focused on one simple question: What skills can I build that will make me valuable anywhere? That mindset led him into sales and bigger opportunities, but something still felt off. Sitting at a conference in Lake Tahoe, Geoff realized he was playing small. While everyone else stayed seated, he made a different choice. He got up, chased down Jay Papasan after a talk, and started a conversation that would completely change the direction of his life.That one moment opened the door to working alongside some of the highest-level thinkers in business and reshaped how Geoff approached leadership. He shares why great leaders don’t give answers, they ask better questions, and why creating space to think is one of the most valuable skills in today’s fast-moving world.The conversation also dives into Geoff’s perspective on AI and leadership. He explains why AI is not an advantage in itself, but how you use it can completely change your effectiveness as a leader. From improving decision-making to multiplying your time, Geoff breaks down what it really means to lead in an AI-driven world.If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but haven’t yet made the move, this episode is a reminder that one bold decision can change everything.About Geoff WoodsGeoff Woods is the author of The AI-Driven Leader and Founder of AI Leadership. He helps leaders think bigger, execute with focus, and leverage AI to drive better decisions and results.About KurtWilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves#UnlockingMoves #Leadership #AI #Entrepreneurship #TheOneThing #BusinessGrowth #Execution #Strategy #Productivity #GeoffWoods

March 31, 2026Episode 6550 min

From Power to Purpose: What Happens After the Corner Office | Patti Boyle – Unlocking Moves Ep. 65

What happens when your identity is suddenly taken away… and you're forced to start over?Join us for this week's episode of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader's journey that unlock their true potential. Most leaders love to share their "glory" stories but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the "gory" ones.On this episode, Kurt sits down with Patti Boyle, one of the most sought-after executive coaches in Texas and founder of Pure Potential Consulting, for a powerful conversation about career transitions, purpose, and what really happens when high-performing leaders leave their jobs.Patti shares raw, real stories from decades of working with executives: from CEOs and CFOs to top performers navigating layoffs, burnout, and identity loss. She explains why losing a job doesn't just impact income but it shakes your identity, your community, and your sense of purpose.One of the most powerful themes in this episode: things don't happen to you -- they happen FOR YOU.From having a gun pulled on her in a classroom early in her career, to building and selling a company with 33 locations, Patti's journey is filled with transformational moments that shaped her mission to help others discover (or rediscover) their purpose.You'll also learn:Why networking is NOT "take, take, take" but it's also it's "give, give, give"How most jobs are actually found (and why LinkedIn alone won't cut it)What to do first after losing your job (hint: it's not your resume)The dangerous "messy middle" of transition, and how to navigate itHow to turn setbacks into reinvention opportunitiesWhether you're in transition, feeling stuck, or simply asking "what's next?", this episode is packed with practical advice and perspectives you can use immediately.About Patti BoylePatti Boyle is the founder of Pure Potential Consulting and an executive coach with over 27 years of experience helping leaders navigate career transitions and discover their purpose. She previously built a training and development company that grew to 33 offices before being acquired by Adecco / Lee Hecht Harrison. She is also the author of Thrive with Purpose.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

March 13, 2026Episode 6355 min

Razorback Basketball, Leadership, and Grit | Coach Matt Zimmerman - Unlocking Moves Ep. 64

From ROTC to the Army, to SEC basketball coach, to Razorback Radio: Matt Zimmerman’s Unlikely Coaching JourneyJoin us on this special March Madness edition of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock real potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” stories. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Matt Zimmerman (Coach Z) to discuss service, sacrifice, basketball, and the unexpected turns that shape a career.Matt’s story starts in rural Arkansas, but it was shaped early by a military family. His father served in both Korea and Vietnam, and that foundation of discipline and duty stayed with him. Matt grew up loving basketball, worked as a student manager at Arkansas under Hall of Famer Nolan Richardson, and thought he might stay around the Razorbacks after college. Instead, an ROTC scholarship led him into five years of active duty in the Army, including long stretches away from the game he loved. From there, he returned to Arkansas and built a meaningful career as a high school coach, finding purpose in mentoring young players and building lasting relationships.This episode is packed with lessons on loyalty, leadership, reinvention, and why some of the best moves in life begin with a call you never expected. If you've ever wondered how one opportunity can completely redirect your path, Coach Z's story is a reminder to stay ready, stay humble, and trust where the next move might lead.About Coach Z - Matt ZimmermanMatt Zimmerman is a longtime basketball coach, broadcaster, and Razorback insider. He served five years on active duty in the U.S. Army, coached high school basketball in Arkansas, and later joined Mike Anderson’s staffs at UAB, Missouri, and Arkansas. Today, he is a co-host of The Razorback Daily and a color commentator for Razorback basketball broadcasts.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he's advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and leaders build their companies.Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves#UnlockingMoves #Leadership #CollegeBasketball #Razorbacks #Coaching #MilitaryLeadership #Arkansas #MikeAnderson #NolanRichardson

March 9, 2026Episode 6245 min

She Left Accenture to Start a Tortilla Company | Rocío León, Tozi Foods - Unlocking Moves Ep. 62

From Accenture to Tortillas: Rocío León's Leap Into Purpose-Driven EntrepreneurshipJoin us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many leaders love to share their "glory" stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the "gory" ones. In this episode, Kurt sits down with Rocío León, or Rocí, an entrepreneur who walked away from a successful consulting career at Accenture to build a purpose-driven food company rooted in culture, health, and heritage.Rocí's journey begins in Jalisco, Mexico, where childhood memories of making tortillas with her abuela planted the seeds for something bigger. After an 11-year career advising Fortune 500 companies worldwide, Roci felt a growing pull toward entrepreneurship. But leaving a stable, high-income consulting job was not an easy decision. She shares the moment she stepped away from corporate life, the intentional pause she took to reconnect with her passions, and the realization that she wanted to build something meaningful.What started as experimenting in her kitchen turned into a brand built around blue corn tortillas made with amaranth, an ancient grain used by Aztec civilizations that adds protein, fiber, and natural binding without additives. Rocí and her co-founder began selling at farmers' markets, listening closely to customer feedback, and refining their products.Then came the breakthrough: Roci and her team entered and won the H-E-B's "Quest for Texas Best" accelerator contest. Months later, they launched in 21 stores across Austin! The experience validated her belief that purpose, culture, and quality ingredients could resonate with modern consumers.Kurt and Rocí also discussed imposter syndrome, building a brand from scratch, and why entrepreneurs often need to step back from the noise of corporate life to discover what they truly want to create.If you've ever considered leaving a comfortable career to pursue something more meaningful, Rocí's story is a powerful reminder that the biggest unlocking moves often start with a leap of faith.About Rocío LeónRocí León is an entrepreneur and former Accenture consultant who founded a purpose-driven tortilla brand inspired by her Mexican heritage. Her company focuses on healthier corn tortillas made with blue corn and amaranth, combining ancient ingredients with modern nutrition. Rocí's products gained early traction at farmers' markets and quickly expanded into retail after winning a competitive H-E-B brand accelerator program.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlocking-moves#UnlockingMoves #Entrepreneurship #CPG #StartupStory #HispanicEntrepreneurs #FoodStartup #ConsumerBrands #Leadership #BusinessJourney

December 29, 2025Episode 51 min

Unlocking Moves Transitions Ep. 5 | FROM UNITED NATIONS TO HUSTLE NATION

Ramon Ray started fixing computers and blogging on the side while working at the United Nations. The side hustle got him fired—and that's the plot twist that turned him into a keynote speaker, author, and founder of SmallBizTechnology.com ('99) and Smart Hustle Media. Today, he helps brands and small businesses level up with personal branding and practical growth playbooks. -----------FULL EPISODE HERE:https://open.spotify.com/episode/0VIv8eDal57wbb9aLNYC48?si=2d2bff26e3ee49ba⁠⁠#UnlockingMoves⁠

December 18, 2025Episode 6258 min

The Brutal Reality of Entrepreneurship | Mark C. Winters, Author - Visionary & Rocket Fuel - Unlocking Moves Ep. 62

“Don’t F With Me”: The Moment Mark C. Winters Walked Away and Bet on HimselfJoin us on this special episode of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock real potential. This conversation came together quickly, and because of that, it’s raw, unfiltered, and honest in the best way. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes the real lessons live in the “gory” ones. This episode delivers exactly that as Kurt sits down with Mark C. Winters, co-author of Rocket Fuel and author of the newly released book Visionary.Mark takes us back to a defining moment early in his career at Procter & Gamble, when a single conversation with his boss shattered the perfectly mapped path to becoming CEO. That moment sparked what he calls his “entrepreneurial seizure”, the realization that he could not live in a world where someone else controlled his future. With a pregnant wife at home and no severance package, Mark quit anyway. What followed was a crash course in entrepreneurship, sleepless nights, financial pressure, and lessons that would shape his later thinking on visionaries, integrators, and leadership at scale.The conversation goes deep into what it really takes to be an entrepreneur. Mark breaks down the emotional toll, the isolation, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. He shares why entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to solve the world’s biggest problems, why capitalism only works when it is sustainable, and why entrepreneurship is not for everyone.Kurt and Mark also unpack the ideas behind Visionary, including the ten pillars of great visionary leadership, the need for self-awareness, and how defining your version of freedom changes the way you build companies.If you're an entrepreneur, a visionary, or someone questioning whether to take the leap, this episode is a raw, honest look at the cost, the upside, and the responsibility that comes with building something that matters.About Mark WintersMark C. Winters is the co-author of Rocket Fuel and the author of Visionary. He is a longtime EOS expert, entrepreneur, and advisor who has started, acquired, and exited more than a dozen companies. Mark is known for his work helping visionary and integrator leaders operate at their best and build businesses that align with their personal definition of freedom.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlocking-moves#UnlockingMoves #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Visionary #RocketFuel #EOS #FounderJourney #BusinessGrowth #GoryStories

December 8, 2025Episode 42 min

Unlocking Moves Transitions Ep. 4 | FROM FINANCIAL EXECUTIVE TO EOS INTEGRATOR

She left a 20-year career in finance to run EOS Worldwide.Most people hear "EOS" and think Visionaries. Kelly Knight built her career in the other seat. After two decades in financial services, she stepped into the Integrator role at EOS Worldwide, then became President, the person who actually makes Gino Wickman's system run.About Kurt WilkinKurt Wilkin is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as co-founder and visionary of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. -----------FULL EPISODE HERE: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ovPdYNexNaT9IruDIxLzn?si=33498d7a7b314227⁠#UnlockingMoves⁠