Leadership Unlocked: The Operating System Every Tired Executive Leader Needs to Delegate Effectively & Foster Accountability

Dusty Holcomb, Leadership Systems & Delegation Expert
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Leadership Unlocked is a leadership podcast about the moments that shape how real leaders grow. Hosted by executive coach & strategist Dusty Holcomb, it features real stories and honest conversations with CEOs, founders, and senior leaders navigating real-world challenges and growth. Each episode delivers real-world leadership insights, stories from leaders in the field, and practical tools for high-performing teams—making it a must-listen for anyone serious about leadership development. Whether you're leading a company, a team, or yourself, you'll walk away with something you can use right now. New episodes weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or visit ArcqusGroup.com/podcast to learn more.

  1. Why Great Leaders Pivot Faster Than Everyone Else | Leo Gestetner - E29

    5 DAYS AGO

    Why Great Leaders Pivot Faster Than Everyone Else | Leo Gestetner - E29

    Entrepreneur and digital nomad Leo Gestetner shares his incredible journey from building his first business at age 13 to leading global ventures and redefining what balance, purpose, and adaptability mean in life and business. He opens up about learning to pivot, both professionally and personally, embracing growth, staying fit in body and mind, and finding fulfillment beyond success. Leo’s reflections on resilience, reinvention, and staying present will leave listeners ready to embrace change and chase meaning over perfection. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - First Business Beginnings (03:00) - Learning To Pivot (06:00) - Redefining Focus And Growth (10:00) - Launching Healthy Habits App (17:00) - Becoming A Digital Nomad (20:00) - Lessons In Balance (30:00) - Fatherhood And Purpose (33:00) - Mindset And Perspective (36:00) - Lessons From Struggle (39:00) - Books And Inspiration (43:00) - Habits And Movement Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership, Leo Gestetner Interview, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Digital Nomad Lifestyle, Pivoting In Business, Life Balance And Growth Mentions: Website: https://leogestetner.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leogestetner  Mentions: A Founder’s Life Podcast More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    51 min
  2. The 4 Critical Skills That Took This CEO 35 Years to Finally Learn | Terry Dunn - E28

    29 OCT

    The 4 Critical Skills That Took This CEO 35 Years to Finally Learn | Terry Dunn - E28

    Dusty is joined by Terry Dunn—seasoned CEO and global business leader—for a conversation about trading the demands of the boardroom for the deeper purpose of helping leaders lead better. After 35 years building teams in more than 30 countries and steering companies through transformation and turnaround, Terry now dedicates his work to guiding executives toward clarity, composure, and results that last. He reflects on the formative lessons that shaped his calm, grounded approach to leadership—including learning to master anger as a teenager—and how that discipline evolved into his hallmark of leading with steadiness under pressure. Terry and Dusty unpack the four pillars of scalable leadership: vision, culture, delegation, and accountability, revealing how each one empowers people and eliminates the friction that holds organizations back. Along the way, they explore why trust is built through consistency, how great leaders make others successful, and what it takes to create self-accountable teams that drive lasting impact. This episode is a blueprint for leading with clarity, scaling with purpose, and becoming the kind of leader people choose to follow. Key Timestamps: (02:29) – Lessons Learned the Hard Way (05:12) – Building Trust and Confidence (17:54) – Vision: The Cornerstone of Leadership (23:23) – Culture: The Heartbeat of an Organization (34:19) – Effective Delegation: Empowering Your Team (38:52) – Creating Clarity in Delegation (44:03) – Accountability in Organizations (49:02) – Self-Accountability and Leadership (01:00:51) – Rapid Fire Questions and Leadership Insights Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership Mentions: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedunn/ More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    1h 17m

  3. 28 OCT

    The 7 Rules of Engagement That Eliminate 80% Of Leadership Frustrations - E27

    Dusty goes solo to unpack one of the most frustrating questions in leadership—why don’t people just do what they’re supposed to do? After nearly three decades leading teams, he’s learned it’s almost never an execution problem—it’s a clarity problem. In this episode, Dusty shares his Rules of Engagement framework, a simple but powerful tool that transforms miscommunication into alignment and builds the trust every great team depends on. Through a candid story about being called out by a team member during a one-on-one meeting, he illustrates how clarity creates safety, accountability, and respect. From defining personal values and communication styles to setting expectations and non-negotiables, Dusty walks listeners through the seven elements that help eliminate leadership frustration before it happens. This isn’t theory—it’s a blueprint for creating the kind of culture where feedback is safe, alignment is clear, and everyone knows exactly how to win together. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – The Real Problem: Communication, Not Execution (02:01) – The Apple Watch Story: A Lesson in Clarity (04:59) – Creating Your Leadership Decoder Ring (08:10) – The Seven Components of a Great Rules of Engagement Guide (20:36) – Practical Tips for Implementing Rules of Engagement (23:27) – Q&A: Addressing Common Concerns (28:06) – Conclusion: Leadership is Simple but Not Easy Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership Mentions: https://myrulesofengagement.com  https://arcqusgroup.com/roe  More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    31 min
  4. Clinical Psychologist on Breaking the “Do-It-All” Mindset to Avoid Burnout | Dr. Lani Jones - E26

    22 OCT

    Clinical Psychologist on Breaking the “Do-It-All” Mindset to Avoid Burnout | Dr. Lani Jones - E26

    Dusty is joined by Dr. Lani Jones—clinical psychologist, executive advisor, and entrepreneur—for a conversation about walking away from the security of a children’s hospital career to build a life and business on her own terms. Lani shares how burnout in the healthcare system forced her to confront the difference between loving her work and losing herself in the noise of climbing ladders and checking boxes. That turning point led her into private practice, then into coaching high-performing leaders through the same struggles of identity, balance, and purpose. She reflects on the myth of work-life balance, the power of viewing life in seasons, and why leaders must reclaim their agency by aligning their calendars with their deepest priorities. Along the way, Dusty and Lani explore the isolation of leadership, the courage required to live well, and how intentional self-leadership creates the freedom to lead others with greater impact. This episode will challenge you to reject success defined by others, embrace the tension of growth, and design a life that actually feels like freedom. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Dr. Lani Jones: From Clinical Psychologist to Executive Advisor (05:59) – The Reality of Burnout and Career Shifts (12:59) – Navigating Leadership Isolation and Seeking Mentorship (15:12) – The Myth of Work-Life Balance (19:13) – The Importance of Self-Leadership and Intentional Choices (27:20) – Reframing Endings: Embracing Transitions (33:59) – Navigating Personal and Professional Growth (42:13) – Rapid Fire Questions Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership Mentions: Website: https://drlanijones.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlanijones/  Mentions:  Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward by Dr. Henry Cloud Beginner's Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Bohannon https://www.ijm.org/  More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    51 min
  5. Stuck in a Safe Job That Drains You? How This Entrepreneur Turned a Crazy Idea Into a 6-Figure Business | Jason VanDevere - E25

    15 OCT

    Stuck in a Safe Job That Drains You? How This Entrepreneur Turned a Crazy Idea Into a 6-Figure Business | Jason VanDevere - E25

    Dusty is joined by Jason VanDevere—entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Goal Crazy Planner—for a conversation about trading the security of a fourth-generation family car dealership for the uncertainty of chasing a dream. Jason shares how his search for a tool to align daily habits with big-picture goals sparked the idea for his planner, eventually growing into a bestselling product, coaching programs, and his new book Dream Driven. He reflects on lessons learned from his father’s leadership, the discipline of time-blocking and boundaries, and the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors who sharpen your perspective. Along the way, Jason and Dusty explore the traps entrepreneurs fall into—like overwork disguised as passion—and why clarity, dreaming big, and the courage to say no are essential to building a business that fuels the life you actually want. This episode will challenge you to redefine success on your own terms, embrace discomfort as a sign of growth, and lead yourself first so you can better serve others. Key Timestamps: (01:32) – Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship (08:54) – Lessons from the Family Business (20:04) – Dreaming Big and Setting Goals (28:39) – The Importance of Dreaming (32:50) – Curating a Mentor Network (42:41) – The Journey of Writing a Book (46:36) – Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship (47:54) – Debunking Entrepreneurial Myths Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership Mentions: Website: https://goalcrazyplanners.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvandevere/  Mentions:  The Magic Of Thinking Big by David Schwartz Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman https://www.crs.org/  https://www.heifer.org/  https://goalcrazy.com/course  More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    54 min

  6. 14 OCT

    Two Tough Moments Every Leader Needs to Experience - E24

    Dusty takes us deep into the defining “keystone moments” that shape who we are as leaders. From overcoming setbacks and defying expectations to standing firm in the face of doubt, he reveals how challenges become the very building blocks of strength, resilience, and clarity. With powerful personal stories and timeless lessons, this episode shows that leadership isn’t about being born with talent—it’s about learning, reflecting, and choosing to grow. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Power of Keystone Moments (03:00) - Homeschooling Lessons (09:00) - Reflection and Growth Tools (10:00) - Lessons on Confrontation Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership, Keystone Moments Leadership, Overcoming Leadership Challenges, Personal Growth Stories, Resilient Leadership Journey, Lessons In Leadership Development Resources:Keystone Moments Journal More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    14 min
  7. How NBA Coach, Bill Foran, Used These Leadership Fundamentals to Build 4 Championship Teams | Bill Foran - E23

    8 OCT

    How NBA Coach, Bill Foran, Used These Leadership Fundamentals to Build 4 Championship Teams | Bill Foran - E23

    Dusty is joined by Bill Foran—the NBA’s longest-tenured strength and conditioning coach—for a conversation about the lessons behind four decades of building champions with the Miami Heat. Bill shares his unlikely path from small-town PE teacher to coaching legends like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, revealing how a love for developing athletes—not just drawing up plays—became his driving force. He reflects on the influence of mentors, the transformative leadership of Pat Riley, and the origins of the Heat’s famed “culture” rooted in accountability, fundamentals, and relentless effort. Along the way, Bill and Dusty unpack why recovery, sleep, and nutrition matter as much as hard training, how eliminating bad habits separates the good from the great, and why genuine connection is the key to unlocking potential in others. This episode will inspire you to rethink leadership as service, embrace the power of consistency, and recognize that caring deeply is what sustains lasting impact on and off the court. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – From High School to College (05:20) – The Transition to Professional Sports (08:17) – Pat Riley's Influence and Leadership (18:48) – The Importance of Fundamentals and Conditioning (24:54) – Mindset Differences: Good vs. Great (29:33) – The Two Key Questions for Success (32:35) – The Story of Keith Askins (35:48) – Heat Culture and Its Impact (37:41) – Lessons from Coaching to Parenting (44:40) – Daily Practices for Success (49:13) – Leadership Myths Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership Mentions: Bio: https://www.nba.com/heat/bio/bill-foran Mentions:  https://www.stjude.org/  High-Performance Sports Conditioning by Bill Foran More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    54 min

  8. 1 OCT

    Five Questions That Transform Disengaged Teams Into Purpose-Driven High Performers - E22

    Get the 5 Keystone Questions for free: https://5keystones.com/ Dusty goes solo to reveal the five keystone questions that separate transactional, clock-in teams from purpose-driven missionaries who bring their best every day. Through personal stories—including his early leadership challenges in the auto repair industry—he shows how answering these questions unlocks meaning, connection, and lasting engagement: Why are we here, where are we going, how will we get there, where do I fit in, and what’s in it for me? Far more than a framework, Dusty frames these as the cornerstone of culture, empowering teams to make the right decisions even when the leader isn’t in the room. This episode is a call for leaders to stop settling for mercenary behavior and instead build organizations filled with people who believe deeply in the mission, connect their daily work to a bigger purpose, and give their very best because it matters. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Transactional vs. Missionary Leadership (04:10) – A Personal Story: Transforming an Auto Repair Organization (07:37) – Question 1: Why Are We Here? (09:50) – Question 2: Where Are We Going? (11:43) – Question 3: How Are We Gonna Get There? (12:33) – Question 4: Where Do I Fit In? (13:48) – Question 5: What’s In It For Me? (17:00) – Applying the Keystone Framework in Your Organization (19:59) – Conclusion: Empowering Leaders to Create Missionaries Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com Get the 5 Keystone Questions for free: https://5keystones.com/

    21 min
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About

Leadership Unlocked is a leadership podcast about the moments that shape how real leaders grow. Hosted by executive coach & strategist Dusty Holcomb, it features real stories and honest conversations with CEOs, founders, and senior leaders navigating real-world challenges and growth. Each episode delivers real-world leadership insights, stories from leaders in the field, and practical tools for high-performing teams—making it a must-listen for anyone serious about leadership development. Whether you're leading a company, a team, or yourself, you'll walk away with something you can use right now. New episodes weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or visit ArcqusGroup.com/podcast to learn more.

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