Leadership Unlocked: How Leaders Win in the Era of AI

Dusty Holcomb, Leadership Systems & Delegation Expert
  • 5.0 (48)
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  • Updated Weekly

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. 4h ago

    Define Done: Outcome Blocking Is Key to Enhancing Your Impact - E75

    Dusty challenges leaders to rethink the way they protect and use their time, arguing that time blocking is only the first step and that the real return comes from defining the outcome before the clock starts. He introduces the concept of outcome blocking—taking 60 seconds at the beginning of a meeting, work session, or calendar block to decide exactly what “done” looks like, how the work connects to what matters most, and who is responsible for making sure the target is actually hit. Drawing on Stephen Covey’s principle of “beginning with the end in mind,” Parkinson’s Law, and his experience working with leaders, Dusty explains why simply allocating more time or tightening your calendar cannot solve a problem that is really about undefined outcomes. He argues that AI has fundamentally changed the equation by removing the traditional ceiling of human capacity, meaning work can now expand far beyond the limits of a person’s available hours—making a clearly defined outcome the constraint leaders need more than ever. Through a practical four-step exercise and examples from leadership teams and a multi-unit operator, he shows how naming the goal, defining what must be true when the time is over, connecting the work to the most important priorities, and closing the loop can transform a calendar block from passive activity into intentional impact. The result is a shift from simply showing up for the time to showing up to create an outcome—and a simple 60-second discipline that compounds into sharper focus, greater productivity, and a higher return on invested time. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Outcome Blocking (02:09) – Decide What Done Looks Like (06:00) – What Is the Goal? (08:11) – You’re Done When the Goal Is Completed (11:01) – How Does This Connect with My Broader Goals? (13:03) – Who Decides When the Work Is Done? (16:10) – Work Expands to Fill the Capacity Available (18:15) – Calendar Activity (20:12) – Take 60 Seconds to Define Intentions 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: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Episode 27 Episode 39  More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com (00:00) - Outcome Blocking (02:09) - Decide What Done Looks Like (06:00) - What Is the Goal? (08:11) - You're Done When the Goal Is Completed (11:00) - How Does this Connect with My Broader Goals? (13:02) - Who Decides When the Work is Done? (16:09) - Work Expands to Fill the Capacity Available (18:14) - Calendar Activity (20:11) - Take 60 Seconds to Define Intentions (23:17) - Conclusion

  2. Aug 12

    How Great Leaders Balance Empathy with High Standards | Marcel Schwantes - E73

    Marcel Schwantes’ journey into human-centered leadership began with a toxic workplace that pushed his body to its breaking point and ultimately led him to discover the power of servant leadership. In this conversation, Marcel and Dusty explore why caring about people is not a soft alternative to accountability, but the foundation for creating high-performing teams, strong cultures, and sustainable business results. They unpack the difference between management and leadership, the importance of values, authenticity, and self-leadership, and why great leaders must be willing to have hard conversations while still treating people with dignity and care. As AI accelerates the pace of change, Marcel argues that leaders have an even greater responsibility to provide clarity, reduce uncertainty, and explain the meaning behind how work is changing. The technology may evolve rapidly, but the fundamentals of leadership remain deeply human: serve others, create clarity, protect your people, and help them do their best work. Key Timestamps: (00:56) - Toxic Work Environments (07:13) - Humane Leadership (13:39) - The Effects of a Leadership Vacuum (19:18) - How to Be Frank While Caring for Your People (25:01) - Human Leadership in the Age of AI  (32:13) - 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://www.marcelschwantes.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/  Podcast: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/podcast-page/  Substack: https://substack.com/@marcelschwantes  Mentions:  Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss by Marcel Schwantes Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (And How to Fix It) by Thomas Chamorro-Premuzic More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com (00:00) - Marcel Schwantes (00:55) - Toxic Work Environments (07:13) - Human Leadership (13:36) - The Effects of a Leadership Vacuum (19:11) - How to Be Frank While Caring for Your People (24:58) - Human Leadership in the Age of AI (32:08) - Rapid Fire Questions

    How Great Leaders Balance Empathy with High Standards | Marcel Schwantes - E73

  3. Aug 5

    What Data-Driven Leaders Get Wrong About Making Decisions | Shane Foye - E72

    Shane Foye joins Dusty for a thoughtful conversation about the kind of leadership that can't be rushed. As the second-generation president of DW1, Shane shares how leading a growing family business has taught him that the best decisions rarely come from urgency—they come from creating space to think deeply, wrestle with difficult questions, and balance data with intuition. Drawing on lessons from rebranding the company, building an art collection alongside his father, and cultivating a culture rooted in vulnerability and trust, Shane explains why leaders must embrace discomfort, encourage thoughtful failure, and communicate with greater clarity. Throughout the conversation, he reveals how art, architecture, and relationships have shaped his approach to leadership, why security and comfort are not the same thing, and how intentional thinking creates stronger teams, better decisions, and organizations built to last. It's a masterclass on slowing down in order to lead faster, building cultures where people can grow through failure, and remembering that behind every great business decision is a deeply human one. Key Timestamps:(01:43) – Art and Attention to Detail(04:50) – Why Rebranding Matters(17:18) – Patience Over Speed(26:03) – Building a Failure Culture(28:32) – Security vs. Comfort(31:15) – Learning Vulnerability(34:12) – Building Safe Teams(36:01) – Kind, Not Nice Culture(37:54) – Art Collection Stories(46:40) – Communicate for Your Audience(50:47) – Rapid-Fire Leadership 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://dw1.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-foye-663464bb/  Chess Not Checkers: Elevate Your Leadership Game by Mark Miller More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    What Data-Driven Leaders Get Wrong About Making Decisions | Shane Foye - E72

  4. Jul 29

    The Fastest Way to Kill Buy-In Is Your Own Good Idea | Dave Garrison - E71

    Dusty sits down with Dave Garrison, former multinational CEO, board director, and author of The Buy-In Advantage, to explore why most organizations are leaving enormous human potential untapped. Dave explains the critical distinction between employee engagement and true buy-in, arguing that buy-in is the discretionary energy, creativity, and ownership people willingly bring to a shared mission—the same kind of commitment seen on a Friday night football field, but too often missing on Monday morning at work. Drawing from decades of leading businesses across four continents, he reveals that people are not primarily motivated by compensation, perks, or even job satisfaction; they want to be seen as human beings, have their voices genuinely heard, and understand how their work connects to a meaningful purpose. The conversation dives deep into the leadership behaviors that either create or destroy buy-in, including the transformative power of asking better questions, shifting from giving answers to facilitating thinking, and redefining control as setting clear criteria rather than dictating solutions. Dusty and Dave also explore the intersection of leadership and artificial intelligence, arguing that the same skills required to unlock human potential—clarity of purpose, thoughtful criteria, curiosity, and collaborative problem-solving—are the exact skills leaders must develop to harness AI effectively. Through practical examples, personal stories, and powerful reframes, Dave challenges leaders to stop managing compliance and start cultivating environments where people feel ownership, contribute their best thinking, and become emotionally invested in the success of the organization. Key Timestamps: (01:14) – Buy-In vs. Engagement (06:10) – Three Needs at Work (13:10) – Mentor Lesson on Listening (18:42) – Control Through Criteria (24:35) – Speed vs. Results Debate (28:14) – Buy-In Meets AI (33:19) – Hammer Without a Blueprint (36:13) – Rapid-Fire Book Pick (38:27) – Where to Find Dave 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://garrisongrowth.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-garrison-growth/  Mentions:  The Buy-In Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring ― and How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give Their All by Dave Garrison Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni https://www.gallup.com/workplace/713024/employee-engagement-and-productivity.aspx  More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    The Fastest Way to Kill Buy-In Is Your Own Good Idea | Dave Garrison - E71

  5. Jul 22

    The Leadership Skill AI Can’t Replace | Kurt Luidhardt - E70

    Dusty sits down with Kurt Luidhardt, entrepreneur, political strategist, and co-founder of a firm that has helped elect more than 100 members of Congress, 15 senators, 14 governors, and a president. Kurt shares the leadership lessons he has learned from building a business around solving urgent client problems, emphasizing that successful companies are built by identifying existential needs rather than simply creating interesting ideas. He discusses the importance of resilience, calm leadership in chaotic moments, and how his father modeled the power of being a steady presence. Kurt also explores the value of intentional thinking time, prayer, seeking wise counsel, and creating systems that protect leaders from their own blind spots. The conversation dives into experimentation, refining offers through customer feedback, and the importance of understanding what truly creates value for clients. Kurt and Dusty unpack the growing importance of relationship capital in an AI-driven world, arguing that trust, connections, and the ability to create meaningful introductions are becoming some of the most valuable assets a leader can develop. Through stories about entrepreneurship, faith, networking, and personal growth, Kurt challenges leaders to slow down, invest in relationships, and focus on creating lasting impact rather than simply checking boxes. Key Timestamps: (00:56) – Meet Kurt Luidhardt (04:29) – The Great Oatmeal Debate (08:43) – Leadership Background (11:19) – Solving Existential Problems for Your Clients (16:29) – Business Ideas vs. Solutions (21:01) – Protected Time (26:15) – Connecting the Dots (30:05) – Asking Tough Questions (34:27) – Making Connections (42:58) – Shared Stewardship (48:02) – Creating Trust in Relationships (51:47) – 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://libertyspenders.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtluidhardt/  Mentions:  The Road Less Stupid: Advice from the Chairman of the Board by Keith J. Cunningham Sacred Pace: Four Steps To Hearing God And Aligning Yourself With His Will by Terry Looper The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com (00:00) - 70 - Kurt Luidhardt (00:56) - Meet Kurt Luidhardt (04:25) - The Great Oatmeal Debate (08:38) - Leadership Background (11:15) - Solving Existential Problems for Your Clients (16:24) - Business Ideas vs. Solutions (20:55) - Protected Time (26:09) - Connecting the Dots (29:58) - Asking Tough Questions (34:19) - Making Connections (42:49) - Shared Stewardship (47:53) - Creating Trust in Relationships

    The Leadership Skill AI Can’t Replace | Kurt Luidhardt - E70

  6. Jul 15

    In the Era of AI, Your Personal Brand Matters More Than Ever | Bryan Wish - E69

    Dusty sits down with Bryan Wish for a thoughtful conversation about personal branding, authentic leadership, and why every professional—not just entrepreneurs or executives—needs to intentionally shape how they show up in the world. Bryan challenges the misconception that personal branding is an exercise in self-promotion, arguing instead that it's the process of distilling your expertise, experiences, and values into a clear, authentic identity that helps others understand why they should trust and choose you. Together, he and Dusty explore how AI is rapidly changing the professional landscape, why commoditization makes differentiation more important than ever, and how leaders can leverage technology without sacrificing authenticity. Bryan explains why the future belongs to those who combine deep self-awareness with consistent expression, shares how scalable technology is making personal branding accessible beyond elite executives, and emphasizes that the goal isn't simply creating more content—it's creating content that genuinely reflects who you are. Throughout the conversation, they unpack the connection between identity, credibility, and influence, ultimately challenging leaders to stop viewing personal branding as an ego play and instead embrace it as one of the most important investments they can make in their long-term impact. Key Timestamps: (01:52) – Leaving for the West (10:00) – Mentors Who Shaped Him (17:14) – Building a Winning Team (25:13) – Courageous Hiring Bets (26:15) – Personal Branding Defined (35:11) – Authenticity and Integrity (43:26) – Rapid-Fire Wisdom (46:51) – Where to Follow Bryan 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://arcbound.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanwish/  Mentions:  Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    In the Era of AI, Your Personal Brand Matters More Than Ever | Bryan Wish - E69

  7. Jul 8

    The Leadership Mistake That Looks Like Delegation | David Stupay - E68

    Dusty sits down with David Stupay, five-time CEO, executive recruiter, and founder of Platinum Search Partners, for a deeply human conversation about the relationships, experiences, and values that shape exceptional leaders. Drawing from an unconventional career that spans leading a homeless shelter, serving communities in East Africa, building organizations that support children with special needs, and helping companies find transformational talent, David argues that every leader is only one relationship away from changing the course of someone’s life—and carries the responsibility to make that influence a positive one. Together, he and Dusty explore the dignity of work, the importance of building authentic community before you need it, why specificity and clarity are essential leadership skills, and how empathy is forged through serving others rather than climbing the corporate ladder. David shares powerful stories about raising a daughter with profound special needs, lessons learned from humanitarian work in Uganda and Tanzania, and the hard-won wisdom that leadership is ultimately measured not by titles or financial success, but by the lives we improve, the people we develop, and the legacy of relationships we leave behind. Key Timestamps: (02:08) – Leadership Through Relationships (09:35) – Lessons from Nonprofit Work (17:41) – Uganda and Tanzania Stories (21:09) – Clarity: Delegation vs. Abdication (25:06) – Seeing Special Needs Differently (31:10) – Leadership Networks That Matter (36:15) – Entrepreneur Highs and Lows (37:45) – Advice for Early Growth (44:04) – Rapid-Fire Leadership Questions (44:23) – Make Memories, No Regrets (47:12) – Hard Truths and Superpower 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://www.platinumsearchpartners.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stupay/  Mentions:  $100M Leads: How to Get Strangers To Want To Buy Your Stuff by Alex Hormozi $100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No by Alex Hormozi The Last Arrow: Save Nothing for the Next Life by Erwin Raphael McManus More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com

    The Leadership Mistake That Looks Like Delegation | David Stupay - E68

  8. Jul 1

    Escaping the Prison of Prior Conditioning | George Bryant - E67

    Dusty sits down with George Bryant for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation about identity, faith, leadership, and the lifelong pursuit of becoming who you were created to be. Drawing from a journey that includes military service, addiction, childhood trauma, entrepreneurship, suicidal struggles, and spiritual transformation, George challenges the conventional view of leadership as a set of skills and reframes it as a process of self-discovery, obedience, and personal responsibility. Together, he and Dusty explore the dangers of defining ourselves through external expectations, the importance of building an identity rooted in purpose rather than achievement, and why many leaders unknowingly live inside what George calls a “prison of prior conditioning.” They unpack the wisdom of uncertainty, the role of faith in navigating challenges, and how discomfort, struggle, and adversity often become the greatest catalysts for growth. George also shares powerful insights on presence, attention, autonomy, and the hidden costs of a distracted world, arguing that meaningful leadership begins with the ability to connect with yourself before you can truly connect with others. Throughout the conversation, he offers a compelling reminder that leadership is not about reaching a finish line, but about embracing the journey, trusting the next step, and becoming more aligned with who you are called to be. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Meet George Bryant (07:36) – Making the Most of Your Time (09:28) – Action Based on Identity (16:46) – The Prison of Prior Conditioning (20:37) – The Finish Line Paradox (26:40) – Happiness vs. Joy (29:52) – The Next 100 Steps (38:22) – The Wisdom of Uncertainty (43:22) – Imposter Syndrome (46:20) – Your Relationship to Yourself (52:52) – Morning Routines (55:29) – Connecting with Yourself (01:00:52) – 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://mindofgeorge.com/  Mentions:  The Wedge: Evolution, Consciousness, Stress and the Key to Human Resilience by Scott Carney The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg & John David Mann More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com (00:00) - 65 - George Bryant (07:30) - Making the Most of Your Time (09:23) - Action Based on Identity (16:40) - The Prison of Prior Conditioning (20:32) - The Finish Line Paradox (26:31) - Happiness vs. Joy (29:43) - The Next 100 Steps (38:34) - The Wisdom of Uncertainty (43:34) - Imposter Syndrome (46:32) - Your Relationship to Yourself (53:03) - Morning Routines (55:40) - Connecting with Yourself (01:01:03) - Rapid Fire Questions

    Escaping the Prison of Prior Conditioning | George Bryant - E67
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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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