Unlocked with Skot Waldron

PeopleForward Network
  • 4.8 (21)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. Unlocking Why Teams Stay Stuck With Chris Hallberg

    5d ago

    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

    44 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Elton John Impact Awards

    5d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: Elton John Impact Awards

    Introducing Elton John Impact Awards 2026 from Elton John Impact Awards. Follow the show: Elton John Impact Awards Elton John has spent decades advocating for LGBTQ+ equality. Now fellow legends - Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Jean King, Orville Peck, and Chappell Roan – are honored in the inaugural Elton John Impact Awards.   ​Co-hosts Elvis Duran and Billy Porter lead intimate, heartfelt, and candid conversations, where each honoree shares personal stories of their journey to find their voice and advocate for others. In this first-of-its-kind audio special, these cultural icons explain how they’ve broken barriers to create a more welcoming and joyful world for all, paving the way for generations to come.   In partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation, The Elton John Impact Awards also provides funding and visibility to LGBTQ+ organizations working in our community every day, including Centerlink, GLAAD, the National Black Justice Collective, Outright International, SAGE, and The Trevor Project.   This is an awards special unlike any other that will inspire you to turn hope into action. Join us and the Rocket Man himself for the Elton John Impact Awards 2026! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Thoughts Unlocked - Boundaries? Why?

    May 26

    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

    13 min
  4. Unlocking The Drama Triangle with Frankie Kemp

    May 19

    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

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

    May 12

    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

    44 min
  6. Thoughts Unlocked - How Labels Are Damaging Your People and Culture

    May 5

    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

    12 min
  7. Unlocking The Hidden Science Behind Stress, Teams, And Performance With Cameron Allen

    Apr 28

    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

    51 min
  8. Unlocking Why High Performance Isn't About Strategy with Geoffrey Reid

    Apr 21

    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

    44 min
See All (170)

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

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!

Information

More From PeopleForward Network

You Might Also Like