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. Thoughts Unlocked - Productivity Shaming

    6d ago

    Thoughts Unlocked - Productivity Shaming

    In today's fast-paced work environments, we often find ourselves frustrated by the differing work styles and paces of our colleagues. Have you ever left a meeting feeling energized and ready to act, only to notice a teammate who seems to be lost in thought? Or perhaps you're the one who needs time to process information, while others rush ahead with action plans. Productivity shaming manifests in subtle ways through comments, sighs, or even the frequency of follow-up emails. Often, those who engage in productivity shaming believe they are encouraging accountability, but the reality is that they may be creating an environment where team members feel judged, leading to decreased effectiveness. Research suggests that when employees feel shamed, they shift their focus from productive work to managing perceptions, thus hindering their performance. This episode of Thoughts Unlocked explores the concept of pace empathy and how it can transform workplace interactions, fostering better communication and collaboration. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Understanding Work Styles and Pace 02:56 The Concept of Pace Empathy 04:27 The Dangers of Productivity Shaming 05:45 Visible Activity vs. Meaningful Progress 12:51 Challenging Pace Bias and Seeking Understanding Website: skotwaldron.com

    15 min
  2. Thoughts Unlocked - Rethinking Procrastination

    Jun 30

    Thoughts Unlocked - Rethinking Procrastination

    Procrastination is often labeled as a personal flaw, but what if it's not that simple? It's essential to ask deeper questions. Why is this person not moving forward? What are the barriers they face? If you've ever felt stuck or unmotivated, you're not alone. We'll dissect the concepts of work, will, and weight – the three critical aspects that can influence your productivity and decision-making. In this episode of Thoughts Unlocked, we'll explore the deeper underlying factors of procrastination and how understanding these can lead to more effective solutions. Timestamps: 01:13 Introduction to Procrastination and Its Misdiagnosis 05:34 When Progress Becomes Invisible 07:40 Understanding the Friction: Work, Will, and Weight 12:12 Reframing Procrastination: Questions Over Labels Website: www.skotwaldron.com

    14 min
  3. Thoughts Unlocked - Communication Code

    Jun 23

    Thoughts Unlocked - Communication Code

    Effective communication is often touted as a cornerstone of successful teams, yet many struggle with it. Why is that? In this episode of Thoughts Unlocked, I'll explore the true nature of communication in teams, emphasizing intentionality over mere talking. The 'communication codes' framework – clarify, critique, collaborate, care, and celebrate. You'll not only enhance clarity but also foster a culture of collaboration and support. Remember, communication shapes culture, and every conversation is an opportunity to make a brand deposit into your team's emotional account. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:44 Understanding Communication Problems 02:58 The Five Communication Codes 03:37 Clarifying Communication 05:05 The Importance of Constructive Critique 07:38 Collaborative Efforts in Teams 08:25 The Role of Care in Communication 09:31 Celebrating Achievements 10:55 Building a Positive Communication Culture   Website: www.skotwaldron.com

    14 min
  4. Unlocking The ESPN Empire With Mike Soltys And Garrett Sutton

    Jun 16

    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

    50 min
  5. Unlocking The Lies Leaders Believe About Performance With Karina Mangu-Ward

    Jun 9

    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

    44 min
  6. Unlocking Why Teams Stay Stuck With Chris Hallberg

    Jun 2

    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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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4.8
out of 5
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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!

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