TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES with Dustin Sutton

Dustin Sutton
  • 4.9 (22)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

You are building something. A business, a career, a life that actually means something. Tools, Talents, and Techniques is where founders, operators, and leaders share exactly how they did it. Host Dustin Sutton goes beyond the highlight reel to uncover the decisions, systems, and mindset shifts that separate people who talk about success from people who build it. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe and start listening. © Sutton Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.

  1. Ep. 109: The Lawyer for Lawyers | Jonathan Hawkins on Law Firm Breakups, Partnerships, and Building a Unique Legal Practice

    APR 21

    Ep. 109: The Lawyer for Lawyers | Jonathan Hawkins on Law Firm Breakups, Partnerships, and Building a Unique Legal Practice

    Jonathan Hawkins built a legal practice most lawyers never considered. He represents law firms themselves, navigating breakups, partnership disputes, and business divorces that tear firms apart from the inside. In Episode 109, Dustin sits down with Jonathan to unpack how he went from engineering to law, found one of the most underserved niches in the legal industry, and built a practice around serving firms no one else focused on. If you are building a business, managing a partnership, or thinking about how to stand out, this one is for you. 🔑 Key Topics Covered From Engineering to Law His unconventional path and what drew him away from a technical careerHow his engineering background shapes his approach to complex legal problemsFinding the Niche: Lawyer for Lawyers How Jonathan identified an underserved market inside the legal industryWhat law firm breakups and business divorces look like from the insideCommunication and Trust in Partnerships The patterns Jonathan sees most in law firm disputesHow resentment builds when communication breaks downCoaches, Mentors, and Mindset Why even high performers need outside perspectiveThe mindset shift that separates good lawyers from great onesMarketing and Content Creation Newsletters, social media, and building an audience with consistencyHow authentic content builds trust in a crowded field💡 Key Takeaways Niching down is a competitive advantage, not a limitationCommunication breakdowns drive most partnership failuresConsistency in content creation compounds over timeStaying true to yourself is a strategy🧠 Memorable Insight "You need to stay true to yourself." — Jonathan Hawkins 📈 Why This Matters Jonathan flipped the model entirely and built a practice around serving the firms themselves. This is a masterclass in finding a gap, going all in, and standing out. 🔗 Resources & Links https://www.lawfirmgc.com/https://www.lawfirmgc.com/podcast/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hawkins-law-firm-general-counsel/https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-firm-gc/Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com #LegalBusiness #LawFirm #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPartnerships #the3tpod

    38 min
  2. Ep. 108: The Future of Retail with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital

    APR 7

    Ep. 108: The Future of Retail with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital

    What does the future of retail actually look like? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital, to break down the real story behind retail’s evolution. While many headlines focus on the rise of e-commerce, Andy explains why physical retail is not only surviving, but in many cases thriving. From shifting market dynamics to smart investment strategies, this conversation unpacks how the strongest retailers are adapting, expanding, and redefining success in today’s environment. 🔑 Key Topics Covered The Reality Behind Retail’s Comeback Retail is not dying. It is consolidating and strengtheningWeak operators have been pushed out, leaving stronger brands behindSurviving retailers are now in expansion modeSupply and Demand Advantage New shopping center development has slowed significantlyExisting centers are benefiting from limited supplyLandlords can upgrade tenant mix and increase rentsE-commerce vs Brick-and-Mortar Physical stores are still critical to growthStores act as customer acquisition toolsOpening a store often boosts online sales in that marketRockstep Capital’s Investment Strategy Focus on secondary and tertiary “hometown” marketsTarget areas with strong economic drivers like universities and military basesPartner with local business leaders to reduce risk and improve executionThe “Rock Step” Philosophy Stay agile and adaptableBuild a culture that responds quickly to changePrioritize long-term sustainability over short-term wins💡 Key Takeaways Retail is evolving, not disappearingStrong operators are gaining more market shareScarcity of new development is creating real opportunityPhysical retail and e-commerce work together, not against each otherLocal market insight can be a major competitive advantage🧠 Memorable Insight “Retail isn’t going away. The best operators are just getting stronger and more strategic.” 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Commercial real estate professionalsRetail investors and developersEntrepreneurs interested in physical + digital strategyAnyone trying to understand where retail is headed📈 Why This Conversation Matters This episode challenges the narrative that retail is fading and replaces it with a more nuanced, data-driven perspective. If you are in real estate or investing, understanding these dynamics is not optional. It is a competitive advantage. 🔗 Resources & Links https://rockstep.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner/https://www.youtube.com/@TheShoppingCenterChannel Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com #CommercialRealEstate #RetailStrategy #CRE #RealEstateInvesting #the3tpod

    50 min
  3. Ep. 107: The Psychology of Employee Motivation - with Dr Bob Nelson & Mario Tamayo

    MAR 12

    Ep. 107: The Psychology of Employee Motivation - with Dr Bob Nelson & Mario Tamayo

    Employee recognition and leadership are two of the most important drivers of employee engagement and workplace culture. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin Sutton sits down with management expert Dr. Bob Nelson and leadership advisor Mario Tamayo to discuss how meaningful recognition improves motivation, performance, and team loyalty. Dr. Bob Nelson, named the #1 management guru in the world for three consecutive years, shares research-backed leadership strategies that help organizations build stronger cultures and more engaged employees. Together with Mario Tamayo, the conversation explores the disconnect between how managers believe they recognize employees and how employees actually experience recognition in the workplace. Key Topics Covered • Why employee recognition is critical for engagement and performance • The disconnect between managers’ perception of recognition and employees’ experiences • How personalized recognition creates stronger motivation than generic rewards • Practical techniques leaders can use to recognize and encourage employees • The importance of hiring for cultural fit and long-term potential • Why learning from mistakes is essential for growth and development • How leadership influences workplace culture and morale • The role of soft skills in modern management Learn More About Our Guests Dr. Bob Nelson https://drbobnelson.com/ Mario Tamayo https://www.tamayogroup.com/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2?si=740ba4a90165417a Follow the Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/ X https://twitter.com/the3tpod Music provided by C€$ on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww?si=yNBmIPqIT7-56hAmfvqShA #Leadership #EmployeeRecognition #Management

    57 min
  4. Faith Meets Business: Bishop Kevin Foreman on Mindset, Action & Purpose (Ep. 106)

    FEB 25

    Faith Meets Business: Bishop Kevin Foreman on Mindset, Action & Purpose (Ep. 106)

    ***Text “BISHOP” to 55498 to receive 10% off any of Bishop Foreman’s books and select items.*** Bishop Kevin Foreman shares how faith, entrepreneurship, mindset, and execution unlock your full potential. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, we explore spiritual leadership, business growth, personal development, and the discipline of taking action. Known as “The People’s Bishop,” Bishop Kevin Foreman discusses starting his first business at age 12, why you should never demonize your differences, and how prioritization beats balance. He explains why rejection can be protection, why most barriers are mental, and why execution separates dreamers from leaders. We also dive into his History Makers initiative and the responsibility each of us has to recognize our role in something bigger than ourselves. If you are building a business, leading a team, strengthening your faith, or sharpening your mindset, this conversation will challenge and equip you. 🎯 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bishop Kevin Foreman 01:56 Faith, Business & The 360 Life Approach 4:27 Starting a Business at 12 07:19 Don’t Demonize Your Differences 10:08 Entrepreneurship and Ministry 17:23 Embracing Your Uniqueness 20:54 Prioritization vs Balance 27:45 Church Planting and Vision 30:10 Marketing & Modern Ministry 37:17 Power of Testimonies 39:56 Overcoming Mental Barriers 42:53 History Makers Movement 45:52 Think Big, Execute Small 49:43 Final Thoughts 🔗 Connect with Bishop Kevin Foreman Harvest Church: https://www.harvestchurch.church/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinforeman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinforeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUtL6RSfO3WV2_k-EwWUm7A #FaithAndBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #Leadership 🎙 Listen to Tools, Talents & Techniques YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/

    50 min
  5. The Career Pivot That Changed Everything | Alex Waters - Program Labs (Ep. 105)

    FEB 16

    The Career Pivot That Changed Everything | Alex Waters - Program Labs (Ep. 105)

    What does it take to successfully pivot your career and create meaningful impact? In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin sits down with Alex Waters, a leader in the San Diego startup community and a key force behind Program Labs, an organization that designs and operates entrepreneurship programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities. Alex shares the unconventional path that took him from aspiring doctor to philosophy student and ultimately into the dynamic worlds of startups, EdTech, and nonprofit innovation. He reflects on pivotal moments, unexpected transitions, and the lessons learned from failure that shaped his approach to leadership, learning, and social impact. Whether you are considering a career change, building a venture, or developing programs that matter, this conversation delivers practical insight you can apply right away. In this episode, we cover: • Navigating career pivots with confidence • How philosophy influenced Alex’s leadership style • Lessons from startup culture and the EdTech sector • The importance of relationships in long-term success • Learning from failure and building resilience • Why constraints can fuel creativity • The mission behind Program Labs • Strategies for entrepreneurs building momentum About Alex Waters: For more than 15 years, Alex has helped support early-stage founders, strengthen institutions, and advance social impact initiatives through thoughtfully designed entrepreneurship programs. Learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watersalex/ Program Labs: https://www.theprogramlabs.org/ Listen and subscribe: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2?si=740ba4a90165417a Follow for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/ X: https://twitter.com/the3tpod 📖 Balanced by Design: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBZGTW27

    52 min
  6. THE PROGRAM: Building Great Teammates, Leaders, and Culture with Eric Kapitulik (Ep. 104)

    FEB 3

    THE PROGRAM: Building Great Teammates, Leaders, and Culture with Eric Kapitulik (Ep. 104)

    In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with Eric Kapitulik, founder of The Program, to unpack what it truly takes to build elite teams and durable leaders. Eric shares his journey from military service to working with professional sports teams and corporations across North America. At the core of the conversation is a simple but demanding idea. Success comes from consistent hard work, personal accountability, and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself. We talk about lessons from high-performance environments, the difference between happiness and satisfaction, and how parenthood reshaped Eric’s leadership philosophy. This episode is a practical look at emotional resiliency, lifelong learning, and why taking 100% responsibility is the foundation of trust, culture, and long-term success. Key Takeaways -Success starts with defining who you want to become -Hard work, sacrifice, and discipline never go out of style -Listening to understand is more powerful than listening to respond -Emotional resiliency protects relationships and performance -Taking 100% responsibility accelerates personal growth -Lifelong learning is a leadership requirement, not a bonus -Parenthood changes how you view leadership and legacy -Time management reflects your real priorities Chapters 01:36 Introduction to Eric Kapitulik 03:16 The journey behind The Program 08:02 Defining success and personal growth 10:56 Lessons from high-performance environments 14:52 Happiness vs satisfaction 17:17 Parenthood and leadership evolution 21:15 Lifelong learning and curiosity 24:58 Emotional resiliency and accountability 29:03 Lessons from Coach Snyder 34:52 Regret, reflection, and moving forward 41:48 Subscribe and outro More from Eric 🌐 https://theprogram.org/ 📘 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119574307 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-program-llc/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kapitulik-6996a048/ Follow Tools, Talents & Techniques 🌍 https://toolstalentstechniques.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@DustinCSutton 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/ X: https://twitter.com/the3tpod 🎵 Music by C€$ https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww 📖 Balanced by Design https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBZGTW27

    42 min
  7. Break Barriers: How Bishoy Tadros Turned Childhood Cancer Into Lifelong Resilience (Ep. 103)

    JAN 21

    Break Barriers: How Bishoy Tadros Turned Childhood Cancer Into Lifelong Resilience (Ep. 103)

    Overcoming adversity changes everything. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with marathon runner, author, and podcast host Bishoy Tadros to explore resilience, endurance sports, parenting, empathy, and personal growth. Bishoy shares his powerful story of battling leukemia as a child and how that experience shaped his mindset, values, and lifelong commitment to pushing past limits. From hosting the Mile 40 podcasts, to writing his books (Break Barriers, Mile 40, Audacious) , to running marathons and raising children with intention, Bishoy explains what it really takes to do hard things without losing yourself. We talk about endurance sports as a metaphor for life, how empathy is forged through struggle, and why stubbornness can actually be a strength when it is rooted in values. This conversation is about persistence, grace, and finding motivation from within. Key Takeaways Childhood adversity can shape lifelong resilience“Break Barriers” is built through lived experienceEndurance sports teach patience and disciplineWriting helps unlock authenticity and self-discoveryEmpathy deepens through hardshipParenting is about modeling values, not just adviceStubbornness can become long-term commitmentMotivation often comes from both pain and purposeCommunity plays a critical role in growthPersonal evolution never really stopsChapters 00:00 Introduction to Bishoy Tadros 00:52 Writing Break Barriers 09:12 Overcoming Adversity Through Endurance Sports 14:30 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 19:09 Writing, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery 24:13 Relationships and Personal Transformation 26:39 Empathy Built Through Experience 31:26 Endurance Events and Mental Strength 32:34 Parenting With Purpose and Example 36:12 Stubbornness as Commitment to Values 39:35 Finding Motivation From Within 46:08 Outlasting Doubts and Hard Seasons Follow Bishoy https://www.bishoytadros.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/btadros/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCHvuxTTbSiOPkggBR5A2AFg https://www.instagram.com/bishoy_tadros/ ttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mile-40-podcast/id1622896615 Follow Tools, Talents & Techniques 🌍 https://toolstalentstechniques.com https://youtube.com/@DustinCSutton https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/ https://twitter.com/the3tpod 🎵 C€$ https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww 📖 Balanced by Design https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBZGTW27

    54 min
  8. AI, Sales, and Startup Culture: Building the Future with David Walker of Spara (Ep. 102)

    JAN 6

    AI, Sales, and Startup Culture: Building the Future with David Walker of Spara (Ep. 102)

    Building a company is hard. Building one with the right culture while scaling fast is even harder. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with David Walker, Co-founder and CEO of Spara, to talk entrepreneurship, AI, sales, and what it really takes to build a company that lasts. David shares how his early influences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, why his first startup experience was a turning point, and how intention matters when transitioning from school into building companies. We dig into the realities of scaling, hiring for culture, and the mistakes founders often make when growth starts to accelerate. We also unpack Spara’s mission and how they are using AI to enhance sales conversations without replacing the human element. David makes a strong case for why humans will continue to play an outsized role in sales, even as AI agents become more capable. Key Takeaways Entrepreneurship is shaped early, often before the first startupCollege can be valuable for networks, not just credentialsFirst startup experiences change how founders think long-termCompany culture must be intentional, especially during growthHiring decisions define culture more than policies ever willAI should enhance sales, not eliminate human interactionReal-time conversations create better sales outcomesFounders must adapt quickly as technology evolvesChapters 00:00 Introduction to David Walker and Spara 02:35 Entrepreneurial Roots and Early Influences 05:18 College, Networking, and Early Decisions 07:51 First Startup Lessons 10:29 Transitioning from School to Entrepreneurship 13:01 Lessons from Building a Real Estate Company 15:31 Scaling Challenges for Founders 18:28 Building and Maintaining Company Culture 20:41 Hiring for Culture 21:48 Mentorship and Learning Through Experience 24:11 Launching a New Venture 25:39 The Role of AI in Sales 30:00 Innovative Sales Strategies with AI 34:26 Transforming Customer Conversations 37:46 Future-Proofing Sales Teams 40:56 What’s Next for Spara Sound Bites “Culture is driven by people, not just policies.”“You have to decide what you want your culture to be.”“Humans will play an outsized role in sales.” Connect with David Walker 🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwalker4/ 🌐 Spara https://www.spara.co/ Follow Tools, Talents & Techniques 🌍 https://toolstalentstechniques.com 📺 https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/ X: https://twitter.com/the3tpod New book available now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBZGTW27 🎵 Music by C€$ https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww

    52 min
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You are building something. A business, a career, a life that actually means something. Tools, Talents, and Techniques is where founders, operators, and leaders share exactly how they did it. Host Dustin Sutton goes beyond the highlight reel to uncover the decisions, systems, and mindset shifts that separate people who talk about success from people who build it. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe and start listening. © Sutton Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.

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