Unlocked With Skot Waldron

In this episode of Unlocked, Christy Pretzinger discusses her initiative, the Better Leader Project, which focuses on fostering connection and community in leadership. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and trust in leadership, particularly in the context of generational differences between Millennials and Gen Z. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to create environments where individuals feel ...

In this episode of Unlocked, Doug Zarkin shares his extensive experience in branding, discussing the evolution of brand perception, the importance of emotional connections with consumers, and the dynamics of brand loyalty. He emphasizes the need for brands to foster deep relationships with customers, moving beyond mere transactions to create lasting emotional bonds. The discussion also covers the significance of internal brand love...

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Matt Lampe delve into the intricacies of organizational psychology, focusing on the importance of agility in leadership. Matt shares his journey through academia and practical experiences, emphasizing the need for leaders to develop intentional responses rather than reactive behaviors. The discussion highlights the significance of curiosity, psychological safety, and the ability to paus...

It's not always about skill. It's about connection.

In this episode of Thoughts Unlocked, the focus is on the critical role of connection in enhancing team performance. It explores how underperformance is often not due to a lack of skill, but rather a lack of connection among team members. The episode delves into the importance of psychological safety, trust, and emotional tone in fostering a productive work environment. Practical ...

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In this episode of Unlocked, Jaime Schwarz, a brand therapist, discusses the importance of active listening, the concept of brand therapy, and the need for human transformation within teams. He emphasizes the role of trust and communication in fostering effective teamwork and the challenges faced in modern organizational structures. The discussion also touches on the evolution of brand therapy and the significance of aligning perso...

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Jim Carlough delve into the intricacies of leadership, discussing how leaders are developed rather than born. They explore the importance of compassion, empathy, and integrity in leadership, as well as the role of adaptability and humor in fostering a positive workplace culture. Jim shares personal anecdotes and insights from his career, emphasizing the significance of understanding tea...

In this episode of Unlocked, Dr. Hillary Cauthen, a clinical sports psychologist, discusses the intersection of sports performance and mental health. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and creating supportive environments for athletes and leaders alike. Dr. Cauthen shares her personal experiences with toxic sports culture and the need for accountability in leadership roles. The discussion also touch...

Your structure might change, but your character shows up every day.

In this episode of Thoughts Unlocked, the complexities of organizational restructuring are discussed, emphasizing the importance of communication, relationship building, and leadership character during times of change. Key strategies for leaders to navigate restructuring effectively are outlined, including over-communication, acknowledging emotional responses, and...

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Joe Davis explore the themes of leadership, generosity, and the evolution of intelligence throughout different life stages. They discuss the importance of legacy, the impact of vulnerability in leadership, and the shift from self-centeredness to a focus on team development. Joe shares personal anecdotes and insights from his career, emphasizing the value of mentoring and the necessity o...

In this episode of Unlocked, Michael Bungay Stanier and Skot Waldron explore the nuances of effective communication, leadership, and coaching. They discuss the importance of creating a safe environment for engagement, the TERA framework for understanding human interaction, and the challenges of empowerment in coaching. Michael shares insights from his books, including 'The Coaching Habit' and 'How to Work with Almost Anyone,' empha...

In this episode of Unlocked, Cynthia Pong discusses her journey from being a public defender to becoming a career coach focused on empowering women of color. She shares insights on the challenges of introversion in leadership, the importance of asking the right questions, and her mission to help women of color gain the respect and opportunities they deserve in the workplace. The discussion also touches on the concept of 'Don't Stay...

Your past is not your future. Your upbringing shaped you, but it doesn't define you.

This episode of Thoughts Unlocked delves into the profound impact of upbringing on our identities and behaviors, emphasizing how early childhood experiences shape our communication styles, emotional responses, and approaches to conflict resolution. It explores the "nurture" side of the age-old nature versus nurture debate, drawing on attachment the...

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Marcelo Calbucci delve into “The PRFAQ Framework”, a strategic tool developed at Amazon that combines press releases and frequently asked questions to clarify product vision and strategy. They discuss the importance of writing in critical thinking, the role of PRFAQ in decision-making, and how it addresses common pitfalls in product strategy. The conversation also touches on psychologic...

In this episode of Unlocked, Andrew Brummer shares his journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of networking, community, and service. He discusses his books, 'You Decide' and 'Leading Magnanimously', and how they reflect his experiences and insights on leadership and building trust within organizations. Andrew highlights the significance of volunteer work in finding purpose and the challenges of fost...

Richard Reid is an acclaimed organisational psychologist, strategic consultant, and keynote speaker with over two decades of experience driving organisational change and enhancing corporate wellbeing. He is also the former Chief People Officer of a leading Offshore Law Firm, and the ex-psychologist for City of London Police. His core competencies include strategic HR leadership, trauma and resilience expertise, and the development ...