On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik goes straight at a common executive myth: “lonely at the top.” Former CEO, five-time Ironman, and Arcqus Group founder Dusty Holcomb breaks down how isolation is often a self-selected operating system—rooted in fear and perfectionism—and how to replace it with connection discipline. We unpack identity vs. title, minimum viable discipline, keystone reflections, and why leaders should be obsessed with asking better questions, not having all the answers.
About the Guest:
Dusty Holcomb is an operator-turned-coach, former CEO, five-time Ironman, and founder of The Arcqus Group. He hosts the podcast Leadership Unlocked and has kept a 28-year streak of daily leadership reflections focused on character, clarity, and service.
Key Takeaways:
-
Isolation is often a self-selected stance driven by fear of being “the one with all the answers”; leadership is about ensuring the right questions are asked and answered.
-
Adopt a beginner’s mind: “Help me understand what I might be missing” invites collaboration without weaponizing questions.
-
Shift from being interesting to being interested; curiosity is the fastest on-ramp to trust and connection.
-
Identity beats perfection: define your minimum viable discipline (e.g., 100 pushups/100 situps, a short walk) so the habit survives travel, fatigue, and chaos.
-
Pre-decide for success: make the important thing easy (systems and prep the night before) and give yourself grace when you miss—then immediately resume.
-
Titles are temporary; you’re a steward of a role. Prioritize permanent roles (parent/partner/human) so work doesn’t swallow your life.
-
Keystone moments come from reflection; journaling codifies lessons you’ve “paid tuition” for and lets others benefit.
-
Build an external mentorship/counsel loop; leadership doesn’t have to be lonely when you design for connection.
-
Tactical this week: schedule one 15-minute listening block with a teammate; prune one commitment and define the replacement behavior.
-
North-star check: Who am I becoming—and would I follow that person?
How to Connect with the Guest
-
LinkedIn: Dusty Holcomb
-
Website/Newsletter: https://www.arcqusgroup.com/
-
Podcast: Leadership Unlocked
Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch
-
DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment
With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and bu
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com