Dusty goes solo to challenge one of leadership’s most damaging habits—the belief that being “nice” is the same as being effective—and makes the case that niceness is quietly starving teams of the truth they need to perform. Drawing from a powerful real-world example of a brilliant but overly restrained leader, personal leadership failures, and research spanning neuroscience, McKinsey, Gallup, and HBR, he exposes why most leaders aren’t actually giving feedback at all—they’re managing their own discomfort. Dusty unpacks the critical distinction between nice and kind, showing how nice protects the speaker while kind serves the team, and explains why poorly delivered feedback triggers threat responses in the brain rather than growth. He then introduces the “Because of you, we” framework—a simple, research-backed structure that reframes feedback as a collective benefit instead of a personal attack—along with a practical four-step conversation model leaders can use immediately. Through concrete examples on both ends of the spectrum, Dusty demonstrates how clarity, specificity, and shared ownership unlock contribution, accountability, and trust. This episode is a call for leaders to stop hoping people “get it,” start saying what needs to be said with genuine care, and build cultures where truth—delivered kindly—is the engine of performance.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – The Difference Between Nice and Kind
(07:01) – The Neuroscience of Feedback
(15:40) – The 'Because of You, We' Framework
(16:27) – Practical Application and Examples
(25:04) – Preparing for Difficult Conversations
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty sits down with Amanda Dunklin—equestrian coach, entrepreneur, and operational strategist—for a conversation that redefines what it means to lead with clarity, empathy, and resilience. After decades spent training horses, coaching competitive riders, building a school from the ground up, and later advising high-growth organizations, Amanda shares the insight that reshaped her entire approach to leadership: systems matter, but people matter more. Together, she and Dusty explore why emotional intelligence is learned, how consistency becomes a superpower, and why leaders must create environments where trust, safety, and communication come before timelines and tactics. Amanda traces her unlikely journey from barns to boardrooms, revealing how the same principles that calm a nervous horse—presence, patience, and genuine attention—also elevate teams and transform organizations. She unpacks the pitfalls of tech-first thinking, the necessity of clean data and thoughtful workflows, and the human side of AI adoption that most companies overlook. Through candid reflections on entrepreneurship, single motherhood, reinvention, and hard-won humility, Amanda challenges leaders to slow down, listen deeply, and build operational foundations that empower people to do their best work—because sustainable growth starts with how you show up.
Key Timestamps:
(00:32) – Meet Amanda Dunklin: From Horse Barns to High Growth Tech
(07:49) – Building Better Humans Through Equestrian Training
(17:09) – Pivoting from Equestrian to Financial Services
(24:03) – Navigating Corporate Life and Embracing Change
(30:49) – Joining Switchboard: Embracing Digital Transformation
(36:16) – The Importance of Clarity in Business
(40:35) – The Role of AI in Modern Business
(44:35) – Lessons from Horses on Leadership
(55:49) – Rapid Fire Questions and Leadership Insights
(01:01:48) – Supporting Therapeutic Riding Programs
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website: https://www.withswitchboard.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-dunklin-7b78a8195/
Mentions:
Dare To Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. By Brené Brown
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty sits down with Sean Keller—a filmmaker-turned-leadership coach who helps high-capacity entrepreneurs realize that their real wilderness isn’t around them, it’s within them. Sean shares his unlikely journey from early creative acclaim and big-name clients to the moment everything collapsed in 2020, forcing him to confront the gap between the successful life he was building and the surrendered life he actually wanted. Together, they unpack why achievement can mask emptiness, how pruning becomes a gift, and why leaders can’t outrun the inner stories that shape their decisions. With depth, candor, and a surprising amount of hope, Sean reveals how his own wilderness season reshaped his faith, his identity, and his calling—and how he now walks alongside leaders to help them slow down, listen for God’s voice, and build lives defined not by striving, but by alignment, clarity, and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
• Pruning is essential for growth—letting go of good things is often required to make room for the right things.
• Surrender is not weakness—it’s how leaders move from striving to purposeful, grounded living.
• Growth requires discomfort; leaders who avoid tension miss their greatest opportunities for transformation.
Key Timestamps:
(00:53) – Meet Sean Keller: From Dream Career to Turning Point
(02:16) – The Journey to Success: Competitions and Big Breaks
(13:28) – Leadership Principles: Pruning and Wilderness
(27:27) – Navigating Leadership: Vulnerability and Calling
(33:32) – The Impact of COVID-19 on Business
(36:41) – A Period of Surrender and Reflection
(39:11) – Transition to Guiding Leaders Through the Wilderness
(42:29) – The Power of Vulnerability and Self-Reflection
(50:54) – Rapid Fire Questions
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Self-Leadership, Leadership Coaching, Leadership Clarity, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-keller-coach-creativedirector-founder/
Mentions: https://wilderstory.com/
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self by Michael Easter
Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by Jamie Winship
It Is Not Your Business to Succeed: Your Role in Leadership When You Can't Control Your Outcomes by Brandon Michael West
A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix by Edwin Friedman
https://www.hopestreetministry.org/
More of Leadership Unlocked:
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Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty goes solo to dismantle one of leadership’s most pervasive myths—the idea that an overloaded, reactive calendar is simply the price of effectiveness. Drawing on personal lessons, client stories, and striking CEO time-use data, he reveals the deeper truth: when a leader’s schedule is chaotic, the culture follows. In this episode, Dusty introduces his three-level intentional leadership system—anchoring your year with non-negotiables, theming your days to eliminate context switching, and protecting transitions so commitments actually get done—and shows how each layer silently teaches your team what truly matters. Through a vivid case study of a CEO spending nearly 80% of his time reacting to others, he demonstrates how a few disciplined shifts rebuilt execution and restored clarity. Rather than squeezing more into already packed days, Dusty invites leaders to rethink their role entirely: to plan before they react, design their rhythms deliberately, and lead with intention instead of urgency. For anyone drowning in meetings or frustrated that strategic work never happens, this episode reframes time as a leadership tool—and offers a clear, practical blueprint for using it well.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – The CEO's Time Management Crisis
(03:41) – Personal Struggles with Time Management
(05:11) – Building a System for Effective Time Management
(07:28) – The Three-Level Time Management System
(12:51) – Implementing Themed Days
(20:08) – Question 1: Handling Emergencies
(21:26) – Question 2: Setting Boundaries
(22:51) – Question 3: When to Start YOUR Day
(24:02) – Question 4: Using Technology to Guard Your Time
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Ideal Week Template: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VWFxkOGm05mb9DhAxCw84ERKN4pHVKYWlN6v6cvRapo/edit?gid=800587178#gid=800587178
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty is joined by Dr. Brian Hite—stunt performer, performance psychologist, and creator of the FACT Framework—for a conversation that reframes what it really means to thrive under pressure. With three decades spent being lit on fire, thrown from vehicles, training elite military units, and coaching high-stakes performers, Brian shares the pivotal realization that changed everything: pressure doesn’t live in the moment—it lives in the mind. Together, he and Dusty explore why failure is often the most valuable teacher, how our assumptions quietly shape our performance, and why the best leaders learn to separate the situation from the story they’re telling themselves about it. Brian introduces his FACT Framework—Focus, Arousal, Confidence, and Tenacity—revealing how these four elements help anyone stay calm, sharp, and fully present whether they’re stepping into a boardroom or a burning stunt rig. Through candid stories of circuitous career paths, hard resets, divorce, grit, and growth, Brian challenges leaders to rethink stress, redefine pressure, and cultivate the inner stability that makes them unshakeable when the stakes truly matter.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – Brian's Leadership Philosophy
(04:01) – The Value of Failure
(10:32) – Brian's Career Journey
(12:11) – Understanding High-Stakes Environments
(20:17) – The FACT Framework
(24:57) – Stress, Pressure, and Burnout
(39:34) – The Difference Between Stress and Pressure
(42:44) – Recognizing Indicators and Managing Arousal
(50:04) – The Role of Confidence and Tenacity
(01:03:09) – Exploring Burnout and Its Components
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website: https://brianhiteglobal.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianchite/
Mentions:
The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty Holcomb sits down with entrepreneur and former engineer Dustin Riechmann, whose story is a masterclass in courage, clarity, and reinvention. From watching his business collapse in 2020 to building a seven-figure enterprise through the power of podcast guesting, Dustin reveals how simplicity, not complexity, drives sustainable success. He shares the pivotal moments that reshaped his identity, the leadership lessons born from adversity, and the mindset shifts that turned setbacks into systems. This is a powerful conversation for anyone seeking to lead with authenticity, scale with purpose, and transform failure into momentum.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - Simplifying to Succeed
(04:00) - From Engineer to Entrepreneur
(10:00) - Lessons in Leadership Failure
(20:00) - Finding Identity Beyond Career
(32:00) - The Leadership Triangle
(35:00) - Why Simplicity Scales
(39:00) - Solving the Right Problems
(43:00) - Power of Community and Purpose
(49:00) - Faith, Service, and Legacy
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership, Entrepreneurship Transformation, Leadership Simplicity, Podcast Guesting Strategy, Mindset And Resilience, Authentic Leadership Growth
Mentions:
Website: https://7figureleap.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinriechmann
Mentions: 7-Figure Leap Podcast
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
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Dusty goes solo to expose one of the most misunderstood frustrations in leadership—the belief that execution problems stem from lazy teams, when in reality they almost always originate upstream with the leader. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and a striking real-world example from his time at AAA, he reveals the hidden truth behind stalled initiatives: when your team isn’t delivering what you envisioned, it’s rarely an execution failure—it’s a clarity or alignment gap. In this episode, Dusty introduces his Exceptional Leadership Framework, a deceptively simple but transformative model showing that clarity plus alignment naturally produce the execution leaders crave. He illustrates the subtle signs leaders miss—misaligned priorities, inconsistent standards, or constant escalation back to the boss—and shows how these symptoms point to gaps in vision, standards, purpose, and connection. Rather than pushing harder or micromanaging, Dusty invites listeners to rethink their role: to articulate success more clearly, connect the work to meaning, build systems that reinforce alignment, and empower people closest to the problems to make better decisions. For leaders who feel stuck repeating themselves, solving every issue, or watching projects drift off course, this episode offers a powerful reframing—and a clear roadmap—for turning frustration into executable momentum by upgrading how you lead, not how hard you push.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – The Exceptional Leadership Equation
(03:41) – Common Symptoms of Execution Gaps
(06:48) – A Real-World Example: AAA Case Study
(12:10) – Diagnostic Framework for Clarity and Alignment
(19:27) – Applying the Leadership Equation
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty sits down with Nolan Bradbury, a former CPA turned financial strategist who helps leaders realize that their biggest challenge isn’t money, it’s clarity. Nolan opens up about his journey from Big Four accounting to finding purpose in helping entrepreneurs define what freedom truly means. Together, they explore how clarity transforms decision-making, why “more” doesn’t always equal success, and how simplicity, not complexity, creates lasting growth. With honesty, humor, and heart, Nolan shares powerful lessons on leadership, accountability, and the courage to listen to what really matters.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - From CPA To Clarity
(04:30) - Discovering The Real Problem
(07:15) - Lessons From The Audit
(10:40) - Leadership And Integrity
(13:20) - Empowering Accountability Framework
(18:00) - Redefining Freedom And Success
(26:40) - The Rule Of Three And Ten
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership, Financial Clarity, Entrepreneur Freedom, Leadership Mindset, Accountability And Trust, Business Growth Strategies
Mentions:
Website: https://go.bradfieldco.com/freedom
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-bradbury
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty Holcomb sits down with Alan McLaren, CEO, entrepreneur, marketer, and self-proclaimed “Chief Squirrel Tamer.” Alan shares his 35-year leadership journey, from selling photocopiers door-to-door to leading global organizations and shaping modern leadership branding. Together, they unpack the real meaning of heart-centered leadership, how authenticity fuels influence, and why kindness and accountability are not opposites but essential partners in high performance. This conversation is a masterclass in leading with integrity, clarity, and impact, both in business and in life.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - Lessons From Sales Leadership
(07:00) - Leading Yourself First
(11:00) - Balancing Heart And Authority
(15:00) - Integrity And Workplace Culture
(20:00) - Lessons From Great Leaders
(27:00) - Redefining Accountability
(33:00) - Leadership Branding Explained
(39:00) - Building Trust Through Authenticity
(45:00) - Unlocking Your Leadership Voice
(51:00) - The Loneliness Of Leadership
(57:00) - Kindness Is Not Weakness
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership, Leadership Branding, Authentic Leadership, Heart-Centered Leadership, CEO Coaching, Building Trust At Scale
Mentions:
Website: https://strataoriginals.com/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/alanmclaren
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty goes solo to unpack one of the most pivotal turning points in a leader’s journey—the moment you realize that what got you here won’t get you where you’re meant to go next. Through raw personal stories and years of coaching senior leaders, he reveals the hidden signals of an inflection point: when the clarity in your head doesn’t translate into team execution, when every decision funnels back to you, and when you quietly sense you’ve hit the ceiling of your current capabilities. In this episode, Dusty introduces his Leadership Growth Readiness framework, a simple but piercing diagnostic that helps leaders determine whether they’re truly prepared to scale: clarity of vision, systems that support growth, and the humility to assess one’s own capability gap. Using vivid examples—including a leader who rediscovered his power after realizing he’d become the bottleneck—Dusty shows that real transformation doesn’t come from more effort but from upgrading the way you think, install systems, and develop others. It’s an invitation to step out of reactive leadership and into intentional, future-facing impact. For anyone feeling the tension between where they are and where they know they could be, this episode offers a roadmap to navigate the inflection point and become the unlocked leader their organization needs.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – The Moment of Realization
(02:10) – Warning Signs of Leadership Challenges
(05:03) – Personal Leadership Journey
(09:03) – Framework for Leadership Growth
(12:58) – Case Study: Mark's Transformation
(15:14) – Taking Action and Next Steps
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
https://leadershipgapassessment.scoreapp.com/
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty is joined by Brooke Greening—sales coach, business owner, and “Gracious Terminator”—for a conversation about transforming how we think about leadership, influence, and sales. With a master’s in counseling and two decades of sales experience, Brooke shares the pivotal story of standing up to toxic leadership and learning that confidence, results, and integrity are the foundation of real influence. Together, she and Dusty unpack how great leadership mirrors great sales: both are acts of service built on listening, trust, and clarity. Brooke introduces her SERVICE Framework—Set expectations, Establish rapport, Recognize the problem, Verbalize value, Identify objections, Create urgency, and Explain next steps—showing how it reframes sales from something you do to people into something you do for them. Through candid stories of resilience, faith, and hard-won lessons, Brooke challenges leaders to know who they are, own it, and lead with both compassion and conviction.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – Meet Brooke Greening: The Gracious Terminator
(06:24) – Building Trust and Leading Effectively
(16:19) – Brooke's Sales Philosophy
(18:30) – Redefining Sales: Service Over Manipulation
(27:12) – Shifting from Transactional to Relational Sales
(31:36) – Effective Sales Conversations: The SERVICE Framework
(40:20) – Establishing Genuine Rapport
(41:23) – Rapid Fire Questions
(44:35) – Daily Practices for Better Leadership
(45:29) – Debunking Leadership Myths
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website: https://buildingmomentum.info/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening/
Mentions:
https://scorecards.buildingmomentum.info/assessment
The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose by Matthew Kelly
Building A Storybrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
The Bible
The Business of Stories: Harness the power of storytelling to demonstrate your value, attract your ideal clients and get paid what you’re worth by Susan Payton
Marketing Made Simple: A Step-by-Step StoryBrand Guide for Any Business by Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty is joined by Molly Hunt—CEO of Ty Boyd, Inc. and lifelong student of connection—for a conversation about carrying forward her family’s legacy of helping people communicate with authenticity and heart. The daughter of legendary speaker Ty Boyd, Molly shares how her father’s kindness, humility, and unwavering belief that “it’s not about you” shaped both her leadership and her life. She reflects on growing up in the shadow of a celebrated communicator, finding her own voice through failure and resilience, and transforming nervous energy into purposeful presence. Together, Dusty and Molly explore what it means to lead and live with genuine connection—from turning everyday interactions into moments of dignity to replacing the inner critic with an inner coach. Along the way, Molly reveals how preparation builds confidence, why kindness is the ultimate form of influence, and how helping others feel seen can change teams, cultures, and lives. This episode is a masterclass in leading with empathy, communicating with clarity, and making impact through the power of authentic human connection.
Key Takeaways:
• “It’s not about you.” One of Ty Boyd’s greatest lessons—and now Molly’s guiding principle—is that true communication begins when the focus shifts from self to others.
• Kindness under pressure matters most. Whether leading a team or dealing with an airline counter agent, grace in stressful moments leaves a lasting impression.
• Purpose fuels passion. Once communication becomes mission-driven—about helping others feel seen and understood—it transcends performance.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – Meet Molly Hunt: CEO of Ty Boyd
(03:20) – The Legacy of Ty Boyd: Lessons in Kindness and Communication
(10:00) – The Power of Human Connection
(14:54) – Overcoming Public Speaking Nerves
(20:14) – Molly's Journey to Becoming a Communicator
(24:08) – Lessons from Golf: Embracing Failure and Resilience
(29:16) – The Importance of Preparation and Passion
(34:14) – Transformative Stories and Personal Growth
(38:36) – Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Self-Leadership, Leadership Coaching, Leadership Clarity, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website: https://tyboyd.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-hunt-175b7518/
Mentions:
The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self by Michael Easter
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty goes solo to challenge one of leadership’s most common traps—the instinct to swoop in and solve every problem. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and real-world research, he reveals how rescuing team members doesn’t make them stronger—it makes them dependent. In this episode, Dusty introduces his Choice Enablement Model, a practical framework that replaces control with empowerment and transforms teams from compliant followers into confident decision-makers. Through candid stories—including the painful lesson of trying to “save” a high performer who ultimately failed—he shows how great leaders don’t create success for others; they create the conditions where others can choose success for themselves. Dusty breaks down the three core responsibilities of every leader: providing the right information, expanding perspective, and creating accountability that honors choice. It’s a mindset shift from being the hero who fixes everything to the builder who multiplies capability. For leaders ready to scale impact without carrying everything alone, this episode offers a roadmap to move from problem-solver to choice-enabler—and build something that lasts.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – The Problem with Solving Problems
(03:54) – The Choice Enablement Model
(06:47) – Creating Space for New Perspectives
(09:59) – Accountability and Consequences
(15:13) – Practical Steps for Leaders
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Entrepreneur and digital nomad Leo Gestetner shares his incredible journey from building his first business at age 13 to leading global ventures and redefining what balance, purpose, and adaptability mean in life and business. He opens up about learning to pivot, both professionally and personally, embracing growth, staying fit in body and mind, and finding fulfillment beyond success. Leo’s reflections on resilience, reinvention, and staying present will leave listeners ready to embrace change and chase meaning over perfection.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - First Business Beginnings
(03:00) - Learning To Pivot
(06:00) - Redefining Focus And Growth
(10:00) - Launching Healthy Habits App
(17:00) - Becoming A Digital Nomad
(20:00) - Lessons In Balance
(30:00) - Fatherhood And Purpose
(33:00) - Mindset And Perspective
(36:00) - Lessons From Struggle
(39:00) - Books And Inspiration
(43:00) - Habits And Movement
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership, Leo Gestetner Interview, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Digital Nomad Lifestyle, Pivoting In Business, Life Balance And Growth
Mentions:
Website: https://leogestetner.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leogestetner
Mentions: A Founder’s Life Podcast
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty is joined by Terry Dunn—seasoned CEO and global business leader—for a conversation about trading the demands of the boardroom for the deeper purpose of helping leaders lead better. After 35 years building teams in more than 30 countries and steering companies through transformation and turnaround, Terry now dedicates his work to guiding executives toward clarity, composure, and results that last. He reflects on the formative lessons that shaped his calm, grounded approach to leadership—including learning to master anger as a teenager—and how that discipline evolved into his hallmark of leading with steadiness under pressure. Terry and Dusty unpack the four pillars of scalable leadership: vision, culture, delegation, and accountability, revealing how each one empowers people and eliminates the friction that holds organizations back. Along the way, they explore why trust is built through consistency, how great leaders make others successful, and what it takes to create self-accountable teams that drive lasting impact. This episode is a blueprint for leading with clarity, scaling with purpose, and becoming the kind of leader people choose to follow.
Key Timestamps:
(02:29) – Lessons Learned the Hard Way
(05:12) – Building Trust and Confidence
(17:54) – Vision: The Cornerstone of Leadership
(23:23) – Culture: The Heartbeat of an Organization
(34:19) – Effective Delegation: Empowering Your Team
(38:52) – Creating Clarity in Delegation
(44:03) – Accountability in Organizations
(49:02) – Self-Accountability and Leadership
(01:00:51) – Rapid Fire Questions and Leadership Insights
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedunn/
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty goes solo to unpack one of the most frustrating questions in leadership—why don’t people just do what they’re supposed to do? After nearly three decades leading teams, he’s learned it’s almost never an execution problem—it’s a clarity problem. In this episode, Dusty shares his Rules of Engagement framework, a simple but powerful tool that transforms miscommunication into alignment and builds the trust every great team depends on. Through a candid story about being called out by a team member during a one-on-one meeting, he illustrates how clarity creates safety, accountability, and respect. From defining personal values and communication styles to setting expectations and non-negotiables, Dusty walks listeners through the seven elements that help eliminate leadership frustration before it happens. This isn’t theory—it’s a blueprint for creating the kind of culture where feedback is safe, alignment is clear, and everyone knows exactly how to win together.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – The Real Problem: Communication, Not Execution
(02:01) – The Apple Watch Story: A Lesson in Clarity
(04:59) – Creating Your Leadership Decoder Ring
(08:10) – The Seven Components of a Great Rules of Engagement Guide
(20:36) – Practical Tips for Implementing Rules of Engagement
(23:27) – Q&A: Addressing Common Concerns
(28:06) – Conclusion: Leadership is Simple but Not Easy
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
https://myrulesofengagement.com
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty is joined by Dr. Lani Jones—clinical psychologist, executive advisor, and entrepreneur—for a conversation about walking away from the security of a children’s hospital career to build a life and business on her own terms. Lani shares how burnout in the healthcare system forced her to confront the difference between loving her work and losing herself in the noise of climbing ladders and checking boxes. That turning point led her into private practice, then into coaching high-performing leaders through the same struggles of identity, balance, and purpose. She reflects on the myth of work-life balance, the power of viewing life in seasons, and why leaders must reclaim their agency by aligning their calendars with their deepest priorities. Along the way, Dusty and Lani explore the isolation of leadership, the courage required to live well, and how intentional self-leadership creates the freedom to lead others with greater impact. This episode will challenge you to reject success defined by others, embrace the tension of growth, and design a life that actually feels like freedom.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – Dr. Lani Jones: From Clinical Psychologist to Executive Advisor
(05:59) – The Reality of Burnout and Career Shifts
(12:59) – Navigating Leadership Isolation and Seeking Mentorship
(15:12) – The Myth of Work-Life Balance
(19:13) – The Importance of Self-Leadership and Intentional Choices
(27:20) – Reframing Endings: Embracing Transitions
(33:59) – Navigating Personal and Professional Growth
(42:13) – Rapid Fire Questions
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website: https://drlanijones.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlanijones/
Mentions:
Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward by Dr. Henry Cloud
Beginner's Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Bohannon
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty is joined by Jason VanDevere—entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Goal Crazy Planner—for a conversation about trading the security of a fourth-generation family car dealership for the uncertainty of chasing a dream. Jason shares how his search for a tool to align daily habits with big-picture goals sparked the idea for his planner, eventually growing into a bestselling product, coaching programs, and his new book Dream Driven. He reflects on lessons learned from his father’s leadership, the discipline of time-blocking and boundaries, and the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors who sharpen your perspective. Along the way, Jason and Dusty explore the traps entrepreneurs fall into—like overwork disguised as passion—and why clarity, dreaming big, and the courage to say no are essential to building a business that fuels the life you actually want. This episode will challenge you to redefine success on your own terms, embrace discomfort as a sign of growth, and lead yourself first so you can better serve others.
Key Timestamps:
(01:32) – Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship
(08:54) – Lessons from the Family Business
(20:04) – Dreaming Big and Setting Goals
(28:39) – The Importance of Dreaming
(32:50) – Curating a Mentor Network
(42:41) – The Journey of Writing a Book
(46:36) – Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship
(47:54) – Debunking Entrepreneurial Myths
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website: https://goalcrazyplanners.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonvandevere/
Mentions:
The Magic Of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty takes us deep into the defining “keystone moments” that shape who we are as leaders. From overcoming setbacks and defying expectations to standing firm in the face of doubt, he reveals how challenges become the very building blocks of strength, resilience, and clarity. With powerful personal stories and timeless lessons, this episode shows that leadership isn’t about being born with talent—it’s about learning, reflecting, and choosing to grow.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - Power of Keystone Moments
(03:00) - Homeschooling Lessons
(09:00) - Reflection and Growth Tools
(10:00) - Lessons on Confrontation
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership, Keystone Moments Leadership, Overcoming Leadership Challenges, Personal Growth Stories, Resilient Leadership Journey, Lessons In Leadership Development
Resources:
Keystone Moments Journal
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com
Dusty is joined by Bill Foran—the NBA’s longest-tenured strength and conditioning coach—for a conversation about the lessons behind four decades of building champions with the Miami Heat. Bill shares his unlikely path from small-town PE teacher to coaching legends like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, revealing how a love for developing athletes—not just drawing up plays—became his driving force. He reflects on the influence of mentors, the transformative leadership of Pat Riley, and the origins of the Heat’s famed “culture” rooted in accountability, fundamentals, and relentless effort. Along the way, Bill and Dusty unpack why recovery, sleep, and nutrition matter as much as hard training, how eliminating bad habits separates the good from the great, and why genuine connection is the key to unlocking potential in others. This episode will inspire you to rethink leadership as service, embrace the power of consistency, and recognize that caring deeply is what sustains lasting impact on and off the court.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – From High School to College
(05:20) – The Transition to Professional Sports
(08:17) – Pat Riley's Influence and Leadership
(18:48) – The Importance of Fundamentals and Conditioning
(24:54) – Mindset Differences: Good vs. Great
(29:33) – The Two Key Questions for Success
(32:35) – The Story of Keith Askins
(35:48) – Heat Culture and Its Impact
(37:41) – Lessons from Coaching to Parenting
(44:40) – Daily Practices for Success
(49:13) – Leadership Myths
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Bio: https://www.nba.com/heat/bio/bill-foran
Mentions:
High-Performance Sports Conditioning by Bill Foran
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com