High-performing teams don’t fail because of effort—they fail because of misalignment. In this episode of Innovation Unplugged, Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton sit downwith Wes Chenault of Durbin Leadership to explore how great leaders diagnose invisible barriers, build relational equity, and align their teams for decisive execution.This Two-Part episode delivers a practical blueprint for leaders who want to move beyond reaction and into intentional command—developing people, resolving conflict atits root, and creating the alignment required to execute with confidence. Because when the team is in the right formation, the right play becomes obvious—and executionbecomes unstoppable.

What separates leaders who create momentum from those who create bottlenecks? In this episode of Innovation Unplugged, Houston Blackwood sits down with Dan Durbin ofDurbin Leadership to unpack the real work of leadership—building capacity, developing people, and creating systems that outlast any one individual.

Episode 88 of Innovation Unplugged explores how Flawless Delivery strengthens frontline workforce training by centering empathy, communication, and engagement—skills that elevate performance across the hospitality industry. Guests Dr. Ryan-Cate Gibson and Thea Harvey-Barrett discuss how this human-skills training pairs seamlessly with Skills for Success hospitality courses in food and beverage, hotel operations, and barista service, creating a well-rounded professional development pathway. Together, these complementary offerings equip colleges to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant training that improves morale, retention, and customer experience for hospitality professionals.

This episode of Innovation Unplugged highlights how the City of Foley invested in its people through CDL training delivered in partnership with Bishop State CommunityCollege and Skills for Success. City employees share what it meant to commit to training during time off, the discipline required to succeed, and how earning a CDL strengthens both their careers and public service. It’s a powerful look at how workforce investment, culture, and leadership come together to deliver real community impact.

In this episode of Innovation Unplugged, Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton talk with Ebony Horton Bradley about why leadership is less about position and more about thestories we tell. Drawing on her background in journalism and higher education, Ebony unpacks how presence, humility, and narrative shape culture, motivate teams, and bringmission statements to life. This conversation challenges leaders to think beyond metrics and focus on the impact their words and actions leave behind.

In Episode 85, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton sit down with Joseph Metz, Skills for Success Coordinator at Coastal Alabama Community College, to explore how workforce training is opening doors for students, job seekers, and individuals in recovery or correctional settings. Joseph shares his journey from recruiting to workforce development and the passion that drives his work. He discusses how Skills for Success courses at Coastal are helping students gain confidence, earn credentials, and step into careers with real opportunity.This episode offers a look at how genuine support, practical training, and a commitment to opportunity can change lives across Alabama’s communities.

In Episode 84, host Houston Blackwood meets with Doug Layton, who shares his extraordinary journey from serving a 20-year prison sentence to rebuilding his life through hard work, humility, and second chances.Doug opens up about his struggles, the events that led to a life sentence, and the moment everything changed. After walking out of prison, he faced the challenges of reentry head-on like securing his first job, taking on side work, and eventually earning his CDL.His story is a powerful reminder of resilience, redemption, and the opportunities that open when someone is willing to start again. This episode shines a light on what’s possible when communities support second chances and individuals commit to rebuilding their lives one step at a time.

In Episode 83, hosts Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton talk with Perry Goins, Staff Development Manager with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, about how Alabama is strengthening and preparing its mental health workforce through modern training and statewide partnerships. Perry highlights how the department is using the Skills for Success Mental Health Worker course offered through Shelton State Community College, a hybrid training model that blends online modules with real-world scenarios. This course has improved retention, strengthened morale, and created a consistent skill set for new employees entering Alabama’s mental health facilities.The episode also looks ahead at how technology, early career exposure, and continued innovation will help prepare the next generation of mental health professionals across Alabama.

In Episode 82, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton share how the ACCS Innovation Center’s Career Readiness division is transforming career education across Alabama.What began as a small pilot has grown to reach 124 of Alabama’s 143 school systems, where students can now use Skills for Success courses for career exploration and as a way to earn their Career Readiness Indicators (CRIs).This episode highlights how the Innovation Center’s Career Readiness division continues to expand opportunities for students across the state, preparing the next generation for success in both college and the workforce.

In Episode 81, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton sit down with Ryan Ales to share his inspiring story of career transformation through taking the Skills for Success Fiber Optics Technician and Installer course with Coastal Alabama Community College.After years in the restaurant industry with long hours and little stability, Ryan decided it was time for change. After completing the course, he gained the skills and confidence to transition into the IT field and landed a job with Uniti Fiber.Ryan shares how the program’s flexibility, practical training, and support helped him build a career that provides not only financial stability but also more time with his daughter and a better quality of life. His story is a reminder that the right training and the courage to start over can open doors to new opportunities.