Leadership Unlocked: How Wise Leaders Win in an Era of AI

Dusty is joined by Eddie Geller, a three-time founder, CEO of SKOR, and lifelong champion of people-first leadership. Their conversations centers around how culture can be a company’s greatest asset—when it’s clearly defined, consistently measured, and courageously lived. Eddie shares hard-won lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including what happens when you over-index on product at the expense of people, and why managers—not just executives—hold the keys to shaping day-to-day culture. He breaks down the three pillars of a thriving workplace—cohesion, clarity, and courage—and explains how even small shifts in language and leadership habits can lead to major gains in trust, performance, and morale. From failed product launches to culture comebacks, Eddie makes the case that great teams aren’t built by accident—they’re built with intention. Whether you’re leading a startup, a department, or just trying to show up better for your people, this episode will challenge you to get clear on what culture really means—and to lead with curiosity, transparency, and heart.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Eddie's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Journey

(08:22) – Lessons from Failure: The Story of Eddie's Father

(14:50) – Balancing Product and Customer Focus

(20:15) – The Genesis of SKOR

(30:35) – The Role of Leaders and Managers in Organizational Success

(32:41) – The Importance of Clear and Relatable Assessments

(35:29) – Learning from Feedback and Evolving Leadership Strategies

(38:26) – The Impact of Transparency and Open Communication

(46:00) – 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://www.getskor.com/about 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiegeller/ 

SKOR Culture Report: https://www.getskor.com/stateofculture 

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

Dusty goes solo to share how one quote kickstarted a daily rhythm that’s shaped his leadership for nearly 30 years. It all began on the third shift at a call center—one quote, one email, one moment of reflection. That small practice grew into a lifelong discipline of reading, thinking, and writing, and became a way to stay grounded, sharpen perspective, and serve others. He unpacks why influence—not title—is the true measure of leadership, and reflects on the wisdom of John Maxwell, Martin Luther King Jr., C.S. Lewis, and others who’ve guided his path. This episode is a reminder that leadership starts with self-leadership—and that small, intentional habits done daily are what truly move us forward.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – The Importance of Self-Care for Leaders

(02:00) – My Journey into Leadership

(03:32) – The Birth of a Daily Discipline

(04:09) – Expanding the Practice

(05:46) – The Evolution of a Habit

(07:37) – The Power of Reflection and Writing

(08:54) – The Essence of Leadership

(11:41) – Practical Tips for Daily Reflection

(15:48) – The Influence of Quotes

(20:14) – Leadership is Intentionality

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:

Atomic Habits by James Clear 

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

Dusty is joined by Raquel Braganza, a transformational coach and joy strategist, for a powerful conversation on reclaiming joy as a daily, deliberate practice—especially for leaders and caregivers who often pour from an empty cup. Raquel shares moving stories from her clients, including a mother who found light in a dark season by throwing a “cat party” with her children, and executives who rediscovered joy through simple rituals like music-filled showers and warm towels. She explains how choosing joy isn’t about perfection or privilege—it’s about presence, agency, and designing a life that reflects your values. From redefining success to embracing emotion as a strength, Raquel invites listeners to treasure hunt for joy in the everyday. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or simply trying to lead yourself well, this episode will challenge and encourage you to create moments of joy on purpose—and to believe that you are more than your circumstances.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Meet Raquel Braganza

(03:51) – The Power of Rituals and Small Joys

(07:39) – Joy as a Leadership Tool

(10:39) – Creating Personalized Joy Moments

(16:35) – Balancing Joy and Misery

(30:06) – The Transformation of Seeking Joy

(34:41) – Embracing Joy in the Mundane

(38:08) – The Exhaustion of Leadership

(53:44) – 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:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-braganza/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquelbraganza_lifecoach
Joy Coaching Gift: https://www.poweredbyjoy.coach

Mentions: https://dustyholcomb.com/2019/02/27/circle-of-concern-vs-circle-of-control/

Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial by Tony Robbins

Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team by Simon Sinek

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

Dusty breaks down one of the most overlooked traps in leadership: the urge to rescue. Drawing from real-world coaching conversations and timeless wisdom from Viktor Frankl, Dusty unpacks what happens when leaders carry the emotional weight of their team's problems—and why it backfires. You’ll learn how to use powerful questions to redirect responsibility, reinforce agency, and build a culture of accountability. This isn’t just theory—it’s a practical leadership judo move you can start using today to empower your team and protect your energy.

Key Takeaways:

• Why solving every problem makes you a rescuer, not a leader

• How to redirect challenges back to your team to foster growth and accountability

• The leadership questions that unlock personal agency and avoid burnout

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Confusing Leadership With Rescue

(01:00) – The Performance Review Dilemma

(03:00) – Reclaiming Agency Through Simple Questions

(04:30) – The Doom Cycle of Fixer Leaders and Problem Identifiers

(05:30) – Viktor Frankl and the Gap Between Stimulus and Response

(06:30) – Don’t Accept the Monkey: How to Restore Team Accountability

(07:30) – Packaging Problems With Solutions

(09:00) – “What Can You Do? What Will You Do?”

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:

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, Harvard Business Review – Who’s Got the Monkey?

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

Dusty sits down with Chuck Hall, the chairman of Vitality Living and founder of Charles Hall Construction, to explore his incredible journey—from his childhood hustle of working on the docks with his dad in Rhode Island to building a company that now employs over 2,300 people across 11 states. He opens up about being fired, starting over at 32, and the lessons he learned about vision, mentorship, and living a Life by Design. Highlights include his philosophy on mentorship, facing pivotal challenges, and creating meaningful change in the lives of aging adults. Hall also talks about his passion for ensuring dignity and quality of life for seniors, his personal passions, and the power of leading with authenticity and purpose. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an executive, or simply someone trying to lead with more clarity and impact, Chuck’s story will leave you challenged and inspired to “be the leader you wish you had.”

Key Takeaways:

• How Chuck Hall built a purpose-driven company supporting 2,300+ team members

• The power of mentorship, peer accountability, and Life by Design

• Why intentional leadership starts with curiosity, humility, and action

Key Timestamps:

(01:00) – Chuck’s Early Entrepreneurial Spark

(05:45) – Lessons From Family and Building With Grit

(10:30) – Getting Fired and Founding Charles Hall Construction

(16:00) – Mentorship and Showing up With Authenticity

(24:00) – Crossing the Threshold: Helping Others Lead

(26:00) – Life by Design: Chuck’s Strategic Visioning Framework

(36:30) – Vitality Living and Scaling With Purpose

(43:00) – Favorite Memory Care Moments

(47:00) – The Power of Saying “No” to Stay Aligned

(50:00) – Developing Leaders Through Boundaries and Ownership

(54:00) – Rapid Fire: Books, Failures, and Passions

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://www.vitalityseniorliving.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-hall-53a259/

Mentions: Alzheimer’s Association, Invisible Wounds Foundation, Freedom & Whiskey, YPO, The Surrender Experiment, Atlas Shrugged

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

What if your greatest leadership superpower wasn’t your voice—but your questions? In this episode of Leadership Unlocked, Dusty unpacks the single best advice he ever received: be interested, not interesting. From a homeschool upbringing that sparked lifelong curiosity to a game-changing moment inspired by Jim Collins and Peter Drucker, Dusty shares how learning to ask the right questions transformed his leadership. He explains why curiosity builds trust, why humility fuels influence, and how flipping your "questions-to-statements" ratio can unlock untapped growth in your team. If you’ve ever felt pressure to perform or prove yourself in leadership, this episode is a powerful reminder that insight starts when we stop trying to impress—and start seeking to understand. Great leaders don’t have all the answers; they ask better questions. This one shift could be your leadership unlock.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Be Interested, Not Interesting

(01:17) - The Power of Curiosity in Leadership

(01:49) - When Dusty’s Story Began

(03:45) - Implementing Curiosity in Leadership

(05:22) - What Jim Collins and Peter Drucker Taught Me

(08:49) - The Impact of Asking 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

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ or https://leadershipunlockedpodcast.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

Dusty welcomes Bridgett McMahan, President of BESCO, for a powerful conversation about leadership, confidence, and community. Bridgett shares the transformative impact of the book Gravitas and how it empowered her as a new leader in a male-dominated industry. She discusses the importance of assembling a trusted "Gold Team" to lead collaboratively, her leadership superpower of listening, and the loneliness that can come with executive roles. Bridgett also advocates for CASA, an organization giving vulnerable children a voice in the judicial system, and reminds us that sometimes the best thing a leader can do is simply say “yes” and try.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence doesn't come from always knowing the answers—it comes from believing you belong in the room. That belief can shift how you're perceived and how you lead.

• The lonely moments of leadership aren’t a sign of failure—they’re a sign you’re carrying real weight. Building a team that shares the load can change everything.

• Confidence isn’t gendered, but women often face unique challenges in claiming space. Books like Gravitas provide language and support to overcome those barriers.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Meet Bridget McMahon: From Law to Leadership

(05:17) – Finding Purpose and Building Relationships

(20:39) – Defining Leadership Moments

(28:51) – The Turning Point: Advocating for Myself

(31:52) – Unexpected Boardroom Moment

(38:19) – Trusting Your Gut Instinct

(43:30) – Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Advice

(54:47) – Supporting CASA: Advocating for Children

(57:14) – Final Thoughts on Leadership and Growth

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: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgett-mcmahan-1a0a23236/ 

Mentions: 

Gravitas: How to Communicate with Confidence, Influence and Authority by Caroline Goyder

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

Dusty Holcomb breaks down three of the most common leadership blind spots he sees every week in coaching sessions with high-performing teams, seasoned executives, and fast-scaling founders. With clarity and conviction, he unpacks how these often-unseen patterns quietly derail execution, dilute energy, and create frustration. Drawing from real-world experience, Dusty explores the cost of vague expectations, the gap between agreement and true commitment, and the consequences of a weak accountability culture. Through practical examples and sharp insight, he shares a framework for leading with intention—clarifying the "what by when," confirming alignment, and following through with consistency. This episode is a candid reminder that leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being clear, committed, and courageous enough to say the important things until they echo.

Key Takeaways:

• Alignment isn’t just about agreement; it’s about commitment to deliver and take ownership of the result.

• Accountability cultures thrive when people hold themselves responsible—but leaders must reinforce it through consistent follow-up.

• All three blind spots—lack of clarity, misaligned commitment, and weak accountability—are fixable, but only if leaders are willing to see and address them directly.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Leadership Blind Spots

(01:03) – Blind Spot #1: Lack of Clarity

(05:59) – Blind Spot #2: Misalignment

(07:53) – Blind Spot #3: Weak Accountability Culture

(12:53) – Bonus Insight: The Power of Repetition

(14:36) – Practical Tips

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

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

Today on Leadership Unlocked, Gene Boehm, President and CEO of AAA, joins Dusty and shares the experiences, values, and lessons that shape his leadership philosophy, emphasizing clarity, empowerment, and authenticity. From childhood stories and career setbacks to learning resilience during the Enron scandal and embracing feedback, Boehm highlights the transformative power of self-awareness, mentorship, and organizational culture. He champions vision over micromanagement, exemplified by initiatives like the “I Love My Job” campaign, which fostered pride and engagement across AAA. Passionate about safety and reducing roadside fatalities, he calls for greater advocacy and coalition-building. Boehm underscores the importance of emotional connection, storytelling, and gratitude in leadership, drawing on personal rituals like daily running and annual marathons to stay grounded. With insights ranging from literary inspiration to practical frameworks for growth, he encourages aspiring leaders to lead with heart, intention, and humility—always beginning and ending with thank you.

Key Takeaways:

• Worry is wasted energy. Gene learned early on—from a Mellencamp lyric and a childhood story—that letting go of guilt and fear is crucial to leading effectively.

• Metrics aren't everything. While important, Gene believes vision and emotional connection ultimately drive success more than numbers.

• Symbols can spark culture. The “I Love My Job” t-shirt started as a morale booster and evolved into a movement of pride and positivity.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Gene's Leadership Principles

(05:44) – Gene's Journey to Becoming CEO of AAA

(08:13) – Defining Moments and Lessons in Leadership

(21:12) – The 'I Love My Job' T-Shirt Story

(26:26) – A Memorable First Day at Walgreens

(32:41) – Rapid Fire Leadership Insights

(39:17) – Building Relationships and Career Advancement

(44:27) – Saving Lives and Reducing Traffic Fatalities

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:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-boehm-1581532/

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]

In this episode of Leadership Unlocked, we explore the powerful concept of the “BS flag” — a simple, symbolic tool used to build a culture of candor, clarity, and accountability on leadership teams. Drawing inspiration from football, where a penalty flag stops play and signals a rule violation, the BS flag empowers team members to safely and respectfully call out issues in real time, including those caused by the leader. Dusty shares how this tool transformed his own leadership meetings, eliminated the "HiPPO problem" (highest paid person's opinion), and created a space where truth could be spoken without fear. He breaks down the four essential qualities of a BS-free culture — safety, expectation, equality, and consistency — and offers actionable ways to introduce this concept into your team. If you're ready to make the invisible visible and foster a culture where anyone can stop the play to do the right thing, this episode is for you.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - The BS Flag

(05:09) - Powerful Teams Surface Problems, Not Hide Them

(06:42) - The Four Pillars of BS Free Workplaces

(09:53) - Practical Steps to Introduce the BS Flag

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

More of Leadership Unlocked:

Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/

Contact me at [email protected]