In this introduction to Unfolding Thought business meditations, Eric Pratum shares what makes this series of episodes different and why it might be just what you need to spark new ideas and gain actionable insights.

Designed for busy professionals, these short, focused meditations offer a unique opportunity to explore new concepts, strategies, and ways of thinking in just 10 minutes a day. Whether you’re commuting, preparing for your day, or taking a quiet moment to reflect, these sessions provide practical tools and thought-provoking exercises that you can adapt and apply immediately.

If you’ve ever started a business book but struggled to finish, or if you’re looking for concise, impactful ways to grow as a leader and thinker, this series is for you.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The purpose and structure of Unfolding Thought.
• Why short meditations can be more effective than lengthy books or training sessions.
• The focus on exploration, reflection, and actionable insights for busy professionals.

Links:

• Learn more: https://unfoldingthought.com
• Contact Eric: [email protected]

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts about this episode or ideas for future meditations? Share them with us on social media or email Eric at [email protected].

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum sits down with Jess Villegas, a business performance consultant and founder of Acuity Business Consulting. Jess shares his journey from accounting to leadership and consulting, offering insights into the power of intentionality, preparation, and belief in others.

Through sharing his experiences, Jess discusses the importance of balancing big-picture vision with hands-on problem-solving, the value of mentorship and trust, and the hard decisions leaders must sometimes make to improve team and organizational performance. Jess’s reflections on leadership, personal growth, and the lessons he’s learned along the way will resonate with anyone seeking to lead with purpose and build stronger teams.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The role of preparation and intentionality in leadership success.
• Stories about impactful mentorship and lessons learned from both good and bad bosses.
• Jess’s concept of balancing “30,000-foot” strategic thinking with “3,000-foot” operational detail.
• His podcast, The Leader’s Commute, and the idea of evolving context in leadership experiences.

Links:

• Jess Villegas’s business: https://acuitybusiness.consulting
• Jess’s podcast: https://acuitybusiness.consulting/leaders-commute

Connect with Jess Villegas:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-villegas/
• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Jeremy Nulik takes us on a journey from his childhood fascination with unseen systems to his work as a practitioner of strategic foresight. Jeremy explains how foresight helps leaders make deliberate, inspired decisions by uncovering hidden forces that influence behavior and strategy. He shares powerful insights into how creating and exploring images of the future can clarify priorities, embolden leadership, and align strategies with long-term visions.

From meaningful childhood moments to immersive projects like Houston’s tricentennial celebration simulation, Jeremy illustrates how understanding the connection between the past, present, and future can transform individuals and organizations alike. Tune in to hear how you can reconnect with purpose, refine your vision, and craft meaningful strategies for a resilient future.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The immersive foresight experience for Houston’s Tricentennial celebration, focusing on the city’s built environment and its adaptation to long-term climate challenges.
• Insights into the strategic foresight program at the University of Houston.
• Links to the report on the Houston foresight exercise.

Links:

• University of Houston Strategic Foresight Program: https://www.uh.edu/provost/university-committees/futures-studies/
• Houston Tricentennial Report - Foresight Exercise: https://share.hsforms.com/23qE9y7R5TbSa18c17gIrCA2h4f6
• Bigwidesky: https://bigwidesky.com

Connect with Jeremy Nulik:

• Website: https://www.jeremynulik.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremynulik/

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts about this episode? Share them with us on social media or by leaving a review.

In this debut episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum presents a recorded version of a session he typically presents in person. We dive into how mindfulness can transform the way leaders make decisions in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world. Drawing on research from psychology and leadership studies, this episode explores how mindfulness helps us stay present, manage distractions, and make thoughtful, effective decisions.

We’ll discuss the difference between mindlessness and mindfulness, the impact of emotional flooding on decision-making, and practical exercises to improve focus and clarity. Learn how leaders can use mindfulness to strengthen their mental “muscles” for high-stakes meetings, strategic thinking, and daily leadership challenges.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The role of mindfulness in reducing emotional flooding, inspired by the research of the Gottman Institute.
• Key insights from psychologist Daniel Kahneman on attention and focus.
• Practical mindfulness exercises to enhance decision-making.
• Jonathan Haidt’s “elephant and rider” metaphor from The Happiness Hypothesis and its relevance to conscious decision-making.

Links:

• Gottman Institute on Emotional Flooding: https://www.gottman.com/
• Jonathan Haidt’s The Happiness Hypothesis: https://www.happinesshypothesis.com/
• This episode in article form: https://inboundandagile.com/better-decision-making-for-leaders-through-mindfulness/

Join the Conversation:

Have questions or insights to share about mindfulness in leadership? Email me at [email protected] or join the conversation on social media. Let us know how mindfulness has impacted your leadership journey.

The Unfolding Thought Podcast is driven by a provocative question: why do we—and the groups we form—think and act the way we do? The problem is that we often assume we understand ourselves and others, confident in our beliefs about consciousness, motivation, and behavior. Yet, much of what shapes us—our thoughts, choices, and actions—remains hidden, misunderstood, or ignored.

The truth is, we are influenced by deeper, unseen forces—patterns, biases, and contexts we rarely question. By uncovering these forces, we can better understand the motivations that drive us and the connections that shape our world. Each episode peels back these layers, helping you see yourself and others more clearly while exploring practical insights to navigate relationships, rethink assumptions, and inspire meaningful change.

Join us on a journey to challenge your assumptions, uncover new perspectives, and take action to connect more authentically—with yourself, others, and the collective forces that shape our shared experience.