Unlocked with Skot Waldron

Avoiding feedback to "protect" trust? Bad news. You're breaking it.

In this episode, Jeff Hancher hands you the playbook for turning hard talks into trust-building wins. His expectations + feedback + accountability framework takes the mystery out of feedback and replaces it with results.

You'll learn why being effective beats being right and how a few smart habits can flip your culture from stressed to strong. If you want to keep your people and grow them at the same time, start here.

00:00 Cold open: Running from poverty, the military, and tin-can car floors 06:00 Being right vs. being effective. Only one wins in feedback 07:00 The nickel story: Poverty to GI Bill to first sales job 14:00 Feedback is gold… and fragile 19:00 The framework: Expectations, Feedback, Accountability 20:45 The mint role-play: Earning the right to give tough feedback 25:00 Picking the right tool: Supportive, Collaborative, or Directive 27:00 F.E.A.R. in leaders: Fallout, Emotion, Amateur moves

Website: www.jeffhancher.com Book: Firm Feedback in a Fragile World Book Release June 17, 2025 www.firmfeedbackbook.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hancher Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechampionforum Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeff.hancher YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jeffhancher

Think frustration is just anger? Think again. In this episode, Andrew Oxley breaks down the Four Faces of Frustration (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue) and hands you a simple filter for leading when emotions get loud. You'll discover why self-diagnosing under stress rarely works, how to run the people vs. task and speed up vs. slow down tests, and the one question every leader needs to ask: "What's it like to be on the other side of you?" We also tackle the difference between problems to solve and tensions to manage, the First Law of Problem-Solving, and a practical path to influence: serve the people you already have. Clear. Actionable. Memorable.

00:00 – Cold open & setup 03:07 – "The least frustrating interview" (ironic hook) 03:48 – Why frustration? Making complex ideas simple (Mark Twain shout-out) 05:55 – Are these literal faces? Not all frustration = anger 08:20 – The tour: Red (intense), Yellow (optimistic), Green (quiet), Blue (worried) 10:50 – How to know your face; why self-diagnosis fails 11:10 – Two quick axes: People vs. Task; Speed Up vs. Slow Down 17:40 – The question: "What's it like to be on the other side of you?" 18:44 – Why the book is a fable (story vs. lecture) 22:27 – How long it is and how to use it 25:56 – Can we eliminate frustration? Problems vs. Tensions 27:41 – First Law of Problem-Solving: long-running issues = you're managing, not solving 30:00 – Mission over paycheck: engaging younger teams without the doom loop 31:14 – Litmus test: "Is it effective?" and why leaders change first 33:35 – Where to get it: Amazon + free copy via live workshop (transformingresults.com) 34:16 – "Serve, serve, serve" and the real measure of influence

Website: https://www.transformingresults.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oxley-tog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.oxley.758 Twitter/X: https://x.com/AndrewOxley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewoxley-theoxleygroup

Younger generations aren't "the problem", but misunderstanding them might be.

In this conversation with pathfinding coach Hillary Spiritos, we unpack why older leaders and younger employees keep talking past each other… and how to bridge that gap. If you've ever been frustrated by "lack of loyalty" or felt like you had to follow a career path you didn't choose, this episode is for you.

Hillary helps young adults define success on their own terms, build self-trust, and find the courage to pivot when life changes the plan. We talk about fierce living (without being combative), why traditional career advice can fall flat, and how leaders can stop losing young talent by actually investing in them.

Whether you're leading Gen Z, part of Gen Z, or somewhere in between, you'll walk away with a fresh perspective and practical ways to make the multigenerational workplace work.

Website: batouttahell.net TikTok: @bat.outta_hell Instagram: @bat.outta_hell Calendly: calendly.com/batouttahell

Ever rehearsed your big idea 10 times before the meeting, only to say nothing when the moment came? You're not alone. In this episode of Unlocked, we tackle that stomach-dropping, heart-racing moment before you speak up. We're talking about communication anxiety, why it shows up in the boardroom, Zoom call, or brainstorming session and how to lead your brain instead of letting it lead you. You'll learn the science behind that panic spiral, why overpreparing might be anxiety in disguise, and how to reframe nervousness as a strength (yes, science says you can do that!). If you've ever thought "What if I sound dumb?" or "What if they secretly hate me?"… This episode is your nervous system's new favorite pep talk. This one's for every leader who cares deeply and just needs a nudge to speak up anyway. Website: skotwaldron.com

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Pia Mailhot-Leichter explore the themes of creativity, authenticity, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of community, the challenges of language learning, and the role of vulnerability in creative expression. Pia shares her journey of reclaiming her creative power and emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the courage to be vulnerable. The conversation also touches on the lies we tell ourselves about creativity and the importance of taking action despite uncertainty. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of creating space for imagination and the impact of leadership on fostering creativity.

Website: kollektiv.studio

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Jason Cochran explore the implications of AI on infrastructure, the future of work, and the importance of thoughtful adoption of technology in organizations. They discuss the need for open dialogue and communication to create psychological safety, the balance between profit and purpose, and the lessons learned from companies that have implemented AI strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a long-term, sustainable approach to business in the face of rapid technological change.

Website: peopleforwardnetwork.com

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Bonnie Davis explore the evolving landscape of work, focusing on the importance of human-centered practices in the face of increasing technological integration. They discuss the impact of AI on human relationships, the necessity of empathy in leadership, and the hidden forces eroding workplace culture. Bonnie shares insights from her experience in consulting and coaching, emphasizing the need for curiosity and meaningful connections in the workplace. The conversation culminates in the introduction of a human-centered assessment tool designed to foster these connections and improve workplace culture.

Website: huworkteam.com

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron interviews Ursula Taylor, a former litigator turned conflict resolution consultant. They discuss the limitations of traditional litigation, the emotional drivers behind conflict, and the importance of self-awareness in resolving disputes. Ursula shares her unique perspective on how to approach conflict as an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than a blame game. The conversation also touches on practical strategies for leaders to manage conflict within their teams and organizations effectively.

Website: conflictreimagined.com

In this episode of Unlocked, Zach Smith discusses his journey in the travel industry, emphasizing the importance of crafting unique travel experiences that connect individuals with local cultures. He shares insights on building a business that values individual preferences and the challenges faced during growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also touches on the significance of company values, the Pura Vida mindset from Costa Rica, and the importance of not passing stress within organizations to foster a clearer and more cooperative work environment.

Website: www.anywhere.com

In this episode of Unlocked, Skot Waldron and Derek Gaunt explore the nuances of influence and negotiation, particularly in high-pressure situations. They discuss the importance of intent in influence, distinguishing it from manipulation, and emphasize the role of curiosity and understanding in effective communication. Derek shares insights from his experience as a hostage negotiation commander, illustrating how tactical empathy and emotional intelligence can lead to better outcomes in negotiations. The discussion also highlights the challenges of navigating difficult conversations and the necessity of adapting to new information during negotiations. In this conversation, Derek Gaunt discusses the importance of understanding assumptions in negotiations, the concept of tactical empathy, and the strategic use of 'no' in leadership. He emphasizes the need for curiosity and genuine interest in others to foster better communication and influence. The discussion also highlights the Black Swan method as a framework for applying these principles effectively.

Website: www.blackswanltd.com