From Two Ropes and a Drill: Anthony Teen’s Geovert Story

Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” ones. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Anthony Teen, founder and CEO of Geovert, for a conversation about risk, adventure, near-death moments, and building a business that takes on the jobs most people won’t touch.

Anthony’s story begins in New Zealand, where climbing, skiing, mining, and a good amount of naivety all came together. After university, he worked in mining in Western Australia, then spent years climbing and skiing around the world. Yosemite, Pakistan, El Capitan, Camp Four, sleeping out of bounds, hiding from rangers—it wasn’t the usual path to founding a global engineering company.

But that unusual path laid the groundwork for Geovert. Anthony and his climbing friend Josh saw a chance in a market that hardly existed: managing and reducing natural hazards like rockfalls, slope instability, debris flows, and other tough terrain problems. They started with two ropes, two harnesses, and a battery drill. No polished business plan. No perfect timing. Just enough courage, curiosity, and a bit of recklessness to say yes before they knew all the reasons not to.

Kurt and Anthony talk about the wild work Geovert does around the world, from stabilizing rock walls and protecting mines to working on tunnels, dams, water infrastructure, and famous sites like Hoover Dam. Anthony shares stories from tough projects in Kazakhstan, New Zealand, and Santa Fe, where the stakes were high, the conditions were rough, and the team had to find a safe way forward when the job seemed impossible.

They also have an honest conversation about what happens when things go wrong. In Anthony’s world, safety isn’t just a corporate slogan—it’s the difference between getting home and not getting home. He explains how incidents became turning points, how mistakes pushed the company to get better, and why the toughest projects often bring the team closer together.

The heart of this episode is Anthony’s key insight: sometimes, not knowing too much is what lets you get started. Looking back, he admits that if he knew then what he knows now, he probably wouldn’t have taken those risks. But a mix of courage, naivety, luck, great people, and never giving up helped turn Geovert into a global company.

This episode is for anyone who has ever started something before feeling ready, taken on a challenge that seemed too big, or learned that the impossible only stays impossible until the right team starts breaking it down.

About Anthony Teen

Anthony Teen is the founder and CEO of Geovert, a global specialist in complex geotechnical solutions, natural hazard mitigation, rockfall protection, mining services, and infrastructure safety. Founded in New Zealand, Geovert grew from a small rope-access team into a global company working across some of the toughest terrain and highest-stakes projects in the world. Anthony’s background in climbing, mining, and adventure shaped the way he built Geovert: practical, bold, team-driven, and focused on solving problems others step back from.

About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

#UnlockingMoves #AnthonyTeen #Geovert #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #GeotechnicalEngineering #RockfallProtection #Leadership #RiskManagement #KurtWilkin

The Leap That Changed Nate Boyer’s Life

Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” stories. On this special episode, Kurt sits down with Nate Boyer, former Humanitarian, Green Beret, Texas Longhorn, Seattle Seahawk, filmmaker, life long adventurer, and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players.

Many people know Nate’s story through the uniforms. The military. The Texas Longhorns. The NFL. But before all of that, Nate was searching for purpose. He worked odd jobs, spent time on fishing boats, chased different paths, and wondered where he truly fit. That search eventually led him to Darfur, where he volunteered in refugee camps during one of the region’s most difficult periods.

For Nate, Darfur became the unlocking move. It was the first time he truly stepped outside of his comfort zone, refused to take no for an answer, and learned what can happen when you show up with the right intentions. That decision changed how he saw service, patriotism, purpose, and his own potential.

Kurt and Nate chat about why he keeps choosing the hardest path, from becoming a Green Beret to walking on at Texas without ever having playing high school football to earning a shot with the Seattle Seahawks. Nate opens up about fear, identity, failure, and why he often chases the thing that scares him most.

The conversation also touches on his role in the Colin Kaepernick kneeling conversation, the need for real dialogue in a divided country, his work with Merging Vets and Players, and his film projects focused on veterans, athletes, and life after the uniform.

This episode is about more than football, service, or patriotism. It’s about finding purpose by taking the step you don’t feel you're ready for yet.

About Nate Boyer

Nate Boyer is a former active-duty Green Beret, former Texas Longhorn football player, former Seattle Seahawk, filmmaker, actor, philanthropist, and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Nate walked on to the University of Texas football team despite never playing organized football before college, then later earned an opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks. Today, through MVP and his film work, he helps tell stories about service, transition, purpose, and life after the uniform.

About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career at Ernst & Young and today serving as the Founder of BusinessEarth and the Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

From T-Shirts and Memes to Texas Country Reporter: J.B. Sauceda’s Journey

Kurt Wilkin's Unlocking Moves explores pivotal moments in leaders' journeys that changed the trajectories of their lives and careers. In this episode, he visits with J.B. Sauceda, the host and executive producer of *Texas Country Reporter*. Their conversation covers storytelling, entrepreneurship, and overcoming burnout.

J.B. began his career as a freelance photographer and designer, which led to a Texas-themed T-shirt business and, eventually, Sauceda Industries, a logistics firm that grew from his garage to over 100 employees before its acquisition in 2021. He candidly shares the burnout he experienced and the humility it took to step back and rethink his family life.

An unexpected opportunity arose when J.B. was invited to take over *Texas Country Reporter* from the legendary Bob Phillips. He reflects on the excitement and pressure of stepping into this iconic role and his mission to revive the show's personal storytelling roots.

Kurt and J.B. also discuss the power of storytelling in Texas and how ordinary people can bring families together. This episode serves as a reminder that sometimes the best moves happen when you just get out of your own way.

About J.B. Sauceda

J.B. is the executive producer and host of Texas Country Reporter, a show highlighting the people and traditions of Texas. He has contributed to Texas Monthly and previously founded Sauceda Industries.

About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt has over 30 years of experience advising high-growth companies and is a founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully guided many CEOs and entrepreneurs.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

#UnlockingMoves #JBSauceda #TexasCountryReporter #Entrepreneurship #Storytelling

From Supergoop! to WaterOuai!: Holly Thaggard’s Next Category-Defining MoveJoin us this week on Unlocking Moves as host Kurt Wilkin explores pivotal moments in leadership. In this episode, he talks to Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop! and co-founder of WaterOuai!, about reinvention and category creation.Before revolutionizing the sunscreen industry, Holly was a third-grade teacher and professional harpist. She shares lessons learned from her early experiences, including a classroom project that resulted in 24 dead goldfish and a failed trash bag business. These challenges taught her vital skills in problem-solving and resilience.The conversation dives into the Supergoop! story, highlighting how a friend’s skin cancer diagnosis inspired her to make SPF fun and accessible. Despite skepticism about the brand name, she built the business through retail and later advocated for policy changes to introduce sunscreen in schools.Now, Holly is tackling the water industry with WaterOuai!, a premium canned water brand co-created with her son Will. They aim to change consumer behavior regarding bottled water and hydration.This episode offers key lessons for entrepreneurs about knowing when to bring in the right people, identifying your strengths, and taking bold steps in your career. About Holly ThaggardHolly is the founder of Supergoop!, a pioneering SPF brand that emphasizes education and daily sun protection. Following nearly 20 years with Supergoop!, she is now focused on WaterOuai!, created to shift perceptions about bottled water.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.#UnlockingMoves #HollyThaggard #Supergoop #WaterOuai #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #CategoryCreation #ConsumerBrands #WomenEntrepreneurs #BrandBuilding

From ACL Injury to La Ola Pop Shop: How Paulina and Julian Hernandez Bet on Themselves

Join us this week on *Unlocking Moves*, where host Kurt Wilkin explores the pivotal moments that reveal a leader's true potential. In this episode, Kurt interviews Paulina and Julian Hernandez, co-founders of La Ola Pop Shop They share their journey through risk, resilience, and building a business that reflects their culture and community.

Before La Ola Pop Shop became a beloved dessert brand in Kyle, Texas, Julian was recovering from a serious ACL and MCL injury, prompting him to rethink his future as a Sheriff's Deputy. Paulina was working part-time at Costco while caring for their young son. Together, they chose to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Kurt, Paulina, and Julian share insights from their early days, including the challenges of starting a business as a married couple. Paulina highlights how her intuition guided key decisions, while Julian discusses his drive to move quickly and dream big. A major turning point occurred when they upgraded from a small 800-square-foot shop to a much larger location, transforming their business.

The discussion also touches on identity and heritage, with Paulina reflecting on her family's entrepreneurial background and Julian sharing his mission to inspire others. They offer valuable lessons on balancing ambition with patience and fostering a meaningful partnership in both business and life.

If you've ever dreamed of starting a business with your spouse or creating a brand that reflects your true self, this episode is for you.

About Paulina and Julian Hernandez

Paulina and Julian Hernandez are the co-founders of La Ola Pop Shop, a fast-growing paleta and dessert brand based in Kyle, Texas. Inspired by their Mexican and American heritage, they've built La Ola Pop Shop into a beloved community-driven business known for creative flavors, culture, and connection.

About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career at Ernst & Young and today serving as the Founder of BusinessEarth and the Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

The Moment Sam Goodner Realized HE Was the Bottleneck

Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” ones. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Sam Goodner, entrepreneur, author of Like Clockwork, and former CEO of Catapult Systems, for a conversation about growth, control, and the hardest realization a founder can face.

Sam’s journey didn’t start in Texas. He grew up in Switzerland, served in the Swiss Army, and made the leap to Texas A&M, a move that completely changed his life. That path eventually led him to co-found Catapult Systems and grow it into a successful business. But as the company grew, so did the pressure, and the cracks started to show.

Eventually, Sam had a realization that many founders conveniently ignore: he was the bottleneck. The same drive and control that helped build the company were now holding it back. That moment forced him to rethink everything, from leadership style to decision-making, and what it truly takes to scale a business beyond yourself.

After exiting the company, Sam made another bold move. He and his family stepped away from everything and traveled around the world for 13 months. That time created space to reflect, reset, and redefine success. It also led to writing Like Clockwork and stepping into a new role helping other leaders build businesses that run without them.

Kurt and Sam dig into what it truly means to let go, why most founders struggle to transition from operator to leader, and how building systems is the only way to create true freedom. They also discuss his current coaching work, and why so many leaders stay stuck longer than they should.

If you’re building a company, leading a team, or feeling like everything still depends on you, this episode is a reminder that the biggest unlocking move might be getting out of your own way.

About Sam Goodner

Sam Goodner is an entrepreneur, author of Like Clockwork, and former CEO of Catapult Systems, a company he helped grow and successfully exit. Originally from Switzerland, he served in the Swiss Army before moving to the U.S. to attend Texas A&M. Today, he works as an executive coach, helping leaders build businesses that scale beyond themselves.

About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

He Essentially Tackled the Keynote Speaker…a Moment that Changed His Entire Life

Join us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock their true potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” ones. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader and Founder of AI Leadership, for a conversation about bold moves, big thinking, and stepping into your full potential.

Geoff’s journey didn’t start at the top. Early in his career, he focused on one simple question: What skills can I build that will make me valuable anywhere? That mindset led him into sales and bigger opportunities, but something still felt off. Sitting at a conference in Lake Tahoe, Geoff realized he was playing small. While everyone else stayed seated, he made a different choice. He got up, chased down Jay Papasan after a talk, and started a conversation that would completely change the direction of his life.That one moment opened the door to working alongside some of the highest-level thinkers in business and reshaped how Geoff approached leadership. He shares why great leaders don’t give answers, they ask better questions, and why creating space to think is one of the most valuable skills in today’s fast-moving world.

The conversation also dives into Geoff’s perspective on AI and leadership. He explains why AI is not an advantage in itself, but how you use it can completely change your effectiveness as a leader. From improving decision-making to multiplying your time, Geoff breaks down what it really means to lead in an AI-driven world.If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but haven’t yet made the move, this episode is a reminder that one bold decision can change everything.

About Geoff Woods

Geoff Woods is the author of The AI-Driven Leader and Founder of AI Leadership. He helps leaders think bigger, execute with focus, and leverage AI to drive better decisions and results.

About Kurt

WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

#UnlockingMoves #Leadership #AI #Entrepreneurship #TheOneThing #BusinessGrowth #Execution #Strategy #Productivity #GeoffWoods

What happens when your identity is suddenly taken away… and you're forced to start over?
Join us for this week's episode of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader's journey that unlock their true potential. Most leaders love to share their "glory" stories but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the "gory" ones.

On this episode, Kurt sits down with Patti Boyle, one of the most sought-after executive coaches in Texas and founder of Pure Potential Consulting, for a powerful conversation about career transitions, purpose, and what really happens when high-performing leaders leave their jobs.

Patti shares raw, real stories from decades of working with executives: from CEOs and CFOs to top performers navigating layoffs, burnout, and identity loss. She explains why losing a job doesn't just impact income but it shakes your identity, your community, and your sense of purpose.One of the most powerful themes in this episode: things don't happen to you -- they happen FOR YOU.From having a gun pulled on her in a classroom early in her career, to building and selling a company with 33 locations, Patti's journey is filled with transformational moments that shaped her mission to help others discover (or rediscover) their purpose.

You'll also learn:

• Why networking is NOT "take, take, take" but it's also it's "give, give, give"
• How most jobs are actually found (and why LinkedIn alone won't cut it)
• What to do first after losing your job (hint: it's not your resume)
• The dangerous "messy middle" of transition, and how to navigate it
• How to turn setbacks into reinvention opportunities

Whether you're in transition, feeling stuck, or simply asking "what's next?", this episode is packed with practical advice and perspectives you can use immediately.

About Patti Boyle

Patti Boyle is the founder of Pure Potential Consulting and an executive coach with over 27 years of experience helping leaders navigate career transitions and discover their purpose. She previously built a training and development company that grew to 33 offices before being acquired by Adecco / Lee Hecht Harrison. She is also the author of Thrive with Purpose.

About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves

From ROTC to the Army, to SEC basketball coach, to Razorback Radio: Matt Zimmerman’s Unlikely Coaching Journey

Join us on this special March Madness edition of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader’s journey that unlock real potential. Many leaders love to tell their “glory” stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the “gory” stories. On this episode, Kurt sits down with Matt Zimmerman (Coach Z) to discuss service, sacrifice, basketball, and the unexpected turns that shape a career.

Matt’s story starts in rural Arkansas, but it was shaped early by a military family. His father served in both Korea and Vietnam, and that foundation of discipline and duty stayed with him. Matt grew up loving basketball, worked as a student manager at Arkansas under Hall of Famer Nolan Richardson, and thought he might stay around the Razorbacks after college. Instead, an ROTC scholarship led him into five years of active duty in the Army, including long stretches away from the game he loved. From there, he returned to Arkansas and built a meaningful career as a high school coach, finding purpose in mentoring young players and building lasting relationships.

This episode is packed with lessons on loyalty, leadership, reinvention, and why some of the best moves in life begin with a call you never expected. If you've ever wondered how one opportunity can completely redirect your path, Coach Z's story is a reminder to stay ready, stay humble, and trust where the next move might lead.

About Coach Z - Matt Zimmerman

Matt Zimmerman is a longtime basketball coach, broadcaster, and Razorback insider. He served five years on active duty in the U.S. Army, coached high school basketball in Arkansas, and later joined Mike Anderson’s staffs at UAB, Missouri, and Arkansas. Today, he is a co-host of The Razorback Daily and a color commentator for Razorback basketball broadcasts.

About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he's advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He’s a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and leaders build their companies.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlockingmoves#UnlockingMoves #Leadership #CollegeBasketball

#Razorbacks #Coaching #MilitaryLeadership #Arkansas #MikeAnderson #NolanRichardson

From Accenture to Tortillas: Rocío León's Leap Into Purpose-Driven EntrepreneurshipJoin us this week on Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in a leader's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many leaders love to share their "glory" stories, but host Kurt Wilkin believes we learn more from the "gory" ones. In this episode, Kurt sits down with Rocío León, or Rocí, an entrepreneur who walked away from a successful consulting career at Accenture to build a purpose-driven food company rooted in culture, health, and heritage.Rocí's journey begins in Jalisco, Mexico, where childhood memories of making tortillas with her abuela planted the seeds for something bigger. After an 11-year career advising Fortune 500 companies worldwide, Roci felt a growing pull toward entrepreneurship. But leaving a stable, high-income consulting job was not an easy decision. She shares the moment she stepped away from corporate life, the intentional pause she took to reconnect with her passions, and the realization that she wanted to build something meaningful.What started as experimenting in her kitchen turned into a brand built around blue corn tortillas made with amaranth, an ancient grain used by Aztec civilizations that adds protein, fiber, and natural binding without additives. Rocí and her co-founder began selling at farmers' markets, listening closely to customer feedback, and refining their products.Then came the breakthrough: Roci and her team entered and won the H-E-B's "Quest for Texas Best" accelerator contest. Months later, they launched in 21 stores across Austin! The experience validated her belief that purpose, culture, and quality ingredients could resonate with modern consumers.Kurt and Rocí also discussed imposter syndrome, building a brand from scratch, and why entrepreneurs often need to step back from the noise of corporate life to discover what they truly want to create.If you've ever considered leaving a comfortable career to pursue something more meaningful, Rocí's story is a powerful reminder that the biggest unlocking moves often start with a leap of faith.About Rocío LeónRocí León is an entrepreneur and former Accenture consultant who founded a purpose-driven tortilla brand inspired by her Mexican heritage. Her company focuses on healthier corn tortillas made with blue corn and amaranth, combining ancient ingredients with modern nutrition. Rocí's products gained early traction at farmers' markets and quickly expanded into retail after winning a competitive H-E-B brand accelerator program.About Kurt WilkinKurt is a connector of dots, ideas, and people. For over 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young and today serving as Founder of BusinessEarth and Managing Partner of Bee Cave Capital. He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-movesSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unlocking-moves#UnlockingMoves #Entrepreneurship #CPG #StartupStory #HispanicEntrepreneurs #FoodStartup #ConsumerBrands #Leadership #BusinessJourney