In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum chats with Adam Wallace, who has spent a career solving the puzzle of why good plans so often fail in execution. Adam’s background spans broadway technical direction, multi-billion dollar oil projects, enterprise software rollouts, and now a family office portfolio. Across these diverse domains, he’s seen the same patterns: people aim for the “promised land,” but hidden assumptions, outdated incentives, and unspoken constraints stop them from acting on what they say they want.

Together, Eric and Adam explore:

• From Corporate Fixer to Family Office: How Adam’s narrow skillset in value creation and alignment has turned into multiple investments.
• Pinpointing the “Why” Behind Stalled Projects: Surfacing the real reasons teams say yes in meetings but fail to follow through.
• The Power of Constraints: That New Mexico oil well story—where a manager wouldn’t buy enough belts because of a $100k monthly budget—reveals how small barriers derail big visions.
• Pricing & “Revalue”: Aligning what you do with what customers truly cherish so you can charge more and still deliver better.
• In-Person Experiences in a Digital Age: Why Adam thinks experiential marketing and live events may be poised for major growth—even as AI transforms how we engage online.

If you’ve ever wondered how organizations can remove “foot on the brake” moments or re-align around value instead of just vision, Adam’s practical stories and insights reveal a path to capturing new opportunities—without the usual friction.

Links:

• Adam’s website: https://adamwallace.com
• TGN (Executive Mobilization): https://www.tgn-consulting.com
• (Re)Value: Raise Your Prices and Build Your Legacy: https://amzn.to/4k5ZFcf
• Episode with Andy Hite: https://unfoldingthought.com/14-andy-hite-from-broadway-to-the-boardroom-empowering-leaders-and-teams/
• Episode with Kevin Hughes: https://unfoldingthought.com/12-kevin-hughes-branding-athletes-and-rewriting-the-rules-of-sports-marketing/
• Execution Certainty: https://lumeri.com/execution-certainty/
• GDX Studio: https://www.gdxstudios.com

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum interviews Bill Jacobs, who has spent over two decades helping nonprofits use data to drive better fundraising results. Bill explains how donor behavior is shifting—especially in today’s economic and cultural environment—and why many nonprofits find themselves behind the curve when it comes to analytics and innovation.

Together, Eric and Bill explore:

• Fundraising as Both “Art & Science”: Balancing data insights with creative storytelling to grow sustainable donor relationships.
• The Agency Shake-Up: How private equity and cultural mismatches are reshaping the fundraising agency world.
• Changing Donor Landscapes: Why donor file counts have been shrinking since 2008, and the growing dominance of major donors.
• New vs. Established Approaches: Why “testing something new” is so risky in nonprofits—and yet increasingly necessary. Bill: “They support ideas that work. They do not support ideas that fail.”
• Predicting What’s Next: How AI, rising costs, and generational shifts might transform nonprofit fundraising in the near future.

If you’ve ever wondered how organizations can keep donor pipelines strong amid uncertainty, Bill’s data-driven perspective offers both caution and fresh ideas for navigating a rapidly evolving sector.

The quote that Eric was searching for at one point came from Fred Polak: “The rise and fall of images of the future precedes or accompanies the rise and fall of cultures. As long as a society's image is positive and flourishing, the flower of culture is in full bloom. Once the image begins to decay and lose its vitality, however, the culture does not long survive.”

Links

• AnalyticalOnes (Bill’s Company): https://analyticalones.com
• Connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-jacobs-a617321/

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum sits down with Eliot Frick, founder of Bigwidesky, to discuss how our deeply ingrained, mechanical view of business and culture can actually limit innovation and true leadership. Eliot explains why some challenges can’t be solved simply by adopting best practices, and how leaders can learn to operate effectively in uncharted territory.

Together, Eric and Eliot delve into:

• The tension between reductionist “just give me the solution” thinking and the reality of ever-evolving, complex problems.
• Jobs to Be Done Theory and the famous “milkshake” example—why simply copying best practices misses the mark.
• The importance of vision, foresight, and genuine human meaning—even for businesses that seem ordinary on the surface.
• Why marketing and advertising often fail to create real alignment between companies and their audiences.
• Insights from philosophy, neuroscience, and biology—including references to Iain McGilchrist, Stuart Kauffman, Stephen Jay Gould, and more.

If you’ve ever felt that standard solutions or one-size-fits-all frameworks weren’t enough for the complexities you face, this episode is a must-listen. Eliot offers a refreshing take on how to engage the unknown, inspire grander visions, and rediscover meaning in the process.

Links:

• Bigwidesky: https://bigwidesky.com
• Jobs to Be Done (Milkshake Case Study): https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/clay-christensens-milkshake-marketing
• Iain McGilchrist’s “The Master and His Emissary”: https://amzn.to/40YxfcL
• Stuart Kauffman & Exaptation: https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2010/01/intelligent_design_no_darwinia.html

Connect with Eliot:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliotfrick/
• Bigwidesky: https://bigwidesky.com

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Carlos Martinez, Site Director at MilliporeSigma, discusses his journey from growing up in Puerto Rico to work touching on the Human Genome Project and leading innovation in life sciences. Carlos shares how his passion for bridging ideas, disciplines, and people has shaped his leadership style and his career.

Carlos dives into the power of CliftonStrengths as a tool for unlocking individual and team potential, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and relationship-building in effective leadership. He also reflects on how his unique upbringing, academic pursuits, and early professional experiences inspired his commitment to helping others recognize and maximize their unique gifts.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about blending science, strategy, and personal growth to elevate individuals and organizations.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• CliftonStrengths by Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
• BrainChains: https://amzn.to/42w7RMJ
• The Human Genome Project and its influence on modern biotech.
• Insights from Carlos’s leadership journey at MilliporeSigma and in global life sciences.
• The concept of “bridging” as a method for innovation and collaboration.

Links:

Connect with Carlos Martinez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cimartz/

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Andy Hite, founder of Scaling Minds, shares his unique journey from a career in musical theater and production to becoming an executive coach for CEOs and leadership teams. Andy’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of personal transformation.

We dive into Andy’s experiences with leadership—both good and bad—and how they shaped his approach to coaching. He discusses the psychological and emotional aspects of leadership, the critical role of self-awareness, and how to empower teams to achieve their full potential. Whether you’re leading a small team or a large organization, Andy’s insights on navigating challenges, fostering alignment, and overcoming blind spots will resonate.

Tune in to hear how Andy blends creativity, strategy, and empathy to help leaders thrive in a competitive, ever-changing world.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The transition from musical theater to executive coaching.
• Insights into empowering leadership and addressing blind spots.
• Tools for fostering alignment and growth within organizations.
• GROW Model
• Immunity to Change X-ray

Links:

Connect with Andy Hite:

• Website: https://www.scalingminds.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hite/

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Julian Scadden, President and CEO of Nexstar Network, shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the most respected organizations in the trades industry. Julian talks about the personal and professional challenges he faced, how he overcame them, and his philosophy on leadership, growth, and community.

Julian also discusses the role of Nexstar Network in helping trades businesses thrive by providing top-tier training, mentorship, and operational support. From his own experiences as a business owner to his current role as a visionary leader, Julian offers actionable insights for anyone looking to grow their business, develop their team, or overcome obstacles with resilience and determination.

Tune in to hear Julian’s thoughts on the power of vision, responsibility, and mentorship in building a thriving business and a fulfilling career.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The importance of mentorship and community in personal and professional growth.
• How Nexstar Network supports tradespeople in transitioning to business leadership.
• Lessons learned from scaling and running a trades business.
• Julian’s thoughts on vision and responsibility as tools for transformation.

Links:

• The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: https://amzn.to/4gUats2
• Be Useful: https://amzn.to/4ap5XPV
• Discussion with Jeremy Nulik: Find episode 2 or https://unfoldingthought.com/jeremy-nulik-how-vision-shapes-strategy/

Connect with Julian Scadden:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianscadden/
• Nexstar Network: https://www.nexstarnetwork.com

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts about this episode? Share them with us on social media, by leaving a review, emailing Eric at Eric@inboundandagile.com, or visiting the website at https://unfoldingthought.com.

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Kevin Hughes, founder of Walker/Miles, dives into the seismic shifts in athlete branding and sports marketing in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. Drawing on a career that spans professional basketball, HR, and creative leadership—including as the Minnesota Twins’ creative director—Kevin offers a unique perspective on navigating the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and innovation.

Kevin reveals the essential role of authenticity and adaptability in building impactful brands, from young athletes to established professionals. He shares how NIL is disrupting traditional pathways in sports, creating opportunities for athletes to take control of their narratives, and how universities can adapt to this new reality.

Tune in to hear Kevin’s insights on the power of story, the lessons he’s learned from working with world-class athletes, and what it takes to thrive in an industry where the rules are constantly evolving.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The role of branding and storytelling in professional sports and collegiate programs.
• Insights into how the NIL era is reshaping the athlete-brand relationship.
• Lessons from Kevin’s time as creative director for the Minnesota Twins.

Links:

Connect with Kevin Hughes:

• Walker/Miles: http://walker-miles.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhughesbranding/

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts about this episode? Share them with us on social media, by leaving a review, emailing Eric at Eric@inboundandagile.com, or by visiting the website at https://unfoldingthought.com.

In this seventh business meditation of the Unfolding Thought series, Eric Pratum guides you through a Root Cause Analysis—a practical framework for identifying and addressing the deeper issues behind your challenges.

Often, quick fixes and surface-level solutions fail to create lasting change. Root Cause Analysis helps you dig deeper, asking “Why?” multiple times to uncover the fundamental problem and develop actionable solutions. Through this guided exercise, you’ll learn to approach challenges with clarity, explore meaningful solutions, and take the first step toward resolving recurring issues.

Whether you’re managing workplace challenges, personal relationships, or systemic problems, this episode will help you break free from cycles of frustration and create lasting impact.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• How Root Cause Analysis helps you move beyond quick fixes.
• Using the “5 Whys” technique to uncover the deeper issues behind a problem.
• Practical steps to identify solutions and commit to action.

Links:

Start at the beginning of the series:

• On the website: https://unfoldingthought.com/unfolding-thought/
• YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-WyDzPVJzUqWSGGIM0lSxqk4T-TBmsrQ
• Or by searching for Episode 4, titled Unfolding Thought, in your podcast platform of choice.

Visit the Unfolding Thought website: https://unfoldingthought.com/

Learn more about Root Cause Analysis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_cause_analysis

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts or questions about this episode? Reach out to Eric at eric@inboundandagile.com or connect on social media.