In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond sits down with brand strategist, author, and leadership coach Skot Waldron to unpack what effective leadership really means in today’s evolving millwork and construction industry.
Skot shares how leaders can better navigate change, build alignment within teams, and avoid the biggest traps holding companies back, from toxic culture to clinging to outdated ways of doing things. This episode is packed with perspective shifts that challenge the old-school “one-man show” mindset and offer tools for leveling up leadership across your shop or organization.
Whether you’re a shop owner unsure how to delegate, a mid-level manager struggling to align your team, or a next-gen leader looking to earn influence, this episode offers actionable advice and refreshing clarity.
About Our Guest
Skot Waldron is a nationally recognized brand consultant, speaker, and leadership coach with decades of experience in both external brand strategy and internal culture transformation. He’s worked with global organizations, led creative agencies, and now helps companies improve team performance through communication, alignment, and emotional intelligence. Skot is also a keynote speaker for the 2025 AWI National Convention and host of the podcast Unlocked.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why branding starts inside your company first
Skot shares how broken internal alignment shows up as failed external marketing and why leaders have to fix culture before logos. - How to lead through change, not resist it
“Change isn’t good or bad. It just is.” Learn why reframing your mindset around change is the key to earning buy-in from your team. - From doer to leader: the real transition
Discover why the best builders and craftsmen often struggle when promoted, and how to bridge that gap from expert to manager. - Why Gen X and Millennial leaders are at a tipping point
Skot explains why younger leaders are uniquely positioned to take over, if they can learn how to communicate with both generations above and below them. - The mentorship problem and how to fix it
Informal mentorship isn’t cutting it anymore. Skot shares his structured mentorship model and why it’s critical for growing talent today. - How to actually assess and improve your culture
Forget free lunches. Learn what really defines culture, how to audit it, and why your brand is what people say when you’re not in the room. - The power of leaning into your strengths
Stop trying to be “well-rounded.” Skot unpacks why leaders should double down on their natural abilities while still managing blind spots. - The crisis of succession in millwork
From founders who won’t let go to new leaders who lack experience. Skot discusses the identity crisis holding companies back from growth. - Why next-gen leaders need clarity, not just authority
Skot shares how transparency, values, and consistent communication build trust and influence with modern teams.
Where to Learn More
- Skot’s Website: http://www.skotwaldron.com
- Skot’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skotwaldron/
- Book: Unlocked – A 52 Week Guide for the Intentional Leader
- Podcast: Unlocked with Skot Waldron (available on all platforms)
- Apple Music: https://apple.co/3ZCgTCB
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@skotwaldron
- Review Skot’s trainings and talks: https://www.talkadot.com/s/skotwaldron
Final Thoughts
In a time when leadership is less about top-down direction and more about shared understanding and influence, Skot brings practical tools to help you evolve. Whether you’re prepping to take over a company or trying to build a better team, this conversation will help you rethink your role and take the next step with clarity and confidence.