Unlocked Podcast

Unlocked Podcast

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston Language: English Episodes: 82
Tune into Unlocked Podcast for a grounded, cross-border conversation about what it really takes to build a company meant to last. You’ll hear from three practicing business owners, each running their own operations from distinct locations-North Carolina, Minnesota, and Alberta, Canada. They don’t deal in abstract theory; instead, they draw directly from their own evolving playbooks, setbacks, and hard-won victories. The dialogue in this podcast revolves around practical strategies and philosophical shifts necessary for creating enterprises that can thrive beyond a single owner’s tenure. Episodes delve into the nuanced decisions around leadership transition, cultivating a resilient company culture, and implementing systems that ensure stability through market changes. It’s a candid exchange between peers who are in the trenches themselves, offering listeners a rare, ongoing case study from multiple industries and perspectives. If you’re steering a business and thinking about its legacy, this series provides a thoughtful, actionable companion for the long journey ahead.
Episodes
Navigating the Messy Middle (Episode 71) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:19
In Episode 71, Chad (Loc-Doc Security), Tony (Assured Security), and Lars (Calgary Lock & Safe) dive into the psychological and operational warfare of "The Messy Middle." Inspired by Scott Belsky’s framework, the trio ex…
12 Must-Read Books for Scaling Leaders (Episode 70) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:47
Buckle up for Episode 70, where the trio takes on an Instagram-inspired "Blind Rank" challenge that nearly breaks the podcast. Tony (Assured Security) forces Lars (Calgary Lock & Safe) and Chad (Loc-Doc Security) to rank…
System Over Motivation: Master Your Time and Calendar (Episode 67) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:23
In Episode 67, the trio tackles one of the most critical challenges for any entrepreneur: moving from a reactive "firefighting" mindset to proactive leadership. Tony (Assured Security) kicks things off by operating from…
The Unique Factor: A Leadership Therapy Session (Episode 66) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:19
In Episode 66, Lars Johnston from Calgary Lock & Safe challenges the trio to get vulnerable with a high-stakes leadership exercise: identifying their "Uniques." Moving past typical corporate bios, Chad (Loc-Doc Security)…
Organic AI Adoption? (Episode 65) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:58
In Episode 65, Chad, Tony, and Lars explore how business owners can turn unexpected chaos into operational gold. When a rare North Carolina snowstorm threatened to derail a week of factory training for the Calgary team,…
The Delegation Paradox: Staying Engaged Without Getting in the Way (64) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:23
In Episode 64, the Unlocked trio—Tony from Assured Security, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security—dive into the tricky middle ground of business leadership: When to NOT Delegate.After spending pr…
Building Habits for a Successful 2026 (62) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:51
In this episode, the team dives into the specific habits and systems required to turn 2026 goals into reality. Tony from Assured Security admits that while he used to struggle with organizational details, he has found su…