The Unique Factor: A Leadership Therapy Session (Episode 66)

The Unique Factor: A Leadership Therapy Session (Episode 66)

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston February 19, 2026 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), Tony (Assured Security), and Lars reveal the honest, sometimes uncomfortable feedback they received from their teams and families.

The conversation dives into the "Shadow Side" of leadership—how a strength like being a "calm problem solver" can inadvertently make a team feel ignored, or how deep data gathering can lead to "decision paralysis." From Tony's relentless curiosity to Chad's ability to "set the room temperature," this episode is a masterclass in self-awareness for any entrepreneur looking to lead with more intentionality in 2026.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 76

Unlocked Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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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…
Strategic Selling: Unlocking Growth by Converting CapEx to OpEx [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In the first official deep dive of 2026, the Unlocked Podcast team explores a game-changing sales strategy: shifting high-ticket security solutions from Capital Expenditures (CapEx) to Operating Expenses (OpEx). Chad fro…
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Duration: 1:01:49
Welcome to the first episode of 2026! We have officially hit Episode 60, and to celebrate this milestone, the team is pulling back the curtain on the "magic" that keeps the Unlocked Podcast consistent. Chad Lingafelt fro…
2025 Successes: Reflection, Discipline, and Leveling Up (59) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:14
As the year comes to a close, the hosts take a moment for reflection—a crucial and often overlooked discipline for busy entrepreneurs. Tony from Assured Security shares his pride in the team's resilience, detailing how t…
Post-Conference Paralysis: How to Prioritize Your Best Ideas (58) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:11
Do you return from every conference or book with a notebook full of ideas only to suffer from "whiplash" and implement nothing? Tony from Assured Security admits this struggle with prioritization, often running after the…
Vertical Market Strategy: Defining Your Focus for Scale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:48
Are you spreading your business too thin by trying to be "all things to all markets"? This episode dives into the critical strategy of defining your ideal vertical market for growth. Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe, Tony f…
Processing the Process (55) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:22
Do your business processes feel more like a tangled web of handcuffs than a straight path to profit? In this episode, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe, Tony from Assured Security, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security dive into th…