Dusty welcomes Bridgett McMahan, President of BESCO, for a powerful conversation about leadership, confidence, and community. Bridgett shares the transformative impact of the book Gravitas and how it empowered her as a new leader in a male-dominated industry. She discusses the importance of assembling a trusted "Gold Team" to lead collaboratively, her leadership superpower of listening, and the loneliness that can come with executive roles. Bridgett also advocates for CASA, an organization giving vulnerable children a voice in the judicial system, and reminds us that sometimes the best thing a leader can do is simply say “yes” and try.
Key Takeaways:
• Confidence doesn't come from always knowing the answers—it comes from believing you belong in the room. That belief can shift how you're perceived and how you lead.
• The lonely moments of leadership aren’t a sign of failure—they’re a sign you’re carrying real weight. Building a team that shares the load can change everything.
• Confidence isn’t gendered, but women often face unique challenges in claiming space. Books like Gravitas provide language and support to overcome those barriers.
Key Timestamps:
(
00:00) – Meet Bridget McMahon: From Law to Leadership
(
05:17) – Finding Purpose and Building Relationships
(
20:39) – Defining Leadership Moments
(
28:51) – The Turning Point: Advocating for Myself
(
31:52) – Unexpected Boardroom Moment
(
38:19) – Trusting Your Gut Instinct
(
43:30) – Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Advice
(
54:47) – Supporting CASA: Advocating for Children
(
57:14) – Final Thoughts on Leadership and Growth
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Self-Leadership, Leadership Coaching, Leadership Clarity, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Mentions:
Gravitas: How to Communicate with Confidence, Influence and Authority by Caroline Goyder
More of Leadership Unlocked:
What is Leadership Unlocked: The Operating System Every Tired Executive Leader Needs to Delegate Effectively & Foster Accountability So You Can Stop Managing Alone and Start Leading a Team Again?
Leadership Unlocked is a leadership podcast about the moments that shape how real leaders grow. Hosted by executive coach & strategist Dusty Holcomb, it features real stories and honest conversations with CEOs, founders, and senior leaders navigating real-world challenges and growth.
Each episode delivers real-world leadership insights, stories from leaders in the field, and practical tools for high-performing teams—making it a must-listen for anyone serious about leadership development.
Whether you're leading a company, a team, or yourself, you'll walk away with something you can use right now.
New episodes weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or visit ArcqusGroup.com/podcast to learn more.