Dusty is joined by Ross Simmonds, entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of Foundation Marketing, for a conversation about what it means to lead with intention, abundance, and authenticity. They explore how generosity—both in business and in life—can be a powerful lever for growth, and why showing up with presence matters more than ever in a world full of noise. Ross shares lessons from his journey building a global marketing agency, from unlearning small-town limits to creating space for deep work and deep relationships. He breaks down how clarity, consistency, and communication shape culture, and how seemingly small moments—voice notes, affirmations, thank-yous—can have an outsized impact on trust and team morale. Along the way, he offers a powerful reframe on success, explains why leaders need to curate their content diets, and makes the case that storytelling isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a leadership skill. Whether you're building a brand, raising a family, or trying to show up better every day, this episode will challenge you to lead with purpose, presence, and heart.
Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - Meet Ross Simmonds
(02:17) - A Lifelong Love of Stories
(10:44) - Embracing Servant Leadership
(16:25) - The Rewards of Seeing Others Win
(21:18) - Lessons from Mentors and Favorite Books
(28:57) - Over-Communicating and Setting Clear Expectations
(33:50) - Parenting as Leadership in Action
(36:56) - Rapid Fire Questions
(48:59) - The Future of Storytelling in the Age of AI
(51:39) - Avoiding the Algorithmic Echo Chamber
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, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Website: https://foundationinc.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosssimmonds/
Mentions:
The Courage to Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
More of Leadership Unlocked:
Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/
Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com