In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, Eric Pratum sits down with Sheila Burkett, a tech entrepreneur whose background spans finance, racing, historic redevelopment, and digital innovation. Sheila’s career started at Edward Jones, where she advanced from intern to general partner, gaining insight into technology and leadership along the way. Sheila went on to co-found Spry Digital, leveraging open-source technology to empower small and medium-sized businesses with the digital solutions they develop

Sheila’s journey illustrates how embracing risk, nurturing resilience, and championing innovation can lead to opportunity and impact. Sheila is also a vocal advocate for women in technology, emphasizing the critical role of confidence-building and community support to foster inclusion in STEM.

Topics Explored:

1. Career Transitions – How Sheila navigated major career shifts, from Edward Jones executive to race car entrepreneur and digital agency founder.
2. Importance of Open Source – Sheila discusses why open-source software is vital for empowering businesses and leveling the competitive playing field.
3. Leadership and Learning – Key moments and philosophies that shaped Sheila’s approach to leadership and continuous learning.
4. Resilience in Entrepreneurship – Sheila’s insights into embracing failure, nurturing innovation, and maintaining transparency during challenging times.
5. Women in Technology – Barriers, misconceptions, and Sheila’s advocacy for greater inclusion and confidence-building for young women in STEM.
6. Systems and Culture – How Sheila applies her technology and marketing expertise to build efficient operational systems and positive workplace cultures.

Links:

• Sheila Burkett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaburkett/
• Spry Digital: https://sprydigital.com
• Crystal: https://www.crystalknows.com
• National Center for Women & Information Technology: https://ncwit.org
• Dream Hoarders by Richard Reeves: https://amzn.to/4bW4UaP
• Andy Bales’ episode: https://unfoldingthought.com/20-andy-bales-from-poverty-to-purpose/
• Kimberly Beckley’s episode: https://unfoldingthought.com/25-kimberly-beckley-rethinking-beauty-school-dreams/

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum chats with Mandy Hoskinson—a digital marketer and agency founder whose journey took her from UCLA’s nascent social media team to founding her own agency in Los Angeles. Along the way, Mandy led social campaigns for marquee brands (like CBS primetime shows, the LA Olympic bid, and more), using her holistic, multicultural perspective to connect data and storytelling. She shares how seizing the right moments (and sometimes pure luck) catapulted her from being an intern dabbling in “the new Facebook events feature” to orchestrating global campaigns with large, diverse teams. Now at the helm of Zolay, Mandy offers high-level strategic social media, bridging her passions for community-building and operational data.

Topics Explored:

1. From Art & Anthropology to Social Marketing – How Mandy’s unique UCLA degree and global curiosity shaped her approach to communications.
2. The UCLA Flood & Crisis Comms – Early in her career, Mandy landed in a real-world crisis scenario that taught her the power of facts and quick thinking.
3. Scaling Strategy & Data – Why Mandy believes every brand needs both “heart” and a CRM-level view of their audience if they want to see real ROI from social.
4. Building Communities – As President of Social Media Club LA and VP of SMC Global, Mandy talks about how local chapters can support marketers’ careers.
5. From One-Woman Shop to 12-Person Team – Lessons learned in the transition from freelancing at home to opening an LA studio, including the pandemic pivot.
6. Cultural Sensitivity in Content – Why certain words, trends, or jokes can backfire, and how Mandy’s multicultural background helps clients navigate complexities.

Links:

• Mandy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahoskinson/
• Zolay: https://zolaystudio.com
• Social Media Club Global: https://socialmediaclub.org
• Social Media Club Los Angeles: https://www.socialmediaclub.la
• Air Force Blog Assessment: https://web-strategist.com/blog/2008/12/31/diagram-how-the-air-force-response-to-blogs/

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum welcomes Simplifying Beauty founder Kimberly Beckley, a lash artist, salon owner, and soon-to-be academy director with 20 years of beauty industry experience. Kimberly isn’t your typical beauty professional: she’s driven by the idea that real success comes from running a human-focused, sustainable business—not just chasing trends or hustling 24/7. Kimberly opens up about:

• Her own journey from corporate environments to entrepreneurship, seeking a healthy work-life balance for herself and her staff.
• The hard truth about the 37% annual attrition rate in cosmetology, fueled by beauty schools that fail to teach real business fundamentals.
• Why she believes enhancing someone’s natural beauty is about far more than aesthetics; it’s a confidence boost that can ripple through every area of a client’s life.
• The parallels between beauty-school promises and the broader higher-ed “sell”—and how a lack of practical training can leave people saddled with debt or a failing business.
• How her new academy will offer not just technical skill-building but also the strategies you need for running a profitable business while maintaining boundaries and sanity.

If you’ve ever been curious about how a heart-driven entrepreneur can rewrite the script for future generations—this conversation is for you.

Topics Explored:

1. From Corporate Burnout to Lash Artist - How Kimberly transitioned from a stifling 9-to-5 life into cosmetology—and why she wanted more autonomy for family and self-fulfillment.
2. Why Beauty Schools Fail Aspiring Entrepreneurs - The reality behind beauty programs: great at teaching state-board skills, terrible at teaching business fundamentals.
3. Building Confidence vs. Selling Trends - Kimberly explains why she’s big on “there she is again” moments—helping women recognize their authentic selves.
4. Cutting Through the Hustle-and-Grind Myth - Strategies Kimberly uses (like 90-day reset periods) to avoid burnout, stay profitable, and set boundaries, proving you can love your work without sacrificing your life.
5. Parallels to Broader Education - How the “bill of goods” about limitless earnings in beauty school mirrors the promises some traditional universities make—without giving students the “blueprint” for actual success.

Links:

• Simplifying Beauty (Salon Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/simplifyingbeauty_salon/
• Email Kimberly: kimberlybeckley@simplifyingbeauty.com
• Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-beckley/
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: https://amzn.to/42qGemI
• Traction by Gino Wickman: https://amzn.to/426FxzX

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum chats with Ted Wright, the unstoppable force behind the word-of-mouth marketing agency Fizz. Whether you’ve sipped on a Pabst Blue Ribbon after hearing it was suddenly “cool,” tried chocolate milk as your new post-gym recovery hack, or embraced Intel’s early dual-core chip for gaming, there’s a good chance Ted’s work was behind it. Ted insists that the most human brand wins, so his focus is on finding the right story—one that’s authentic, interesting, and relevant—then allowing everyday advocates to share it.

Topics Explored:

1. Why Story Matters More Than Ever - Why no amount of paid ads can replace a friend’s recommendation and how 8 in 10 Americans distrust brand statements.
2. A.I. and Word of Mouth - Ted’s take on how new technology can boost but never replace genuine human conversation.
3. Backstory of Big Successes - How PBR broke into the hipster scene and chocolate milk became the surprise champion for recovery drinks—all through word-of-mouth.
4. Math + Art = Great Marketing - According to Ted, marketing starts with data but culminates in creative storytelling that triggers real conversations.
5. Advocates vs. Influencers - Understanding the difference between intrinsically motivated brand loyalists and pay-to-play online personalities, and how each shapes your brand’s future.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain brands become overnight sensations while others burn millions on ads with little return, Ted’s stories and insights will reshape how you view marketing’s real engine—conversations that spread person to person.

Links:

• Ted Wright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-wright-3266b73/
• Fizz (Ted’s Agency): https://fizzcorp.com
• Ted’s book: https://amzn.to/4lensrk
• Ted’s Story-Target-Goal triangle: https://fizzcorp.com/strategy/
• June Wedd at American Dairy Association Mideast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/june-wedd-0193b29/
• Neal Stewart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealstewart/
• No Logo by Naomi Klein: https://amzn.to/3DQGIu0
• Chris Brandt at Chipotle Mexican Grill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-brandt-90b7636/
• Chris Ullman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisullman/
• Audacious by Mark Schaefer: https://amzn.to/3XzF6vf
• Billy Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billymitchell1/
• Sarah Neely: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmeredithneely/

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum welcomes Jeremy Haselwood—a dynamic marketer, speaker, and two-time author who once poured his heart into making it big in the music industry. Reflecting on experiences from rap battles to marketing consulting for Fortune 500 clients, Jeremy shares how he discovered his “why,” found balance after years of full-throttle hustle, and now helps organizations plan and execute with true purpose.

Topics Explored:

1. Rap Hustle to Marketing Muscle: Discover how sleepless nights, on-stage setbacks, and raw ambition in Jeremy’s 20s sharpened his resilience and shaped his approach to business.
2. Finding Your Edge: Learn about Jeremy’s EDGE framework—Eliminate Distractions, Discover Yourself, Generate Goals, and Enact Discipline—and why it’s a game-changer for anyone in transition.
3. VOSTEK Planning Model: Vision, Objectives, Strategy, Tactics, Execution, and KPIs. Jeremy explains how this model helps teams get clear on goals and avoid “the devil you know” approach to stuck processes.
4. Owning the Initiative: Why large organizations often flounder with new tech (like AI) or big ideas—because no one officially owns it. Jeremy’s method of assigning true accountability.
5. Purposeful Marketing & Self-Care: Balancing relentless drive with well-being. Jeremy reveals how he now ensures that hustle doesn’t mean burnout, and why nonprofits and for-profits alike must focus on people over process.

If you’re ready for a candid, uplifting conversation on bridging personal passion and professional purpose—plus strategies for turning big goals into real results—this episode will spark fresh motivation and clarity.

Links:

• Jeremy’s Website: https://jeremyhaselwood.com
• Jeremy’s books: https://www.jeremyhaselwood.com/books — Finding Your EDGE & The Digital Fundraising Blueprint
• The Jeremy Haselwood Show (Podcast): https://www.jeremyhaselwood.com/podcast
• Chris Voss’s ‘Never Split the Difference’: https://amzn.to/4bVl9VS
• RACI Model (Project Management): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsibility_assignment_matrix

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum welcomes Lucas Mack—former morning TV reporter, creative agency founder, and head of brand for Kubota. Through personal stories of adversity and triumph, Lucas explains how telling the truth—both to yourself and to others—can become a powerful catalyst for transformation in business and life.

Topics Explored:

1. Resilience Rooted in Hardship - Lucas shares how surviving a difficult childhood taught him not only grit but also the importance of authenticity.
2. Finding the Real Story - From local news segments to advertising campaigns, Lucas shows how a deep dive into human motivations and emotions uncovers the hidden spark that inspires customers, employees, and entire organizations.
3. Leading With Courage - Why surrounding yourself with humble yet bold people elevates team performance—and what it looks like to call out executive assumptions.
4. Building a Next-Level Brand - Beyond “being number one in your category,” Lucas argues for building a brand that stands for something big—so big that profit becomes the byproduct, not the prime product.
5. Truth as Freedom - Whether it’s refusing to settle for surface-level answers or owning your own story, Lucas reveals why naming the truth is the only way to break free from cultural constraints and unlock genuine innovation.

If you’re curious how bold honesty, personal resilience, and a well-defined ‘why’ can turn a brand—or any team—into a lasting success, Lucas’s insights will help you bring deeper authenticity to your own work.

Links:

• Lucas Mack’s website: https://lucasmack.com
• Connect with Lucas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmack/
• Lucas Mack’s book: https://www.lucasmack.com/ebooks/everyone-has-a-plan-until-they-get-punched-in-the-face-by-lucas-mack
• Lucas’s TEDx talk (2019): https://www.lucasmack.com/lucas-mack-speaking
• Lucas Mack’s podcast: https://www.lucasmack.com/the-lucas-mack-show
• Mrs’ Baird’s bread: https://www.mrsbairds.com/products
• Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces: https://amzn.to/43NjVcV
• The Truman Show (film reference): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum welcomes Juli Rush, whose work spans educating everyone from middle-schoolers to adults in strategic foresight and supporting individuals as a death doula. Drawing on her background in thanatology (the study of death and dying) and her role as Director of the Foresight Activation Lab at the University of Houston, Juli reveals how these seemingly different fields share a surprising thread:

1. When the Future Dies — Juli explains her framework—Hospice, Vigil, Compost—for guiding both individuals and organizations through endings. It’s not just about literal death; it’s about letting old visions go, so new ones can flourish.
2. Emotional Intelligence & Scenario Thinking — Facilitating “collapsing” scenarios in strategic foresight can trigger strong emotional reactions. Juli shows how grief techniques help leaders remain resilient and empathetic when confronting unsettling possibilities.
3. Fostering Resilience in Children — From teaching kids how to map out the future of war to letting them creatively debate AI, she illustrates why early exposure to foresight concepts can build crucial adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
4. Culture, Systems, and Hard Conversations — Whether it’s organizational “end-of-life” decisions or moral dilemmas around technology, Juli believes in honest—and often uncomfortable—dialogue that unearths root values and reorients us to what truly matters.
5. Beyond ‘Sustain at All Costs’ — At times, sustaining a job, product, or personal project just to avoid the label failure can be more harmful than letting go. Juli describes how knowing when to say goodbye can transform complacency into possibility.

If you’re curious about how deeper reflection on mortality can spark more vibrant futures—for your team, your community, or yourself—Juli’s integrative approach will challenge assumptions and offer practical frameworks you can apply right away.

Links:

• When the Future Dies (Juli’s project): https://whenthefuturedies.com
• University of Houston Foresight Program: https://uh.edu/technology/programs/graduate/foresight/
• Imagining After Capitalism by Andy Hines: https://amzn.to/41H6GYB
• Theory U (Otto Scharmer / Presencing Institute): https://www.presencing.org/
• Being Mortal by Atul Gawande: https://amzn.to/41Wg63N
• The Association of Professional Futurists: https://www.apf.org
• Juli’s SXSW talk “When The Future Dies: Putting Endings In Our Beginnings”: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP146642
• World Future’s Review: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/WFR

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com

In this episode of The Unfolding Thought Podcast, host Eric Pratum welcomes Andy Bales, whose extensive experience spans from the Door of Faith Mission in Des Moines to serving as CEO of Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles—often described as the epicenter of homelessness in the U.S. Andy dives into the forces that lead individuals into homelessness, the hidden traumas that often go unseen, and why providing a roof alone won’t repair lives. Sharing personal stories of heartbreak and renewed hope—from a father coping with his son’s tragic accident to families left with no support network—Andy illustrates how homelessness is more a loss of community than it is a loss of housing.

Together, Eric and Andy explore:

1. Homelessness as Disconnection – How the lack of any family or friend “safety net” is usually the biggest factor in ending up on the streets.
2. Life-Changing Encounters – Andy’s pivotal moment—and the regret that led him to a new path of truly seeing people, not just walking past them.
3. Beyond Housing First – Why a harm-reduction “roof only” model often traps people in cycles of addiction and exploitation by street gangs.
4. Community & Mentorship – Stories of individuals who found stability through mentorships, job training, and the dignity that comes from paying their own way.
5. Working With Kids Today – Why Andy now focuses on children at Children and Family Urban Movement (CFUM), preventing future homelessness by instilling reading skills, emotional support, and real hope for the next generation.

If you’re curious about practical ways to help—not just with donations, but by becoming that vital link to real community—Andy offers actionable insights you can bring to organizations in your own hometown.

Links:

• Children and Family Urban Movement (CFUM): https://cfum.org
• Union Rescue Mission: https://urm.org
• Union Rescue Mission getting a mother contact with her long lost son: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_K9NYjriAQ
• Andy Bales on X: https://x.com/abales
• “San Fransicko”, a book that Andy features prominently in: https://amzn.to/4h5FlFm
• Learn about Housing First: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing_First
• Learn about Harm Reduction: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harm_reduction

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com

Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: eric@inboundandagile.com