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In this episode, co-hosts Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff sit down with Tom Blomquist, an award-winning screenwriter, producer, director, and author whose work has shaped some of television’s most iconic shows. From Walker Texas Ranger and The A-Team to Hunter, Farscape, Swamp Thing, and Christy, Tom has had a hand in creating stories that millions of viewers know and love.

Beyond television, Tom has directed music videos, produced documentaries, and written four books, including his novels Poster Boys, Silent Partners, and Devious Thinking, as well as the acclaimed textbook Eye of the Storm: Directing for Film, Television & Emerging Media. His directing textbook is even recommended in the Disney/ABC Directors Guild Directing Program.

Tom is also a dedicated educator. He has taught screenwriting at the American Film Institute Conservatory, USC, Chapman University, and UCLA, and served as Professor of Film and Television Production at California State University, Long Beach, where he earned the title of Professor Emeritus. His passion for storytelling and mentorship extends internationally, having twice been a Visiting Artist in Hamburg, Germany.

In this conversation, Tom takes us behind the curtain of Hollywood and television leadership—sharing what it’s like to manage creative teams, navigate the pressures of network television, and balance artistry with deadlines and budgets. He also dives into his writing journey, the crossover between leadership in entertainment and other industries, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience, collaboration, and creativity.

You’ll learn:

• What it takes to become an executive producer in Hollywood
• How leadership challenges in entertainment mirror those in business and government
• Why storytelling is central to influence and impact
• How to lead creative teams under immense pressure
• The role of teaching and mentorship in building future leaders

Whether you’re a leader in business, education, or the arts, this episode will inspire you to think differently about leadership and the power of story.

Tune in as Tom Blomquist brings his incredible journey from Hollywood soundstages to classrooms—and now to The Dirty Side of Leadership

Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff
Sponsor: 4Ward Operations
Producer: Stephen Ridley
Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop

Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Send us a text

In this eye-opening episode, Ron and Kristin dive deep into the dirty side of self-sabotage by taking the Saboteur Assessment from Positive Intelligence. Get ready for a raw, honest conversation about the inner voices that derail leaders—even the high performers.

From Hyper-Achiever to Avoider, Stickler to Pleaser, these hidden saboteurs shape how we lead, connect, and even how we fail. Kristin and Ron reveal their personal assessment results and talk about the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways these mindsets have shown up in their careers and decisions.

They also explore:
How saboteurs show up in business and leadership
The connection between pressure and sabotage
Tools and strategies to shift from self-sabotage to self-command
The power of vulnerability and self-awareness as leadership strengths

Whether you’re running a team, launching a business, or trying to get out of your own head, this episode offers insights you won’t hear in most leadership podcasts.

Dirty Truth of the Day:

“The most dangerous enemy in leadership isn’t the loud one—it’s the quiet one inside your own mind.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Saboteur Assessment – PositiveIntelligence.com
• The Sage Mindset and how to grow it
• Coaching strategies to silence the inner critic
• 4Ward Operations, Inc

Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff
Sponsor: 4Ward Operations
Producer: Stephen Ridley
Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop

Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Send us a text

In this gripping episode of The Dirty Side of Leadership, co-hosts Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff sit down with Discovery Channel’s ultimate survivalist, Jeff Zausch. With more survival days under his belt than any contestant in "Naked and Afraid" history, Jeff shares what it takes to thrive in the world’s harshest environments - and how those same traits apply to real-world leadership, mindset, creativity, and overcoming personal and professional adversity.

From battling the elements to navigating group dynamics under pressure, Jeff brings raw insight into what true endurance, grit, and adaptability look like. Whether you lead a team or are just trying to survive your next meeting - this episode is for you.

Guest Bio: Jeff Zausch is a renowned American survivalist best known for his record-setting appearances on Discovery Channel’s "Naked and Afraid" and "Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing". A native of Idaho, Jeff has become a global face of extreme survival, pushing physical and mental limits in the most brutal terrains on Earth. His passion for the outdoors and unshakable willpower have made him a fan favorite and an icon in the survival community.

Featured On:

Naked and Afraid

Naked and Afraid XL

Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing (Seasons 1 & 2)

Sources: Discovery Channel, Jeff Zausch

Co-hosts: Ron Ward and Kristin Sokoloff
Sponsor: 4Ward Operations
Producer: Stephen Ridley
Facebook Group Administrator: Cassy Roop

Where leadership meets entertainment! This weekly podcast takes both a humorous and intense look at leadership through impactful stories, answers to listener questions, and breakdowns of dirty lessons from Ron's best selling book, "The Dirty Side of Leadership".

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com

Connect with us at 4wardoperations.com