First, Next, Only: Trailblazing Leadership With Justin Hilton THE BOLT podcast

First, Next, Only: Trailblazing Leadership with Justin Hilton

2d ago 1:02:07

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In this powerful episode, Leadership Akron President and CEO Justin Hilton joins host Todd Bertsch to explore what it truly means to be a trailblazer. From his journey as the first African-American architect intern under Robert P. Madison to his leadership across higher education, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, Justin shares lessons on courage, context, and curiosity. He opens up about vulnerability, faith, mentorship, and the power of designing not just a career—but a life. A conversation filled with wisdom, humility, and hope for the next generation of leaders.

Discussion points from this episode:

People over tasks as a transferable leadership principle
Building a personal board for wisdom, peers, and service
The legacy of Robert P. Madison and the gift of belief
Reframing sleep disorder and limits into resilience
Redefining success as who you become in pursuit
Using design thinking to architect your life
Art, vulnerability, and meeting your past self
Practical steps to schedule your inner circle
Mental fitness tools for stress, clarity, and growth

https://www.toddbertsch.com/podcast/trailblazing-leadership-with-justin-hilton

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Chapters

1. First, Next, Only: Trailblazing Leadership with Justin Hilton (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Justin Hilton’s Journey (00:00:43)

3. People Over Tasks And Relationship-First Leadership (00:01:25)

4. Context, Mentors, And Building A Personal Board (00:04:56)

5. Intentional Peer Groups And Mental Health (00:07:46)

6. The Power Of Wise Counsel Across Life’s Lanes (00:10:19)

7. Make It Real: Scheduling Your Inner Circle (00:13:55)

8. Three Circles Of Growth (00:15:23)

9. Meeting Mentor Robert P. Madison (00:16:50)

10. Overcoming Barriers And A Life Worth A Film (00:20:29)

11. The Gift Of Belief And Paying It Forward (00:24:16)

12. Youth Leadership And Dream Lists (00:27:02)

13. Sleep Disorder, Capacity, And Vulnerability (00:29:13)

14. Redefining Success And Embracing Limits (00:33:30)

15. Designing A Life, Not Just Buildings (00:37:02)

16. Pursuit Over Perfection And Joy In The Process (00:40:04)

17. Artist Revealed: Fear, Facade, And First Show (00:44:00)

18. Curating A Journey And Meeting Your Past Self (00:48:20)

19. Reframing Hardships As Gifts (00:52:28)

46 episodes