From Setbacks to Systems: My Journey in Progress
- Dustin Donaldson
- Jun 3, 2025
- 2 min read
I’ve spent most of my career building systems, leading teams, and solving problems. But the lessons that stuck with me the longest didn’t come from flawless plans or perfectly run projects — they came from the times things fell apart. When the pressure was real. When expectations outpaced capacity. When leadership mattered most.
This blog is a space to explore those moments — the behind-the-scenes challenges, the hard-earned insights, and the personal reflections that come from being in the trenches, not just the boardroom.
Why This Blog Exists
There’s no shortage of leadership advice out there. Some of it is great. A lot of it is generic. My goal here isn’t to add to the noise — it’s to offer something useful. Practical. Grounded in real work, real people, and real stakes.
COLT Blueprint was built to help leaders lead better and businesses run smarter. This blog continues that mission — offering a mix of strategy, tools, and perspective for anyone trying to move forward with intention.
A Bit About Me
I’m a husband and a proud dad of two. When I’m not chasing deadlines, I’m chasing time with my family, playing guitar or drums, or volunteering in the community. I’m also a cancer survivor — a challenge that reshaped my perspective early in life — and was once named a Kentucky Colonel, a recognition that means something different to me now than it did then.
Professionally, I’ve led national operations, built customer service teams from the ground up, and advised leaders on how to align culture with results. I’m certified in project management and Six Sigma, but I’m most comfortable with a whiteboard, a problem, and a team ready to fix it.
What You Can Expect
This isn’t a place for fluff, jargon, or perfection. Just honest thoughts on leadership, growth, and getting better — shared one post at a time. Sometimes it’ll be a lesson, other times a framework or a perspective shift. But always, it’ll be real.
If you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating change in your own life — I hope you find something here that helps you.

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