Something Extra

From the edge of despair to a life defined by purpose, Nick Vujicic’s story is one of the most powerful you’ll hear. The internationally known speaker, best-selling author, and founder of Attitude is Altitude shares how faith, gratitude, and perspective reshaped his life, along with five practical steps anyone can use to move through dark seasons. His message is simple but challenging. If you’re not receiving a miracle, you can still become one. Guest Links: Nick’s LinkedInNickVujicic.comNickvofficial.comNickvfilm.comBe the Hands and Feet: Living Out God's Love for All His Children Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Josh Allen explains how he scaled Companion Baking from a local St. Louis startup to a national supplier by remaining agile through industry challenges like the pandemic and shifting dietary trends. He details his commitment to the 1% for the Planet initiative and food insecurity causes, proving that a company's internal soul is just as important as its external success. The conversation offers profound insights into maintaining grit and fostering deep-rooted relationships with employees and vendors to leave a lasting legacy of integrity. Guest Links: Josh’s LinkedInCompanion BakingThe Baked-In Podcast Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

From the high-pressure courts of the US Open to the boardrooms of the Fortune 500, Larry Bonfante, Founder and CEO of CIO Bench Coach, has mastered the art of leading through the "messiness" of human nature. He reveals why technical acumen is never enough to reach the C-suite and how shifting your focus from the "how" to the "why" can secure multi-million dollar investments and deep-rooted team loyalty. Discover how to build a leadership brand that commands respect without self-promotion and why the most impactful leaders are those who prioritize the success of others over their own next promotion. Guest Links: Larry’s LinkedInCIO Bench CoachLessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business LeaderReflections of an Executive Coach Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Explore the powerful story of Brandon Bettis, Director of Client Enrichment at EPIC Holistic Partners, who transitioned from the "Valley of Death" in Afghanistan to a high-stakes career in financial services. Despite reaching the summit of professional success and personal stability, Brandon reveals the hidden struggle of wearing a mask while battling deep internal hopelessness. He shares the pivotal moment in the Ohio wilderness where he traded his self-reliance for a life of surrender, offering profound insights into the humility and resilience required to lead with true impact. Guest Links: Brandon’s LinkedInEPIC Holistic PartnersMighty Oaks Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

In this special tribute episode, we honor the life and legacy of Bob Chapman, former CEO and Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, following his recent passing. Bob shares the defining experiences that shaped his belief that “everybody matters,” from his upbringing in Ferguson to reconnecting with his father. This episode reflects his commitment to building people-first cultures and redefining what leadership should look like. Listeners will walk away with a renewed perspective on empathy, responsibility, and leading with care. Guest Links: Barry-WehmillerChapman & Co. Leadership InstituteEverybody Matters Podcast

Award-winning recording artist and songwriter, Rachael Lampa, opens up about the pivotal moment she walked away from a massive music career at age 20 to find her own voice. After years of living on autopilot, she discovered that true identity is not found in metrics or accolades but in the quiet rhythms of serving others through Nashville's homeless community and women's prison ministries. This episode explores how her son Leo has taught her to embrace the superpower of connection over the constant hurry of life. Listeners will learn how to transition from a mindset of perfection to one of harmony while guarding their intrinsic worth as a child of God. Guest Links: RachaelLampaMusic"Perfectly Loved""Superpowers" Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Explore the transformative power of "wisdom work" with Betsy Cohen, a Philanthropic Futurist at the consultancy Future Good. After a 33 year career at Nestle Purina and over a decade spent building the St. Louis Mosaic Project, Betsy reveals how leaders can transition from achievement-driven success to a legacy of purpose and community connection. This episode dives into the evolving landscape of generational generosity, the impact of AI on nonprofits, and why the most effective leaders prioritize empathy and the "power of one" to create a lasting ripple effect. Guest Links: Betsy’s LinkedInFutureGood Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover what happens when a high-achieving Wall Street veteran receives a "seven-figure check" and realizes it doesn't hold the fulfillment he spent decades chasing. Jeff Thomas, Author and Founder/CEO of Arcos Global Advisors, shares his powerful journey of walking away from a billion-dollar book of business to scale a mission-driven firm rooted in biblical wisdom. This episode challenges conventional leadership by prioritizing "narratives before numbers" and revealing how a life tethered to God can turn a standard career into a global mission field. Guest Links: Jeff’s LinkedInArkos Global AdvisorsTrading Up: Moving From Success to Significance on Wall Street Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover how to transform your leadership style from "command and control" to a sophisticated, person-centered approach that thrives in the age of artificial intelligence. Jeremie Kubicek, Co-founder of GiANT and Author of The Voice-Driven Leader, reveals the secrets to "calling yourself up" every morning and navigating the complex dynamics of team personality. This episode dives deep into the "Development Square," providing a practical roadmap for onboarding and multiplying talent while using AI to bridge communication gaps between different personality types. Gain a distinct competitive edge by learning to apply the Platinum Rule to foster a culture of psychological safety and high performance. Guest Links: Jeremie’s LinkedInJeremieKubicek.comGiANT WorldwideWorkplace5 VoicesEpisode 271: Become a Leader Worth Following with Jeremie KubicekThe Voice-Driven Leader Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

In this episode, Eileen Spinner, Licensed Professional Counselor, Author, and Public Speaker, reveals how capturing a person’s story can become a profound tool for healing and reconciliation. Eileen details her work with the Lumina program, creating tangible legacy pieces that ensure a person's light continues to shine for future generations. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that every leader has a unique gift to share and that our stories are the most valuable inheritance we can leave behind. Guest Links: Eileen’s LinkedInEileen SpinnerBJC Hospice Mom, Tell Me Why You're Catholic and Everything Else You Love: A Faith-Based Guided JournalDad, Tell Me Why You're Catholic and Everything Else You LoveFriend, Tell Me About Your Faith and Everything Else You Love Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover how a tech entrepreneur turned her basement startup into one of the most successful IPOs in history and eventually managed a $3 billion budget as a cabinet secretary. Caren Merrick, Tech Founder, Private Equity Advisor, and Author, discusses the "Power of Insight" and why cultivating clarity is the essential discipline every modern leader must master to avoid the traps of bureaucracy and "scope creep." Learn why the most effective leadership begins with uncomfortable self-awareness and the willingness to ask, "What is it like to be on the other side of me?" Guest Links: Caren’s LinkedIn Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Paul Hood, CPA, Personal Financial Specialist, and CEO of PaulHood, joins the show to share a raw and transformative journey from "the wrong side of the tracks" to the helm of the nation’s largest single-owner CPA firm. He opens up about the grit required to break generational cycles of addiction and incarceration, and the humbling moment a Christian counselor challenged his entitlement, ultimately saving his 38-year marriage. Listeners will discover how adopting a "Kingdom stewardship" mindset can replace fear-based ambition with profound joy and explosive professional growth. Guest Links: Paul’s LinkedInPaulHood94XRoadkill Tastes Like Chicken Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover how to navigate the "valleys" of life with Steve Sewell, a renowned Author, Speaker, and Grief Specialist who has dedicated his life to walking alongside others through crisis. Steve shares profound insights on why naming your grief is the first step toward healing and how leaders can banish management burnout by learning to "go to work, but live at home". This episode offers a unique perspective on leadership, revealing how acknowledging our own personal losses can become a powerful tool for mentoring and supporting those we lead. Guest Links: Steve’s LinkedInEncouraging Hope, Inc. Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover how childhood magic shows and a gas station job laid the foundation for a legendary career in customer service and experience. This episode features Shep Hyken, the Chief Amazement Officer at Shepard Presentations, as he breaks down the "I’ll Be Back" philosophy and the distinction between repeat business and true brand loyalty. Gain actionable insights on operationalizing feedback, leading through a crisis, and why the most successful organizations prioritize a "hospitality mentality" to outshine their competition. Guest Links: Shep’s LinkedInShepard Presentations, LLC Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover how a former criminology major and aspiring actor transitioned from a curious subcontractor to a powerhouse executive in the tech industry. Michael Smith, Partner at Fortium Partners, shares his "business-first" philosophy on IT, explaining why technology is most powerful when it is used to create a competitive advantage rather than just being a set of widgets. He dives deep into the high-stakes world of global digital transformations and the hard-won lessons learned from "failing safe" under great mentors. Guest Links: Michael’s LinkedInFortium Partners Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Join us for a special highlight reel in this episode of Something Extra. We’ve handpicked standout moments and compelling insights from our incredible guests throughout 2025. Reflect on the stories that inspired us, the lessons that shaped us, and the wisdom that continues to light the way forward. Let their advice and vision pave the way for your journey into what we hope will be your most impactful and remarkable year yet. Don’t miss this chance to recharge and set the stage for success in the year ahead! Guest Links: EP335 - Lorraine HeywoodEP336 - Gary BakerEP340 - Matt NicollsEP341 - Horst SchulzeEP345 - Joni Eareckson TadaEP354 - Michael Staenberg Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Join us for a special highlight reel in this episode of Something Extra. We’ve handpicked standout moments and compelling insights from our incredible guests throughout 2025. Reflect on the stories that inspired us, the lessons that shaped us, and the wisdom that continues to light the way forward. Let their advice and vision pave the way for your journey into what we hope will be your most impactful and remarkable year yet. Don’t miss this chance to recharge and set the stage for success in the year ahead! Guest Links: EP319 - Jae ChungEP322 - Yvonne CarlsonEP323 - Commerce BankEP327 - Pallavi ChandakEP329 - Dave PeacockEP332 - Matt & Maria GranadosEP334 - Dr. Kendall Brune & Dr. Ryan Rogers Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

In this dynamic episode, Bennetta Raby, also known as Coach Bee, shares her powerful, decades-long journey as a transformation expert, starting from restoring her grandmother's furniture to orchestrating global strategic alignment for Fortune 500 companies. She reveals the deeply personal crisis of fulfillment that led her to discover her true calling. Hear Coach Bee unpack the "legions of things" that hold leaders back and the critical need for self-reflection and emotional intelligence to lead a life of authentic purpose, emphasizing that "vulnerability has to be present for transformation to happen." Guest Links: Coach Bee’s LinkedInRunnvation LLC Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

This episode features Eric Stone, founder and CEO of Clear Path Ventures, discussing how to build a high-performance workplace culture based on his experience leading a highly successful region at Enterprise. He emphasizes the non-negotiable commitments developed through a peer-nominated "think tank," the importance of continuous training, and his five factors of engagement: relationships, communication, resources, development, and recognition. Stone also stresses that culture is measurable and predictable, and highlights the need for leaders to consistently have a presence and communicate clearly using his ABCs - Amplify, Buffer, and Convey. Guest Links: Eric’s LinkedInClear Path VenturesEricDStone.comJumpstart Your Workplace Culture Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover the extraordinary journey of Jonathan Shroyer, Co-founder of Quimbi AI. This episode explores how growing up in a massive family taught him the importance of influence over command, which he later applied in his career by intentionally mastering emotional intelligence. Learn his powerful strategy for creating "bi-directional value" for customers and talent, his belief that data - not your product - is your company's secret weapon, and the essential leadership attribute he credits for his success across global companies like Microsoft and Symantec. Hear his inspiring personal story, rooted in hope, which fuels his pioneering spirit to reverse-engineer the future of customer experience with agentic AI. Guest Links: Jonathan’s LinkedInQuimbi.aiThe Little Lion, Lioness, and Llama: Based on a true story Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media