Something Extra

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

CFO of Brinkmann Constructors, Sam Cook, shares the remarkable journey that propelled her from a small, humble border town in Mexico to a leader in the US construction industry. Discover how her upbringing sparked a relentless curiosity and a drive to constantly seek the next level, leading her to start college at 16, and transition from architecture to high-stakes finance. Gain insights into her leadership philosophy, including why it's vital to be emotionally ready to execute a plan and the value of having a good team while navigating rapid company growth. Guest Links: Sam’s LinkedInBrinkmann Constructors Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

In this unforgettable episode, world traveler, author, and speaker Sam Goodwin explores the power of perseverance, faith, and family through gripping stories of adversity and triumph. Sam shares how competitive sports shaped his mindset, recounts his harrowing experience of 63 days in a Syrian prison, and reveals the miraculous series of events that led to his release - thanks to the unwavering support of his family and faith community. Listeners will discover how Sam’s encounters around the globe taught him powerful lessons in gratitude, forgiveness, and resilience, and why taking risks can lead to unexpected silver linings. Tune in for practical wisdom, inspirational anecdotes, and a heartfelt reflection on what it truly means to have "something extra" as a leader and a human being. Guest Links: Sam’s LinkedInsamgoodwin.comSaving Sam: The True Story of an American’s Disappearance in Syria and His Family’s Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

What does it take to lead one of the most elite, high-stakes teams in the world? Retired U.S. Naval Officer and three-time Blue Angels Flight Leader, Captain Greg "Boss" Wooldridge, reveals the mindset required to lead pilots who fly inches from disaster. Discover how the Blue Angels harness the power of vulnerability and fearless feedback using a structured debriefing process to build radical trust and achieve peak performance. From the importance of being both confident and humble to the impact of finding a mission "bigger than just air shows," this is an indispensable masterclass in leadership. Guest Links: Greg’s LinkedInJohn Foley Inc. Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Dive into a masterclass on global leadership with Suda Suvarna, Retired Global Chief Digital Solutions Officer at Deloitte. He shares his remarkable journey from growing up in India to leading massive international teams and navigating some of the most complex business transformations in the world. Discover his foundational principles for inspiring trust, the critical role of cultural awareness and curiosity in leadership, and why he believes AI is the "multiplier" that will transform the future of business. Guest Links: Suda’s LinkedIn Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Bill Tingle, a former CIO, shares profound lessons learned from his diverse career, including his time at Enterprise and Pods, and how early life experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses the transformative power of ontological coaching, emphasizing the critical role of precise language, clear commitments, and shared understanding in building trust and driving results. Dive into a conversation about how leaders must learn to flourish, not fear, the power of AI to gain more capacity, and why the ultimate goal is creating organizations that act as a dream maker for every employee. Guest Links: Bill’s LinkedInTingle Leadership Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover how to transform your relationship with money from a source of stress and shame into a tool for empowerment and choice. Anne Lester, a former Managing Director and Head of Retirement Solutions at JP Morgan, opens up about her own journey from being maxed out on credit cards to designing and launching target date funds, a process that revealed she wasn't "uniquely terrible" at managing money. This episode offers practical, non-judgmental advice—rooted in behavioral economics—on setting up guardrails for a secure financial future, the single most important habit for young professionals, and why being a little uncomfortable is a powerful lesson in resilience. Tune in to uncover how to align your financial actions with your goals and start living your best financial life. Guest Links: Anne’s LinkedInAnneLester.comYour Best Financial Life: Save Smart Now for the Future You Want Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Discover how to live a life of intentional impact with Joe Pellegrino, Founder and President of Legacy Minded Ministries and Not Just an Average Joe. Joe shares his profound concept of being a "dash enhancer" - maximizing the life (the dash) between your birth and death dates to positively affect generations to come. He opens up about overcoming a lonely, challenging youth to become a successful author and mentor, revealing how his commitment to perseverance transformed his trajectory. You'll also learn why asking the right questions is the key to unlocking your true purpose. Guest Links: Joe’s LinkedInLegacy Minded MinistriesThe Five and a Half Questions Everyone Must Answer5 Mandates of a Legacy Minded Man Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media