Something Extra

Join us as we sit down with Matt Nicolls, Chief Digital Innovation Officer at Technology Partners, to uncover the unique story behind his creative approach to leadership. Matt shares how his early experiences shaped his passion for visually mapping out solutions, and how this skill has become central to his work in technology. Listeners will hear about the mentors who inspired him, the pow...

Leah Spiros, the creative force behind Wrapped + Written, explores how a childhood love for art blossomed into a thriving business in calligraphy, engraving, and live event artistry. Leah shares heartfelt stories about the influence of her mother, the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and the joys and challenges of building a business rooted in faith and family. Whether you’re a fel...

Becca Spradlin, founder of On Mission Advisors and author of "Lead On Mission" shares how her upbringing, shaped by faith and entrepreneurial role models, led her to a career helping organizations stay focused on their core mission. From leading microfinance initiatives around the world to launching her own consultancy, Becca reveals practical wisdom for leaders who want to avoid mission drift and create lasting impact. Tune in for...

Discover how growing up in a bustling, love-filled St. Louis home shaped Tim Sater’s approach to leadership and life. As the youngest of eight, Tim shares stories of his parents’ kindness, the open-door policy that earned their house the nickname “Grand Central Station,” and the lessons he carries into his role as Vice President of Marketing at AAIM Employers Association. Hear how Tim’s global career in marketing taught him the val...

In this episode, we explore how a passion for helping others was shaped by an unconventional childhood. Gary Baker, President and CEO of Undivided Wealth Management, shares candid stories about growing up with young parents in a chaotic environment, and how the unwavering love he received became the foundation for his resilience and people-centric leadership style. Together, Lisa and Gary reflect on the power of embracing adversity...

Lorraine Heywood, CEO and founder of Augustine Talent Group, explores how faith, leadership, and community come together to create lasting impact. Lorraine shares her journey from growing up in a dynamic, achievement-driven family to launching a successful career in recruiting-and how her love for people and her faith have shaped every step. Discover how Lorraine’s involvement with The Rooted Sisters and her bold move to launch the...

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Kendall Brune and Dr. Ryan Rogers to explore the transformative journeys of veterans and leaders. Dr. Rogers shares his deeply personal story of military service, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and how mentorship from Dr. Brune helped him find purpose beyond the battlefield. Together, they discuss the importance of community, the impact of unresolved trauma, and ...

Dr. Rachel Glik, licensed professional counselor and author of A Soulful Marriage explores how the skills for building lasting, loving relationships, starting with self-love and responsibility, can be learned and practiced by anyone, not just couples. Dr. Glik shares her personal journey from sensitive child to renowned marriage counselor, emphasizing that strong relationships with ourselves and others are foundational to effective...

In this heartfelt episode of the Something Extra podcast, Matt and Maria Granados, founders of the Take Part Foundation, explore how faith and intentionality shape their lives and leadership. From their unique beginnings at Eagle U—a program dedicated to equipping young people with real-world success skills—to their entrepreneurial journeys and service-driven careers, Matt and Maria share how listening to their calling has led to u...

Daniela Linero, Chief Customer Officer at Ontop, explores her inspiring journey from Santa Marta, Colombia, to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur and leader. She recounts pivotal moments, such as moving to Barcelona for an exchange program and founding her first company, Licify, at just 21 years old in the male-dominated construction industry. In this episode, Daniela reflects on lessons in leadership, courage, and stepping out o...

In this week’s episode, Jeff Brittain, Managing Director at FedEx Institute of Technology, University of Memphis, and seasoned global IT leader, shares his journey into leadership, his career path from engineering to IT leadership, and the life lessons he's gained along the way. He emphasizes the importance of communication, adaptability, and maintaining positivity in leadership roles, while reflecting on his own evolution as ...

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dave Peacock, CEO of Advantage Solutions, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, faith, and intentionality. Dave shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading major organizations like Anheuser-Busch and Schnucks, emphasizing how pivotal life moments shaped his leadership style. Together, they explore the importance of building meaningful connections, fostering a strong organizati...

What happens when you leave a successful 20-year career as a managing partner at a national CPA firm with no clear plan? Vonna Laue, author of "Glad I Didn't Know: Lessons Learned Through Life's Challenges And Unexpected Blessings" shares her remarkable journey from small-town South Dakota to partner at a national CPA firm to board chair at World Vision USA. Tune in as she reflects on lessons of trust, leadershi...

This week, we honor Danny Ludeman, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A visionary leader, Danny made everyone feel seen and valued. Though not a St. Louis native, he embraced the city with unmatched passion. His episode was #18 of the Something Extra podcast, which aired in February of 2019. More than 300 episodes later, his message still resonates. Greg and Lisa Nichols, along with their dau...

Join Lisa Nichols as she interviews Pallavi Chandak, CIO at Axia Women's Health, about leveraging technology to improve women's healthcare. Pallavi shares her journey from electrical engineering in India to becoming a healthcare technology executive, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making and innovative AI solutions. Discover how Axia Women's Health is using technology to provide comprehensive and ...

Lisa Nichols interviews Harsha Bellur, CIO of James Avery Jewelry, revealing the secrets to his success in tech and leadership. Harsha shares how growing up in India and working in his father's iron and steel business from a young age shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and approach to customer relationships. This episode is a masterclass in turning timeless business principles into a thriving career!

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In this episode, Dr. Margie Warrell discusses her new book, "The Courage Gap: Five Steps to Braver Action," which is inspired by her experiences during the pandemic. Margie shares insights on the importance of focusing on what you most want, not on what you fear, and emphasizes that courage isn't about eradicating fear, but managing it. She encourages listeners to identify their personal courage gap by assessing diff...

Many leaders excel in their careers but struggle to maintain the same level of success at home. Cory Carlson, Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Co-Founder of RISE Community, knows this challenge well—and he’s on a mission to change it. With years of experience coaching business leaders, Cory helps them overcome burnout, develop their teams, and lead with greater purpose in both their professional and personal lives. In this epi...

Meet three incredible leaders from Commerce Bank on this week's episode of the Something Extra podcast. Beth Feuring, Susan Kalist, and Becki Feldmann bring a wealth of experience across culture, commercial banking, and brand management. Tune in as they discuss the role of company culture in banking, how to balance innovation with customer relationships, and the something extra that fuels their leadership.

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