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PODCAST · business

Something Extra

by Technology Partners

My name is Lisa Nichols, and I have spent the last 30 years as both the CEO of Technology Partners and as the mother to Ally, our daughter with Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs when someone is born with an extra chromosome, but for Ally, her “something extra” goes beyond her DNA. She is one of the funniest, kindest, mostly joyful people you have ever met. Learning from Ally has taught me to look for the “something extras” in everyone I encounter. Join me as I interview leaders from around the world as they share their stories and show us what it takes to influence, encourage, and be a true leader in our daily lives. Welcome to Something Extra.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 15, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Discovering What Really Matters in Leadership w/ John Pepper

    In this episode, iconic business leader John E. Pepper, retired Chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble, shares timeless wisdom gained from decades of leading world-class organizations. He discusses how grounding leadership in purpose, love, and continuous agility creates a culture where diverse...

  2. The Power of Purposeful Leadership w/ Stephen Jenkins

    Career growth often comes down to saying yes before you feel fully ready and letting ownership drive the results. Stephen Jenkins, Author and President of Global Business and Innovation at Videri, breaks down his non-traditional path from a hands-on IT engineer supporting mission-critical...

  3. The Human Side of Tech Leadership w/ Bryan Muehlberger

    Explore the intersection of high-level technology leadership and profound personal resilience with Bryan Muehlberger, CTO at The Health Institute and Founder of Lumiyo & CXO/RISE. Drawing from his expansive career driving innovation at iconic brands like Red Bull and Beachbody, Bryan shares...

  4. Owning Your Power at the Executive Table w/ Lisa Davis

    Unpack what it truly takes to break barriers at the highest levels of executive leadership with Lisa Davis, Executive Leadership Expert, Founder of Davis Core Advisory, award-winning CIO, and bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room: How to Win in a Workplace Still Built for Men. From her...

  5. From Success to Significance w/ Scott Highmark

    Scott Highmark, President and Principal of Mosaic Family Wealth and author of The Significance Pyramid, explores what happens when reaching the pinnacle of success still leaves high achievers feeling unfulfilled. He breaks down why true wealth extends far beyond financial assets and shares...

  6. Overcoming Negativity to Build Positive Teams w/ Jon Gordon

    In our 400th episode, we explore the power of transformational leadership with Jon Gordon, 18x best-selling author and leadership expert. Jon breaks down why optimism is not soft; it is a critical competitive advantage that drives real business results and transforms company culture. Discover...

  7. Rethinking Culture: How Mindsets Drive Results w/ Ray Kleeman

    Ray Kleeman, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Reinsurance Group of America, shares his expert blueprint for driving human-centered business strategy. Unpack how aligning talent, culture, and leadership unlocks flawless execution and creates long-term value within any...

  8. Unlocking Human Potential Through Clean Water Access w/ Dr. Greg Allgood

    What happens when a corporate water purification initiative fails to make a profit, but holds the power to save millions of lives? Dr. Greg Allgood, Vice President of Water and Health at World Vision, shares how pitching a radical non-profit model turned a commercial obstacle into a global effort...

  9. Designing Healthcare Around the Human Experience w/ Dr. Hossain Marandi

    Step inside the mind of Dr. Hossain Marandi, President of Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital and SVP of SSM Health Pediatric Services, as he shares how merging clinical insight with business strategy elevates the standard of care. Discover the thoughtful, inclusive process behind building a...

  10. Human-Centric AI and the Art of Leadership w/ Ryan Schlimpert

    In this episode, Ryan Schlimpert, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Drury Hotels, breaks down how modern technology leaders can drive innovation without losing the human touch. He explores the power of human-centric AI, explaining how automating backend processes creates more...

  11. Redefining Inclusion as an Economic Opportunity w/ Jim Atwater

    Discover how lived experiences can transform into a catalyst for global innovation with guest Jim Atwater, Founder and CEO of InReturn Strategies and Aptly.org. In this episode, Atwater opens up about navigating progressive hearing loss and how those pivotal moments inspired him to revolutionize...

  12. The Power of Integrity, Courage, and Communication w/ Sonya Engle

    What does it take to lead with deep purpose and resilience in healthcare? Sonya Engle, Chief Operating Officer at Sonora Quest Laboratories, shares her remarkable journey from starting on the front lines as a specimen processor to leading the nation's largest integrated laboratory network. She...

  13. The Beauty and the Beast of AI: Cybersecurity Insights w/ Andrew Wilder

    What does it take to transition from a manager who tells people what to do to a leader who empowers great minds to innovate? Andrew Wilder, Chief Security Officer at Vetcor, shares his wisdom gained from over 25 years of building robust cybersecurity systems from the ground up at global giants…

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  14. Solving the Human Element in a Fast-Paced Tech World w/ Mark Haubein

    Step inside the strategy behind modernizing Rawlings Sporting Goods with Mark Haubein, the Senior Vice President of Information Technology, as he shares how he guides an iconic heritage brand through massive digital transformations by focusing on team empowerment and autonomy. He breaks down why…

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  15. Finding Peace in the Pivot w/ Ladi Adefala

    Step into the powerful journey of Ladi Adefala, a world-renowned cybersecurity strategist, founder and CEO at Omega316, and board chair at Delta Dental of Missouri, as he shares profound insights on navigating difficult career transitions and unexpected "wilderness" seasons. This episode delves...

  16. Finding True Beauty and Balance in Leadership w/ Erika Johnson

    From the national gymnastics stage to the front lines of community revitalization, Erika Johnson, Founder of Juice EJ, has dedicated her life to building a healthier, more equitable future. In this inspiring conversation, she opens up about a profound family health crisis that completely shifted...

  17. Radically Honest Leadership w/ Robert Griggs

    Uncover what happens when a leader completely flips the corporate hierarchy to focus entirely on the people loading the trucks and running the welding lines. Robert Griggs, Founder and Chairman of Trinity Products, joins the conversation to reveal how he scaled a business from nothing into a...

  18. The Power of Imperfection w/ Jim Brown

    This episode features a conversation with leadership veteran Jim Brown, founder of OrgHealth and author of the new book The Imperfect CEO, about how executives can build high-performing organizational cultures by embracing vulnerability and human limitations. Brown discusses the "org health…

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  19. Leaving Your Community Better Than You Found It w/ Dr. Andrea Jackson-Jennings

    Discover what it truly means to lead with impact as Dr. Andrea Jackson-Jennings, Managing Director of the Regional Response Team, shares her extraordinary journey from university cashier to champion of vulnerable communities. She opens up about the front-line realities of managing explosive…

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  20. Led by Humility, Driven by Value w/ Tom Manenti

    This week’s episode features Tom Manenti, the former Chairman and CEO of MiTek, who shares his masterclass in leadership forged over a 40-year career. He shares a wealth of wisdom on building world-class organizational cultures, his unique experience reporting directly to Warren Buffett, and the...

  21. The Power of Value Journalism and Radical Helpfulness w/ John Hall

    Discover the power of radical helpfulness and building long-term trust with John Hall, speaker, author, and Managing Partner at Relevance. In this episode, John details how his entrepreneurial mindset evolved from a third-grade lunch brokerage to a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio, all...

  22. Lessons on Failing Forward w/ Matt Lashoff

    Matt Lashoff, a former NHL defenseman and current Strategic Leader with Oak View Group and Founder of Vesta Legacy Group, shares how the grueling discipline of professional hockey prepared him for the complexities of global sports business and entrepreneurship. He discusses his unconventional…

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  23. Building a Legacy That Outlasts Your Career w/ Lance Welch

    Stop viewing your professional success and family life as competing interests and start seeing them as a singular, powerful legacy. Lance Welch, Business and Legacy Building Coach and Author of The Legacy Navigator, breaks down the "Legacy Table" framework to help you transfer vision, values, and...

  24. Building Businesses for a Greater Purpose w/ Mike Sharrow

    In this week's episode, Mike Sharrow, CEO of The C12 Group, offers a powerful model for intentional leadership. Discover how shifting from a success mindset to a significance mindset can turn any business into a platform for changing the world. He introduces the profound blue marble practice to...

  25. Scaling the Power of Human Connection w/ Aaron Sanders

    In this week's episode, Aaron Sanders, President of TN Yield Co, explains how he transitioned from a successful 16-year career in finance to revitalizing underutilized church properties into vibrant community hubs. He details the implementation of the "friendship bench" model and "intentionally...

  26. Becoming the Miracle You Seek w/ Nick Vujicic

    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…

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  27. Breaking Bread and Nourishing Community w/ Josh Allen

    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…

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  28. The Human Side of High-Stakes Tech w/ Larry Bonfante

    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…

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  29. A Journey of Surrender w/ Brandon Bettis

    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...

  30. Returning to Episode 10: Honoring Bob Chapman: The Extraordinary Power of Treating Your People Like Family

    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...

  31. Redefining Worth Beyond the Applause w/ Rachael Lampa

    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...

  32. Navigating the Future of Philanthropy w/ Betsy Cohen

    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...

  33. Finding Purpose Beyond the Bottom Line w/ Jeff Thomas

    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…

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  34. Mastering the Art of Hyper-Personalization w/ Jeremie Kubicek

    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"…

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  35. The Gift of a Tangible Legacy w/ Eileen Spinner

    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...

  36. The Discipline of Clarity w/ Caren Merrick

    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...

  37. Stewardship Over Success w/ Paul Hood

    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...

  38. Finding Hope in Life’s Valleys w/ Steve Sewell

    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...

  39. Leveraging Personalization to Drive True Loyalty w/ Shep Hyken

    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…

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  40. Leading with Empathy and Agility w/ Michael Smith

    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...

  41. Best of 2025, Part 2

    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…

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  42. Best of 2025, Part 1

    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…

    more
  43. Unlocking Your Purpose w/ Bennetta "Coach Bee" Raby

    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…

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  44. A Roadmap to High Performance w/ Eric Stone

    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...

  45. Unlocking Bi-Directional Value w/ Jonathan Shroyer

    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...

  46. A Mindset for Success w/ Sam Cook

    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…

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  47. Family, Faith, and Miracles w/ Sam Goodwin

    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...

  48. How Accountability and Humility Drive High-Performance Teams w/ Greg "Boss" Wooldridge

    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...

  49. Trust, Technology, and Global Leadership w/ Suda Suvarna

    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…

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  50. Leading with Language w/ Bill Tingle

    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...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

My name is Lisa Nichols, and I have spent the last 30 years as both the CEO of Technology Partners and as the mother to Ally, our daughter with Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs when someone is born with an extra chromosome, but for Ally, her “something extra” goes beyond her DNA. She is one of the funniest, kindest, mostly joyful people you have ever met. Learning from Ally has taught me to look for the “something extras” in everyone I encounter. Join me as I interview leaders from around the world as they share their stories and show us what it takes to influence, encourage, and be a true leader in our daily lives. Welcome to Something Extra.

HOSTED BY

Technology Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Something Extra have?

Something Extra currently has 408 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Something Extra about?

My name is Lisa Nichols, and I have spent the last 30 years as both the CEO of Technology Partners and as the mother to Ally, our daughter with Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs when someone is born with an extra chromosome, but for Ally, her “something extra” goes beyond her DNA. She is one of...

How often does Something Extra release new episodes?

Something Extra publishes regularly with 408 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Something Extra?

You can listen to Something Extra on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Something Extra?

Something Extra is created and hosted by Technology Partners.
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