Something Extra

“Uniquely going beyond excellence” sums up the work taking place at Williams Academy STL, an innovative early childhood learning and technology center training today’s minds for future success. This is also the personal mission statement of the school’s co-founder, Yonnick Jones. Tune in as he and Lisa discuss how the organization gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Guest Links:

• Yonnick's LinkedIn
• Williams Academy STL
• JonesCompany.info
• Williams Academy Black Tie Event (03/30/2023)

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs; Joe Szynkowski, Marketing Support

How do you avoid getting bogged down in the quicksand of competing demands? According to Mark Miller, Vice President of High-Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A, it all boils down to your choices. In this episode, Mark shares insights from over 20 years of leadership coaching and team development. With over one million books in print in more than 25 languages, you will see how Mark’s insights into leadership are sought by organizations across the globe.

Guest Links:

• Mark's LinkedIn
• Lead Every Day Website
• Chick-fil-A Homepage
• Culture Rules: The Leader's Guide to Creating the Ultimate Competitive Advantage by Mark Miller
• Smart Leadership: Four Simple Choices to Scale Your Impact by Mark Miller

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs; Joe Szynkowski, Marketing Support

We often hear people tell us to follow our passion, but may hit a roadblock once we realize that we have more than one. Scott Richert shares how he overcame the pressure to identify a ‘grand vision’ and instead focused on taking work one step at a time. Now, as the CIO at Mercy, Scott is passionate about helping people find meaningfulness in work by understanding their impact, no matter the role. Tune in for a story of authentic leadership and hard-won success.

Guest Links:

• Scott's LinkedIn
• Mercy.net

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs; Joe Szynkowski, Marketing Support

Mr. Rogers once said, “Anyone who does anything to help a child in their life is a hero.” As an Adoptive Mom, Author, Podcast Host, and App Designer, this quote takes on special meaning for Marcy Bursac. Join us as she shares her personal journey of pivoting her career, advocating for foster care adoption, and aligning her life to make family her top priority.

Guest Links:

• Marcy's LinkedIn
• ForgottenAdoptionOption.com
• The Forgotten Adoption Option: A Self-Reflection and How-To-Guide for Pursuing Foster Care Adoption by Marcy Bursac
• Are You a Forever Family?  by Marcy Bursac

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Morgan Cochran, Marketing Support; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs 

Do you provide an environment where employees feel empowered and engaged? Mindi Cox, Chief Marketing & People Officer at O.C. Tanner, calls this workplace fulfillment – and she actually describes it as the future of work. In this episode, Mindi discusses the software that has created more than 222 recognition moments every minute and how every business owner can leave the world a better place.

Guest Links:

• Mindi's LinkedIn
• O.C. Tanner

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Morgan Cochran, Marketing Support; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs 

Did you know that 21.7 million people experience job losses in America every year? Though unemployment is a common life stressor, many people do not know how to handle themselves after being let go. Dale Kreinenkamp, President of Thriving Through Transitions, looks at how to lean into your support system and embrace the change curve to move toward a better life.

Guest Links:

• Dale's LinkedIn
• DaleKreienkamp.com
• How Long O Lord, How Long?: Devotions for the Unemployed and Those Who Love Them by Dale Kreienkamp

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Morgan Cochran, Marketing Support; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs 

Brene Brown has said, “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” This encapsulates Author, Speaker, and Journalist Melissa Harrison’s journey of experiencing the news cycle in reverse. When her mother’s murder made headlines, Melissa made it her mission to report other people’s stories of tragedy and pain with a deep set of ethics. Tune in for a must-listen episode of empathy, resilience, and compassion.

Guest Links:

• Melissa's LinkedIn
• CEOForum.org
• MelissaHarrison.net

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Morgan Cochran, Marketing Support; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs 

Jane Stevenson hopes for a world where our daughters will think that being a CEO is normal. As someone who recruited CEOs for massive corporations such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and more, she has observed numerous examples of effective leadership. Tune in as Jane and Lisa discuss research trends regarding a female executive's journey and how the need for good leadership remains a constant in a changing world.

Guest Links:

• Jane's LinkedIn
• KornFerry.com
• Women CEOs Speak
• Breaking Away: How Great Leaders Create Innovation that Drives Sustainable Growth- and Why Others Fail by Jane Stevenson & Bilal Kaafarani

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Morgan Cochran, Marketing Support; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs 

When did you last give yourself permission to take a risk? As a best-selling author and keynote speaker, Dr. Margie Warrell shares how to lean into your untapped potential and deal with internal roadblocks. You'll walk away from this inspiring episode thinking about courage and the importance of going beyond your comfort zone. 

Guest Links:

• Margie's LinkedIn
• MargieWarrell.com
• You've Got This: The Life-Changing Power of Trusting Yourself
• Make Your Mark: A Guidebook for the Brave Hearted
• Brave: 50 Everyday Acts of Courage to Thrive in Work, Love, and Life
• Stop Playing Safe: How to be Braver in Your Work, Life, and Leadership
• Find Your Courage: 12 Acts of Becoming Fearless at Work and in Life

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Morgan Cochran, Marketing Support; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs 

Have you considered how inclusivity affects the economy and society? Francesca Luthi, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Assurant, has championed diversity in the workplace through courageous conversations and a program to hire individuals with neurodiverse conditions. Listen as Francesca shares how any organization can benefit from having a greater perspective.

Guest Links:

• Francesca's LinkedIn
• Assurant.com

Credits: Lisa Nichols, Host; Scott Crosby, Executive Producer; Jenny Heal, Guest Coordinator; Morgan Cochran, Marketing Support; Kendall Brewer, Leadership Programs