Something Extra

In this insightful episode of the "Something Extra" podcast, Lisa Nichols welcomes Jessie Minton, the Vice Chancellor for Technology and Chief Information Officer at Washington University. Minton delves into how her extensive background in equestrian competitions shaped her leadership philosophy, emphasizing partnership and resilience. She also recounts a pivotal "falling off the horse" moment early in her career, offering valuable lessons on adapting communication to different organizational cultures. The discussion further explores Minton's strategic initiatives at Washington University, including the implementation of a multi-year cybersecurity program , and the exciting, game-changing applications of AI in clinical, research, and administrative spaces.

Guest Links:

• Jessie’s LinkedIn
• Washington University Information Technology

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Uncover profound leadership insights with Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends. In this episode, Joni shares her incredible journey from a diving accident that left her a quadriplegic to founding Joni and Friends, a global ministry serving millions with disabilities worldwide. Discover how she leverages weakness for God's glory, leading with transparency and inviting others to embrace their own stories of redemption. Joni also discusses her latest book, 'The Practice of the Presence of Jesus,' and the power of practicing Christ's presence daily to navigate life's challenges with hope and contentment.

Guest Links:

• Joni & Friends
• Book: The Practice of the Presence of Jesus

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

At just 10 years old, Juliette Blake started doodling “cool girls” that would later spark a movement. Now the founder and CEO of Moxies, she joins Lisa to share how her childhood sketches evolved into entrepreneurship and STEM initiatives. Juliette discusses how a moment at her sister’s birthday party revealed alarming early confidence issues in young girls—and how that insight launched a lifelong mission. With last month's launch of Moxies, Juliette is continuing to help girls see what's possible when they feel seen, supported, and inspired. Tune in to learn how purposeful media can inspire girls to thrive in STEM and beyond.

Guest Links:

• Juliette’s LinkedIn
• Moxies
• Geena Davis Institute
• Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Explore how life’s unexpected turns can shape our deepest passions and purpose. Susan Flippen, CEO of The Flippen Group, shares her inspiring journey from a childhood in foster care to leading a company dedicated to bringing out the best in people—whether in schools, corporations, or communities. Discover how Susan’s early dreams and challenges fueled her commitment to supporting educators and building cultures where everyone can thrive. Tune in for uplifting stories, leadership wisdom, and a reminder that every experience can help us connect the dots toward a life of impact and generosity.

Guest Links:

• Susan’s LinkedIn
• The Flippen Group

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Explore the power of storytelling and the impact of nurturing childhood passions with this week's guest, Will Parker Anderson, Senior Editor at Penguin Random House Christian. Will & Lisa discuss his journey from writing poems as a kid to editing bestselling books and developing engaging content for projects like "The Chosen," all while reflecting on the importance of encouragement and intentionality in both family and professional life. Tune in for inspiring insights on how early influences and supportive mentors can shape a career—and a life—dedicated to meaningful stories.

Guest Links:

• Will’s LinkedIn
• Will Parker Anderson

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

Horst Schulze, legendary co-founder and former president of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company shares how his humble beginnings in a small German village and the mentorship of an extraordinary maitre d’ shaped his lifelong philosophy of excellence, purpose, and high intent. Discover how his famous motto, “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen,” became the gold standard in hospitality and

leadership. Tune in for stories, practical wisdom, and the secret sauce behind building world-class teams and relationships—at work and at home.

Guest Links:

• Horst’s LinkedIn
• HorstSchulze.com
• Excellence Wins: A No-Nonsense Guide to Becoming the Best in a World of Compromise

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

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 power of transparency in business, and how bringing “something extra” to the table can make all the difference in driving innovation and building strong teams.

Guest Links:

• Matt’s LinkedIn
• Technology Partners

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

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 fellow creative or just love stories of passion and purpose, this episode will inspire you to find and celebrate your own “something extra”.

Guest Links:

• Leah’s LinkedIn
• Wrapped + Written

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

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 heartfelt stories, leadership insights, and a powerful reminder that staying true to your calling can transform not just organizations, but entire communities.

Guest Links:

• Becca’s LinkedIn
• On Mission Advisors
• Lead On Mission: Advance faith at work. Avoid mission drift. Build a legacy of eternal impact.

Credits: Host: Lisa Nichols, Executive Producer: Jenny Heal, Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski, Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

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 value of being a lifelong learner and the importance of building genuine connections. This episode is full of warmth, practical wisdom, and inspiration for anyone seeking to make a difference in their community and workplace.Guest Links:

• Tim’s LinkedIn
• AAIM Employers’ Association

Credits: Host: Lisa NicholsExecutive Producer: Jenny HealMarketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe SzynkowskiPodcast Engineer: Portside Media