Something Extra

Technology Partners
  • 4.9 (109)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Something Extra

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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Leading with Heart w/ Susan Flippen

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

    50 min

  2. JUL 10

    Nurturing Passions & Crafting Stories w/ Will Parker Anderson

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

    57 min

  3. JUN 26

    Excellence and Purpose w/ Horst Schulze

    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 LinkedInHorstSchulze.comExcellence 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

    1h 2m

  4. JUN 19

    Empowering Critical Infrastructure Through Digital Innovation w/ Matt Nicolls

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

    1h 1m

  5. JUN 12

    Crafted with Purpose w/ Leah Spiros

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

    50 min

  6. JUN 5

    Staying True to Your Purpose w/ Becca Spradlin

    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 LinkedInOn Mission AdvisorsLead 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

    53 min

  7. MAY 29

    Family, Leadership, and the Joy of Connection w/ Tim Sater

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

    49 min

  8. MAY 22

    Compassion-powered Resilience w/ Gary Baker

    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, the importance of community, and the life-changing impact of servant leadership. Tune in for inspiring insights on turning life’s challenges into your greatest strengths and discovering the “something extra” within us all. Guest Links: Gary’s LinkedInUndivided Wealth Management Credits:  Host: Lisa Nichols Executive Producer: Jenny Heal Marketing Support: Landon Burke and Joe Szynkowski Podcast Engineer: Portside Media

    54 min
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4.9
out of 5
109 Ratings

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 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Technology Partners
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    346
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Something Extra
  • Show Website
    Something Extra

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