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Explore every episode of the podcast Aim Higher: The podcast with purpose

Dive into the complete episode list for Aim Higher: The podcast with purpose. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Leadership Is Personal: Closing Thoughts and Lessons from Season Seven29 déc. 202500:04:21

Welcome to the season seven finale of Aim Higher! In this episode, host Skip Prichard reflects on the incredible journey of the past season, highlighting powerful stories and lessons learned from a diverse array of guests—from overcoming adversity and building resilience, to breaking old patterns and harnessing the human side of leadership, even as technology like AI transforms our world. You'll hear a recap of meaningful conversations around empathy, accountability, trust, and the everyday choices that define true leaders. As we close this chapter, Skip Prichard shares the key idea that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, but about the resonance and integrity of our actions. Get ready for inspiration, gratitude, and a look forward to new stories and new growth in the next season—join us as we continue striving to aim higher.

Aim Higher Mailbag: More Insights from Your Leadership Questions22 déc. 202500:28:39

Welcome to another engaging episode of Aim Higher! In another mailbag edition, host Skip Prichard gathers an exceptional panel—Tammi Spayde, Rebekah Knipp, and Nic Grimes—to tackle real leadership questions sent in by listeners. This episode dives deep into some of the most pressing challenges faced by managers and professionals today, such as overcoming burnout, giving tough feedback without damaging relationships, finding the right balance between speed and accuracy, building confidence as a new manager, and navigating shifting priorities from senior leadership.

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for ways to motivate a fatigued team, struggling to deliver feedback constructively, or feeling overwhelmed by constant change, this episode is for you. Get ready to aim higher with stories, strategies, and thoughtful answers to your most meaningful questions.

The Engagement Effect: Steve Spangler’s Secrets for Creating Lasting Impact15 déc. 202500:21:29
In this episode, host Skip Prichard sits down with the renowned science educator and entertainer, Steve Spangler, whose influence has reached millions through his engaging YouTube videos and memorable television appearances. But today, the spotlight is on something new: Steve Spangler's latest book, The Engagement Effect. Skip and Steve dive into what it means to truly engage people—whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or in everyday interactions.   From cultivating experiences that turn ordinary moments into unforgettable connections, to the lessons learned from years of teaching, performing magic, and leading a business, you'll hear stories and insights that reveal engagement as both an art and a science. Steve Spangler shares the real-life wisdom behind designing transformational experiences, the importance of feedback, and how leaders can avoid creating “lazy” or transactional interactions.   Whether you’re leading a team or hoping to make an impact in your daily life, this episode will inspire you to create genuine connections and bring out the best in those around you.
Aim Higher Mailbag: Your Leadership Questions Answered08 déc. 202500:41:14

Welcome to another Mailbag edition of Aim Higher! In this episode, host Skip Prichard is joined by an amazing panel: Tammi Spayde, Rebekah Knipp, and newcomer Nic Grimes. Together, they dive into real questions from listeners—leaders and professionals who are navigating the ups and downs of the modern workplace.

From tackling team burnout and motivating high performers to giving tough feedback and managing shifting priorities, the panel candidly shares strategies and stories you can use right away. They’ll discuss how to celebrate small wins, foster trust, communicate clearly during times of change, and build confidence as a new manager.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just stepping into leadership for the first time, this episode is full of practical tips, real-life examples, and just the right amount of humor. Plus, you’ll gain insight into how resilient leaders can lean into questions and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

So grab your notepad—maybe even a blue pen—and get ready to aim higher in your own leadership journey!

Harder than life with Kelly Siegel on beating addiction and building a stronger you02 déc. 202500:31:01

Kelly Siegel joins Skip Prichard on Aim Higher for a candid conversation about breaking destructive cycles and rebuilding a life with purpose. Kelly is the CEO of National Technology Management and author of Harder Than Life. He talks about growing up in poverty, battling addiction, and the turning points that changed everything. Kelly shares real stories, practical insights, and the mindset shifts that helped him move from chaos to strength. He explains how vulnerability shaped his growth and how anyone can move from survival to progress. This episode offers a direct look at resilience, personal change, and what it takes to rewrite your story.

 
Aim Higher with Jimmy Wayne: Overcoming Adversity and Inspiring Change24 nov. 202500:22:53
Welcome to this special episode of Aim Higher. Today, Skip Prichard sits down with country music superstar, acclaimed author, and inspiring speaker Jimmy Wayne. In this heartfelt conversation, Jimmy Wayne opens up about his challenging journey through foster care and homelessness, sharing the pivotal moments—and people—that shaped him into the resilient artist and advocate he is today.   From the life-changing influence of Bea and Russell, the couple who gave him a home, to an unforgettable encounter with a prison inmate who inspired his music career, Jimmy Wayne illustrates the impact a single person can have on the course of another’s life. You'll hear about his rise to fame, his breakout Grand Ole Opry performance, but also the lessons of humility and gratitude that keep him grounded.   This episode goes beyond the music, shining a light on Jimmy Wayne's advocacy for foster youth, his 1,700-mile walk across America to raise awareness, and his efforts to change legislation—all driven by the urge to give back. Listen in for stories that reinforce the importance of kindness, resilience, and taking small chances, as well as insights on how one small moment can have a lasting impact.
Navigating Leadership in the AI Era17 nov. 202500:29:30

How do leaders thrive when human intelligence and artificial intelligence work together. In this episode of Aim Higher, Skip Prichard brings together Tammi Spayde, Drew Bordas, and Bart Murphy to explore the rise of hybrid intelligence in the workplace.

They break down how AI is changing decision making, team dynamics, and leadership habits. They talk through real examples of using AI tools while still relying on judgment, empathy, and clear communication. The panel also looks at the ethical questions showing up as organizations adopt more automation.

If you’re leading people, building teams, or preparing for the next wave of AI at work, this conversation offers practical insights and stories that will help you navigate what’s coming next.

 
Lessons in Adversity, Forgiveness, and Leadership with Captain Charlie Plumb10 nov. 202500:22:04

Welcome to another powerful episode of Aim Higher, where we dive deep into the stories and lessons that shape extraordinary leaders. In this episode, host Skip Prichard sits down with his friend and American hero, Captain Charlie Plumb. Captain Plumb’s remarkable journey includes flying 75 missions over Vietnam, being shot down and enduring nearly six years as a prisoner of war—experiencing torture, isolation, and the ultimate test of resilience.

Together, Skip Prichard and Charlie Plumb explore profound topics like adversity, forgiveness, leadership, and the power of personal accountability. From the practical wisdom that “acid does more harm in the vessel it’s stored than on the subject it’s poured,” to the vital role of hope and unity under the harshest conditions, Charlie Plumb shares the perspectives that have inspired thousands across the globe.

This episode offers not only a gripping look into history, but also relatable life lessons on gratitude, faith, and overcoming any circumstance. Whether you’re struggling with your own setbacks or searching for ways to support others, Charlie Plumb’s enduring story and message will move you to aim higher in your own life.

Building Succession in a Changing World03 nov. 202500:38:01

Leadership isn’t just about today’s results—it’s about who’s ready next. In this episode of Aim Higher, we look at the massive leadership transition reshaping workplaces as Baby Boomers retire and new generations rise. With his signature mix of optimism and real-world insight, Skip and his expert panel explore how great organizations design leadership pipelines that work—whether you’re running a global company or a small team.

(Learn more about Skip’s leadership insights at skipprichard.com)

Finding Resilience Through Humor: Tim Gard on Laughter, Leadership, and Battling Negativity27 oct. 202500:17:51

In this episode of Aim Higher, Skip Prichard sits down with Hall of Fame speaker Tim Gard, a global expert in using humor to build resilience and transform workplace culture. Tim shares how laughter became his antidote to burnout during his early career in high-stress human services—and how that same approach now helps leaders and organizations everywhere shift perspective, reduce stress, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Together, Skip and Tim explore how humor creates connection, strengthens leadership, and even shields us from the “psychic vampires” who drain our energy and joy. Through personal stories and practical tools, they reveal how laughter can reframe challenges, defuse negativity, and turn mistakes into moments of connection.

Tim reminds us that life is brief, and laughter—like love—is one of the most powerful forces we can share. Whether you’re leading a team, managing stress, or simply trying to find more joy in your day, this conversation will leave you smiling, lighter, and inspired to bring humor back into your leadership.

Leading with Trust and Transparency20 oct. 202500:32:49

Trust. It’s the invisible force that makes teams thrive, or fall apart. In this episode of Aim Higher, we explore why trust, transparency, and psychological safety are no longer “soft skills” but the foundation of every great team. Drawing from research by Google, Harvard, and the Edelman Trust Barometer, Skip shares how leaders earn trust in the small moments by listening longer, owning mistakes, and building safety for honest conversations. You’ll hear stories from business, sports, and beyond that reveal how transparency, when practiced well, accelerates innovation and connection.

If you lead people, this conversation will help you see that trust isn’t just a value. It’s a performance strategy. (Learn more about Skip’s work at skipprichard.com)

Aim Higher Summer Challenge: Rediscover life outside work29 mai 202400:06:27

As we wrap up this season of "Aim Higher," it reminds me of how much "summer" has come to be synonymous with "vacation," even decades after we move beyond school semesters and summer breaks. We think of summer and we think of fun, travel, family, and relaxation. And that's great! But many times we forget to really disconnect and recharge. As leaders, we need to care for ourselves. And that includes a healthy commitment to living  and experiencing life outside work. ​In this final, 5-minute mini-episode, I share some thoughts on how we can all get the most out of summer—even if that means taking some time to just do nothing. Thank you for listening this season, and I look forward to seeing you online, in the comments, on social media... and maybe even at the beach!

There is no success without resilience20 mai 202400:30:26

In this episode, my panel of business experts and I discuss the importance of resilience. Not just for leadership—though we focus most of our time on that aspect—but to each of us within our business and personal lives. Nothing important was ever accomplished without making mistakes, without trial-and-error, without pushing through practice to get to performance. Weathering those storms successfully requires resilience—and it’s a skill that can be learned. Tune in for some great advice about how to do so as part of your leadership journey.  

Discovering Your Leadership Style: The Importance of Being You13 mai 202400:34:06

There are so many traits of great leadership that aren’t, in my opinion, optional. Honesty, curiosity, integrity, drive, determination all come to mind. But you can certainly have many different types and styles of leaders who each embody all those characteristics. You can be an extrovert or an introvert. You can focus more on managing relationships or processes. You can favor creativity or analytics. In this episode of “Aim Higher” my expert panel and I discuss how your unique style of leadership can be a big part of your success. Just as long as it’s authentically “you.” Listen in for some great ideas.  

Interview with the authors of “The Vagrant,” a leadership parable06 mai 202400:36:21

In this episode, Dan Rockwell and John David Mann join Skip to discuss their latest book collaboration, “The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership,” a parable that explores ideas of self and success in an intriguing, compelling way. The book begins with a seemingly simple incident—the main character trips over a homeless man. But this one moment leads to a journey of self-awareness and personal growth. Why should you tune in? Because this isn't just a leadership “theory.” It’s a way of thinking that can transform how you lead and live. I hope you'll join me for this lively, enlightening conversation that will challenge your perceptions and inspire your planning.  

A long-term focus on sustained success29 avr. 202400:23:58

On this week’s episode, my expert panel and I talk about how to move from single, short-term goals to a focus on long-term, sustained success. Because sustained success isn’t just about a series of individual accomplishments. It’s about maintaining a core identity of what makes you successful today, combined with stimulating progress towards the future. How do you combat complacency when things are going well? How does customer feedback fit into this kind of mindset? What kind of leadership is required to create sustained success? Hint: it takes more than planning—it takes real vision. Join us as we explore this important topic. 

Exceptional feedback—why it lowers turnover and improves profits22 avr. 202400:35:47

For many people, hearing that a manager or peer wants to “provide feedback” brings negative expectations. “They just want to complain,” or “What did I do wrong now?” may come to mind. That’s because, in many cases, leaders don’t take a holistic, long-term, organized approach to feedback. Doing so is important, because great employee feedback lowers turnover and improves everything from process to profits. Join me and my expert panel and we discuss how to create a culture where feedback—both positive and critical—is seen as an important part of work all the time.  

10 reasons to increase your leadership listening skills15 avr. 202400:28:36

In this panel discussion, my guests and I discuss the importance of listening. Obviously, it’s a skill we all need to improve—but it’s especially vital for leaders and those who aspire to leadership. I share 10 ways that listening can improve results for you and your team, and the panel reacts with their own insights and tips. If we don’t listen, we can’t learn, and great leaders never stop learning. If you “listen in” to this episode, I guarantee you’ll come away with a renewed appreciation for this skill... and with a few ideas on how to improve it during your own leadership journey. 

Interview with Scott McKain: customer experience is horizontal08 avr. 202400:26:17

I joke with my friend Scott McKain that he needs to write more books, because that gives us an excuse to get together—and our conversations are always a good time. He’s truly a gifted writer and speaker, and in today’s “Aim Higher” interview we talk about his new book, “The Ultimate Customer Experience.” While many of Scott’s books are primarily aimed at business leaders, this one is for everyone—and I do mean everyone. As Scott points out, everyone in your organization needs to be able to take responsibility for any customer’s experience. Pushing it off on someone else? Saying, “That’s not my job?” Failure to follow through? Those don’t get you to “ultimate.” Join us for a fast-paced, fun conversation on this important topic.  

Why setting goals is a crucial leadership skill01 avr. 202400:25:38

A colleague of mine once said, “If you don’t set measurable goals and you fail? You’ve lost any chance to learn. And if you succeed but don’t know why? It might as well have been luck.” We often mistake, as panelist Drew Bordas says, “activity for progress.” We’re doing stuff! We’re working hard! Things are happening! But are they the right things? If you haven’t set good, measurable goals, you just won’t know. Remember: you can get your heart pumping by running in place, but you won’t get anywhere. Listen in and get some good tips on how to set goals in different situations, and how to ensure buy in from your team. 

Interview with Hall of Fame wrestling coach Tom Ryan25 mars 202400:34:29

We often use the word “love” when referring to our favorite sports team. But we don’t often hear it used by elite college coaches to describe their coaching style. Tom Ryan, though, isn’t your usual coach. He preaches—and practices—a leadership style rooted in truth, trust, and—most of all—love. As a Hall of Fame wrestling coach for OSU, Tom led his team to many victories because of a belief that we do our best work when we suffer for the things we love most deeply. Listen in as we discuss how that philosophy has helped him in the high-stress world of top-tier college athletics, and as he dealt with a devastating personal tragedy.  

Make Monday the best day of your week15 mai 202300:09:55

As you know, I believe very strongly in the power of motivation, the importance of planning, and the role that a positive attitude plays in our success. So, if you—like so many people—start your Mondays with fear, loathing, and a sigh of resignation, guess what? It's time to cut that out. How you start your week will have a huge impact on how it ends. So, it’s time to give Mondays the love they deserve, plan for how you can start your week with positive energy and move forward with intention.  

The secret sauce for new job success08 mai 202300:35:06

This week on "Aim Higher,” my panel and I talk about how to be successful during the critical, initial phase of a new job, new department, or new manager. Drew Bordas, Tammi Spayde, and Brian Berry bring up dozens of great pointers on the subject. Not only have they had to be the new person in some high-level roles, but they’ve managed many people through the process. If you want a crash course in how to land on your feet, make a great first impression, and get moving quickly in a new situation, this is the episode for you. 

Exploring reinvention with Richard Bliss01 mai 202300:30:13

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t thought about “reinventing” themselves. That desire can be pushed on us by an unexpected job loss, or we may want to proactively reach for a new dream. The bad news is that it’s hard to reinvent yourself without a plan. The good news is that my guest this week, Richard Bliss, can help you make that plan. Richard has worked in the military, in executive marketing roles, and as an author, speaker, and LinkedIn expert. We discuss how he’s reinvented himself—and how he analyzed that process so that he can help others accomplish extraordinary, new things. 

7 ways to rebuild a burned bridge24 avr. 202300:08:16

In previous episodes of “Aim Higher,” we discussed how to leave a job well, and how, as a manager, you can deal with someone who doesn’t. This week, based on a listener’s request (“for a friend...”), we’ll tackle the thorny problem of how to recover from a bad exit that you now regret. I share 7 tips that can get you through this difficult moment, using it to grow and rebuild trust. It’s always better not to burn bridges. But if you do, don’t despair—bridges can be rebuilt.  

7 ways to better manage a bad exit17 avr. 202300:11:02

We’ve talked before on “Aim Higher” about the importance of leaving a job with grace and positivity. A move made for the right reasons shouldn’t create friction or enmity, even if the change brings challenges. However, as a leader and manager, you will at some point need to deal with staff whose exit behavior is less than exemplary. How do you handle “bad good-byes" without making the situation worse? If you prepare for this eventuality—and I’ll give you seven areas to consider—you can turn many of these situations around, earning gratitude from the outgoing employee and better results for your organization. It’s not easy, but it can be done.  

Mailbag: tech, teams, and transformation10 avr. 202300:28:06

It’s “mailbag” time again! I love these episodes, as they give us a chance to hear about what’s top-of-mind for our listeners. This week, my panel of experts addresses a variety of questions, including how to keep up with the amazing pace of change in technology, managing remote teams, and how to quantify a vague “transformation” project assignment. I’m sure that at least one of these will resonate with you, and I hope you’ll give us a listen.  

Tips for Leaving a Job Successfully03 avr. 202300:29:50

There are books and articles galore about how to start a new position successfully. What to do in your first days, weeks, and months to establish your expertise and make a great initial impression. Less discussed—but no less important—is how to leave a job successfully. We’re somewhat indoctrinated into thinking of departures as failures. Yet we know that sometimes we need to leave one situation to take our next logical steps. My expert panel for this episode—Cathy King, Bart Murphy, and Tammi Spayde—has some great advice on how you can make this uncomfortable situation much more proactive, painless, and productive. Remember: you also only have one chance to make a last impression.

Becoming a Superhero with Ford Saeks27 mars 202300:29:03

My guest for this episode of “Aim Higher” is research-based thought leader, Ford Saeks. Ford is known for his marketing prowess and for helping businesses grow and succeed. His book, “Superpower: A Superhero’s Guide to Leadership, Business and Life” is a must-read if you're looking to make a positive change in any area of your life. Don’t worry, though—you don’t need to leap tall buildings in a single bound to make dramatic improvements. As Ford says, "A superpower is the ability to expand your critical thinking skills, take action, and produce the results you desire in your life.” I completely agree. And I believe that you can be the superhero of your own story. Listen in for some good ideas on how to get started. 

Channeling Ambition13 mars 202300:25:33

Previously, we looked at the “death of ambition,” and why so many people seem to be less interested in pushing for high achievement. In this episode, my expert panel and I tackle the topic of ambition from a positive standpoint. What does “good ambition” look like? How can you distinguish it from things like greed or pushiness? How can you help identify and encourage appropriate ambition in your staff? And what can you do when they try to move too far, too fast? It’s a fascinating discussion, and my guests have some great advice that will help you harness your ambition more successfully. 

Trust Is A Must06 mars 202300:26:38

A recent survey indicated that around one-third of people do not trust their employers. Now, that might mean “in general,” without applying to a specific manager or leader. But it’s an extraordinary statistic, nonetheless. As Drew Bordas, one of my panelists this week, puts it, “A lack of trust drags down our ability to get the job done.” He’s right! Trust isn’t just “a feeling.” A lack of trust hampers creativity, kills honest feedback, discourages respectful dialogue, and can negatively impact commitment and teamwork—an entire suite of qualities that are essential to success. Listen in as my expert guests and I discuss what builds trust, what erodes it, and how you can get it back. 

Thinking Creatively About Creativity27 févr. 202300:23:19

I’ve been having conversations about creativity and writing with my next guest for almost ten years. Now you get to listen in as we discuss the topic more fully. Andy Havens is a content marketing expert, an adjunct professor of marketing and advertising at the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD), and the author of, “The Side Ways,” an urban-fantasy trilogy I very much enjoyed reading. We discuss some of the myths surrounding creativity, definitions and descriptions, and how you can be more creative in any endeavor. If you’ve ever wanted to be more creative or foster it in others, this discussion is a great place to start. 

Quiet Quitting for Leaders20 févr. 202300:19:24

In our last episode, we talked about the concepts of “quiet quitting,” the “death of ambition,” and how they relate to our post-pandemic working world. In this week’s roundtable discussion, my panel of leadership experts and I take it up a level and ask: what can leaders do about quiet quitting? How can you prevent it? How do you recognize the signs? And how do you help restore a team member’s enthusiasm and motivation? As always, we share some thoughts about the broader trend, but then get into specific, actionable ideas that you can bring back to your team.

The Death of Ambition13 févr. 202300:22:39

The term “quiet quitting” has been all over the news. It’s generally used to describe workers who have decided to do the minimum required at their jobs. No “going the extra mile,” no overtime, no volunteering for stretch assignments. In short: no ambition. What are the causes of this trend? Is it really something new, or are we just re-labelling a phenomenon that once might have been called “retiring in place?” Are there generational or geographic differences within the "quiet quitting" cohort? My panel of business experts and I discuss the trend in this episode of “Aim Higher.” We put it into context, talk about causes, and suggest some ways to move forward. 

The Power of Focus06 févr. 202300:22:01

Our world is filled with all kinds of distractions. And we carry the source of many around with us—our smartphones—because they are also necessary for work and great productivity tools. But we also know how important it is to put those distractions aside and focus on what’s important. As Steven Covey said, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” How can we do a better job at that? Join me and my panel of business experts as we talk about how to overcome distraction, find better focus, and even support that value within the teams we lead. 

Taking Leadership Coaching Further30 janv. 202300:21:27

In this, the second of a two-part panel on leadership coaching, we continue with Tammi Spayde, Drew Bordas and Janet Walls, President of Delta Blvd. In the first half of our discussion, we covered some basics: who should get leadership training, what it can do for you, when you need a coach as opposed to a mentor. Now we get into some more advanced topics, including the idea of getting a coach for your entire leadership team. That can be a very different situation and call for a very different dynamic. In addition, we talk a bit about when—or if—it might be time to move on from one coach to another. It’s a great session, and vitally important for anyone who wants to continue improving their leadership skills.   

The Basics of Leadership Coaching23 janv. 202300:20:03

In this first of a two-part panel on leadership coaching, two of our regular guests—Tammi Spayde and Drew Bordas—join me and Janet Walls, President of Delta Blvd, a leadership consulting and executive coaching company she founded in 2007. Together, we get into the basics of leadership coaching: who it is for, how it can help you your leadership development, the difference between coaching and mentoring, and how to include your manager in the process. Sometimes, as leaders and executives, we forget that learning should never cease. We always have something new to discover, about our industries, business, and ourselves. And a leadership coach can help accelerate those discoveries. Listen in for some great practical advice. 

Giving Unforgettable Presentations with Patricia Fripp16 janv. 202300:33:20

Patricia Fripp is an expert on how to give better presentations, and she shares some of her secrets with me on “Aim Higher” this week. She just recently co-authored the book “Deliver Unforgettable Presentations,” and it’s filled with step-by-step instructions on how to become a world-class public speaker. During our talk, she makes the great point that everyone can benefit from being a better presenter, even if you’re just leading a team meeting. How people remember what you say depends as much on your delivery as on the content itself. And Patricia’s advice can help you dramatically improve the way you deliver information. 

The Power of Attitude with Inky Johnson09 janv. 202300:28:07

Today’s “Aim Higher” interview is an absolute must-listen. If you haven’t heard Inky Johnson’s story before, you need to do so now. Coming from a home that, in his words, was “poor in material wealth, but rich in spirit, love, and peace,” he was a rising star in college football, until a life changing injury shattered that path to success. But rather than succumb to despair, Inky went on to finish college, earn a master's degree in Sports Psychology, and become an international speaking sensation. Beyond inspirational, Inky’s story—and his philosophy—are truly motivational. As he says, “The one thing we all have in common is adversity, opposition, and challenge. But we can survive, moment by moment, and then capture peace... and share it.” 

Managing Up Without Sucking Up13 juin 202200:20:13

We all know the obvious “suck up” type. The obsequious, fawning sycophant who only gives the boss good news, is always complimentary, and who (probably) is disliked by everyone—including the boss. In real life, the distinction between “managing up” and “sucking up” is rarely that black-and-white. How can you be the kind of employee your boss wants and needs without simply slathering on empty praise? Hint: it’s all about honest communication. Listen in as my three leadership experts on this week’s panel share how they like to be “managed up to,” and how you can improve your relationship with your boss without becoming a shallow flunky. 

The Future of Happiness: Revisiting an Important Conversation With Amy Blankston06 juin 202200:41:27

We're in a difficult, stressful time in the world. That's why it's a good moment to go back and review Skip's interview with  Amy Blankson, bestselling author of “The Future of Happiness.” One of the first guests on "Aim Higher," Amy teaches us how to achieve more happiness even in the midst of difficulty. She is a co-founder of the Digital Wellness Collective and most recently has shared her thought leadership as a speaker at TEDx and as a regular contributor for Forbes on Women, Technology, and Leadership, and as a featured professor in Oprah’s Happiness course.

Self-Awareness: Revisiting This Important Leadership Starting Point30 mai 202200:28:41

Skip updates this season one episode with a reminder that self-awareness is key to leadership, to teams, success, and to good relationships. Because this subject is so important, he revisits the conversation he had with leadership experts Tammi Spayde, Drew Bordas, and Elyse Wampler as they discuss practical techniques for improving self-awareness. 

How To Get Along With Difficult People23 mai 202200:26:36

As one of our regular panelists, Drew Bordas, reminds us this week, there is a wide range of “difficult people,” and a wide range for how to get along with them. On the one hand, it’s not worth confronting a family member with a slightly irritating habit whom you only see once a year. But if you work closely, every day, with someone whose attitude and habits are challenging? It’s better to deal with the situation than put up with behavior that could be damaging both to your well-being and team productivity. Our group of experts dissects a few tricky situations like this and points out some great ways to move forward constructively. If you know any difficult people – or maybe even are one yourself—I suggest you listen in. 

The Power of Vacations16 mai 202200:28:47

Why do Americans work so hard, so long, and vacation so little? The health, creativity, social, and productivity benefits of time off are well documented. Yet many of us feel guilty for taking a day off here-and-there, to say nothing of a week or two. In this week’s episode, my expert guests talk about why we don’t take the vacation we need and provide some strategies for how to get better at doing so. 

Handling Conflict09 mai 202200:36:20

Nobody really enjoys conflict. But there are times it is unavoidable and even important. As a leader, you won’t be able to make positive changes, in many cases, without some conflict. But if you avoid conflict rather than dealing with it as a necessary part of business? You can make it much, much worse. My panel of leadership experts helps get to the root of problematic conflict this week, and we come to some conclusions that will help you turn conflict into contributions. 

Building Leadership Presence02 mai 202200:21:18

How do you define “leadership presence?” How can you tell from meeting someone, working with them, listening to them speak—this person is a great leader? Ask around (as I did) and I think you’ll find that there are many different definitions. Which is OK, because there are many kinds of successful leaders. But, as my panel of experts and I discussed, there are some very similar traits that seem to be common among great leaders. Listen in and see how you can apply their ideas to your own leadership journey. 

Dealing With Fear in the Workplace25 avr. 202200:32:08

Is fear always bad? How can we safely approach and examine our fears? Can fear be useful in the workplace? How should leaders deal with fear? These are some of the questions my panel of experts discussed this week. Our conclusion? That, as a leader, you have the power to recognize that fear is often based in reality, but then quickly apply yourself, and your team, to accomplishing something because of it. In short, don’t let fear rule your leadership style, but let it inform how you approach changes and challenges.

Five secrets to lasting love with John and Ana Mann18 avr. 202200:30:19

This week I had the pleasure of talking with John David Mann and Ana Gabriel Mann, MA, co-authors of, “The Go-Giver Marriage: A Little Story About the 5 Secrets to Lasting Love.” It’s a lovely, helpful book in two parts. First, a parable about a couple who learn all about the 5 secrets duringone day. Then “the practice,” a guidebook that walks us through how the secrets work and how to practice them in your relationship. We discussed their joint writing process, and how their work together actually illustrates some of the principles in the book. They have a lot of great advice that can help with all your relationships, not just a marriage, and I know you’ll enjoy listening in.

Mail Bag Questions: Hiring and Interviews11 avr. 202200:29:47

It’s one of the most stressful parts of work for many people—the interview process. And not just for the new hire! Finding, attracting, interviewing, and bringing on new team members is a crucial and challenging role for good managers and leaders. This week, my expert panel answers questions from our listeners about interview preparation, rehiring staff who’ve left, the importance of research, and even... what to do when a new employee's parent calls in with questions!

Mail Bag Questions: Stress, Persuasion, and Blame04 avr. 202200:26:31

Have you ever had a boss who stresses you out? Do your ideas seem to fall on deaf ears? Or do you feel like you get blamed for things you didn’t do? Tune in to this week’s episode where we review questions from our listeners. My panel of business and HR experts helps unpack some tricky situations and provides insightful suggestions on how to move forward.  

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