Aim Higher: The podcast with purpose

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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)

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!

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.  

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.  

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.