Send us a text As the year winds down, this episode focuses on how leaders can slow the pace, close the year with clarity, and set themselves up for a healthier start to what’s next. In this season three finale, we talk about presence, gratitude, and intentional reflection, not as concepts, but as leadership practices that actually shape culture and momentum. We share lessons from a demanding holiday season, including church Christmas services and large scale events, and what they revealed ab...
Send us a text This episode breaks down gratitude as a real leadership system, not a holiday mindset. We talk about why teams will meet expectations for a paycheck but give extra effort when leaders notice the details, call out wins, and make people feel seen. You will hear practical habits that strengthen culture, raise performance, and keep people connected to the mission. We cover what healthy appreciation looks like in day-to-day work. Things like giving public credit, respecting creative...
Send us a text Forecasting isn’t guessing; it’s preparation. In this episode, we discuss turning vision into action through clear goals, solid plans, and repeatable systems. You’ll learn practical ways to forecast across revenue streams, align your team, and make confident decisions when things change. We also cover cash flow basics, rolling forecasts, timing, and strategies to protect growth while maintaining financial stability. Whether you lead a team or work solo, this conversation will h...
Send us a text The sale isn’t the end, it’s the reset point. In this episode, we unpack what happens after the contract is signed and why the strongest brands win in the follow-through. You’ll hear how trust compounds when you stay engaged, why consistency beats intensity, and what separates a one-time customer from a lifelong advocate. From restoration to banking to creative services, we explore practical ways to lead with education, protect results, and make every follow-up feel valuable. W...
Send us a text What Cracker Barrel’s Rebrand Got Wrong (and What Chick-fil-A Gets Right) In Part 2 of our branding series, we look at what happens when a company tries to modernize and ends up losing what people loved most. Using Cracker Barrel’s recent rebrand backlash as a case study, we talk about the tension between staying relevant and staying true to your identity. We compare it to Chick-fil-A’s approach, where brand strength comes from consistent systems, not constant design changes. T...
Send us a text What happens when a brand forgets who it is? This is Part One of our two-part series on branding and rebranding. In this episode, we break down the Cracker Barrel rebrand and the costly lessons it offers for business owners. Cracker Barrel built its reputation on consistency, nostalgia, and Southern hospitality, but its dramatic shift left loyal customers feeling disconnected. We unpack the difference between branding (who you are) and marketing (how you tell your story), and w...
Send us a text Leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about rhythm. In this episode, we explore why intentional pauses and quarterly rhythms are essential for your business, family, and personal health. From balancing key life areas to safeguarding sacred family time, we offer practical strategies to prevent burnout and lead more effectively. You’ll learn about tools like the balance wheel, the significance of family board meetings, and how small, consistent rhythms can create lasting leg...
Send us a text Are you leading your business or just reacting to problems as they arise? In this episode, we explore the power of quarterly rhythms, a system that helps leaders stay focused, avoid burnout, and build sustainable momentum. We discuss why rhythms matter, how seasons in life and business provide a model to follow, and the practical steps to align your team around clear priorities. You’ll learn how quarterly planning and intentional pauses create space for focus, accountability, a...
Send us a text Change is constant in leadership, but when does it harm more than help? This episode examines balancing adaptation and avoiding overwhelming your team. From Blockbuster’s resistance to pivoting when Netflix emerged, to the risks of moving too fast and causing burnout, we identify signs of "change fatigue.” You’ll learn how shifting priorities, poor follow-through, and lost trust can hinder progress. We talk through strategies for pacing change, distinguish KPIs (forward-looking...
Send us a text In this final part of our halftime adjustment series, we dig into the surprising power of staying the course when everyone else is pivoting. We talk about why “shiny object syndrome” kills momentum, how small fundamental changes can create massive results, and why doubling down on your current plan might be the boldest move you can make. You’ll also hear how a simple calendar shift completely changed one leader’s effectiveness and how the story of Haggai gives us perspective wh...
Send us a text Is It Time for a Halftime Adjustment in Your Business? At the halfway point of the year, every leader needs to ask: Are we making progress? And more importantly… What needs to change? In this episode, we examine what it means to lead with clarity and courage when you face a crossroads. We identify the three traps that hold leaders back: feelings like fear, comfort, and ego. We discuss why past success can sometimes block future growth. You’ll gain a simple yet powerful mindset ...
Send us a text In this episode, we explore how lessons from our childhood coaches continue to shape our leadership today. From punctuality to staying true to fundamentals, we examine five coaching habits that can transform any team. Drawing from The 5 Coaching Habits of Excellent Leaders by Lee and Julie Colan, we look at how clarifying expectations, asking questions, involving others, measuring what matters, and showing appreciation can foster a culture of trust and accountability. Whe...
Send us a text What can a $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich teach us about world-class customer service? A lot if you're at the Masters Tournament. In this episode, we unpack what Augusta National gets right about the customer experience, from spotless restrooms to screen-free serenity, and how those small details add up to something unforgettable. Benji shares his firsthand experience attending the Masters, and we explore how intentional, friction-free service turns everyday moments into stories...
Send us a text We’re back, and this episode is the most authentic one yet, pulling back the curtain to show you what leadership and business ownership truly entail, especially when life gets a bit messy. From an inspiring story at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky to a listener’s heartfelt message that changed everything, this episode ushers in a new season filled with genuine conversations, fresh perspectives, and a revitalized sense of purpose.
Send us a text In this episode, we’re getting real about the moment we realized our long list of 22 core values was just... noise. So we started over. We walk you through how we narrowed it down to 7 values that mean something and how they guide every part of our business: Honor God. People First. Extreme Ownership. Pursue Excellence. Relentless Execution. Data Wins. Win as a Team.This isn’t just about writing values on a wall. It’s about building a culture...
Send us a text Ever feel like your company’s core values are just words on a wall? In this episode, Brady and Benji get real about how their team went from 22 forgettable core values to 7 that actually mean something. It all started when no one on their leadership team could remember the values. Instead of ignoring the problem, they tore it all up and started over, leading to tough conversations, major self-reflection, and real change. You’ll hear why values lose impact when there are too man...
Send us a text What separates good leaders from great ones? Data. In this episode, Brady and Benji break down why tracking the right numbers leads to smarter decisions in business and life. From coaching softball to leading a restoration business, they share real examples of how data transformed their results—like turning a 31% win rate into a championship team. They also explore how industry leaders like Chick-fil-A use metrics to optimize customer experience and how tracking response times ...
Send us a text What if the secret to achieving massive success isn’t just about working harder but thinking differently? In this episode of the Higher Up Podcast, we explore the groundbreaking ideas from 10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Many assume that doubling their success (2X) is the safest route, but what if striving for 10X requires less effort? We discuss how aiming higher brings clarity, simplicity, and leverage elements that smaller improvements oft...
Send us a text In this episode, we’re diving deep into the C12 tri-value model again, focusing on economic, team, and spiritual values to help you build a financial legacy that truly matters. We break down budgeting in a way that empowers rather than restricts, taking inspiration from thought leaders like Dave Ramsey and Howard Dayton to give you practical steps toward financial freedom. Plus, we share real-life stories that highlight the importance of financial stewardship and passing down l...
Send us a text We're breaking down the power of stewardship in leadership because managing money well isn’t just about numbers but also about freedom. Ever feel like budgeting is just another restriction? Think again! We’ll show you how smart financial planning can actually bring clarity and peace of mind, both personally and in business. Inspired by experts like Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, and Dave Ramsey, we’re sharing practical insights to help you build a strong financial found...