Aim Higher: The podcast with purpose

How leaders can leverage generational strengths (with Jason Dorsey)

Every generation has its strengths--and the role of leaders working with diverse generations is to leverage those strengths, make space for them to build bridges and engage with each other. That's the main message from Jason Dorsey, generation expert, author, and research guru. In this episode of "Aim Higher," Jason and I talk about how every generation has something to offer your business... if you take the time to learn from them. And since he's the foremost researcher on Gen Z, I know you'll want to hear what he has to say about this cohort who, at ages 16-24, are just now starting to enter the labor pool in full force.

Season two wrap-up

In this last session of the season, as I sat down with two of my regular “Aim Higher” guests—Tammi Spayde and Drew Bordas—we realized how many of my guests noted that excellence is more about sustained, steady growth than any single, massive change. My hope is that, during this challenging year, our podcasts have been part of your ongoing, weekly commitment to rising above mediocrity. That whether it’s in your person life, your career or your leadership journey, you’ve enjoyed the challenge to “aim higher” as much as I have. Stay safe, and I hope you’ll join us next season.

No shortcuts to success (with Annika Sörenstam)

In this episode of “Aim Higher,” my panel guests and I discuss a previous interview I did with golf legend Annika Sörenstam. She shares two ideas that are important for both individual accomplishment and success as a leader. The first has to do with how a simple phrase, shared at a key moment while she was very young, made a huge impact on her attitude. And the second is about how she overcame a fear— totally unrelated to the game of golf! —that might have derailed one of the greatest athletes the sport has ever seen. Please join Drew, Tammi and me as we talk about how you can use what Annika learned in her extraordinary career to help in your leadership journey.

Using struggle to drive success (with Jimmy Wayne)

Many successful people start from humble beginnings. But country music star Jimmy Wayne’s early life can only be described as horrific. As a child he was abused, abandoned and caught up in a foster care system that did him more harm than good. On this episode of “Aim Higher,” Jimmy and I talk about how these experiences shaped both his music and writing careers and his desire to raise awareness about foster kids—since the elderly couple who finally fostered him provided him the chance to complete his education. In his bestselling book, “Walk to Beautiful,” Jimmy says that his foster mom “changed every cell in my body.” His story inspired me, and I think it will inspire you, too.

Making failure fantastic (with Mark Sanborn)

Very few people have done as much speaking and writing on the topic of leadership as my friend and guest on this episode of “Aim Higher.” Mark Sanborn has written 8 books, one of which, “The Fred Factor,” has sold over 2 million copies. He’s been ranked the #5 leadership expert in the world by GlobalGurus.org and I always learn something new from him whenever we get together. Mark shares a number of great points in this discussion. One all leaders need to take to heart is the ability to turn customer service failures into fantastic recoveries. He and I agree that you never get a better chance to impress a customer as when you respond to a problem. Listen to what Mark has to say on this vital subject.

Making change last (with Eric Zimmer)

On this episode of “Aim Higher,” I talk with Eric Zimmer, a behavior coach, podcast host and author who came back from being a homeless heroin addict to build a successful career and an extraordinary life. He and I discuss how some of our most important changes start with small, measured steps and daily habits rather than trying to “do it all at once.” That way, we can have a little success, build on it… and move forward. He uses the board game “Risk” as a metaphor to make this point, and it’s a great way of thinking about personal change. I very much enjoyed our talk, and I think you will, too. 

The power of “authority, warmth and energy” (with Steve Herz)

On this episode of “Aim Higher,” Skip talks with author and career advisor Steve Herz about three keys to becoming a powerful connector: authority, warmth and energy. Steve is President of The Montag Group, a sports and entertainment talent and marketing consultancy. Skip makes the important point that while connecting to others is incredibly important in our careers, it’s not really taught in college or business school. Steve agrees! And his book, “Don’t Take Yes for and Answer,” seeks to help fill that gap. Listen in as Skip and Steve talk about some ways that you can use authority, warmth and energy to help increase your ability to connect and succeed.

Tom Ziglar: Choose to win one choice at a time

For 25 years, Tom Ziglar was CEO of the company that existed, in his words, "to put dad on the stage." His dad -- world famous author, speaker and motivational trainer, Zig Ziglar -- trusted Tom to take care of the business and "create the platform" for the company's success. But in this episode of "Aim Higher," Tom tells Skip how he set out on his own leadership journey, found his own unique speaking style, stopped reading others' leadership books... and emerged with a simple, yet compelling formula for success. Listen in on a frank, friendly conversation between two master storytellers who discuss how choosing to win, one choice at a time, truly can make all the difference.

The leadership value of health and wellness

This week on “Aim Higher,” Skip’s panel focuses on the importance of physical health and wellness for leaders. Are you eating right? Exercising regularly? Getting enough sleep? In the words of Skip’s regular guest, Drew Bordas, “Working out helps me be the best version of myself as a leader.” Listen in as the panel goes over some simple steps for setting goals, staying on track and getting healthier.

Mentoring – specifics make success

What does it really mean to be a mentor? Or be mentored? In this episode of “Aim Higher,” Skip’s panel gets into some great details and specific recommendations that are often overlooked. If you want to find a great mentor, be a better mentor, or develop a successful mentoring program for your workplace, you owe it to yourself to listen in.