Higher Up Podcast

Send us a textAs 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 about capacity, team care, and sustainable leadership. The conversation covers why presence is one of the most valuable things a leader can give, how to run a simple but effective year in review, and practical ways to make gratitude visible across teams, vendors, and partners.You’ll also hear about rhythms that protect people long term, including giving serve teams real rest, creating space for silence, and setting focused goals that restore energy instead of draining it. We talk about batching work before time off, identifying what needs to stop, and guarding creative capacity so clarity and joy can return.This episode is for leaders who want to close the year well, honor the people who carried the load, and step into January with direction instead of burnout. It’s a practical conversation about leadership, culture, growth, and building a pace that lasts.We’ll be back January 26 with a refreshed season and new conversations.

Send us a textThis 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 work, feeding your team when the schedule is stacked, and sending simple handwritten notes that land at the right time. You will also hear a quick gratitude exercise you can run in any meeting and a three-note challenge that builds momentum across your whole team.The episode centers on ownership. When leaders set the tone, teams follow. Clear and consistent gratitude tightens feedback loops, fuels collaboration, and shapes the experience your customers feel on the other side. We walk through timing, tone, and how to link appreciation to behaviors that match your values.If you want a practical framework that helps you build stronger teams, better culture, and a more intentional leadership rhythm, this conversation will give you tools you can use today.

Send us a textForecasting 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 help you plan with clarity and lead with foresight.

Send us a textThe 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. We also dive into how great post-sale service drives reviews, referrals, and real retention.If you want customers to choose you again, not because you’re cheapest, but because you care most, this conversation is for you.

Send us a textWhat 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. Then we break down how these lessons apply to service businesses, especially those that serve customers in high-stress moments.You’ll walk away with practical filters for rebranding without confusion, insights from StoryBrand and Atomic Habits, and ways to build a brand people trust over time.