Higher Up Podcast

Send us Fan Mail If you've ever said "don't we have people for that?" this episode is your wake-up call. We keep coming back to a leadership principle our dad drilled into us: "I make it my business to know my business." It's not about micromanaging or doing every job yourself. It's about awareness, responsibility, and staying close enough to your business t...

Send us Fan Mail "In it to win it" gets tossed around like a hype line, but for us it's a mirror. This season we're sharing the quotes our dad lived by, starting with the one that shaped how we think about leadership, work ethic, and legacy. You'll hear where the phrase actually came from, why it ended up on coffee mugs and even a vehicle tag, and how a simple motto became...

Send us Fan Mail In this listener highlight episode, Benji and Adam get honest about the real story behind the Higher Up Podcast: the early hour-long recordings, the titles that made no sense, an 18-month hiatus, and the one Instagram DM from a listener that brought it all back. From there, they walk through the ideas that shaped the show's identity and their business: weekly tactical meeting...

Send us Fan Mail AI is already in your business. The question is whether you're leading it or letting it lead you. In this episode we talk honestly about why AI feels threatening, especially for creatives and leaders who care about trust and relationships. Then we reframe it: AI is a tool, not a strategy, and definitely not your conscience. We cover the 80/20 rule for using AI well, prompt en...

Send us Fan Mail Conflict rarely destroys a team all at once. It chips away through small misunderstandings, tension in meetings, and messages that land wrong. In this episode we talk about why conflict feels constant in certain seasons and what leaders can actually do about it. We cover the hidden costs of unresolved conflict: disengagement, gossip, broken trust, and turnover that could have been...

Send us Fan Mail A business can be thriving on paper and still get knocked sideways by a storm you didn't plan for. This episode is about what keeps you steady when it hits. We're fresh off real momentum, including expanding back to Tuscaloosa, and it sparks a bigger conversation about leading through uncertainty. We talk about blind spots, overconfidence, and why "unsinkable"...

Send us Fan Mail Profit can keep a company alive while slowly shrinking the leader running it. In this episode, we talk about leading with integrity when the pressure is on: cutting corners, blaming others, staying silent when speaking up costs you something. We get into stewardship over entitlement, business ethics in real decisions, and why a strong culture starts with how you treat the least po...

Send us Fan Mail Most leaders build a strategic plan at the start of the year and stop looking at it within weeks. If your team is reacting to noise instead of executing, this episode is for you. We break down why strategic plans get shelved, how to spot the warning signs, and what it takes to close the gap between planning and execution. Topics include shiny object syndrome, quarterly planning, l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Benji and Brady Wilson talk about one of the biggest challenges leaders face: knowing when to step in and when to step back. Many leaders jump in to fix problems quickly, but over time that can create bottlenecks and limit the growth of the team. This conversation explores how strong leadership creates ownership, builds trust, and develops people instead of making...

Send us Fan Mail Are you leading or just reacting? In this episode, we break down how to separate signal from noise so you can lead with clarity instead of constantly putting out fires. We talk about identifying the work only you can do, protecting your top 20 percent, and building margin into your leadership rhythm. We also get into real challenges inside churches and organizations. Handling pref...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling busy but not effective is a leadership problem, not a motivation problem. In this episode, we break down a practical framework for cutting through noise and focusing on the work that actually drives results. We cover the four-box focus model, the discipline of saying no, and the One Thing habit that helps leaders protect strategy from constant interruptions. We talk honest...

Send us Fan Mail This episode focuses on leadership clarity, operational discipline, and building momentum that actually lasts. We talk about why growth does not come from doing more, but from simplifying systems, documenting what matters, and removing friction that slows teams down. We share real lessons from leading inside a complex, highly regulated business and why speed is the result of clari...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ho...

Send us Fan Mail 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 health...

Send us Fan Mail 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 wh...

Send us Fan Mail 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 explor...

Send us Fan Mail 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-f...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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,...

Send us Fan Mail 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. Y...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tr...

Send us Fan Mail 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 shif...

Send us Fan Mail 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 dis...

Send us Fan Mail  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, measurin...

Send us Fan Mail 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 attendin...