1% Better Improvement Podcast

Meet Chris Nikic - the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman... and who's also ran all six World Marathon Majors, and won two ESPYs.🏅 Alongside him is his father, Nik, who transformed a simple idea of getting 1% better each day into a powerful mindset that’s helping people around the world realize their true potential.

Chris and Nik share how a system built on daily progress, belief, and consistency defied every e...

Welcome to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast

What happens when you leave a 32-year career behind? Pat Brickson opens up about the unexpected emotions of change, facing imposter syndrome, and ultimately finding new purpose through reinvention, data consulting, and his passion project: a radio show called The Mixtape.

From burnout to creative breakthrough, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to start fresh.

We talk abou...

Welcome to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast.

Ever felt like you’re holding it all together on the outside but barely hanging on inside? This episode of the 1% Better Podcast hits deep.

Host Craig Thielen sits down with Luke Wendlandt, Founder and CEO of Cadre - a social platform to improve mental health.

🎙️We talk about:

The moment he realized success didn’t mean fulfillment

How discomfort became his best teacher

What most w...

Welcome to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast.

What if purpose was the smartest business strategy?

On this episode, host Craig Thielen talks with Amanda Brinkman, CEO of Sunshine Studios and creator of The Small Business Revolution. Amanda shares how doing good isn't just the right thing, it's the most impactful thing. From brand building to personal breakthroughs, Amanda’s story proves that purpose isn’t a buzzword... it’s a ripple e...

What happens when an NFL Pro Bowler and a passionate educator team up to transform young lives?

In this episode of the 1% Better Podcast, host Craig Thielen sits down with Chad Greenway, former Minnesota Viking and founder of the Lead the Way Foundation... and Chad Harlander, founder of the REACH Program. The two first connected at a football camp in South Dakota, and their partnership quickly grew. Together, they blend Harlander’s ...

In this inspiring episode, we meet Dave Clark, the only professional baseball player to pitch from crutches, and Doug Cornfield, the storyteller who helped bring Dave’s journey to life through books like A Pound of Kindness and Pulling Each Other Along. Together, they co-founded the D3 Foundation (Disability Dream & Do) to help kids with disabilities unlock their potential. This episode is their story of what happens when kindn...

Welcome to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast.

Disability isn't rare - it's part of the human experience. In our latest 1% Better episode, Accessibility Advocate Kelly Risser shares how small changes in design, communication, and mindset create a better world for everyone. 💡 From invisible disabilities to the curb-cut effect, learn why accessibility isn't just compliance - it's innovation, empathy, and good business. Hear how 1% im...

Welcome to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast.

From five-hour commutes to 58 countries and a dream job at sea—Andres Guzman’s story is a powerful reminder that the right risk can transform your life. 💡

In the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast, we explore how authentic service, cultural empathy, and staying true to yourself can open doors you never expected.

Key Takeaways:

• Life Transitions Create Opportunity – Andres took ...

Welcome back to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast.

In this episode, host Craig Thielen chats with Ben Albert - Founder of Real Business Connections and a podcasting savant who turned a COVID-era layoff into a thriving media and marketing business. Ben shares how he went from "Music Ben" to "Business Ben," the power of microinfluence, and why the key to success in podcasting, networking, and marketing lies in helping people and stayi...

🏀 Cinderella Story? Not a chance. 🏀During last year’s March Madness, the world saw Jack Gohlke sink 10 three-pointers and shock No. 3 seed Kentucky - but what they didn’t see was the years of work, setbacks, and relentless 1% improvements that led to that moment.

In the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast, Jack shares:

• How he built unshakable confidence through daily discipline
• Why he embraced his role as a 3-point special...

Welcome to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast - Craig Thielen sits down once again with Paul Batz, CEO & Founder of Good Leadership.

Craig and Paul kick off season 3 discussing accountability—everyone wants it, but why does it so often feel negative? 🤔

In this episode, Paul Batz, CEO of Good Leadership, shares groundbreaking research on how leaders can foster healthy accountability—one that drives ownership, growth, and team suc...

1% Better Improvement Podcast's very first guest returns — this time as the host! Shane Zutz, VP of HR at DigiKey flips the script on Craig Thielen to reflect on a year of inspiring conversations, leadership insights, and the evolving role of AI. Don’t miss this special year-in-review episode!

Key Takeaways:

• Optimism is a Leadership Superpower: True leadership isn't blind positivity but a confidence in navigating uncertainty an...

In the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast, Carissa Rollins, CIO at Illumina, sits down with host Craig Thielen and shares how she navigated career pivots, led major transformations, and champions inclusivity in tech. Her story is one of resilience, bold decisions, and empowering others along the way. Key takeaways include:

• Embrace Career Evolution and Lifelong Learning
  Carissa's path to becoming a CIO wasn’t linear. She...

Check out our latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast featuring former nuclear submarine commander and Wall Street Journal's bestselling author, David Marquet!

David shares the incredible journey of turning around one of the Navy’s worst-performing submarines by shifting from traditional command-and-control leadership to empowering his team to make decisions.⚓ He breaks down the importance of language, culture change, and how ...

*Disclaimer: Mr. Badran’s statements are made personally and not on behalf of U.S. Bank. His opinions are his own and should not be construed as financial or investment advice*

In this latest episode of 1% Better Improvement Podcast, Craig Thielen talks to Souheil Badran, SEVP and COO at U.S. Bank. From coding on mainframes to leading transformative innovations in the banking industry, Souheil Bodran, COO of US Bank, shares his i...

In this episode of the 1% Better Podcast, host Craig Thielen sits down with Steve Meirink, CEO of Wolters Kluwer’s Financial and Corporate Compliance Division. Steve shares his journey of aligning personal values with career decisions, including the impactful choice to move closer to family. He discusses overcoming personal challenges, such as his fear of flying, and how these experiences shaped his leadership style. The conversati...

Richard McDonald, an accomplished author, coach, and consultant in human development and leadership, shares his unique journey from growing up in South Africa to becoming a renowned leadership expert. Through vivid storytelling, he illustrates how his experiences with nature's chaos and beauty shaped his leadership philosophy. Emphasizing the importance of presence, authenticity, and empathy, Richard discusses the core principl...

Our short highlight reel showcases extraordinary leaders, visionaries, advocates, and motivators from around the globe. Hear their riveting stories of transformation, professional triumphs, and personal breakthroughs. These dynamic speakers share powerful insights and unforgettable experiences that will ignite your passion and drive - the ultimate mission of 1% Better. Thanks for listening!

Find Us On: ✔️ Webpage: https:/...

Tune in to this inspiring journey of Tim Eggebraaten, retired Chief of Police, motivational speaker, musician, also known as Off-Duty Chief. From his 25 years in law enforcement to becoming a speaker and musician, Tim shares his powerful story of overcoming challenges, finding his rhythm, and spreading positivity.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Authenticity and Vulnerability: Tim emphasized the power of being transparent a...