Shows
Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Proof of Leadership | Part 4: DevelopingNic and Tarina mention “snow-megadon” in Oklahoma. While they were looking for warm clothes to fight the chill, Tarina wanted her robber mask. Nic, bumfuzzled, confirms they have plenty of robber/ski masks. In this episode, Nic says that when leadership happens we’re developing others. This is the fourth proof of leadership. It’s important to note that teaching and development are not the same thing. Teaching a skill is one thing. Developing the person is different. Leaders focus on technical skills, on the how-to, whereas developing focuses on a person’s capacity. Teaching...
2026-02-1717 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Proof of Leadership | Part 3: ModelTarina launches with a question for Nic: “Can you help me improve?” Nic immediately knows it’s a trap—and he questions whether to take the bait, which he does. In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about the third Proof of Leadership: Model. They take the idea of leading by example further—giving substance to the practice of modeling the behavior you want to see in others. The question they ask themselves: If we aren’t leading by example, then what happens to our influence? Modeling is a discipline not just a skill. You have to deve...
2026-02-1025 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Proof of Leadership | Part 2: ClarityNic nearly Wreck-it-Ralph’d his Corn studio because he couldn’t get his microphones working—only to find out his speakers were off. And evidently, Tarina loves a good gas station hotdog (not). In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about the second Proof of Leadership: Clarity. They provide personal examples of how successful they are together when they communicate with clarity. And they agree that it’s important to say it not just think it. A (new) hard Nic Bittle rule: “Lack of capacity does not excuse lack of communication.” In other words, you’re inability t...
2026-02-0324 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Proof of Leadership | Part 1: ProtectionNic and Tarina talk about some comments they received from the recent episode on marriage. Nic then informs listeners that Tarina is “fancy”—which we already knew.In the episode, Nic introduces The 5 Proofs of Leadership: Evidence that Leadership is Happening. The first proof that you are competent leader is: You Protect. They discuss different lenses (environments) where you lead. The question: How do you protect those around you? It’s about carrying the load—absorbing the stress and tension as people grow and develop. One way to handle the tension is to have someo...
2026-01-2720 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipOn Marriage: PART 2On Marriage: PART 2Nic launches the conversation with an important question: “How do you keep someone as big of a deal like me coming home?” He claims getting that asked a lot.Nic and Tarina have been married for 25 years. One thing they agree contributes to their success is they like each other. They choose each other and pursue one another every day.They admit this isn’t magic. They act on showing love—bridging the knowing-doing gap on a daily basis. And when they experienced areas which needed improvement, they sought outside counsel...
2026-01-2029 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipOn Marriage: How to Find A SpouseAccording to Tarina, Nic has a “pretty” bald head. And the week Nic was on the road, the Bittle compound experienced peace and quiet.In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about both: what to look for in a mate and how to be a good mate. Answer the questions: What traits do you want your future spouse to have? What traits are they looking for in you?Nic asks, “Are you the person, or trying to become the person, to be the person they want?” Said another way—Nic doesn’t pull any punches—quit training...
2026-01-1320 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipBeing More Intentional in 2026: The Power of a Kind WordNic asks Tarina about her new wardrobe item: a “dickie.” Tarina claims it’s a “collar bib.” And, of course, it’s bedazzled. Christmas was good and enjoyable—cherishing time with friends and family.In this episode, Nic and Tarina don’t talk about new year resolutions. One question Nic is struggling with as he look at 2026: Is this the year he slows down a bit?In this episode they talk about being more intentional in 2026.Tarina talks about how she has already started to saying more often what she thinks/feels, like picking up the p...
2026-01-0617 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Year in Review: Favorite Episodes, Shout Outs, and InspirationNic and Tarina prepare for family visiting for Christmas—with only a brief reference to the Christmas Vacation. They share a memory of driving around to look at Christmas lights when Elle was little. One house was decked out with all the lights and Elle said, “Wow! They’re daddy must be strong.”In this episode, Tarina and Nic express gratitude for a few listeners and all listeners. They celebrate their most downloaded episode (#73) which featured their new son-in-law, Micah Graf, as well all 12 of their guests over the past year.They also reflect on feedback...
2025-12-3033 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipWorking Through Conflict in RolesNic and Tarina are nearly ready for Christmas—especially Tarina, who loves both receiving and giving presents. Nic shares about his latest return trip home and how he got a splinter from a Starbucks stir stick. And they shout out to Chris who loves the podcast.In this episode, they talk about conflict: the difference between venting and complaining. Venting is relieving pressure—getting something off your chest. Complaining is expecting a fix. Conflict happens is when someone is venting and we think they are complaining or the opposite.When you complain it is because you...
2025-12-2328 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Year in Review | Good and Getting BetterAs Nic prepares to go on a 8-day tour, Tarina will battle a dryer that went caput while Nic is flying cross country.Nic asks Tarina: What is a success that we’ve experienced together?To answer this question for yourself, consider even the small achievements you made every day. As the phrase goes: People overestimate what they can accomplish in a day and under estimate what they can accomplish in a year.They reflect how that they are nearing their 100th podcast episode in 2025 and Nic has done over 500 Leadership Drips on Yo...
2025-12-1623 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipP.A.U.S.E During the Holidays | Part 2 Nic kicks off with a story about flying during the government shutdown. And Tarina bought Nic a new towel—which he claims takes him 8 minutes to collect black fuzz; it’s like drying off with a trash bag.Tarina has a question for listeners: If you have a budget for a present, and you pay significantly less that regular retail, do you buy two of the item? Is it about how much you spend or about the gift itself?In this episode, Tarina picks up where she left off with explaining her PAUSE before the Holi...
2025-12-0923 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipP.A.U.S.E Before the Holidays | Part 1Tarina defends how the Monday before Black Friday is Black Friday. Nic confirms she doesn’t need a sale to shop. He also confesses: “I can’t park. I can back up a trailer.” As Tarina has pointed out more than once, “So, you’re going to park into the garage crooked?”In this episode Tarina sets up the conversation with a question: How do we prepare for the holidays to be kind, generous, and not cause a fuss?To help, Tarina created an acronym: PAUSE. Pray, Aerobics, Understand, Sit, Express. She created it to give herself p...
2025-12-0226 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipShifting Gears: Prepare for Life TransitionsIt’s unseasonably warm in Oklahoma as Nic and Tarina record the episode. Tarina reports that Nic is trying to rebuild her computer. Evidently she has 32,800 high-definition photos and over 2000 videos on her computer—"which may be why it’s running a little slow.” (Nic uses the voice.)Nic meets a guy who carries human tissue to the airport every day. When Nic asked, the guy said the heads go in smaller boxes—now he can’t sleep.Shifting gears means the struggle we all experience when going through life transitions. Kids go through transition every six mo...
2025-11-2535 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipMaking Hard Decisions Easier: Just Take the Next StepNic starts off talking about parking problems at hotels (which he solved with style) and issues with his underwear. Tarina reflects on choosing to not fold Cruze’s left foot socks—this is why Nic only wants gray socks without L or R printed on the toes.In this episode, Nic and Tarina discuss ways to make hard decisions easier. One step Nic mentions is to take the emotion out of the decisions. Time can sometimes be used to help take the emotion out of a decision. “You can’t take a year to do it, though.”They...
2025-11-1842 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipNECA Chapter Manager Talks Leadership | Special Guest: David FinleyDavid Finley, the manager of the NECA chapter (National Electrical Contractors Association) in Oklahoma, joins Nic in the studio. David was the one who spurred Nic to launch his leadership training work.After working in the sugar industry in Hawaii, David moved to Oklahoma. In 2010, he took over both the Kansas and Oklahoma SMACNA (Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Contractors National Association) chapters. Today he is the only chapter manager who oversees all the trades: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Sheet Metal Air Rail Transport (SMART), and United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UAPP).From...
2025-11-1155 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipAI Expert for Construction and Trades | Special Guest: Carl Britton, Jr.In this episode, Carl Britton, Jr. joins Nic across the lens to talk about AI and how it can benefit workers in the skilled trades and construction industry.Before Carl ran his own concrete company, now he’s training men and women in the trades in how to implement AI in their work and life. He is the founder of Iron Thread Consulting and a family man. One use case Carl’s mentions is how to let AI produce a safety briefing, manually verify its accuracy, and save a lot of time in the process.In h...
2025-11-0458 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipTough Conversations and The Four Mindsets | Special Guest: Patrick McGowanIn this episode, Patrick puts Nic in the hotseat and ask him questions. Together they explore tough conversations, frameworks, and the four mindsets: 1) Struggler 2) Achiever 3) Thinker and 4) Doer.As Nic says, “We’re all in the people business.” Patrick adds how our work is to create more human connections. “The magic happens through the conversations we have and the connections we make.”The question we want to ask: How can I create a connection with this person? And in the process help them thrive?Building on the last week’s episode, it is important to...
2025-10-2843 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipExpert Says Communication Is Not A Soft Skill | Guest: Patrick McGowanAfter producing nearly 90 episodes the Life & Leadership Podcast, Patrick gets in front of the microphone. Beaming into Nic’s Office in Corn America is Patrick McGowan, Nic’s podcast producer and expert in communication. Patrick is the CEO of Punchn Communications (www.punchn.io), a growing communication and organizational change consulting firm. At the heart of his communications training is the belief that powerful communications isn’t just about speaking—it’s about creating moments of connection that spark engagement and inspire action. Additionally, Patrick believes that the best leaders are great communicators—and should invest in themselves as Ni...
2025-10-2154 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipWhat’s Next: Nic Talks About His New BookNic rants about able-bodied people who walk slowly side-by-side in an airport—rather than single file. He argues that capital punishment would be warranted.What's next for Nic? He's writing a new book on creating connections. Tarina asks if this is part of Nic’s sensitivity training, which it is not. His purpose is to help people be more human. The idea is that relationships will open doors, the key to life, and the key to success. Tarina adds that relationships are the key to fulfillment.Nic shares a story about speaking at chur...
2025-10-1435 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipOwn It: What Great Leaders Do WellTarina gives Nic a new nickname, “Wreck it Mouth.” And Nic congratulates Tarina on saving $2.50 on her “$9.00” coffee shop espresso drinks.In this episode, Nic and Tarina lead a conversation on what it takes to be a great leader.Their discussion can be summed up in a simple phrase: “Own it.” Among the attributes and activities of great leaders, here are a few they talk about:A leader protects his peopleA leader walks into danger firstA leader leads with empathyA leader is about influence not authorityA leader lives with the consequences of their decisionsAs Ni...
2025-10-0735 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipConsidering Career and Education Options with Jason DownsNic sits down with Jason Downs for a talk about career and education options. Jason is a self-described middle-aged family man with an accounting degree who recently served on a local school board. After a series of accounting related jobs, today finds him a stay-at-home dad.They start their discussion with a focus on the Swiss VET System. VET stands for “Vocational, Educational, and Training.” The system is designed to assess high school students’ aptitude, how they are wired, and then put them on a track that includes job skills training.The kids graduate ready to ent...
2025-09-3055 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipHave Courage. Live Bold. Make a Difference.Nic and Tarina joke about the possibility of producing a 2026 calendar featuring him and Cruze moving plants into the rain. Tarina “loves” the idea. Nic also believes Tarina lost her true calling as a word-smith. “So good it just tastes like really dark dirt,” was Tarina’s comment after taking a sip of her Americano.Nic shares a correction on the previous episode about Charlie Kirk. Nic believes people feel connected with Charlie because he was courageous. A lot of people are inspired by his example of boldness in faith, work, and life.Tarina and Nic just r...
2025-09-2332 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipDo People Know Me? Lessons from Charlie KirkCharlie created a connection with people, especially college students. One way he did this was have conversations with people and stay cool under pressure.While Nic sees him as a greater debater, he didn’t feel like he knew him like some folks have expressed online. They both see him living boldly his values: You know where he stood on his beliefs and his perspective.Do you want to do a better job of connecting? You have to let people in, be vulnerable, practice humility, and be more curious not judgmental. You also need to be...
2025-09-1620 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipEveryone is Struggling In Some Way or AnotherTarina has her “Cream Dr. Pepper” and Nic confronts Tarina about her other addiction—buying plants. Her latest plant purchase is a rubber tree.To listen to Nic and Tarina’s early days and what they struggled through, you can go back to early episodes. “Everyone is fighting a fight that the rest of the world knows nothing about.” When we are vulnerable and share, it builds trust and connection. Leaders who share their own struggles will build stronger teams because it makes them relatable and human.Often, when we’re going through it...
2025-09-0930 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Three Virtues of an Ideal Team PlayerTarina joins the podcast with a good cup of coffee having already done her weighted-vest walk and sauna workout. Nic had replaced the organic beans with some Starbucks cinnamon strudel and Tarina is loving it.In today’s episode, Nic and Tarina talk about Patrick Lencioni’s book The Ideal Team Player, a book Nic recommends to all his clients.The top three virtues of an ideal team player are: Humble, Hungry, and Smart.Here’s a link to the TedX Talk Nic and Tarina reference.Hunger is that desire to a do a...
2025-09-0240 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Lost Art of 1-on-1 ConversationsIn the spirit of football season, Tarina bought a t-shirt that says “Football Social Club” on Etsy and Nic has no idea what Etsy is. Nic compares Tarina’s purchase to the mileage he gets out of his underwear.Nic makes a point by honoring a potential customer with a phone call rather than just replying to a text. He prioritizes creating a connection with the person and understanding what they want.He wants people to know they matter. A phone conversation is one way he does this.Nic tells the story about a youn...
2025-08-2634 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipTalking About Dropping a Load: DelegationTarina notices that Nic is drinking the “healthy” coffee she bought him—and he mentions something about “dropping a load.” He was actually talking about this episode’s topic on Delegation.“If someone can do it 80% as good as you, let them do it,” Tarina quotes. Nic adds, “When in doubt, sub it out.” Our job is to do the thing we do best and ask others to do the rest.Nic talks about an activity he does in his workshops. He observes how these leaders he speaks to are achievers and doers, but they don’t delegate. He h...
2025-08-1929 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Most Important Virtue: HonestyNic sticks the landing on the intro. After Tarina compliments him, Nic replies with a wink, “I know things.” They talk about their new cold plunge and healthy coffee—which tastes better. And Nic claims it was his Wreck-it-Ralph elbows that “honked at” Tarina.When you don’t share your opinion, it is not humility. Combined with lying to ourselves this points to our insecurity. We are exactly in the place we find ourselves because of the choices we’ve made—which includes choosing to be honest or not be honest.Nic explains that it is self-deceptio...
2025-08-1233 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipTime to Talk about Artificial Intelligence and CareersNic jokes with Tarina about having “abandonment issues.” She’s never abandoned an online shopping cart. Now Nic is the one shopping and bought a new pair of $15 shoes. Tarina told him, “I like those shoes. They don’t make you look fat.”In this episode, they ask the question: What jobs will AI disrupt or replace?One thing it’s irreplaceable is connection. It is already damaging human connection. The jobs AI is coming for are where we’ve already taken the human out of the work.One conclusion Nic and Tarina make about AI is...
2025-08-0545 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipDon’t Call It “Sensitivity Training”Tarina and Nic talk about Elle’s wedding—a truly beautiful life transforming event and how they had to pivot because of weather.Nic is receiving a lot of requests for “sensitivity training.” As Nic jokes, “Kids today who never had to learn how to hold the flashlight for their dad.” Kids who never had the opportunity to take direction under pressure.The question out there among a lot of seasoned leaders who are direct is, “Why is this generation so soft?” The problem is not that leaders are too hard. The problem is some of these leaders...
2025-07-2937 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSpecial Guest: Mark Broadwater, VP Egan CompanyThis episode features Mark Broadwater, VP Egan Company, leading Egan’s ATS Group: Building Automation, Technology Systems and Service. His 28 years in the industry sets Mark apart from many leaders as he supports the sales team and look for new opportunities to connect the dots inside Egan.It was Mark’s grandfather, a furniture maker, who inspired him to learn a craft and it launched his career as a field technician after completing the Electrical Construction program at Albert Lea Technical College. Today, he has enjoyed working in a hands-on role.Mark is famous for sayi...
2025-07-221h 18Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSpecial Guest: Josh Bone, Executive Director, Electri InternationalThis episode features Josh Bone, Executive Director of Electri International—what he describes as the research and development lab for the electrical contracting industry. It is at the forefront at navigating market impacts and look at where technology is going.Josh has been a driving force in bringing cutting edge technology to the construction industry. In his early days he worked with mechanical design teams and has consistently championed innovation. His expertise is in bridging the gap between technology and real-world construction practices. He is a speaker and thought-leader and shares his insights with professionals nationwide....
2025-07-151h 05Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSpecial Guest: Micah Graf, Nic and Tarina’s Future Son-in-LawNic tricks his new son-in-law, Micah Graf, to join him on podcast. He opens the conversation with a question, “What are your intentions with my daughter?”They talk about farming in western Oklahoma, which includes scaring up wild pigs. His favorite part of farmer is corn harvest. He also posts drone footage on Instagram @Oklahoma_Farming, capturing the seasons of farming. Check out the mile-long, 100 bushel corn harvest while a storm rolls in here.Micah’s brother (Instagram: @That_Gun_Guy) got him started using thermals for rifle shooting and is on the Pulsar Pro Staff...
2025-07-0830 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipCollege or Career: What’s Next? | Part 2Tarina is grateful for a power nap before recording this episode. Nic compares her naps to people needing a Snickers Bar when they’re hangry. And Tarina appreciates how Nic compliments himself about how he regulates his emotions and knows things—no naps needed. (That’s some good Nic Bittle crap right there.)They laugh about cold plunges, soft-sided tackle boxes, and losing sunglasses at the beach. Life is good at the Bittle ranch. Regarding the college or career question, Nic and Tarina received some good feedback. They review a few of these, continuing the convers...
2025-07-0137 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipGiving Something Back | Nic’s Life-Ready CurriculumNic shares how he attended an event to showcase his Life-Ready Curriculum. He had a booth and two break-out sessions to talk about how and why he created the curriculum and how it’s been implemented.The point of the curriculum is to help students come up with their own answers rather than a fill-in-the-blank right answer. It was designed as a journey of self-discovery. At first, students main question is, “Will this be graded?”“If we’re going to build a successful next generation, we have to get them to think on their own,” says Nic.
2025-06-2431 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipCollege or Career: Challenge, Goal, and OpportunityNic and Tarina talk about the struggle of choosing to go to college versus jumping into a career. As they prepare for Cruze to take his next step, they are wrestling with the value of higher education.They discuss the various options available to craft a life and career that doesn’t require a college degree. Cruze has expressed wanting to do what Nic does for a living, so Nic breaks down what it’d take to become a speaker/trainer.Cruze has also said he wants the “college experience.” What is that? Is it gaining...
2025-06-1748 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipPART 2: Leadership that Builds a Strong Culture | Brett Russell, Fire ChiefNic talks with Brett Russell on what he did and does to build a strong culture. In this episode, they discuss what destroys a culture. And they agree that life is life—and so work is both professional and personal. There’s no division.Jumping in where they left off from Episode 68 (start there), Nic and Brett talk about the difficulties and opportunities to sow the right seeds to build strong leaders and a strong leadership culture. Brett identifies the importance of recognizing just how hard good leadership is.The reality is a strong culture is t...
2025-06-1044 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipLeadership that Builds a Strong Culture | Guest: Brett Russell, Fire ChiefNic talks with Brett Russell on what he did and does to build a strong culture. While Brett’s experience is in the fire service, he and Nic agree on how it applies to the trades. They discuss how to keep momentum, build a culture of high performers, and doing what you say you’re going to do.Brett emphasizes how he wants his guys to feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves. He wants everyone to feel like they are making an impact. It’s about doing all the little things well, even the th...
2025-06-0339 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipEmotional Fatigue and Burnout | What to Do About ItNic and Tarina are going to the lake in a little bit. And Tarina is working on some home remedies. And Nic is still working on his audio books.If you want to pilot Nic’s new online Leadership Academy, reach out and let him know. When you’re right on the edge of having a meltdown and you feel drained and about to give up. In the construction industry it’s called burnout—and you almost give up. This is what Nic also calls emotional fatigue.Everything is getting done, but sometimes we just n...
2025-05-2737 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipTalking About Change and Why It’s So HardNic congratulates himself for killing weeds (he’s a pretty big deal, you know) and how Tarina’s dog rolled in a dead armadillo (true story).“Everybody loves change, don’t they?” Nic says with a bit of sarcasm.Think of a time when you struggled with change and it turned out not to be that big of a deal.Nic shares how he resisted moving to Corn. He believed it’d be the end of his career—and how horrible the change would be in his life. He admits how he created a false narrat...
2025-05-2027 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipHow to Become a Better ListenerNic and Tarina talk about her latest diagnosis: digital fatigue. Nic says it’s because of her eye strain from staring at her shopping cart on her phone. Of course, he tries to piece together how this developed. Because Tarina tries to shield him from seeing what she’s buying, it’s only in her right eye. Nic wants to buy her a pirate eye patch. Aarrgghh, Matey!Cruze it out of school. Elle is home. And they have a busy summer planned—including Elle’s wedding.Tarina points out that one of the biggest problems w...
2025-05-1329 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipBuild Your Character | Finishing Up Nic’s Book "Know This Do That"Nic and Tarina share their experience attending to the German Feast at Corn Bible Academy and eating verenika—a steamed or fried pasta dumpling filled with a dry cottage cheese and usually covered in ham gravy.Chapter 35 from Know This Do That is about doing the right thing. Building your character— regardless of the cost—is the struggle all good leaders face.Nic identifies the three ways to build trust. The leader who stands in front of his/her crew and is honest and clear, paves the way to be highly trusted. Chapter 36: Give So...
2025-05-0637 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipWhat Drives You? | Chapter 34 of Know This Do ThatNic and Tarina open the episode talking about their trip to Aruba. Nic comments on how he got a little sunburned—even after applying sunscreen every hour. And Tarina cringed at how their swimsuits were too matchy-matchy.Be sure to listen to the surprise Tarina found for Nic: An inflatable butt-mat. “Seat cushion,” Tarina corrects him. The question behind “What drives you?” is “Why do you do what you do?” Tarina became a nurse because she wanted to help people. Nic is a speaker because he wants to make a difference. Nic quotes his so...
2025-04-2932 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipBecome a Leader Now | Chapter 33 of Know This Do ThatTarina asks Nic if he wears his compression socks when he flies. He replies, “I wear them with my shorts on one leg.” Scolding him, Tarina says, “You’re supposed to wear them on both legs.” So Nic answers, “I wore them on one leg of my flight.”Tarina and Nic talk about what it means to become a leader. Nic starts the discussion with a quote from Arnold Schwarzenegger: “You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket.”Having a position, authority, or title does not make you a leader. A great lead...
2025-04-2230 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipDon’t Believe the Lie That You are Not EnoughNic and Tarina talk about how the grass is growing now in Corn. And Nic comments how his hair is growing like a Chia Pet. “It looks great!” says Tarina.The feeling that you’re less-than or that you’re not enough is often called imposter syndrome. Tarina asks about the line between feeling not-enough and arrogance.Feeling not-enough and arrogance are both negatives.What Nic is talking about is the internal voice of judgment which beats us up whenever something doesn’t work out perfect. Tarina shares the pressure she feels on a daily ba...
2025-04-1538 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipDeeper Dive | Invest Your Time: Part 2Tarina and Nic spent time with Elle and Cruze over spring break. Nic comments on how expensive it is to feed his son, the carnivore. Not even the beans and rice at Chipotle. He then rants about how some people don’t know the rules of airline travel. Tarina’s water bottle—which does not leak—was placed in the overhead bin. You can guess what happened next. Together they discuss Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers and the 10,000-hour rule—and how you have to put in the time. The important example from the book are the Beatles...
2025-04-0828 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThere Are No Shortcuts | Success Doesn’t Happen Over NightThey kick off talking about Tarina’s pajamas and Nic’s shaved head. Elle has told Nic to grow out his hair for the wedding. In this episode they dig into Chapter 27: Invest the Time from Know This Do That. Nic and Tarina talk about how good things—like a career or rearing kids—takes time and patience. The opposite is also true: too much time spent on the wrong things create a problem if we let it. Where you invest your time and how you invest your time determines your ultimate success.Stay the co...
2025-04-0132 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSpecial Guest | Heather Anderson, LET, Technician Foreman, and TrainerNic sits down with Heather Anderson and Clint Bailey at the Bittle Ranch to discuss the dynamics of training the next generation of electrical apprentices.You may remember Clint from a previous episode. She is a mom of one adult son and would tell you she’s engaged to an amazing life partner, Clint. The two of them just happened to drop in to the Studio for a conversation.Heather completed the IBEW/NECA Limited Energy Technician apprenticeship program then spent 12 years in the field as a Limited Energy Technician and Technician ForemanShe w...
2025-03-2551 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipWhat Do You Want? What Are You Willing To Do To Get It?Nic and Tarina open this episode talking about his latest travels and how he shaved his head. “Everybody with a shaved head is really sexy,” Nic quotes Tarina. Of course, she denies it. (Time for a new podcast photo!)Today’s discussion centers on a question Nic’s mentor Mark LeBlanc asked him a long time ago. The question is: What do you want? As Nic explains, this isn’t about wanting a new pair of sneakers. It’s about the life we want and how we want to live, not merely material things.This question—Wha...
2025-03-1856 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipElevating Value | Carlin Day: Business Owner, Musician, & FatherCarlin Day is a husband and father of five with a professional background in insurance sales and service. As the owner of Harms Insurance Agency, Inc., an independent insurance agency in Oklahoma, Carlin has built his career on the belief that people prefer doing business with people.For years, he has led his agency to live out the simple motto of providing personal service. Early on, despite having the credentials and licenses to sell, Carlin realized he lacked the skills to consistently deliver the results that he and his clients expected.This sparked a journey...
2025-03-121h 09Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipClarity is Kindness: Special Guest James Ford, CEO, Egan CompanyIn this episode, Nic talks with James Ford, CEO Egan Company. James leads all lines of business with an emphasis in creating teams with a strategic focus on long-term success.James shares how he started his career as an accountant with Eide Bailley then how he served as a leadership development advisor. He took on the Chief Financial Officer role at Egan Company after 20 years in accounting.Today, as its Chief Executive Officer, he provides best practice strategies for optimizing operations and company performance. His curiosity and natural tendency to focus on the future motivates...
2025-03-041h 08Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Three Circles Method to Find Your Right Fit CareerNic and Tarina start off with a good laugh at themselves and one another. One because of Nic’s always hard nipples (seriously, you gotta listen to it). And Tarina’s gig work as a helper of Amazon and USPS delivery guys while wearing flip flops.Nic goes into more detail about how he helps apprentices understand finding the right fit career. So, he expands on his “Three Circles” idea: 1) What are you passionate about? 2) What are your skills? 3) What will the market pay for?Together they map Nic’s path for how got to where he i...
2025-02-2539 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipWhat Makes You Tick, Work Ethic, & Destinations | Know This Do That Ch. 24-26Nic is off the road for a week and feeling good. Tarina got to speak to students about anatomy and her career in nursing.Figure out what you’re good at. Know your strengths. Know your weaknesses. This is how Nic summarizes what it means to know what makes you tick.In this episode, Nic and Tarina discuss the importance of understanding yourself. Nic outlines a 3-part system for identifying a career. The mistake he sees most people make is choosing only what they’re passionate about—but it may not be something the market wants...
2025-02-1838 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipTraveling for a Living | Not as Glamorous as You May ThinkIn this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about Nic’s travels—the good, the bad, and the very, very ugly. As Nic says, “My job finds me mostly in airports.” He shares the best places he’s gotten to stay as well as some scary places. It’s clear in this episode how committed Nic is to the work of developing men and women to be better leaders. It’s also clear how much he loves his family and lives by the values he teaches. It’s not a glamorous life being a professional speake...
2025-02-1134 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipInvest in Yourself & Let it Go | Chapters 22 & 23 of Know This Do ThatNic and Tarina kick off with advice for everyone to not move to Corn (wink, wink) and enjoy all its comforts and community.And Tarina shares her “more this, less that” list as an alternative to goals for the new year or new year’s resolutions. It surprised Nic that Tarina didn’t have items for his goal and resolution list for the year.Nic quotes Charlie Tremendous Jones: “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you met and the books you read.”To invest in...
2025-02-0426 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSharpen Your Memory | Chapter 21 in Know This Do That“The fact is when we remember another’s name, they will automatically feel more valued and respected,” Nic writes at the beginning of Chapter 21 from Know This Do That.Nic and Tarina discuss the power of connection and then immediately share their own failures at remembering people’s names.One of the tips Nic uses is called word association. It’s a best practice he brings into Full Auto because knowing everyone’s name is a safety issue. Lanyards are a no-go.When we choose to not remember someone’s name are we telling them...
2025-01-2824 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSPECIAL GUEST | Cruze Talks with His Dad About DisciplineCruze Bittle joins his dad, Nic, in his own words, “Because I like food and a bed.” They talk about Cruze’s favorite sport (spoiler alert: it’s not football). And spend some time going through Cruze’s morning routine. Nic compliments his son as being one of the most disciplined people he knows. Cruze says he started his discipline journey when he decided to workout and get in shape. Getting six-pack abs became an obsession. And the ability to say no to Honey Buns is always hard, but if you want something bad enough then the dis...
2025-01-2146 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipWhy Do Just the Bare Minimum? | Chapter 19 and 20 Know This Do ThatTarina shares a big family announcement and Nic is surprised (and a little offended 😉) when a young man uses this “Nic Bittle crap” against him. In this episode, they return to Know This Do That and how It’s all about the return on investment [CH19] and getting over yourself [CH20]. It’s wise to realize sooner rather than later that your work and your wages depend on you producing more value than what it costs. The return isn’t only about money—it could show up in better quality work, supporting your team, or getting things done...
2025-01-1435 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipIdeas Are Not Enough; Action Matters | Chapter 18 of Know This Do ThatNic and Tarina ring in the new year with a discussion on resolutions. They also express gratitude for being healthy after going a few rounds with colds. And Nic says he doesn’t make New Year’s Resolutions for himself—but knows that Tarina has a few for him.Together they return to Nic’s book Know This Do That. Nic quotes Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.”Success is determined, Nic says, not by what you know or the power of your ideas but what you do...
2025-01-0731 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSPECIAL GUEST: Brett Russell, Fire Chief from Clinton, OKNic and his friend, Brett, talk about his work of creating a culture of leadership.At the age of 20, Brett started a marble countertop store. He began his 26-year career in the fire department as a volunteer firefighter—and did it for 2 years before taking a paid position.He talks about setting goals—even 20 year goals—and being undettered. Brett says he encourages people to look at the big picture and asks the key question, “Where do you want to end up?”As Brett blends a strong faith into his tradecraft, what you hear is ho...
2024-12-311h 21Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipCHRISTMAS WEEK: The 5 Love LanguagesTarina denies having robbed anyone despite wearing robber masks. And Nic defends his freedom to have a cold without criticism.Because Christmas is a time for family and friends, Nic and Tarina talk about the five love languages. Together they go through the languages and the people in their lives who represent each.In this episode, you experience the love and appreciation Nic and Tarina have for each other and for those they cherish. Their admiration for the people and their love language is clear and wonderful to hear.Click the link to...
2024-12-2439 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipChristmas Growing Up in Corn: Memories, Family, & ContentmentWith Christmas just around the corner, Nic and Tarina talk about growing up in Corn and holiday traditions. When Nic brings up their first Christmas together, Tarina declines to tell the story.Tarina shares about how her mom would sew—and her Dad would be the one to pick out the fabric. Nic would open presents Christmas morning, feed the cattle, then spend the day with grandparents in Stillwater.He tells the story about how he and his older brother used a riding lawn mower to create a 5-mile trap line. Always the entrepreneurs, they cr...
2024-12-1735 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSPECIAL GUEST: Nic's Audio Producer, Patrick McGowanIn-person at the Nic Bittle Studio in Corn, Oklahoma and all the way from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is Patrick McGowan. Patrick is Nic's audio producer for the Life & Leadership Podcast. They cover a range of topics including why it's important to show up on video like you care and how the goal of all communication is to connect with another human. Patrick McGowan is the owner of Punchn Communications, an advisory firm committed to empowering more human connection. He is a leading expert on transforming people and teams through the way they talk.
2024-12-101h 23Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipEquipping Young People to Lead Purpose-Driven Lives: The Story Behind Nic’s Life Ready CurriculumIn this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about the spark that led Nic to develop the Life Ready Curriculum. He shares how meaningful this project has been to work on and what he hopes young people will gain—namely, knowing and living by a set of core virtues.Frequent listeners of the podcast already appreciate how Nic and Tarina discuss their values every week and provide insight into key life skills. This episode shows us more of their heart for readying people—especially young people—to live good and fulfilling lives.The Life Ready Curriculum is a tr...
2024-12-0340 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSPECIAL GUEST: Manley Feinberg | Final EpisodeThis the third and final episode in the 3-part series with Manley Feinberg: keynote speaker, former executive, jazz guitarist, and rock climber.In this episode, Manley shares the story about rock climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in California. It was the climb of a lifetime, and for one of the climbers, a real life or death situation.It’s worth checking out Manley’s website (www.verticallessons.com). When you watch his 3-minute video you'll see the scale, grandeur, and danger of the climb. Then come back to listen to the episode. If you’...
2024-11-2651 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSPECIAL GUEST: Manley Feinberg | Part 2In this episode, Manley picks up where he left off on his journey from corporate executive to professional speaker. Among other things, he shares how learned first hand the importance of exponential commitment and the need to command your momentum.Manley is the founder of Vertical Lessons, Inc. He is an award-winning international keynote speaker, business leader and best-selling author. Leveraging more than thirty years of business, professional speaking and adventure experience, his insight and energy will inspire and equip you to step up and reach your next summit.He is the author of Reaching...
2024-11-1936 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSPECIAL GUEST: Manley Feinberg | Rock Climber, Professional Speaker, Jazz GuitaristFrom the Workplace Pro studio, Nic has a conversation with Manley Feinberg. This is the first of a three-part series with Manley. Manley is the founder of Vertical Lessons, Inc. He is an award-winning international keynote speaker, business leader and best-selling author. Leveraging more than thirty years of business, professional speaking and adventure experience, his insight and energy will inspire and equip you to step up and reach your next summit.He is the author of Reaching Your Next Summit! 9 Vertical Lessons for Leading with More Impact.Manley’s 11 years of leadership influence cont...
2024-11-1258 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSPECIAL GUEST: Nic’s Mentor Mark LeBlancIn the flesh at the Nic Bittle Workplace Pro studio in Corn, Oklahoma, is Mark LeBlanc, Nic’s long-time friend, mentor, and business coach.Mark LeBlanc, CSP, CPAE has been on his own virtually his entire adult life. He once had a job for six months and was inspired by the two words, “You’re fired!” At the ripe, young age of 21, he vowed he would do whatever it would take to make it on his own. And he has.He recently celebrated his 40th anniversary in business! He has experienced the good, bad, ugly, and grea...
2024-11-051h 01Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipKnow This: Make Something Great – Do That: Take Pride in Your WorkLeaders have a responsibility to connect a task to a purpose. Every job worth doing is worth doing well.Nic and Tarina, in this episode, talk about Chapter 17 from Know This. Do That. They point out how even the menial and mundane tasks demand excellence. No job is too small, or insignificant, for someone to be good at it.As Nic says, the foreman on an oil field needs to tell the fire watch, “You’re the most important guy on the job. When you’re not here, my welders can’t weld.”And just l...
2024-10-2930 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Fear of Failure and Making “Pizza” with String CheeseJohn Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyways.”In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk more about fear and the fear of failure. They take a break from discussing Nic’s book, Know This. Do That.A question they ask is: Are you one of those whose tombstone should read, “Died at 30 - Buried at 60”?Failure is not the end of the world. If you fail, pick yourself up and do something new. We might think we’re playing it safe by not pursuing what we want. But you can...
2024-10-2237 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipDon’t Be Afraid to Take the Shot; Traveling Together to San Diego for a National Conference; Tarina Orders Two Salads; Visiting Elle at College; Being Not “Busy” on Purpose; Nic Ate His Weight in ChurrosNic and Tarina talk about the benefits of not being busy. They ask the question, “What are we doing for the sake of being busy?” And how we wear our calendar on our sleeve—puffing up our importance.In San Diego, they took a pedal taxi to a Ralph’s grocery store so they didn’t pay $7 for a bottle of water at their hotel. The punch line was how much Nic had to pay for a ride that was shorter than the song Piano Man by Billy Joel. But they did save $5 on their bottled water!They...
2024-10-1536 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipNic Talks About His Corner Post Project and Procrastination; Tarina Has Nic Try On Shoes That Make Him Look Fat; “Eat the Frog”; Make Money Matter; Learn Something New Every Day; First Order of Nic’s Life Ready Curriculum ArriveNic takes a moment to talk about how easy it was to remove the corner post at The Bittle Ranch. Much easier than he imagined it would be—even had four batteries charged and ready for the job. And at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tarina tells him he looks fat in a pair of shoes. But don’t worry, they didn’t buy them.The corner post project—and Nic’s procrastination over way too much time—triggered the question: Why do we procrastinate? “I often build up projects in my mind into a near-impossible task.” As they discuss, we te...
2024-10-0827 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipDRIP Stands for Direction, Responsibility, Integrity, and Productivity; How Not to Write a Book; Kids Need to Learn How to Do Hard Things; Listening to Clients on What to Write NextIn this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about his journey of writing multiple books, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way. As you will hear, it wasn’t all puppies and rainbows. He shares how people need micro-learning to help reinforce what they read or what they learn in a workshop, which explains the origins of his Leadership DRIP YouTube videos. They also discuss some of his early writing experiences and how his process evolved.With over four book completed, Nic knows the ups and downs, ins and outs, of writing and publishing. Hi...
2024-09-2654 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipCuriosity is More Important Than Knowing; Find a Good Mentor or Be Open to be Found by One; Keep Kicking and Don’t Give Up; Align on Values Not InterestsIt’s autumn and football season and Tarina is happy with the change of season. This means making sliders for the Crusaders football team.Nic and Tarina continue their discussion on his book, Know This Do That. First up to bat is the need for apprentices to eliminate the phrase, “I know.” Why? It’s important to demonstrate humility and coachability. Even if you to do know, listen for Nic’s suggestion for how to respond when asked, “Do you know how to do this?”“No one accomplishes anything great alone,” says Nic’s mentor, Mark LeBlanc. Tarina...
2024-09-2437 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipIt’s Not About Building “Margarine” in Your Life; The Right Self-Talk; Even a Bad Oil Company Owner Would Have a Small Jet; Your Job is to Solve ProblemsNic shares the quote: “Margin is the space between your load and your limits.” And Tarina illustrates it with the two-lane highway and the space along the side of the road. It’s a buffer in your schedule, your heart, and your capacity. It’s room for error.In this episode, they talk about Chapters 8-11 of Nic’s book, Know This Do That. The negative question a lot of people to ask themselves sound like, “Why does the coach hate me?” The positive version soundS like, “What can I do to getter better, faster, stronger?” It’s about taking respo...
2024-09-1725 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipHelping to Put a Man on the Moon, The W-Model for Parents of College Freshmen, Take Pride in the “Little Things” Reflects Who You Are, and Pick What Pond to Fish InIn this episode, Tarina and Nic talk about dropping off their daughter at college. As Tarina says, “Elle is now far, far away.” Nic describes his own moment when it really started to hurt as he watched Elle, during orientation, being too nervous to admit she was nervous.During the orientation session for parents, they explained the “W” model and the likely path and feelings their new freshman would experience their first year. It always starts with a honeymoon period followed by culture shock then a rebound. It’s a lot of ups and downs and parents have a job...
2024-09-1034 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipCan I Tell You Something You’re Not Gonna Want to Hear?In this episode, Tarina shares a big announcement and Nic talks about how his dad used to drag him out of church when he’d misbehave.In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about the in’s and out’s, do’s and don’ts of constructive criticism. First, on the punch list knowing that for criticism to be constructive it has to be information that someone can use to do better.Unfortunately, many superintendents and foremen call “constructive criticism” isn’t constructive at all. It’s just plain insulting. So, when done badly, you run the risk of cr...
2024-09-0341 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipChanel or "Flan-nel" | Guest Interview with Elise Hartfiel, HR Director at Egan CompanyIn this podcast Nic and Elise discuss the role Human Resources and the part Elise plays in helping to create a culture of safety, mental and emotional health, and Egan's focus on people development. You will hear the passion she has for serving others and how executing key strategies looks a lot like building relationships across the enterprise. This is key.She shares wisdom from her 8+ years in the construction industry, crediting her inspiration for the industry to her tradesman husband stating, “The humble pride of the trades, the craftsmanship and the ability to create and build, ins...
2024-08-271h 20Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThat’s a Weird Name for a DogNic opens with a story about a recent float trip with his son and other boys. When their small flotilla passes a group of attractive teenage girls with a wet cat, Nic shows his motley crew how to talk to them.Then he and Tarina discuss chapters 4 and 5 from Know This Do That. Your career and life are about taking initiative and getting people to like you.Can you make people laugh? Do they see you as someone they know they can trust?As Tarina says, “You have to be memorable.” Sometimes this mean...
2024-08-2030 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipChapter 2 + 3 | Conversations on Nic’s Book, “Know This. Do That.”Men and women working in the construction and trades industry get paid to build things. As Nic and Tarina discuss, it’s important for everyone, and especially those just starting out, to see they are also building relationships.Chapter 2 of Nic’s book, Know This. Do That, is about being on time. Someone building a career (see Chapter 1) aims to build good relationships. The first step to building good relationships, especially with your boss, requires you to be on time. Why? Because it shows initiative and helps you become known as someone the boss can trust.Ni...
2024-08-1329 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipChapter 1: Build a Career | Conversations on Nic's book, "Know This. Do That."Nic and Tarina jump into Nic’s book, Know This. Do That. Over three years, Nic collected written answers to three key questions from foremen and supervisors. He asked what they would like apprentices to know to be successful in their work.In this episode, they discuss the first chapter about building a career. Nic shares how it’s important to know the difference between having a career mindset versus a job mindset. He shares the example how someone with a career mindset is willing to invest in themselves; whereas someone with a job mindset expects to get...
2024-08-0634 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Four Mindsets: In The WildIn this episode, Nic and Tarina explore how you to see yourself from moment to moment as a Struggler, Thinker, Doer, or Achiever and then give yourself what you need.They talk about Nic’s recent week of air travel and how after multiple delays (way more than normal) he identified his own Struggler Mindset. Tarina shares how she managed home and hearth in Nic’s absence—recognizing how both her Achiever Mindset and Struggler Mindset worked for and against her at times. Together they discuss a major family transition. As their daughter prepares her move to colleg...
2024-07-3033 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipMINDSET NO. 4: The AchieverWhat The Achiever wants is teamwork. What The Achiever needs is a resource. Even if you cannot be a contributing member of their team, you might be able to provide them a resource. As Nic and Tarina discuss, how you talk with The Achiever matters—just like how you talk with the other mindsets.In this episode they also tie together the four mindsets. For example, Tarina may have The Achiever mindset in a situation which throws Nic into The Struggler mindset. As Nic says, The Struggler is just an Achiever in a temporary moment of struggle....
2024-07-2349 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipMINDSET NO. 3: The DoerWhat The Doer wants is action. What The Doer needs is a sense of urgency. Perhaps you’ve seen the sign: “A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” While that’s one way to handle The Doer, Nic and Tarina discuss the importance of managing the relationship with The Doer, rather than putting too much stock in the thing that needs to get done. Listen for Nic’s “Rule #2.” You know you’ve handle the relationship right with The Doer when she says to herself, “I called the right guy.” For most peop...
2024-07-1627 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Second Mindset: The Thinker“The Thinker” is anyone who struggles to make a decision. A confused mind says, “No.” When someone can’t make up their mind, a lot of foremen and parents make the mistake of making the decision for them. In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about how when an individual is stuck or says “No,” it’s really a call for help.Nic tells the story about his son, at 5 years old, with an unlimited number of options, was trying to pick out a treat at the gas station. A perfect picture of the second mindset: The Thinker. But, as...
2024-07-0930 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipA Framework for Being Good with PeopleThe hard part about being good with people is there’s no widely used framework. We are out doing our own thing or just winging it. In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about the first of four mindsets that people exhibit when they receive new information or presented with a novel situation. The mindsets are not permanent or a personality types. These are a useful framework when communicating because they can give insight into where the other person—and even yourself—is coming from.Nic and Tarina build on their previous podcasts about communication. As a forema...
2024-07-0241 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipPART 2: Communication ChallengesWhat role does emotion have in conversations? How important is communicating details? In this episode, Nic and Tarina resume their discussion about how to communicate and the challenges in doing it well. Nic shares his own best practices for reducing the heat in the moment, which might help avoid miscommunication.They echo the value of not making assumptions and asking clarifying questions. As they talk about, the mistake a lot people make is not pausing. You’re a better foreman, speaker, or parent, if you take a breath and learn to be comfortable with a bit of si...
2024-06-2632 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipCommunication ChallengesIt’s a cliché to say that communication takes two to tango. As a leader, you can do better. In this episode, Nic and Tarina dive into what good communicators do that poor communicators tend to skip. One thing that sets good communicators apart is they ask good questions. And asking good questions is a practice. Only from a practice can the right skills develop—similar to becoming a good electrician, plumber, or carpenter.They also talk about how good communicators seek clarification—which is just another way of being curious and not making assumptions. While foremen and sit...
2024-06-1831 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipINTERVIEW with Clint BaileyIn this episode, Nic interviews Clint Bailey, an electrician and 43-year member of the IBEW, "extremely supportive partner" to Heather, father of two adult children, and grandfather to four. This was the first interview Nic did as he was launching the podcast. It took place about eight months ago and Clint has since retired. Their conversation is caring, insightful, and humble. It’s as though you’re just sitting in on two men discussing how to live and lead with empathy and integrity. Heartfelt, honest, and vulnerable—Nic and Clint recognize the challenges and opportunities leaders fathers, and husbands have i...
2024-06-111h 23Nic Bittle: Life and LeadershipTo Love and Be LovedPeople will never forget how you make them feel. Nic share’s a time in his life when McDonald’s was his office. He’d get his coffee and start the day’s work building his speaking business. On one occasion he got to watch an older couple show what it means to love and be loved. Today’s me-centric world with all its hustle and drive seems to have forgotten how to be human. Even in the middle of making a living, making a life worth living is about creating real connections with people.--- 🧰 Check o...
2024-06-0416 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipLAKE EPISODE | “Swirl It. Swi-i-i-r-r-r-l-l It!”Timely and precise constructive criticism may only be timely to the one giving it. Nic and Tarina tell a story about Nic’s ice cream business and how their drive home from a catering job was colder than the ice cream in the three scoop sundaes. From this experience, they draw out many lessons learned. And Nic, true to form, shares his best practices for foremen and site leaders from his own real-world mistakes and errors in judgment. Ultimately, there has to be a standard on how the work gets done, but nothing replaces treating people with respect. This ep...
2024-05-2842 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipBad Outcomes Don’t Always Mean Bad PlanningEisenhower once said, “In planning for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” So, while planning may be indispensable, even the best plans don’t work out. Nic leads with a story about a fiasco in a movie theatre. Then he and Tarina talk about how COVID-19 derailed their plans to build a house. While they had to walk through a period of disappointment, the end result actually turned out better than they originally imagined. The reality is just because things don’t go the way you planned, doesn’t mean you did anything wro...
2024-05-2024 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSUPER SPECIAL GUEST: A Profile in Courage & LeadershipNic and Tarina are joined by their daughter, Elle. She shares how she got started making the Encouragement Cards and how this experience over the past 9 years has given her confidence in her gift of encouragement. It’s a special episode profiling Elle’s leadership as well as her courage to do what others may consider weird. Her example is living proof that small gestures—whether it’s encouragement, faith, or cookies—can have a big impact.---💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leadership DRIP, please text the word “DRIP” to 866-998-4545 then follow the prompts.❓...
2024-05-1318 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipPeople Stop for the Cookies. What They Need is Encouragement.In a world starved for appreciation, showing people you care makes a big difference. And it doesn’t take much. To give people encouragement means being aware and committing to a wholehearted courage to speak into their life. In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about their daughter, Elle, and her Encouragement Cards. At 9 years old, Elle had a lemonade stand. In addition to ice cold lemonade, she sold chocolate chip cookies and handed out notes of encouragement on 3x5 index cards. Even Nic was impacted by the Encouragement Card he received when he went to get his lemonade an...
2024-05-0724 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThere’s Magic in the StruggleEveryone at some point in their life faces challenges. Part of the job as leaders and parents is watching those we manage or care for struggle. Success is sweeter, though, when it is earned. We need to let people earn their success and not try to fix everything that’s painful. In this episode, Nic and Tarina discuss how owning anything starts with owning the work. This means the good, the bad, and the ugly parts. And they admit that even when you play the game by the rules, life isn’t always fair. Together they remember a story abou...
2024-04-2923 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipThe Job Is to Be Curious, Not JudgmentalWhat’s needed in the industry is for more men and women to become problem solvers. This is a learned mindset—which a lot of foremen believe they were born with. In this episode, Nic and Tarina share what they learned growing up, whether chopping cotton, babysitting, or waxing tractors. Hustle, drive, and work ethic were taught, and encouraged, from an early age. It’s this lived experience which deserves more appreciation. Good foremen recognize that for many of the people they lead, this is their first real job. And they choose to lead as they were led in...
2024-04-2221 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipWhat Are You Listening For?Good foremen are good communicators. And good communicators are good listeners. As Nic and Tarina discuss, to listen well is both active and purposeful. We listen with our ears for what’s being said and with our eyes for what’s not being said. While empathy is a dirty word in construction and trades, the pressure we all feel from time to time does need a release valve—before things blow up. Listening gives your team, and even your family, the space to be human and heard. It also gives you, as the leader, the privilege and opportunity to be hea...
2024-04-1528 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipHelp Me UnderstandTrade and construction leaders are in the people business. Part of the job of the foreman, like a nurse, is to pay attention and care. It’s not simply about being the boss. In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about how empathy and listening are skills everyone can learn—whether you’re on a job site, with your family, or helping someone feel beautiful. Nic shares a story about how one foreman used some his “Nic Bittle Crap” to change the life of one young man—a good man and a good worker—who was going through a rough patch. “...
2024-04-0829 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipSmall Change. Real Results.When things aren’t going according to plan, change is necessary. But change can be scary and hard. So we may resist it because we get stuck in thinking of only the big kinds of changes, which Nic talks about. Or we open ourselves to possibility and begin to see how a small shift is all it takes to achieve real results. In this episode, Nic and Tarina continue the conversation about needing to do hard things. As a bonus, Tarina heckles Nic and Nic compares her to a Muppet.---💬 To subscribe to Nic’s Leader...
2024-04-0132 minNic Bittle: Life and LeadershipYou Need to Do Hard ThingsMuhammed Ali once said he didn’t start counting pushups until they started to hurt. The fact is we all face hard things in life and actively avoid pain—but it’s in doing the hard things where we grow the most. In this episode, Nic and Tarina talk about the importance of taking on the challenge of doing hard things as professionals, as parents, and personally. Whether it’s a cold plunge, working out, or changing your diet, it takes courage to step out of your comfort zone. And while fear may be holding you back, what’s clear is that avoi...
2024-03-2626 min