In this podcast, host Nick Propper speaks to truly inspiring people from different business backgrounds on lessons learned about developing sustainable human performance habits in the pursuit of their goals. These interviews will hopefully, in turn, inspire those who are tuning in to adopt some practical, applicable new skills and strategies as they move along their own journey.
Inspiring People
Claim This Podcastby Nick Propper
5.0(2 reviews)
6 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
In this podcast, host Nick Propper speaks to truly inspiring people from different business backgrounds on lessons learned about developing sustainable human performance habits in the pursuit of their goals. These interviews will hopefully, in turn, inspire those who are tuning in to adopt some practical, applicable new skills and strategies as they move along their own journey.
Language
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Publishing Since
10/22/2025
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Recent Episodes
May 26, 2026
Leading with Precision - Lessons from Naval Aviation to Business and Beyond
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>Discover how high-stakes environments like naval aviation can teach us invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and performance. In this episode, Trier Kissell shares her journey from 22 years in the US Navy to leadership coaching, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation, intentional recovery, and strategic network building.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>How naval aviation’s rigorous training develops resilience and decision-making under pressure</li><li>The parallels between military competition and corporate career advancement</li><li>Strategies for emotional regulation and stress management in high-pressure scenarios</li><li>The significance of intentional recovery and timing in maintaining peak performance</li><li>Tips for early-stage leaders: transitioning from individual contributor to team leader</li><li>The role of culture, mentorship, and network expansion in career development</li><li>Practical methods for aligning priorities and environment cues to sustain performance</li><li>Reflections on life after military service and importance of camaraderie in civilian transitions</li><li>Trier's leadership coaching focus: ground effect and fostering effective teams</li></ul><p><strong>About Trier Kissell</strong></p><p>Trier is an executive coach and consultant who helps individuals and teams build inclusive, effective, and resilient leadership practices. Drawing on 22 years as a Naval Aviator, she brings extensive experience leading in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, including command leadership, flight instruction, and service on an admiral’s staff. Her coaching business is called <a href="https://www.groundeffectcoaching.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Ground Effect Coaching</a>.</p><p><strong>About Nick Propper</strong></p><p>Nick is the CEO of <a href="www.impacthumanperformance.com" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Impact Human Performance</a>, a business which specializes in delivering training solutions that elevate human performance by helping people recover from stress and manage their energy more effectively. Impact Human Performance works with world class organizations in the corporate, military and government environments. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stressed-Self-Best-Science-Backed-Sustainable/dp/1394421540/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3R6HH3198UTKX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4QVApHGRT4ueIMTJhnEl4EosDhHrjVKj3PsTONjp-hRMAIa-2YVsAwiSO-oF6ZIQ.ZWUprv_OzHRAZoc4LIxy01c_TbHecDyRX0Y_tJ-2XOQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=nick+propper&qid=1779822450&sprefix=nick+propp%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Nick's new book, <strong>Stressed Self to Best Self</strong>, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.</a></p><p><br /></p>
March 24, 2026
The Balancing Act of a Brigadier General: Adria Zuccaro
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>In this episode of Inspiring People, Brigadier General Adria Zuccaro shares her journey through a distinguished military career, discussing the challenges of transitioning to higher ranks, balancing family life, and the importance of human performance and emotional intelligence in leadership. </p><p><br></p><p>She emphasizes the significance of communication, building followership, and finding fulfillment amidst uncertainty, while also navigating the complexities of dual careers as a military officer and commercial pilot</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Transitioning to a higher rank can be more challenging than expected</li><li>Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being</li><li>Human performance is about sustaining mental and physical health.</li><li>Effective communication is key to building trust and followership</li><li>Leaders must be transparent about uncertainties to foster trust</li><li>Investing in friendships is essential for emotional support</li><li>Fulfillment comes from human connection and shared purpose</li><li>It's important to give yourself grace during transitions</li><li>Understanding individual strengths and weaknesses enhances team dynamics</li><li>Daily rituals can help ground and prepare leaders for their responsibilities</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>About Brigadier General Adria P. Zuccaro</strong></p><p>Brig. Gen. Adria P. Zuccaro is the Chief of Staff-Air with the Wisconsin Air National Guard. In this role she serves as the senior ranking officer for the Headquarters Air Staff and principal advisor to the deputy adjutant general for Air regarding administration, operation, training, tactical employment, maintenance and supply of the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison, Wisconsin, the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee, Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, and the 128th Air Control Squadron based at Volk Field. </p><p><br></p><p>General Zuccaro earned her commission from the Academy of Military Science at McGee Tyson ANGB, Tenn. in 1997. She completed undergraduate pilot training at Columbus AFB, Miss., then served 12 years in the Alaska ANG in a variety of key positions. In 2008 she joined the Florida Air National Guard, where she served as the Air Refueling Control Team Chief and Deputy Air Mobility Division Chief for the 601st Air and Space Operations Center then as Executive Officer to the Commander, First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. She transitioned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard in 2015. </p><p><br></p><p>She is an accomplished commander having served as the 128th Air Refueling Wing Commander, Operations Group Commander, Operations Support Squadron Commander; and 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron Commander. In 2019 she was the National Guard’s SECDEF Corporate Fellow, embedded with the Wisconsin Energy Corporation (WEC) as their Director of Fleet. General Zuccaro is a Command Pilot with over 3,000 flying hours, primarily in the KC-135R Stratotanker. She has deployed in support of Operations; NORTHERN WATCH; IRAQI FREEDOM; ENDURING FREEDOM; INHERENT RESOLVE; and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>About Nick Propper</strong></p><p>Nick is the CEO of <a href="www.impacthumanperformance.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Impact Human Performance</a>, a business which specializes in delivering training solutions that elevate human performance by helping people recover from stress and manage their energy more effectively. Impact Human Performance works with world class organizations in the corporate, military and government environments.</p>
January 7, 2026
Building a Billion Dollar Business: Melissa Bernstein
<p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>In this episode, Nick Propper interviews Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of the billion-dollar toy company Melissa and Doug, who shares her inspiring journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship. </p><p><br></p><p>Melissa discusses her struggles with mental health, the challenges of building a successful business, and her new venture, Lifelines, which focuses on sensory immersion for stress relief. </p><p><br></p><p>She emphasizes the importance of creativity, authenticity, and the need for balance in life and work. Melissa's candid insights provide hope and encouragement for anyone facing their own challenges in entrepreneurship and personal growth.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Melissa Bernstein transitioned from investment banking to entrepreneurship due to a lack of fulfillment.</li><li>The leap into entrepreneurship was terrifying but necessary for personal growth.</li><li>Sustaining performance requires recognizing the need for balance and self-care.</li><li>Building a legacy brand involves focusing on the journey rather than just the end goal.</li><li>Creativity is essential for finding meaning and purpose in life.</li><li>Mental health challenges can affect even the most successful entrepreneurs.</li><li>Lifelines was created to provide tools for managing stress and anxiety.</li><li>Sensory immersion can be an effective way to relieve stress.</li><li>Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey that requires patience and resilience.</li><li>Authenticity and creativity are key to bringing ideas to life.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>About Melissa Bernstein</strong></p><p>Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and mother of six. She’s cofounder of the billion dollar toy company Melissa & Doug and cofounder of <a href="https://www.lifelines.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Lifelines</a>, a wellness brand offering science-backed sensory immersion products designed to help manage stress, find calm, and enhance well-being. </p><p><br></p><p>Melissa is the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Inner MBA certification program created by Sounds True, LinkedIn, and Wisdom 2.0, cofounder of the Duke University Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs program, Duke University Trustee, and author of Lifelines, Practice Makes Purpose and the recently released The Heart of Entrepreneurship.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>About Nick Propper</strong></p><p>Nick is the CEO of <a href="www.impacthumanperformance.com">Impact Human Performance</a>, a business which specializes in delivering training solutions that elevate human performance by helping people recover from stress and manage their energy more effectively. Impact Human Performance works with world class organizations in the corporate, military and government environments.</p>
6 total episodes available
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