Lisa Nichols is the Co-Founder and CEO of Technology Partners, a nationally recognized provider of talent, technology, and leadership development solutions. Since launching the company with her husband, Greg, in 1994, Lisa has led with a faith-first, people-centered approach that has shaped the culture and fueled decades of growth. She is the host of the Something Extra podcast, now over 300 episodes, and was named a Most Influential Business Woman by the St. Louis Business Journal. Lisa actively serves on nonprofit and corporate boards and is a steering committee member for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis.
Greg Nichols is the Co-Founder and President of Technology Partners, a leading technology solutions firm based in St. Louis. Since co-founding the company in 1994 with his wife Lisa, he has guided its evolution from a small IT consultancy into a nationally recognized provider of talent, technology, and leadership development services. Greg was named a 2024 Titan by St. Louis Titan 100 and currently serves on the advisory board for the College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Missouri Baptist University, as well as the Department of Operations and Information Technology Management at the Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University. He is known for his strategic mindset, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to client success.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Lisa and Greg shared their insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of technology, offering a glimpse into their vision for Technology Partners and the importance of people-focused leadership.
What drives your passion for leadership and innovation, and how do you stay motivated?
Lisa: People. That’s what drives me every single day. Watching others grow, develop, and step into their full potential is what fuels me. Leadership is a privilege, and I take that responsibility seriously. I believe in creating environments where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to do their best work. I stay motivated by seeing the impact we make in the lives of our employees, clients, and community.
Who has been a significant influence or mentor in your career, and how have they helped shape your professional journey?
Greg: I’ve had several great mentors over the years, but the biggest influence has been my early experience in software engineering. That early experience taught me to think systematically, identify patterns, and search for elegant solutions to complex problems. I’ve been fortunate to work with people who challenged me to think bigger and push beyond my comfort zone, and that has played a huge role in how I lead today.
What inspired you to start the Something Extra podcast, and what lessons have you learned from your guests?
Lisa: The inspiration came from our daughter, Ally, who was born with Down Syndrome. From the moment she came into our lives, we knew she had something extra — both literally and figuratively. That extra chromosome has brought so much joy, perspective, and depth to our family. It made me start thinking: What’s the “something extra” that makes certain leaders truly exceptional? That idea turned into a podcast. I wanted to have real conversations with leaders who lead with integrity, kindness, and courage. And what I’ve learned from my guests is that leadership is less about position and more about presence. Everyone has a unique “extra”—something special that, when embraced, can make a profound difference in the lives of others.
How do you prioritize your well-being and self-care amidst a demanding career?
Greg: I’m a big believer in structure and discipline. Just like in business, if you don’t have disciplines for your personal life, things can easily spiral. I make time for working on our land, for faith, and for family. Those three things keep me grounded. And I firmly believe that a leader who doesn’t take care of themselves can’t effectively take care of their team.
What sets Technology Partners apart from other market competitors?
Lisa: Technology Partners isn’t just another IT staffing and solutions company. We are truly a people-focused business. From day one, Greg and I built this company on a foundation of integrity, excellence, and a genuine love for people. Our amazing teams work hard to create lasting partnerships that help businesses thrive. Our culture is different. We care deeply about our clients and consultants, and hopefully that care shows in everything we do.
What has been your most career-defining moment that you are proud of?
Greg: Building Technology Partners with Lisa. Taking that leap, stepping into entrepreneurship, and growing this company from the ground up has been the most rewarding journey of my life. Watching it evolve, expand, and make an impact. Not just in the tech industry but in people’s lives. That’s something I’ll always be proud of.
How do you see the role of leadership evolving in the future, and what skills do you think will be most important?
Lisa: Leadership is changing. It’s no longer about top-down authority. It’s about influence, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. The best leaders of the future will be exceptional listeners, agile problem solvers, and deeply empathetic. AI and automation will continue to transform industries, but the human element — our ability to connect, inspire, and lead with heart — will always be the differentiator.
What are your long-term career aspirations, and how do you see yourself evolving as a leader over the next five years?
Greg: My vision extends beyond simply scaling Technology Partners. I want us to become the trusted partner that helps organizations harness technological change rather than be disrupted by it. As AI continues transforming business landscapes, we’re positioned to guide that transformation with both technical expertise and ethical wisdom. Personally, I’m investing more in developing our leadership pipeline, creating systematic ways to transfer the knowledge and judgment that comes from experience.
How do you approach mentoring and supporting the next generation of women leaders?
Lisa: I love to take action. Whether it’s through one-on-one mentorship, speaking at women’s leadership events, or creating opportunities within Technology Partners, I am committed to lifting up the next generation. I want women to know they belong in leadership, that their voices matter, and that they have everything they need to succeed.
What advice would you give to someone looking to break into a leadership role?
Greg: Master the fundamentals of your domain, but recognize that technical excellence alone won’t propel you into leadership. Develop your capacity to communicate complex concepts simply, to understand the business context beyond your immediate responsibilities, and to build authentic relationships across organizational boundaries. The most effective leaders I know combine deep expertise with genuine curiosity. They’re constantly learning, adapting their mental models, and helping others navigate change. Don’t wait for leadership authority to be conferred — start solving problems that matter and bringing others along in the process.