How To Be Awesome At Your Job: A Podcast For People Who Love Learning Improvement Tools For Happier Work, Career & Achieving

Laura Vanderkam reveals time management wisdom as presented in her charming new fable, Juliet’s School of Possibilities.   You'll Learn: A handy mantra to keep choices in perspective How  to better handle your email  inbox The most useful questions for directing your time   About Laura: Laura is the author of several time management and productivity books, like Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done, I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time, What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. Laura’s work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, City Journal, Fortune, and Fast Company. She has appeared on numerous television programs, radio segments, and has spoken about time and productivity to audiences of all sizes. Her TED talk, “How to gain control of your free time,” has been viewed more than 5 million times. She is the co-host, with Sarah Hart-Unger,

Economist Steven Landsburg offers key questions to push your thinking beyond the obvious to generate helpful insights.   You'll Learn: How to jog your brain out of complacent thinking A common assumption that often leads people to make poor decisions Two exercises to help expand your thinking beyond the obvious   About Steven: Steven E. Landsburg is a Professor of Economics at the University of Rochester, where students recently elected him Professor of the Year. He is the author of The Armchair Economist, Fair Play, The Big Questions, two textbooks in economics, and much more. His current research is in the area of quantum game theory. He writes the monthly “Everyday Economics” column in Slate magazine, and has written regularly for Forbes and occasionally for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. He appeared as a commentator on the PBS/Turner Broadcasting series “Damn Right”, and has made over 200 appearances on radio and television broadcasts over the past few years.   View

Brad Stulberg explores the inherent contradiction between pursuing passion and balance...and what to do about it.   You'll Learn: The three common paradoxes of passion The dangers of rooting your identity to a passion Why self-aware imbalance is often appropriate   About Brad: Brad Stulberg researches, writes, speaks, and coaches on health and human performance. His coaching practice includes working with athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives on their mental skills and overall well-being. He is a bestselling author of the books The Passion Paradox and Peak Performance and a columnist at Outside Magazine. Brad has also written for The New York Times, New York Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Wired, Forbes, and The Los Angeles Times. Previously, Stulberg worked as a consultant for McKinsey and Company, where he counseled some of the world's top executives on a broad range of issues. An avid athlete and outdoor enthusiast, Stulberg lives in Northern California with his wife, son, and two cats. Follow him on Twi

Gretchen Anderson provides research insights on cultural shift from her work at the Katzenbach Center.   You'll Learn: The four elements critical to a work culture The role of the critical few in an organization How to leverage the behavior you already have for the better   About Gretchen: Gretchen Anderson is a director at the Katzenbach Center who has been working  with client teams across the globe for over 15 years. Gretchen has a doctorate in literature from Stanford University and currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her two children, Jane and Calvin. Her new book is The Critical Few: Energize Your Company's Culture by Choosing What Really Matters.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep414

Rob Jolles provides practical wisdom on how to come across as more believable.   You'll Learn: The number one reason why people don’t believe you How method acting can lead you into peak presenting performance Why you should embrace your own dysfunctions   About Rob Rob Jolles is a sought-after speaker who teaches, entertains, and inspires audiences worldwide. His live programs around the world have enabled him to amass a client list of Fortune 500 companies including Toyota, Disney, GE, a dozen universities, and over 50 financial institutions. He is the best-selling author of six books, including his latest release, Why People Don't Believe You...Building Credibility from the Inside Out.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep413

Todd Herman shares how the concept of alter egos helps you become the ideal you that a given situation calls for.   You'll Learn: Why you should revisit your childhood superheroes and alter egos Enclothed cognition and Halloween lessons for being awesome at our jobs How to improve your visualization through all your senses   About Todd: Todd Herman is an award-winning author, performance advisor to athletes, leaders and public figures, and is a recipient of the Inc. 500 fastest growing company award. He’s been featured on the Today Show, Sky Business News, Inc Magazine and CBC National News. And lives in New York City with his young family.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep412

Michelle Tillis Lederman discusses the benefits of being a connector, the mindsets required to flourish, and how to connect well.   You'll Learn: The three reasons people connect with each other Why to become a better connector even if you don’t think you need to network Tips for easier relationship maintenance   About Michelle: Michelle Tillis Lederman, one of Forbes Top 25 Networking Experts, is the author of several books including the internationally known, The 11 Laws of Likability, and her latest The Connectors Advantage. Michelle is the founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, which provides customized communications and leadership programs. A former finance executive and NYU Professor, Michelle is a regular in the media appearing on NBC, CBS, Fox, NPR, the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, CNBC, and others. She holds degrees from Lehigh University and Columbia Business School.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep411

Legendary inventor Doug Hall shares how to generate and implement great ideas with scientific precision.   You'll Learn: An equation that predicts the quantity of ideas generated How fear impedes the creation of ideas How to fast-track ideas through a learning mindset   About Doug: Doug Hall is an inventor, researcher, educator, and craft whiskey maker. He is the founder of the Eureka! Ranch, Innovation Engineering Institute, and Brain Brew Custom Whisk(e)y. He has been named one of America’s top innovation experts by Inc. magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Dateline NBC, CNBC, CIO magazine, and the CBC. His book Jump Start Your Business Brain was named one of the 100 Best Business Books of All Time by 800-CEO-Read.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep410

Jesse Newton makes the case for simplifying your organization’s complex processes and getting rid of distractions.   You'll Learn: The five factors that drive organizational complexity Key questions that clarify what’s truly important The communication mistake people make when simplifying work   About Jesse: Jesse Newton is the author of Simplify Work; Crushing Complexity to Liberate Innovation, Productivity, and Engagement. He is the founder and CEO of Simplify Work; a global management consulting firm that helps organizations throw off the shackles of debilitating complexity and reignite top performance. His clients include McDonalds and PepsiCo. Prior to launching Simplify Work, Newton was a senior member of Booz & Company’s Organization, Change and Leadership consulting practice and also spent a number of years consulting around the world with Ernst & Young’s People & Organizational Change practice.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep409

Dr. Alton Barron discusses the importance of creativity, how it influences your health, and how you can resurrect creativity after it has been stamped out.   You'll Learn: The scientific link between creativity and health Why boredom is good for creativity The role of clutter in creativity   About Alton: Dr. Barron is a fellowship-trained shoulder, elbow, and hand surgeon. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedics at NYU-Langone and the Univ. of Texas Dell Medical Centers, practicing in both Austin and Manhattan. Dr. Barron has been surgeon for thousands of competitive athletes (a team doctor for Fordham University for 15 years) and professional musicians, including the NY Philharmonic and Metropolitan Operas in New York for over 20 years. He publishes and lectures extensively nationally and internationally. Founder/director of the nonprofit Musician Treatment Foundation https://mtfusa.org/. Co-author of The Creativity Cure with wife Carrie Barron published by Scribner in 2012. https://www.facebo

Ash Seddeek outlines the key leadership behaviors that inspire teams.   You'll Learn: Ten key leadership behaviors that inspire followers One mistake that quickly kills a team’s creativity How to manage your bias like a pro   About Ash: Ash develops leadership, executive communications and strategic sales programs. He currently works with Cisco's innovation startup teams to help them craft compelling value proposition narratives. Ash is also a mentor to entrepreneurs and a communications expert at the American Management Association. He’s the bestselling author of the books Meaning, Start with a Vision, and The Road to Success.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep407

Brenda Bailey-Hughes shares why and how to become a better listener.   You'll Learn: The sad current state of listening How to fall in love with silence in a conversation The five focus areas of listening   About Brenda: Brenda Bailey-Hughes teaches communication and leadership skills at the Kelley School of Business undergrad program. She also teaches global leadership and emerging markets for Kelley Direct, the working professionals’ MBA program. She’s authored 9 LinkedIn Learning courses and specializes in communication training and coaching for Fortune 500 executives such as P&G, Samsung, Cummins, and John Deere.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep406

Jon Gordon reveals best practices for building trust and rapport within a team, no matter the circumstances.   You'll Learn: Three exercises to build big rapport quickly The advantages of being an optimist How to transform challenges into opportunities   About Jon: Jon Gordon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits. He is the author of 16 books including 6 best-sellers: The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, Training Camp, You Win in the Locker Room First, The Power of Positive Leadership and The Power of a Positive Team. He is a graduate of Cornell University and hold a Masters in Teaching from Emory University.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep405

Professor Michael A. Roberto explores the mindsets that hinder creativity.   You'll Learn: The six mindsets blocking your creativity The advantage of putting your idea out there in its early stages Best ways to spark more creative ideas     About Michael: Michael Roberto is the Trustee Professor of Management at Bryant University. Previously, he’s served for six years on the faculty at Harvard Business School. His research focuses on how people solve problems and make decisions.He’s a bestselling author of case studies and several books. He’s created courses on The Great Courses Plus. Michael has developed a number of innovative Multi-media simulations for students, including the Everest Leadership and Team Simulation. His latest book is called Unlocking Creativity.     View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep404

Movie story consultant Matthew Luhn shares the key principles and approaches for making compelling, emotionally-resonant stories--even if you’ve got a “boring” work topic   You'll Learn: Two story elements that keep an audience hooked The three key flavors of emotion The universal six story themes   About Matthew: Matthew Luhn is a writer, story branding consultant, and keynote speaker with over 25 years’ experience at Pixar Animation Studios, with story credits including the Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. franchises, Finding Nemo, UP, Cars, and Ratatouille. Alongside his work in Hollywood, Luhn trains CEOs, marketing teams, directors, and professionals on how to craft stories for Fortune 500 companies, Academy Award-winning movies, and corporate brands grossing billions of dollars worldwide, advice he’s packed into his new book, The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business and Beyond. To learn more, visit matthewluhnstory.com.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://Awes

Christine Hassler reveals how overachievers can lose and regain their joy.   You'll Learn: The joylessness of overachieving How to stop the constant doing through exploring your why Four questions to re-evaluate your limiting beliefs   About Christine: Christine Hassler is the best-selling author of three books, most recently Expectation Hangover: Free Yourself From Your Past, Change your Present and Get What you Really Want. She left her successful job as a Hollywood agent to pursue a life she could be passionate about. For over a decade, as a keynote speaker, retreat facilitator, life coach, and host of the top-rated podcast “Over it and On With It”, she has been teaching and inspiring people around the world. She’s appeared on: The Today Show, CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, E!, Style, and The New York Times. Christine believes once we get out of our own way, we can show up to make the meaningful impact we are here to make. Visit her online at www.christinehassler.com   View transcript, show notes, and links at http

CEO Brian Fielkow walks through creating and maintaining a good work culture then reveals how prospective employees can find out if they fit a new workplace’s culture.   You'll Learn: Why customers pay for culture Brian’s definition of a healthy work culture How to discover if you are a cultural fit at the interview stage   About Brian: Brian Fielkow, J.D., is the CEO of Jetco Delivery, a multimillion-dollar Houston-based trucking and logistics company with 200+ employees that was named a “Top Workplace” by the Houston Chronicle, highlighted on the 2015 Inc. 5000 list, and given the Gold Safety Award by the DOW Chemical Company. Brian is also the author of “Driving to Perfection: Achieving Business Excellence by Creating a Vibrant Culture.”   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep401

Shane Parrish offers expert perspectives and tips for boosting your decision-making.   You'll Learn: Why we often fail to improve at decision-making Three useful mental models to serve you well The role of emotions in decision-making   About Shane: Shane Parrish invests in wonderful companies as a Partner at Partners. He’s also the mastermind behind the Farnam Street blog and the Knowledge Project podcast. Farnam Street blog is devoted to helping people develop an understanding of how the world really works, make better decisions, and live a better life. It  focuses on sharing the principles that help others become better versions of themselves and live consciously.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep400

Isaiah Hankel highlights the importance of your mental energy, the best time to use it, and how to protect it from the people and things that drain it.   You'll Learn: The little ways we waste our limited mental energy How to tactfully deal with people who drain your mental energy How to gain more energy by closing mental loops   About Isaiah: Isaiah Hankel received his doctorate in Anatomy & Cell Biology and is an expert on mental focus, behavioral psychology, and career development. His work has been featured in The Guardian, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Isaiah’s previous book, Black Hole Focus, was published by Wiley & Sons and was selected as Business Book of the Month in the UK and became a business bestseller internationally. Isaiah has delivered corporate presentations to over 20,000 people, including over 300 workshops and keynotes worldwide in the past 5 years.   View transcript, show notes, and links at http://AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep399

Conflict resolution expert Dr. Donna Hicks outlines the ten elements of dignity to provide a master framework for human treatment and mistreatment. She also reveals how such treatment impacts performance.   You'll Learn: How violating another’s dignity is at the root of many conflicts Four everyday indignities people suffer at work Business reasons to honor dignity in a work environment   About Donna: Dr. Donna Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.  She facilitated dialogues in numerous unofficial diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Libya and Syria. She was a consultant to the BBC in Northern Ireland where she co-facilitated a television series, Facing the Truth, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.   She has taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard, Clark, and Columbia Universities and conducts training seminars in the US and abroad on dignity leadership training and on the role dignity plays in resolving co