The Productivityist Podcast: Ideas And Tools For Personal Productivity | Time Management | Goals | Habits | Working Better

In this enlightening episode, I engage in a meaningful (and productive) conversation with Marc Lesser. Marc is a multifaceted leader with roles as a CEO, executive coach, and Zen teacher. With an MBA from New York University, he has founded three companies and authored five books, notably "Finding Clarity". His passion for integrating mindfulness into leadership culminated in the "Search Inside Yourself" program at Google, an influential initiative that married emotional intelligence with mindfulness. Marc also brings unique insights from his ten-year residency at the San Francisco Zen Center and his stint as the director of Tassajara, the first Zen monastery in the Western world. His distinct blend of business expertise and Zen principles positions him as an exceptional figure in the spheres of mindful leadership and business strategy. The episode moves forward with a fascinating discussion about the concept of clarity. Contrary to common belief, Marc proposes that clarity is not just a state of complete und

We're going back into the vault for this episode for a conversation that I had in January 2019 with the one and only James Clear. James is best known as the author of Atomic Habits: An Easy And Proven Way To Build Good Habits And Break Bad Ones. During our conversation, James discusses why he wrote Atomic Habits and how it differs from other habit books, the importance of breaking habits down into "atomic" small changes, and the "two minute rule" for making habits simple and easy to do. We also get into how seasons and social reinforcement can help with habit consistency, strategies for curtailing behaviours that you want to do in moderation, and his collaboration with Baronfig. Key Discussion Points Start small with habits by scaling them down until they take two minutes or less. This makes them simple to automate. Layer many small habit changes on top of each other to achieve big results over time. Use tools and software to help with habit consistency, especially for infrequent habits. Slow down and pay

Josselyne Herman Saccio joins the show to discuss her work helping people transform limiting beliefs and shift from a place of reaction to creation. She is a transformative coach and course leader with more than 30 years experience and as an author, CEO, Community Activist, founder of a non -profit and coach, she has worked with all kinds of people to empower them to live the life of their dreams NOW and ultimately be "unmessablewith." She shares how she helps people develop the "muscle of creation" by getting clear on their vision and what they really want, beyond just goals. We also discuss the importance of journaling and storytelling, how to best fill out your calendar, and why Josselyne calls her work "the art" of being unmessable. Key Discussion Points The importance of creating, not just managing or reacting Developing the muscle of creation by exercising it regularly Getting clear on your vision and what you really want, beyond just goals Dismantling the stories and limiting beliefs that hold you

In this episode of "A Productive Conversation," I'm joined by Peter Ivanov. Peter is an inspiring keynote speaker, renowned for his expertise in virtual teams and future-oriented leadership. With 20 years of experience as a Senior Manager leading international virtual teams across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Peter's teams have achieved remarkable success, including winning the prestigious "Global IT Connect Award" in 2012. As the author of the acclaimed book "Virtual Power Teams," translated into six languages and ranked as an "Amazon Top 3" in international management, Peter's mission is to unite global talent in tackling humanity's toughest challenges. During our discussion, Peter unravels the secrets to building trust and fostering collaboration. Discover strategies to navigate conflicts and ensure knowledge flow in virtual and hybrid teams. Explore the emerging role of the Chief Remote Officer and learn how to enhance team productivity beyond mere metrics. Peter also reveals a simple action you can take rig

In this episode, I chat with Terry Cralle, a registered nurse based in Washington DC, and the conversation dives into the topic of sleep and its impact on productivity and well-being. Terry is certified in clinical sleep health and has co-authored two books on sleep; Snoozby and the Great Big Bedtime Battle (Rowe Publishing, 2015), the first nonfiction book directly messaging the benefits of sufficient sleep to young children and Sleeping Your Way to the Top (Sterling Publishing, 2016), the ultimate guide to success through sufficient sleep. She also serves on the Start School Later Board of Directors and works with a variety of organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada to promote sleep health and wellness. Terry kicks off the conversation by emphasizing the importance of having a healthy relationship with sleep and seeing it as a natural need rather than a battle to conquer. She shares down-to-earth strategies to improve sleep, like setting up a cozy sleep environment, soaking in some morning sunlight, an

In this episode from the vault, I revisit my conversation with Keith Ferrazzi from May 2020. The discussion centers around leading without authority, breaking down silos, and transforming teams through collaboration. Keith explains the concept of leading without authority, highlighting the need for an agile and adaptable operating model within organizations. He shares insights into co-elevation and the two philosophies of leadership. The conversation also explores the challenges people face in shifting mindsets and adopting new ways of thinking, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. The attributes of a high-performing team and strategies for coaching co-ed teams are discussed. Key Discussion Points Leading without authority involves breaking down silos and reinventing collaboration The importance of adopting an agile and adaptable operating model Understanding the challenges of mindset shifting and its impact on success The attributes of a high-performing team and strategies fo

In the second part of my podcast conversation with Asian Efficiency's Thanh Pham, we explore various aspects of productivity, time management, and the impact of AI. The conversation covers breaking past time barriers, the utility value of money at different life stages, prioritization and trade-offs, the challenges with to-do lists, and the potential of AI to enhance productivity. Additionally, the importance of clarity in writing, understanding human behaviour, preferred mediums for content creation, and staying updated with industry trends are also discussed. We also share insights into their preferred mediums for content creation and offer advice on how to stay updated with industry trends. There was a lot of ground to cover in our first conversation for this podcast, so dividing it up into two parts was a wise move. I trust you'll get a lot out of it. Key Discussion Points Breaking past the barrier of time is crucial for productivity The utility value of money at different stages of life is explored Pr

In the first part of my podcast conversation with Thanh Pham, founder of Asian Efficiency, we explored our shared experiences in the productivity space. We discussed the evolution of productivity advice and systems, emphasizing the importance of choosing one system and adapting it to your needs. Thanh highlighted the shift from being reactive to proactive, underscoring the value of planning for the next day and week to stay on top of tasks. Thanh also shared his personal journey of focusing on building deeper relationships and community, which led to increased happiness and productivity. This served as a powerful reminder that productivity isn't just about getting more done—it's also about enhancing our overall well-being. Key Discussion Points The landscape of productivity has changed over the years, and there's no one right way to do something. The rise of the cult of getting things done has shown that there are multiple ways to approach productivity. Small changes can lead to significant results. You don

In this episode, I dive into an enriching conversation with the renowned Marshall Goldsmith, a giant in the field of productivity and leadership. It was only a little over a year ago that I first engaged with Marshall, but his words were so inspiring and informative that I felt compelled to revisit the conversation. Marshall's groundbreaking book, "Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts -- Becoming the Person You Want to Be," has been profoundly influential in shaping my understanding of productivity. Marshall's stature in the field is simply unparalleled. As a two-time winner of the Thinkers 50 Award for the #1 Leadership Thinker in the World, the #1 Executive Coach, and a Top Ten Business Thinker for eight years running, his insights carry incredible weight. Marshall's books, including "The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment," are highly esteemed in the leadership space. His work has been translated into 32 languages, sold over 2.5 million copies, and recognized by Amazon as among the Top 100 Lead

On this episode of the podcast originally released in May 2018, I spoke with Marc and Angel Chernoff. Marc and Angel are the authors of the book Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs and this episode is being re-released to celebrate their latest effort, The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts and Reflections to Start Every Day. In this insightful episode, we delve into the importance of daily habits and rituals in shaping our identity and driving personal growth. "We are what we do on a daily basis," emphasizes the importance of daily practices and their cumulative effect on our lives. A central theme throughout our discussion is the narrative we create with our thoughts. According to Marc and Angel, these stories we tell ourselves significantly influence our perception of reality. A striking revelation from the discussion is that "98% of the time, the problem is not the problem, it's something deeper." Key Discussion Points Our identity is la

On this episode, I'm joined by an exceptional guest, Shannon McClay. Shannon is the CEO and founder of the Financial Gym, a revolutionary financial services company breaking barriers in the realm of financial wellness. Throughout our conversation, we deep-dive into the motivating factors behind the inception of her company, exploring the challenges, prejudices, and anxieties that individuals often grapple with when handling their personal finances. We also take a journey through the origin story of the Financial Gym and uncover the secrets behind its success. Prepare for an insightful discussion filled with stories, wisdom, and actionable advice. Key Discussion Points We discuss the aphorism "time is money" and what holds true from that concept (and what doesn't) My own personal and somewhat rocky relationship with money. How someone can break through some of their biases associated with money The approach that Shannon takes people through when trying to help them become more financially fit Shannon shar

In this episode, I'm joined by special guest Megan Hyatt Miller, co-author of "Mind Your Mindset: The Science that Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking." Megan is the President and CEO of Full Focus and co-host of the popular Business Accelerator podcast. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Megan shares her insights on how to improve our relationship with time, cultivate productivity, and achieve balance in our lives. Key Discussion Points Megan Hyatt Miller's background, her role at Full Focus, and her experience as a co-host on Lead to Win An introduction to "Mind Your Mindset" and the importance of mindset in personal and professional success The three "I's" and their impact on our mindset and approach to life Exploring the West Wing and its relevance to our conversation on mindset The role of reason and intuition in shaping our mindset and decision-making process Join me for this fascinating conversation with Megan Hyatt Miller as we delve into the concept of minding our mindset and discu

In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Donna McGeorge, author of "The 1-Day Refund" and a renowned productivity coach, join me for an insightful conversation about making the most of our time and working smarter. With her innovative approach, Donna challenges traditional thinking around leadership, productivity, and workplace efficacy. Key Discussion Points Donna McGeorge's background and her journey to becoming a productivity coach The concept behind "The 1-Day Refund" and how it can transform our approach to time management The importance of capacity and energy in achieving productivity and work-life balance The power of stopping and making time for things that truly matter Mutual admiration: how our views on time management and productivity align Don't miss this engaging conversation with Donna McGeorge as we dive deep into the elements of her book, discuss our shared perspectives on productivity, and explore ways to make your work work for you. Tune in to learn how to take back time and spend it wis

In this episode we dive into an engaging discussion with Oscar Trimboli. Oscar is an author, the host of the award-winning podcast Deep Listening, and a keynote speaker dedicated to promoting positive change through listening. As a marketing and technology veteran, he has worked with major organizations, including Microsoft, Google, and HSBC, to transform leadership through effective listening. We cover topics such as the importance of eye contact, the nuances of communication, and even touch on my own "hometown" messaging. Oscar provides valuable insights throughout, and we're excited for you to learn from this enriching conversation. Enjoy the episode! Links Worth Exploring Connect with Oscar: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube Buy Oscar's book: How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication Related Conversation: Crafting Conscious Communications with Mary Shores Related Blog Post: 2 Quotes That Will Help You Be (Truly) Productive Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode.

Welcome back to another vault episode! This week I am excited to feature my conversation with David Allen, the creator of the Getting Things Done methodology. David joins us to delve deeper into the GTD methodology and how it has evolved since its inception in 2001. While there were some technical difficulties during our conversation, this episode is still a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their productivity. Throughout the episode, David shares some insightful thoughts on GTD, including his involvement in writing the new book, Getting Things Done for Teens, and why he believes teenagers need GTD more now than ever before. We also discussed the challenges of adapting the GTD methodology for teens and how he's changed his approach when teaching GTD over the years. David even revealed his thoughts on the most challenging aspect of GTD, which surprisingly hasn't changed since its introduction. One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was when we discussed the renaissance of analog tools

In this episode, I had a fantastic conversation with Richard Medcalf, the author of the book "Making Time for Strategy". He's a unique blend of a McKinsey consultant, an unorthodox pastor, and an entrepreneur, and he's the founder of X Quadrant. Richard is also a trusted advisor to exceptional CEOs and entrepreneurs, and their leadership teams. During our chat, we talked about his book, where we covered a lot of interesting topics. We started by exploring the idea of firefighting, and how it can prevent us from making time for strategy. We also delved into the phrasing we use when trying to free ourselves from obligations and the difference between obligations and commitments. It's a paradoxical situation that many of us can find ourselves in, and we had an enlightening discussion on how to navigate it. Richard's book is packed with essential insights and strategies that can help you make time for what's truly important in your life, whether that's personal or professional. We only scratched the surface durin

Welcome to another episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy! I'm excited to have Mike Rucker joining me today, who's a fellow World Domination Summit attendee. It's funny how we haven't met in person yet, but that's just how life goes sometimes. Mike is a behavioral scientist, organizational psychologist, and a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He's also been published in prestigious academic journals like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management and Nutrition Research. Mike's work has been featured in many well-known publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Psychology Today, and Fast Company. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness. Today, we'll be discussing his latest book, The Fun Habit, which is a wonderful read. I love the two words in the title: fun and habit. In our conversation, we explore how pursuing joy and wonder can change your life, and how these words are interchangeable. The book's message

On this episode of A Productive Conversation, we had the pleasure of speaking with Erik Qualman, a best-selling author and keynote speaker who has reached over 50 million people in over 55 countries! We dive into his latest book, The Focus Project, and explore the topic of focus and how it can impact your life. We discuss the importance of focus, what you can do if you lose focus, and how fear and focus are interconnected. Did you know that Erik was voted the second most likable author in the world, just behind Harry Potter's JK Rowling? We explore the idea of likability and how it can impact your success. And that's not all, folks! We'll even get into the nitty-gritty details of Erik's iconic green glasses, the power of willpower, and even touch on the topic of Green Lantern. So, sit back, relax, and join us for an exciting conversation with Erik Qualman! Links Worth Exploring Connect with Erik: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Buy Erik's latest book The Focus Project Related Conversa

In this vault episode, I chat with Gretchen Rubin, a renowned author of multiple bestsellers including The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. Her books have been widely read and translated into over thirty languages, selling almost three million copies worldwide. Gretchen co-hosts the award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin alongside her sister Elizabeth Craft, where they discuss happiness and good habits. She has been recognized as one of the Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company and is a member of Oprah's SuperSoul 100. Our conversation centers around The Four Tendencies, delving into which tendency I may align with (and even my wife's), how to fully embrace your own tendency to thrive, and more. I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as I did! Links Worth Exploring Connect with Gretchen: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Buy Gretchen's latest book: Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Int

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Zack Arnold, an award-winning editor, director, and founder of Optimize Yourself. He's also a father of two and a two-time American Ninja Warrior, which is pretty cool if you ask me. We had a productive conversation about how to pursue fulfilling careers without sacrificing our health, relationships, or sanity. Zack's work has been featured in various publications, and he's known for his expertise in productivity and entrepreneurship. One thing that stood out to me was how Zack optimized his podcast process, which he shared with us. He also talked about how he's learned to prioritize his health and relationships while pursuing his career goals.  Overall, it was a fantastic conversation, and I highly recommend giving it a listen. If you're new to the podcast, this is a great episode to start with. I feel like I found a kindred spirit in Zack, and I hope you will too. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Zack: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Linked