Productive Joy

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell, accomplished entrepreneurs, coaches, and holistic health experts. The group discusses the significance of curiosity and internal alignment in leadership and personal growth. Meghan and Laura introduce concepts from their book 'Unstuck Yourself,' focusing on applied neuroscience, human design, and the power of being your true self. They share insights on avoiding burnout, living with purpose, and harnessing joy not just in professional settings but in everyday life. They encourage you to follow their unique paths and embrace their innate wholeness for a fulfilling, productive life.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:32 Meet Our Special Guests: Meghan and Laura01:34 The Power of Purpose and Joy03:20 The Journey of Meghan and Laura11:12 Understanding Applied Neuroscience14:22 Defining Productive Joy18:30 Embracing Joy in Difficult Situations19:19 Understanding Enneagram Types20:09 Productive Joy and Self-Discovery20:33 Introducing 'Unstuck Yourself'20:48 Exploring Human Design and Somatics22:55 Addressing Burnout and Spiritual Alignment25:38 Curiosity and Imagination in Leadership27:08 Internal vs. External Seeking30:29 Rapid Fire Questions35:11 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysA Deeper Dive:In our frenetic lives, finding joy and purpose can often feel like a luxury we cannot afford. However, during a recent conversation on the "Productive Joy" podcast, Christie was joined by extraordinary guests, Meghan O'Malley and Laura Cardwell, who shared fascinating insights into living a life brimming with joy and authenticity.Meghan and Laura are not just leadership gurus and holistic health experts; they're also hip hop dancers who infuse fun into their transformative work. Their backgrounds in applied neuroscience and passion for helping people find their purpose shine through their innovative approach. The duo lives by the belief that purpose isn't about finding the right job, but about being fully expressed as a human being.The conversation also introduces Meghan and Laura’s new book, “Unstuck Yourself: Thrive Beyond Burnout and Discover Your True Purpose,” which dropped on October 6th. This guidebook is designed as a complete journey for readers to discover their true purpose through human design, applied neuroscience, and a unique framework called Integrative Somatic Experience. It challenges cultural stories and helps readers develop practical tools to realign with their authentic selves.The book emphasizes the powerful role of curiosity as a tool for personal development, allowing imagination and innovation to thrive. Meghan and Laura also discuss the importance of distinguishing between internal and external seeking to rediscover personal truth and wisdom.A key takeaway from the discussion is the approach to show up as your authentic self. Meghan highlights the importance of relying on bodily wisdom over the mind's chatter, while Laura underscores heart-centered leadership. Practices like meditation and journaling play a significant role in helping them stay grounded and align with their true nature.Both Meghan and Laura advocate for embracing practices on good days so that they can support you on the challenging days. This approach is a constant reminder that joy is not just for the good times but a guiding force through all experiences.As we navigate our journey towards joy and purpose, Meghan and Laura leave us with potent reminders:- You are here on purpose. Let this guide your life.- You are already whole. Nothing about you is broken or lacking; you possess everything you need to thrive.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Cassy Williamson, an author, leadership coach, and keynote speaker who is passionate about fostering positive change. Cassy discusses her new book, 'Unapologetic,' which calls on her life experiences, both good and bad, to help readers embrace their authentic selves. Cassy shares insights into living an unapologetically authentic life, overcoming criticism, and creating environments where people feel valued and heard.She emphasizes the importance of intentionality, support systems, and finding the right organizational fit. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for leaders and individuals with a goal to create more productive joy in their lives. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Meet Cassie Williamson01:14 Cassie's New Book: Unapologetic02:36 Living Unapologetically09:33 Advice for Young Professionals12:38 Creating Productive Joy in the Workplace22:57 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionA Deeper Dive:Cassy Williamson is not just an author or a leadership coach; she embodies dynamic leadership with every interaction—whether it's through her inspiring books or powerful keynotes. She revels in sparking positive change, emphasizing that everyone she interacts with should feel seen, valued, and heard.Cassy's book "Unapologetic" is a testament to her journey of encouraging others to embrace their authenticity. It serves as a rugged yet relatable guide through life's ups and downs, offering readers the confidence to recognize their perfection just as they are. Her greatest hope is that people will find the book a catalyst for a more fulfilled, joyful life.Cassy relates how being unabashedly yourself doesn't come easy. It's a constant work in progress, requiring conscious effort to drown out the noise that encourages conforming to traditional expectations. With guidance from a supportive community—the ‘village’—alongside a firm grasp on one’s ‘why,’ Cassy advocates pushing past the hurdles life throws, aiming to empower not just oneself but the next generation.Taking a stance against societal pressures and finding her voice, especially in male-dominated industries or traditional settings, has inspired Cassy to own her narrative. Her advice to anyone struggling in such spaces is to recognize the power within and surround oneself with those who uphold these ideals, further fostering unapologetic living.For the young adults finding their footing, Cassy's advice is straightforward yet profound: Pick a seat at the right table—a space where their distinct contributions are not merely acknowledged but celebrated. She reinforces to the up-and-coming that it's okay not to have everything figured out early on in life. The narrative stretches beyond immediate returns, as missed opportunities are often masked chances for bold, unlikely successes.Cassy introduces the concept of the "Unapologetic Leader Loop," which is pertinent in shaping an empowering workplace culture. By fostering an environment where members feel free to express their true selves, organizations can witness dramatic improvements in engagement, retention, and overall satisfaction. A fulfilled team is inevitably more productive.Leaders are encouraged to break from antiquated molds, and Cassy offers practical strategies—including clear action plans and ongoing reinforcement—to ensure innovations endure beyond the allure of a motivational seminar. Her methods are designed to be easily implementable and effective, paving a foundation for sustainable change.

In this episode of Productive Joy Recap, the focus is on self-discovery and tapping into your unique skills. Dr. Christie dives into discussions with Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien and Kelly Schuknecht, who highlight the importance of belonging and personal authenticity. She discusses 'your authority X factor' and how to leverage your unique talents into something practical and valuable. Dr. Christie emphasizes the need for interactive and engaging presentations, offering tips on transforming dull talks into dynamic sessions. Discover how to integrate fun into professional settings and make your expertise accessible to others. .Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:33 Guest Introductions and Key Insights01:18 Understanding Your Unique Genius02:20 Making Presentations Engaging05:32 Applying Your Unique Skills07:08 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Kelly Schuknecht, Chief Elevation Officer and personal brand expert. Kelly shares her remarkable transition from being the 'person behind the person' to becoming a thought leader and entrepreneur. Kelly gives insights insights into overcoming fear of public speaking, the importance of betting on oneself, and how fostering productive joy can lead to a fulfilling career. She discusses how she established her company, Two Mile High Marketing, which helps business owners elevate their thought leadership through strategic public speaking, podcast appearances, and LinkedIn management. Dr. Christie and Kelly emphasize listening to your  inner calling and taking actionable steps toward achieving your goalsEpisode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:16 Introducing Kelly Schuknecht01:15 Kelly's Journey: From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage03:31 Starting a Business: Challenges and Triumphs05:56 Building a Thought Leadership Platform13:19 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Public Speaking17:26 Defining Productive Joy19:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Leaders23:07 Hiring and Building a Remote Team27:49 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionA Deeper Dive:Today, we're spotlighting Kelly Schuknecht, a Chief Elevation Officer, personal brand expert, and innovative entrepreneur with a powerful journey to share.Kelly's story is one of transformation from being "the person behind the person" to stepping into her own spotlight. For 20 years, she supported entrepreneurs and thought leaders, helping them achieve their goals behind the scenes. But when she was laid off last October, she seized the moment. Within days, Kelly decided to start her own business, and just under a year later, she has a flourishing company with a team of ten.Her transition was not merely about business, but about personal growth. Kelly emphasizes betting on oneself, encouraging others to embrace their potential. Her journey illustrates how the seeds of fertile experiences often lie dormant until the right moment catalyzes growth.Kelly attributes much of her success to her ability to create tactical steps for achieving goals—what she calls her "authority X factor." This approach now drives her company, Two Mile High Marketing, where she helps thought leaders establish their platforms through targeted strategies such as securing speaking engagements and managing their online presence.What stands out about Kelly is her acute understanding of her target market. She recognizes that while strategy is vital, many smaller companies lack the resources for overarching plans and crave tangible steps to guide them forward. Her Speaker Elevation Plan is a testament to this insight, addressing the exact needs of busy professionals looking to elevate their visibility.A crucial aspect of Kelly's personal transformation was overcoming a deep-seated fear of public speaking. By confronting her anxieties head-on, she turned them into strengths. She began by publishing short videos on TikTok and appearing on podcasts, creating content to overcome her fears and align with her business values.Her message to those considering taking risks is clear: push past fears, actively seek opportunities, and listen to your inner calling. Her advice is particularly resonant for those wanting to pivot their careers or embark on entrepreneurial ventures.Kelly’s approach to building her team offers valuable insight into finding the right people to support your vision. She emphasizes leveraging relationships and hiring those who complement your skills. This strategy ensures a good cultural fit and helps the organization thrive, particularly in the early stages.Her advice is clear: assess your strengths and weaknesses, and trust others with responsibilities that align with their skills to enhance the overall capability of your team.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr, Christie welcomes Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien, a multifaceted professional who is a professor, author, counselor, world traveler, and mental health expert. Elizabeth shares her experiences guiding women through midlife and introduces her book, 'The Power in the Middle: Navigating Midlife with Confidence.' She discusses the importance of belonging, and how to achieve a state of flow. Elizabeth emphasizes the significance of understanding one's values, creating a balance between work and personal life, and finding joy in the everyday. She and Dr. Christie reflect on their past joys to inform their present and future, and know that everything you need to thrive is already within youEpisode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:11 First Day of School Vibes02:20 Elizabeth's Role and Expertise04:14 The Power in the Middle: Book Insights08:08 Finding Your Unique Genius16:41 Balancing Work and Passion25:43 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionA Deeper Dive:In this episode of "Productive Joy," host Christie welcomed the insightful Dr. Elizabeth O'Brien, who shared her journey and wisdom about navigating midlife with grace and enthusiasm. Dr. O'Brien is not only a professor and counselor but also an author who recently published "The Power in the Middle: Navigating Midlife with Confidence." Her unique perspective offers valuable guidance for those experiencing the changes and challenges of midlife.Dr. O'Brien's conversation was the concept of "flow." She described flow as those moments where time seems to both stand still and pass rapidly, allowing us to be fully present and engaged in our activities. Whether it's through skiing, teaching, or writing a book, Dr. O'Brien encourages her audience to find their personal flow by engaging in activities that align with their values,Dr. O'Brien emphasizes the importance of pursuing what feels like play. Even if it doesn’t pay the bills, nurturing our passions can guide us towards discovering our true values and enhance our overall sense of fulfillment. Whether you're passionate about planning, teaching, or another pursuit, embracing your unique genius can lead you to moments of productive joy.Dr. O'Brien speaks passionately about the necessity of belonging, not only in midlife but throughout all stages of life. She believes that connection and community are integral to our well-being. By cultivating relationships across generations, we can enrich our lives and create a sense of shared purpose and community.Her approach to mental wellness includes fostering connections to mitigate feelings of loneliness and disenfranchisement. Through sharing experiences and supporting one another, we enhance our collective and individual journeys, ensuring that everyone achieves a sense of belonging.One of the most compelling takeaways from the discussion is Dr. O'Brien's emphasis on the power contained within us right now to create the future we desire. She encourages her audience to focus on what truly matters by aligning our present actions with our long-term goals. Through understanding and applying our values, beliefs, and boundaries, we can channel our inner resources to forge a future that aligns with our true selves.For those navigating the midlife phase, she offers both empathy and practical advice. By reflecting on past experiences that brought us joy and aligning them with our current life phase, we can pave the way for a fulfilling and balanced life.Dr. O'Brien's insights don't just resonate with those in midlife; they provide a roadmap for anyone looking to bring more joy into their lives. From being cognizant of our inner desires to finding spaces where our professional and personal lives intersect harmoniously, she provides a guide to living authentically.website: www.dreobrien.com20% Discount Code when readers order from Bloomsbury.com GLR BD8 (flyer attached)Book worksheets/resources for readers: The Power in the Middle - Home

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie recaps her insightful conversations with Heather Lisle and Dr. Cindra Kamphoff. Heather explains the concept of 'holding the pineapple,' encouraging us to speak up for what we want in life. Dr. Cindra emphasizes the importance of confidence and recognizing one's worth. Dr. Christie reflects on society's misconceptions about self-worth and the impact of imposter syndrome. They discusses productivity, finding flow, and harnessing unique talents. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:16 Heather Lisle's Pineapple Story01:03 Dr. Cindra Kamphoff on Confidence01:28 Understanding Self-Worth02:41 The Concept of Productive Joy03:29 Embracing Your Unique Genius04:03 Personal Reflections and Encouragement05:50 Motivational Email Journey06:30 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, a performance psychologist and bestselling author, dives into powerful methods for boosting confidence and resilience. She reveals how 'head trash' and Automatic Negative Thoughts can hinder our potential. Discussing insights from a national study on Gen Z, she addresses feelings of inadequacy linked to social media. Dr. Kamphoff shares her transformative experience during the Boston Marathon bombing and emphasizes living with purpose. Listeners can discover practical tools to cultivate joy and take small, daily courageous actions.

Heather Lisle, an author and coaching strategist, shares her expertise on team communication and leadership dynamics. She emphasizes the power of the DISC profile to enhance understanding among team members, which can save organizations millions. Heather reveals the inspiration behind her book, 'Hold the Pineapple, Please,' advocating for transparency in expressing needs. She also recounts a success story of transforming an engineering team's presentations, showcasing how tailored communication can improve outcomes and collaboration.

In this episode of Productive Joy, the focus is on the power of intentionality in achieving desired outcomes. Dr. Christie reflects on a week with leaders Jeff Burningham and Jack Clark, emphasizing the importance of planning and thoughtful actions over unintentional behavior. The conversation highlights the role of Intentionality Group in helping organizations and individuals enhance their performance by fostering intentional cultures. Dr. Christie invites you to a free webinar on October 15th, which will offer insights and tools on creating an intentional culture, including five critical shifts. She reflects on the interviews this past week and touches on concepts like the 'Happiness Advantage,' recognizing individual and team strengths, and applying unique genius. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:14 The Importance of Intentionality01:46 Upcoming Webinar Announcement01:58 Creating an Intentional Culture02:11 The Five Shifts for Success03:12 Encouragement and Final ThoughtsHere is the link to the webinar.https://forms.gle/dLHi9Jjkxrj5uoZ66

In this amazing episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie introduces Jack Clark, the founder of 180 Water. Jack, who hails from an 1800-person town in Montana, shares his transformative experience from expanding a local water well service into a successful franchise model. Highlighting the importance of clean, safe drinking water, Jack emphasizes the role of service and consistent training in maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. He and Dr. Christie discuss the challenges of scaling a business, shifting from a large team to a more focused, efficient model, and the significance of setting clear goals for employees to foster growth and joy. Jack offers important business lessons on confidence, accountability, and maintaining work-life balance, drawing inspiration from his agricultural background. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:34 Meet Jack Clark: A Man of Many Roles01:47 Jack's Journey in the Water Well Industry03:31 The Franchise Model: A Game Changer05:06 Leadership and Business Advice06:42 Training and Maintaining Standards18:13 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing ThoughtsA Deeper Dive:In the latest episode of our podcast, "Productive Joy," we had the pleasure of engaging with an inspiring guest, Jack Clark. Jack is a living testament to the power of pursuing joy through impactful work. As the founder of 180 Water and a resident of Montana, Jack seeks to revolutionize the water well industry with his innovative franchise model, all while nurturing a balance between business success and personal happiness.### The Genesis of 180 WaterJack's journey began with a vision to grow his water well company into a vast empire. However, he quickly realized that the path he was on was compromising his personal life. By shifting focus from expansion to a franchise model, he crafted a blueprint that allowed others to impact their communities while maintaining personal balance. Jack's approach to franchising comes from a place of wanting to systemize success for others, not just capitalizing on market share. It reflects a philosophy that businesses should not only aim for profitability but also enrich lives and communities.### Lessons in LeadershipJack highlights several leadership lessons throughout his conversation:1. **Transformation through Purpose**: Whether in water wells or any other industry, Jack underscores the importance of aligning your work with a purpose. His focus on ensuring clean and reliable drinking water for communities is a clear example of this alignment.2. **Systematic Training**: At 180 Water, prospective franchisees undergo an intensive two-week training program, combining hands-on experience and classroom learning. This systematic approach ensures that all franchisees can deliver consistent and high-quality service, maintaining brand integrity.3. **Empowering Through Confidence**: Jack talks about how the final steps in any job require trust in one's own judgment. He emphasizes leadership as enabling his franchisees and employees to trust their gut, advocating for a culture of confidence rather than micromanagement.4. **Meaningful Contributions**: For Jack, productive joy comes from making a difference and enabling progression within his team. This idea reinforces his belief that true joy at work originates from being part of a meaningful journey toward common goals.