

Productive Joy
Dr. Christie McMullen
Welcome to Productive Joy with Dr. Christie. I'm your host, Christie McMullen, and together we are going to make sure we turn fun into action. How will we do that? By thoughtfully taking AIM. AIM stands for Analyze Improve Move. We're going to analyze the things that you're currently doing that you're like, I probably could find more joy in this. We're going to improve on those things by listening to experts and learning all kinds of new ways to do business. And then we're going to move. It is time to learn and grow together...let's do this.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 20, 2024 • 8min
Be a Light To Those Around You & More with Dan Doerksen
Today Dr. Christie reflects on yesterday's interview with Dan Doerksen. She explores the idea that the work we do is often initially productive and enjoyable but over time, it is reduced to merely a 'job', losing its potential to be fulfilling and fun. She encourages you to find people who shine their light on others and rethink your approach to work and seek ways to make it enjoyable and satisfying again.
Connect with Dan
Connect with Dr. Christie
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Productive Joy
Dan Doerksen
psychological safety
workplaces
psychological safety class
coaching
engagement
quality of life
teenagers
community programming
values
sense of identity
parents
career paths
family systems
organization structure
community service
strategic planning
emotional health
work sucks
quality of experience
employee engagement
managerial
leadership
manager
career coaching
responsibility
expectations
performance management
team
decision making
conflict resolution
podcast
fun
learning
coach
LinkedIn
acquaintance
guest
bright
work
job
fulfilling
managers
successful
created spaces
teaching
adults
influence
mindset
introspection
writing a book

Nov 19, 2024 • 40min
Work Life Matters with Dan Doerksen
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Dan Doerksen, an expert in psychological safety and organizational development. They discuss how to make work environments enjoyable and productive, highlighting the crucial role of managers in employee engagement. Dan shares his story, from an aspiring pilot to organizational designer, emphasizing that work doesn't inherently suck; it's about removing the obstacles that make it unpleasant. He and Dr. Christie dig into the importance of leadership, the impact of managers on work culture, and practical tips for creating a positive work environment.
Connect with Dan
Connect with Dr. Christie
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Productive Joy
Dan Doerksen
psychological safety
F1 race car
organizational developer
workplaces
organizational design
psychological safety class
coaching
engagement
quality of life
teenagers
community programming
values
sense of identity
parents
career paths
family systems
organization structure
community service
strategic planning
adolescent development
emotional health
work sucks
quality of experience
employee engagement
managerial
leadership
Gallup
manager
career coaching
Disney World
responsibility
expectations
performance management
team
decision making
conflict resolution
podcast
fun

Nov 13, 2024 • 10min
Unifying Teams and More with Davina Stanley
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie dives into her conversation with Devana Stanley about her books, Elevate and Engage, focusing on creating clear messages for leaders. She shares secrets on how to empower team members by understanding their personalities, fostering a safe and logical working environment, and making learning fun and memorable.
She also gives practical strategies for integrating teams after mergers and how to analyze, improve, and move forward effectively.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Productive Joy
leadership
author
perspective
nuggets of wisdom
follow the podcast
Davina Stanley
leadership guru
grown boy mom
Australian
Seattle
airplane
car wreck survivor
education
consulting firms
leadership background
flexibility
Hong Kong
New York
Tokyo
communication specialist
management consulting
McKinsey
problem solving
adventurous life
freelance
training
Asia Pacific marketing
lawyers
teaching
structured communication
pyramid principle
clarify thinking
organizations
freelance for McKinsey
writing
Elevate
Engage
Leader's book
one pager
consulting work
online course
story structure
team members
methodology
leadership clarity
collaboration
epiphany

Nov 12, 2024 • 29min
Clarify your Message with Davina Stanley
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie brings you a guest with one of the most impressive resumes you can imagine. Davina Stanley, an author and leadership expert, shares her unique insights on leadership, problem-solving, and communication strategies that save time and enhance productivity.
Growing up in rural Australia and living in various global cities, Davina brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation. She introduces her books, 'Elevate' and 'Engage,' which offer structured communication techniques to help teams and leaders work more effectively. She also shares her personal anecdotes and reflective thoughts on achieving joy in our personal and professional life.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Productive Joy
leadership
author
perspective
nuggets of wisdom
follow the podcast
Davina Stanley
leadership guru
grown boy mom
Australian
Seattle
airplane
car wreck survivor
education
consulting firms
leadership background
flexibility
Hong Kong
New York
Tokyo
communication specialist
management consulting
McKinsey
problem solving
adventurous life
freelance
training
Asia Pacific marketing
lawyers
teaching
structured communication
pyramid principle
clarify thinking
organizations
freelance for McKinsey
writing
Elevate
Engage
Leader's book
one pager
consulting work
online course
story structure
team members
methodology
leadership clarity
collaboration
epiphany

Nov 6, 2024 • 7min
Strength In Vulnerability & More with Mike McCormick
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie talks about the amazing amount of information she took away from her interview with Michael McCormick, a seasoned superintendent dedicated to making people better.
Dr. Christie shares insights from Mike's life, including lessons from being a latchkey kid and the importance of recognizing patterns in behavior. She discusses the significance of knowing your people, fostering vulnerability as a form of courage, and creating environments for others to excel.
PLUS! Dr. Christie spills some details on her new book 'Learning Can Stick' available now on Audible.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.

Nov 5, 2024 • 32min
Don’t Be Afraid with Mike McCormick
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Michael McCormick, a former superintendent who shares his story from juvenile corrections officer to educational leader.
Mike discusses overcoming fear, building a strong team, and the impact of long-term relationships in education. He emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically, fostering joy, and maintaining gratitude. He also shares personal stories and gives valuable insights for leaders aiming to cultivate a positive and productive work culture.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Key words from the episode!
Productive Joy
podcast
Productivity
Joseph Campbell
fear
leadership
retired
superintendent
education
California
teacher
administration
career
goals
team building
relationships
institutional knowledge
joy
fun
family
work environment
vulnerability
gratitude
successful
authentic self
siblings
public schools
students
children
speaking
engagement
passion
motivation
NFL players
educational initiatives
impact
community
talent
access
opportunity
parents
colleagues
support system
network
organization
culture
psychological safety
creativity
aspirations
life lessons
advice

Oct 30, 2024 • 8min
Money Isn't Something To Be Afraid Of & More with Jeff Panik
On today's episode Dr. Christie gives a recap of her conversation with Jeff Panik, an author and financial guru, focusing on financial literacy for young adults. Dr. Christie reflects on her personal financial challenges growing up and the importance of financial education.
She emphasizes that while we don't need to be experts in everything, it's vital to surround ourselves with people who have different skill sets. She also talks about how to make learning memorable by building relationships and making interactions safe, logical, fun, and impactful.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
issues
life
communication
transparency
resources
kids
college
debt
direction
recipe
tough time
running
grateful
direction
brilliance
episode

Oct 29, 2024 • 29min
Financial Blueprint for Success with Jeff Panik
Money isn't always the most comfortable thing to talk about. But when you are confident with your finances, the conversation is much easier.
Today Dr. Christie welcomes financial advisor and U.S. Army veteran Jeff Panik. They discuss Jeff’s book on financial literacy for young adults, the importance of teaching basic financial skills, and strategies for achieving financial stability.
Jeff shares his background as a first-generation college student and his work in the financial services industry. They cover practical tips, the significance of open communication about money, finding that life-money balance, and ways to foster financial understanding in children and young adults.

Oct 23, 2024 • 7min
Changing Now, Changing Forever with Lisa DeAngelis
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie recaps her latest latest episode discussing the importance of change with expert Lisa DeAngelis. She talks about Lisa's journey of moving to NYC during the pandemic and writing her book, 'Embracing the Unknown: Exploring Pathways to Change'. She highlights key aspects of change: the necessity to change, why change now, and how to make lasting changes, and provides insights on how to analyze and improve current practices for better outcomes.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.

Oct 22, 2024 • 29min
Change is the Friend You Didn't Know You Needed with Lisa DeAngelis
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie is joined by Lisa DeAngelis, a teacher, speaker, and change enthusiast, as she discusses her transformation from being a very structured personality to embracing change. Lisa shares insights from her book on navigating the unknown, fostering a lifestyle of continuous evolution, and the importance of playfulness in leadership. Throughout this personal discussion, learn how to align with your true self, celebrate individuality, and find joy in every moment.
Find more about Lisa
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.


