Productive Joy

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.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie introduces Jeff Burningham, an accomplished author, athlete, entrepreneur, and former gubernatorial candidate for Utah. Jeff discusses his new book, 'The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI,' which explores the spiritual and existential implications of artificial intelligence. He and Dr. Christie discuss the rigorous process of writing and launching a book, comparing it to the endeavor of starting a business. Jeff emphasizes the importance of presence, non-resistance, and leveraging human experiences as AI continues to evolve. He also touches on meditation, engaging in nature, and building deep human connections. The conversation includes reflections on generational attitudes towards change and AI, and Jeff offers unique perspectives on authenticity and the heroic task of navigating our ever-changing world.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:22 Meet Jeff Burningham01:13 Jeff's Book Launch Experience02:19 The Artistic Process of Writing04:53 Teaching Entrepreneurship05:37 Generational Perspectives on AI09:11 The Inspiration Behind the Book13:24 The Origin of the Book Title13:51 The Human Element in Writing15:37 Defining Productive Joy16:30 Presence and Non-Resistance18:48 Tactical Approaches to Joy20:57 Authenticity and the Heroic Journey25:42 Rapid Fire Questions27:44 Final Thoughts and InspirationA Deeper Dive:In a recent episode of "Productive Joy," I sat down with Jeff Burningham, an accomplished entrepreneur turned author who has navigated the peaks of business success and the valleys of political defeat. Through it all, Jeff has maintained a focus on the core of what makes us human, especially in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). His latest work, "The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI," explores how we can cultivate wisdom alongside evolving technologies.Jeff's journey to writing about AI wasn't planned—it was something he felt compelled to do. Having returned to venture capital and observing the rapid advancements in AI, he became engrossed in its existential implications. Five years ago, as the rest of the world focused on the technical potential, Jeff dove into the philosophical depths. This exploration led him to understand AI not only as a tool but as a cosmic mirror reflecting the need for human transformation and evolution.In our discussion, Jeff highlighted a shift in mindset between generations. While the younger generation, having grown up in a rapidly changing world, is more adaptable to ongoing transformations, Jeff believes it is fundamentally the responsibility of his generation to ensure AI's development supports human flourishing. He asserts, "As machines become more intelligent, we as humans must become more wise."Amidst discussions of AI and wisdom, we took a moment to explore the theme of my podcast—Productive Joy. Jeff's interpretation? Presence. Being fully engaged in whatever activity you're doing, whether writing a book or washing dishes, is where joy becomes productive. He emphasized living in non-resistance to what is, allowing oneself to flow with life’s circumstances without fighting against the inevitable changes.Jeff’s belief in the heroic journey of individual lives is central to his message. He challenges us to be authentic, leaning into our personal journeys and allowing our true selves to emerge. In doing so, we not only fulfill our destinies but also inspire others to do the same. Jeff has realized that the quest for authenticity is intertwined with AI's emergence in our lives—urging us to show up as complete human beings even as machines become more proficient.

In this week's episode of Productive Joy, we are joined by Erin Krueger and Vivian Okeke, both remarkable women who have turned trauma into strength. Erin, a successful realtor, emphasizes that while trauma is inevitable, it does not define us. Vivian, an HR expert and author of 'Beneath the Cornerstone,' discusses the importance of the human connection in all aspects of life and the role of happiness in productivity. The discussion highlights the importance of intentionality in actions and celebrating accomplishments, big or small, to create spaces filled with productive joy.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy00:07 Meet the Guests: Erin Krueger and Vivian Okeke00:22 Vivian Okeke's Journey and Insights01:49 The Importance of People in Business03:05 The Power of Intentionality04:46 Learning from Trauma and Celebrating Success06:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie introduces her guest, Vivian Okeke, a leadership expert, founder of Pro Support, author, and conflict manager. Vivian shares her experiences of moving from her home country to Canada, starting her company, and helping businesses navigate HR challenges. She highlights the importance of investing in employees for business success, building a positive work culture, and understanding one's purpose to prevent burnout.Dr. Christie and  Vivian also discuss her inspiration for writing her book, 'Beneath the Cornerstone,' which provides relatable HR strategies for entrepreneurs. The conversation gets into personal stories of loss and resilience, emphasizing the significance of authentic self-expression and the freedom that comes from knowing one's values and purpose. Find More About VivianEpisode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy00:21 Meet Vivian Okeke: A Multifaceted Leader01:21 Vivian's Journey: From Chaos to Empowerment03:37 The Importance of People Management08:05 Defining Productive Joy11:34 Vivian's Personal Story and Professional Insights19:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Final ThoughtsA Deeper Dive:In a world where the boundaries between personal and professional lives often blur, finding joy in productivity is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Our latest podcast episode explores this very concept with Vivian Okeke, a dynamic leader who has mastered the art of blending purpose and peace to breathe new life into workspaces. Join us as we delve into the heart of productive joy with insights that can transform both individual paths and organizational cultures.At the core of Vivian's philosophy is a belief in placing people first. As she consistently emphasizes, businesses thrive when their people do. This involves fostering a robust culture that aligns with both the organization's goals and employee well-being. In her book "Beneath the Cornerstone: The Human Threads that Shape Every Business," Vivian highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment from the ground up—a message resonant with entrepreneurs and leaders alike.Vivian insists that the secret to successful business management lies in understanding and developing a cohesive culture. She urges business owners to listen deeply and cultivate environments that respect and prioritize individuals. Her approach underscores the necessity of integrating employment laws and personal values to ensure that both the company and its employees are safeguarded and empowered.The conversation with Vivian revealed her insightful definition of productive joy: work that aligns with purpose, avoids fatigue, and provides satisfaction. She cautions against conflating busyness with productivity, advocating instead for a meaningful pursuit that is rooted in personal and collective peace. Vivian’s insights encourage us to anchor our professional endeavors in understanding our “why” and maintaining a balance that sustains both progress and well-being.Vivian’s journey is marked by resilience—a recurring theme in her life and career. She recounts facing personal losses from a young age, which instilled in her an empathetic approach to life and work. Her experiences have taught her the value of surrounding oneself with supportive figures and the importance of extending that support to others.The episode wraps up with a powerful takeaway: remember your purpose and values, and embrace the freedom they bring. Vivian urges listeners not to succumb to the pressure of external expectations but instead to trust in the authentic narrative that drives them forward. By doing so, we not only cultivate productive joy but also nurture a fulfilling path that is both inspiring and impactful.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Erin Krueger, a CEO, author, realtor, dog mom, world traveler, and painter. Erin shares her story of growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania, instilled with the values of integrity and hard work by her entrepreneurial parents. She faced a significant tragedy at 21, losing both her parents in a car accident, which taught her resilience and the importance of moving forward. Erin discusses how she built her career, transitioning from a high-paying corporate job to real estate, and launching a successful vending business during the recession. She emphasizes the significance of mindset, continuous growth, and creating a positive culture within her team. Erin and Dr. Christie also discuss her structured interview and hiring process that ensures a strong team culture. With her insights on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of staying positive, Find out more about ErinEpisode Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:22 Meet Erin Krueger02:08 Erin's Early Life and Tragedy05:22 Lessons from the Farm10:39 Building a Business and Overcoming Challenges17:46 Hiring and Team Building Strategies20:16 The DISC Profile Test21:03 The Importance of Problem Solving21:25 Initial Screening Process22:15 In-Depth Interviews and Culture Fit23:04 Goal Setting and Evaluation25:09 Team Interviews and Final Selection28:02 The Role of DISC Profiles32:26 Rapid Fire Questions34:30 Final Takeaways and ConclusionA deeper dive:Welcome to an exploration of success, resilience, and joy with the inspiring Erin Krueger.Erin shares her remarkable journey filled with personal growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for creating positive impact. Here's a look into her philosophies and practices that lay the foundation for her success and influence.Erin Krueger is known for wearing many hats: she’s a CEO, an author, a realtor, and a traveler. However, it's her resilience and tenacity that truly set her apart. Her upbringing on a Pennsylvania farm, where she learned problem-solving and hard work firsthand from her entrepreneurial parents, became the bedrock for her successful career.Erin experienced a devastating personal tragedy at 21 when her parents passed away in a car accident. As the eldest, she was thrust into handling complex and adult responsibilities, which taught her invaluable lessons in leadership and perseverance. Confronting such profound challenges early in life shaped her philosophy: “We are not defined by our circumstances but by our responses to them.”Transitioning from personal experiences to business, Erin founded a highly successful real estate team after bravely stepping out of an unethical corporate job. Her core belief centers around cultivating a positive corporate culture. Erin emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum and positivity, inspired by a childhood memory of jitterbugging with her father in the early morning hours of farm work.Within her team, Erin fosters an environment where positivity is paramount. She reminds her team that every encounter—whether a difficult conversation or a challenging market situation—should not define the entire day. Instead, embracing each moment with positivity can change the overall dynamic and outcome.Erin's approach to leadership is both systematized and personalized. She employs a unique method to ensure new hires mesh well with her team culture. This includes a meticulous interview process where candidates are assessed not just for their skills, but for their problem-solving abilities, listening skills, and cultural fit with potential colleagues.One of her methods is to give job applicants a series of tests without them realizing it, such as requiring a DISC profile in the application, which evaluates personality types to better fit team dynamics. This careful alignment of team members enhances productivity and satisfaction within the team.