A Productive Conversation

I'm admittedly taking a bit of a selfish turn in this episode as I get to chat with the renowned Stephanie Chandler.Stephanie, an acclaimed author of "The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan," is the force behind the Nonfiction Authors Association and the unique Nonfiction Writers Conference - an online event that's been changing the game since 2010. As someone who's graced platforms like Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, and Wired magazine, she's an embodiment of expertise and passion. Stick around as we delve into topics like the art of 'chunking' your writing, the intriguing world of hybrid publishing, and so much more.Key Discussion Points Stephanie's transition from corporate life in 2003 to a bookstore owner in Sacramento and eventually to being a renowned author and community builder. Crafting a Thriving Community: How Stephanie enriches her community with valuable content, battling the wave of misinformation. "Chunking" the Writing Process: A look at daily manageable writing targets and the echoing effects of consistent book releases. Target Audience's Power: The art and science of niching down and addressing audience-specific challenges. Deciphering Bookstores: The ongoing battle between traditional bookstores and the rise of audiobooks. The Publishing Dilemma: A discussion on the allure of big publishers vs. the liberty of alternative routes. Navigating Hybrid Publishing: A glance at its role in the current market and its pros and cons. This conversation with Stephanie Chandler was both productive and enlightening. From the nuanced intricacies of non-fiction publishing to the evolving landscape of bookstores and publishing routes, Stephanie's insights were invaluable. If you're a budding author or simply interested in the world behind the books you read, this is an episode you wouldn't want to miss.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Stephanie: Website | Facebook | X (néeTwitter) | LinkedIn The Nonfiction Authors Association: Visit The Website The Nonfiction Writers Conference: Learn More Here The Productivity Diet Campaign Page: Check It Out Related Conversation: Episode 335: Mind Map Your Writing with Daphne Gray-Grant Related Blog Post: On Not Writing Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of "A Productive Conversation", yours truly (Mike Vardy) and guest Vinay Patankar delve into the intricacies of process versus project management. Vinay Patankar is the CEO of Process Street. Manage employee onboarding, workflow automation, checklists, the team’s handbook & more with Process Street’s AI powered process platform.Vinay underscores the value of specialized tools, suggesting a blend of both for optimal business operations. They also explore the nuances of repeatable work, emphasizing that every business has inherent processes. Vinay shares insights on leveraging project management experiences for future tasks, using Uber's market entry as an example of a project evolving into a process. And that's just for starters.Key Discussion Points Process vs. Project: Dive into the nuanced differences. Which is right for your business? Tool Synergy: The magic of combining tools. Why might HR, finance, and real estate need a special touch? Repeatable Work: Everyone has processes, but are they optimized? Discover the "productivity diet." Project Management Insights: How can Uber's strategy teach us about turning projects into processes? Projects Birth Processes: Uber's new venture hints at how projects evolve. What's the secret? Scaling Challenges: Beyond starting a project—what does it truly take to scale? Uncover the "unsexy" side of business. AI in Business: AI is revolutionizing processes. How might GPT change employee onboarding? Thank you for tuning into this enlightening episode of 'A Productive Conversation.' As always, our goal is to equip you with actionable insights to elevate your business endeavors. Until next time, remember to stop "doing" productive and start being productive.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Vinay: Website | Facebook | X (née Twitter) | LinkedIn Process Street + AI: Read The Story Vinay's Writing: Check it out Related Conversation: Episode 121: Beyond The E-Myth With Michael E. Gerber Related Blog Post: The Process Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 understanding or transparency but also includes elements of mystery and the unknown. This ties into what he refers to as the "fifth discipline of leadership", emphasizing the practice of finding clarity within these nuances. Furthermore, Marc shares unconventional "anchors" or strategies that can assist individuals in finding clarity, including his unique 'no festering' rule.Key Discussion Points The importance of understanding clarity as a concept that incorporates mystery and not just a state of perfect lucidity. Unconventional strategies for finding clarity, including the 'no festering' rule. An exploration into the role of ego in compassion and accountability, demonstrating how curiosity can replace judgement and anger. The trap of ego and the role of confidence and deep listening in avoiding this trap. Lesser's views on the role of will in meditation, distinguishing between will and willpower. The transformative power of turning breakdowns into breakthroughs, accepting change and discomfort. There's also a mention of Ted Lasso that makes its way into our discussion – a discussion that is well worth your time. Enjoy.Links Worth Exploring Connect With Marc: Website | Facebook | X (née Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram The Book We Discussed: Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and Meaningful Lives Marc's Other Books: Check them out here An Article That Channels A Touch Of Ted Lasso: Read It Here Related Conversation: Episode 473: Oscar Trimboli talks about Deep Listening Related Blog Post: Why You Need A Clarity Day (And How To Make It Happen) Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 attention to your current behaviours to identify where to insert new habits. Write things down in a central place to capture ideas and sort them later. Don't worry about organization in the moment. I hope this very productive conversation with James Clear gives you some valuable insights into building good habits through small, sustainable changes. Atomic Habits provides a practical, science-backed approach that you can start implementing today. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good – take that first small step and build the habit from there.Links Worth Exploring Connect with James: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram James’s Book: Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones Baronfig x James Clear Collection: Check out this collaboration Read James' Newsletter: Subscribe Related Conversation: Episode 454: Michelle Segar talks about habits and The Joy Choice Related Blog Post: 3 Steps to Building Productivity Habits That Stick Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 back Shifting from feeling complete to creating being complete Distinguishing what is actually happening versus the stories you tell yourself Filling your calendar with why you're doing things and what you're creating, not just content This conversation provides insights and strategies to help you transform limiting beliefs, shift from a place of reaction to creation, and develop the "muscle of creation". By dismantling the stories that hold you back and getting clear on your true vision, you can fill your life with more meaning and fulfillment, regardless of your circumstances. Listen in to discover tools that may help you unlock your untapped potential and create the life you desire.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Josselyne: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Josselyne's Youtube Channel: Watch now Josselyne's Newsletter: Check it out A Blast From Josselyne's Past: "That's What Love Can Do" Related Conversation: Episode 245: What Happy Successful People Do Differently with Marc and Angel Chernoff Related Blog Post: Why Improving Your Relationship with Time is the Key to Mastering It Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 right now to elevate your team's performance. Get ready for an enlightening conversation filled with practical tips to unlock the full potential of your remote work setup.Key Discussion Points Building trust is essential in remote teams. Handling conflicts and pre-emptive responses to maintain team harmony. The importance of knowledge flow in virtual and hybrid teams. The rise of Chief Remote Officers and the concept of equal opportunities in remote work. Balancing quantified productivity with other tools and mechanisms for managing distributed teams. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical insights to improve remote team dynamics and productivity. By implementing Peter's strategies and leveraging the suggested tools, leaders and team members alike can enhance their remote work experiences and achieve greater success.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Peter: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube Peter’s Book: Virtual Power Teams: How to Deliver Products Faster, Reduce Costs, and Develop Your Organization for the Future! Running Remote: Website Mike Vardy + David Allen at Running Remote 2023: Watch on YouTube Related Conversation: Episode 420: Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook Related Blog Post: How to Be Prudent and Productive Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, and establishing a soothing bedtime routine. Together, we explore the signs of sleep deprivation and unmanaged sleep disorders that we should watch out for.Key Discussion Points The importance of establishing a good relationship with sleep Understanding sleep as a biological need, not a battle Simple strategies to improve sleep, including exposure to natural light and establishing a bedtime routine The significance of sleep for mental well-being and productivity Sleep as a foundational pillar of health and wellness, alongside diet and exercise The benefits of setting aside sufficient time for sleep and the value of napping Challenges faced by shift workers and the need for healthier hours Advocacy for later school start times for teenagers Get ready to be inspired and equipped with practical advice to transform your sleep habits in this down-to-earth conversation. With Terry Cralle's expert insights, you'll gain valuable tips to ensure a good night's sleep, boost your productivity, and enhance your overall quality of life. So, grab your cozy blanket, sit back, and prepare to unlock the secrets of better sleep for a more productive and fulfilling life.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Terry: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Terry’s Book: Sleeping Your Way to the Top: How to Get the Sleep You Need The Better Sleep Council: Website Medium Post Worth Reading: The Story of "Yesterday" Related Conversation: Episode 401: Dr. Michael Breus talks about Energy Management, Movement and Sleep Related Blog Post: Begin Before Bed Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 for coaching co-ed teams Transforming a company through leadership without authority and redefining teams Overcoming self-limiting beliefs and taking responsibility for success The significance of having a framework to measure success and unleashing growth through empathy Balancing humility and ego for effective leadership Advice for those who prefer working alone and a simple action to start leading without authority During our discussion, Keith provides practical advice on how to lead without authority and redefine teams, emphasizing the role of responsibility and eliminating self-imposed limitations. The episode also delves into the importance of having a framework to measure success and the power of empathy in unleashing growth and development and addresses the concerns of individuals who feel they work better alone, offering advice on the importance of patience and taking small steps to start leading without authority. I'm glad I revisited this conversation "from the vault" and trust you'll enjoy it. Thanks for listening!Links Worth Exploring Connect with Keith: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Keith’s Book: Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration Keith's Training: Ferrazzi Learning Check out this opportunity: Virtual Teams Win Related Conversation: A Very Special Episode: Liam Martin talks about Running Remote Related Blog Post: Why Reading Leadership Books will Boost Your Productivity Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Prioritization is a practice that requires trade-offs The challenges people face with their to-do lists are addressed The potential of AI to make more valuable things is highlighted Clarity of thought is emphasized for good writing Understanding human behaviour remains significant despite technological advancements Insights into preferred mediums for content creation and staying updated with trends are shared You can expect an engaging and informative discussion on productivity, time management, and the role of AI. The episode provides valuable insights and practical tips that can help you enhance your productivity and make better use of your time. From understanding the value of money to mastering prioritization and embracing AI's potential, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge to apply in daily life. Enjoy this finale to a very productive conversation!Links Worth Exploring Connect with Thanh: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube Thanh's podcast: The Productivity Show Recommended by Thanh: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life Recommended by Thanh (and me): Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals Related Conversation: Episode 479: Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 1) Related Blog Post: Why You Need A Clarity Day (And How To Make It Happen) Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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't have to make drastic changes to get the results you're looking for. A single tweak a week can lead to major improvements. Sustainability is a challenging aspect of learning. Trying to get everything done in a single day can lead to burnout. It's important to recognize that you have more time than you think. Reflective practice, such as journaling, can help improve productivity. It's important to take time to reflect on what you're doing and why. The importance of a weekly review and being aware of the cadence and pace of life can help manage productivity. Happiness and productivity are linked. Happy people tend to be more productive. The concept of productivity has evolved over the last decade. It's not just about time and money, but also about health. Our conversation concluded with a discussion on the changing perception of productivity, shifting from efficiency to optimizing for happiness. This perspective has been a game-changer for Thanh, and he believes it can be for others as well. Stay tuned for the second part of our conversation next week, where we'll delve deeper into these themes and more.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Thanh: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube Thanh's podcast: The Productivity Show Recommended by Thanh: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life Recommended by Thanh (and me): Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals Related Conversation: Episode 83: Overnight Success with Aaron Mahnke Related Blog Post: Why You Need To Take Personal Productivity Personally Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | StitcherYou can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices