Master facilitator Marli Williams shares what you can get out of a retreat – and the real-life transformations you can expect from connecting with the right people.  Marli is a master facilitator of transformation who creates magic in beautiful epic places. She’s the founder and director of Camp YES! – a summer camp for women entrepreneurs, leaders and change-makers. She is also a wilderness guide, educator and mentor. Her mission is to create epic, transformational experiences.  Join our productive conversation as we discuss the power of taking a retreat, how to stay energized as a facilitator, being creative with virtual retreats, having informal hangout time – and sharing bourbon with Neal Pollack.   Talking Points The tipping point for taking a retreat Retreats vs conferences What makes a retreat stand out from the rest Co-creating experiences Manufacturing transformational experiences online Quote "Pay attention to what captures your attention." Helpful Links Camp YES! Episode 187: More Fun in Done with Marli Williams Episode 361: Being a Multipotentialite with Vanessa Tharp The BIG Ready World Domination MaxFunCon Think Better, Live Better ‘Jewball’ by Neal Pollack Marli’s Instagram Marli’s Facebook MarliWilliams.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buddhism and Taoism expert Mike Sturm joins the show to uncover how to develop a deep personal relationship with yourself – the Wabi-Sabi way. Mike Sturm has taught philosophy at college level for several years and researched Buddhism and Taoism extensively. He writes about self-improvement and productivity from the perspective of spirituality and first principles. In this reflective conversation, we focus in particular on ‘Wabi-Sabi’, an ancient Japanese philosophy that centres on appreciating​​ the beauty in imperfection and accepting the more natural cycle of life. Join us as we explore some of the key insights from his book The Wabi-sabi Way: Simple Principles to Bring Calm, Meaning & Authenticity to Your Daily Life. We discuss personal authenticity, reviewing habits, the power of validation and embracing imperfection – and Captain America.  Talking Points What is Wabi-sabi? The Western challenges with meditation and stillness The notion of time Ease vs. easy Where to get started with the Wabi-sabi mindset The practice of impermanence Simple steps to live the Wabi-sabi way Quote "Accepting where you’ve been is the only way of getting to where you want to go." Helpful Links ‘The Wabi-sabi Way’ by Mike Sturm Muse Headband “The Dexterous Butcher” by Chuang Tzu ‘The Seven Day Circle’ by Eviatar Zerubavel Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke ‘How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices’ by Annie Duke Episode 243: The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport Episode 286: Doing Project 333 with Courtney Carver Captain America video essay ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’ by Alex Haley and Malcolm X Mike’s Medium Mike’s Twitter MikeSturm.net Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Small business expert and former photographer Jeffrey Shaw unpacks how live the best self-employed life. Jeffrey Shaw became one of the most preeminent portrait photographers in the United States. He decided to share his knowledge of business, branding, and marketing to support self-employed and small business owners as well as progressive-minded companies. I had a great time learning more about his strategies that have helped small businesses scale their big dreams. We unpack the insights from his latest book The Self-Employed Life: Business and Personal Development Strategies. We also explore personal development, redefining what we mean by ‘niche’, owning your area of expertise, and lessons from sea kayaking. Talking Points What’s needed to be successfully self-employed The ecosystem analogy The business model of multiples Daily habits for small business owners ‘The What’s Going Right’ journal Being clear with your meaning and marketability Quote “Set up your business for the capacity that is to come, not for it currently is.” Helpful Links The Self-Employed Life Podcast The Membership Guys Self-Employed Ecosystem Coaching ‘LINGO’ by Jeffrey Shaw Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear Clear Habit Journal SelfEmployedAssessment.com TheSelfEmployedLife.me Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From virtually no spending controls to ‘just take some’ vacation, Netflix’s innovation has stemmed from a simple set of rules. Erin Meyer uncovers how you can foster a culture of freedom and innovation. Erin Meyer is an author and professor at INSEAD Business School, based in Paris. She is most known for writing the book, The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business. Her work focuses on how the world’s most successful leaders navigate the complexities of cultural differences in a multicultural environment. Erin joins the show to share how we can all lead with a culture of innovation. In this conversation, I go through her latest book that she co-authored with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention. Tune in to learn more about what frameworks foster freedom, how a workplace can operate with no policies, and what you can learn from the ‘Keeper Test’. Talking Points The kind of ‘no rules ethos’ Netflix follows The impact of freedom and how it fosters high-density talent Having thick skin Building a culture of candor and feedback The ‘take some’ vacation policy How to build a culture similar to Netflix Quote “Feedback is rarely comfortable but it helps us in incredible ways.” Helpful Links ‘No Rules Rules’ by Erin Meyer and Reed Hastings ‘The Culture Map’ by Erin Meyer ErinMeyer.com Erin’s LinkedIn Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Kim joins the show as I rebrand the podcast into ‘A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy’. Find out how and why your brand evolves over time. I’m super excited to announce the rebrand of the Productivityist Podcast as ‘A Productive Conversation With Mike Vardy’, and in the spirit of this change I bring on brand and marketing strategist Mike Kim. Mike specializes in personal branding, product launch strategies, and copywriting. In his latest book, You Are The Brand, Mike shares his proven 8-step blueprint that has helped build the brands for some of today’s most influential thought leaders — as well as his own personal brand. I set out to find out from Mike how to best approach changing your brand. We discuss finding ways to express yourself, logging your progress, his successful (and failed) business pivots, and campfire moments. Enjoy my productive conversation with Mike Kim! Talking Point Losing control vs influence of your brand Why you should not rebrand at all once The PB3 framework to get business clarity Being a how-to-preneur vs idea-preneur How to build meaningful relationships through your marketing Quote “Attention is not owed, it’s earned.” Helpful Links YouAreTheBrandBook.com ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ by Marie Kondo The Five Minute Journal Brand You podcast Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former professional basketball player Dre Baldwin shares how you can build repeatable success through systems he learnt from his athletic career. After having played basketball professionally for nine years in eight different countries, Dre Baldwin is now a full-time entrepreneur, author of 27 books, and has done four TEDxTalks on topics ranging from mental toughness to discipline. I catch up with Dre to learn more about his work ethic and his latest book The Mirror of Motivation: the Self-Guide to Self-Discipline. In this interview we explore Dre’s mental tools, why he chronicles his journey, documenting your systems, what non-athletes can learn from professional basketball – and what I have in common with Dre’s dad. Talking Points The athlete’s mindset for non-athletes Journaling and chronicling your journey Systemizing success Establishing your foundations to be working from Building mental toughness and resilience The power of documentation Quote “Who do I need to be?” Helpful Links MirrorOfMotivation.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Approach your home with some mindfulness and find out how some simple cleaning routines can go a long way with cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk. From a messy kitchen to ‘junk’ drawers – ever find your home is not the nirvana that you would like it to be? Today I’m joined by Becky Rapinchuk, aka the Clean Mama, who is a cleaning expert, a wife and mom, a successful entrepreneur, and a former art teacher. I find out what it takes to create a home that’s effortlessly peaceful. We dive into her book Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home: Effortless Systems and Joyful Rituals for a Calm, Cozy Home, and unpack some of her key insights. We explore the power of rituals, keeping your home clean alongside a busy family, and her seven peaceful home guidelines we all need to follow. Talking Points Why creating a peaceful home needs to be effortless Identify your pain point and happy tasks Maintaining a peaceful home as a family The Clean Home Reset Checklist The Seven Peaceful Home Guidelines Quote “I’d rather do a task well than do it half-way.” Helpful Links CleanMama.com ‘Clean Mama’s Guide To A Peaceful Home’ by Becky Rapinchuk Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Whillans spends a lot of her time studying happiness, so she joins the show to share how you can best spend your time to boost your life satisfaction. Once again, I’m joined by a fellow Canadian! Today’s guest is Ashley Whillans, a Behavioral Scientist and Assistant Professor at Harvard Business School in Negotiations, Organizations, and Markets. She’s the author of ‘Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life’, which I can’t wait to unpack in this interview. In this conversation, Ashley provides a very holistic view on how to value our time. Find out more about the Day Reconstruction Method, qualitative time tracking, rough scheduling, and why so many of us avoid being (or feeling) idle. Talking Points What is ‘being time smart’? Our relationship with time tracking The idea of rough scheduling How to slow down more How Happiness Dollars can help you become more time smart The simple first step to becoming time smart Quote “You can make changes on an everyday basis to help you take control of your time.” Helpful Links ‘Time Smart’ by Ashley Whillans Ashley’s LinkedIn Ashley’s Instagram Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clarity Coach Jenna Britton is here to help you find more clarity, so you can take action with more purpose and intention. As a self-proclaimed “soulful storyteller”, Jenna Britton is a writer, coach and speaker. Finding Human Design was integral to helping Jenna find — and begin truly living — her life with clarity and ease. So in 2020, she began offering coaching sessions designed and aligned to help people like you understand how parts of your Human Design chart can clarify your purpose — what you’re here to do (and how you’re here to do it). As a fellow writer, I enjoyed discussing with Jenna about the writing process. Tune in to this episode as we unpack internal processing, looking back through old journals, the comedian’s mind, and goosebump moments. And this conversation is by no means just for writers – it will help give you direction if you feel stuck in any area. Talking Points What you get through clarity coaching Finding harmony with clarity and communication The value of journaling Writing creative non-fiction Having a clear intention How to lift the fog of resistance Quote “Clarity comes from action.” Helpful Links Episode 361: Being a Multipotentialite with Vanessa Tharp ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed Baron Fig Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian BraveEnoughToBe.com JennaBritton.com Jenna’s Instagram Brave Enough To Be’s Instagram The BIG Ready 2022 Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything is done so much better when we manage our energy levels. Through the Success-Energy Equation, Michelle Cederberg shares her tactics to help you fuel every area of your life. Certified Speaking Professional Michelle Cederberg has captivated audiences across the world with her messages about how to set worthwhile goals and get energized for success. As a coach, consultant and professional speaker, Michelle educates busy, driven professionals about purpose, productivity – and the pursuit of better. Tune in to this candid conversation as we uncover some key insights from Michelle’s book The Success-Energy Equation: How to Regain your Focus, Recharge your Life and Really Get Sh!t Done. We also discuss how to recognize when your thoughts are becoming unproductive, the “How might I…?” question, the power of repetition, and making plans (weather permitting). Talking Points Factor in energy into your equation Understanding your energy levels The Motivation Matrix The 4 Rs for managing negative self-talk What we can learn from will power Why you need to be more hydrated Quote “Everything we do that drives our success is better when we manage our energy.” Helpful Links ‘The Success-Energy Equation’ by Michelle Cederberg History of Swear Words Episode 340: Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry 3 PM, Weather Permitting ‘The Power of Full Engagement’ by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz The Daily Driver ‘Do The Work’ by Steven Pressfield www.SuccessEnergyBook.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices