

A Productive Conversation
Mike Vardy
Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation offers insightful discussions on how to craft a life that aligns with your intentions. Each episode dives into the art of time devotion, productiveness, and refining your approach to daily living. Mike invites guests who are thinkers, doers, and creators to share their strategies for working smarter and living more intentionally. From practical tips to deep dives on mindset shifts, this podcast will help you reframe your relationship with time and find balance in a busy world.
Subscribe and join the conversation—because a productive life is more than just getting things done.
Subscribe and join the conversation—because a productive life is more than just getting things done.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2019 • 1h
Emotional Time Management with Paula Mosher Wallace
On this episode of the podcast, I spend time chatting with Paula Mosher Wallace. We spoke about the emotional component that needs to get considered when you’re trying to manage your time. It’s something that Paula feels gets cast aside in a world driven by the pursuit of productivity at all costs.
I met Paula at Jeff Goins’s Tribe Conference and we spent a lunch break learning more about each other, something that led to me asking her to join me on the show. We touch on several of the discussion points we brought up during that lunch break but go deeper into things than we did on that day.
Talking Points
Paula shares her experience with productivity in business and her personal life
Why (and how) Paula challenged me on my methodology and philosophy of TimeCrafting
What Paula believes the “missing piece” is to most – if not all – time management systems
When and where does the emotional time management piece come into play if one’s day was mapped out
We look at strategies that you can use to keep going even when emotional turmoil shows up
Why does Paula think people fight off their emotions when it comes to this kind of thing?
What Paula recommends people do to get started with taking emotional time management into account
The importance of finding whatever you need to use to help you keep your intentions front and center
What’s one thing that someone can do right to get started with emotional time management?
The things you can do to help you either work through or offset the toll that emotions can have on you
Does Paula journal…and what are her thoughts on journaling?
Quote
“It’s understanding that I have long term and meaningful – kind of what I call ‘eternal’ goals – like my relationship with my children that is not a task.”
Relevant Links
Bloom In The Dark
Tribe Conference
Episode 215: Running Down a Dream with Tim Grahl
Bloom Forward Journal
You’ll find that I thought we’d be wrapping up this episode at about the 30 minute mark but Paula and I kept going. This episode is definitely more of a back-and-forth conversation than I usually deliver. I was so involved in the conversation because I feel the piece Paula is bringing to light is that crucial. Honestly, the big takeaway from this episode is that taking and making time to take emotional time management into account is important. Really important.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Aug 7, 2019 • 39min
Understanding Ultralearning with Scott H. Young
On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by fellow Canadian and author of the book Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition and Accelerate Your Career, Scott H. Young. Scott is a writer, programmer, traveler and avid reader of interesting things. His blog is one of my personal “must reads” and over its lifespan it has asked the compelling question: What’s the best way to learn?
On this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk to Scott about the answers to that question his blog (and writing) has been pondering since its beginnings. I also wanted to explore the idea of “ultra learning,” why striving to be an “ultralearner” is a worthwhile pursuit, and plenty of other productivity-related questions that I’ve wanted to ask him ever since I started following his work years ago.
Talking Points
What is ultralearning?
The differences between “just in time learning” and ultralearning and how they can work together
What the first thing Scott “ultralearned” was and how it went for him
What you can do to get past the misconception that you don’t have time to spend on ultralearning
These are the principles of ultralearning that people tend to “mess up” the most
Why Scott had to explain the principles of ultra learning and offer tactics that may work in conjunction with those principles
The best principle that offers a springboard to ultralearning
The role that focus plays in ultralearning
Is there a point when you tend to find it’s time to abandon ultralearning a particular subject or area?
How spending time ultralearning can lead towards a pivot
Why does this book matter now?
Quote
“The ultralearner is the person who is going to do that hard thing even if it’s a little bit more uncomfortable and get that result rather than someone who is going to do that easy thing that isn’t going to make much progress.”
Relevant Links
Get Ultralearning by Scott H. Young
Episode 226: How to Build a Company of One with Paul Jarvis
The MIT Challenge
Episode 211: Hyperfocus with Chris Bailey
Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength
Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy
Scott Young’s Blog
By the time you’re done listening to this episode you’ll have a sense not only what ultra learning is and how it can work for you, but that it’s something you can certainly do if you decide it’s important enough to make happen. That’s the key. (FYI: Scott’s book will help you with that decision.)
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Jul 31, 2019 • 39min
Productivity in Motion with Joel Heath
On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Joel Heath. Joel is founder & CEO of FluidStance, the world’s first work platform that elicits subtle movement where you are stuck working. His personal purpose is to move the world and FluidStance’s purpose is to help set the world in motion.
Talking Points
How I’ve been using my FluidStance deck
What FluidStance is and why Joel started FluidStance
How the FluidStance fits into my office “productivity zones”
Joel describes what he calls “The 70-20-10 Model”
How Joel approaches the concept of moderation in various areas of his life
Joel’s thoughts on walking meetings and recognizing his true role in his company
How someone can adopt healthier habits and forge a healthier lifestyle
How the words we use can really shift perspective and choice
What Joel thinks about the term “work-life balance”
We talk a bit about comfort and complacency
How important it is the element of beauty and craft in what Joel does
Quote
“A thousand changes in a positive direction can have a huge impact.”
Relevant Links
FluidStance
Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear
How I Built This: Michael Rubin
Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
Here’s One Thing You Can Do to Make Your To Do List Better
I had a great time chatting with Joel and I’ve been using my FluidStance deck off and on ever since our conversation. I could stand to use it more often (see what I did there?) and revisiting this episode when putting together these notes have inspired me to do so. Why? Because I have been working on my health over the past several months and I know that my FluidStance deck can have a positive impact on that project. And as Joel said…every little bit helps.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Jul 24, 2019 • 40min
Breaking the Time Barrier with Mike McDerment
On this episode, I speak with Mike McDerment, the co-founder and CEO of FreshBooks. FreshBooks is the world’s #1 cloud accounting software for self-employed professionals. Built in 2003 after he accidentally saved over an invoice, Mike spent 3.5 years growing FreshBooks from his parents’ basement. Since then, over 24 million people have used FreshBooks to save time billing, and collect billions of dollars. A lover of the outdoors, Mike has been bitten so many times it’s rumoured he’s the first human to have developed an immunity to mosquitoes.
Mike McDerment is also the author of Breaking the Time Barrier – How to Unlock Your True Earning Potential, a book that lets most freelancers and small businesses discover their billing blind spots and determine if they are charging what they are really worth. Small business owners sometimes struggle to assert their worth in a competitive market place. Sometimes, they suffer from imposter syndrome. Other times, they just feel grateful to have clients who pay on time, so they undercharge. And, over time, some simply don’t increase their rates, afraid of having awkward money conversations. But, rest assured, they are not alone. If you run a small business, knowing and charging your worth can be a difficult thing so Mike McDerment and Donald Cowper wrote this book as a guide to value-based pricing and unlocking your true earning potential.
Talking Points
The history and background of FreshBooks
What has FreshBooks become and where is it at right now?
The equation between time and money and what a “time barrier” is
Quantitative productivity versus qualitative productivity
Billing by the hour versus billing by value
Why did Mike start a secret company to compete with his existing one?
The value of the secret company experiment and the time spent doing the experiment
Spending time with exploration and experimentation
Approaching life on a complementary lens
How does Mike McDerment approach his work?
Quote
“With the time barrier in the book, the premise is around called value based billing. So instead of charging how much time you spent on something instead charge the value you bring. The two don’t always go together. I think that’s the thing that people don’t understand.”
Relevant Links:
Website
Twitter
LinkedIn
Book: Breaking the Time Barrier – How to Unlock Your True Earning Potential
The key takeaway from this episode is that the ability to work so little and produce so much income had a lot to do with how one priced and positioned his or her services, something most small business owners struggle with.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Jul 17, 2019 • 38min
Elevate Your Eight with Kris McPeak
On this episode, I spent time with Kris McPeak. Kris is the author of “Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management” and the CEO of SilverPeak Development, an online career coaching community. During the day she also works at the foundation of a community college. Kris loves swimming, knitting, binge-watching TV, and learning new things. Kris McPeak is a self-appointed guru on work-life balance and finding your dream job. Kris worked successfully and happily in higher education, specifically College Housing. She came to a point in her career where the late hours and high touch students are parents started sucking the life out of her. Kris made a claim that she was going to be a housing officer who worked a 40 hour work week and stick to it.
According to Kris McPeak’s book, Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management, productivity and time management success comes down to simple math. There are 24 workable hours in every day. Work 8 hours. Sleep 8 hours. What’s left? 8 Hours. How do you be more productive and manage your time? You elevate your 8.
Talking Points
What are the “8”?
What can be done with hours after the “8”?
On measuring time spent on doing things
Things that needs to be done now vs. Things that can be done later
Scheduling the weekend
The concept of pairing activities and journaling things
What can one do to help them elevate their 8?
Quote
“If we are only working 8 hours a day and we are getting a full 8 hours of sleep at night, what remains is 8 hours. So when I say elevate your 8, that is where you are taking the time to prioritize and utilize those other 8 hours to really ramp up your time management and productivity.”
Relevant Links:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
Pinterest
Book: Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management
The key takeaway from this episode is that if one works only 8 hours a day and sleeps 8 hours a day, then time management boils down to that “Other 8” and that’s usually where people get tripped up. People should think of time as money and prioritize their “spending” because there truly are only 24 usable hours every day.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Jul 10, 2019 • 57min
Getting Video Done with Owen Video
On today’s episode, I spent time with Owen Video. Owen creates livestream and YouTube strategies for brands including show concept, talent, and marketing strategy. His clients’ shows have been recognized as best in class – and with Owen they continue to push the limit in discovering what’s possible with online video. Owen started the Video Marketing School so that business owners could learn how to generate sales with video.
It all started going door-to-door. In 2010, the business community hadn’t even heard of YouTube and the opportunity to reach a marketplace through social media. This is where Owen’s online education began – knocking on doors to offer business video marketing for $20. In one day, he had done 17 videos and he knew he was on to something.
Before long, many of these companies were asking for help with websites, social media, and lead generation. So Owen took the money he was making and invested heavily into online marketing courses, coaching, books, events, and trainings, that would grow his skills and turn him into the masterful marketing machine that he is today.
This was also the time that Owen was creating viral videos. He wrote and produced a series of short films for use in Christian media. Specifically, sermon illustrations, home study videos, and apologetic resources. Many of those videos went viral and some have been purchased for use all over the US. Owen still earn royalties on those films to this day.
Talking Points
What propelled Owen Video to dive into the video space?
The journey of producing YouTube videos before as compared to now
Getting the process in place for someone who wants to create a video
How does one get away from the allure of doing a podcast, blog, video, etc. all at the same time?
What did facing cancer teach Owen?
On scheduling using a calendar and time management
How to get started making or creating videos
Quote
“We believe in the market leader approach. Video is just video unless you are trying to be a market leader and that is what we want.”
Relevant Links:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube
The key takeaway from this episode that productivity, like in many aspects of our work and lives, really does play a role in making videos. Owen knows this and has developed a way to make sure productivity is part of the production process.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Jul 3, 2019 • 46min
Being a Late Bloomer with Rich Karlgaard
On today’s episode, I spent time with Rich Karlgaard. Rich Karlgaard, author of Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement, is the publisher of Forbes magazine and is based in Silicon Valley. He is a lecturer, pilot, and the author of four acclaimed previous books. A self-proclaimed late bloomer, he had a mediocre academic career at Stanford (which he got into by a fluke), and after graduating, worked as a dishwasher, night watchman, and typing temp before finally finding the inner motivation and drive that ultimately led him to his current career trajectory.
After a mediocre academic career at Stanford (which he got into on a fluke), Rich couldn’t hold a job beyond dishwasher, night watchman, and typing temp throughout the majority of his twenties. It wasn’t until his late twenties that his brain “woke up” and he finally found the inner motivation and drive that set him on his current career trajectory. Now, he’s an award-winning entrepreneur-turned-publisher, columnist, author, television commentator, private investor and board director and he’s on a mission to show why we and our employers need to redefine our expectations for the timeline for achievement. In Late Bloomers, which has already received early praise from Adam Grant, Arianna Huffington, and Dan Pink, Rich argues that our society’s growing obsession with wunderkinds has led many of us to buy into a distorted and vastly limiting narrative that if we’re not prodigies, we’ve failed. And yet, a growing body of research in psychology and neuroscience shows that many of us just aren’t wired for such early success: the executive function of our brains, which enables us to see ahead and plan effectively, doesn’t mature until age 25 or later, and different types of our intelligence peak at different stages of our lives, with creative insight improving into middle age.
Talking Points
Why is it important for Rich to write the book Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement?
The role of the media in forcing people to achieve early in life
How important is it for young people or late bloomers to be patient?
How does one navigate to maturity?
Traits that late bloomers have that younger people don’t have
The perception of productivity between young people and late bloomers
The role of social media for the young people and the late bloomers
What can be done with the educational system to fix the false sense of what it can bring
Quote
“The pressure that we are putting on kids to achieve spectacularly and early so they can get into elite colleges so that they can get first jobs at Google or Goldman Sachs is unwarranted because it rewards kids who are really good at taking tests. It rewards those with determined focus and not all kids are built like that. And you see rising raise of anxiety, depression and we even had an epidemic of suicide.”
RELEVANT LINKS
Website
Twitter
LinkedIn
Book: Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement
The key takeaway from this episode is echoes the popular fable The tortoise and The Hare – with the hare being admired more than the tortoise. The idea of slow and steady winning the race still has real power in a world that praises speed and hustle above all else.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Jun 26, 2019 • 1h 13min
5 Days with John Poelstra
On today’s episode, I spend time with John Poelstra on a different kind of episode. I actually walk through the elements of adding elements of TimeCrafting to his productivity workflow through a series of conversations over the course of a five day period. Essentially, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like working with me through one of my Productivityist Coaching experiences.
Here’s a little about today’s guest (and producer of The Productivityist Podcast) John Poelstra…
John helps people take complete ownership of their lives and live in ways that are most meaningful to them–even when they think it’s impossible. This is the crux of his beliefs. John would say that he’s in the “personal development” and “human potential” business and that he help end unnecessary suffering. John loves clarifying confusing ideas and complicated situations that thwart progress and distract people from what’s most important. He helps people get clear on what they want and own their path to it. John helped executives, managers, small business owners, engineers, marketers, and people who are done having life happen to them and want to create something better.
Talking Points
Monday: How John’s doing on Monday morning and how he’s lining up his day
Monday: John’s normal Monday theme
Monday: How important is it for John to start the week right?
Monday: Mike’s homework for John
Tuesday: On how John usually set up his Mondays
Tuesday: Setting up Planning Day
Tuesday: What is John going to learn today?
Wednesday: What did John learn yesterday?
Wednesday: Focusing on what things to do
Wednesday: John’s theme for the day
Wednesday: Mike’s challenge for John
Thursday: How was John’s Wednesday?
Thursday: Lessons on focusing
Thursday: Things to talk about on Friday
Friday: How John feels about keeping a consistent theme throughout the week and weeks beyond?
Friday: Setting up the theme for the day
Friday: Mike reveals the recommended number of weeks where people should practice adopting their theme days
Friday: John’s takeaway from his themed 5 days
Quote
“I cannot say enough about the power of focus and just having these boundaries around what you are supposed to be working on.”
Relevant Links
Website
Twitter
LinkedIn
Podcast: Theme Your Way to Greater Productivity with Mike Vardy (46)
The key takeaway from this episode is that having an outside perspective and accountability can help you see the “blind spots” in your workflow and enhance your personal productivity in the short and long term.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Jun 19, 2019 • 1h 18min
The Magic of Metabolic Profiling with Angelo Poli
On today’s episode, I spent time with Angelo Poli. Angelo Poli is an internationally recognized expert in fitness and nutrition. He’s the Founder of MetPro, the world’s first algorithm based transformation engine. Using a process called “Metabolic Profiling”, MetPro analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your health goals. Angelo has been featured for his specialty in Neuromuscular Re-education (Posture and Alignment) and weight loss sciences in major media outlets such as Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, and he is a regular contributor for The Huffington Post. Angelo has spoken at conferences such as TEDx and continues to be a Wellness Consultant for multiple universities and hospitals around the country.
Angelo Poli has spent much of his career as a motivational speaker, speaking regularly at universities, and hospitals around the country. Angelo was a featured speaker at TEDxChico where he discussed his own achievement in overcoming obstacles. After recovering from a crippling injury himself, Angelo brought to light a whole new way of thinking about health, fitness, and weight loss. His high-profile clientele range in scope from Olympic Athletes, NFL MVPs to physique models, and business leaders. Those who have been fortunate enough to gain coaching from Angelo have consistently achieved exceptional results regardless of their demanding schedules, significant injuries, and crippled metabolisms. Angelo has been featured for his specialty in Neuromuscular Re-education (Posture and Alignment) and weight loss sciences in major media outlets such as Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, and The Hungton Post. In his 20 years of educating the masses and challenging generalized health guidance, Angelo has become one of the most celebrated and desired body transformation experts in the world.
Talking Points
Who is Angelo Poli and what got him interested in fitness, nutrition, and strength?
Where does one begin with his/her fitness journey?
The five areas to look at when developing a strategy
The accountability and flexibility of MetPro
The framework using the MetPro process
On hitting a plateau while using MetPro
The importance of the MetPro data
Nutrition and identifying the levers that will help achieve ones goal
On prepping and planning meals
On how time management is a big part of MetPro
Quote
“I do sometimes retreats and seminars and things like that. People would come to this and say, Mr. Poli I know the names that you worked with or the athletes and this and that… What’s your secret? What is the best food to eat? What is the best exercise to do? And I explain to them, you are asking the wrong questions. That is not the secret to my success! If you want to know the secret to our success with our clients – time management. It’s all about time management and getting the most out of your strategy.”
Relevant Links
Website
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
The key takeaways from this episode is that weight loss is not merely about eating well or eating poorly. Weight loss is an adaptive response and is unique to ones body. (And you have to walk the talk when it comes to your health and fitness.)
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.

Jun 12, 2019 • 42min
Productive Fundraising with Chad Barger
On today’s episode, I spent time with Chad Barger. Chad Barger is a fundraising coach, productivity guru and vlogger. Chad teaches charities how to optimize their fundraising, so they can focus on changing the world. He is the founder and managing director of the firm Productive Fundraising which focuses on implementing simple, effective fundraising systems as well as strategies to strengthen nonprofit boards of directors.
Chad Barger [BAR-jur] teaches small charities to fundraise more effectively. He is better known to many as @fundraiserchad, a trusted guide to the fundraising tactics and tools that are working today. He is a sought after nonprofit fundraising consultant, trainer and coach. Chad has spent his entire career as a fundraiser. He has worked in large shops and small in a variety of sectors (higher education, social services and the arts). He has built fundraising programs from the ground up, rebuilt fundraising programs back to their former glory and taken stagnant organizations to the next level. The campaigns that he has worked on have raised in excess of $40 million dollars for the charities that he’s had the honor of serving.
Talking Points
What Chad brings to the table when it comes to productive fundraising and the area he focuses in particular
How to help an organization that has a small team
What led Chad to the path of fundraising and how did he apply his productivity tactics
Chad’s thoughts on money and expectations
How attuned is Chad on finding gaps in processes that people have in place
How does Chad structure his time to allow him to put his best foot forward with his work and family
What to do when something doesn’t go right or doesn’t work
What’s next for Chad Barger?
How to get people on board to do the “small things”
Quote
“I’m a big fan of harmony over balance. That is the key. How do you maintain that harmony? It’s okay if one thing needs more time now and the other ones need more time later.”
Relevant Links
Website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
Instagram
The key takeaways from this episode is that personal productivity is (at least) half of the problem when doing fundraising. You have to pivot fix that first to create a strong foundation for their new fundraising system.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at nexos.ai/apc today.