Josh Fonger, CEO of WTS Enterprises, talks about adopting a systems mindset in business. They discuss the challenges of embracing a systems mindset, setting strategic objectives, implementing effective work management systems, and the success stories of businesses using systems. They also mention the importance of delegation, overcoming ego, and practical advice on implementing a systems mindset for business success.

James Swanwick, former ESPN SportsCenter anchor, shares insights on optimizing sleep for night owls. He discusses the impact of blue light on sleep and the benefits of wearing blue light blocking glasses. The importance of morning sunlight and avoiding coffee is explored. The effects of aging, changing tolerance, and the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives are discussed. The chapter also emphasizes creating a dark environment for quality sleep and highlights the benefits of blue light blocking glasses.

Erik Fisher, host of the Beyond the To-Do List podcast, reflects on maintaining consistency in over 500 episodes while discussing the evolving significance of the podcast. They also delve into the battle between quality and quantity, the challenges of parenting and work-life balance, and their ambitions to explore new paths in content creation.

David Sparks, a productivity expert and MacSparky, joins the conversation to discuss the changing landscape of productivity and task management. They explore the gold rush for email apps, balancing work-life as a lawyer, the therapeutic power of journaling, and the benefits of systems and tools. David's insights provide actionable wisdom for navigating the bustling professional environment.

Mark Mears, founder and chief growth officer for L.E.A.F. Growth Ventures, talks about purposeful growth and leadership. Topics include measuring fulfillment, creating a community of belonging, leadership as the seed, productivity vs productiveness, turnkey approach in business, and the wisdom behind slowing down to speed up.

Bestselling author Jon Acuff shares insights on unlocking potential and goal setting. He discusses the value of goal setting, factors that keep us stuck, and the human drive to achieve. Acuff emphasizes the significance of guaranteed goals, breaking them into steps, and setting deliberate goals. This episode provides strategies to overcome complacency, break down visions into achievable steps, and offers inspiration for transformative change.

In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the nuances of workplace bias with none other than Andrea Kramer and Alton Harris. Married to each other, Andie and Al are not just partners in life but also co-authors of the enlightening "Beyond Bias: The PATH to End Gender Inequality at Work" which was published on May 16, 2023. Their commitment to addressing gender bias doesn't stop at the written word. For several decades, through various platforms including speaking engagements, workshops, articles, blogs, podcasts, one-on-one counselling, and collaborations with national and international business and professional organizations, they have passionately tackled the omnipresent issue of gender bias in the workplace. With notable appearances in publications like The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes (to name a few) they have consistently provided practical techniques for individuals and organizations to counteract the gender stereotypes and biases that threaten women's career advancements.We delve into various topics, including the challenges of introducing oneself, the effects of bias on productivity, and practical ways to make workplaces more equitable and fair. Throughout the discussion, listeners will gain a fresh perspective on gender issues and the subtle biases that influence our day-to-day interactions.Key Discussion Points Introduction Dynamics: The complexity of dual introductions and a peek into the book "Beyond Bias". Understanding Workplace Bias: Exploring the influence of bias on productivity, the presumption that an organization is not functioning efficiently, and the essence of their two prior books on gender bias. Steps Beyond the Bias: How to eliminate exclusionary behavior, the significance of small gestures, and the role of meta-leadership. Preventing Complacency: The importance of embedding the focus on eliminating bias within other core workplace objectives. The Path to Change: Discussing the shortcomings of organizational efforts towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and practical methods to make personnel decisions bias-resistant. Addressing Bias in Hiring: The necessity of bias guardrails during hiring, making hiring more equitable, and challenges surrounding remote work and its gender implications. Home Inequality as a Workplace Issue: Recognizing gender inequality in domestic settings, the dire need for flexible time schedules, and extended support for parental leaves. As we wrap up this enlightening episode with Andrea and Alton, it's evident that the journey to end gender inequality in the workplace requires both self-awareness and collective effort. From understanding the underlying biases to implementing actionable steps, there's a lot that we can do, both as individuals and organizations. Thanks for tuning in.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Andrea and Alton: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube The Book We Discussed: Beyond Bias: The PATH to End Gender Inequality at Work Read: How to Design Workplace Systems That Work for Everyone Related Conversation: Episode 458: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized 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

Charlie Gilkey, productivity expert, discusses time management, project momentum, life vs. work projects, and the emotional hurdles of starting and finishing projects. He shares insights into writing his book and the balance between emotion and logic in storytelling.

In this episode I have the privilege of conversing with Constance Dierickx, Ph.D., famously known as The Decision Doctor®.A trusted advisor to boards and senior executives, Constance has lent her expertise to leaders across dozens of industries on five continents. With a proven track record of aiding leaders in increasing revenue, mastering top-level transitions, enabling strategic pivots, and ensuring M&A successes at a rate 400% above the average, she is undeniably at the top of her field.During our discussion we dive deep into the insights from her latest book, "Meta-Leadership: How to See What Others Don't and Make Great Decisions." This book introduces the concept of Meta-Leadership, a groundbreaking paradigm designed to reshape how leaders think, harness emotions effectively, and take wise actions.Key Discussion Points Dichotomous Thinking and Recognizing Mistakes: Dive into the complexities of black and white thinking and its constraints. Explore why leaders possess an exceptional ability to synthesize and perceive beyond the apparent. Delve into the distinction between being a leader and a manager. The Three Dimensions of Leadership: Discover the core elements of leadership: thinking, emotion, and behavior, all grounded in science. Understand the reasons behind the selection of these dimensions and their influence on leadership potential. Shortcuts, Uncertainty, and Decision-making: Unpack how our inherent desire to alleviate uncertainty drives us to develop mental shortcuts. Explore their advantages and potential pitfalls, supplemented by insights from Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking Fast and Slow." The Ice Cream Factor and the Power of Novelty: Discuss the merits and downsides of routine vs novelty in our daily choices. Emphasize the importance of adaptability and flexibility, and revisit revolutionary historical predictions. Emotional Component of Leadership: Delve into the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership and how emotions can both empower and, if unchecked, limit a leader's vision and actions. Returning to the Office Post-Pandemic: Reflect on the rapid changes induced by the pandemic and their implications for meta-leadership. Explore the nuances of leading teams back to physical workplaces in the new normal. The Power of Reflective Practices: Highlight the underestimated importance of journaling and reflection for leaders, illustrating how retrospection can be a guide to future strategies and decisions. Distinguishing Good from Not-Good: Learn how to discern quality, especially within the finance sector, and utilize the 80/20 rule as a valuable tool for account managers. Dive into this episode as Constance shares her profound knowledge and experience, guiding us through the maze of leadership complexities. Whether you aim to polish your leadership techniques, seek innovative problem-solving strategies, or simply wish to grasp the psychology behind decisive actions, this episode promises invaluable insights.Links Worth Exploring Connect With Constance: Website | Facebook | X (née Twitter) | LinkedIn Constance's Book We Discussed: Meta-Leadership: How To See What Others Don't And Make Great Decisions Read This: The Magical Move Leaders Can Make To Create Seismic Change Related Conversation: Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke 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

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