A Productive Conversation

This episode is the latest in our monthly series PM Talks, where Patrick Rhone and I dive into ideas that shape the way we approach work, time, and life. In this conversation, we explore the theme of clarity—how it shows up in our days, why it matters, and what can get in the way of it.Patrick and I both share personal stories—from missed football games to unexpected ISP issues—that highlight how clarity isn’t something we stumble upon, but something we need to cultivate. We talk about how structure and spontaneity coexist, and how clarity can be found even when life throws curveballs (or waves, as one Zen monk would put it).Six Discussion PointsWhy sports outcomes and emotional responses can affect clarity in daily lifeThe value of scaffolding (like time theming) to provide focus without rigidityLessons from the New Yorker article Can You Really Live One Day at a Time?Insights from Paul Loomans’ Time Surfing and how it relates to productivity practicesThe role of feelings: how they can cloud or create clarityThe practice of taking a “Clarity Day” to step back, reflect, and resetThree Connection PointsPatrick Rhone’s WebsiteThe Productivity Diet by Mike Vardy“Can You Really Live One Day at a Time?” – The New YorkerClarity isn’t about controlling every moment—it’s about navigating the waves of life with intention and awareness. I hope this episode gives you a chance to pause, reflect, and maybe even consider setting aside your own Clarity Day.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Jesse J. Anderson, a writer, speaker, coach, and ADHD advocate whose work has resonated with countless people navigating life with ADHD. He’s the author of Extra Focus: The Quick Start Guide to Adult ADHD and the voice behind the popular newsletter of the same name.Jesse brings a mix of humor, honesty, and lived experience to the conversation. We dive into the challenges of attention, time, and motivation—and the strategies that can help not only those with ADHD, but anyone who wants to work with their brain instead of against it.Six Discussion PointsHow Jesse’s diagnosis at 36 reframed his past struggles and opened new possibilities.The concept of the “clockless mind” and why time feels so different for those with ADHD.The oscillation between friction and flow—and how to recognize both.Jesse’s “4Cs” framework (Captivate, Create, Compete, Complete) for unlocking motivation.Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and how it impacts relationships and self-perception.Why strategies like adding action verbs to tasks and “eating the ice cream first” can help create momentum.Three Connection PointsJesse's Extra Focus newsletterGet Jesse's BookListen to APC 164: Faster Than Normal with Peter ShankmanTalking with Jesse reminded me that productivity isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you live with ADHD or simply want to work more effectively, strategies like the 4Cs and reframing how you view time can shift the way you approach your day. I hope you’ll check out Jesse’s work and experiment with some of these ideas yourself.

On this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Leslie Grandy, author of Creative Velocity: Propelling Breakthrough Ideas in the Age of Generative AI. Leslie is a global product executive turned CEO advisor who helps organizations unlock creative thinking to accelerate growth. Her decades of leadership at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and T-Mobile give her a unique perspective on how creativity, technology, and leadership intersect.Our conversation explores why creativity isn’t limited to artists, how space and time fuel ideation, and what role emotional regulation plays in sustaining momentum. We also dig into how precision, AI, and frameworks can both hinder and propel breakthrough ideas. If you’ve ever doubted your own creativity—or wondered how to harness it consistently—you’ll want to hear this one.Six Discussion PointsWhy many professionals mistakenly believe they aren’t creative—and how to reframe that thinking.The power of space—whether walking, running, or even showering—in activating creative flow.Precision as both a driver and deterrent of creative velocity, depending on how it’s applied.Emotional regulation and equanimity as essential tools for sustaining creativity without burnout.How to think about velocity beyond speed—focusing on predictability, quality, and intentional triggers.Using AI as a creative collaborator through structured frameworks to expand possibilities without chaos.Three Connection PointsGet Leslie's bookWatch John Cleese’s classic talk on creativityCheck out NotebookLMThis conversation with Leslie reminded me that creativity isn’t an exclusive club—it’s a capacity we all share, provided we give ourselves the time, space, and intention to use it. Whether you’re leading a team, writing your next book, or simply looking to bring more meaning to your daily choices, Leslie’s insights on creative velocity offer a clear path forward.

I had the chance to sit down with Neil Ghosh, a seasoned executive whose work has spanned the nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and private sectors. He’s also the author of Do More Good: Inspiring Lessons from Extraordinary People, a book filled with stories of leaders, visionaries, and everyday people who embody the power of empathy, courage, and action.In our conversation, Neil and I dove into the importance of perspective, why empathy isn’t a “soft” skill but a strategic one, and how small actions can have extraordinary impact. We explored how his upbringing in Kolkata shaped his worldview, the lessons he learned from people like John McCain and Shimon Peres, and why legacy is something you influence—but never fully control.Six Discussion PointsWhy doing more good is different from simply doing more.The value of travel—both near and far—in broadening empathy and perspective.Lessons from John McCain about honoring principles and bridging divides.The role of humility and how serving with it can reshape leadership.How listening deeply—not just hearing—creates space for meaningful change.Why legacy is less about control and more about the small, consistent actions we leave behind.Three Connection PointsNeil’s book: Do More Good5 Steps Anyone Can Take to “Do More Good” and Make a Lasting Impact | Success MagazineYour Time is Not Thine: Rethinking “Know Thy Time”Conversations like this remind me that productivity isn’t about output for its own sake—it’s about impact. Neil’s perspective reinforces the idea that empathy, humility, and legacy aren’t separate from our work, but central to it. I hope this episode leaves you inspired to do not just more, but more good.

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, and Patrick Rhone and I dive into the idea of connection—what it means, how it shows up in unexpected ways, and why it’s such a powerful force in our lives. From sports teams and fandoms to faith, empathy, and even the role AI can play in everyday decisions, we explore how connection shapes the way we live, work, and relate to the world.As always, the conversation is a mix of personal stories, practical reflections, and thoughtful insights. It’s one of those talks that started in one place (football fandom, of all things) and wound its way toward something bigger—how our connections help us build meaning, resilience, and compassion in a busy, noisy world.Six Discussion PointsHow fandom and sports teams spark lifelong connections—sometimes for surprising reasons.Why values strengthen or weaken our bonds, whether with people, communities, or organizations.The role empathy and compassion play as natural outcomes of genuine connection.How faith, rituals, and shared traditions anchor identity and belonging.The importance of questioning what we connect to and why, especially in daily life.How tools like AI can reduce decision fatigue and help free us up for deeper connections.Three Connection PointsPatrick's WebsiteThe Fundamentals with David Robinson(s)A conversation with Martin Sheen and Rick Steves on the value of travel and "The Way"At its heart, this episode reminds us that connection is about much more than shared interests—it’s about empathy, values, and the choices we make every day. I hope you find it as thought-provoking to listen to as it was for us to record.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Chris Ducker—serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and longtime friend—to talk about his latest book, The Long Haul Leader: 10 Strategies to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Achieve Lasting Success. Chris has spent over two decades building, buying, and selling businesses, while mentoring leaders worldwide.Our conversation goes beyond business tactics. Chris shares candid stories of burnout, rebuilding, and how energy—not time—is the most valuable asset for sustainable success. From the importance of patience to the role of hobbies in leadership, this episode offers insight into what it really takes to thrive for the long haul.Six Discussion PointsWhy hustle is a season, not a lifestyleThe lessons Chris learned from battling burnout—twiceWhy energy is more valuable than time for leadersThe art of letting go: selling businesses and focusing on what mattersHow patience, adaptability, and presence shape long-term leadershipWhy hobbies and creative outlets are vital to performance and recoveryThree Connection PointsGet Chris's Book: The Long Haul LeaderThe Long Haul Leader SummitChris's websiteChris’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about building sustainability into your life and work. The principles he shares in The Long Haul Leader apply whether you’re running a company, leading a team, or simply trying to create a healthier balance for yourself.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I welcome Ben Amos—video strategist, producer, international speaker, and author of Engage: The Definitive Guide to Video Strategy for Business. Ben has helped brands and entrepreneurs around the globe cut through the noise and connect with their audiences through intentional video.We dig into why strategy must come before tactics, how to identify your ideal audience, and the real role video can play in building relationships that convert. This isn’t about shiny equipment or the latest platform—it’s about clarity, focus, and showing up with purpose.Six Discussion PointsWhy the pandemic accelerated the adoption and acceptance of videoThe Sun Tzu quote that shapes Ben’s approach: “Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat”How to define your audience with a singular avatar—and why that mattersSetting clear goals for each video in alignment with the customer journeyThe seven elements of video strategy and why production comes lastPractical tips for repurposing podcasts and long-form content into impactful short videosThree Connection PointsEngage: The Definitive Guide to Video Strategy for BusinessBen's websiteEngage Video Marketing PodcastTalking with Ben reminded me that video doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a strategy-first mindset, it becomes less about keeping up with trends and more about connecting with the right people at the right time. Whether you’re starting fresh or rethinking your current approach, Ben’s insights are the kind that can change how you view video in your work.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Michael Timms—TEDx speaker, leadership consultant, and author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability. This conversation is a part of our ongoing exploration into the habits that drive not just productivity, but the kind of leadership that inspires lasting impact.Michael unpacks how accountability is often misunderstood and misused—weaponized as blame rather than cultivated as ownership. We explore what it means to truly support people to be accountable, the distinction between leadership and management, and the systems thinking leaders must embrace to avoid finger-pointing and foster real results.Six Discussion PointsWhy “holding people accountable” is the wrong approach—and what to say insteadThe critical distinction between leadership and managementHow self-awareness and humility form the foundation of great leadershipWhat journaling, feedback, and asking for advice all have in commonThe three habits of inspiring accountability—and why they work in harmonySystems thinking: how leaders can engineer solutions that prevent future issuesThree Connection PointsHow Leaders Can Inspire AccountabilityMichael's TEDx Talk – How to Claim Your Leadership PowerWhy Reading Leadership Books will Boost Your ProductivityThis conversation with Michael was a powerful reminder that the best leaders don’t point fingers—they build frameworks. If you're looking to lead with more clarity, humility, and purpose, I highly recommend picking up his book and watching his TEDx talk. True accountability isn’t about control—it’s about connection.

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where I’m joined by my friend Patrick Rhone to explore timeless ideas around productivity, creativity, and everything in between. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into what it really means to be creative—especially when you're busy, overwhelmed, or stuck in perfectionism.We unpack how constraints can fuel creativity, how time and space are both essential and elusive, and why imperfection might be your creative superpower. There’s a lot of riffing, real talk, and reflection in this one—and if you’ve felt like your creative well is running dry, this might be the refill you’ve been waiting for.Six Discussion PointsThe relationship between speed, structure, and creativityWhy constraints can actually enhance creativity (yes, really)John Cleese’s insight: creativity requires both time and spaceHow perfectionism can sabotage creative flowTurning mundane tasks into creative opportunitiesThe importance of being your own audience—and knowing what’s “for you”Three Connection PointsPatrick’s WebsiteRick Rubin's The Creative Act: A Way of Being"The creative process needs space—not just time." Read 50 more lessons I've learned here.This episode is a reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone trying to make something meaningful with their time. Whether you’re juggling routines, deadlines, or just trying to show up a little more intentionally each day, the ideas we explore here can help unlock creative momentum—even in life’s most constrained moments.

Brian Tracy returns to A Productive Conversation to mark the launch of the 4th Edition of Eat That Frog!, the productivity classic that has helped millions worldwide stop procrastinating and get more done. This updated edition includes a new chapter on the Law of Three, enhanced tools, and a built-in discussion and action guide — making it more relevant than ever in a world filled with distractions and overwhelm.In this bonus episode, Brian and I dive deep into what has (and hasn’t) changed since the original book’s release, how people can adapt the “eat the frog” principle to their unique rhythms (yes, night owls included), and why self-discipline is the key to self-esteem — and ultimately, success.Six Discussion PointsWhy now was the right time for a 4th Edition of Eat That Frog! — and what’s new insideHow the definition of the “frog” has held steady, even as the world has changedBrian’s insights on habit formation and why bad habits don’t go away — they get replacedThe role of self-discipline in building confidence, clarity, and resultsHow prioritization is even more important today — and how the “Law of Three” can helpWhy you should listen to your heart, trust your gut, and do more of what matters mostThree Connection PointsEat That Frog! 4th Edition on AmazonBrian Tracy’s WebsiteEpisode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian TracyIt’s always an honour to speak with Brian Tracy — and this conversation was no exception. Whether you're a longtime fan of Eat That Frog! or discovering it for the first time, this episode is packed with timeless advice and fresh insights to help you sharpen your focus, overcome procrastination, and move toward your goals with clarity and confidence.