A Productive Conversation

In this episode, I reconnect with productivity strategist Yvonne Heimann—aka AskYvi—who’s not only made a bold geographic shift but is navigating personal and professional freedom with intention and clarity. We explore what it looks like to trust the systems you’ve built, especially when life throws curveballs or invites you into a new chapter.Yvi shares her journey from San Diego to Vancouver Island, a leap that challenged her structured mindset but reaffirmed the foundation she’d built in her business. We discuss the nuances between planning and preparation, how constraints can become catalysts for creativity, and what it really takes to be nimble without losing direction.Six Discussion PointsWhy Yvi left San Diego and how that decision sparked unexpected growthThe difference between planning and preparation—and why that mattersHow building systems in business created personal freedomLetting go of perfection and trusting the foundation insteadThe role of journaling and rituals when life becomes unpredictableWhy boundaries in business are not restrictive—they’re liberatingHow dynamic environments call for static anchors and structureThree Connection PointsAskYvi.comYvi's YouTube ChannelClickUpYvonne’s story is a masterclass in what it means to build a business and life that are both stable and adaptable. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded while embracing change, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. (Originally released August 2021)

It was a real treat to welcome Keith Ferrazzi back to the show—especially to discuss his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship. Keith’s work has long pushed beyond traditional leadership models, and this conversation builds on that legacy with his fresh concept of “teamship.”We dig into how the book is structured like a workbook, intentionally concise but rich with practices, diagnostics, and stories from leaders who’ve made the shift. Keith shares not only what teamship is, but why it matters more than ever—especially in a world that’s still grappling with how work actually works.Six Discussion PointsWhy the term “teamship” matters and how it reframes traditional leadership modelsThe power of practices like “stress testing” and “candor breaks” in elevating team dynamicsHow the book is structured for flexibility and immediate application—like a toolkit, not a textbookWhy teams should redefine who is on their “team” beyond the org chartThe myth of efficiency and how true growth emerges through inclusive co-creationWhy engineers—more than MBAs—are driving the future of how we collaborateThree Connection PointsKeithFerrazzi.comNever Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to TeamshipEpisode 306: Leading Without Authority with Keith FerrazziThis conversation reminded me why Keith’s work continues to influence how I think about leadership, collaboration, and the future of work. Never Lead Alone isn’t just a book title—it’s a call to action for all of us to stop putting the weight of progress on a single set of shoulders. The path forward is teamship. I hope this conversation sparks that shift for you, too.

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I go deep on foundational elements of productiveness. And for this one—our 600th episode, no less—we dive into a topic that touches everything from our to-do lists to our dinner prep: focus.What does it really mean to focus? And more importantly, how do we hold onto it when the world (and our brains) are pulling us in a million directions? Patrick and I get personal, philosophical, and practical in this candid conversation about the mechanics, challenges, and beauty of attention.Six Discussion PointsWhy clarity is essential for cultivating focusHow poor planning can derail your ability to be present (and how to get back on track)The four spheres of attention: Noticing, Awareness, Focus, and ConcentrationHow setting an intention—before a task or even a class—can sharpen your resultsThe role of tools, routines, and even AI in maintaining (or stealing) our attentionWhy focus is as much about space as it is about time3 Connection PointsPatrick's blogTed Lasso's "Be Curious" SceneThe Center Must Hold (but can it?)Focus isn’t just about removing distractions—it’s about choosing what matters and committing to it with clarity and care. Whether we’re talking about planning meals or choosing how to use AI, what Patrick and I come back to again and again is this: the quality of your attention determines the quality of your experience. And we hope this conversation helps you experience more of what really matters.

When I first heard the term conative, I was surprised I hadn’t come across it before. After all, I live in the productivity space. But after my conversation with David Kolbe, it became clear just how crucial it is to understand this third part of the mind—especially if we want to work more naturally and avoid burnout.David is the CEO of Kolbe Corp and co-author of the book Do More, More Naturally: Empowering Effortless Success and the Freedom to Be Yourself. In this episode, we dive into how understanding your instinctive strengths—the way you naturally take action—can dramatically shift your productivity, your teamwork, and your overall approach to work and time.Six Discussion PointsWhat “conative” means and why it’s a vital (and often overlooked) aspect of how we get things doneThe three parts of the mind—cognitive, affective, and conative—and how each plays a role in productivityHow to stop following one-size-fits-all productivity advice and instead lean into your natural strengthsWhat organizations can do to allow employees to operate more naturally without sacrificing excellenceWhy balance isn’t about 50/50—it’s about harmony and nuancePractical steps for realigning with your natural way of working when feeling stuck or exhaustedThree Connection PointsDavid's WebsiteDo More More Naturally: Empowering Effortless Success and the Freedom to Be YourselfReason plays a role in this. Give this a read if you want reason on your side.David’s insights are a refreshing reminder that productivity isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we instinctively do it. I walked away from this conversation with a new appreciation for nuance, individuality, and the value of building systems that work with our natural tendencies rather than against them. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but still not in flow, this episode might be just what you need.

Austin Kleon, author of 'Keep Going' and 'Steal Like an Artist,' shares his insights on creativity and routine, drawing inspiration from his kids for his upcoming book, 'Don’t Call It Art.' He discusses the necessity of establishing daily rituals and boundaries to enhance focus. Paying attention in a distracted world is vital, and Austin emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal journals for self-reflection. His perspective on creating dedicated 'bliss stations' sheds light on how space and time can fuel our creative flows.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Krish Ramineni, co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai. Krish has had an impressive journey—from being one of Microsoft’s youngest product managers to launching Fireflies, an AI-powered meeting assistant. He’s also been named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and has guest lectured at Stanford on deep learning and machine learning.We cover a lot in this conversation—how AI can enhance focus, how Krish avoids getting pulled into shiny object syndrome while building Fireflies, and what the future of AI-powered productivity looks like. If you’re curious about AI’s role in work and how to stay on track while scaling a business, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Key Discussion PointsHow Fireflies.ai helps people focus on what matters by automating meeting notes.Why AI should seamlessly integrate into workflows instead of requiring users to change habits.The balance between quantitative and qualitative work—and how AI can enhance both.How Krish resisted distractions and stayed committed to building Fireflies.ai instead of pivoting too soon.The role of AI in streamlining meetings and reducing unnecessary communication overhead.The challenge of maintaining focus while scaling a tech startup.Where AI is headed next and how people can leverage it for both efficiency and creativity.This conversation is a must-listen if you’re interested in AI’s practical applications, how to use it to free up mental space, and what it takes to stay focused in an industry that’s always shifting.Links Worth ExploringConnect with Krish: LinkedIn | InstagramCheck out Fireflies.ai: Click hereLearn more about Krish's story: Read it hereRelated Conversation: Episode 525: Mat Ellis Talks About Balancing Productivity and Personal Connection with AIRelated Blog Post: The Speed of RightThanks 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. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then 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

This episode of PM Talks is all about curiosity—how it drives us, how it gets suppressed, and how it intertwines with trust and judgment. Patrick Rhone and I dive deep into the forces that shape our thinking, from societal conditioning to personal experiences. As always, we take a thoughtful (and sometimes humorous) approach to unpacking these ideas.We explore why curiosity is often discouraged, how judgment can be a shortcut that stifles growth, and what it means to stay open-minded in an increasingly polarized world. Plus, we talk about journaling, trust, and even how sports fandoms can lead to unexpected insights.Key Discussion Points The paradox of curiosity—how it's both encouraged and discouraged in society Why judgment often wins over curiosity and how that impacts trust How breaking down projects fosters curiosity and prevents blind trust in assumptions The role of journaling in cultivating curiosity and letting go of judgment How social conditioning teaches efficiency over exploration (and why we need to push back) The concept of a Judgment Journal and a Book of Curiosities as tools for reflection How our kids reflect and challenge our own curiosities in unexpected ways We wrap up by discussing how staying curious can build stronger relationships and deeper understanding—whether it’s in politics, personal growth, or simply learning a new skill.Links Worth Exploring Patrick's book, "For You" Patrick’s Website Ted Lasso: The "darts" scene PM Talks S2E2: Alignment Sensible Defaults The Hartford Whalers goal song (for those who love hockey nostalgia) Mel Robbins’ “Let Them Theory” video (Note: She's not the originator of "Let Them" – Cassie Phillips is. Read more here.) Watch "The Social Dilemma" Take The Journaling Persona Assessment Check out ALL of the PM Talks episodes 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. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then 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 sit down with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Ness Labs, to discuss her new book Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World. Anne-Laure is known for blending science with practical strategies for thinking, learning, and working better—without burning out.We explore how small, low-risk experiments can lead to big changes, why curiosity is a powerful productivity tool, and how to break free from rigid goal-setting. Anne-Laure also shares how she applies scientific thinking to everyday decision-making, along with strategies for balancing structure and flexibility in personal growth.Key Discussion Points How Tiny Experiments challenges traditional goal-setting and promotes flexible, curiosity-driven progress. Why experimentation is a powerful approach to productivity, creativity, and decision-making. How small, low-risk experiments can help overcome perfectionism and fear of failure. The importance of intentional imperfection in balancing work, personal growth, and well-being. How curiosity can serve as a guide for making meaningful progress. Why journaling and self-reflection play a critical role in evaluating experiments. How to create sustainable productivity habits that adapt over time. This conversation is a great reminder that productivity isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about experimenting, learning, and growing in a way that works for you.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Anne-Laure: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Get the book we discuss: Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World Related Conversation: Episode 448: Tiago Forte talks about Building a Second Brain Related Blog Post: Why You Should Play Productivity “Small Ball” 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. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then 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

Over the years, I've had plenty of insightful conversations on this podcast, and one that still stands out is my discussion with Charlie Gilkey about his book Start Finishing. This Flashback Friday episode brings that conversation back, but with a twist—we start with an update from Charlie on what he's been up to since then.Charlie is someone who has spent years helping people make meaningful progress, and since our last chat, he's been busy launching Momentum, an app designed to reduce productivity friction, and shifting his Productive Flourishing platform over to Substack. In this episode, we pick up where we left off, exploring what’s changed in the way he approaches work, productivity, and team habits.Key Discussion Points What’s new with Charlie since Start Finishing—from launching an app to shifting his content to Substack. How Momentum helps people with chunking and sequencing work without unnecessary friction. Why project management in teams requires a different approach than solo work. The evolution from Start Finishing to Team Habits—and why team productivity is a whole new challenge. The struggle of balancing efficiency with real productivity, especially in hybrid work environments. Why mastery comes from finishing projects, not just starting them. How leaders need to redefine productivity outputs before demanding return-to-office mandates. Charlie and I have been in this space for a long time, and it’s always refreshing to catch up and exchange ideas. Whether you're new to his work or have followed Productive Flourishing for years, this episode has plenty of takeaways on making progress that actually matters. (Originally released September 2019)Links Worth Exploring Connect With Charlie/Productive Flourishing: Website | YouTube  | LinkedIn The Book We Discussed This Time: Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results The Book We Discussed Last Time: Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done Another Productive Conversation With Charlie: Watch On My YouTube Channel Related Conversation: Episode 127: A Focus on Flourishing with Charlie Gilkey Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish) 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. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then 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 sit down with Kerry Ann King, the founder and CEO of Eluminate Labs. Kerry Ann has spent more than a decade working inside the tech industry to promote human-centered approaches to well-being. She’s now leading the charge in decolonizing tech, creating inclusive solutions that put people first.Our conversation explores the transactional nature of productivity, the intersection of art and work, and how we can break free from extractive approaches to time management. Kerry Ann shares insights on how we can shift away from the pressure to do more and instead focus on creating real impact. We also dive into Fin, a positive productivity app from Eluminate Labs designed to help users better understand their productivity style.Key Discussion Points Why productivity shouldn’t be about extraction but about meaningful impact. The difference between transactional productivity and relational productivity. How the arts can teach us about persistence, focus, and creativity. The tension between structure and flexibility in how we measure progress. The role of intention in both personal and professional work. The story behind Fin and how it helps people uncover their productivity style. The importance of recognizing that different seasons of life require different productivity approaches. This conversation challenges conventional productivity narratives and offers a refreshing take on how we can work with intention rather than just efficiency.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Kerry Ann: Website | LinkedIn Check out Fin: Click here Rick Rubin's book: The Creative Act: A Way of Being Watch what John Cena's (other) watch said Related Conversation: Episode 511: Francesco D’Alessio Talks About Innovative Productivity Apps and Methodologies Related Blog Post: Focus On The App Within 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. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then 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