A Productive Conversation

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my 2018 conversation with Dan Schawbel, a thought leader in workplace trends and human connection. We originally spoke about his book Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation, which explores how technology can be used as a bridge—not a barrier—to meaningful relationships.Since then, Dan has continued to shape conversations around workplace dynamics as Managing Partner at Workplace Intelligence, conducting research with major brands like Amazon and Deloitte. His podcast, 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel, has featured leaders such as Richard Branson and Condoleezza Rice, and his LinkedIn Learning courses have reached over 220,000 students.Key Discussion Points The central theme of Back to Human: using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection. Why leaders need to focus on human-first workplaces to improve engagement and productivity. The benefits of in-person interaction—why one face-to-face conversation is worth 34 emails. The Work Connectivity Index—a tool for assessing the strength of work relationships. How attending events alone can be a powerful networking tool. Strategies for leveraging technology to deepen relationships rather than create distractions. The impact of remote work on workplace connection and long-term employee retention. This conversation is a timely reminder that productivity isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about fostering meaningful relationships. As we navigate hybrid work environments and digital-first communication, Dan’s insights remain as relevant today as they were when we first published this episode. (Originally released November 2018)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Dan: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Get the book we discuss: Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation Check out Dan's LinkedIn Learning classes (and check out mine too) Listen to Dan's podcast: 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel Read this: Law of Jante, a Scandinavian Code of Conduct Read: The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr Read: How our 269 billion emails a day have made us miserable Check this out: Introduction to Back to Human Watch: The Back to Human Office Party [Comedy Sketch] | Related Conversation: Episode 363: Meaningful Online Connections with Misha Glouberman Related Blog Post: Five Proven Ways To Have a Better Work Day 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 Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter to explore the themes of their book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide for Designing a Thriving Future. As leaders at Stanford's d.school—Scott as Creative Director and Carissa as Academic Director—they've spent years shaping design education and innovation.Our discussion goes beyond traditional design thinking and into the complexities of decision-making, efficiency, and the balance between logic and emotion. We also explore the concept of Runaway Design, how the speed of technological change is shaping our world, and why embracing imperfection is essential for building a better future.Key Discussion Points What Runaway Design is and why we need to "unmake" it to build a better future. The importance of balancing emotion and logic when making decisions. Why uncertainty is inevitable—and how to design with it rather than against it. The role of pausing and curiosity in responding to challenges rather than reacting. How to find harmony in work, life, and productivity instead of seeking rigid balance. Why meaningful work should be measured by quality rather than quantity. The impact of AI, synthetic biology, and other evolving technologies on how we design the future. Scott and Carissa’s insights offer a thought-provoking look at how we navigate complexity, make better decisions, and create a world that is both innovative and intentional.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Scott: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Carissa: Website | LinkedIn Get the book we discussed: Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future Get Scott's book: Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration Get Carissa's book: The Secret Language of Maps: How to Tell Visual Stories with Data Related Conversation: Episode 191: Designing Your Mindset with Andy Murphy Related Blog Post: Designs on Life 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

Fifteen years into her journey of simplicity, Courtney Carver continues to inspire people to do more with less. In this special Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, we revisit a past conversation from March 2020 about Project 333, her minimalist fashion challenge that has helped thousands streamline their wardrobes and their lives. But before that, we catch up on her latest book, Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want.Courtney and I discuss the natural evolution of her work, moving from simplifying physical spaces to creating mental and emotional spaciousness. She shares the origin story of Gentle, which began with a 3 AM epiphany, and why she believes we need to rethink our relationship with time and space. Then, we dive into the practicalities of Project 333, its impact beyond decluttering closets, and how it can lead to greater peace and clarity in everyday life.Key Discussion Points How Gentle came to life and why simplicity isn’t just about stuff—it’s about creating space. The evolution of Courtney’s work from Soulful Simplicity to Project 333 to Gentle. The hidden emotional weight of clutter and how removing physical items can lighten mental loads. Why spaciousness—physical, mental, and emotional—is something we rarely talk about but deeply need. The common misconception that Project 333 is only for women and how anyone can benefit from a curated wardrobe. Decision fatigue, the power of limiting choices, and how a minimalist wardrobe can reduce daily stress. Practical tips for starting Project 333, dealing with sentimental items, and handling gifts that don’t align with a simpler lifestyle. Courtney's approach to simplicity is thoughtful, actionable, and, above all, gentle. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by too much—whether it’s in your schedule, your home, or your mind—this conversation will give you both practical steps and fresh perspectives on what truly matters. (Originally released March 2020)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Courtney: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Get Courtney's book: Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want Get Courtney's book: Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More Weed Out the Clothes You Don’t Wear with a Simple Hanger Trick Everything You Need to Know About Project 333 Related Conversation: Episode 75: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver Related Blog Post: Do You Want Fast Or Do You Want Forever? 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

The latest episode of PM Talks is here, and this month, Patrick Rhone and I dive into alignment—a concept that is critical for making meaningful progress in both work and life. As we move beyond the fresh-start energy of January, February is often when things begin to fray. That’s why now is the perfect time to step back and examine whether our actions are truly aligned with our intentions.Alignment isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about ensuring that what we do actually moves us in the right direction. In this conversation, Patrick and I explore how alignment impacts productivity, why asking "why" is just as important as asking "what’s next?", and how attunement plays a role in adapting to life’s ever-changing landscape.Key Discussion Points Why alignment is more than just checking things off a to-do list—it’s about meaningful action. The missing piece in traditional productivity systems: aligning actions with deeper intentions. The difference between alignment (structured precision) and attunement (adaptive responsiveness). Why Making It All Work by David Allen is an underrated book on the "why" of productivity. How regularly questioning “why” can dramatically reduce overwhelm and improve decision-making. The tension between who we are, who we want to be, and what we actually do each day. The role of curiosity in navigating misalignment and adjusting course when needed. As we wrap up, we lay the groundwork for next month’s PM Talks on curiosity—a natural follow-up to this discussion. If you’ve ever felt out of sync with your goals or struggled to balance structure with flexibility, this episode will help you find clarity.Links Worth Exploring Patrick's book, "For You" Patrick’s Website An underrated David Allen book: Making It All Work Fish: A Tap Essay We didn't talk about this, but it does have to do with "why" 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 Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Joshua Becker to discuss his book Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life. Joshua is known for his work on minimalism, but this book goes beyond decluttering physical possessions—it’s about eliminating the distractions that keep us from focusing on what truly matters.Our conversation explores the distractions that pull us away from meaning and purpose, including fear, technology, and the constant pursuit of more. We also discuss how intentionality and regular reflection can help us stay aligned with what matters most. If you've ever felt like you’re losing time to things that don’t truly fulfill you, this episode is for you.Key Discussion Points The biggest distractions that keep us from focusing on what truly matters. Why fear is one of the most powerful distractions—and how to overcome it. The role of technology in pulling our attention away from meaningful pursuits. Why the pursuit of more (money, possessions, status) often leads us further from fulfillment. How intentional reflection can keep us aligned with our values and priorities. The importance of capturing ideas without letting them overwhelm us. Why time feels like it moves faster as we age—and how to make the most of it. This conversation is packed with insights that will help you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. (Originally released April 2022)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Joshua: Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram Joshua’s Book: Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life Check out Simplify Magazine: Click here for 50% off (Already a subscriber? Read my essay here.) Read Joshua's blog post: A New Day at Becoming Minimalist Check out The Hope Effect: Click here Related Conversation: Episode 91: The More of Less with Joshua Becker Related Blog Post: I Think Ivy Lee Was Right 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

Ideas shape our lives—sometimes without us even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with Nathan J. Murphy, founder of Prepolitica and author of The Ideas That Rule Us, to explore how the ideas we inherit, adopt, and hold onto influence our decisions, beliefs, and behaviors.Nathan brings a deep, research-driven approach to understanding the power of ideas, questioning why we cling to certain concepts while rejecting others. We discuss how ideologies form, how words and terms evolve (and sometimes get corrupted), and how to critically assess which ideas serve us—and which ones hold us back. If you've ever wondered how to break free from ingrained thought patterns or how societal narratives shape your thinking, this conversation is for you.Key Discussion Points The origins of ideas and why they shape our decisions more than we realize How ideologies form—and why breaking free from them is so difficult The emotional ties we have to ideas and how they influence our choices How words and terms get co-opted and corrupted over time Why abstract concepts can create deep emotional reactions The role of cultural ideas in shaping identity, behavior, and even political systems Practical ways to question inherited ideas and redefine personal values Ideas don’t just exist in the abstract—they rule our lives in ways we often overlook. Nathan offers insightful strategies for identifying the ideas that no longer serve us and how to replace them with ones that align with who we want to become.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Nathan: Website | YouTube | Instagram Get the book we discuss: The Ideas That Rule Us: How Others’ Ideology, Political Thought and Societal Norms Rule Our Lives… and How to Change It Check out Prepolitica: Click here Related Conversation: Episode 235: Big Ideas with John Lamerton Related Blog Post: Killing Ideas 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

Nir Eyal, bestselling author of 'Indistractable' and 'Hooked', shares powerful strategies to conquer distractions. He clarifies that traction, not just focus, is the key to productivity. Eyal delves into how internal triggers shape our actions and emphasizes the crucial role of identity in forming habits. He discusses practical steps for balancing technology use and meaningful work, along with the importance of planning and recognizing pseudo-work. Discover how to shape your environment for enhanced concentration in this insightful conversation!

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I chat with Shawn Lemon, digital organizer and founder of The Digital Organizer. Shawn has helped countless individuals and organizations regain control of their digital lives, offering practical solutions to manage clutter, streamline workflows, and achieve “digital peace.”We explore the hidden challenges of digital organization, why redundancy and backups are crucial, and how to get started on the path to a clutter-free digital life. Shawn’s approach is practical, insightful, and perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their digital environment.Key Discussion Points What “digital peace” means and why it’s so important. Common mistakes people make with digital organization. How to deal with folder structures and document redundancy. Practical strategies for creating effective backups. When and where to start tackling digital clutter. How AI can play a role in organizing your digital life. This episode is ideal for anyone looking to take control of their digital world and create a more organized, peaceful workflow.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Shawn: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook Get Shawn's guide: Click here Take Shawn's quiz: Click here Check out Hazel Want to leverage Hazel in the best way possible? MacSparky has you covered. Check out ClickUp Check out Amplenote Related Conversation: Episode 448: Tiago Forte talks about Building a Second Brain Related Blog Post: The Freeing Power of Eliminating Tasks You “Ought to Do” 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 Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Robin Hills, author of The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business. Robin is an expert in emotional intelligence and resilience, with over 35 years of experience in business and personal development. His work is rooted in helping individuals and organizations thrive through emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and positive psychology.During our conversation, Robin unpacks the nuances of resilience, debunking common myths and exploring how leaders can foster resilience within their teams. We also discuss the fine line between coping and resilience, and why emotional awareness is critical in navigating adversity.Key Discussion Points The paradox of resilience: how adversity strengthens us. Why "bouncing back" isn’t true resilience—and what is. Coping versus resilience: the critical distinctions. How leaders can foster emotional resilience in their organizations. The role of emotional intelligence in building resilience. Why resilience is often misunderstood and overused in business contexts. This conversation is packed with actionable insights and strategies for anyone looking to develop a deeper understanding of resilience in the workplace and beyond. (Originally released October 2022)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Robin: Website | LinkedIn Check out his book: The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business Register for Robin’s EI4Change courses here Related Conversation: Episode 489: Constance Dierickx Talks About Meta-Leadership Insights And Decision Mastery 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. 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 Anders Indset, the renowned business philosopher and author of The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success. Known for his profound insights into leadership and technology, Anders shares a compelling exploration of how modern Vikings channel timeless values like collectivism and creativity to achieve high-performance outcomes.We dive into what makes Norwegian success so unique, why micro-ambitions are key to long-term achievements, and how balancing timely and timeless approaches can transform both personal and professional growth. Anders’ expertise in bridging philosophy and leadership offers a refreshing take on thriving in a fast-paced, tech-driven world.Key Discussion Points What modern Viking culture teaches us about collectivism and creativity. The role of micro-ambitions in achieving long-term success. How values like "tugnad" (effort for others) are deeply embedded in Norwegian culture. The interplay between finite and infinite games in life and business. The dangers of prioritizing timely distractions over timeless principles. Anders’ perspective on AI’s potential to foster depth in our lives. Anders’ insights are both timely and timeless, offering listeners tools to rethink their approach to leadership, progress, and collective well-being. I know you'll enjoy this productive conversation.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Anders: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Get the book we discuss: The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success Get Anders' other book that he mentions: The Quantum Economy - Saving the Mensch with Humanistic Capitalism Get James P. Carse's book: Finite and Infinite Games Get the book I mention: Time and The Art of Living by Robert Grudin Another reading recommendation: Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business Check out The Singularity Paradox Read this: Law of Jante, a Scandinavian Code of Conduct Watch This is Pop: Click here and choose the episode "Stockholm Syndrome" Related Conversation: Episode 420: Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook Related Blog Post: The 3 Cs: How They Impact Your To Do List 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