Productive Flourishing Podcast

The tables are turned in this episode, as Andrea J. Lee puts me in the spotlight. The questionnaire becomes the questioned. This one is coming right after I started sharing more of my thoughts on race, identity, equality and justice. So, a good bit of the conversation focuses on how we might show up as our full selves in our work. If you find yourself at a loss for how to engage with the world, while still doing your work, you might find some useful ideas in here. And yes, it’s really weird to create the intro for your own interview - I’m just saying, we live in interesting times! Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:03] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #100.[2:06] Charlie introduces Andrea J. Lee, who interviews him on this episode.[3:01] Andrea joined us on episode #91, which resulted in her volunteering to this reverse podcast interview.[4:24] What does it mean to be A Creative Giant, in the times we are in?[7:59] Charlie shares his internal processes and the idea of creative constipation.[10:36] The external and internal outcomes of the discourse Charlie is creating around social change.[15:31] Charlie’s social media responses indicate he has touched a nerve on how to have discourse.[16:26] How lack of dialogue gets us in no-win positions.[19:32] The discourse about discourse is one of the most opaque things we have. How is Charlie’s background as a soldier influencing his approach?[23:47] There are the harms we cause by doing things, and there are the harms we cause by not doing things.[27:16] The fundamental and weird aspects of Humanity. [29:23] Getting stuck in epic goals.[32:11] What does Charlie think about the Language Police?[40:51] How do we expand these great ideas? How do we go ‘there’?[46:55] How to lean into gathering, rather than isolating; and how to flourish in creative partnerships.[52:55] Charlie’s final thoughts on this episode’s topic! Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/Giantwww.facebook.com/groups/PFCampfire/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Whether we’re content creators, managers, leaders or customer service reps, we’re all in the teaching business. Breanne Dyck joins me again, to continue the conversation about making better learning experiences that work for our learners and work for us. Hint - it’s not about the content.A quick plug here - come join us at The Creative Giant Campfire, our free Facebook group.  We’ll be having conversations about podcast episodes there as well as other micro-post prompts, and the occasional Facebook Live Broadcast. You can find it by searching “creative giant campfire” on Facebook. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:04] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #99.[2:04] Breanne joined us on episode #30, which is definitely worth listening to.[4:53] Let’s talk Before and After Infobesity [aka information overload].[11:57] Breanne is experimenting with Facebook Live right now & shares tips on how to get people to take action after a video.[15:12] Breanne explains Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning.[16:48] How to get into that higher level learning zone in the quick slices of time we have available.[24:31] It’s not about content, it’s about context and what you’re gonna do within that context.   [29:27] What’s the next wave in the online space? [35:20] Do’s & don’ts of the current state of learning. Breanne shares many insightful tips here.[46:47] Let’s talk about problems consultants run into and transmedia content production.[55:18] Pick up a game, teach it to someone & have fun, because it’s the best vehicle for learning how to make learning work.  Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/Giantmnibconsulting.comBreanne Dyck on The Creative Giant Episode #30Bloom’s taxonomyHow the World Sees You by Sally HogsheadMillion Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

In this episode, Lisa Robbin Young and I discuss the blog post she wrote for Productive Flourishing on the 3 Types of Creative Entrepreneurs. Even if you don’t consider yourself creative or an entrepreneur, this is worth the listen because we’re really talking about different modes of creativity and why it’s important to lean into the kind of creative that you are. And by the way, if you’re human, you are creative. There’s also a discussion happening on this in our free Facebook group, The Creative Giant Campfire. Come join us there if you’d like to stand tall together with other Creative Giants. You can find it by searching creative giant campfire on Facebook. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:07] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #98.[2:13] Find out more about Lisa Robbin Young, founder of Ark Entertainment Media, a business incubator for creative entrepreneurs.[3:45] Lisa shares how creating her business emerged from a personal business problem.[8:20] There are 3 primary creative types: chaotic, linear and fusion; and then there are the cusp types.[10:10] Take Lisa’s quiz - What’s Your Creative Freedom Entrepreneur Type? Chaotic, Fusion, or Linear?[15:43] How to notice your creative mode switching and be aware of the support you need when you’re doing your creative projects.[18:53] Discover the strengths and disadvantages of each creative type - linear, chaotic and fusion.[30:18] The power of knowing, embracing and leaning into your creative type along the spectrum.[36:33] What would Lisa say to someone who comes to her with the problem of being a certain creative type and feeling they’re in the wrong career?[42:47] What’s the main reason Lisa calls this “the creative entrepreneur spectrum”?[44:07] Lisa’s challenge on the next step to take after listening to this episode. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/GiantThe Secret Watch by Lisa Robbin YoungThe Fine Line by Lisa Robbin YoungA Whole New Mind by Daniel PinkTake Lisa’s Quiz: What’s Your Creative Freedom Entrepreneur Type? Chaotic, Fusion, or Linear? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

A common growing pain for Creative Giants is the pressure to be just one thing in the world. To just be a doctor or a writer or a programmer or CO or whatever it is. The truth of it is that we’re all multi-dimensional, so resisting that only leads to us living less rich lives. Dusti Arab joins me today to share her Creative Giant journey and how she’s weaving it all together.A quick plug here, a quick plug - we just opened up the Creative Giant Campfire, our free Facebook Group. We’ll be having conversations about podcast episodes at the campfire, so come join us there if you’d like to stand tall together with other Creative Giants. You can find it by searching “Creative Giant Campfire” on Facebook. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:14] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #97.[2:16] Learn more about Dusti Arab, the CEO and Creative Director of thinkCHARM.[4:29] How Dusti got started in Copywriting and secured her first gig.[7:50] The difference between copywriting and ghostwriting.[12:55] Dusti talks Princess Parties.[16:54] Dusti shares her brand story.[20:25] Let’s talk 3-5 years from now.[23:34] People put too much pressure on themselves to meet these arbitrary deadlines.[25:49] Dusti’s biggest and most unanticipated challenges.[31:19] Changing gears is OK! Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/GiantCreative Giant Campfire on FacebookthinkCHARMDusti Arab@dustiarab on Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Peter Droppers said, the only things that evolve by themselves in an organization are disorder, friction, and malperformance. In a similar vein, it seems that businesses and organizations naturally tilt towards complexity, much to the dismay and frustration of the people and those who interact with them. You can’t beat complexity with more complexity. Ken Segall joins me today to share how leaders have to think simple to counteract complexity in their organizations. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:03] Learn more about Ken Segall, author of The New York Times bestseller Insanely Simple and the new sequel, Think Simple.[3:14] What inspired the creation of Think Simple following Insanely Simple?[6:21] What is it about simplicity that makes it so hard for organizations to stick with or cling to?[10:23] Why simple solutions or simple creative efforts are typically overlooked.[15:45] What has surprised Ken about big companies and simplification?[21:08] Hear about Ken’s experience with writing Think Simple.[30:03] Ken shares his view on what made Steve Jobs special.[31:58] The 85% solution for beating complexity. [36:51] The one thing Ken wants listeners to remember about him and his body of work. Mentioned in This Episode:Ken SegallBooks by Ken SegallThink SimpleInsanely SimpleBrian Hartzer, Westpac CEO and Huge Fan of SimplicitySteve Jobs This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

There are two myths about being a successful creative that get us into a lot of troub. One, that doing it by yourself is better and two, that having a creative partner would make life so much easier. It turns out that neither is true, at least for most people. Leah Heinz and Naz Murphy join me today to discuss how their uncomfortable friendship is the source of their personal and professional growth. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:52] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #95. [1:58] Charlie introduces Leah & Naz, co-founders of The Connection Effect. [4:59] The story of how Leah & Naz started a business together.[13:08] Realizing there are individual differences in the way one works in the world.[24:08] Recognizing growth moments and overcoming challenging times. [31:20] How to have a great business relationship and face the differences in any relationship.[37:55] Reconciling your different money stories in a business partnership.[44:33] The beauty of a creative partnership.[49:17] Being outcome-focused and individual shifts in energy can be helpful with switches in responsibilities.[57:56] Changing their brand name from The Ripple to The Connection Effect.[63:59] Leah and Naz offer a key piece of advice on having a creative partnership that works. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/GiantThe Connection EffectThe Connection Effect on FacebookLive Your Legend This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Today’s episode is a rerun of one of my favorite episodes, episode 3 with Seth Godin. We’re doing a rerun today for several reasons: 1) I wanted to share some of our past episodes, that were fantastic, with new listeners who may not have scrolled all the way to the bottom of the episode list to see this one; 2) I think it’s time for everyone to reconsider how they’re not picking themselves; and 3) I wanted to remind people who are thinking about putting their art out there, whether their art is a podcast, a blog post, a book, a new initiative at work, music, or whatever - that it always amounts to just putting it out there and then doing it again. We have come a long way with The Creative Giant Show, so much so that the audio and my discomfort in this episode makes me cringe, but the chief thing is that we started and I’m so grateful for everyone for sticking with us. As always, I hope the content and the example help you pick yourself and get your art out there. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:37] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #94.[2:54] Find out the story behind episode 3 with Charlie’s mentor from afar, and long-time hero Seth Godin.[8:32] How to Pick yourself.[16:17] Seth asks - “What are you going to do tomorrow that’s going to make you more connected to what you’re doing today?”[18:14] What it takes to be a genius. [19:51] What was it about The Icarus Deception that scared Seth?[24:50] Why people are afraid of being successful. [30:06] Seth believes one way we get in trouble is by misunderstanding success.[32:47] How to use a given feeling to motivate yourself.[35:35] Seth’s final words of wisdom. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/GiantSeth GodinTED Talk by Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative geniusBooks by Seth Godin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

While a lot of career paths aren’t linear, Creative Giants in particular often seem to have dramatically, nonlinear career progressions. One of the reasons for this is that we’re often actually pursuing multiple passions or growth edges at once. Kristoffer Carter (K.C.) joins me today to share his journey from a corporate sales guy to creative powerhouse and back to a corporate catalyst for mindfulness. It’s a wild journey but that’s a bit par for the course with K.C. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:57] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #93.[1:58] Who is Kristoffer Carter (aka K.C.)?[4:42] How did Charlie challenge K.C. when he thought he had to quit his job at the Good Life Project?[8:48] What is Kriya Yoga and how has it helped K.C. focus on the good?[11:53] K.C. on his spiritual practice, his meditation teaching, cumulative deposit and compounding return. [15:18] K.C. talks about having had 3 jobs and realizing that he doesn’t need to be “all these things to all these people.”[19:28] How does K.C. negotiate those over-reaches?[21:52] Time to go on a spiritual sabbatical! K.C. shares the story.[24:50] K.C. shares a little bit about the time he took a sabbatical.[29:45] If he only had to choose one of the 3 core programs from the Camelot Culture Group, which one would K.C. focus on and why?[32:16] What about what K.C. is going through right now most terrifies or challenges him?[34:12] Looking back, what did K.C. think was going to be really hard that turned out not be as difficult as he thought it would be?[35:37] K.C.’s main message from this episode. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/GiantGood Life ProjectCentroThis Epic LifeCamelot Culture GroupAutobiography of a Yogi by P. Yogananda This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

The pursuit of happiness is often tied to the acquisition of more stuff. But we should instead be asking how the stuff in our lives prevents us from being happy, creative and connected to the ones we love. Courtney Carver, from bemorewithless.com, joins me to discuss how simplicity and minimalism is a path to love and freedom. It’s not about letting go but getting back. She also prompts me into reefing about why we need more diversity in the productivity and minimalist spaces. So you might find that interesting if you’ve ever wondered about it. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:06] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #92.[2:10] Who is Courtney Carver?[3:42] How did Courtney’s journey toward simplicity and minimalism work for her?[6:03] What is meant by minimalism & simplicity in the context of today’s discussion?[9:49] Project 333 is a minimalist fashion challenge. Courtney elaborates.[16:40] “If I let all of that go, then who am I?” is a scary question that can surface when you dig deep enough.[21:19] Courtney believes that simplicity is the way back to love.[23:41] What to do when you can’t buy yourself out of your suffering. [30:27] Women vs. men in the simplicity/minimalism space.[33:22] Women vs. men in the productivity space - is there a problem?[40:03] Minimalism is not about giving up, it’s about getting back! There is a lot of ‘getting rid of things’ but it’s to make space for the things that you care about.[43:28] Looking for that inspiration to spark the start of your minimalist journey and wondering where to start?[46:10] Courtney’s one message for listeners: simplicity will bring you back to love if you give it a chance. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/GiantBe More With LessBe More With Less on FacebookCourneycarver.comProject 333The Life Changing Magic of Tidying UP, Book by Marie KondoThe More of Less, Book by Joshua BeckerColin WrightTammy StrobelMinimalist.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

It’s easy for coaches to not walk their talk. Especially, since we are so focused on transformation and transitions. While the outcome of transformations and transitions are great, the process isn't comfortable for anyone, including the coaches who facilitate said growth. Andrea Lee joins me today to share her transition from one of the top pioneering business coaches to a blank_er_ slate as a humanistic writer. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[1:00] Thank you to SaneBox for sponsoring episode #91.[2:07] Who is Andrea Lee?[5:49] Back to 1998 and how Andrea’s career transpired.[8:40] What’s changed in the coaching world from the client’s perspective? Andrea weighs in on the pros & cons.[10:37] Back to 1998 and what happened after Andrea got hired as a customer service rep.[12:15] What is the life time membership model created by Thomas Leonard? What happened to this lifetime membership after his passing?[15:11] One of Andrea’s main takeaways after Thomas’s passing is that every day counts. [17:37] How did Thomas’s passing propel her towards becoming a thought leader?[20:23] What about sabbaticals between Multiple Streams and Thought Partners?[24:43] Andrea’s piercing thoughts right now![28:10] Andrea speaks to the tension that she describes as “a big giant co-dependence mess”.[33:54] A discussion on resetting relationship dynamics and resetting our own understanding of how we relate to the world.[38:45] Andrea feels very clean and settled about her essence.[40:30] Have you read “In The Name of Identify” by Amin Maalouf?[44:16] How is Andrea’s Rubik’s cube spinning for her right now?[47:16] Andrea is writing something else right now but it’s very raw at the moment. She shares more about this new work.[51:49] What’s the most unanticipated challenge Andrea is facing right now?[54:06] Andrea’s main message is to be brave and listen within. Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBox.com/GiantThomas LeonardMultiple Streams of Coaching Income, Book by Andrea J. LeeTara Gentile’s Quiet Power StrategyIn The Name of Identity, Book by Amin MaaloufWe Need to Talk by Andrea J. Lee This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe