Productive Flourishing Podcast

Part of being a Creative Giant is learning to be fully you, however you might show up. That’s a hard enough journey but it can feel even more daunting to learn to do that while in a romantic relationship with another Creative Giant. Dr. Laura Ciel and Bill Poett join me to talk about their work together and how they navigate a romantic partnership that’s also a business partnership. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:52] Struggling to keep up with processing your email? SaneBox may just be the tool you need![1:30] Go to SaneBbox.com/giant & you’ll get a $25 credit towards subscription on top of the 14 days free trial.[1:54] Charlie introduces Dr. Laura Ciel and Bill Poett.[3:45] Dr. Laura Ciel shares her origin story.[4:50] Bill Poett shares his origin story.[6:05] How did their conversation about doing business together begin?[9:04] Bill unpacks how they went from their first conversation to co-leading, 5 weeks later.[10:58] Bill talks about his emotional journey with Laura’s competency.[15:51] What’s been the biggest type of conflict or disagreement between them & how have they worked it out?[21:36] What’s a pattern about the other person that you wish were different?[27:13] What’s the secret sauce of the Life Advance International program?[32:10] A discussion on the journey to love and the power of love.[36:46] What does Bill do to support Laura when she is not in her ‘zone’?[41:20] What does Laura do to support Bill when he’s not at his ‘standing tall’ place?[45:59] Charlie talks about the Nonviolent Communication (page 44).[47:12] Laura & Bill are committed the outcome but how they get there is left open.[52:25] What do Laura & Bill have to say to someone who may be giving up on love?[57:53] What do they want people to remember about them & their body of work?  Mentioned in This Episode:SaneBoxSanebox.com/GiantLife Advance InternationalThe Warrior-Heart ProjectLive and Love Fearlessly, Book by Bill PoettNonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, Book by Marshall Rosenberg 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

Mentors often make the difference between us successfully finishing the stuff that matters and just thinking or dreaming about it. This is especially the case for young adults and new entrepreneurs, who often times get so much well meaning, but bad advice from other people who’ve never gone where the ‘would be mentee’ is trying to go. Jeff Hopeck joins me to jam about the value of mentors and some ways to go about building your own mentor group. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[2:00] Charlie tells us about Jeff Hopeck’s background.[3:25] Jeff talks about his work and how he ended up being an entrepreneur.[8:00] Jeff discusses how he ended up on the Howard Stern Radio.[9:30] Jeff lets us know how Killer Shark was born.[11:15] Why do so many entrepreneurs fail out of the gate?[14:15] Focus on the growth and the pathway to there, not necessarily the destination.[14:45] Why is it important to have mentors at a young age?[17:20] Charlie asks Jeff how he went from a Marketing Degree to the US Secret Service.[19:30] Jeff shares with us the pathway he took to get him to the place where he is today.[21:45] Jeff tells us about Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principals.[23:50] Charlie and Jeff discuss Jordan Agolli from Episode 56.[27:55] Align yourself with people who don’t question whether you will be successful, but help you to figure out how you’ll be successful.[28:20] How would young people go about finding a mentor?[28:38] Jeff outlines how he chooses the different mentors in his life.[33:30] What is the #1 huge piece in choosing a mentor.[37:53] Jeff shares two “Anchor Posts” on his website:13 Questions I think Entrepreneurs Should Constantly Ask9 Most Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make (and Usually Repeat)[40:00] Jeff discusses the importance of aligning with your ethical and spiritual core values.[42:45] Young people need to have a vision. Start formulating now.[48:00] What do people get wrong when choosing a mentor?[51:58] Where is the best place to discuss questions with your prospective mentor?[55:30] Jeff unpacks his most unanticipated challenge with Killer Shark.[57:30] Get a solid road map of the areas of your life and start developing mentors in every area. Mentioned in This Episode:http://www.sanebox.com/The Success Principles – Book by Jack Canfieldjeffhopeck.comJordan Agolli Episode 56 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 we like the idea that we can simply think ourselves into certain beliefs and instincts, the truth of the matter is that our personality is partially determined by our evolutionary history. There might be some things lurking down there that we don’t want to address, but we can’t ignore them either. Professor Tod Kashdan joins me today to jam about, what he calls, the ‘basement of your personality’ and why it matters. If you’re looking for change, maybe it’s time to look in the basement of your personality. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[2:04] Charlie tells us about Dr. Todd Kashdan’s body of work.[3:52] Todd talks about his work and the field of positive psychology.[5:14] Many people don’t think about how our evolutionary history affects the development of our personality.[6:42] Why do we avoid the evolutionary psychology background underlying character development?[8:17] Charlie talks about Vanessa Van Edwards’ work on subconscious behavioral cues.[9:23] The link between in-group/out-group preferences and our biological responses.[14:02] Todd shares research findings on xenophobia & pregnant women in the 3rd trimester.[15:10] The first benefit of evolutionary psychology is understanding who we are.[16:26] What can we do about the constraints on the body & what the brain can process?[21:26] Cultural differences in cheerfulness, optimism, and positivity – Japan vs. US.[23:57] Would you prefer to be more cheerful most of the time or to be more resilient…?[26:42] How do we deal with the friction of everyday life?[29:25] Creativity is about seeing things from a different perspective than others.[31:58] Todd shares findings from a study that looked at the personality dimensions of about 15,000 entrepreneurs.[34:28] Charlie & Todd discuss the profile of a creative person.[35:53] What are the personality traits of creative people?[39:58] Todd reiterates on the importance of culture.[41:44] Todd shares his insights on what you can do to build up your stress tolerance.[48:33] Todd’s 3 tips, summarized:Choose curiosity over criticality.Persuade people by asking why something is important to them and listen.Be precise in describing your emotional state when you are stressed and upset. Mentioned in This Episode:http://www.sanebox.com/Vanessa Van Edwards – Science of People/The Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self--Not Just Your "Good" Self--Drives Success and Fulfillment – Book by Robert Biswas-Diener and Todd KashdanCurious? Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life – Book by Todd KashdanTo Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others – Book by Daniel PinkNonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships. Book by Marshall B. Rosenberg 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

Finishing creative work is challenging because sometimes you can’t just push through, as doing so will lead to creative burnout. And yet, you can’t give up when it gets hard or you’ll never really do the work that matters. Jennifer Louden joins me on this episode to share how her wearing away from creative burnout lead to a new body of work and what she has learned along the way about avoiding creative burnout. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:58] Who is Jennifer Louden?[3:19] Jennifer shares her origin story.[6:37] How did Jennifer transition from being a screen writer to writing a book on self-care?[13:38] What new elements did the shift allow her to introduce into her body of work?[15:01] Gender-differences in creativity – Are there any?[16:56] How does Jennifer’s competitive nature trip her up?[18:05] How does her competitive nature help her out?[22:24] What is Jennifer excited about? –Aside from her memoir.[24:35] What are some dynamics of women & creativity that are under-addressed?[27:36] How has Jennifer helped women say ‘yes’ to themselves?[30:03] Willian Stafford’s ‘The Thread’ vs. this big/scary life-purpose thing.[32:27] Jennifer and Charlie share a few stories.[36:44] Where do we get this idea that if it’s hard we should be doing something else?[38:14] Jennifer shares advice on the Keystone Habits.[40:00] Why does she resist habit, rituals, and structure? But they’re also so important![44:56] The one thing Jennifer wants us to remember about her and her body of work. Mentioned in This Episode:Books by Jennifer LoudenThe Woman’s Comfort bookThe Couple’s Comfort BookThe Pregnant Woman’s Comfort BookThe Woman’s Retreat BookComfort Secrets for Busy WomenThe Life OrganizerYear of Daily JoyThe Way It Is by William StaffordKeystone Habitshttps://www.sanebox.com/Giant  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 myth is that scaling a business means you have to compromise the core values, culture and human-friendly qualities that the business originally started with. In today’s episode, Laura Novak Meyer joins me to share what she learned in the process of scaling her business while keeping it true to its core. Laura is an entrepreneur who is one of only 3% of women business owners to grow their company to more than one million dollars in revenue. Ready? Let’s do this! Key Takeaways:[0:53] Laura Novak Myers – The owner & founder of Little Nest Portraits[1:46] Laura shares her origin story.[2:30] How did Laura go from an independent photographer to a retail photography company?[5:35] Opening her first little Nest location.[6:38] What made Laura hire her first employee?[9:12] Did Laura have any entrepreneurial background before starting her own business?[10:25] Why do people cling to that divide between creative and business?[13:21] Laura’s 3 seminal challenges and lessons learned from them.[17:46] How did she overcome her concern for hurting people’s feelings while giving feedback.[20:32] Something Laura is very passionate about.[22:37] Laura doesn’t believe you can grow without constantly reinforcing your values.[25:35] Why didn’t Laura tell her employees about franchising at first?[28:52] Some of Laura’s spark moments throughout her career.[31:07] Laura’s best practices for maintaining a sense of calmness.[33:34] The unspoken pressures every entrepreneur is faced with.[36:52] Franchising was harder than Laura expected it to be.[41:36] The most unanticipated challenge Laura is facing.[44:14] If people remember only one thing about Laura and her body of work, what would it be? Mentioned in This Episode:Little Nest PortraitsRadical Candor by Campbell ScottFierce Conversations by Susan ScottThe One Minute Manager by Ken BlanchardBuild to Sell by John Warrillow 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

Coaching is a powerful way of being with people, because it unlocks human potential and transforms the way you relate to others. It is also really misunderstood, misrepresented, and when done right it is hard to do. Michael Bungay Stanier is an award winning coach and he joins me today to work through some powerful coaching questions you can use at work and at home. Make sure to listen in, for the turn in the conversation about two thirds of the way through this episode. Ready? Let's do this! Key Takeaways:[1:00] Who is Michael Bungay Stanier?[3:25] Michael’s books, Do More Great Work & The Coaching Habit[4:31] Michael talks about the ‘resistance’ to coaching and related statistics[6:00] Coaching is about leading with more curiosity and with a lot less advice[6:59] The T.E.R.A quotient explains why it’s hard for people to listen and not be an 'advice monster'[9:33] Coaching is an effective leadership style and it has to be done in 10 minutes or less[12:59] Michael talks on the process and provides a working definition of coaching[14:47] Managers can delegate and still hold their value in an organization[16:41] The drama triangle: Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer[21:14] The 7 most powerful coaching questions for managers, from The Coaching Habit (p. 200)[23:04] The two questions Michael puts more weight on when coaching managers.[26:28] Why does asking 'why' get a little problematic?[27:27] Which of the questions seem easy but in fact are harder to have a powerful conversation around?[29:39] The trickiest question for Michael is the foundation question: What do you want?[32:12] Michael talks on the difference between wants and needs[34:06] Which of the 7 questions is the most challenging for Michael?[41:04] How to transform your own potential? Michael has a mastermind group[43:19] Michael talks about the process of writing and shaping his new book[46:30] Michael’s one takeaway message: "Say no to more stuff so you can say yes to the right stuff". Mentioned in This Episode:Box of CrayonsDo More Great Work by Micheal Bungay StanierEnd Malaria by Micheal Bungay StanierMalaria no MoreThe Coaching Habit by Micheal Bungay StanierGoleman, Daniel. "Leadership that gets results." (2000).TouchPoints: Creating Powerful Leadership Connections in the Smallest of Moments by Douglas Conant and Mette NorgaardJohn WhitmoreThe 7 most powerful coaching questions… from The Coaching Habit (p. 200)Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan and Lisa LaheyMichael Bungay Stanier’s Mastermind Group 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

You were probably in the goal setting mode for 2016 or maybe you just want to set the right goals. It turns out that making great goals is often a matter of asking the right questions. Jeffrey Davis and I think a particularly good question is, "what will you stand for, this year?" and that's what we're jamming about on this episode. This isn't about fighting against something but rather standing up and standing for something. You are writing a story, so you might as well think about what you want to include in that story. Ready? Let's do this! Key Takeaways:[01:04] Jeffrey Davis joined Charlie on episode 7: "Don’t Be an Idea Thief"[03:56] Jeffery thinks creativity is our biological and even spiritual impulse[04:33] One way that we're creative – we connect dots and find patterns [07:04] We can be selective about our public story and still remain authentic[09:02] Jeffrey on putting forth the story you want to own[12:47] Stories can serve as windows and as mirrors[14:04] Jeffrey and Charlie discuss creativity and authenticity[17:16] Shaping the larger story of what you're about can be a really creative endeavor[20:46] Wanting to re-enter a story and the importance of the back story[23:45] What are the values or ideals that are driving us? [24:25] Jeffrey talks about Paul Zak's research on the neuroscience of the narrative[27:11] Examples of ideal-driven companies that own their brand stories[34:25] Think about your core story, your legacy, and what you want to be known for[36:16] "Your brand is the total emotional experience that people have with you or your business"[37:05] Jeffrey on what it means to be a thought leader[39:01] Charlie on looking retroactively and asking, “what have I been standing for?”  Mentioned in This Episode:Episode 7 : "Don't Be an Idea Thief" with Jeffrey DavisTracking WonderPaul Zak’s research on the neuroscience of narrativeApple and Steve JobsJeff Bezos from amazonBrandon Page from GoogleSam Walton from WalmartJoe Gebbia and his partners from AirbnbMethod house cleaningAmerican GiantDaniel Goleman and emotional intelligence  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

Branded a "Moxie Maven" by The White House Office of Public Engagement for her unique and effective approach to leadership development, through her 'Step Into Your Moxie' platform, Alexia has become the go-to expert for helping entrepreneurs, executives, online experts, and other thought leaders create, pitch, and perform their spotlight talks and design and execute transformational events. Alexia is also the founder and director of Influencer Academy, a women's leadership development program. Alexia not only cultivates the voices of thought leaders, she is one! Alexia has scored FaceTime with hundreds of corporate, conference and college audiences; with her key note speeches and interactive trainings; and she has contributed to media including CNN, NBC, The Wall Street Journal, Inc., Forbes, and Women's Health Magazine. I'm excited to have Alexia on the show, sharing her voice so that you can better use your voice! Key Takeaways:[02:28] Alexia shares her origin story on how she got started with public speaking?[05:51] The powerful moment Alexia experienced at 4 years of age (aka Initial Act of Moxie)[07:12] The power and fears associated with speaking out to say what needs to be said[08:52] Alexia talks about gender differences in fear of public speaking[10:48] Charlie's theory on how women & men have been socialized to respond to rejection[11:39] Alexia’s 10 month program, rooted in leadership[13:57] Alexia shares on learning that we don't need to be great in everything we do[17:49] Charlie recommends The First 20 Hours by Josh Kaufman[18:35] Alexia shares her journey to public speaking after getting her BA in Women's Studies[21:37] Charlie wants to celebrate that Alexia hated being broke![23:36] How did she ‘unlearn’ the idea business is contradictory to what I'm doing - how did that manifest for her?[27:12] Alexia talks on the different parts of their journey potential speakers might be facing[29:52] Alexia shares some insight on talking about topics that are more difficult or unpopular[33:48] What's most important is for people that need you to know that you are there for them![35:47] Alexia gives a shout out to Toshia Shaw[38:14] How do people find their message? How do you get to "The idea"?[40:17] What stories do you share?[40:59] What do you do when your message starts changing?[43:38] Do what makes sense based on your circumstances[46:40] What's Alexia's big message today?[48:06] What's the most unanticipated challenge that Alexia is currently facing?[51:04] What does Alexa want people to remember about her & her body of work? Mentioned in This Episode:Influencer Academy  Step Into Your MoxieThe First 20 Hours by Josh KaufmanJacquette Timmonson TCGSWoodhull InstituteThe pact by Toshia Shaw at TEDxBrene Brown on “Big Strong Magic”, from Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert 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 the time of year where we're thinking about setting new goals and new resolutions. On this final episode of 2015, Angela and Charlie wanted to take the time to talk about some things to think about as you’re setting intentions and new plans for the New Year. They’re excited to jump into the show. Ready? Let's do this! Key Takeaways[01:12] What is Angela looking forward to for next year?[02:26] What to think about when you're creating plans for next year.[02:33] Do a review before you plan a new.[06:17] How did your actions for this year align with your values?[07:00] Why is it so important for us to review before we start planning?[09:50] How the negativity bias plays into New Year's resolutions.[12:49] Reviewing plans allows you to see the story in a very deep way.[13:18] Celebrate your daily & weekly progress instead of waiting for a huge ending to celebrate.[19:20] Focusing on our mundane progress builds processes that we really enjoy.[20:41] What you feed, grows – Make sure the things that matter to you are getting fed.[26:19] Focus on fewer goals – Choose the things that matter most & focus more of your energy on those things.[30:36] What to do when you get stuck and not sure what to do.[33:19] Celebrate what you have achieved this year! Mentioned in This Episode:Sideways Isn't Necessarily the Wrong Way5 Ways Reviewing Your Plans Can Enhance Your SuccessVision Quest 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 stories we often hear and tell ourselves about entrepreneurs, are that successful entrepreneurs somehow had it in their blood or it was always what they wanted to be. The problem is that a lot of people who are now entrepreneurs never thought they'd be one or even have a hard time owning the title now. Graham Cochrane joins me to talk about his journey from freelancer to a successful entrepreneur in the music industry. About Graham Cochrane:Graham is a freelance recording and mix engineer living in Tampa, Florida; and he is the founder of one of the world's most loved audio recording and mixing blogs, The Recording Revolution, having over 200,000 readers each month. As a lifelong singer/song writer and musician, his passion for recording and mixing has grown from the bedroom studio, to university where he studied audio production, to multi-million dollar studios, to fortune 500 software companies; and all the while freelancing for artists and bands worldwide. Graham's work in business has been featured in Yahoo, Business Insider, and Creative Live to name a few. He thinks of himself as a musician and an artist and never thought he'd be in the position where he is now a success that other people are turning to. Key Takeaways:[02:07] Graham shares on how he got started in the music business.[04:44] He returned the book Four Hour Work Week, because he thought it’s a fantasy.[05:59] Graham never thought it was in the cards for him to make a good living as a musician.[07:48] How did he get the idea he could make good money doing something he loves?[09:16] Feeling like an impostor makes it tough to feel confident at the beginning.[11:29] It takes having a vision that most of us don't have at the beginning.[13:53] We're not a good judge of what we can sell, so sometimes we have to try & that is how his blog started.[14:23] The thing we're best at, we undervalue the most![15:45] Blogging is a great way to find out what people are willing to pay for.[16:30] What was the process of going from free to paid to premium content like for him?[19:34] Graham shares a few ways to make money as a content creator.[22:01] Major lessons he learned when first starting The Recording Revolution.[24:41] His entire business model is…[25:52] Spark moments & how his website's traffic doubled in just a month.[28:39] Graham’s advice for content creators when they're in the pre-hockey stick phase.[33:06] Graham summarizes his 3 pieces of advice.[34:16] Quality over quantity![36:44] Don’t get away from the core of what made you great, plus more advice on succeeding.[40:16] People & relationships outweigh numbers.[43:45] Most people won't buy from you - create the best free content in your niche.[45:41] Front load with free content because it's like advertising & grows your audience.[48:17] You have to really like the content you're creating.[50:27] What is the most unanticipated challenge he is currently facing?[52:52] What is an unanticipated challenge he is facing on the personal level?[54:58] It’s important to learn to say ‘no’ as your business grows.[57:37] What is the one thing people should remember from Graham? Mentioned in This Episode:The recording revolutionThe 4 Hour Workweek, by Tim FerrissThe Go Giver, by Bob BurgImpostor Syndrome, by Ramit SethiMichael HyetteRyan Lynch - niching down 3 levelsMr. Money Mustache - Personal Finance BloggerCareer Renegade, by Jonathan FieldsThe Small Business Lifecycle  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