Productive Flourishing Podcast

Today’s guest is Kris Putnam-Walkerly, author of Delusional Altruism: Why Philanthropists Fail to Achieve Change and What They Can Do to Transform Giving. She and Charlie talk about the barriers philanthropists face in making change happen, and Kris shares some of what she writes about in her book on ways to overcome them. Most importantly, they discuss whether the word philanthropy itself is one of these barriers for social funders and investors. Key Takeaways:[2:50] - Kris now works with philanthropists as an advisor and strategist, assessing impact and making changes based on what works and what doesn’t. Originally starting with a master’s in social work, her journey through different family foundations led her to this opportunity she has now.[5:35] - Kris defines philanthropy as actively promoting human welfare, and generosity and caring for others. While giving money is a big part of philanthropy, the definition extends to giving of our full selves to help our neighbors, communities, and the greater good.[8:20] - Charlie and Kris talk about whether the word philanthropy is culturally problematic. When considering the connotation of the words, phrases, or norms we perpetuate, we have to be conscious of racism or structural inequities, and implications they have for people’s lives today.[12:15] - As people begin to think about themselves as philanthropists or funders, it’s important to put yourself in uncomfortable positions and make sure you aren’t shying away from the hard problems. Nonprofits can help with this, but funders need to challenge themselves as well.[14:55] - Kris talks about overcoming the barrier of overwhelm, especially in an ever-changing world: 1. Start with the right questions (why and what), 2.an valuate where you’re at toda, 3. Figure out what focus items you need to work on to move you forward. [21:50] - Charlie and Kris talk about complexity capacity, and the barrier for philanthropists and funders taking on projects that will take an extended time to play out. They talk about putting reality into a relatable context, and also recognizing interim progress and engagement points along the way. [26:45] - Charlie shares his own experience fighting racial inequity and social justice on the board of SVP Portland. They looked at what was causing disparate outcomes in the community, and identified where they could make the biggest change. [32:19] - Once your plan is in action, you also have to intentionally check in to see what’s working and not working, and make changes as necessary. Disruption and volatility are the status quo.[33:50] - It can be frustrating for the entrepreneurial sector who are used to identifying problems and solutions on their own and at a fast pace. It is important for the entrepreneurial spirit and the coalition mindset to come together to make change happen in the most effective ways. [38:45] - In her book, Kris writes about ways to increase your speed (especially on the coalition side), while also noting that you have to have all the pieces in place for effective processes before you can kick things off. You have to allow time for connectivity to be established, but move quickly enough that the interest and funding remains.[40:15] - Charlie and Kris talk about what’s on the horizon for social investors and funders as we are moving toward a recovery period after this pandemic. In addition to looking ahead, organizations should also look back at the past year to identify things they would like to maintain going forward or changes they need to make to remain effective.[44:45] - Kris’ invitation for listeners is to reflect on your strategy, and refresh your strategy based on your reflections over the past year and your team’s plans moving forward. This will give clarity and flexibility. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyDelusional Altruism, by Kris Putnam-Walkerly8 Things Every Philanthropist Can Do - Free GuideCan’t Not Do, by Paul Shoemaker 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, Charlie and Angela talk about managing the business in the midst of also having to take care of family. Currently in Arkansas to help take care of both sets of parents, they talk about how we sometimes have to shift our priorities for different seasons of life, and how to utilize skills sets across all facets of our lives, especially to help the communities and people that matter most to us. Key Takeaways:[3:15] - In the midst of COVID-19, as well as a rapidly growing and changing business, Charlie and Angela chose to travel to Arkansas to help take care of family. When Angela knew she needed to be there with her parents, they made the decision to come together because Charlie’s dad is also struggling with serious health issues.[8:10] - Charlie and Angela talk about the different motivations behind their decisions, and how it created the scenario for both of them to go together so they could serve as an anchor for each other, not just personally but also navigating the business from a new place.[11:01] - One of their biggest challenges with this transition is navigating and negotiating how they are going to show up to the business and for their families each day, and defining what their general level of success looks like day to day. One of their greatest joint values is priorities, and it’s necessary for those to look a little different in their current situation.[15:50] - Angela talks about some of the lessons she’s learned from her team’s support during this time. They work hard in their business to provide a supportive environment for their teams, and now that is being reciprocated while Charlie and Angela are in a different place (literally and figuratively). [20:00] - Being back in Arkansas has also allowed both Charlie and Angela to reflect on what it was like for them growing up in Ft. Smith and what has (and hasn’t) changed. They talk about the disparity in life outcomes, even within their own families, as well as how the medical system contributes to this disparity not only in Arkansas but across the country.[29:50] - Advocacy has been incredibly important even from the beginning of their relationship, and especially now, as they are navigating something new. Entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners often fall into the trap of applying their current mindset and worldview back against where they started. It’s going to be different; the important thing is to apply the tools and skills that you learned from your business to healthy advocacy for yourself and others.[39:35] - Being back home has been an important reminder to listen - really hear what they are saying and help them get their needs fulfilled. This is incredibly true for any type of provider.[43:15] - It’s easy to lose your “superpowers” when you’re around your family, and let boundaries crumble. To avoid this, apply your GATES (genius, affinities, talents, expertise, strengths) to be of service to your family and your people. It can be a tricky balance to apply these skills, but asking for permission grants the other person the autonomy to accept help. Get alignment on how you can be a part of where they want to go. [52:15] - When life comes in and competing priorities happen, how do you shift what success looks like to be in harmony with the other things that are important in your life? Remember that you are the one who calibrates your priorities. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie Gilkey 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 guests are Dustin Granger and Danielle Granger Nava, the brother-sister duo behind Toujours Planning. Toujours is a full service wealth management firm that caters to professionals and pre-retirees across the US. They join Charlie today to talk about what it’s like to work with a sibling, and how they have been able to foster a great working relationship.  Key Takeaways:[2:40] - When it comes to working with siblings or family, there are generally two camps: 1. Yeah, I could do that, and 2. Absolutely not. Dustin and Danielle’s father was in the financial planning business, and Dustin started working for him first before he recruited his sister to join him. [6:40] - Danielle talks about her resistance to joining her brother, not because of hesitance about working with her brother, but because of fear about making her way in an industry mostly dominated by males. Dustin also experienced some imposter syndrome as a young professional in the industry.[11:25] - The family dynamics are something that had to shift when Dustin took over and Danielle later came on board. Being able to work with his father was a wonderful learning experience, and now Dustin is like a mentor to Danielle. In a similar way, Danielle helps to calm Dustin down, so their dynamic is kind of a hybrid between siblings and best friends. Open communication has been key![17:38] - One of the biggest challenges of working together has been adjusting to their respective managerial roles, and syncing up their communication styles. Whenever there is tension, they resolve it quickly through a conversation. [22:00] - They’ve grown together as they have worked together to figure out their roles in a small business, especially the org chart and defining that, not only for Dustin and Danielle, but also for their team. [29:10] - Setting boundaries between work and family has been an important part of growth since they started working together as well. It’s important for any working partnership (friend-friend, partner-partner) to know when you should talk about work versus separating those elements and relationships. [33:45] - As Dustin hopes to pivot, he is having to let go of some of his managerial style. Danielle is trying to take the best elements of both of their styles as the primary responsibility shifts to her, while they are still both being true to themselves. [36:45] - One of the hardest things about working with a sibling for Danielle is being worried about a huge rift or something coming in between their sibling relationship or working relationship. For Dustin, one of the hardest things is feeling protective of Danielle from a business standpoint, but also giving her the space to grow.[44:30] - Danielle’s advice for anyone who may be interested in going into the family business is to avoid going into business with a family member who you frequently find yourself in conflict with. For Dustin, having a sense of humor is important to keep things light. Using face-to-face communication to talk and work things out is also incredibly important. [49:10] - Danielle’s challenge for any women listening is to go for those big opportunities that are out there. You can do it! Don’t play the comparison game or let fear overtake what you really want for your career. Dustin’s challenge/invitation is to not be afraid to form your business to what fits your personality, especially as relationships evolve. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyToujours PlanningThe Ensemble Practice, by Philip Palaveev 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 guest is Karwanna Dyson, an entrepreneur helping other women and minorities build successful and sustainable businesses by becoming government contractors. She shares her story of growing up in a poor urban community to becoming a thriving small business owner. Karwanna and Charlie talk about the unique opportunity small businesses have to change and support their community. Her story is one of strength and determination - despite the situations in front of us, there’s always a way to move forward. Key Takeaways: [1:55] - Growing up in an urban community, Karwanna knew she didn’t want to become a product of her environment. She forged a path that included a college education and corporate America, before she decided to pursue her own dreams by starting her own business. She talks about how she was able to see beyond what her community offered. [8:25] - Karwanna talks about the things she learned on her path to success that they didn’t teach in school. The things that are unspoken, like credit, finances, and how to build a business, are things she learned out of determination to succeed. [10:55] - Anyone can start and be successful in business, no matter your background or where you come from. Charlie and Karwanna talk about some of the disparities in starting a business, and demystify some of the preconceived notions about what is or isn’t possible in starting a business. [18:45] - Karwanna talks about chasing purpose versus chasing profit in her own business. She was chasing profit for at least five years. Although she did get some profit, she spent more time chasing and profiting, and it was exhausting. Tapping into and chasing passion was the key to a notable shift in revenue and success. [23:30] - For anyone who is looking to start a business, start with something you are passionate about. This goes back to growing up as well - our passion is something that is already within us. Remember your deferred dreams even as an adult. [30:05] - Karwanna talks about her mindset during this pandemic, and the importance of connecting with people who are winning during this time. Being informed of resources available to you and your business is important to thrive during this time. She fleshes out what it means to “not participate” in the pandemic in terms of mindset. [35:25] - In order to stay successful, sometimes you need to pivot (especially during this time) and know where to move. There are several small businesses who have seized the opportunities to pivot and actually experienced growth in the past year. [38:00] - One of the greatest business decisions Karwanna has made is changing her focus from individual consumers to the government being her primary customer. The government has resources allocated to spend on small business products and services. Government contracting can help sustain your business as part of your business model. [40:40] - Karwanna talks about how this epiphany changed her business but also gave her an opportunity to give back to the urban community she grew up in. With a B2G (business to government) business model, you can leverage more of your revenue to be a changemaker in your community. [43:55] - One of the challenges she’s currently facing is gaining a media presence to get the right messaging out for people. How can we change the narrative of what we see in the media or get the right voices heard? Karwanna is trying to bring back positive messaging to bring communities together. [47:50] - Karwanna’s invitation to listeners and entrepreneurs is to explore her resources, and especially her checklist to see if your business can qualify for government contracting. Also, how can you shift your mindset to not participate in this pandemic? Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyKarwanna Dyson, She’s Got GoalsChecklist and Resources 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

Angela is back on the podcast today! Charlie and Angela sit down to talk about some of the big growth edges they’ve had this year, especially in this crazy year that none of us expected. They talk about some of the changes for Productive Flourishing, as well as the personal changes they’ve discovered and embraced.  Key Takeaways:[3:30] - Much of this year has been defined by how quickly things can change. There are business changes on the horizon for Productive Flourishing, and the time of Covid has actually provided unexpected opportunities, projects, and growth for the business.[5:50] - 2020 has been a year of personal transformation for Angela that she could never have imagined. One of the biggest growth edges has been giving herself permission to stand in the light, especially in terms of being seen and heard as a leader. [7:15] - Another growth edge has also been self-acceptance, and embracing the messy emotions and feelings that are necessary for a full spectrum life. This self-acceptance has happened because of the writing she has been doing with the Anchor project. [9:27] - As Angela’s growth edge took off with the Anchor, Charlie had his own growth edge in taking a step back and allowing her to lead in this capacity. He has been learning a new balance between leaving space for emotions and keeping things moving forward. [14:55] - When one partner is shedding and growing around an area in life, both partners have work to do. Now Angela and Charlie are working on how they move forward without one of them having to feel uncomfortable. [16:30] - Another growth edge has been pulling back some of the many, many hats that Charlie wears as the Founder and main creator of Productive Flourishing. Productive Flourishing has shifted back into start-up mode, and has revealed a lot of what Charlie is doing, and what he can delegate. [21:30] - Moving forward despite fear has been another growth edge this year. Becoming more comfortable with uncertainty and with not knowing has been important for both Charlie and Angela this year. It’s okay to not have all the answers right now.[27:30] - Angela talks about another growth edge around receiving and accepting feedback from others. [32:00] - One of Charlie’s major growth points was around physical health. They talk about their gym project, and switching the mindset of the old way of working out to how they have adapted during COVID. [38:27] - Angela talks about having to embrace the two parts of herself in a way she hasn’t been able to do consistently before - Academic/Achiever Angela and Goddess/Heart Angela. She is doing the work to embrace and allow both of these aspects of who she is.[42:18] - What happens when we can integrate these two parts of ourselves? Loving and trusting these different aspects is what allows us to shine brighter. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingProductive Flourishing BlogProductive Flourishing AcademyStart Finishing, by Charlie Gilkey 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

This week, Charlie is joined by author, teacher, and consultant Nir Eyal to talk about his book “Indistractible,” and how to maintain focus in a world full of distractions. They discuss habits and techniques to gain traction back once it has been lost. Nir posits that willpower is not a finite resource but a mood that comes and goes just like happiness or sadness. Key Takeaways:[5:18] - Nir and Charlie discuss how the labels people give to themselves oftentimes prevent them from doing the things that they really want to do; and the second the process of trying becomes difficult, the label is confirmed.[8:00] - Nir talks about the definition of the word “indistractible,” and how he wanted to replace the negative, self-limiting labels people give to themselves with something that’s positive and helps us stay on track when trying to accomplish our goals.[12:00] - Nir explains that being distracted is not a character flaw and the way to combat impulsiveness is forethought; putting systems in place ahead of time to deal with distractions.[20:00] - Nir explains the differences between distraction and traction. Any activity can be traction as long as you’ve made time for it, so there is no need to feel guilty about scrolling through a Slack channel or playing a video game as long as you’ve made a conscious decision to do so.[27:23] - Charlie brings up the concept of willpower, which was once thought by social scientists to be akin to a muscle that can be fatigued, a limited resource. Nir brings in more recent research that interrogates this idea and comes to the conclusion that willpower is only exhibited in one group of people: those that believe willpower is a limited resource.[34:15] - Charlie talks about the value of re-focus blocks of time, which are used to recharge your willpower so that you can pursue the task at hand. Nir explains that willpower is simply an emotion; much like we wouldn’t run out of other emotions like angry and sad, we don’t run out of willpower.[37:10] - Charlie and Nir discuss how the quality of the environment you are in can dramatically change the quality of the work you do and the ability to be indistractible. [40:21] - Nir challenges the listener to master the uncomfortable emotional states that disrupt your time management and focus; he then invites the listener to check out his website and to download a complimentary companion workbook.Mentioned in This Episode:Start Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyIndistractible, by Nir EyalNir Eyal 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

Executive coach Amiel Handlesman joins Charlie on the show to talk about how we talk to each other. They illuminate the different kinds of conversations we have, and how to navigate them. Amiel talks about different conversational micro-habits that can help improve the quality of our communication, especially during this time when intentional conversation is so important.  Key Takeaways:[3:30] - Oftentimes, people wait to have conversations because they are afraid of having the conversation wrong. “Naming the conversation”, or type of conversation, can help get everyone on the same page.[8:18] - Sequencing is just as important as naming the conversation. Amiel talks about three different types of conversations: share stories / assessments, explore possibilities, and then ask / take action. [14:33] - Having a shared terminology between people really helps to ease frustration and misunderstanding. Naming what you’re doing (for example, “I have a request for you”) defines the roles for the speaker and the listener. It also creates a safe environment for the listener. [18:20] - Proactive communication is key to navigating and renegotiating commitments, especially in business. Different personality types approach this differently; do what works for you, but it is helpful to practice outside of crucial conversations, so it seems easy in those conversations.[23:05] - As you’re listening and taking in this advice, lean into the things that make you most uncomfortable - those are the areas of growth! Reflect on whether situations are a strength, stress, or stretch.[26:55] - Amiel and Charlie talk about the Enneagram test, which serves as a good basis to know the default way in which we interpret our experiences. When we learn about ourselves, there is a permission-giving factor that can be very helpful.[30:35] - There is a way to create a pause between the initial ask, and saying yes or no. Saying you’ll check your calendar gives you time to weigh everything else on your plate so you can give a firm commitment either way.[34:50] - Setting boundaries in conversation can bring up difficult and challenging emotions. You want to find a place for these emotions when engaging in conversation, which is part of learning to be competent in conversations. Amiel shares an example of when he had to say no and how he applied this. [40:50]  - As a leader and manager, it’s important to be able to articulate what your emotions are, so your teammates trust and understand where you are coming from and what you mean. This goes for personal relationships as well.[48:25] - These are skills you have to practice. You may have to go back and clear things up, so you can continue to establish trust in your communication. The way you get better is by repetition with intent to improve, and by having someone observe and provide feedback. [52:20] - Amiel’s invitation and challenge for listeners is to pick one of the conversations, situations, or habits discussed in this episode and write it down, and see if it’s something you want to make a commitment to for yourself. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyAmiel HandlesmanThe Sacred Enneagram, by Christopher Heuertz 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 an interview Charlie gave to the founder of Record the Journey, a non-profit that provides outdoor adventures and photography training to military veterans and their families to make the process of transition easier. Charlie wanted to share this interview to bring light to challenges transitioning veterans face and to amplify Rachael’s great work.  Key Takeaways:[1:50] - Charlie talks about his history with military service, and how he juggled active duty and working towards his PhD at the same time. [5:48] - He came back healthy - both mentally and physically, which made the transition back to civilian life a little easier. [8:02] - Charlie’s experience transitioning back to grad school actually shed light on his own mission. The operating system he was using in the military wasn’t going to help him build his career and life here. It is a different skill set than responding to missions from his commanders and leaders. [11:30] - Charlie talks about some of the differences between military and civilian life, specifically community and routine. The focus was more single-minded when Charlie was deployed, and coming home, there are a lot of different things to worry about and make time for.[15:57] - One of the difficult things about making the transition is that how you orient fundamentally to other people changes. One of the main goals of Record the Journey is to share the stories of successful transition with other military members.[17:10] - One of the adjustments Rachael is making is getting comfortable with the label of being a creative or being an artist. For her, the tension was between being creative and being in active duty, and for Charlie, the tension was actually between being academic and being in active duty. [21:20] - One of the strengths the military brings into the civilian community is the “can-doisms.” As veterans transition back to the workforce, the focus is more on whether they can or can’t get the job done. This, along with Charlie’s work, helped Rachael take control of her own map and start doing things for herself.[27:05] - Where many transitioning military members, or civilians, thrive, is when we are intentional about building a squad around us that enables us to do what we do best. This squad or success pack can help get everyone where they need to go, and is often a connection that is missing for veterans transitioning back.[29:30] - One thing people with no military experience need to understand is that coming back is an identity shift, not just a new job. When you’re in the military, there is an entire culture of who you are that changes when you come out. It is important for civilian society to pay attention to what they can learn from transitioning veterans to improve their communities and organizations. [31:15] - For any listener, think about the map you’re following, and whether it’s a map or route that you created. When you get off a given route or map, you start finding your way to do your best work. Getting clear about your core values, and giving yourself permission to cultivate those values, can help guide your route.[37:50] - Especially during this time of COVID, it’s important to make the most of your time. Framing your priorities in a timeline will get things real clear, real fast. If your map is not taking you toward a priority project, figure out why not. [42:05] - The journey is different for different veterans. For some, it’s a journey making their map, for others, it’s reintegrating, and for some, it’s reconciling who you were before and who you are after your service. [45:55] - It is easy to get stuck in the heartbreak and mishaps, but when you get away from those moments, you realize that they are an important part of the story. Moving with these moments changes your experience in the moment, in a way that you may not see until later.[51:15] - Think about your map being written on a white board; if something happens you can change your map. You don’t have to create your map in permanent marker! When you get new information, you can make an adjustment that’s right for you.[53:20] - The transition back to civilian life is also a challenge for families of service members. Their family becomes their own squad while military members are gone, and it’s an adjustment coming home and figuring out how things have changed and how everyone fits together. [59:25] - The emotional weight of things doesn’t often line up with the physical transition. The reintegration process is not necessarily linear, and both parties need to give it space to breathe when it comes up, and work through it together.[1:06:32] - There is nothing wrong with the way the body and the brain deals with these responses. Take time to engage with it - that is how you will move through it. Walls are broken down with words first. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyRecord the JourneyRachael Ridenour on LinkedIn 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

Martha Alderson joins Charlie on the show today to talk about her new book, Boundless Creativity. They talk about the key insights of the book, the Universal story, and the importance of making space for creative pursuits during COVID times. There is an overlap between Martha’s ideas and Charlie’s ideas from Start Finishing, so some of these core conversations may resonate in new and different ways.  Key Takeaways:[1:50] - Martha’s new book takes a mythic and spiritual approach to productivity and getting things done. The opportunity to own her story was a transformative experience she didn’t expect from this venture. [4:50] - Martha talks about her experiences with her past books and having to silence her creative expression. Boundless Creativity was the first book that she really allowed herself to freely write her true beliefs, with a heavier focus on spirituality. [8:05] - The climate of today’s culture has opened the doors for more inward reflection, and our purpose here. More and more people are turning to some type of spirituality, and the status quo seems to be shifting. [12:00] - Martha describes the four parts of the Universal story. The beginning (things are comfortable but fragile, you are enthusiastic about your ideas), the middle (you start to meet the internal and external antagonists, testing ground), the dark night (usually the hardest part of a creative journey, things are stripped away and we lose ourselves), and finally the mastery / triumph (use the skills you learned throughout to overcome final obstacles). [17:15] - Each time you go through the Universal story, you get stronger and stronger until you are willing to try anything because you know you can. Many of the elements of the Universal story parallel the ideas Charlie explores in Start Finishing. [24:15] - Each part of the Universal story poses its own challenges. Some people struggle with getting started, and some people get started and want to give up when they get stuck. The middle, or the dark night, is often when past sufferings or traumas come up. [27:30] - Martha talks about her idea of a “threshold guardian”.  When you move into a new phase of the Universal story, don’t make that transition lightly. Value that you’re ready for the next step and the journey you will take moving forward. [31:00] - Whatever you come up against is just a different part of who you are. A commitment to move forward is a commitment to yourself. These tests and challenges are there to allow us to see just how powerful we really are.[33:15] - Speaking to or talking about a challenge doesn’t make it any harder than it already is. Talking about it makes it such that you can overcome it. Shine the light on those monsters, and embrace them. What comes out of this journey is the freedom to be yourself. [38:30] - Many people are having trouble giving themselves the space to dream and be creative during these pandemic times. If you’re feeling this way, take time to look at why you’re feeling this way. Embrace the discomfort.[43:55] - Allow yourself to accept that it’s okay to take time for yourself. It may not be easy, but it’s worth it. Your needs and desires count just as much as someone else’s. [47:00] - Martha talks about her own journey confronting her monsters during her writing process. For Boundless Creativity, it was more of an opportunity to put her truth out there for people who will most benefit. Because she had worked through dark nights in the past, she could write this book from a space of freedom.[52:30] - Martha’s invitation for listeners is to do what you’re most afraid of; whatever it is you’ve held yourself back from, walk into your fear and do it. When you do it, you will see just how strong you really are.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyBoundless Creativity, by Martha AldersonMartha Alderson 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 guest is Cara Chace, a Pinterest marketing strategist, writer, and social media strategist. While those are her areas of expertise in career, this episode is about integrating creative and analytical thinking in ways that make both better. The real trick is learning which brain is better for the task at hand, and approaching a task with your whole mind. She and Charlie talk about ways to identify patterns and reset when we find ourselves leaning too far to one side. Key Takeaways: [2:25] – There is a dichotomy in business and creative work between the analytical side and the more creative side. In Cara’s own career, she has experienced both sides of this spectrum; first as a criminal investigator, and then as a social media manager for MegaDeath. She now works as a Pinterest marketing strategist. [5:34] – Cara talks about the lens through which creativity is often displayed, especially when she was growing up, and how her view has recently shifted. Pinterest provides a unique combination of both creativity and analysis as the only visual search engine. [8:20] – It’s easy to define ourselves and others, but confining ourselves to one side of the spectrum shuts us off from the possibility (or reality) that we could be both. Many careers and scenarios require some degree of both analytical thinking and creative approach. [12:40] – There are also different ways to be good at critical thinking or creative endeavors. When you break down the ideas of left-brain or right-brain for yourself, you can use both to make your life so much better. Cara talks about how she is able to apply this in her position at Pinterest. [15:05] - Cara shares the moment she realized the integrated mind approach was what would lead her to success. About nine months into starting her business, she started looking at the data of her website traffic, and used that to build her business. [19:00] - Her default mode is to go to the left-brain analytical side when she is stuck. Recognizing that pattern signals that she needs to pivot, get back into her body, and then let the creativity flow in again. On the flip side, we can get over creative and fail to take action on what needs to be done.  It’s important to be aware of where you are on the scale. [26:05] - Cara talks about using reading as a tool to integrate both sides. This allows her brain to rest and come back more creatively when she gets back to work. Figuring out how to work smarter for better results will give you time and space to fulfill other aspects of your life. [30:25] - It is easy to let our health, happiness, and joy move to the bottom of the list of what’s important. Practical creatives often overlook those pieces of the equation, and neglect self-care. You don’t have to wait until life and work is in place to start practicing regular self-care. [34:40] - Everyone experiences the pendulum swing between both sides of the brain. It’s important to be aware of the patterns you get into, and have the tools that will allow you to work with those patterns, rather than against them. [39:38] - Cara’s two challenges for listeners are: 1. Take social media off your phone for a weekend, 2. Read a book that’s purely for pleasure, and see how much your brain feels reset and relaxed, and what ideas and inspirations come out of that.  Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyCara ChaceCliftonStrengths Finder 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