Time to Reset

“Yes, And” is a fundamental principle in improv performance, usually for collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Improv master Avish Parashar has mastered how to apply this framework not just on-stage but even beyond. He joins Penny Zenker to discuss how to use the “Yes, And” concept in unlocking your creative genius, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and navigating changes in both personal and professional lives. Avish also talks about the importance of embracing messiness to build the most authentic version of yourself and create a more grounded and fulfilling journey.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Many people, particularly women, often wait for the perfect timing before taking the leap and embracing change. But for Cara Moeller Poppitt, this does not need waiting – the right time is always right now. She joins Penny Zenker in this insightful conversation about her book, “Big Freakin’ Change,” and how to overcome the fear of not feeling ready. Cara talks about her six-step process for getting out of being stuck and taking full control of the life you want to live. She also discusses why women often seek eternal permission and what it takes for them to start taking courageous action.

Feeling like something's missing? Craving more purpose and fulfillment? Today, we're joined by Rick Walker, a successful entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and author of the upcoming book, Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning. Rick believes that universal truths whisper to us from all corners of life – from ancient texts to modern physics. He shares how to find these profound insights, revealing what he calls "the arbitrage of masterful ideas." Discover why concepts like "indestructibility" are key to lasting relevance, and learn practical steps to infuse more joy and beauty into your everyday life. If you're ready to hit the reset button on your life's meaning, tune in. Rick will even share his unique personal reset practices, including an instant energy boost you won't want to miss!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

What is perception bias, and why does it matter, and how does hyper-personalization stop bias?Perception bias is our tendency to interpret people and behaviors based on our own filters—whether that’s age, gender, role, or past experience. We don’t mean to do it. But we all do. It’s fast, automatic, and often subconscious.Here’s the catch: Bias doesn’t just hurt inclusion—it kills engagement. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Human Capital Trends report, 71% of employees expect personalized experiences at work, but only 23% of organizations are delivering them effectively. That gap? It’s where bias thrives.When people feel misunderstood or misjudged, they check out. And burnout? It’s not always caused by workload. It’s often caused by people feeling unseen, unheard, and undervalued. That’s perception bias in action.Neuroscience backs this up. The brain’s anterior cingulate cortex—the region tied to pain and conflict—lights up when we feel socially excluded, similar to physical pain. Feeling like a number isn’t just demotivating—it’s neurologically distressing. How hyper-personalization flips the scriptSo what’s the reset? It’s personal. Literally.Hyper-personalization uses real-time data, AI, and behavioral insights to create tailored experiences that meet employees where they are. Think learning styles, communication preferences, reward motivators, even snack and feedback preferences.When leaders co-create profiles with their teams—knowing what energizes them, how they like to receive feedback, what stresses them out—you close the assumption gap. And when people feel seen, they show up differently.📈 Stats that prove it:Adobe reduced voluntary turnover by 30% after launching its “Check-In” system—ditch the annual review, focus on frequent, personalized conversations.Salesforce saw 11% higher engagement in teams where managers had access to individual workstyle preferences.And Domino’s didn’t just use hyper-personalization for customers—they built internal AI tools to tailor onboarding and development. It’s part of how their stock jumped 3,500% over a decade. Let’s talk resultsHyper-personalization isn’t about coddling. It’s about performance. McKinsey found that organizations that personalize the employee experience see up to 15% increases in productivity and 20% higher retention.But it only works when personalization is embedded—not just in onboarding—but in daily rhythms:1:1s that start with “What do you need today?”Feedback that aligns with the person, not just the roleRecognizing wins in a way that actually landsWhen employees don’t have to mask or mold themselves to fit a generic mold, they focus more, collaborate better, and stay longer. That’s not a soft benefit. That’s ROI.Your Reset. Try it. See the difference it makes.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Many organizations find it difficult to execute and keep up with various changes in their culture or processes, especially if longstanding traditions are already set in stone. Change management specialist Barb Grant is here to discuss how to make lasting change stick and encourage everyone not to revert to their old ways. Joining Penny Zenker, Barb presents key points in understanding how people change through connection, addressing their fears and uncertainties along the way. She also explains the importance of giving yourself the permission to change, the right way to manage ego at work, and how to keep your values aligned with the team’s vision and everyone else’s goals.

It is often said that our gut has the ability to tell us all kinds of things, especially when it comes to improving our health. To live our best lives, we must learn to understand the undeniable connection between gut health and our overall performance. Penny Zenker sits down with Dr. Tracy Gapin, an expert in men’s health optimization and longevity, to discuss how to keep an eye on our hormonal levels and stay away from environmental toxins we are using every single day. He emphasizes the importance of blood testing, sleep quality, and making health a top priority. Dr. Tracy also laments the shortcomings of the healthcare system and his advocacy for a more proactive, holistic, and patient-centered approach.

Join Rob Shallenberger, CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership and a former F-16 pilot, as he shares transformative strategies for effective time management. He discusses the importance of developing a clear personal vision and setting intentional goals to align daily actions with what truly matters. Rob emphasizes breaking free from chaotic to-do lists and encourages listeners to adopt weekly pre-planning for greater productivity. The conversation also touches on intentional living and the power of personal reflection for a more fulfilling life.

Creating genuine employee engagement and quality leadership in today's evolving workplace demands more than just lip service; it requires a fundamental shift in how we perceive and interact with our teams. In this episode, Penny Zenker dives deep into the heart of fostering buy-in and dismantling the barriers that prevent true engagement with Dave Garrison, CEO and author of "The Buy-In Advantage." Together, they unpack the persistent challenges of low engagement, the failures of past strategies, and how leaders can prioritize people over tasks to inspire their teams to give their all. Discover practical steps for creating psychological safety, leveraging feedback, and rethinking meeting dynamics to cultivate a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Tune in to learn how to transform your leadership approach and unlock the full potential of your workforce by shifting from "human doings" to "human beings."Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Going "all in" on your goals is the key to unlocking what's truly possible in life. In this episode, we dive into that very concept with Drew Berman, an international speaker, bestselling author, and Peak Performance strategist, exploring the transformative power of full commitment. With three decades of experience empowering professionals, Drew shares insights from his new book, "Go All In: Your Blueprint for Wealth, Legacy, and Financial Freedom," discussing how to dismantle limiting beliefs, silence self-doubt, and fully embrace your potential in finance, relationships, and personal growth. Discover the significance of focused energy, learn to establish essential boundaries, and understand the importance of aligning your actions with your deepest aspirations as Drew recounts his journey from sales and marketing to mastering financial education. Prepare for actionable strategies that will inspire you to reset and uncover what becomes possible when you decide to go "all in."

Micromanagement can feel like you're doing the right thing, but often it's a hidden form of self-sabotage that stifles growth and drains your energy. In this episode, we're diving deep into the pitfalls of micromanagement with Mickie Kennedy, Founder and President of eReleases, a leader in press release distribution with 26 years of experience helping small businesses boost their visibility and credibility. Mickie candidly shares his journey from a "recovering micromanager" to a leader who empowers his team, revealing how stepping back and trusting his employees not only transformed his company culture but also significantly fueled its growth. Get ready for valuable insights and practical tips on how to recognize micromanaging tendencies and shift towards a more effective and empowering leadership style.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/