

The Bright Method Podcast: Realistic Time Management and Productivity for Working Women & Working Moms
Kelly Nolan
Ready for a time management approach that is actually designed for professional working women – ones that help you lighten the mental load, draw boundaries with more confidence, focus on the important (not just urgent) stuff at work, and be present with friends and family?
Podcast host, Kelly Nolan, an attorney-turned-time management strategist, mom of two, and creator of the Bright Method™, delivers practical, realistic time management strategies tailored for busy professional women, working moms, and ambitious women juggling careers and home life.
We cover topics like:
How to time-block in a way that actually works and avoid common time-blocking mistakes,
How to manage the mental load around all of our roles at work and at home,
How to handle work deadlines with less stress and scramble,
How to keep distractions in check, from social media to people swinging by your office, and
How to plan in a realistic way so you can feel on top of it all and avoid overcommitment.
Whether you're a lawyer, physician, executive, woman in corporate, professor, entrepreneur, or any woman navigating a full plate, this podcast gives you tools to design a sustainable system that works for your real life—not a Pinterest-perfect version of it.
Follow now, and let's get you falling asleep proud of what you got done today and calm about what's on tap tomorrow.
Podcast host, Kelly Nolan, an attorney-turned-time management strategist, mom of two, and creator of the Bright Method™, delivers practical, realistic time management strategies tailored for busy professional women, working moms, and ambitious women juggling careers and home life.
We cover topics like:
How to time-block in a way that actually works and avoid common time-blocking mistakes,
How to manage the mental load around all of our roles at work and at home,
How to handle work deadlines with less stress and scramble,
How to keep distractions in check, from social media to people swinging by your office, and
How to plan in a realistic way so you can feel on top of it all and avoid overcommitment.
Whether you're a lawyer, physician, executive, woman in corporate, professor, entrepreneur, or any woman navigating a full plate, this podcast gives you tools to design a sustainable system that works for your real life—not a Pinterest-perfect version of it.
Follow now, and let's get you falling asleep proud of what you got done today and calm about what's on tap tomorrow.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 30, 2024 • 26min
82. Protecting Time for Your Health
One of the most common time management pain points many women experience is trying to find time (and energy) for their own health, whether that's working out, eating how they want, sleeping, and even medical appointments. Let's discuss. Referenced episodes: Ep. 33. Long-Term Planning: How to feel like YOU & create long-term plans Ep. 29. Outsourcing at Home Ep. 9. Strategies to Get More Ease In Your Life A full transcript of this episode is available on my website about two weeks after the episode is published. To find it, click here and then select the episode. -- To take my free 5-day program, the Reset and Refresh, click here: https://kellynolan.com/reset-refresh. To learn more about and sign up for the Bright Method 8-week program, click here: https://kellynolan.com/the-bright-method-time-management-course-with-kelly-nolan. I also share actionable bite-sized time management strategies on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_kellynolan_/. Come hang out with me there!

6 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 27min
81. Too Many Meetings! Time Management Tips When You Meetings Prevent You From Doing Your Work
Tired of endless meetings eating into your productivity? This discussion dives into the challenge excessive meetings pose for working women, highlighting innovative solutions to reclaim your time. Learn how to prioritize effectively and ensure your meetings align with organizational goals. The conversation also explores the balance between managerial expectations and real work time, offering actionable strategies to enhance your daily workflow. Say goodbye to late-night catch-ups and hello to smarter scheduling!

18 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 31min
80. Getting Clear About How You Process To-Do’s & Ideas
Discover the importance of having a clear system for managing daily tasks and ideas. Learn practical strategies to capture and categorize incoming to-dos to reduce overwhelm. Unpack how clarity in processing can enhance your mental organization and boost productivity. Dive into techniques that help transform ideas into actionable steps, making your day-to-day life more manageable. Remain focused and organized amidst the chaos!

Dec 9, 2024 • 14min
79. Self-Evaluations: How to Make Your Next Performance Review A Lot Easier
Navigating performance reviews can be daunting, but strategizing early makes a huge difference. Learn how to effectively track your achievements and articulate your strengths with solid evidence. Gain insights on boosting your confidence and resilience at work through self-evaluations. Discover the broader benefits of maintaining organized records well before your review. These actionable techniques not only streamline self-evaluations but also empower you in your professional journey.

Dec 2, 2024 • 16min
78. The "Years are Short" Spreadsheet: Long-Term Planning Snapshot
Explore how to take charge of long-term planning with the innovative 'Years Are Short' spreadsheet. Discover its power in tracking personal and family milestones effectively. Learn practical strategies for managing educational progress and making informed decisions for your children. The episode also dives into the perks of programs like national parks access for young explorers. Get ready to clarify life's significant events and enhance your planning skills!

Nov 25, 2024 • 21min
77. Logistically overwhelmed by the holidays? Let's talk about it.
Feelings of dread can arise as the holiday season approaches, and planning can become overwhelming. Practical strategies are shared to help manage stress, including prioritizing tasks and simplifying traditions. Delegation and meal planning take center stage, encouraging listeners to embrace new, less rigid approaches. The importance of cherishing simple moments is highlighted, promoting genuine joy during celebrations. Discover how to navigate the holiday hustle while maintaining festive cheer!

Nov 18, 2024 • 29min
76. When your partner is gone a lot: How to share the home labor
Managing home responsibilities can be tricky when your partner is away often. The discussion highlights the unique struggles faced by couples with demanding jobs. Personal stories reveal how communication and support play a vital role in balancing household tasks. Listeners are encouraged to share their approaches, fostering a sense of community around these challenges. The focus is on normalizing the struggle and exploring actionable strategies for equitable home labor.

Nov 11, 2024 • 11min
75. Acting (or Not Acting) Because of What Others Think (Wear the Mittens)
This time of year reminds me of a post I wrote two years ago about doing or not doing things we want to do take care of ourselves and make us happy – because of what others will think of us. Let's dig into it. A full transcript of this episode is available on my website about two weeks after the episode is published. To find it, click here and then select the episode. -- To take my free 5-day program, the Reset and Refresh, click here: https://kellynolan.com/reset-refresh. To learn more about and sign up for the Bright Method 8-week program, click here: https://kellynolan.com/the-bright-method-time-management-course-with-kelly-nolan. I also share actionable bite-sized time management strategies on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_kellynolan_/. Come hang out with me there!

Nov 4, 2024 • 51min
74. AI & Time Management with Woody Taylor
Woody Taylor, a management consultant and technology futurist from Minneapolis, dives into the fascinating world of AI in this conversation. He discusses the transformative effects of tools like ChatGPT on workplace productivity and personal learning. Woody warns about the dual nature of AI, highlighting potential risks such as scams and bias in content creation. He emphasizes the importance of mindful engagement and the need for regulation in the AI industry, urging listeners to make informed political choices in our tech-driven world.

Oct 28, 2024 • 31min
73. My Time Management Journey
A few weeks ago, when I asked people on Instagram what to record a podcast episode about next, three people asked me to share about my time management journey. So, here goes! In addition, a heads up that: My Jan-Mar 2025 program is the last time I plan to run it in a "cohort" format (i.e., you go through it with the same women for eight weeks) as I'm going to have it open more often on a rolling basis to allow people to jump in when it works for them between September and April each year. Enrollment for the Jan-Mar 2025 Bright Method program opens this Friday, November 1 at 10am CT. You can jump on the waitlist & add it to your calendar here. Thanks for being here! A full transcript of this episode is available on my website about two weeks after the episode is published. To find it, click here and then select the episode. -- To take my free 5-day program, the Reset and Refresh, click here: https://kellynolan.com/reset-refresh. To learn more about and sign up for the Bright Method 8-week program, click here: https://kellynolan.com/the-bright-method-time-management-course-with-kelly-nolan. I also share actionable bite-sized time management strategies on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_kellynolan_/. Come hang out with me there!