Love in Action

Episode recap:  In this episode, Marcel sits down with Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, co-authors of A Meaningful Work, to explore what truly makes work meaningful in the age of AI. Drawing from positive psychology and organizational research, they unpack how leaders can move beyond removing obstacles and instead foster environments of high well-being, challenge, contribution, and connection. They highlight the role of positive, timely feedback in reinforcing meaningful contributions and show how challenge, paired with strong support, creates a “zone of possibility” where people thrive. Together, they make the case that meaningful work is a business imperative. Listeners will walk away with actionable ways to spark purpose and connection in their own workplaces.  Guest Bio: Wes Adams, CEO of SV Consulting Group, partners with Fortune 500s and growing companies to develop leaders and create effective structures for high-performing teams. He researches positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on leadership practices that help employees thrive.  Tamara Myles is a speaker, author, professor, and entrepreneur focused on human flourishing at work. She helps leaders and organizations like Microsoft, KPMG, and MassMutual unlock meaningful work to boost performance, innovation, and resilience. As faculty at Boston College and at the University of Pennsylvania, her work shows that meaningful work leads to thriving teams and lasting impact. Quotes  “Leaders are responsible for almost half of each individual’s experience of meaning at work.”    “Community says, I matter here.”       Takeaways  Leaders must intentionally foster community, contribution, and challenge to create meaningful work.   Simple practices—like synchronized breaks, positive feedback, and development conversations—can transform team culture.   Timestamps [00:00] Marcel’s introduction: why meaningful work matters in today’s world    [04:19] Tamara’s personal story: what makes work meaningful (or not)    [06:26] Wes’s journey: purpose-driven work isn’t always meaningful    [09:33] Defining meaningful work and debunking misconceptions    [12:41] Has the meaning of work changed post-pandemic?    [23:43] Research on social connection and productivity    [28:22] The “friendship effect” and overcoming challenges together    [28:31] Contribution—understanding impact and purpose at work    [52:21] The power of saying “thank you” and recognizing others  Conclusion  Wes Adams and Tamara Myles make it clear: meaningful work is not about what you do, but how you experience it—and leaders play a pivotal role in shaping that experience. By focusing on community, contribution, and challenge, and by practicing care, feedback, and support, leaders can ignite passion and performance in every employee. The call to action is simple: start today, with small steps, to make work more meaningful for your team and yourself. The ripple effects can transform not just organizations, but lives.  Links Mentioned  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaningful-Work-Passion-Performance-Employee/dp/1541704533  Website: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.com/   Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:  Marcel sits down with Kimberly Davis, actor-turned-leadership coach and author of Brave Leadership. They explore her journey from the stage to coaching leaders worldwide, redefining what bravery means at work, and why authenticity and vulnerability matter more than ever. Kimberly shares strategies for courageous conversations, lessons from her TED talk, and her vision of helping 1 million people uncover their “super objective.” Along the way, you’ll learn how to focus on impact and bring more courage into your leadership.  Guest Bio: Kimberly Davis is the founder and author of Brave Leadership, where she champions emerging leaders and senior managers navigating today’s workplace. She shares her inspirational message of personal power, responsibility, and impact with organizations across the country and teaches leadership programs worldwide. Kimberly is Adjunct Faculty for Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business’ Executive Education Program. She’s also a TEDx speaker, and her book, Brave Leadership, named among Inc. Magazine's most impactful books, became an Amazon bestseller in Business Leadership and Motivation, and received the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award for Business and Career.  Quotes:  "Bravery is not the absence of fear—it’s the choice to move forward in spite of it."  "Authenticity isn’t about oversharing; it’s about aligning your actions with who you truly are."  "The leaders who will thrive in this new world are those who dare to connect, even when it feels uncomfortable."  Takeaways:  Stop trying to be the “perfect” leader—focus instead on being present and authentic.  Bravery is a practice: small, consistent choices to act with clarity and courage.  Connection is leadership currency—without it, influence falls flat.  Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to run the show.  Leading bravely isn’t about heroics; it’s about showing up as your best, real self.  Timestamps:  [00:00] Welcome and introduction [01:07] Introducing Kimberly Davis and Brave Leadership [03:11] Kimberly's Journey from Acting to Leadership Training [07:19] From Onstage Leadership to Brave Leadership [12:36] Defining Brave Leadership in Today's World [17:36] Special Launch Announcement [22:21] Collaborative Leadership and Global Change [25:17] Authenticity in Leadership [26:32] Defining Authenticity in Leadership [27:53] The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership [29:02] Navigating Personal Vulnerability [30:38] Impact of Vulnerability on Leadership [44:07] Creating a Culture of Courage [46:23] Speed Round and Final Thoughts Conclusion:  Leadership today isn’t about following old scripts—it’s about writing a new one rooted in bravery and authenticity. Kimberly Davis reminds us that the leaders who will thrive in uncertain times are those who show up with courage, presence, and connection. By practicing bravery in small, intentional ways, we not only inspire others but also unlock our own potential to lead with impact.  Links: Now Be Brave - https://nowbebrave.com/ Website - https://brave-leadership.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Leadership-Confident-Powerful-Authentic-ebook/dp/B077ZH91TG?ref_=ast_author_dp  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlydavisonst Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:  Today’s guest is Margaret Morre, MBA, co-author of The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. Margaret and Marcel discussed the translation of scientific research into practical leadership practices and the nine key leadership capacities. They explored concepts such as conscious leadership, mindfulness, and the "quiet ego," while examining specific leadership qualities and the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and fostering forgiveness in the workplace. The discussion concluded with conversations about shared leadership, the role of AI in leadership development, and the concept of love as an action in leadership contexts.  Bio: Margaret Moore, MBA, blends leadership, coaching, and science, including thirty years in C-suite roles, co-leading four successful start-ups in biotechnology and coaching, and two decades of professional coaching and coach training. For 25 years, she has been a prolific translator of science into coaching, training, and leadership practice. Margaret's vision for this book is to help bring scientists, leaders, and coaches together to foster leadership excellence and support everyday leaders far and wide. Quotes:  "Leadership is the highest expression of human endeavor. It’s a calling, a legacy."  "The more whole you are, the more you feel like you’re flying instead of trudging uphill."  "A relationship is a cycle of back and forth, empathy and compassion. The more relational leaders are, the more they can be influential."    Takeaways:  Reflect on your leadership: Are you developing capacities at the self, relational, and systemic levels?  Practice conscious leadership by cultivating presence and integrating your fears into strengths.  Build trust and influence by focusing on relationships, empathy, and forgiveness—not just transactions.  Embrace shared leadership by engaging people at all levels in vision, strategy, and implementation.  Take responsibility for shaping technology (like AI) with intention, values, and accountability.  Pause regularly to assess what your team or organization needs—compassion, agility, or a new perspective.    Timestamps:  [00:00] Introduction and the cost of poor leadership    [00:04] The science behind effective leadership    [03:43] Margaret Moore’s background and approach to translating research    [10:00] The nine leadership capacities and their organization    [12:41] Self, other, and systems-oriented leadership    [13:21] Conscious leadership and the quiet ego    [18:07] Example of conscious leadership: Astronaut Sunita Williams    [20:23] Relational leadership and the importance of trust    [34:21] The rise of AI and the need for responsible leadership    [40:07] Leading with love and values    [43:07] The power of pausing and choosing the right leadership approach    [44:48] Closing thoughts and resources  Conclusion:  Strong leadership today requires a blend of self-awareness, relational intelligence, and systemic thinking. Moving beyond rigid, top-down models allows leaders to create cultures of trust, meaning, and adaptability. The most effective leaders are those who continually grow, model their values, and choose the right approach for each moment. Real change starts with those who lead by example, shaping not just organizations, but the future of leadership itself.  Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:  Marcel and Josh explored the intersection of healthcare, leadership, and well-being, drawing on Josh’s experience as a physician and retired army colonel. They discussed the transition from clinical practice to leadership development, the importance of compassionate leadership, and the need for consistent, evidence-based approaches to improve both staff retention and patient outcomes. Themes included self-awareness, aligning leadership with personal values, listening deeply, and shaping culture intentionally. Josh emphasized making a business case for investing in healthcare worker well-being and caring for teams as a core leadership responsibility. The conversation also touched on humility, resilience, unity, and lifelong learning, with Josh sharing insights from his book A Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership and personal reflections on resilience, humor, and values. Bio: Joshua D. Hartzell, MD, MS-HPEd, FACP, FIDSA, is a retired Army Colonel who spent 25 years in military medicine. He deployed as a Battalion Surgeon with the 82nd Airborne Division to Afghanistan. Dr. Hartzell has held numerous leadership positions throughout his career, including being Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency and Assistant Chief of Graduate Medical Education at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Assistant Dean for Faculty Development at the Uniformed Services University. Dr. Hartzell is also a faculty member at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, where he teaches leadership development. A practicing Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Physician, he has devoted the last decade to developing leaders, training and teaching thousands of students, residents, and faculty within healthcare.  Quotes  “If we can improve leadership, that’s not only going to improve the lives of the people providing the care, it’s going to improve patient care.”  “Listening is your bridge to growth as an individual and as an organization.”   Takeaways  Make leadership development a priority in healthcare education and organizations.  Practice evidence-based self-care to lead with clarity and resilience.  Anchor decisions in values and balance care with accountability.  Timestamp  [00:00] Marcel’s personal story of toxic leadership in healthcare  [04:30] Dr. Hartzell’s military and medical background  [16:20] Burnout, turnover, and the cost of poor leadership  [20:15] Leadership training in medicine today  [42:10] The role of feedback in shaping culture  [47:25] Building a caring culture for the future of healthcare  Conclusion  Dr. Joshua Hartzell makes it clear that healthcare doesn’t have a medical problem, it has a leadership problem. Developing leaders who care deeply for their people is not optional, it is essential for patient safety, staff well-being, and long-term organizational health. His call is simple but urgent: invest in leadership early, practice self-care as a foundation, and create cultures where listening and accountability thrive. The future of healthcare depends on leaders who choose to care.    Links Mentioned  Dr. Joshua Hartzell on LinkedIn  A Prescription for Caring in Healthcare Leadership (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, major booksellers)  Marcel Schwantes’ website:  marcelschwantes.com Website - https://joshuahartzellmd.com/    Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:  Marcel and Kelly discussed the importance of love and compassion in leadership and the workplace, emphasizing how caring environments enhance performance and reduce turnover. Kelly shared her personal journey and experiences leading self-directed organizations, highlighting the benefits of treating employees as adults and activating their free will. They explored the shift from traditional leadership models to a more collaborative, coaching-based approach, where leaders focus on empowering and supporting others. Marcel and Kelly agreed that building a workplace culture centered on love and care not only benefits employees but also leads to better organizational outcomes and profitability. Marcel and Kelly also discussed the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Kelly shared her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing that DEI is not about politics but about performance and participation. Guest Bio: Kelly Winegarden Hall is a leadership expert and business strategist who helps individuals and organizations move from surviving to thriving. As the founder of Live L.A.R.G.E., she brings 30 years of experience leading diverse teams and transforming struggling businesses into high-performing, self-directing organizations. Her new book is Love Works: Transforming the Workplace with Purpose and Authenticity.  Quotes  “When you start activating people’s free will and they know your hand is on their back, you will make more money. Your projects will happen faster, and those results are more sustainable over time.”  “Inclusion isn’t about being cozy, it’s about being yourself and being supported in doing so. Fierce inclusion means mastering trust and supporting people even when they fail.”    Takeaways  Treat people like adults: ask more questions than you give orders.  Shift from delegation to enrollment, activate free will, not subordination.  Build psychological safety so trauma and life challenges don’t derail performance.  Timestamps  [04:30] Kelly Hall’s story  [06:40] Why love at work  [13:30] From commanders to coaches  [18:30] The LIVE LARGE model  [24:30] The pinnacle of power  [36:45] Communicating with love  [39:50] Advice for CEOs  [51:00] Final reflections  Conclusion  Leading with love may sound unconventional in business, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to build trust, loyalty, and sustainable success. When leaders choose compassion over control and connection over command, they create environments where people feel safe to contribute their best. Love in leadership isn’t about being soft, it’s about being courageous enough to see people as whole human beings. In a time when workplaces are filled with stress and disconnection, choosing love can transform teams, strengthen culture, and unlock results that last.  Links/Resources  Website - Kellywinegardenhall.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-hall-0a23a11/ Love Works Book: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Works-Transforming-Workplace-Authenticity/dp/1964508282  The Empowerment Dynamic  https://www.amazon.com/POWER-TED-EMPOWERMENT-DYNAMIC-Anniversary/dp/0996871802  Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap: This episode featured Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40, who shared his personal journey and philosophy on creating safe, valued, and connected workplaces. As a true Servant Leader, Garry discussed the people-focused strategies that propelled WD-40 to have one of the highest employee retention rates in the world. Marcel and Garry covered topics such as leadership development, psychological safety, and the importance of building and maintaining a strong organizational culture through consistent effort and learning moments. Guest Bio: As CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company for 25 years, Garry Ridge built one of the world’s most recognized brands by prioritizing trust, respect, and people-centric leadership. Now, as The Culture Coach, Garry helps leaders create workplaces where people feel valued and inspired. Through The Learning Moment, he partners with executives to build cultures of collaboration and purpose-driven performance. His latest book, USA Today's Best Seller, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, reinforces his belief that great leadership is simple—but not easy. Known as The Dean of Dumbassery, Garry champions “learning moments,” encouraging leaders to turn mistakes into growth opportunities. His core philosophy: when people feel safe, valued, and connected, they do their best work—and go home happy, strengthening families, communities, and the world. Timestamp [00:03] Introduction of Garry Ridge [04:40] Garry’s personal journey [06:58] The meaning behind the book title [10:07] Discovering servant leadership [14:58] Handling resistance to culture change [17:45] Creating psychological safety [20:27] The four pillars of a fearless tribe [23:38] The role of a leader [27:21] A memorable story from Wall Street [30:40] Protecting culture at all costs [31:05] Why WD-40’s employee retention soared Quotes “The three most powerful words a leader can say are: I don’t know.”  “Fear is the opposite of safety. We don’t make mistakes, we have learning moments.”  “Care is not about ping pong tables. It’s about helping people become the best version of themselves.”  “A leader’s job is to coach, not to take the bat and hit the ball.”  “Life’s a gift. Don’t send it back unwrapped.”  Takeaways Replace mistakes with “learning moments” to reduce fear and encourage innovation.  Build culture with care, candor, accountability, and responsibility not perks or slogans.  Protect your culture by removing toxins, even if they are high performers.  Lead as a coach: your job is to bring out the best in others, not to prove you’re the smartest.  Conclusion This conversation with Garry Ridge proves that culture is not a soft, secondary issue, it is the hardest, most important work of leadership. From turning mistakes into learning moments to protecting culture from toxins, Garry’s insights highlight how leaders can build organizations where people thrive and results follow. Remember his parting words: life is a gift, don’t send it back unwrapped. If you want more stories and tools from Garry, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit thelearningmoment.net.  Website - http://www.thelearningmoment.net/   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/  Send Marcel a text message! Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap: Uncertainty is where true leadership is tested. In this episode, host Marcel Schwantes reveals why courage—not clarity—is the skill leaders need most today. You’ll learn five practical ways to build courage: reframe fear, grow confidence, take bold steps forward, lean on allies, and stay calm under pressure. With real stories from coaching sessions and powerful leadership examples, Marcel shows how you can stop waiting for certainty and start creating it—so you can inspire trust, lead with confidence, and drive transformation when it matters most. To  dig deeper into a strategy-based discussion about building up more courage in your or your team’s leadership, book your free, 30-minute discovery call with Marcel here: https://calendly.com/marcelschwantes/discovery-call?month=2025-08  Bio: Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care,  connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition.  Quotes: "Courageous leaders don't wait for clarity—they create it."  "Courage doesn't mean you're fearless. It means you move forward with the fear because there's something bigger at stake."  "Confidence isn't magic—you have to build it. And the way to build it is through building your competence, because competence leads to better confidence."  Takeaways: Reframe your inner narrative during uncertainty by asking yourself what bigger opportunity or mission might be present.  Practice and role-play challenging scenarios to build real confidence and readiness for tough moments.  Take the next small step forward, even if you can’t see the whole path ahead.    Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Facing Uncertainty  01:02 The Importance of Courage in Leadership  02:14 Reframing Fear Through Story  03:38 Building Confidence Deliberately  05:52 Taking Action, Even Small Steps  07:04 Relying on Others for Support  08:21 Staying Calm Amidst Fear  09:46 Conclusion: Embracing Uncertainty    Conclusion: Courage in leadership grows through practice, reflection, and a willingness to approach challenges with steady effort. It is not about the absence of fear, but about learning to move forward despite it by taking consistent, manageable steps. Leaders who remain composed and thoughtful in uncertain times are better able to guide their teams with clear direction. In doing so, they create trust and inspire others to stay committed, even when the path ahead is difficult.   Links/Resources: The book: https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Leadership-Lead-Radical-Kick-Ass-ebook/dp/B0CWG3PTL4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GGNRCK8IGE9Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MCvZounR42KoYlj36JrVeA.2nq6uw7LgXy_UsUHEJQmdFVO7jH4RVjNEKdZp75F-rk&dib_tag=se&keywords=ISBN+9781637427828&qid=1732028248&sprefix=isbn+9781637427828%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1 Substack: https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marcelschwantes/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/MarcelSchwantes YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MarcelSchwantes1 Instagram: https://instagram.com/marcel.schwan Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap: Marcel featured Danielle McGeough, Ph.D, an award-winning professor and transformation strategist, who shared her personal journey and expertise in helping individuals achieve balance through her Rise Ritual method. The discussion explored causes and solutions for workplace burnout, the importance of personal rituals and mindfulness, and strategies for maintaining presence and intentionality in leadership, concluding with recommendations for listeners to create their own personal rituals. Bio: Danielle McGeough, Ph.D. is an award-winning professor, transformation strategist, and host of the top 1.5% podcast Plan Goal Plan. She helps high-performing women and teams bridge the gap between intention and action through her RISE Ritual Method. Danielle blends research, identity work, and intentional planning to help ambitious people feel bold at work and present at home.  Quotes:  "I help people and teams operate in alignment. I help them do it in a way that really connects them to their values and to their mission."  "If you are someone who feels like you are living on autopilot, more habits aren't going to help you, because habits are designed with the intention to eventually become unconscious."  "When individuals can operate from a space of well-being, the impact we can have on the collective is so much stronger—but the collective work has to happen."    Takeaways:  Reflect on whether you’re experiencing burnout, demoralization, or just feeling stuck, and name it clearly to better address it.  Start each day by asking yourself which three things would make you feel satisfied by the end of the day.  Design a short personal ritual that helps you shift into your desired state, using sensory cues like a cozy blanket or a candle.  Before meetings or stressful moments, pause for a deep breath and set an intention for how you want to show up.    Timestamps:  [00:00] Welcome and Introduction  [03:16] Introducing Danielle McGeough  [06:42] Helping People and Teams Work in Alignment  [15:26] Why Policy Decisions Shape Workplace Culture  [17:43] The RISE Ritual Method Explained  [20:10] Designing Rituals for Desired States  [22:52] Micro Rituals That Shift Your Daily Presence  [26:36] Rethinking the Myth of Work Life Balance  [34:51] Final Invitation to Create Your Own Ritual  [35:57] Where to Connect with Danielle     Conclusion:  Focus isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill that can be built with practice, even in a world full of distractions. People who achieve meaningful results often do so by creating clear systems that help them avoid busywork and stay centered on what matters most. Learning to say "no" to lesser tasks makes space for bigger, more important progress. And it doesn’t require massive effort—starting with just a minute each day can lead to lasting improvement. Small, steady actions often make the biggest difference.    Links/Resources:  Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567778897663  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-b673334  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plangoalplan Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:  Marcel explored the servant leadership principles and practices of shared leadership and decision. He presented a case study about former U.S. Navy Captain David Marquet's successful transformation of a submarine crew by shifting to a leader-leader model that empowered team members to make decisions. Marcel emphasized the importance of competence and clarity when sharing leadership, while challenging the audience to consider how they can empower others to lead and offered follow-up discussions.  To  dig deeper into a strategy-based discussion about shared leadership, book your free, 30-minute discovery call with Marcel here:  https://calendly.com/marcelschwantes/discovery-call?month=2025-08  Bio: Marcel Schwantes is a speaker, author, and acclaimed executive coach with a global following. Marcel delivers presentations, workshops, courses, and coaching programs about the human side of business and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging power companies to thrive and outperform the competition. Quotes:  "Leaders sometimes push people like cattle, and a lot of companies still operate this way, right? But if you think about it, cattle have no say. They're herded in one direction, pushed to where the cattle rancher wants them to go. And honestly, that's not very empowering."  "When you share leadership, you're not losing control. You're actually multiplying it. You're creating leaders at every level, and when people feel ownership, engagement and performance will go through the roof for you."  "That's the power of releasing control—it turns employees into owners, and owners don't need to be driven. They lead themselves." Key Takeaways: Ask “What would you do?” instead of issuing commands to invite insight and autonomy. Make your strategy meetings collaborative—let team members help shape direction. Identify areas in your org chart where decision-making can move closer to frontline work. Delegate leadership intentionally—challenge yourself to let one team member lead this week. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Welcome and Introduction [02:22] Why Driving Results Isn’t Real Leadership [04:12] Sharing Power with Intention [06:40] Leading Without Pulling Rank [08:19] How Pushing Authority Down Unlocks Performance [10:41] Why Clarity Must Come Before Delegation [12:03] 3 Ways to Start Sharing Leadership This Week [13:39] Final Challenge: Step Back So Others Can Step Up Conclusion: True leadership isn’t about control—it’s about multiplying influence through trust. Empowering those closest to the work results in quicker decisions, stronger performance, and more engaged teams. Great leaders create clarity, offer support, and step aside so others can lead. Resources: Book: Humane Leadership Substack LinkedIn X/Twitter YouTube Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:  Whether you’re a programmer, mother, executive, teacher, or an entrepreneur, this episode is for you if ...  1. You feel like you need five more hours in your day.  2. You are being pulled in a million directions with no end in sight.  3. Your life is BUSY instead of BIG.  Erik Qualman, author of "The Focus Project," discussed strategies for improving focus and productivity in a digitally connected world. He shared insights from his personal focus experiment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing big goals, developing focus as a habit, and implementing systems to maintain concentration. Qualman provided practical tips for enhancing focus, including the “20/20 Rule” for taking breaks, setting clear success metrics, and starting with small, manageable goals to build discipline and achieve significant results. Want to take control of your life and master self-management in the digital age? This is the episode for you from a global authority. Bio: Erik Qualman is a #1 Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker who has performed in over 55 countries and reached 50 million people. He was voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling. He is the host of the popular Super U Podcast and his work has been used by the National Guard to NBCUniversal to NASA. He is the author of "The Focus Project."   Quotes:  "Focus is really hard, but it can be learned—it can become a habit."  "If it's not a hell yes, it's a hell no."  "Focus on big things, not busy ones. Life is very short, and most of us think we'll have more time tomorrow to do something—but attack your dream today, even if it's just for a minute. Don't hold it off for tomorrow."    Takeaways:  Start a one-minute daily focus ritual on your most important goal, whether it's writing a sentence, playing a guitar chord, or working on a passion project.  Audit your daily tasks and identify the single most impactful activity that, if done well, makes everything else easier or unnecessary.  Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away, reducing eye strain and resetting mental focus.  Timestamps:  [00:00] Welcome and Introduction  [04:13] Introducing Erik Qualman  [05:21] Why Focus Might Matter More Than Hustle  [05:57] The Real Reason You Struggle to Stay Focused  [09:22] What Happened When Erik Focused for 30 Days  [13:31] Easy Focus Habits That Actually Work Daily  [18:57] How to Stay Sharp When Tech Steals Your Time  [21:29] What Leaders Can Do to Cut Noise and Prioritize  [23:10] Focus on Big Things, Not Busy Ones    Conclusion:  Focus isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill that can be built with practice, even in a world full of distractions. People who achieve meaningful results often do so by creating clear systems that help them avoid busywork and stay centered on what matters most. Learning to say "no" to lesser tasks makes space for bigger, more important progress. And it doesn’t require massive effort—starting with just a minute each day can lead to lasting improvement. Small, steady actions often make the biggest difference.    Links/Resources:  Website: http://www.equalman.com  Send Marcel a text message!