Join leadership expert Elizabeth Lotardo, author of Leading Yourself, as she shares her insights on finding purpose in any job. Discover how to shift your mindset to thrive despite workplace challenges and redefine your sense of fulfillment. Elizabeth discusses overcoming quiet quitting by recognizing everyday joys and emphasizes the power of perspective in navigating frustrations. She also advocates for setting input goals to regain control and build long-term success, proving that meaning can be found in even the most unexpected places of our work lives.

Andrew Brodsky, a professor at the University of Texas and author of *Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication*, shares insights on enhancing virtual communication. He discusses his journey, inspired by personal challenges, and introduces the PING framework—Perspective Taking, Initiative, Nonverbal Cues, and Goals. Andrew offers practical advice on managing Zoom fatigue, balancing camera use during calls, and understanding the impact of AI on human interactions. His emphasis on mindfulness in communication helps improve both productivity and relationships.

In this episode, we welcome Jenny Wood, a former Google executive, founder of Own Your Career, and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. Jenny shares powerful insights into overcoming fear, taking bold risks, and navigating personal and professional growth with courage.In this conversation, we explore: The Courage to Overcome Fear: Jenny opens up about how fear, in various forms, often holds us back from achieving our goals and how Wild Courage provides a practical roadmap to take action despite that fear. Reclaiming "Negative" Traits: Jenny discusses how traditionally negative traits like being "selfish" or "shameless" can actually be powerful tools for personal empowerment when reframed positively. Taking Action Despite Uncertainty: We dive into how fear of failure can paralyze us, and Jenny shares her journey of making bold career decisions, including leaving Google to become a writer and keynote speaker. The Power of Bold Decisions and Risk-Taking: Jenny explains the concept of "reckless courage" and how making decisions quickly and confidently, even when outcomes are uncertain, can lead to powerful growth and learning. Saying "No" and Setting Boundaries: Jenny offers practical advice on how to protect your time, energy, and priorities by saying "no" to small distractions and focusing on what truly matters. Jenny’s insights on courage, fear, and bold action are sure to inspire anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about their next step. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or fear of judgment, this episode provides actionable steps to help you take charge of your life.Learn more about Jenny and her book Wild Courage at JennyWood.com.Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Bluesky This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oliver Burkeman, a journalist and author known for his insightful works on time management, dives into embracing our limitations and prioritizing what truly matters. He discusses how accepting imperfection can lead to better productivity and combat procrastination. The contrast between the illusion of control and genuine agency is explored, emphasizing the power of small decisions. Burkeman uses rich metaphors, like kayaks versus super yachts, to illustrate navigating life's unpredictability while encouraging listeners to change their mindset on time and productivity.

I’m excited revisit this conversation with Ximena Vengoechea to the show to discuss her book, Listen Like You Mean It: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection. Ximena is a user researcher, author, and expert in communication and active listening. Her book explores how we can deepen our conversations, overcome common listening mistakes, and foster meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings.In this conversation, we cover: The Art of Listening: Why many of us think we’re listening when we’re actually just waiting for our turn to speak. Levels of Listening: The difference between surface listening and empathetic listening, and why the latter is key to deeper relationships. Hidden Needs in Conversations: How both we and the person we're speaking with bring unspoken expectations into every interaction. The Role of Curiosity, Humility, and Empathy: How these three qualities shape more meaningful and engaged conversations. Avoiding Common Listening Mistakes: Why we often get distracted, how body language impacts connection, and how to stay present. Handling Difficult Conversations: Tips for navigating emotionally charged discussions while maintaining genuine understanding. The Impact of Technology on Communication: How devices can subtly diminish empathy and connection, and what to do about it. Ximena’s insights will help you become a better listener, improve your relationships, and create more meaningful connections in every conversation.Learn more about Ximena and her work at ximenavengoechea.com/listenlikeyoumeanit. Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Bluesky This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m excited to welcome Michaela Alexis to the show to discuss her new book, No Fear Networking: A Guide to Building Connections for the Socially Anxious Professional. Michaela is a keynote speaker, LinkedIn expert, and networking coach who helps professionals overcome social anxiety and build meaningful connections in their careers.In this conversation, we cover: Redefining Networking: Michaela breaks down common misconceptions about networking and how to shift from transactional interactions to genuine relationship-building. Overcoming Social Anxiety in Professional Settings: She shares her personal journey with social anxiety and strategies for navigating networking events, conferences, and meetings with confidence. The Power of Small Interactions: Michaela discusses how daily micro-interactions can help build confidence and make networking feel more natural over time. Creating Your Own Networking Style: She explores how introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts can tailor networking approaches to fit their strengths and energy levels. Practical Strategies for Connection: From icebreaker questions to structured networking challenges, Michaela provides actionable steps to make social interactions less intimidating and more rewarding. If you’ve ever felt awkward or anxious about networking, this episode is packed with strategies to help you connect with confidence. Learn more about Michaela and her work at MichaelaAlexis.com, her LinkedIn Profile and find No Fear Networking wherever books are sold.Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Bluesky This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation with Mo Hamzian, co-founder of VEL, the future of workspaces takes center stage. Mo shares how remote and hybrid work impacts productivity and collaboration. He delves into the importance of sensory design, covering lighting, temperature, and air quality’s role in cognitive performance. Hear about the ‘phygital’ workspace concept and how tech is reshaping our environments. Plus, he discusses automation and AI as tools for creating personalized, efficient workspaces for all.

Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney and author of The Imagination Emporium, dives into the world of creativity. He discusses how to reawaken childhood curiosity and the importance of play in unlocking imagination. Wardle shares insights on the 'yes, and' mindset for innovation and how to escape limiting thought patterns. Drawing from his Disney experiences, he highlights the role of a creative culture in driving groundbreaking ideas and offers practical tools for fostering creativity in both personal and professional realms.

Debra Eckerling, a goal-setting expert and author of '52 Secrets for Goal Setting and Goal Getting,' shares her unique insights on achieving goals. She emphasizes the importance of clarity in knowing what you want—and don't want. Debra discusses using visualization as a tool for enhancing motivation and shares strategies for building resilience through challenges. She introduces her Five P’s of Goal-Getting framework and details how breaking down goals into achievable steps can make them feel accessible. Her actionable advice inspires listeners to stay focused and celebrate their progress.

In this discussion, Tyler Moore, known as Tidy Dad, and author of "Tidy Up Your Life," shares his journey from chaos to clarity through organization. He highlights how tidying your mind is just as crucial as organizing your physical space. Tyler introduces the concept of finding 'just enough' for balance, and emphasizes breaking projects into manageable steps. He also shares how his family collaborates to maintain an organized home, creating a supportive environment that prioritizes what truly matters.