Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

In this episode, Sara Sherman, author of Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, joins the show to discuss the powerful and often underestimated role of music in our lives. Sara, a classical musician and educator, explores how music can not only enhance our emotional well-being but also improve focus, productivity, and social connections.In this conversation, we explore:• The Power of Music Beyond Entertainment: Sara shares how music goes beyond being something we enjoy to something that can be used as a tool for mindfulness, focus, and emotional regulation.• Creating Shared Musical Experiences: We discuss the concept of creating collective experiences through music, how listening in groups creates a sense of connection, and why it’s so important for building community.• Purposeful Passive Listening: Sara talks about how we can use music for passive listening with intention, such as using classical music for focus or creating playlists to suit different moods and tasks.• Music and Memory: We dive into the deep connection between music and memory, especially how music can activate certain parts of our brain that help us recall memories, even in individuals with Alzheimer’s.• Music’s Role in Mental Health: Sara explains how music can be integrated into mental health practices, offering ways to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.Sara’s insights demonstrate how music can be a powerful and accessible tool in everyday life, from improving productivity to building emotional resilience.Learn more about Sara and her work at Mozart for Munchkins and find Resonant Minds on Amazon and other retailers.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

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, author of "Tiny Experiments" and founder of Ness Labs, dives into rethinking success in our goal-obsessed world. She critiques traditional goal-setting, highlighting its drawbacks like burnout. Instead, she advocates for small, experimental approaches that foster curiosity and personal growth. Anne-Laure introduces the concept of Kairos, emphasizing qualitative time over productivity anxiety. Listeners gain insights on balancing structure and creativity and practical tips for implementing tiny experiments in daily routines.

In this episode, Madelin Mann, author of Reverse the Search: How to Turn Job Seeking into Job Shopping, joins the show to share her expert advice on transforming the traditional job search process. With years of experience in HR and recruiting, Madelin provides valuable insights into how to stand out in today’s competitive job market by shifting from a job seeker to a job shopper.In this conversation, we explore:• Reversing the Job Search: Madelin explains how to rethink job seeking by focusing on human interactions and leveraging networking rather than relying solely on online applications.• The Problems with Traditional Job Applications: From AI filtering to an overwhelming number of applications, Madelin breaks down why the traditional job application process is broken and how to avoid getting lost in the noise.• The Power of Networking: Madelin shares how building meaningful relationships can lead to unlisted job opportunities and help you land roles before they even hit the job boards.• Interviewing Like a Pro: We discuss how to position yourself as the perfect fit for a role by focusing on both competency and likability during interviews, and why you should approach interviews as collaborations.• Negotiating with Confidence: Madelin offers a fresh perspective on salary and benefits negotiation, emphasizing collaboration rather than competition to secure the best offers.If you’re currently in the job search process or just want to improve your career strategy, Madelin’s approach will help you become the sought-after candidate that companies are eager to hire.Learn more about Madeline and her book Reverse the Search at ReversetheSearch.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

In this episode, Ximena Vengeochea, author of The Life Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Goals and Building the Life You Want, shares her approach to re-evaluating life’s priorities and making intentional changes. Ximena, a former LinkedIn leader, uses her background in user research to help others take a fresh, introspective approach to crafting the life they truly want.In this conversation, we explore:• The Life Audit Concept: Ximena discusses the origins of the Life Audit and how applying the tools from user research can help us examine our own desires, goals, and life direction.• Generative Phase of the Life Audit: We dive into the brainstorming process, where Ximena recommends taking an hour to jot down all your desires—no matter how big or small—and explore how to get started without self-censorship.• Analyzing Your Desires: Ximena shares how grouping and recognizing patterns in your wishes can uncover deeper insights into what’s important to you, and how to let go of societal “shoulds.”• Turning Insights into Action: Ximena explains how to break down big dreams into smaller, actionable goals, and how to prioritize the most meaningful goals for your year ahead.• Creating Space for Self-Reflection: Ximena emphasizes how making space for introspection allows our true desires to emerge amidst the noise of external expectations and pressures.Ximena’s methodical yet flexible approach helps you reconnect with your intuition, allowing you to align your life’s decisions with what truly matters to you. Whether you’re experiencing a career shift, entering a new phase of life, or just need a reset, the Life Audit process is a powerful tool for reflection and transformation.Learn more about Ximena and her work at XimenaVengeochea.com, and find The Life Audit and its companion journal 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

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