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

This week I was excited to speak with Todd Rogers about the new book that he co-authored with Jessica Lasky, Writing for Busy Readers: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World. Todd is a professor of public policy at Harvard University, where he has won teaching awards for the past seven consecutive years. He is a behavioral scientist and cofounder of the Analyst Institute and EveryDay Labs. His opinion pieces have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and Politico, among others. In this conversation, we delve into the importance of making writing more accessible and reader-friendly in our fast-paced and busy lives. Todd illustrates the six scientific and common sense principles behind more effective, concise, and readable writing. Drawing inspiration from user design thinking, Todd also challenges the traditional notion that it's solely the reader's responsibility to extract information from the text. Instead, he emphasizes the writer's role in making content accessible and reader-friendly, shifting the burden away from the audience. The principle of "less is more" takes center stage in this chat as we explore how using fewer words and simplifying content can lead to more effective communication. We also address the vital importance of editing with the purpose of making writing easier for the reader, more effective, kinder, and more accessible. In closing Todd addresses the ways that we can use tools such as ChatGPT and AI software to become better editors and content creators. Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Todd:WebsiteLinkedinTwitterGrab Todd and Jessica’s BookWriting For Busy Readers AI ToolThe Reading Ease CalculatorConnect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterLinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I’m excited to share with you a conversation I had with Mindy Peterson on her podcast Enhance Life with Music. Mindy is a kindred spirit who examines and explores the power of music in our everyday lives. She is passionate about exploring how music impacts our psychology, productivity, and well-being. Whether you consider yourself a musician or just a music fan, the fact remains that music is all around us and most of us have deep and dare I say spiritual connections with the magic of Rock, Pop, Rap, Classical Music, Jazz, Country, or any of the infinite genres of music.This episode is clearly personal for me as music has been, and continues to be an incredibly powerful part of my life. Mindy and I dive into the transformative power of songs, bands, and the joyful ways that in its many incarnations, music has enriched our lives in ways that are both productive and stress-reducing. We discuss how different styles of music can impact our brain activity, productivity, stress management, and creativity. Throughout our conversation, Mindy also unpacks the importance of self-awareness in selecting the right type of music based on mood, motivation, and setting, and how it can reset our minds and help us accomplish tasks more effectively and efficiently.  Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Mindy: Website  Podcast Linkedin  Twitter  Instagram  Connect with Erik: Sign Up For Our Newsletter Brian.fm Facebook  LinkedIn  Twitter  Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week it was my privilege to speak with Aytekin Tank about his new book Automate Your Busywork: Do Less, Achieve More, and Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff. Aytekin is the founder and CEO of JotForm, a leading online form builder platform that helps millions of users streamline their workflow and increase productivity. In this conversation, Aytekin emphasizes the importance of clarifying priorities. By asking yourself the questions, "What should I spend my time on?" and "What shouldn't I spend my time on?" you can gain clarity and focus on tasks that energize and excite you. As Aytekin explains, automating the draining, time-consuming tasks can help prevent burnout and improve overall efficiency. In addition, Aytekin unpacks the principles behind time-boxing, where you set aside dedicated blocks of time to investigate and refine ideas that can streamline your processes. By prioritizing what is urgent and important, you can effectively allocate your time and concentrate on tasks that truly require your attention.During the episode, Aytekin also highlights the importance of refining and iterating systems to find the perfect solution for your specific needs. It's a journey that requires exploring automation tools, learning from others, and embracing new technologies like AI. Aytekin also emphasizes that AI is the next revolution in automation, with its ability to learn, adapt, and perform tasks that were once only possible manually. The possibilities are truly beginning to become endless.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Aytekin:Website BookLinkedin Twitter Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterFacebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week it was my privilege to speak with Kasia Wezowski about body language, leadership, and communication. Kasia, along with her husband Patryk Wezowski, are founders of The Center for Body Language, the world's number one body language training company for business people. In this conversation Kasia guides us through her new book, Language That Leads: Communication Strategies that Inspire and Engage a compelling and insightful book that combines her cutting-edge research with Marshall Goldsmith’s leadership development methodology into a practical and timely resource for leaders to bring out the best in each team member. Wezowski breaks down the ten core qualities of leadership, providing easy-to-follow implementation steps to express, observe and project these qualities effectively through verbal and nonverbal communication.In this episode, Kasia dives deep into the importance of trust in leadership and how it can transform your team's performance. Recognizing the value of trusting employees to manage their time and work responsibilities while discussing how this approach boosts overall results. Drawing interesting parallels between leadership and parenting, Kasia also shares how giving individuals space and autonomy can lead to enhanced productivity, creativity, and engagement. This episode also highlights the leadership style of former Ford CEO, Alan Mulally, who prioritized connecting others with skills rather than trying to possess all the expertise himself. Kasia uses Mulally’s leadership style to stress the vital role of effective communication in leadership and the importance of creating a supportive environment where everyone can share their opinions. In conclusion, understanding body language and emotional cues is also addressed as a valuable tool for any leader seeking to cultivate well-being and engagement within their team.Connect with Kasia:Website BookLinkedin Twitter Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterFacebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Use code beyond at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: incogni.com/beyond ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was excited to speak with Kevin Eikenberry about a host of topics revolving around remote working, company culture, and clear communication. Kevin is an expert in communication, collaboration, and cohesion within organizational cultures and structures. He is recognized as a world expert on leadership development and is the best-selling co-author of Remarkable Leadership, The Long Distance Leader, and The Long Distance Teammate. Kevin’s latest book, The Long Distance Team: Designing Your Team for Everyone’s Success explores the challenges and opportunities of designing virtual or hybrid teams. In addition to writing, Kevin is also the founder and Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership training and consulting firm who believe that real useful learning comes from a continual process of doing, trying, experiencing and applying. In our conversation we discuss how team design and culture are often presented as separate concepts when they are in fact intertwined in the remote work setting. Using the 3C model of communication, collaboration, and cohesion. Listeners will discover how to apply these principles to overcome challenges, such as proximity bias and deteriorating social connections, to create an environment where everyone can contribute and add value equally, regardless of location. In addition to the 3 C's of communication, collaboration, and cohesion we also discuss company culture and the importance of developing both a micro and macro culture within your company regardless of employees remote working status or inter office communication and values.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Kevin:Website Book Linkedin Twitter Instagram Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterFacebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was really excited to speak with Shawn Lemon about digital organization and decluttering our digital workspaces. Shawn is the founder of The Digital Organizer, a virtual one-on-one coaching platform that transforms digital workspaces from chaos to order while improving communication, efficiency, and productivity. In our conversation, we dive deep into the importance and power of digital organizing discussing how it can positively impact both your personal and professional life. In addition we address the knock on effects of disorganization and clutter on our ability to focus and be creative, and how you are probably wasting a lot of time that you aren't aware of, time that adds up when accumulated.Shawn and I also explore the benefits of creating systems that are intuitive and easy to follow, and how this can lead to improved efficiency and reduced stress for you and those you work and live with. In conclusion Shawn breaks down the importance of consolidating tools and resources within an organization, and how this can lead to smoother workflows and better communication. Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Shawn: Website Linkedin InstagramVisit thedigitalorganizer.com/beyond to book a discovery callConnect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterFacebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was excited to talk with Chris Sparks about all things poker and how the principles of the game can elevate both your professional performance and productivity. Chris is a professional poker player who at one time was ranked in the top 20 online players in the world. Chris Teaches CEOs and portfolio managers elite poker frameworks for unlocking new levels of optimized decision making and investing. He is also the host of the Forcing Function Hour Podcast. In our conversation Chris shares invaluable lessons on negotiation, collaboration, leadership, and the development of intuition. We also learn about Chris's personal journey from online poker to becoming one of the top players worldwide, and how he applies his expertise to help high performers dispel myths about decision making and risk. In addition Chris and I delve into his principles and tips for reducing uncertainty through information gathering and experimentation. Listeners will uncover valuable advice on embracing their emotions and personal narratives, and how despite being in competition with others how compassionate action can contribute to long-term success.Remember to sign for our newsletter at beyondthetodolist.comMake sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Chris: Website PodcastTwitter Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterFacebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram ________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week it was my privilege to welcome Jon Acuff back to the show to discuss his new book, All It Takes is A Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential. Regular listeners to the show are of course familiar with John as he has been on the show a number of times to talk about his previous books, Start, Finish, Soundtracks, and Your New Playlist. I consider Jon a good friend and in this new book he brings his trademark style of humor and clear communication back to the subject of achieving your goals. Fans of Jon might be familiar with his book Finish which begins to outline his philosophies on goal setting. In All It Takes is A Goal he both expands and codifies his thoughts on how we can set goals that are smart and achievable. In our conversation Jon introduces the concept of guaranteed goals, setting easy, middle, and potential goals to achieve a balance between comfort and chaos zones. In addition Jon also highlights the importance of what he calls sustainable fuel, goals that help to drive us without burning us out.Jon is the New York Times bestselling author and is Published in more than twenty languages. His work is both critically acclaimed and adored by readers including yours truly. He has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people at conferences, colleges and companies around the world including FedEx, Nissan, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Chick-fil-A, Nokia and Comedy Central.  For over 20 years Jon has also helped some of the biggest brands tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, and Staples. His fresh perspective on life has given him the opportunity to write for Reader’s Digest, Fast Company, The Harvard Business Review and Time Magazine.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with John:WebsiteBooksLinkedin Twitter Connect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterFacebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram _______________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was excited to welcome the dynamic duo of Justin and Tara Williams to the show to talk about family, business, grit and determination, and their advice for business owners and entrepreneurs. Justin and Tara are the founders of Millionaire University, a unique online set of courses designed to help anyone create a seven figure business. In this episode we dive into the world of clarity, and goal-setting as we explore how Justin and Tara have achieved success in both their business, their marriage, parenting, and life.In addition Justin and Tara share their wisdom on developing clarity in your life, honing your goals, and staying focused on what truly matters. They reveal their innovative color-coding system for to-do lists, their strategies for prioritizing tasks, and how they use their calendar as the ultimate productivity tool. Justin and Tara also open up about the importance of grit and courage when facing oneself, the challenges they have overcome, and the lessons they have learned along the way. Plus, they offer valuable insights on scaling a business, delegating tasks, and finding the perfect balance between work and family time.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Justin and Tara:Millionaire UniversityTara’s InstagramPodcastLinks to the Podcast Episodes Mentioned In This Episode:Episode 5Episode 12Episode 44Connect with Erik:Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram ___________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week I was excited to welcome Jason Silver to the show for a preview of his upcoming book Quietly Crushing It: Unlocking Big Impact at Work Without the Burnout in Life. This is a special sneak peek into a book that I think is going to be incredibly impactful when it’s released later next year. However in the meantime Jason takes us inside some of the methodologies and techniques that he was putting into practice when inspiration for the book struck.Jason is a former COO turned life strategist and startup coach and in this conversation he shares his inspiring journey of self-discovery and how he began applying everyday startup methodologies to transform his own life. In our chat Jason reveals the wake-up call that made him question societal expectations and reevaluate how he approached work and personal challenges. We dive deep into the experiments he conducted to challenge traditional assumptions, leading to a higher impact at work and greater joy in everyday tasks. Throughout the episode, Jason highlights three key topics that will have you rethinking the way you approach your own work and life choices.First, we'll explore the importance of considering how you want your work to feel, leading to a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Then, we'll delve into the power of effective communication, using techniques like the brief back to avoid miscommunications that can hinder productivity. And finally, we'll touch on preventing burnout and achieving work-life balance, all while maintaining high levels of productivity. Jason's journey is incredibly relatable, and his insights will leave you inspired to make positive changes in your own life.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Jason:Book WebsiteNewsletterLinkedin Connect with Erik:Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Check out Erik's Blinkist Webinar________________________________________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.