Nick Gray, author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, shares his expertise on hosting small parties to build big relationships. He discusses the importance of structuring events, icebreaker activities, and networking. Gray challenges the notion of needing a specific purpose for hosting parties, emphasizing that the act of hosting itself is reason enough. He also highlights the benefits of networking and socializing within the comfort of your own home. Discover the comprehensive N.I.C.K. Party system for effective engagement and participation.

Renowned customer experience expert Joey Coleman discusses the crucial first 100 days of a new job, the impact of remote work on onboarding, and strategies for creating meaningful remote onboarding experiences. He explores the interconnection between customer and employee experiences and addresses the alarming statistics of employee turnover. The chapter also highlights the eight phases involved in creating a positive employee experience and suggests alternative methods for evaluating potential employees.

Todd Rogers, Harvard professor and behavioral scientist, discusses the importance of making writing more accessible in our fast-paced world. He emphasizes the writer's role in simplifying content and making it reader-friendly. The principle of 'less is more' is highlighted, along with the vital importance of editing to improve communication. The podcast also touches on data breaches, generative AI software, and the impact of formatting in written content.

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/adchoices

Aytekin Tank, founder and CEO of JotForm, discusses the importance of clarifying priorities and automating draining tasks to prevent burnout and improve efficiency. He explains time-boxing and how it helps prioritize tasks. Aytekin also shares insights on streamlining order processes to save time and improve customer satisfaction. These valuable inspiration and tips are helpful for businesses or individuals looking to automate their workflow and increase productivity.

Kasia Wezowski, Founder of The Center for Body Language, discusses the importance of trust in leadership, the parallels between leadership and parenting, and the technique of reading micro expressions to interpret true feelings.

Kevin Eikenberry, a world expert on leadership development, discusses designing remote teams for success. He explores the 3Cs model of communication, collaboration, and cohesion, and how they are intertwined with company culture. The importance of developing micro and macro cultures is emphasized, along with the assessment of team dynamics. Listeners are encouraged to grab Kevin's book for insights on creating a productive organizational culture.

Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, discusses the importance of digital organizing, decluttering, and creating intuitive systems. We explore the impact of disorganization on focus and creativity, and the benefits of consolidating tools. Shawn shares tips for transforming digital workspaces, including email, files, passwords, and project management.

Chris Sparks, professional poker player and host of the Forcing Function Hour Podcast, shares valuable lessons on negotiation, collaboration, leadership, and development of intuition. He discusses reducing uncertainty through information gathering and experimentation. Embracing emotions and personal narratives can contribute to success. The connection between poker and productivity is explored, including the importance of probabilistic thinking and creating conditions for success. The chapter also delves into decision making with limited information and learning from failure.

Author and speaker Jon Acuff discusses his 3-step plan to achieving goals without regret. Jon introduces the concept of guaranteed goals and the importance of sustainable fuel. They also reflect on the writing journey and overcoming shame. The guest's new book is discussed, and audience engagement is encouraged.