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

To ring in 2024 I’m excited to revisit an incredibly encouraging and human conversation I had with Carlos Whittaker earlier in 2023. More often than not “productivity minded” people can place too much emphasis on the weeks leading up to and the first few weeks of the New Year. I wanted to reverse that trend and focus on a conversation that reminds us of the importance of human connections and deep relationships in creating a life of contentment and true fulfillment.In this conversation Carlos and I talk about his latest book, How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us. Carlos is an author, podcaster, and global speaker who I’ve had the privilege of learning from in live settings and through his podcast Human Hope with Carlos Whittaker. In How to Human, Carlos offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to fuller, happier lives. It begins as we make the shift from “me” to “we” to “everybody” in a three-part journey to be human, see fellow humans, and free those around us.This conversation was a real inspiration for me as Carlos and I unpacked the themes and messages of his book. Carlos reminds listeners that it's more powerful to not stand on issues, but to walk with people. That journey of discovering the true value of relationships and the beauty and hope that bind us together rather than focusing on the polarizing divisions is a message I'm so excited for listeners to explore further in this episode.Connect With Carlos:WebsitePodcastInstagramConnect with Erik:Submit Your Question for the Mailbag EpisodeLinkedIn 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.

As we wrap up 2023 I wanted to revisit a few conversations over the next two weeks that impacted me most this past year. This week I’m delighted to revisit a really powerful talk with author and podcaster Gretchen Rubin. The Holiday and New Years season can bring with it a good deal of stress and anxiety and this conversation reminds us of the importance of stepping outside our everyday anxieties by truly connecting with nature, our bodies, and the world around us. In this chat we unpack many of the principles contained within her book, Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World. In LIFE IN FIVE SENSES Gretchen’s revelatory journey of self-experimentation, she explores the mysteries and joys of the five senses as a path to a happier, more mindful life. Drawing on cutting-edge science, philosophy, literature, and her own efforts to practice what she learns, she investigates the profound power of tuning into the physical world. From the simple pleasures of appreciating the magic of ketchup and adding favorite songs to a playlist, to more adventurous efforts like creating a daily ritual of visiting the Met and trying ayahuasca, Rubin shows us how to experience each day with depth, delight, and connection. In the rush of daily life, she finds, our five senses offer us an immediate, sustainable way to cheer up, calm down, and engage the world around us—as well as a way to glimpse the soul and touch the transcendent. Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential observers of happiness and human nature. She’s the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers Outer Order, Inner Calm; The Four Tendencies; Better Than Before; and The Happiness Project. Her books have sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She hosts the top-ranking, award-winning podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” where she explores practical solutions for living a happier life. Raised in Kansas City, she lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.Check Out Gretchen’s Previous Episode Connect with Gretchen:WebsiteBookPodcastLinkedInConnect with Erik:Submit Your Question for the Mailbag EpisodeLinkedIn 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 was excited to welcome Charlie Gilkey back to the show to talk about his latest book, Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results. Charlie has been on the show before to discuss his previous book Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done. He is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a company that helps professional creatives, leaders, and changemakers take meaningful action on work that matters. He is internationally known as a thought leader on productivity, planning, strategy, and leadership for creative people. Charlie is also the author of The Small Business Life Cycle, and is widely cited in outlets such as Inc., Time, Forbes, the Guardian, Lifehacker, and more. He’s also an Army veteran and near-PhD in philosophy.In this conversation, Charlie shares his insights on the power of teamwork and discusses his new book, presenting a fresh perspective on improving team productivity. We discuss the importance of team dynamics to overcome challenges and mistakes addressing the significance of individual and team communication habits in enhancing productivity and performance. We also discuss the impact that small issues can have within a team, highlighting the downstream effects of broken systems on morale and camaraderie. Charlie points out the impact of adding new team members and the need to focus on improving team habits rather than changing individual team members.This is a great talk for anyone who may be struggling to find practical strategies for creating a better working environment. We discuss finding ways to improve team meetings and addressing small problems that lead to inefficiencies while also focusing on how we can be more humane and understanding with our co-workers while continuing to maintain high standards. As we head into the New Year this chat and of course Charlie’s book are great guides to get teams thinking about better communication, improved habits, and most importantly more enjoyable and productive work days in 2024. Connect with Charlie:Better Team HabitsProductive FlourishingCharlie’s Previous EpisodeBookLinkedInTwitterConnect with Erik:Sign Up For Our NewsletterSubmit a Question For Our Mailbag EpisodeLinkedIn 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 was excited to speak with Gillian Tietz. Gillian is a biochemist, educator, and entrepreneur who, after struggling with alcohol moderation, found productivity and success in sobriety. Gillian is the host of the Sober Powered Podcast and works as a biochemist in the Boston area. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can cause addiction.In this episode, Gillian shares her personal journey of realizing the negative impact of drinking on her productivity and confidence, and how sobriety has led to numerous accomplishments. The conversation explores the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, the importance of self-awareness, and the potential benefits of taking breaks from both alcohol and caffeine. Gillian also shares resources for those interested in exploring sobriety further while breaking down the benefits and drawbacks of the popular “Dry January” craze that has become extremely popular amongst young professionals. The episode concludes with Gillian and I reflecting on personal habits and making informed decisions for a healthier future. Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Gillian:Website PodcastInstagram LinkedIn Connect 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 was excited to speak with Josefine Campbell about her new book, Power Barometer: How to Manage Personal Energy for Business Success. Josefine is the founder of Campbell Co, a top leadership consulting firm for multinational companies. Campbell inspires and coaches leaders, teams, and talents in large organizations such as McDonald's, Deloitte, Maersk, Novo Nordisk, and Carlsberg Group. Her approach combines the practical and the pragmatic. A four-time jiu-jitsu champion, she is particularly interested in developing personal leadership in difficult circumstances, such as is often the case in modern work life.Throughout this episode we delve into several key topics, including the innovative "Power Parameter" check-in, the normalization of energy awareness in the workplace, and the practical application of the "awareness matrix" for effective energy management. This conversation promises to offer expert insights, actionable strategies, and tools to revolutionize your approach to productivity through personalized energy management. This time of year can be particularly challenging when it comes to managing our energy levels! Josefine and her book offer an array of insights on how we can not only be more aware of our personal energy management load but also how leaders can design and implement more energy efficient meetings and workplaces to both increase productivity and balance work loads. This is the perfect episode for anyone who is struggling to get their energy levels balanced while also looking for tips and strategies for developing a healthier and more transparent workplace both in the office and remotely.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Josefine:WebsiteBookLinkedInConnect 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 it was my privilege to welcome Susan Drumm for a conversation about her new book, The Leader’s Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life. In this episode Susan unveils the groundbreaking process that outlines how our childhood wounds show up in our ability to lead others and how music can heal those wounds. Maybe you’re having a hard time retaining or engaging your people, or perhaps you’re feeling burnout or can’t delegate or trust your team to deliver. These problems and other leadership challenges can be addressed by shifting how you show up as a leader, and music is the catalyst.Susan also shares her incredible insights on the powerful connection between music, neuroscience, leadership, and personal development. She has mastered the art of pattern recognition and has developed a unique process that harnesses the transformative power of music to help leaders break free from unproductive patterns and thrive in their businesses. In addition Susan reveals how music primes the brain for change, the impact of music on emotions and thought patterns, and even shares her personal journey of using music to shift her own mindset. Susan takes us through step-by-step instructions on creating an empowered playlist and offers valuable tips for leaders looking to ignite positive change within themselves and their teams. Join us as we dive deep into the world of music and its untapped potential to create profound change. Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Susan:WebsiteBookLeadership QuizLinkedIn________________________________________Erik’s Guest Appearance on the Enhance Your Life With Music Podcast________________________________________Connect 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 was excited to speak with Marc Lesser. Marc is a renowned speaker, facilitator, workshop leader, and executive coach. He specializes in integrating mindfulness and emotional intelligence into his presentations and training sessions. Marc is the author of five books, including his latest Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and Meaningful Lives. He serves as the CEO of ZBA Associates, a firm focused on executive development and leadership consulting. His podcast, Zen Bones: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times, offers insightful interviews and mindfulness practices aimed at personal development and organizational influence.Marc is here to share his wisdom and insights on the power of communication, compassion, and accountability in our lives and work. He challenges us to question our assumptions, engage in difficult conversations, and create both a work and personal culture that fosters both compassion and truth. From his experience in running a Zen monastery kitchen to working with Google engineers, Marc has a unique perspective on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of listening.This was a really insightful conversation about how to both reclaim agency in the workplace and how we can begin asking the hard questions of ourselves and our employers. If you or anyone you know has been struggling with finding a degree of clarity and accountability at work or in your personal life this episode offers immense insights and reflections on how you can begin to start that process and start feeling more empowered while finding deeper meaning and agency in your life. Check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Marc:Website BookPodcastLinkedin Twitter Facebook Instagram Connect 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 bring you a conversation I had with William Vanerbloemen. William is the CEO and founder of Vanerbloemen a leading executive search firm that serves teams with a greater purpose by aligning their people solutions for growth through executive search, compensation, succession, and diversity consulting. William is also the author of Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest. In this conversation he unveils the surprising and learnable skills that make individuals shine. These habits form a roadmap for developing the sought-after abilities that are consistent among the most talented individuals. "Be the Unicorn" symbolizes the unique and standout qualities discussed in the book, offering a field guide for those looking to level up. In addition William sheds light on the importance of self-awareness as the starting point in the journey of personal development while stressing the ongoing nature of self-awareness and its relevance in job interviews, productivity mastery, and personal development. We also touch on the impact of AI on the job market, emphasizing how human skills will continue to be crucial, outlasting any innovations or technology on the horizon. William highlights the enduring value of human touch in the workplace, making a compelling case for the learning and nurturing of soft skills. Whether you're navigating a job interview, striving for personal growth, or aiming to stand out from the crowd, this episode offers invaluable wisdom for your journey.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with William:Website Book ResourcesLinkedin Twitter Instagram Connect 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 was excited to welcome Nick Gray for a really fun conversation about how hosting small parties and gatherings can open the doors for so many networking and business relationships in fun and unexpected ways. Nick is the author of the new book The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings. Nick is a renowned party host and the mastermind behind countless successful gatherings. He believes that hosting parties is a powerful way to bring people together from different backgrounds and foster networking opportunities. In our conversation Nick shares his expertise on structuring events, organizing icebreaker activities, and encouraging networking.Nick also reveals the formula and structure he employs to attract diverse attendees and create an environment for engaging conversations. Many people feel the need to have a specific purpose for hosting a party, but Gray asserts that the act of hosting itself is reason enough. And you might be surprised by just how many people are excited to attend! By following his comprehensive N.I.C.K. Party system you'll gain the confidence to engage and participate effectively. In addition Nick challenges the notion that you need to venture outside your home to reap the benefits of networking and socializing. Whether you identify as an introvert or an extrovert, he stresses the importance of human connection and networking for personal and career growth. So let’s explore different types of parties as a starting point for meaningful possibilities and conversations. From casual meetups to more specialized themed events, discover how hosting can open doors and lead to unexpected opportunities.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Nick: Website Linkedin Twitter Instagram Helpful Tips for Your Party:How to Introduce Two People via Email: Sample Scripts9 Career Day Speech and Presentation IdeasParty Times: Start, End, & Best TimesIcebreaker Name Tags: Examples and How to Do It RIGHTHow to Host an Event: Parties & NetworkingWhere to Throw a Party? Ideas and Venues for 2023Icebreaker Activities for Your Next EventFriendship Recession Website7 Small Trade Show Booth Ideas for 2023Connect 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 my conversation with Joey Coleman. Joey is a renowned customer experience expert who has spent over 20 years in the field, helping organizations create remarkable customer and employee experiences. He is the author of the new book, Never Lose An Employee Again: The Simple Path to Remarkable Retention. In addition Joey is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Never Lose a Customer Again. An award-winning speaker at national and international conferences, Joey specializes in creating unique, attention-grabbing experiences. His First 100 Days methodology helps fuel the successful employee and customer experiences he delivers clients around the world.In this episode, Joey and I dive deep into the crucial first 100 days of a new job, exploring the importance of making a positive first impression, aligning the employee journey with his eight crucial phases, and the impact of remote work on the onboarding process. We also explore how organizations can avoid information overload and excessive speed in the onboarding process, the interconnectedness of customer and employee experiences, and why it's crucial for organizations to prioritize both.In conclusion Joey shares some key strategies and techniques to create meaningful remote onboarding experiences, ensuring that new employees feel affirmed and connected even when they're not physically present in the office. This is a great episode for both employees and employers alike as it addresses many of the key friction points that arise within that dynamic and how to address them quickly and compassionately within your business or organization.Make sure to check out our sponsors to help support the show!Connect with Joey: WebsiteBookLinkedinTwitterConnect 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.