Productivity Gladiator

Sharing knowledge, hacks, and ideas on work-life balance and personal productivity, and talking to knowledgeable people in those areas.

Episodes

Mentioned books

Jul 31, 2025 • 51min

Conversations That Matter: The Hidden Productivity Killer You're Ignoring - With Jess Pettitt

Join Jess Pettitt, a speaker and author focused on fostering authentic conversations, as she uncovers the hidden productivity killers teams often ignore. She emphasizes the power of humor in difficult discussions and shares her three-part conversation framework for handling workplace feedback and disagreements. Jess urges listeners to combat perfectionism and invite vulnerability, promoting a culture of openness. With insightful anecdotes, she shows how curiosity can overcome judgment and lead to stronger team dynamics.

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Mar 17, 2025 • 45min

Your Communication Protocol Can Make or Break Your Team’s Productivity - With Theresa M. Ward

Theresa M. Ward, founder of Fiery Feather and a team effectiveness coach, dives into how communication protocols can revolutionize productivity. She shares cross-industry insights, emphasizing structured systems paired with emotional intelligence. The discussion touches on practical steps to craft effective communication guides, the power of meeting recordings, and the use of scheduling apps to streamline workflows. Theresa also highlights empathetic leadership and the need for clear communication in creating fulfilling work environments.

Feb 24, 2025 • 50min

ADHD-Inspired Productivity: Mythbusting & What You Can Learn From This Condition - With Skye Waterson

In this engaging episode, Brian Nelson-Palmer interviews Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, who challenges common myths about ADHD while sharing research-backed strategies for productivity. As a former academic turned entrepreneur who has ADHD herself, Skye offers unique insights about how ADHD can actually be an entrepreneurial advantage when properly managed. The conversation explores practical tools for focusing, including Skye's innovative "dopamine dial" approach, and reveals the surprising fact that many successful CEOs and business leaders have ADHD, making this episode valuable for both people with ADHD and those who work with them.References In This EpisodeArticle Brian mentioned on Focus MusicBrian’s article on Tech Hacks to avoid the neverending social media rabbit hole.Skye’s LinkedIn profileUnconventional Organisation’s InstagramThe ADHD Skill’s Lab Podcast by Unconventional OrganisationVisit the webpage for the full write-up, links, photos, and more!https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/adhd-inspired-productivity-mythbusting-what-you-can-learn-from-this-condition-with-skye-watersonChapters00:00 Understanding ADHD: A Personal Journey03:18 The Practical Implications of ADHD06:00 Recognizing ADHD: When to Seek Help07:45 Executive Functioning and Support Strategies09:16 Myths and Misconceptions about ADHD18:40 Medication vs. Alternative Strategies for ADHD21:12 Toolbox for Managing ADHD27:43 Myth Busting ADHD Management32:14 Detail Orientation and ADHD33:32 Leadership Roles and ADHD38:40 Hyperfocus: A Double-Edged Sword42:04 Recommendations for Productivity46:30 Personal Journey and Vision for ChangeToday’s GuestSkye WatersonAcademic turned ADHD Coach & Founder of Unconventional OrganisationSkye Waterson founded Unconventional Organisation, an international ADHD support service, after receiving her own ADHD diagnosis during her PhD studies. She transformed her personal experience into research-based strategies, authoring over 50 articles reaching 250,000+ readers. Her expertise has attracted clients ranging from healthcare professionals to Fortune 500 directors, including consulting work with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.As host of the ADHD Skills Lab podcast (100k+ downloads), she features prominent ADHD experts and leaders. Through her coaching program, writing, and speaking engagements, she helps adults with ADHD develop practical strategies for creating focused, balanced lives. Her work has been featured on multiple podcasts and she regularly speaks to professional networks about ADHD management.Connect with her at:linkedin.com/in/skye-watersonUnconventionalOrganisation.comWhy Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares separate hacks, tips, and actionable learning exclusively for his email subscribers. Sign up so you don’t miss out!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a leader at all levels, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. Graduates wield time management & life balance superpowers, activate a laser-guided ability to focus & prioritize, and implement a sniper-precise approach to task & email management. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat!“Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.”

Feb 11, 2025 • 46min

Project Management Hacks, Skills & Tools You Can’t Get From Software or AI - With Bonnie Biafore

In this engaging discussion, Bonnie Biafore, a seasoned project management expert with over 35 years of experience and author of 35 technical books, shares invaluable insights on the human elements of project management that technology can't replace. She covers essential non-tech hacks for successful project management, from effective cost management to the art of running meetings. Bonnie emphasizes the importance of clear task ownership, negotiation skills, and continuous learning, reminding listeners that genuine communication and interpersonal skills are key to project success.

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h

18 Tasks I Outsourced That Changed My Life (And How You Can Too) - With Marcey Rader

Ready to win back hours of your life? In this episode, productivity experts Brian Nelson-Palmer and Marcey Rader reveal 18 tasks they've successfully outsourced - from hiring a culinary grad to chop vegetables to finding affordable ways to never do laundry again. They break down exactly how to decide what to outsource (including a simple calculator to determine if it's worth it), share hilarious stories like the infamous "single Brussels sprout" delivery, and offer practical tips and examples for both your personal & professional life. Whether you're just starting to explore outsourcing or you’re experienced and looking to level up, this episode packed with actionable strategies shows how you can reclaim your time without breaking the bank.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/18-tasks-i-outsourced-that-changed-my-life-and-how-you-can-too-with-marcey-rader*****************************References In This EpisodeBrian's Value of Your Time CalculatorReferenced in relation to his TED talkMarcey’s TEDx Talk - “Relentless pursuit of more”Meal Services:Factor 75Blue ApronHungry RootGobbleVirtual Assistant Services:Fancy Hands (fancyhands.com) - mentioned $18-30/monthFiverr (fiverr.com)FreeUp (freeup.net)Upwork.comHome Services:TaskRabbitThumbtackChore Relief (now called All Better)Poplin (laundry service)Contact Information for Marcey:LinkedIn (mentioned she's only on LinkedIn)helloraderco.comHer new book: "Reclaim Your Workday, Sustainable Productivity Strategies for the New World of Work"Photo of Single Brussel Sprout on episode page*****************************Chapters00:00 Introduction to Outsourcing and Productivity06:03 Defining Outsourcing: What It Means12:07 Personal Experiences with Outsourcing18:07 Outsourcing Food Preparation and Cooking23:59 Outsourcing Errands and Grocery Shopping29:35 Leveraging AI for Travel Planning36:03 Outsourcing Home Repairs and Services41:10 Professional Outsourcing: Enhancing Productivity52:50 Starting Your Outsourcing Journey*****************************Episode DigestTime is our most precious resource, yet many of us spend countless hours on tasks that could be delegated or outsourced.In a revealing discussion between productivity experts, a powerful truth emerged: outsourcing isn't just for business owners or the wealthy—it's a strategy anyone can use to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters."There is no prize at the end because YOU did it. The prize is…I got to my outcome, whatever that was, in a way that was smarter."The Complete List: 18 Game-Changing Tasks to OutsourcePersonal Life TasksGift wrapping (use Amazon’s wrapping service, or hire local students for holiday perfection)Food prep and vegetable chopping (professional food prep services)House cleaning (regular cleaning service)Laundry (wash-and-fold services with pickup/delivery)Grocery shopping and errands (delivery services)Travel itinerary planning (local experts via Fiverr or AI tools)Screen repairs (specialized handyman services)Home repairs and maintenance (TaskRabbit or similar)TV mounting (skilled technicians)Furniture assembly (service providers via apps)Cooking/meal prep (meal delivery services)Professional TasksPowerPoint presentations (design services)Bookkeeping (professional accountants)LinkedIn/market research (specialized researchers)Graphic design (professional designers)Software/tool setup (technical specialists)Podcast production tasks (virtual assistants)General virtual assistant tasks (various administrative support)How to Decide What to OutsourceThe decision to outsource shouldn't be complicated. Here's a practical framework:Calculate your time's value (use a time-value calculator)Compare outsourcing costs against your time's valueConsider these key factors:Is it a repetitive task?Does it require specialized skills?Could it be dangerous if done incorrectly?Do you consistently procrastinate on it?Is it a one-time task where learning the process isn't worth the investment?"Every day that you procrastinate and you move that task forward, ‘I'll clean the gutters tomorrow, I'll clean the gutters tomorrow, I'll clean the gutters tomorrow.’ Every day that just makes you feel like I failed today, I failed again, I failed again, just outsource it."Three Models of Virtual Assistant ServicePool Services (like Fancy Hands):—A pool of people available, like Uber, but for tasks—Membership-based ($18-30/month)—Best for occasional and a variety of simple tasks—Perfect for beginnersFixed-Price Contracts (like Fiverr):—Clear scope and cost upfront—No risk of unexpected charges—Ideal for specific, defined projectsHourly Assistants:—More traditional virtual employer/employee relationship—Ongoing support for regular tasks—Best for consistent, recurring needsPractical Tips for Getting StartedStart with Free or Low-Cost Options—Try grocery delivery services (often just $5-10)—Use meal prep services instead of takeout—Test basic task services before committing to bigger onesBegin with Repetitive Tasks—Think about how often you do certain tasks.—Think about time spent vs cost to outsource.Address Safety and Quality Concerns—Use platforms with reviews and background checks—Start with low-risk tasks—Take safety precautions when someone is coming into your home."Think of it as an investment and you will get it back with your time, with your energy. Maybe you will get promoted faster."Common Objections Addressed—"But they won't do it as well as I do"Solution: Be prepared for that, you’re still getting some of your time back even if it isn’t perfect it still may be worth it. Remember that perfection isn't always necessary for every task.Example: For tasks like grocery shopping, order an extra item if there’s a chance they’ll pick one that doesn’t work (like produce) or pick your substitute and have a backup plan in case something is out of stock or they bring the wrong quantity. For the 1 in 10 times they don’t do it right, you’ll be ready.—"My company should pay for this"Reality Check: Don't limit yourself by waiting for company approval. Consider personal investment in professional development as a path to advancement.—"It's too expensive"Perspective Shift: Consider the cost of your time, including stress and lost opportunities. Often, the investment pays for itself in reclaimed time and energy.Real-World Success Strategies—For grocery delivery: Order 4 items when you need 3 to ensure quality selection—For house services: Use platforms with reviews rather than random classified ads—For professional tasks: Start with one-time projects before committing to ongoing services—For virtual assistants: Audition them first. Begin with a small project to test compatibilityThe key to successful outsourcing is to start small and gradually expand as you become more comfortable with the process.Remember: The goal isn't to outsource everything, but to strategically free up your time for what matters most, whether that's personal joy, family time, career advancement, or personal development.Every task you successfully outsource is an investment in your most valuable resource: your time.****************************************Today’s GuestMarcey RaderSpeaker, Coach, & Author on ProductivityMarcey Rader is a speaker, coach, and author who champions health-powered productivity™. Founder of RaderCo, she works with Fortune 500 companies and startups, inspiring global audiences. A multi-award-winning speaker, TEDx presenter, and one of 900 Certified Speaking Professionals®, Marcey’s authored four books and created the Powered Path Program™. Her mission is to help individuals and companies reclaim their workdays and build sustainable habits to work well and play more!Connect with her at:marceyrader.comhelloraderco.comlinkedin.com/in/marceyrader**************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares separate hacks, tips, and actionable learning exclusively for his email subscribers. Sign up so you don’t miss out!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat!Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Dec 1, 2024 • 49min

Breaking Your Team's Biggest Success Barrier: 7 Simple Changes - with Maura Thomas

Productivity expert Maura Thomas joins Brian to tackle this #truthbomb: Your team's biggest productivity barrier might be you.Through engaging stories and practical examples, Maura reveals how leaders unknowingly create chaos through their communication habits and "always available" mentality.Learn simple yet powerful changes you can make as a leader to transform your team's effectiveness, including why "I trust your judgment" might be the most important phrase in your leadership vocabulary, and why being too available to your team can be just as damaging as being unavailable.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/breaking-your-teams-biggest-success-barrier-7-simple-changes-with-maura-thomas*****************************References In This EpisodeMaura Forbes Article on defining Open Door Policy - 10 Things Leaders Need to Get Right For Happy & Productive EmployeesHarvard Business Review Article, The Downside of Flex Time, the Communication Guidelines chart Maura mentioned in the interview is down at the bottom of the page.Maura’s Forbes article: What Does Work-Life Balance Even Mean?MauraThomas.com*****************************Episode DigestBreaking Your Team's Biggest Success Barrier: 7 Simple ChangesWhile many organizations still frame productivity challenges in terms of time management, the real barrier isn't time – it's attention. Maura Thomas said it best:"We've all had days where we said to ourselves, 'My gosh, that was such a good day. I got so much done.' And we've all had days where we said, 'My gosh, I was busy all day and somehow I got nothing done.' and in those two instances, same 24 hours."You can't solve a distraction problem with a time solution. The real challenge lies in how organizational culture, particularly leadership behavior, shapes productivity.Here are seven specific changes leaders can implement to transform their team's productivity:1. Be Specific About "Responsiveness" Expectations On The Different Communication Types.When leaders tell their teams to "be responsive," what they're really saying is "be fast." This creates a culture where employees feel compelled to monitor every communication channel constantly, making it impossible to prioritize effectively. Instead, clearly define what responsiveness means in different contexts and establish realistic response-time expectations. State these somewhere so staff can point to them and reference them.2. Create Clear Communication Channel Guidelines - What Type Of Communication Goes Where & When.Organizations often introduce new communication tools without providing guidance on how to use them effectively. This results in redundant messaging (like sending a chat to say "I just sent you an email") and information overload. Establish clear guidelines for which communication channels should be used in specific situations. Examples:—Your “bat signal” - Which method is your “stop everything, I need you right now, it’s an emergency” channel?—What’s worth a phone call?—What’s a Teams/Slack Message for? Or an email? What’s the difference?—Do we text message for work? If so, for what, when, and why?"If you communicate urgent or time-sensitive issues the same way you communicate every other issue, then that creates a real problem in your organization."3. Have a system for how work flows to/through your team.Rather than having team members field requests from all directions, establish clear processes for how work flows into and through your department. This doesn't mean all requests must go through the manager, but rather that there should be organized systems for handling different types of requests. This helps prevent the constant "emergency" mode many teams operate in.4. Use These Responses To Remove Yourself as the bottleneck to your team’s productivity. Empower them instead.Instead of always wanting work to flow through you, and always being available to answer questions, use empowering phrases that build confidence and autonomy. Rather than saying "Don't come to me with problems, come to me with solutions" (which still implies the need for you to approve), try:- "I trust your judgment"- "I will support your decision"5. Set Clear After-Hours Boundaries On work communication. Do Not Break them.Despite what leaders might say about not expecting responses after hours, their behavior sets the real expectation. If you're sending emails at night or on weekends, your team will feel compelled to check and respond. You can still choose to jump on after hours if you want, however all communications you send during this time should use the “schedule-send” feature so it will arrive during the next work day. This capability is available for all major platforms so if you don’t know how to do it, google it and find it. Follow your established clear protocols from #2 above for genuine emergencies which require communication after hours.6. Define Terms ExplicitlyCommon phrases like "open door policy" often mean different things to different people. Some interpret it as "interrupt anyone at any time for any reason," while others see it as "be available for important discussions." Explicitly define these terms and their practical implications for your team. Examples include:—Work Week: What days and hours is this?—Vacation Time: Does that mean you ARE or AREN’T available?—Communication Hours: Is this the same as Work Hours? What times are messages to be received and processed? —Emergency: What constitutes an emergency? A financial penalty above $#,###? Bleeding? Legal remifications? Something’s going to be on the front page of the newspaper? —Open door policy: If you have one, what does that mean? Doors can’t be closed?7. Model Work-Life BalancePerhaps the most powerful quote from the discussion puts it simply:> "You can't get a fresh perspective on something you never step away from."Research shows that working between 38-45 hours per week is optimal for productivity, happiness, and health outcomes. Leaders need to model this balance, recognizing that scrolling through work emails while watching TV still counts as work.The Impact of These ChangesThese changes might seem simple, but their impact can be profound. When leaders recognize how their behavior shapes team culture and make conscious adjustments, they can transform their department from a reactive, always-on environment to one where people can do their best work.Key challenges many teams face today include:- Constant interruptions disguised as collaboration- Difficulty prioritizing when everything feels urgent- Burnout from always being connected- Inefficient communication across multiple channels- Disempowered team members who feel they need approval for everythingBy implementing these seven changes, leaders can create an environment where their teams can feel satisfied at the end of each workday, knowing they've accomplished meaningful work rather than just staying busy.Recognize that being too available to your team can be just as problematic as being unavailable. True leadership means creating an environment where team members can grow, make decisions, and manage their attention effectively – not just responding quickly to every request that comes their way.Most importantly, remember that creating change doesn't require a complete organizational overhaul. Start with one area, such as communication protocols or workflow management, and build from there. The goal isn't perfect execution but rather conscious improvement in how work gets done.****************************************Today’s GuestMaura ThomasSpeaker, Trainer, & Author on ProductivityMaura Nevel Thomas is an award-winning international speaker and trainer on individual and corporate productivity and work-life balance, and the most widely-cited authority on attention management. Her proprietary Empowered Productivity™ System has been embraced by the likes of the NASA, Comcast, and Google. She’s ranked in the Top 10 Time Management Professionals in the World, and was named a Top Leadership Speaker by Inc. Magazine. She’s also a TEDx Speaker and the author of six best-selling books. Maura is frequently featured in major business outlets including Business Insider, Fast Company, and the Washington Post, and she’s also a regular contributor to both Forbes and the Harvard Business Review, with articles there viewed over a million times. maurathomas.com**************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares separate hacks, tips, and actionable learning exclusively for his email subscribers. Sign up so you don’t miss out!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat!Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Oct 30, 2024 • 55min

How Your Purpose Will Multiply Your Productivity - With Stan Phelps

Stan Phelps, a Certified Speaking Professional known for his GoldFish Series of books, dives deep into the relationship between purpose and productivity. He emphasizes the need for alignment between personal and organizational goals to boost productivity. The conversation touches on the significance of warmth in professional relationships and explores generational shifts in workplace values. Phelps also introduces 8 purpose archetypes and offers practical advice for individuals seeking to uncover their own purpose, promoting fulfillment in both work and life.

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