Productivity Gladiator

Should I quit social media? A debate with a social media & digital marketing expert - With Corey Perlman What if the secret to winning at social media is barely being on it at all? Brian debates social media expert Corey Perlman, who runs a digital marketing agency but doesn't even have Instagram on his phone—and that contradiction is exactly the point. Turns out the productivity drain isn't social media itself; it's the doom scrolling that's stealing 40 minutes of your day while you pretend you're "networking." Corey drops the truth bomb that influencer metrics and business metrics are completely different games, yet most professionals are playing by Instagram rules and wondering why they feel like failures when seven people like their post.This conversation gets practical fast: discover the "rented land vs. owned land" framework that'll save you from platform catastrophe, learn why your LinkedIn company page isn't dead (just neglected), and find out exactly how to be authentically present online without pressing a single button yourself. Brian and Corey tackle the hypocrite's dilemma head-on—can you tell people to quit social while still posting yourself?—and land on a game-changing distinction that lets you have your cake and eat it too. You'll get the app blocker that nukes newsfeeds while keeping connections alive, the 15-minute commenting strategy that builds real relationships without the scroll spiral, and the truth about which platforms actually matter for your business (hint: stop chasing TikTok if you're selling B2B).If you're trapped between FOMO and burnout, convinced you need social media but hate what it's doing to your brain, this episode hands you the escape hatch. The show notes include all the tools to take back control starting today.References In This EpisodeCorey Perlman – Impact Social Media – Corey's LinkedIn profile and Impact Social Media websiteKey Resources:Authentically Social – Corey's book on being authentic on social media for businessCorey's Instagram – @CoreyPerlmanSpeaksCoreyPerlman.com – Corey's main websiteBrian's Resources:Social Media Addiction with Tech Hacks to Fix It – Brian's blog post with tools to combat social media time wasteShould I Quit Social Media? A Debate With A Focus Expert - Penny Zenker – The primer discussion before this debateBrian's TEDx Talk on Time Management – His signature presentation on productivityTools & Techniques:Block It App – Safari browser extension that blocks social media newsfeeds while keeping notifications visible15-Minute Social Media Blocks – Corey's time-blocking strategy: 15 minutes for OPP (Other People's Posts), 15 minutes for connection requestsContent Creation vs. Posting Separation – Strategy of texting content to someone else to post on your behalfConcepts & Frameworks:Rented Land vs. Owned Land – Understanding which digital properties you control (website, email list) versus platforms you don't (social media)Influencer Marketing vs. Business Marketing – Critical distinction between vanity metrics and conversion metricsQuality Audience Over Large Audience – Business success doesn't require thousands of followers"You Can Be On Social Media Without Being On Social Media" – Chapter from Corey's book on maintaining presence without constant engagementThe New Rich Concept – From Tim Ferriss's The 4-Hour Work Week about $10K/month in perpetuity vs. chasing millionsHiring & Outsourcing Options:Fiverr – Entry-level social media helpUpwork – Platform for hiring freelance social media managersCollege interns – Another cost-effective option mentionedSubscribe to Brian’s email listChapters00:00 Introduction to the Debate on Social Media06:42 The Duality of Social Media: Good and Bad08:24 Navigating Social Media Without Being Overwhelmed12:02 The Importance of Early Social Media Engagement16:49 Influencer Marketing vs. Business Marketing22:20 Staying Unforgettable in a Digital World31:55 Categorizing Social Media Platforms32:52 Navigating Social Media for Business37:53 The Role of LinkedIn in Professional Networking43:49 Balancing Personal and Business Presence46:39 Prioritizing Social Media in Marketing Strategies48:43 Managing Time on Social Media59:28 Taking Control of Social Media UsageToday’s GuestCorey PerlmanFounder & Digital Marketing Expert, Impact Social MediaCorey Perlman is a social media and digital marketing expert with 15 years of experience helping businesses navigate online presence without losing their focus. As both a keynote speaker and agency owner, he bridges strategy and execution—his team runs social media for about 50 companies while he speaks to audiences about the bigger picture.His book, Authentically Social, challenges one-size-fits-all tactics and pushes for genuine storytelling over billboard-style posting. Corey specializes in helping professionals separate influencer marketing (chasing likes and followers) from business marketing (quality audiences and conversions)—a shift that changes how people show up online.What sets Corey apart is his perspective: he grew up with MySpace and early Facebook, but he’s old enough to remember life before social dominated everything. He sees both the strategic value of social and the real mental-health costs of constant engagement. He uses Instagram sparingly (about once a week) and delegates posting, and he’s removed Facebook from his phone to protect his attention.Corey’s philosophy is simple: you can be fully present on social without living on the platforms. Create authentic content; let someone else press the buttons. And never forget the difference between rented land (social platforms that can change the rules) and owned land (your website and email list).As a father of a teenage daughter and an 11-year-old son, Corey thinks deeply about social’s impact on the next generation, making his expertise both professional and personal. His north star: be strategic, intentional, and authentic online—while protecting your time, attention, and well-being.Connect with Corey: LinkedIn: Corey Perlman Instagram: @CoreyPerlmanSpeaks Website: CoreyPerlman.com Agency: ImpactSocialMedia.com

Cara Silletto, a retention expert and founder of Magnet Culture, shares insights from her 13 years of experience in reducing employee turnover. She highlights how one-size-fits-all productivity approaches can hurt morale, comparing employees to orchids and cacti. The discussion dives into the pitfalls of micromanagement versus abandonment in delegation and the importance of clear communication. Cara introduces the houseplant framework for understanding employee needs and emphasizes the necessity of operationalizing effective check-ins to cultivate a thriving workplace.

Kendall Berg, a career coach and author known as That Career Coach, joins the discussion on how to navigate workplace dynamics to fast-track promotions. She shares her journey of being promoted five times in six years without simply working harder. Kendall highlights the importance of relationships, visibility, and strategic communication in the promotion process. She offers tactical tips, like prioritizing networking and managing urgent requests, and emphasizes that understanding office politics is key for high performers looking to advance.

Judith Guertin, a certified professional organizer with over 25 years of experience, joins the conversation to tackle digital chaos. They share personal anecdotes of disorganized downloads and app fatigue, sparking laughter and honesty. Judith emphasizes the importance of sticking to one note-taking system and using consistent file naming conventions. They also delve into how evolving AI tools like Gemini and Magi.ai can enhance productivity, striking a balance between effectiveness and the potential for overload.

What happens when a productivity expert and a focus coach talk honestly about the role social media plays in our lives?In this episode, Brian sits down with Penny Zenker to have a real conversation about how platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook affect our attention, stress levels, and time. They don’t hold back. Penny admits she’s been thinking about walking away from it altogether. Brian shares his frustration with AI-generated content and the constant noise in his feed.They explore how social media can be both helpful and harmful, and what it means to use it with intention. Penny shares her Reset Mindset framework and talks about how to refocus when life and technology pull you in every direction. They also get into the difference between attention and focus—and why that distinction really matters.You’ll hear laughter, honest disagreement, and some ideas that might just change how you interact with your phone.Want to go deeper? Check out the show notes and resources linked in the episode!References In This EpisodePenny Zenker – pennyskeynote.com(Main website for Penny’s keynotes, workshops, Reset Mindset framework, and booking info)The Reset Mindset Book – Learn MorePenny’s award-winning book that shares practical strategies to help people reset, realign, and refocus in high-stress, high-distraction environments.Penny Zenker’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyzenkerBrian’s TEDx Talk – “The Value of Your Time” – Watch on YouTube Brian talks about time as our most precious resource, and why being intentional matters more than being busy.Taja.ai – taja.aiThe AI tool that sparked this episode’s debate. It repurposes YouTube videos into social media content—helpful for productivity, but also raises questions about authenticity and noise.Duolingo – duolingo.comMentioned as a smarter way to spend a few minutes on your phone compared to endless scrolling. A reminder that learning something new can be a great way to reset your habits.Screen Time Tools –Apple iOS Screen TimeDigital Wellbeing on AndroidCheck how much time you’re spending on social apps—and decide if that aligns with what matters to you.Productivity Gladiator Blog Post - How Many Hours Do You Spend On Social Media?Productivity Gladiator Blog Post - Addiction To Social Media: Fix It With Apps and Tech HacksProductivity Gladiator Blog Post - Addiction to Social Media & Free Hacks To Fix ItSubscribe to Brian’s email list Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Debate on Social Media04:45 The Impact of Social Media on Productivity07:31 AI's Influence on Social Media Perspectives14:17 Personal Use of Social Media: Should You Quit?25:17 Professional Use of Social Media: The Business Perspective29:40 The Power of Focused Efforts31:34 Building Meaningful Connections36:29 Referrals and Customer Relationships41:08 Assessing Social Media's Value45:17 Recognizing Productivity Killers47:22 Taking Action for Change54:48 The Reset Mindset and Future DirectionsToday’s GuestPenny ZenkerKeynote Speaker, Focus Expert, Productivity StrategistPenny Zenker is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of the Reset Mindset—a practical framework that helps people regain control of their time, energy, and attention. Known as The Focusologist, Penny teaches leaders and teams how to eliminate distractions, reduce stress, and stay aligned with what matters most.With a background as a successful tech entrepreneur and strategic business coach, Penny blends big-picture thinking with tactical insight. Her talks and trainings challenge conventional ideas about productivity and help people shift from busy to intentional. Her TEDx talk, featured by Success Magazine, highlights the power of choice in driving performance.Penny has been featured on major media outlets including NBC News, Forbes, and Inc. She works with global brands, fast-moving teams, and purpose-driven individuals who want to create more focus and less friction in their work and life.Connect with Penny:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pennyzenkerWebsite: pennyskeynote.com

Rachel Druckenmiller, a keynote speaker and founder of Unmuted, explores how hidden beliefs sabotage productivity. She discusses the impact of limiting self-talk and childhood experiences on work performance, sharing strategies to reframe identity-based narratives. With insights on overcoming perfectionism and imposter syndrome, Rachel emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and saying no for better collaboration. Listeners gain mindset tools for growth, including her transformative question: 'What kind of person do I want to be?'

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.

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.

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.”

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.