Productivity Gladiator

Ever wonder why some high performers skyrocket while others stay stuck in middle management hell?Brian teams up with career coach Kendall Berg, who cracked the code after getting promoted five times in six years—and it wasn't by working harder. This conversation gets uncomfortably real about workplace politics, invisible performance reviews, and why your boss probably has zero clue about your actual contributions. Kendall opens up about her journey from being "too direct, too stubborn, too emotional" to mastering the unspoken rules that actually drive promotions, while Brian shares his AI trick that instantly reveals whether you're delegating like a pro or driving your team crazy.You'll walk away with immediately usable tactics: the magic of investing 20% of your time in relationships, how to handle "urgent" requests without becoming a pushover, and the email structure that makes people think you're incredibly thoughtful. Plus, they pull back the curtain on what really happens in those executive rooms where promotion decisions get made—and why knowing your boss's peers might be more important than impressing your boss.If you're exhausted from working endless hours without advancement, confused by office politics, or ready to stop waiting for someone to notice your hard work, this episode reveals the strategic moves that separate the promoted from the passed-over.Ready to level up? Dive into the resources and links waiting in the show notes!References In This EpisodeKendall Berg – “That Career Coach” – Kendall’s website and LinkedIn profileBooks Mentioned:Secrets of the Career Game – Kendall’s book with 36 strategies to help high performers move up in their careers.The Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers into Great Leaders– book by John Zenger and Joseph Folkman, recommended during the episode.Concepts & Frameworks:Nine Box performance evaluation systemCross calibrations/Performance calibrations meetings3-2-1 backup strategy (mentioned in context)CORE delegation framework (Context, Oversight, Resources, Expectation)ARS email template (Acknowledge, Restate, Solve)Subscribe to Brian’s email listChapters00:00 Introduction to Productivity Skills for Promotions02:59 Kendall's Unique Approach to Career Coaching05:25 The Gap Between High Performers and Stagnation08:28 Understanding Performance Reviews and Visibility10:55 Navigating Urgency and Productivity13:17 Effective Networking and Relationship Building16:16 Planning and Structuring Your Work Week18:56 The Importance of Strategy in Career Advancement30:23 The Importance of Automation and Goal Setting32:37 Effective Communication in Management35:52 Delegation and AI: A New Era of Productivity41:00 Communication Habits for Career Advancement54:36 Navigating the Career Game: Insights from Kendall's BookToday’s GuestKendall BergCareer Coach, Leadership Development Expert, Corporate Strategy ConsultantKendall Berg is a career strategist and executive coach who transforms high-performing professionals into promotion-ready leaders. After struggling with workplace politics early in her career—being "too direct, too stubborn, too emotional"—she developed tactical systems that propelled her through five promotions in six years, culminating in a CFO offer before age 30.Her book, Secrets of the Career Game: 36 Strategies to Get Ahead in Your Career, serves as a no-nonsense tactical guide for navigating corporate realities. Kendall specializes in helping middle managers break through to executive levels by mastering the unspoken rules of workplace advancement, relationship building, and strategic communication.Known for her refreshingly honest approach, Kendall doesn't sugarcoat corporate life or pretend workplaces are meritocracies. Instead, she equips clients with concrete templates, scripts, and frameworks to advocate for themselves effectively while staying authentic. She believes career success isn't about working harder—it's about working strategically and building the right relationships.Currently balancing her coaching practice with a corporate role (because her boss "refuses to let her go"), Kendall brings real-world credibility to her advice. She's the coach for professionals tired of playing games they don't understand.Connect with Kendall:LinkedIn: Kendall BergWebsite: thatcareercoach.netWhy 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 train Productivity Gladiators to level up their careers. Graduates wield superpowers in time management, practical leadership, communication, & productivity. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! “Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.”

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.

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.

Join productivity expert Maura Thomas, a speaker, trainer, and author specializing in attention management, as she uncovers the hidden barriers to success in team productivity. Maura shares how leaders can unintentionally create chaos through their communication habits. Discover the power of simple changes, like trusting your team's judgment, and why being overly available can hinder rather than help. Learn to prioritize attention management over time management for greater effectiveness and well-being in the workplace.