How I Work
Amantha Imber
You know those annoyingly successful people who seem to have it all figured out? Time to steal their playbook. Organisational psychologist Dr Amantha Imber gets world‑class achievers to spill their secrets - the daily strategies behind their success through to life hacks and productivity hacks they’d rather keep to themselves. We’re talking practical tips for boosting your output (including clever AI tools and shortcuts that’ll make you look like a genius), managing overwhelm without losing your mind, and optimising both work and wellbeing. No motivational fluff. Just battle‑tested tactics from people who’ve cracked the code.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 3, 2025 • 6min
Quick Win: How a sense of ‘meaning’ can save you when work gets challenging with Dr Gabriella Rosen Kellerman
Discover how a sense of meaning at work can boost happiness and focus, especially during challenging times. Dr. Gabriella Rosen Kellerman shares insights on why it's vital for managers to help employees find purpose. Without this, employees may feel lost and unmotivated. Leaders are encouraged to recognize their team's contributions, fostering a culture of appreciation that builds trust and resilience. Creating meaning isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for a thriving workplace.
27 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 34min
Want to make time for the things that count? Oliver Burkeman has your time management answers
Oliver Burkeman, a New York Times bestselling author and columnist for The Guardian, shares wisdom on time management and happiness. He critiques traditional methods like to-do lists, suggesting instead a 'done list' to celebrate accomplishments. Burkeman emphasizes the power of mindset in tackling tasks and the value of embracing distractions as creative opportunities. He also explores simplifying challenges and the need for flexible scheduling to prioritize what truly matters in our lives, inviting us to rethink our relationship with time.
Jan 27, 2025 • 7min
Quick Win: What all the best meeting leaders have in common
Steven Rogelberg, a leading expert on workplace meetings and author of The Surprising Science of Meetings, shares insights on effective meeting leadership. He discusses key traits of successful facilitators, emphasizing the importance of valuing participants' time and engaging everyone rather than dominating discussions. Steven also highlights innovative strategies, like silent brainstorming and standing meetings, to boost creativity and participation. His expertise aims to transform how meetings are conducted, making them more productive and impactful.
22 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 38min
BEST OF: Adam Grant’s advice for me on overcoming burnout – and how he made it through his own burnout experience
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, shares his candid experiences with burnout, revealing the symptoms he faced and the transformative turning point that helped him recover. He emphasizes the importance of early sharing of work, overcoming procrastination, and building a support system. Grant dives into strategies for balancing work and downtime, advocating for structured breaks and the necessity of vacations. His insights offer a valuable roadmap for anyone navigating the challenging landscape of burnout.
6 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 35min
BEST OF: Ruthless prioritization with Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor, Laura Mae Martin
Laura Mae Martin, Google's Executive Productivity Advisor and author of Uptime, shares her expert insights on maximizing productivity. She emphasizes the power of ruthless prioritization, the significance of a Sunday planning ritual, and effective task management through list funnels. Laura also discusses the critical role of downtime, advocating for 'No Tech Tuesdays' to recharge. Additionally, she explores how generative AI can streamline routine tasks, freeing up time for strategic work. It's a masterclass in enhancing productivity!
11 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 30min
BEST OF: The Art and Science of the One-on-One with Professor Steven Rogelberg
Professor Steven Rogelberg, a renowned organizational psychologist and expert on effective meetings, shares his insights on maximizing one-on-one meetings. He emphasizes how the right questions can unlock employee potential and improve engagement. The discussion covers strategies for enhancing meeting effectiveness, including balancing open dialogue with focus. Rogelberg also addresses adapting to remote work dynamics and leveraging technology while maintaining human connection, underscoring the importance of these interactions for fostering workplace relationships.
9 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 34min
BEST OF: Mel Silva shares leadership lessons from inside Google
Mel Silva, the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Google, shares over 16 years of invaluable leadership insights. She discusses the importance of workplace culture and retention, introducing the innovative concept of 'thinking days' for deep reflection. Mel emphasizes effective time management with tools like Google Calendar and the impact of radical candor on personal growth. She also explores mentorship through scheduled office hours and balances the complexities of parenting while maintaining health and well-being.
22 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 35min
BEST OF: Have we got work all wrong? Modern work principles with Almanac CEO Adam Nathan
In this captivating discussion, Adam Nathan, Co-founder and CEO of Almanac, dives into the evolving landscape of remote work. He argues that while where we work has changed, how we work hasn't adapted sufficiently. Adam highlights the need for innovative collaboration methods and modern management practices, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal goals with organizational objectives. He also advocates for rethinking meetings and embracing feedback, showcasing practical strategies for enhancing team efficiency and fostering a productive remote work environment.
4 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 8min
Quick Win: Matthew Dicks - Stories are about emotion
Dive into the transformative power of storytelling and how it can inspire, terrify, and change lives. Discover practical tips to enhance your storytelling skills, whether for personal expression or professional presentations. Explore the beauty in everyday life through narratives that celebrate the mundane, revealing the value hidden in familiar experiences. Matthew Dicks shares how emotion-driven stories not only influence others but also empower ourselves.
26 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 42min
Design your best 2025 with Lisa Leong
Lisa Leong, a successful ABC broadcaster and host of 'This Working Life', shares her insights on reflection and goal-setting for a fulfilling 2025. She highlights unique strategies like using diaries for introspection and conducting a 'pre-mortem' to ensure success. Lisa emphasizes the importance of knowing what to remove from your life, rather than what to add, and challenges the notion of traditional New Year’s resolutions. Tune in for actionable tips that blend discipline with personal freedom to enhance your upcoming year!
