How to Be Awesome at Your Job

Demir Bentley, an executive productivity coach and bestselling author, shares his expertise on winning the week. He discusses why most people struggle with planning their week and offers simple solutions. Listeners will learn how to use their calendars as powerful tools instead of just scheduling devices. Bentley emphasizes transitioning from burnout to optimal productivity through effective planning and the concept of 'commitment debt'. Small changes, he argues, lead to significant improvements in both work-life balance and personal satisfaction.

Dr. Aziz Gazipura, a clinical psychologist and expert on social confidence, delves into the pitfalls of people-pleasing. He discusses the profound costs it can inflict on personal identity and relationships, urging listeners to prioritize self-awareness. Aziz shares techniques to overcome guilt when saying no and highlights a surprising method to increase discomfort tolerance. By embracing authenticity and setting boundaries, he guides listeners towards healthier relationships and greater inner peace.

Shanna Hocking, a celebrated leadership consultant and author of "One Bold Move a Day," shares her insights on career advancement. She emphasizes the power of taking daily bold actions to boost confidence and overcome self-doubt. Hocking highlights the importance of effective communication in difficult conversations and advocates for self-belonging as a foundation for professional growth. With anecdotes and strategies, she motivates listeners to embrace their leadership potential and recognize their unique strengths.

Ximena Vengoechea, a user experience researcher and author renowned for her viral blog post on life audits, shares her transformative three-phase exercise for goal-setting. She reveals how simple tools like Post-Its can help crystallize your dreams into actionable steps. The conversation dives into celebrating small victories and the role of accountability in achieving goals. Ximena also emphasizes fostering a positive mindset and self-discovery as crucial elements on the path to personal growth.

Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, shares his insights on unlocking creativity and innovation. He humorously recounts his journey from a coffee boy to leading Disney's creative vision. The conversation tackles how to overcome creative blocks, fostering a playful culture in organizations, and the power of bold questions to drive change. Wardle also discusses the importance of real-world observation over traditional focus groups for understanding consumer behavior, offering practical tips for reclaiming creativity and passion.

Dr. Janna Koretz, founder of Azimuth, specializes in mental health for high-pressure careers. She dives into the dangers of letting work define your identity and how it can impact mental well-being. Dr. Koretz emphasizes the need for 'protected thinking time' to foster creativity and self-reflection. She discusses the importance of identifying personal values and separating them from professional roles. This episode encourages a mindset shift, promoting a fulfilling life aligned with true aspirations while combating workaholism.

Caroline Miller, a leading positive psychology expert and author, dives into the science of goal setting. She dispels common myths and introduces two essential types of goals, emphasizing the importance of learning goals over performance goals. Discover the BRIDGE methodology, a structured approach to achieving ambitious objectives. Caroline also addresses challenges women face in goal setting and highlights the crucial link between happiness and success, offering practical tools for personal growth.

In a Thanksgiving message, the hosts express gratitude to their listeners while sharing insights on leveraging AI tools. They delve into how they've evolved their approach to using AI as collaborative intelligences rather than mere tools. Highlights include reflections on past discussions with thought leaders, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking. It's a festive reminder to appreciate resources that enhance our work lives.

Darren Chait, VP of Marketing at Calendly and co-founder of Hugo, dives into the world of meetings. He shares insights from Calendly’s recent research revealing that 81% want more meetings, but with a twist towards meaningful interactions. Discover the three types of meetings to keep and one to ditch. He also explores tech tools like Calendly and Loom to boost meeting efficiency and engagement while tackling the challenges of virtual meetings and the importance of inclusivity and collaboration.

Neel Doshi, co-founder of Vega Factor and co-author of 'Primed to Perform,' dives deep into the science of total motivation. He breaks down the six key motives that shape corporate culture and discusses how certain metrics can either foster or hinder motivation. Neel unveils the importance of focusing on positive motives like play and purpose while addressing the pitfalls of economic and emotional pressures. Additionally, he offers insights on how strong team cultures and genuine engagement can drive performance and sustainability in the workplace.