In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Google’s productivity expert, Laura Mae Martin, to explore the nuances of personal and business productivity. With thirteen years at Google under her belt, Laura has experience in sales, product operations, event planning, and executive coaching.

During our conversation, Laura shares her journey to becoming a productivity guru and the insights that led to her latest book, "UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing." Together, we explore how traditional definitions of productivity often miss the mark and how personalized systems can truly enhance effectiveness and well-being.

Join us as we discuss strategies for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and managing time more effectively. Laura emphasizes the importance of flexibility and realism in setting boundaries and shares her preferred productivity systems and methods, including the innovative "list funnel" approach.

Key Discussion Points

• Laura’s Origin Story: How Laura became a productivity expert and authored "Uptime."
• Redefining Productivity: Linking intention and attention, rather than focusing solely on efficiency.
• The 5 C’s of Productivity: What are they and how do they work?
• Managing Urgent Tasks: The benefits of setting a daily urgent time block versus reactive management.
• The List Funnel Concept: Laura’s favorite part of her book, offering a systematic approach to task management.
• Balancing Work and Personal Life: Personal productivity systems and the challenges of maintaining balance.
• Work Flexibility During the Pandemic: How the shift to remote work has changed productivity dynamics and management approaches.

Laura Mae Martin’s insights offer a refreshing take on productivity, emphasizing the need for personalized systems and realistic boundaries. Her practical advice and strategies provide valuable tools for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and well-being. Be sure to check out her book "Uptime" for a deeper dive into these concepts.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Laura: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
• Get Laura’s Book: UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing
• Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
• (Another) Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
• Related Blog Post: How to Be Productive When You’re Sick and Tired

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Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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