Have you ever wondered whether technology was a blessing or a curse? Have you ever wanted it to be more of a tool than a weapon? In today's conversation, I have invited Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft to the conversation on AI. He is among other things, the author of a book called Tools and Weapons, in which he articulates how technology can be terrific and useful or useless and worse. By the end of this episode, you'll be able to take on a position with AI and also other technologies to make sure that you are the master and not them.

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214. Is AI A Tool or Weapon with Microsoft's Brad Smith

Design a life that really matters. I’m your host, Greg McKeown, author of New York Times bestsellers "Effortless" and "Essentialism" and I’m on mission to help you advocate and negotiate your way to remarkable results without burning out. Come with me on this journey every Tuesday and Thursday as we examine the most essential areas of our lives. Learn more about my books and courses at https://GregMcKeown.com.

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About the Guest:
Ryan Kugler is an embodiment of passion turned into a successful career. Starting his journey with a stark fascination for filmmaking and Hollywood magic, Ryan was networking and producing his own film assignments by the age of 13. His early interest in film set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey. A seasoned entrepreneur, Ryan has forged a path that spans film, entrepreneurship, strategic business development, and more. Known for his tenacity to make things happen, he approaches challenges with a mindset where anything is achievable. Today, he stands as a testimony to effective communication, kindness, and an unyielding drive, with a portfolio that includes running a wholesale business and organizing large-scale events through his event company.
Episode Summary:
In this episode I dive into the captivating life story of Ryan Kugler, whose early days on the set of iconic productions shaped his future in entrepreneurship and event organization. As an enigmatic figure who believes in the essence of persistence, Ryan's journey from mingling with film stars as a teenager to masterminding large-scale events is nothing short of inspirational.
The conversation uncovers Ryan's innate ability to execute with precision, his transition from the creative aspirations of a director to the orchestration skills of a producer, and the relentless pursuit of bringing visions to life. Discussing the mechanics of networking and action, Greg McKeown and Ryan Kugler explore how a mix of curiosity and chutzpah can overcome challenges and create exceptional outcomes. With a tone that's both aspirational and grounded, the episode is a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs and creators alike.
Key Takeaways:

Ryan Kugler's early exposure to film and sets led to a pivotal encounter with Ted Danson, resulting in an opportunity to direct a short film at the age of 13.

Ryan's talents lean more toward production and getting things done, showcasing an ability to handle logistics and persevere through challenges.

The value of face-to-face networking and bold initiative is vital in Ryan's success, breaking through conventional barriers and accessing opportunities.

The episode highlights the concept of holding '5000 things in your head' and the notion of instant productions, where Ryan excels in his event planning business, creating temporary, intricate setups for diverse events.

Execution as an art form is underscored by the interview, demonstrating that bringing a great idea to life involves seamless collaboration, perseverance, and constant learning.

Notable Quotes:

"If you just keep persisting in your goal and your passion... you're going to get what you want." - Ryan Kugler

"Everyone has a passion for something... you just have to persist and just keep going after it." - Ryan Kugler

"Execution... it's about bringing all this talent together... and they knock off all the edges... and eventually you've got something that's polished and it's beautiful." - Greg McKeown


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297. The Power of Persistence with Ryan Kugler (Part 1)

Dr. Josh Axe is a certified doctor of natural medicine and a clinical nutritionist. He is passionate about helping people use food, lifestyle, and mindset to heal and prevent illness. Dr. Axe graduated from Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. He founded a functional medicine center in Nashville, which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in the world. Dr. Axe is the founder of the website draxe.com, one of the top natural health websites globally. He also hosts a fast-growing show and podcast, "The Dr. Axe Show," where he covers topics related to health, mindset, personal growth, and spiritual growth. Dr. Axe has interviewed notable guests such as Carrie Underwood, Dave Ramsey, and Jamie Kern Lima. He recently authored a book titled "Think This, Not That," which explores mindsets that can lead to breakthroughs in life.
Episode Summary:
Greg welcomes Dr. Josh Axe for part two of a profound discourse on personal growth, fulfilling one's potential, and the overarching importance of adopting the right mindset. This episode promises to unravel the enigmatic threads connecting beliefs, accomplishments, and the essence of a life well-lived, instilled with purpose and meaningful relationships.
Josh delves into the concept of 'telos,' a Greek term for ultimate purpose, while sharing a touching narrative about his grandfather's life. Through this poignant story, he imparts the crucial distinction between achieving success through material accomplishments versus fostering robust, impactful relationships. Greg and Josh converge on the notion that at the core of truly transformative mind shifts lies the relentless pursuit of truth, emphasizing that uncovering falsehoods can unlock barriers to personal growth.
Key Takeaways:

Relationships should be prioritized over achievements, with a focus not just on their importance but also discerning which relationships matter most.

True success is not measured by what one accumulates or achieves, but by who they become and the relationships they foster.

The single most potent mindset shift is the commitment to relentlessly uncovering truth, unearthing deeper realities beneath surface appearances.

Essentialism teaches the elimination of non-essentials to reveal what's fundamentally important: relationships.

The courage to seek, speak, and act upon truth paves the way for significant life upgrades and authentic self-realization.

Notable Quotes:

"Success is not what I accomplish. It's who I become."

"The best way to find truth is by looking at who has the best results towards the good of the world.”

“If you just try and accomplish something for the sake of accomplishing it, you could hurt feelings. You could ruin relationships."

Resources:

Website: draxe.com


Book: "Think This, Not That" by Dr. Josh Axe


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296. The Power of Mindset with Dr. Josh Axe (Part 2)

Dr. Josh Axe is a certified doctor of natural medicine and a clinical nutritionist. He is passionate about helping people use food, lifestyle, and mindset to heal and prevent illness. Dr. Axe graduated from Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. He founded a functional medicine center in Nashville, which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in the world. Dr. Axe is the founder of the website draxe.com, one of the top natural health websites globally. He also hosts a fast-growing show and podcast, "The Dr. Axe Show," where he covers topics related to health, mindset, personal growth, and spiritual growth. Dr. Axe has interviewed notable guests such as Carrie Underwood, Dave Ramsey, and Jamie Kern Lima. He recently authored a book titled "Think This, Not That," which explores mindsets that can lead to breakthroughs in life.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Greg interviews Josh Axe about the power of mindsets and mind shifts in achieving personal growth and making a significant impact in the world. Josh shares two personal stories of mind shifts that transformed his life—one involving a life-threatening medical condition and another related to his academic abilities. He emphasizes the importance of adopting growth mindsets and seeking inspiration from individuals who have achieved greatness in various fields. The conversation delves into the role of limiting beliefs, the impact of the medical profession's fixed mindset, and the need to challenge societal narratives. Josh also discusses the significance of character development and the pursuit of one's unique gifts and talents to maximize personal growth and make a positive difference in the world.
Key Takeaways:

Mindsets and mind shifts are crucial for personal growth and making quantum leaps in life.

Limiting beliefs can hinder individuals from fulfilling their potential and achieving their goals.

Seeking inspiration from individuals who have achieved greatness can help shape positive mindsets.

Combining character development with the pursuit of one's unique gifts and talents leads to maximum personal growth and impact.

Creating space for silence and reflection is essential for hearing one's conscience and calling.

Notable Quotes:

"If we sit here and believe that we can only get as good as what others tell us, we won't experience breakthroughs or miracles." - Dr. Josh Axe

"We constantly have people in our lives telling us we're not smart enough, not good enough, not worthy. If we believe it, it can put a cap on our potential." - Dr. Josh Axe

"The people who do the most in this life are the ones who think most about the next life." - Dr. Josh Axe

"Busyness and noise can drown out our conscience and calling. Creating space for silence and reflection is crucial." - Dr. Josh Axe

Resources:

Website: draxe.com


Book: "Think This, Not That" by Dr. Josh Axe


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295. The Power of Mindset with Dr. Josh Axe (Part 1)

About the Guest:
Laura Martin is the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google and the author of the book, Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing. She started her career at Google, where she taught people how to manage their inbox effectively. This passion grew into a full-time role, and she now works with executives one-on-one and runs the productivity program at Google. Laura is the author of the book.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, I interview Laura Mae Martin, a productivity expert and author, about the importance of setting boundaries with technology and creating systems to enhance productivity. Laura shares her personal experience of implementing a tech-free evening once a week and the positive impact it has had on her overall well-being. She also discusses the various systems she has put in place to minimize distractions and maximize focus, such as setting up email labels and notifications, using wearable devices, and customizing her digital environment. The conversation delves into the challenges of technology addiction and the need for intentional use of devices to align with personal priorities.
Key Takeaways:

Implementing a tech-free evening once a week can provide a much-needed break from constant connectivity and allow for quality time with loved ones.

Creating systems and setting boundaries with technology can help minimize distractions and increase focus on essential tasks.

Customizing email labels and notifications can help prioritize important messages and reduce the overwhelm of a cluttered inbox.

Using wearable devices can provide a way to stay connected without getting caught up in the distractions of a smartphone.

Taking control of personal intention and being intentional about technology use can empower individuals to make conscious choices and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Notable Quotes:

"Your intention is your only power that you carry. If you are applying intention to the way you use that device, to the way that you use your time, all of those things become your control." - Laura Martin

"No tool is going to solve all your problems. People are looking for the hottest new productivity tool. No device is going to be your biggest problem. It's always about how you are using your own intention, your own systems within all of those things, that makes the biggest difference in your overall well-being and your productivity." - Laura Martin

Resources:

Laura Martin's website

Laura Martin on LinkedIn


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294. Mastering Personal Productivity: Lessons from an Executive Advisor at Google with Laura Martin (Part 2)

About the Guest:
Laura Martin is the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google and the author of the book, Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing. She started her career at Google, where she taught people how to manage their inbox effectively. This passion grew into a full-time role, and she now works with executives one-on-one and runs the productivity program at Google. Laura is the author of the book.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Greg McKeown interviews Laura Martin, a productivity expert at Google. They discuss the importance of aligning your current self with your future self and making decisions that your future self will thank you for. Laura shares practical tips on how to apply this concept in your daily life, such as reviewing your schedule and making adjustments to prioritize what truly matters. They also delve into the power of defining your top three priorities and aligning your calendar with those priorities. Laura shares insights from her work with executives, including the CEO of Warner Music Group, who successfully implemented this system. The episode concludes with a discussion on the courage to be rubbish and the importance of making strategic trade-offs to focus on what truly matters.
Key Takeaways:

Aligning your current self with your future self is crucial for living a fulfilling life. Ask yourself, "What will future me wish I had done right now?" to make decisions that prioritize what truly matters.

Defining your top three priorities and aligning your calendar with those priorities helps you focus on what truly matters. Communicate these priorities to your team and delegate tasks accordingly.

Use the rule of three to remember and prioritize information. Our brains seek patterns and grouping things in threes helps with memory and focus.

Saying no is essential to protect your time and energy. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that would happen if I never do this?" and consider if there are alternative ways to accomplish the task or if it can be half-done and moved on from.

Embrace the courage to be rubbish and make strategic trade-offs. Not everything needs to be perfect or optimized. Focus on what truly matters and let go of non-essential tasks.

Notable Quotes:

"What will future me wish I had done right now?" - Laura Martin

"Don't tell me your priorities, show me your calendar." - Laura Martin

Resources:

Laura Martin's website

Laura Martin on LinkedIn


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214. Is AI A Tool or Weapon with Microsoft's Brad Smith

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