A Productive Conversation

In this enlightening episode, I engage in a meaningful (and productive) conversation with Marc Lesser. Marc is a multifaceted leader with roles as a CEO, executive coach, and Zen teacher. With an MBA from New York University, he has founded three companies and authored five books, notably "Finding Clarity". His passion for integrating mindfulness into leadership culminated in the "Search Inside Yourself" program at Google, an influential initiative that married emotional intelligence with mindfulness. Marc also brings unique insights from his ten-year residency at the San Francisco Zen Center and his stint as the director of Tassajara, the first Zen monastery in the Western world. His distinct blend of business expertise and Zen principles positions him as an exceptional figure in the spheres of mindful leadership and business strategy.

The episode moves forward with a fascinating discussion about the concept of clarity. Contrary to common belief, Marc proposes that clarity is not just a state of complete understanding or transparency but also includes elements of mystery and the unknown. This ties into what he refers to as the "fifth discipline of leadership", emphasizing the practice of finding clarity within these nuances. Furthermore, Marc shares unconventional "anchors" or strategies that can assist individuals in finding clarity, including his unique 'no festering' rule.

Key Discussion Points

There's also a mention of Ted Lasso that makes its way into our discussion – a discussion that is well worth your time. Enjoy.

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We're going back into the vault for this episode for a conversation that I had in January 2019 with the one and only James Clear. James is best known as the author of Atomic Habits: An Easy And Proven Way To Build Good Habits And Break Bad Ones.

During our conversation, James discusses why he wrote Atomic Habits and how it differs from other habit books, the importance of breaking habits down into "atomic" small changes, and the "two minute rule" for making habits simple and easy to do. We also get into how seasons and social reinforcement can help with habit consistency, strategies for curtailing behaviours that you want to do in moderation, and his collaboration with Baronfig.

Key Discussion Points

I hope this very productive conversation with James Clear gives you some valuable insights into building good habits through small, sustainable changes. Atomic Habits provides a practical, science-backed approach that you can start implementing today. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good – take that first small step and build the habit from there.

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Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

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Josselyne Herman Saccio joins the show to discuss her work helping people transform limiting beliefs and shift from a place of reaction to creation. She is a transformative coach and course leader with more than 30 years experience and as an author, CEO, Community Activist, founder of a non -profit and coach, she has worked with all kinds of people to empower them to live the life of their dreams NOW and ultimately be "unmessablewith."

She shares how she helps people develop the "muscle of creation" by getting clear on their vision and what they really want, beyond just goals. We also discuss the importance of journaling and storytelling, how to best fill out your calendar, and why Josselyne calls her work "the art" of being unmessable.

Key Discussion Points

This conversation provides insights and strategies to help you transform limiting beliefs, shift from a place of reaction to creation, and develop the "muscle of creation". By dismantling the stories that hold you back and getting clear on your true vision, you can fill your life with more meaning and fulfillment, regardless of your circumstances. Listen in to discover tools that may help you unlock your untapped potential and create the life you desire.

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Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

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In this episode of "A Productive Conversation," I'm joined by Peter Ivanov. Peter is an inspiring keynote speaker, renowned for his expertise in virtual teams and future-oriented leadership. With 20 years of experience as a Senior Manager leading international virtual teams across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Peter's teams have achieved remarkable success, including winning the prestigious "Global IT Connect Award" in 2012. As the author of the acclaimed book "Virtual Power Teams," translated into six languages and ranked as an "Amazon Top 3" in international management, Peter's mission is to unite global talent in tackling humanity's toughest challenges.

During our discussion, Peter unravels the secrets to building trust and fostering collaboration. Discover strategies to navigate conflicts and ensure knowledge flow in virtual and hybrid teams. Explore the emerging role of the Chief Remote Officer and learn how to enhance team productivity beyond mere metrics. Peter also reveals a simple action you can take right now to elevate your team's performance. Get ready for an enlightening conversation filled with practical tips to unlock the full potential of your remote work setup.

Key Discussion Points

Listeners can expect a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical insights to improve remote team dynamics and productivity. By implementing Peter's strategies and leveraging the suggested tools, leaders and team members alike can enhance their remote work experiences and achieve greater success.

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Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

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In this episode, I chat with Terry Cralle, a registered nurse based in Washington DC, and the conversation dives into the topic of sleep and its impact on productivity and well-being. Terry is certified in clinical sleep health and has co-authored two books on sleep; Snoozby and the Great Big Bedtime Battle (Rowe Publishing, 2015), the first nonfiction book directly messaging the benefits of sufficient sleep to young children and Sleeping Your Way to the Top (Sterling Publishing, 2016), the ultimate guide to success through sufficient sleep. She also serves on the Start School Later Board of Directors and works with a variety of organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada to promote sleep health and wellness.

Terry kicks off the conversation by emphasizing the importance of having a healthy relationship with sleep and seeing it as a natural need rather than a battle to conquer. She shares down-to-earth strategies to improve sleep, like setting up a cozy sleep environment, soaking in some morning sunlight, and establishing a soothing bedtime routine. Together, we explore the signs of sleep deprivation and unmanaged sleep disorders that we should watch out for.

Key Discussion Points

Get ready to be inspired and equipped with practical advice to transform your sleep habits in this down-to-earth conversation. With Terry Cralle's expert insights, you'll gain valuable tips to ensure a good night's sleep, boost your productivity, and enhance your overall quality of life. So, grab your cozy blanket, sit back, and prepare to unlock the secrets of better sleep for a more productive and fulfilling life.

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Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

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In this episode from the vault, I revisit my conversation with Keith Ferrazzi from May 2020. The discussion centers around leading without authority, breaking down silos, and transforming teams through collaboration. Keith explains the concept of leading without authority, highlighting the need for an agile and adaptable operating model within organizations. He shares insights into co-elevation and the two philosophies of leadership.

The conversation also explores the challenges people face in shifting mindsets and adopting new ways of thinking, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. The attributes of a high-performing team and strategies for coaching co-ed teams are discussed.

Key Discussion Points

During our discussion, Keith provides practical advice on how to lead without authority and redefine teams, emphasizing the role of responsibility and eliminating self-imposed limitations. The episode also delves into the importance of having a framework to measure success and the power of empathy in unleashing growth and development and addresses the concerns of individuals who feel they work better alone, offering advice on the importance of patience and taking small steps to start leading without authority. I'm glad I revisited this conversation "from the vault" and trust you'll enjoy it. Thanks for listening!

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Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

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In the second part of my podcast conversation with Asian Efficiency's Thanh Pham, we explore various aspects of productivity, time management, and the impact of AI. The conversation covers breaking past time barriers, the utility value of money at different life stages, prioritization and trade-offs, the challenges with to-do lists, and the potential of AI to enhance productivity. Additionally, the importance of clarity in writing, understanding human behaviour, preferred mediums for content creation, and staying updated with industry trends are also discussed.

We also share insights into their preferred mediums for content creation and offer advice on how to stay updated with industry trends. There was a lot of ground to cover in our first conversation for this podcast, so dividing it up into two parts was a wise move. I trust you'll get a lot out of it.

Key Discussion Points

You can expect an engaging and informative discussion on productivity, time management, and the role of AI. The episode provides valuable insights and practical tips that can help you enhance your productivity and make better use of your time. From understanding the value of money to mastering prioritization and embracing AI's potential, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge to apply in daily life. Enjoy this finale to a very productive conversation!

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Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

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In the first part of my podcast conversation with Thanh Pham, founder of Asian Efficiency, we explored our shared experiences in the productivity space. We discussed the evolution of productivity advice and systems, emphasizing the importance of choosing one system and adapting it to your needs. Thanh highlighted the shift from being reactive to proactive, underscoring the value of planning for the next day and week to stay on top of tasks.

Thanh also shared his personal journey of focusing on building deeper relationships and community, which led to increased happiness and productivity. This served as a powerful reminder that productivity isn't just about getting more done—it's also about enhancing our overall well-being.

Key Discussion Points

Our conversation concluded with a discussion on the changing perception of productivity, shifting from efficiency to optimizing for happiness. This perspective has been a game-changer for Thanh, and he believes it can be for others as well. Stay tuned for the second part of our conversation next week, where we'll delve deeper into these themes and more.

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Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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In this episode, I dive into an enriching conversation with the renowned Marshall Goldsmith, a giant in the field of productivity and leadership. It was only a little over a year ago that I first engaged with Marshall, but his words were so inspiring and informative that I felt compelled to revisit the conversation. Marshall's groundbreaking book, "Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts -- Becoming the Person You Want to Be," has been profoundly influential in shaping my understanding of productivity.

Marshall's stature in the field is simply unparalleled. As a two-time winner of the Thinkers 50 Award for the #1 Leadership Thinker in the World, the #1 Executive Coach, and a Top Ten Business Thinker for eight years running, his insights carry incredible weight. Marshall's books, including "The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment," are highly esteemed in the leadership space. His work has been translated into 32 languages, sold over 2.5 million copies, and recognized by Amazon as among the Top 100 Leadership & Success Books Ever Written.

Key Discussion Points

During our conversation, Marshall shared his insights on what it means to live an "earned life" and the concept of the "satisfied" mind. We delved into the role willpower plays in our lives and how it contributes to achieving this coveted "earned life". As always, speaking with Marshall was an absolute delight, his words resonating with profound wisdom and practical advice. I trust you'll enjoy and benefit from this conversation just as much as I did.

Links Worth Exploring

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

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On this episode of the podcast originally released in May 2018, I spoke with Marc and Angel Chernoff. Marc and Angel are the authors of the book Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs and this episode is being re-released to celebrate their latest effort, The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts and Reflections to Start Every Day.

In this insightful episode, we delve into the importance of daily habits and rituals in shaping our identity and driving personal growth. "We are what we do on a daily basis," emphasizes the importance of daily practices and their cumulative effect on our lives.

A central theme throughout our discussion is the narrative we create with our thoughts. According to Marc and Angel, these stories we tell ourselves significantly influence our perception of reality. A striking revelation from the discussion is that "98% of the time, the problem is not the problem, it's something deeper."

Key Discussion Points

Links Worth Exploring

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices