A Productive Conversation

A Productive Conversation

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A Productive Conversation episodes

  • Hamza Khan talks about Leadership, Reinvented

    Hamza Khan is a best-selling author, global keynote speaker, and respected thought leader whose TEDx talk "Stop Managing, Start Leading" has garnered nearly two million views. He is trusted by prominent organizations such as Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Salesforce to optimize performance and enhance human potential, and has been featured in notable media outlets like VICE and Business Insider. As the Co-Founder of SkillsCamp, Hamza aims to empower organizations to thrive in the future of work through soft skills training, and regularly shares actionable insights on leadership, resilience, and productivity.

    In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, including ego, productivity, and journaling. We also dive into Hamza's latest book, "Leadership, Reinvented," which focuses on fostering empathy, servitude, diversity, and innovation in the workplace. As a co-founder of a leading soft skills training company, Hamza brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this discussion, making it both practical and engaging.

    This conversation will leave you feeling motivated and inspired to take your own leadership skills to the next level. Enjoy!

    Links Worth Exploring

    • Connect with Hamza : Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
    • Buy Hamza's book Leadership, Reinvented: How to Foster Empathy, Servitude, Diversity, and Innovation in the Workplace
    • Watch Matthew McConaughey Dude's Journal
    • Related Conversation: What Great Leaders Possess with Kevin Kruse
    • Related Blog Post: The Benefits of Journaling for Time Management and Productivity

    • 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

      41 min
    • Amber Hawley talks about The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur

      Amber Hawley is a licensed therapist and lifestyle strategist who works with entrepreneurial individuals and couples with the emotional side of business. She is the owner of a therapy practice in Silicon Valley, host of The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur and Couples Fix podcasts, wife, mom of three kids, and Marvel movie super fan. 

      Amber's journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a therapist is truly inspiring. Her passion for people and building meaningful relationships was at the center of every decision she made. We delved into topics such as work-life balance, mental health, and personal growth. It's amazing to see how her passion has translated into not just one, but two successful podcasts that are focused on helping others. Our discussion on work-life balance and mental health was also very relevant, especially given the current pandemic situation. 

      This episode was an insightful and engaging conversation that I'm sure you'll enjoy just as much as I did.

      Links Worth Exploring

      • Connect with Amber: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
      • Listen to the The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur
      • Sign up and receive the The Shiny Object downloadable
      • Related Conversation: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized
      • Related Blog Post: Braving Burnout: How to Go on When it Feels Like There’s Nowhere to Go

      • 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

        43 min
      • Growing Old and Staying Rad with Steven Kotler

        If you're interested in human performance and personal growth, I highly recommend checking out this episode with Steven Kotler. 

        He has been studying human performance for over 30 years and has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to achieve peak performance evolved around Steven's latest book, Gnar Country, which addresses how to stay "rad" as you grow older. As someone who's pushing 50, I found Steven's insights on aging and how to maintain a sense of vitality fascinating, and I'm sure many listeners will find them useful as well.

        Steven shares his own experiences and struggles as we dive into Gnar Country, which is filled with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to maintain their edge as they grow older. This conversation was a great reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions and stay "rad" as you age. I hope you find it as engaging and thought-provoking as I did.

        Links Worth Exploring

        • Connect with Steven: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
        • Buy Steven's book Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad
        • Related Conversation: Episode 367: Peak Performing Flow with Steven Kotler
        • Related Blog Post: Why it’s Important to Find Joy in Your Work

        • 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

          43 min
        • The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll

          I was so happy to have Ryder Carroll back on show. It's always great to hear from the creator of the Bullet Journal, especially as the approach continues to evolve and gain in popularity. 

          In this episode, we cover a lot of ground, diving into the history of Bullet Journaling and exploring how it has developed over the years. It's always fascinating to hear about the origins of the method and how Ryder's approach has changed over time. Whether you're a seasoned Bullet Journal'er or new to the approach, there's something here for everyone.

          We touch on a wide range of topics, from intention setting and goal planning to the role of AI in productivity. Whether you're looking for tips on how to get more done or simply want to reflect on what really matters in life, this episode is definitely worth a listen. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy the conversation - you won't be disappointed.

          Links Worth Exploring

          • Connect with Ryder: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
          • Read The Bullet Journal Method
          • Read Ryder's article: The Imagination Economy
          • Visit the Bullet Journal website 
          • Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
          • Related Blog Post: 3 Ways You Can Create An Effective Journaling Habit

          • 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

            40 min
          • Inbox Done with Yaro Starak

            In this episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy - we have special guest Yaro Starak.

            Yaro is the co-founder of Inbox Done. He shares his insights on why email management and delegation can be a challenge for some people and how to overcome these obstacles and we delve into the various types of clients that Inbox Done serves.

            We both share our thoughts on how Inbox Done has helped our clients streamline their email and become more productive. This discussion is very informative about the ins and outs of email management and the importance of delegation. It is both educational and entertaining, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of email management!

            Links Worth Exploring

            • Connect with Yaro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
            • Check out what Inbox Done has to offer
            • Legendary Comedian Bill Burr — Fear{less} with Tim Ferriss 
            • Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
            • Related Blog Post: 3 Ways to Power Through Your Email Inbox

            • 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

              40 min
            • Personal Socrates with Marc Champagne

              In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with fellow Canadian, Marc Champagne. Marc is the author of the book "Personal Socrates". We had a great conversation about how the book was created through Baron Fig's new book imprint, and the various mental fitness practices and reflective questions that are shaping the lives of some of the most successful and brilliant thinkers in the world, both past, and present. Marc's book is a best-seller and explores the pointed questions that stimulate our mental fitness and teach us how to direct our internal narrative to work for us, instead of against us.

              During this conversation, we delved into the process of journaling, and the reasons why questioning is an essential aspect of mental fitness. It was a pleasure to have him on the program, and I'm sure listeners will enjoy the insights and wisdom he shared.

              Overall, it was a productive and engaging conversation and I hope you enjoy!

              Links Worth Exploring

              • Connect with Marc: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
              • Buy Marc's book: Personal Socrates
              • Listen to the Behind the Human with Marc Champagne Podcast
              • Related Conversation: Tailoring Tools for Thinkers with Joey Cofone
              • Related Blog Post: The Power of Intention is Fleeting

              • 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

                40 min
              • Paul Millerd talks about The Pathless Path

                I'm really excited to have this conversation with Paul Millerd because I had the chance to meet him back in June of 2022 at the World Domination Summit. We had a fantastic time connecting and discussing our shared interests in productivity and our modern relationship with work. Paul is an independent writer, creator, and sometimes freelancer, and he writes about these topics in a way that I find truly inspiring.

                During this conversation, we dive into his book "The Pathless Path" which is all about how people are imagining new paths beyond the default path that many of us grew up with. We talk about his own path and how he's found success as a writer, as well as discuss my own journey and the paths that we're each currently on. It's a really fascinating conversation and I think anyone who's interested in productivity and finding their own path in life will really enjoy it.

                Links Worth Exploring

                • Connect with Paul: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
                • Buy Paul's book: The Pathless Path
                • Related Conversation: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized
                • Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish)

                • 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

                  46 min
                • Cameron Herold talks about Unleashing the Power of your COO

                  In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Canadian business growth guru Cameron Herold to discuss the concept of the "second in command."

                  Cameron is the mastermind behind hundreds of companies' exponential growth and has earned his reputation as the business growth guru. He is the author of six books - including The Second in Command - an international speaker, and the founder of the COO Alliance, the World's Leading Network for Seconds in Command.

                  He's the host of the "Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief" podcast where he interviews COO's and other "second in command" to share their insights. During this conversation, Cameron and I delve into the importance of having a strong second in command and how it relates to the growth of a company, and I also talk about my own journey toward finding my second in command.

                  I hope you find this episode as valuable as I did.

                  Links Worth Exploring

                  • Connect with Cameron: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
                  • Buy Cameron's book - The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO
                  • Listen to Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief podcast
                  • Related Conversation: Cameron Herold talks about being The Second in Command
                  • Related Blog Post: 9 Traits of a Successful Manager that Increases Productivity

                  • 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

                    35 min
                  • Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized

                    Alan Henry is a service journalist and editor who writes and commissions stories that help readers make better use of their technology and embrace a healthier relationship with it in their lives. Previously, the Smarter Living editor at The New York Times, the editor-in-chief of the productivity and lifestyle blog Lifehacker, the author of SEEN, HEARD, AND PAID, and is currently senior editor at Wired.

                    In this episode, we chat about how the book came to be, healthy boundaries in the workplace, the new work rules for the marginalized, and so much more!

                    Links Worth Exploring

                    • Connect with Alan: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter 
                    • Buy Alan's book: SEEN, HEARD, AND PAID
                    • Related Conversation: Perrine Farque talks about Inclusion
                    • Related Blog Post: Getting Things Done in Tough Places

                    • 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

                      36 min
                    • Chris Bailey talks about How to Calm Your Mind

                      I am joined yet again by productivity expert and international bestselling author - Chris Bailey.

                      Chris has been on the show a handful of times and this one is a rather candid and comfortable conversation where we dive into his latest book, How to Calm your Mind.

                      This episode was originally released as a live stream for Premium members of TimeCrafting Trust. Want to take partake in future live streams and much more? Sign up here!

                      Links Worth Exploring

                      • Connect with Chris : Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
                      • Buy Chris's book How to Calm Your Mind
                      • Listen to The Time & Attention Podcast
                      • Related Conversation: Chris Bailey talks about Hyperfocus
                      • Related Blog Post: 3 Things You Can Do To Find Happiness Every Day

                      • 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

                        42 min

                      About A Productive Conversation

                      From the publisher's feed

                      Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation offers insightful discussions on how to craft a life that aligns with your intentions. Each episode dives into the art of time devotion, productiveness, and refining your approach to daily living. Mike invites guests who are thinkers, doers, and creators to share their strategies for working smarter and living more intentionally. From practical tips to deep dives on mindset shifts, this podcast will help you reframe your relationship with time and find balance in a busy world.

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