A Productive Conversation

By Mike VardyBusiness Careers Management

A Productive Conversation episodes

September 08, 2021Stephen Warley talks about Self-Awareness, Reflecting and Life Skills
I’m excited to finally have my good friend Stephen Warley on the show today. He founded Life Skills That Matter in 2016, a platform that teaches individuals how to create a business that is in alignment with their values, needs and abilities. He is also the host of the Life Skills That Matter Podcast, where he has interviewed 500+ people who have made the transition from employment to working for themselves... and all the different ways they’ve done it.
Tune in to this productive conversation as we discuss scheduling time for reflection, journaling, creating healthy habits, what Stephen does to slow down – and learning how to ski.

Talking Points
How to cultivate self-awareness
Stephen’s workshop at the BIG Ready 2021
Scheduling time for reflection and meditation
Finding activities to stimulate mindfulness
Building habits before tools
Creating a retreat for yourself
Quote
"Are your habits taking you where you want to go?"

Helpful Links
Life Skills That Matter Podcast
The BIG Ready
LifeSkillsThatMatter.com/GetStarted

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 min
September 08, 2021 Stephen Warley talks about Self-Awareness, Reflecting and Life Skills
I’m excited to finally have my good friend Stephen Warley on the show today. He founded Life Skills That Matter in 2016, a platform that teaches individuals how to create a business that is in alignment with their values, needs and abilities. He is also the host of the Life Skills That Matter Podcast, where he has interviewed 500+ people who have made the transition from employment to working for themselves... and all the different ways they’ve done it.
Tune in to this productive conversation as we discuss scheduling time for reflection, journaling, creating healthy habits, what Stephen does to slow down – and learning how to ski.
Talking Points
How to cultivate self-awareness
Stephen’s workshop at the BIG Ready 2021
Scheduling time for reflection and meditation
Finding activities to stimulate mindfulness
Building habits before tools
Creating a retreat for yourself
Quote
"Are your habits taking you where you want to go?"
Helpful Links
Life Skills That Matter Podcast
The BIG Ready
LifeSkillsThatMatter.com/GetStarted
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
43 min
September 01, 2021Jeff Brown talks about Reading To Lead
Jeff Brown was a reluctant reader at school, but he fell in love with it when he had to learn more about marketing in his career. Jeff is a podcaster, mentor, and speaker, with a mission to help people like you bridge the gap between intention and implementation. He does this primarily through public speaking, mastermind groups, membership platforms, courses, coaching, and consulting.
I’m excited to learn more about his latest book, which co-authored with Jesse Wisnewski, ‘Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career’. In this productive conversation we explore book clubs, speed reading, being a co-author, the free library movement – and why there will always be a place for books. Be sure to check out the links for all the books we mentioned in this interview!

Talking Points
Jeff’s relationship with reading
The co-authoring experience
Reading books digitally versus physically
When to keep or let go of books
The books Jeff re-reads the most
Interesting findings from writing the book
A process for skim reading
The benefits of having a book club
Quote
"We are all lifelong learners."

Helpful Links
‘Read To Lead’ by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski
Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin
‘Purple Cow’ by Seth Godin
How to Be a Better Reader - YouTube
Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
Episode 73: Deep Work with Cal Newport
‘Digital Minimalism’ by Cal Newport
‘Punch Failure in the Face’ by David Knapp-Fisher
‘Anything You Want’ by Derek Sivers
‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’ by Patrick M. Lencioni
‘Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day’ by Todd Henry
Episode 340: Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry
Episode 54: Voice Lessons with Todd Henry
‘Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smart’ by Liz Wiseman
‘How to Take Smart Notes’ by Sönke Ahrens
‘Getting Things Done’ by David Allen
Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey
‘The Greatest Salesman in the World’ by Og Mandino
ReadToLeadBook.com
Read To Lead Podcast

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
45 min
September 01, 2021 Jeff Brown talks about Reading To Lead
Jeff Brown was a reluctant reader at school, but he fell in love with it when he had to learn more about marketing in his career. Jeff is a podcaster, mentor, and speaker, with a mission to help people like you bridge the gap between intention and implementation. He does this primarily through public speaking, mastermind groups, membership platforms, courses, coaching, and consulting.
I’m excited to learn more about his latest book, which co-authored with Jesse Wisnewski, ‘Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career’. In this productive conversation we explore book clubs, speed reading, being a co-author, the free library movement – and why there will always be a place for books. Be sure to check out the links for all the books we mentioned in this interview!
Talking Points
Jeff’s relationship with reading
The co-authoring experience
Reading books digitally versus physically
When to keep or let go of books
The books Jeff re-reads the most
Interesting findings from writing the book
A process for skim reading
The benefits of having a book club
Quote
"We are all lifelong learners."
Helpful Links
‘Read To Lead’ by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski
Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin
‘Purple Cow’ by Seth Godin
How to Be a Better Reader - YouTube
Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
Episode 73: Deep Work with Cal Newport
‘Digital Minimalism’ by Cal Newport
‘Punch Failure in the Face’ by David Knapp-Fisher
‘Anything You Want’ by Derek Sivers
‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’ by Patrick M. Lencioni
‘Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day’ by Todd Henry
Episode 340: Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry
Episode 54: Voice Lessons with Todd Henry
‘Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smart’ by Liz Wiseman
‘How to Take Smart Notes’ by Sönke Ahrens
‘Getting Things Done’ by David Allen
Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey
‘The Greatest Salesman in the World’ by Og Mandino
ReadToLeadBook.com
Read To Lead Podcast
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
47 min
August 25, 2021Adii Pienaar talks about Measuring Life Profitability
Today’s guest, Adii Pienaar, is not a fan of labels, but he’s a true life-first entrepreneur and avid writer. He also co-founded WooThemes in 2007, founded Conversio in 2014. His latest book, Life Profitability: The New Measure of Entrepreneurial Success distills a new perspective for becoming self-aware, recognising your values, and understanding your impact. I found it really impactful, so I couldn’t wait to bring Adii on to the show.
Listen to this conversation as we take a step back and review how to live an enriched life AND run a successful business. We discuss the power of language, journaling, what ‘harmony’ means to Adii – and cultivating ‘breadcrumbs’ of writing.

Talking Points
Being a seeker
The pros and cons of ambition
Why we shouldn’t strive for ‘work-life balance
Measuring qualitative goals
How to maintain and sustain your life profitability
How journaling has helped Adii
Breaking old patterns
Quote
"Seek the newer versions of your truths."

Helpful Links
‘Life Profitability’ by Adii Pienaar
‘Motion’ by Adii Pienaar
The Toxicity of Relentless Ambition
‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi
Episode 226: How to Build a Company of One with Paul Jarvis
‘Siddhartha’ by Hermann Hesse
‘The Values Factor’ by Dr. John DeMartini
13 Questions with Dr John Demartini
Adii.me

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
44 min
August 25, 2021 Adii Pienaar talks about Measuring Life Profitability
Today’s guest, Adii Pienaar, is not a fan of labels, but he’s a true life-first entrepreneur and avid writer. He also co-founded WooThemes in 2007, founded Conversio in 2014. His latest book, Life Profitability: The New Measure of Entrepreneurial Success distills a new perspective for becoming self-aware, recognising your values, and understanding your impact. I found it really impactful, so I couldn’t wait to bring Adii on to the show.
Listen to this conversation as we take a step back and review how to live an enriched life AND run a successful business. We discuss the power of language, journaling, what ‘harmony’ means to Adii – and cultivating ‘breadcrumbs’ of writing.
Talking Points
Being a seeker
The pros and cons of ambition
Why we shouldn’t strive for ‘work-life balance
Measuring qualitative goals
How to maintain and sustain your life profitability
How journaling has helped Adii
Breaking old patterns
Quote
"Seek the newer versions of your truths."
Helpful Links
‘Life Profitability’ by Adii Pienaar
‘Motion’ by Adii Pienaar
The Toxicity of Relentless Ambition
‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi
Episode 226: How to Build a Company of One with Paul Jarvis
‘Siddhartha’ by Hermann Hesse
‘The Values Factor’ by Dr. John DeMartini
13 Questions with Dr John Demartini
Adii.me
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
47 min
August 18, 2021 Yvonne Heimann talks about ClickUp, Project Management and Patience
It’s personal building the right process for your business. ClickUp expert and business coach Yvonne Heimann shares how choosing the right tool will shift your business. From having been a German pub owner to now being a Californian business coach, Yvonne Heimann “sees systems everywhere”. I discovered her work on YouTube when I wanted to move over from Asana to ClickUp – and she massively helped me with this transition. Yvonne helps digital entrepreneurs increase profits and reclaim lost time by teaching how to implement proven processes, systems, using project management tools like ClickUp. As you can tell from our conversation, Yvonne knows her stuff when it comes to simplifying systems and building processes. Listen to find out more about her ‘Daily Method of Operation’, building a successful YouTube channel, why ClickUp is her favorite tool, using visual flow charts – and what it was like being brought up near the Berlin wall. Talking Points Be clear on your ‘Why’ and ‘What’ Being a woman in the productivity industry How to find common values within your workflow Having patience with setting up your process Defining productivity across the US vs European culture Journaling and daily routines Tips on moving to a different project management tool Having a bigger picture with your process Quote "Look at the bigger picture, then drill down." Helpful Links Ask Yvi YouTube Ask Yvi Facebook Group AskVi.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
42 min
August 11, 2021 Vernon Foster II talks about the Soul Manual
It’s time to take a pause. Athlete, author, podcaster and mentor Vernon Foster II shares his steps to mindful living.
What’s clear from my conversation with Vernon Foster II is that living a fulfilling life is a lifelong journey. There is no silver bullet or magic pill. Through Vernon’s own personal hardship, and working closely with others, he’s put together all that he has learnt in ‘The 7 Laws of Mindful Living: A Soul Manual’.
I first met Vernon a few years ago at the Podcast Movement, so I couldn’t wait to learn more about this latest book. Join our reflective discussion as we spoke about Vernon’s ‘laws’ of mindful living, the power of taking a break, overcoming limiting beliefs, how to not get caught up in the doing – and a potential 8th Law...
Talking Points
The Law of Letting Go
Limiting identities
The art of embracing experiences
Removing judgment
The Law of Abundance
The impact of releasing ‘The 7 Laws of Mindful Living: A Soul Manual’
Overcoming overwhelm with where to start
Quote
"Craft the narrative that supports who you want to become."
Helpful Links
VeronTFoster.com
The 7 Laws of Mindful Living (Book Website)
The 7 Laws of Mindful Living (Amazon / Audible)
Podcast Movement
‘The One Thing’ by Gary Keller
‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey
Put Up A Pretty Light (w/ Matthew McConaughey)
‘Eat That Frog’ Brian Tracy
Episode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
45 min
August 04, 2021 Marli Williams talks about Retreats, Transformation and Epic Events
Master facilitator Marli Williams shares what you can get out of a retreat – and the real-life transformations you can expect from connecting with the right people.
Marli is a master facilitator of transformation who creates magic in beautiful epic places. She’s the founder and director of Camp YES! – a summer camp for women entrepreneurs, leaders and change-makers. She is also a wilderness guide, educator and mentor. Her mission is to create epic, transformational experiences.
Join our productive conversation as we discuss the power of taking a retreat, how to stay energized as a facilitator, being creative with virtual retreats, having informal hangout time – and sharing bourbon with Neal Pollack.
Talking Points
The tipping point for taking a retreat
Retreats vs conferences
What makes a retreat stand out from the rest
Co-creating experiences
Manufacturing transformational experiences online
Quote
"Pay attention to what captures your attention."
Helpful Links
Camp YES!
Episode 187: More Fun in Done with Marli Williams
Episode 361: Being a Multipotentialite with Vanessa Tharp
The BIG Ready
World Domination
MaxFunCon
Think Better, Live Better
‘Jewball’ by Neal Pollack
Marli’s Instagram
Marli’s Facebook
MarliWilliams.com
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35 min
July 28, 2021 Mike Sturm talks about the Wabi-sabi Way
Buddhism and Taoism expert Mike Sturm joins the show to uncover how to develop a deep personal relationship with yourself – the Wabi-Sabi way.
Mike Sturm has taught philosophy at college level for several years and researched Buddhism and Taoism extensively. He writes about self-improvement and productivity from the perspective of spirituality and first principles. In this reflective conversation, we focus in particular on ‘Wabi-Sabi’, an ancient Japanese philosophy that centres on appreciating the beauty in imperfection and accepting the more natural cycle of life.
Join us as we explore some of the key insights from his book The Wabi-sabi Way: Simple Principles to Bring Calm, Meaning & Authenticity to Your Daily Life. We discuss personal authenticity, reviewing habits, the power of validation and embracing imperfection – and Captain America.
Talking Points
What is Wabi-sabi?
The Western challenges with meditation and stillness
The notion of time
Ease vs. easy
Where to get started with the Wabi-sabi mindset
The practice of impermanence
Simple steps to live the Wabi-sabi way
Quote
"Accepting where you’ve been is the only way of getting to where you want to go."
Helpful Links
‘The Wabi-sabi Way’ by Mike Sturm
Muse Headband
“The Dexterous Butcher” by Chuang Tzu
‘The Seven Day Circle’ by Eviatar Zerubavel
Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke
‘How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices’ by Annie Duke
Episode 243: The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker
Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Episode 286: Doing Project 333 with Courtney Carver
Captain America video essay
‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’ by Alex Haley and Malcolm X
Mike’s Medium
Mike’s Twitter
MikeSturm.net
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
47 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.