A Productive Conversation

When you run a business, you can’t do it alone. The Productivityist’s Chief of Staff, Vanessa Tharp, jumps on to explain how she supports my journey.

Vanessa Tharp has over 15 years of education, leadership, community building and event planning. She collaborates with people to help create epic events, conferences, retreats, business strategies and product launches. And I would know – she works with me. As Chief of Staff, she’s assisted the growth of The Productivityist in numerous ways, including the BIG Ready.

I found this interview really energizing as we uncovered how to build actionable roadmaps and why she’s not one to niche down. Join us as we discuss being a multipotentialite, leveraging relationships, how she plays an integral part in the business – as well as cupcakes and quicksand training.

Talking Points

Vanessa’s involvement with the development of The Productivityist

How to scale without getting stuck

Vanessa’s approach to taking action with big business tasks

How to leverage relationships

Why we need to be more ourselves and embrace the ugly parts

Quote

“Through your failures you get data points to work from.”

Helpful Links

Episode 250: 5 Days with John Poelstra

Efficient Writing with Jim Woods

The BIG Ready

The West Wing

Express VPN

The Two Day Soirée

‘Ego Is The Enemy’ by Ryan Holiday

Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke

‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins

‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey

VanessaTharp.com

Vanessa’s Facebook

Vanessa’s Instagram

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.

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Cal Newport is back on the show to uncover his magnum opus on why we work the way we work today, and why we need to change our relationship with email.

Email simply doesn’t scale – its back and forth nature is what drove Cal Newport down the rabbit hole of finding a better way to work. This includes all methods of communication, be it Slack, WhatsApp, or Facebook DMs and so on. These tools should just be used as shorthand, and not become your work. In his latest book, A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload, I had to unpick my good friend’s insights.

Join us today as we uncover why we need to change our relationship with email. In this brave new world, we touch on how email came about accidentally, finding solutions as a team, context switching, and the fascinating research path that led Cal to writing the book.

Talking Points

The main elements of email that we need to move away from

Why email has taken over our work

On Merlin Mann and Inbox Zero

The Attention Capital Principle

Changing our view on email in all parts of the business, from managerial to admin and customer support

How you can stop relying on email today

Quote

“Don’t explain to people what you’re doing, just do it.”

Helpful Links

‘A World Without Email’ by Cal Newport

Episode 73 with Cal Newport

Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport

‘Digital Minimalism’ by Cal Newport

‘Deep Work’ by Cal Newport

The New Yorker articles by Cal Newport

The New Yorker: The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done by Cal Newport

Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen

Woven

Deep Questions Podcast

CalNewport.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

This candid conversation reveals what John Lee Dumas has learnt throughout his life – which includes interviewing thousands of entrepreneurs on his show – and steps you can take on a common (yet simple) path that can lead to uncommon success.

John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Entrepreneurs on Fire. He’s interviewed thousands of entrepreneurs, including Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss, and many more. So I’m excited to find out more about what he’s learnt through these interviews.

In the run up to the launch of his new book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment, I wanted to find out what you can do to stay ahead of the game. Listen to find out more about producing a daily podcast, how JLD themes his days, keeping the money you make – and butchering Jim Carrey’s commencement speech.

Talking Points

How to follow a path without being constrained by it

Understanding the difference between simple and easy

Implementing practical exercises in JLD’s new book

The podcasts that inspired JLD to launch his own show

Having a mentor for any area of life

JLD’s tactics to help you avoid burnout

After Action Reviews and backwards planning

The FOCUS acronym

Quote

“Choose your hard”

Helpful Links

UncommonSuccessBook.com (GET PRE-ORDER BONUSES NOW!)

Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin

Jim Carrey’s Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM Graduation

Jedidiah Jenkins on the Rich Roll Podcast

John Lee Dumas on the Solopreneur Hour

Smart Passive Income Podcast

Mixergy

Rise To The Top

Planet Money

Freakonomics

Episode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy

Episode 264: How to Build Yourself More Time with Jaime Masters

Episode 15: Jaime Tardy

Episode 289: The Vision Driven Leader with Michael Hyatt

Episode 239: Free to Focus with Michael Hyatt

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

Chaos is a constant. So what can you do to embrace life’s ebb and flow? Nicola Taggart joins the show to share her latest tips.

Nicola Taggart is a life and leadership success strategist, coach, consultant, speaker, and author. Nicola helps people discover a more centered and conscious approach to life that increases their presence both in life and in their career. Through her well-being programs, Calm Your Chaos journal and cards, Nicola helps you take stock of what’s going on in your life.

We discuss how we can embrace chaos. From implementing timeless habits, powerful journaling prompts, to visual triggers – this episode will help you beat overwhelm.

Talking Points

The concept of Calm The Chaos

How Nicola structures the journal

The role of Calm The Chaos Cards in Nicola’s life

Grounding activities

Quote

“What is the experience you want to feel?”

Helpful Links

Calm the Chaos Journal

Calm the Chaos Cards

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

Episode 265: Bringing Gratitude with Karl Staib

Episode 123: Broadcasting Happiness with Michelle Gielan

Write It All Down

Freewrite

NicolaTaggart.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

International expert in the field of body transformations, Angelo Poli shares the practical diet strategy that will give you the results you want.

Angelo Poli is the Founder of MetPro, the world’s first algorithm-based weight-loss engine, which is fueled by the data you feed into it every day. He’s worked with the likes of NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, among other elite athletes, celebrities, to physique models, entrepreneurs, and politicians. He’s also a speaker and a serial entrepreneur.

When I did MetPro’s program, I got the best results. What really stood out to me was the impact of keeping things simple. Tune in as we discuss how to be consistent, why our metabolism is so misunderstood, letting go of any resistance to exercise, and why I keep an old soda can in my room.

Talking Points

The psychology behind advanced food preparation

Being strategic with your diet and fitness

Understanding what’s right for your body

The power of having faith in yourself results

MetPro’s new methodology to track, analyze and perform

Quote

“Progress is the greatest human motivator.”

Helpful Links

Episode 249: The Magic of Metabolic Profiling with Angelo Poli

Episode 116: The Power of When with Dr Michael Breus

Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke

Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal

MetPro.co/timecrafting

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

With so many moving pieces as a creative freelancer, learn what actor Ian Reed Kesler does to keep focused on his projects.

Today’s guest, Ian Reed Kesler, is an actor and director best known for Sydney to the Max, Suits and 500 Days of Summer. From a serendipitous conversation on Twitter, I managed to get Ian on the show so I’m super excited to learn how he stays productive as a creative.

What’s clear from this interview is that having a creative mind requires you to be able to turn on and off quickly. And that’s not always easy if you’re on set for 16 hours straight. Join our conversation as we discuss easy wins, systems for lazy people, and keeping organized so you can do more of what you love – as well as my IDMb profile. Whether you’re in the creative field or not, there’s something in this for everyone.

Talking Points

The role of productivity for actors

The two kinds of creative freelancers

Running a creative company

How productivity is evolving

Analogue vs digital for ideas and tasks

Ian’s go-to morning and evening routines

Quote

“Putting everything in its place is what enables me to do what I love.”

Helpful Links

Literally! With Rob Lowe

Todoist

The Antidote | Amazon

Atomic Habits | Amazon

Tiny Habits | Amazon

Roam

Craft

Muse

Sydney to the Max

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

It's the final bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features a new friend and a fellow scribe, Jenna Britton. Jenna Britton is also one of the speakers for The BIG Ready, joining us for the Communication panel. In this final bonus podcast episode leading up to The BIG Ready, Jenna shares more about clarity, delimiting yourself, and communication.

Episode Highlights:

Why clarity gives focus 

How dismissing something limits yourself

Why clarity comes from action

How clarity and communication are both linked to each other

This virtual event features 29+ presenters delivering keynote talks, actionable workshops, and engaging panel discussions around the elements of personal and professional growth. Presented by Productivityist. The BIG Ready is a must-attend for anyone who is trying to take the months ahead and be ready to make them have a BIG impact on their lives. The main stage portion of The BIG Ready takes place on February 2nd, 2021 and includes access to the Opening Party on February 1st, the Closing Party featuring the perfect sendoff to the day's festivities, and the opportunity to attend a Midnight Momentum focused work period as the day draws to a close with yours truly!

You can also grab a VIP ticket, which gives you everything I just mentioned PLUS an exclusive 4-hour workshop on February 6th that I'll be facilitating personally. Oh, and every keynote, workshop, and panel will be recorded so you'll be able to revisit and review them anytime you want in the future!

Podcast Theme Song: Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound) 

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

It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features the EPIC Marli Williams. Marli Williams is going to be part of the "Retreats" panel discussion at The BIG Ready. In this EPIC episode, Marli shares how to create an EPIC retreat for your tribe.

Episode Highlights:

Ingredients for a group retreat - making it go from good to epic

The key difference between a retreat and a convention

Emphasizing the connection of people in the room and crafting the participants' experience

How an EPIC retreat can deliver the value of meaningful connections

This virtual event features 29+ presenters delivering keynote talks, actionable workshops, and engaging panel discussions around the elements of personal and professional growth. Presented by Productivityist. The BIG Ready is a must-attend for anyone who is trying to take the months ahead and be ready to make them have a BIG impact on their lives. The main stage portion of The BIG Ready takes place on February 2nd, 2021 and includes access to the Opening Party on February 1st, the Closing Party featuring the perfect sendoff to the day's festivities, and the opportunity to attend a Midnight Momentum focused work period as the day draws to a close with yours truly!

You can also grab a VIP ticket, which gives you everything I just mentioned PLUS an exclusive 4-hour workshop on February 6th that I'll be facilitating personally. Oh, and every keynote, workshop, and panel will be recorded so you'll be able to revisit and review them anytime you want in the future!

Podcast Theme Song: Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound) 

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

It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features one of the "funniest" guys I know, Gary Ware. Gary Ware will be delivering a workshop called "The Productive Power of Play" at The BIG Ready. Gary is here to chat with me about the different forms of play that will make you more creative and more efficient.

Episode Highlights:

Breaking the pattern of conditionality – unpacking it and realizing there are different forms of play

Purposeful play: Priming the brain so that we can be more creative

Before burnout, calling a "time out" and doing something that will rejuvenate the self before going back to work

Instead of scrolling on social media during breaks, why not do something that is engaging that would help in keeping ideas and creativity flowing?

This virtual event features 29+ presenters delivering keynote talks, actionable workshops, and engaging panel discussions around the elements of personal and professional growth. Presented by Productivityist. The BIG Ready is a must-attend for anyone who is trying to take the months ahead and be ready to make them have a BIG impact on their lives. The main stage portion of The BIG Ready takes place on February 2nd, 2021 and includes access to the Opening Party on February 1st, the Closing Party featuring the perfect sendoff to the day's festivities, and the opportunity to attend a Midnight Momentum focused work period as the day draws to a close with yours truly!

You can also grab a VIP ticket, which gives you everything I just mentioned PLUS an exclusive 4-hour workshop on February 6th that I'll be facilitating personally. Oh, and every keynote, workshop, and panel will be recorded so you'll be able to revisit and review them anytime you want in the future!

Podcast Theme Song: Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound) 

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

It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features someone that, despite being unrelated by blood, I consider to be my American cousin – and he considers me to be his Canadian one – Stephen Warley. Stephen Warley isn't just my good friend... he'll be facilitating the first workshop for The BIG Ready). In this bonus podcast episode, Stephen talks about being a solopreneur and the three components of reflection.

Episode Highlights:

As a solopreneur "YOU" are the nexus of the business, the primary resource, and the biggest obstacle. 

To start as a solopreneur, you need to manage yourself and to do that you need self-awareness.

Why it's all about being honest with yourself.

An action that needs to be done – but only a few take – is stopping and reflecting.

Reflecting has three components: Self-awareness, Reflection (ideally scheduled), and settling the mind.

This virtual event features 29+ presenters delivering keynote talks, actionable workshops, and engaging panel discussions around the elements of personal and professional growth. Presented by Productivityist, The BIG Ready is a must-attend for anyone who is trying to take the months ahead and be ready to make them have a BIG impact on their lives. The mainstage portion of The BIG Ready takes place on February 2nd, 2021 and includes access to the Opening Party on February 1st, the Closing Party featuring the perfect sendoff to the day's festivities, and the opportunity to attend a Midnight Momentum focused work period as the day draws to a close with yours truly! You can also grab a VIP ticket, which gives you everything I just mentioned PLUS an exclusive 4-hour workshop on February 6th that I'll be facilitating personally. Oh, and every keynote, workshop, and panel will be recorded so you'll be able to revisit and review them anytime you want in the future!

Podcast Theme Song: Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound) 

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