A Productive Conversation

By Mike VardyBusiness Careers Management

A Productive Conversation episodes

December 02, 2020 The Transparency Wave with Paul Pagnato
After analyzing companies for almost 30 years, Paul Pagnato, shows how we’re in an exponential era. Find out how transparency is the key to growth.
We can feel pretty vulnerable when being transparent. But real change happens when we start to be more honest with ourselves and those around us. This is why I’m so excited to have Paul Pagnato on the show today to deep dive into how we can adopt the transparency mindset.
Paul has spent much of his career managing capital as a wealth advisor. From studying so many companies, he came to the realization that society has grown through massive waves of transformation over the last 500 years. And we’re going through one now – The Transparency Wave.
His latest book Transparency Wave: Exponential Changes That Will Transform Our World is an impactful read that dissects how an increasingly connected and technologically-advanced world presents exponential opportunities. Join us as we discuss his 6Ts of Exponential Transparency™, embracing fear, genomics – and yogis.
Talking Points
What the Transparency Wave is
The exponential element of transparency
The 6Ts of Exponential Transparency™
The challenges when adopting a transparency mindset
How we can apply this mindset to our personal lives
The challenges with accountability
The role of longevity
How we can embrace failure
Quote
“Transparency changes everything.”
Helpful Links
Transparency Wave | Amazon
The Compound Effect | Amazon
Atomic Habits | Amazon
Growing Young | Amazon
Episode 318: Growing Young with Marta Zaraska
TransparencyWave.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
39 min
November 25, 2020 Fostering Clarity with Doug Fraser
As host of NPR’s What We Do, Doug Fraser is not afraid to dive deep and follow his curiosity. Today we learn about the craft of clarity.
My guest this time round is Doug Fraser, a creator, producer, and host of NPR’s What We Do. He’s a true expert when it comes to storytelling… be it the history of rats to kitchens. He’s not afraid to ask questions, which makes him a very exciting guest to have on the show.
After years in the ad agency world, Doug now follows his own path to provide a valuable one-on-one marketing experience for businesses of all sizes. From pizza joints to multi-billion-dollar car dealerships, he’s helped brands achieve copywriting, social marketing, and videography success.
Doug and I spend time talking about being present and seeking clarity through simplicity. Join us as we explore taking on new hobbies, capturing ideas, and knowing when it’s the right time to quit.
Talking Points
The impact curiosity has across all aspects of Doug’s life
Energy from learning new things
Balancing the time between learning and working
Everyday tactics to help stay present
His 4-step process for success
Overcoming the sunk cost fallacy
What simplicity shows us
Process to note new ideas during a podcast interview
Doug’s most invaluable tools
Journaling and useful frameworks
Quote
“Everything that we’re learning is adding up in us.”
Helpful Links
What We Do Podcast
What We Do: The College Curiosity Crisis
What We Do: Becoming the Voice of Porky Pig
What We Do: Creating National Geographic’s Photo Ark
Photo Ark
Ron Finley Teaches Gardening
Headspace
Brené Brown
Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon
The Dip | Amazon
Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin
Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Getting Things Done | Amazon
Baron Fig
Deep Work | Amazon
Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
The Five Minute Journal
Day One
DougFraserDigital.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
58 min
November 18, 2020 Frame Your Week with Racheal Cook
Today’s guest works 25 hours per week since she had kids 10 years ago. Tune in to find out about her impactful approach to productivity.
Racheal Cook is a business strategist and business development consultant. Through her signature online mastermind The CEO Collective, Racheal helps women entrepreneurs start and scale businesses without the hustle or burnout. Being a mother herself, I was fascinated by her approach to being a productive CEO.
As a sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, marketing, and productivity, Racheal’s work has been featured on US Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneur on Fire, Female Entrepreneur Association, Inc, Fast Company, Forbes, and more. She’s the author of Fired Up & Focused and Your Business Sweet Spot.
Tune in as we discuss ways to structure the week, results-based outcomes, making personal and family time a priority – and what we can learn from meal planning.
Talking Points
Motherhood forcing clarity on productivity
The Model Calendar Approach
Being a morning person
Setting aside “buffer” time
The evolutionary nature of the Model Calendar
Identifying your high-value tasks
Niching down and serving women
The CEO Date
Quote
“Productivity is about protecting myself from myself.“
Helpful Links
The CEO Collective
The CEO Planner
Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers
Fired Up & Focused | Amazon
Your Business Sweet Spot | Amazon
The 4-Hour Work Week | Amazon
‘Most Likely to Succeed’ Documentary
RachealCook.com/TheProductivityist
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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
51 min
November 11, 2020 Stop Planning with Greg Reid
We’re much closer to success than we think we are. Today’s guest Greg Reid will help you see what’s possible.
Greg Reid is a fascinating character, and he’s testament to achieving great things despite the odds. Even with dyslexia, he is the ultimate master storyteller. He has been published in over 78 books, 32 bestsellers, five motion pictures, featured in many magazines, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He’s a highly sought-after keynote speaker, entrepreneur, with a strong win-win work ethic.
I’m excited to catch up with Greg to learn more about his journey, and dive into his book Three Feet From Gold: Turn Your Obstacles into Opportunities!. Join us as we explore timeless authors, unexpected opportunities, and modernizing Napoleon Hill’s principles for success.
Talking Points
Why you need to stop planning
The story behind the title Three Feet From Gold
Why is Napoleon Hill synonymous with success?
Greg’s CPC acronym for success
Ways to stop us from getting in our own way
An interesting path into filmmaking
Being a dyslexic author
Why you need to seek counsel, not opinion
Quote
“Seek counsel and not opinion.”
Helpful Links
The Napoleon Hill Foundation
Think And Grow Rich | Amazon
Episode 258: What You Can Learn from Napoleon Hill with Jeffrey Gitomer
Getting Things Done | Amazon
Wealth Made Easy | Amazon
Think And Grow Rich ‘Stickability’ | Amazon
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Wish Man
The Secret | Amazon
You Were Born Rich | Amazon
Rich Dad Poor Dad | Amazon
The Millionaire Mentor | Amazon
Chicken Soup For The Soul | Amazon
Greg Reid’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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32 min
November 04, 2020 Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin
Seth Godin is a consistent player in the entrepreneurial space, influencing millions to embrace their inner-creative and best serve their audience. In today’s episode, we uncover how you can make that impact.
Seth Godin has had a huge influence over my career, so I’m excited to bring him on (again) to hear about his latest projects and new book ‘The Practice: Shipping Creative Work’. As my first guest on the podcast I did as a productivity parodist, there’s lots to catch up on.
This interview is full of countless gems, but what really stands out is being consistent with whatever it is that you want to achieve. In his own words, the toughest part is that “you have to show up, even if you don’t feel like it”.
Seth blogs daily. He’s been doing it for years now. He’s built a huge following with over a million readers, and is the author of over 19 books, including Purple Cow, Linchpin, and This Is Marketing. He’s also the founder of the altMBA and The Akimbo Workshops, which runs online seminars that have transformed the work of thousands of people.
Join our conversation as we explore indispensable tools, inbox zero, working with intent – and his 16ft cedar strip canoe.
Talking Points
Applying assertion to our work
Why Imposter Syndrome doesn’t go away
You don’t even need to meet your mentors
Seth’s daily boundaries
Impact of 2020 on his blogging
Seth’s attitude towards uncertainty
Defining good taste
What we actually mean by ‘hacking’
Seth’s relationship with ‘trap’ emails
The trap people fall into when chasing authenticity
Quote
“Know what your audience wants ten minutes before they do.”
Helpful Links
The Practice: Shipping Creative Work | Amazon
Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers
Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction | Amazon
The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy | Amazon
‘How To Get Your Ideas To Spread’ TED Talk
Necessary Endings| Amazon
Ron Finley Teaches Gardening Masterclass
Freewrite
Inbox Zero: How to Stop Checking Email and Start Finishing It | Amazon
Glowforge
The Authentic Swing | Amazon
TrustYourself.com
Seths.blog
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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 min
October 29, 2020 Master Delegation with Barbara Turley
Delegation is overwhelming. But it’s an essential part to any business, so expert Barbara Turley joins the show to explain where to begin.
How often do you get caught up with small business overwhelm? Today’s guest Barbara Turley, CEO of the Virtual Hub, is a true expert when it comes to hiring and onboarding staff for small businesses. Barbara is an investor and entrepreneur with a keen interest in scalable business models, systems, processes and automation, content marketing and the power of inspired and empowered teams.
The mission of the Virtual Hub is to eradicate small business overwhelm by simplifying the offshore outsourcing process and facilitating cost-effective business scalability. Hiring support is not easy, so I’m excited to hear what Barbara has learnt from hiring some of the best VAs.
Join our conversation as we explore setting expectations, the “huddle” concept, and learning from the mistakes we’ve made. It’s time to get out of the loop of being stuck in the busy work trenches, and start thinking about the bigger picture.
Talking Points
The simple steps to overcoming overwhelm
The story behind The Virtual Hub
A long-term thinking mindset
Busting the common myths behind ‘I can’t delegate’
Procrastinating behind busywork
The most effective way to recruit and onboard a VA
Providing structures through tools
The first step of delegation
Quote
“Delegation percolates and evolves.”
Helpful Links
The 4-Hour Workweek | Amazon
The E-Myth Revisited | Amazon
Scaling Up | Amazon
Asana
TheVirtualHub.com/Productivityist
The Virtual Success Show
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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
43 min
October 22, 2020 Undaunted Doers with Kara Goldin
We face many hurdles as entrepreneurs which is why today’s guest, Kara Goldin, has a mission to help people get unstuck in order to move forward.
As Founder & CEO, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author and mother, today’s guest Kara Goldin wears many hats. Kara founded the flavored water brand Hint in 2005, and has seen it grow exponentially over the years. She’s also worked at Time Inc., AOL and CNN. With her insatiable drive, how does she do it all? As we find out, it’s curiosity.
In light of her new book ‘Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters’, Kara has learnt a lot along her entrepreneurial journey. Join our conversation as we explore hockey stick growths, natural curiosity, losing 24 pounds in 2.5 weeks – and Wild Cherry Pepsi addictions.
Talking Points
How Kara handles her priorities
Advice on staying true to your values amidst the noise
The power of asking questions
The memorable moment of the first Hint sale
Practicing patience
Quote
“The people that call things an overnight success don’t know the true definition.”
Helpful Links
Undaunted | Amazon
DrinkHint.com
KaraGoldin.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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 min
October 15, 2020 Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry
What is it that ultimately drives you? It’s key to know this across all areas of your life, so I’m excited to speak with Todd Henry again on the show as we uncover the Motivation Code.
Today’s guest Todd Henry has helped identify the unique ways that we are motivated. It’s fascinating: there are 27 potential ways and it’s different for all of us. Todd is a self-proclaimed “arms dealer for the creative revolution”, who is a writer, speaker, and helps facilitate people and teams generate brilliant ideas. He’s written four books and has recently released his fifth book, The Motivation Code: Discover The Hidden Forces That Drive Your Best Work, co-authored with Rod Penner, Todd Hall and Joshua Miller.
It’s not about waiting for work to motivate us; once we identify our true motivations, we’re in flow. In this conversation, we explore MCODE™ assessment, experiencing flow, how knowing our motivation benefits both our work and personal lives.
Talking Points
Compiling the new books after decades of research
How the opportunity came up to write the book
The six values of themes
Results from the assessment and what they mean
Why we need to dig deep with assessment results
Trigger, process and outcome motivation
Experiencing flow when their motivation code is activated
How and when our motivation shifts over time
Long-term benefits of knowing your motivational traits
Quote
“We create enemies when we don’t need to.”
Helpful Links
Episode 54: Voice Lessons with Todd Henry
The Motivation Code | Amazon
MCODE™ Assessment
Herding Tigers | Amazon
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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
43 min
October 08, 2020 Focused Writing with Adam Leeb
Distraction-free writing: a process that all writers seek. Find out how today’s guest, Adam Leeb, has made it that much easier for you.
As a writer myself, getting into the ‘flow state’ isn’t always attainable. But when I came across the distraction-free writing tool Freewrite Traveler, I had to bring on Adam Leeb, the co-founder, to the podcast. Freewrite is a portable tool with no copy/paste or other advanced editing functionality to promote maximum writing productivity. Pure magic.
Adam is an award-winning product designer and mechanical engineer who is obsessed with product design especially in relation to user experience and user interaction. Join us as we explore mechanical keyboards, removing distractions, failed crowdfunding campaigns, and 3D printing over quarantine.
Talking Points
What attracted Adam to design and Astrohaus
Developing a tool to help writers stay focused with the creative writing process
Their design philosophy
Specialized vs multi-use products
Adam’s desire to design products
Taking more risks
Being ahead of the curve
Running crowdfunding campaigns
Why crowdfund if you have the clout or finances?
A reversal approach to productivity
Quote
“It takes energy to resist.”
Helpful Links
Freewrite Traveler
Astrohaus
Punisher Yo-Yo
Video Confessional Booth
Wayne Gretzky
Kara Goldin
Baron Fig
Episode 317: The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon
BestSelf
Creality
Clapboss
Sprinter
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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
51 min
October 01, 2020 Escape From Boring with Joe Barnes
After reading a comment on YouTube about how to earn a good income without a boring job, today’s guest Joe Barnes made it his mission to find a framework that enables this. Hint: there are three ways.
When I left my full-time job at Costco, it felt like a giant leap. So I was excited to have Joe Barnes on the show to hear more about his Three Paths to pursuing your dream job. He set up Escape The System – a resource for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and world-changers. He’s also the author of Do The Work You Love. By freeing your mind from society’s conditioning and finding a passion, you’re on track to living the life you want.
Tune in as we learn how to escape boring jobs, how he strategically became an author – his dream job – and what he learnt from two ridiculous tennis matches.
Talking Points
The boring job Joe did
What do we actually mean by “choosing your passion”?
The Three Paths
Advice to the adventurous who go ‘all-in’ with a change
How to stop your passions from fizzling away
Dealing with fear when making the career change
Advice to people who think it’s ‘past their time’
Lessons learnt from being a tennis coach
Joe’s relationship with time
Quote
“There’s something inside of you that needs expression.”
Helpful Links
Do The Work You Love | Amazon
Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
Episode 73: Deep Work with Cal Newport
So Good They Can’t Ignore You | Amazon
‘Follow Your Passion’ Is Bad Advice
Beau Carnes’ blog post
Episode 251: Being a Late Bloomer with Rich Karlgaard
Episode 234: Bolder with Carl Honoré
What 2 Ridiculous Tennis Matches Taught Me About Mental Toughness And Life
The Inner Game of Tennis | Amazon
The Score Takes Care of Itself | Amazon
EscapeTheSystemNow.com
Screw The System YouTube Channel
Joe’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.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
34 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.