A Productive Conversation

By Mike VardyBusiness Careers Management

A Productive Conversation episodes

November 13, 2019 The Daily Decision with Brian Dixon
On this episode, I’m joined by Brian Dixon, the author of Start with Your People: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything. As a podcaster, conference speaker, and business coach, Brian is passionate about helping high potential leaders and teams thrive in a world of overwhelming options.
Some of the things we discuss during our conversation include what people can do to make sure they are starting on the right foot with others, why putting people first plays a role in your productivity, and the things you can do so that you can start with people first.
Talking Points
Brian speaks about the idea of “deciding” and the concept of the daily decision
The nuanced approach to creating harmony between the needs of your people and your own needs
This is The One Hour Exchange… and how you make it happen in a way that works for you
What steps should someone take if they want to start off on the right foot when “starting with their people”
Brian loves personality tests. Here are the four he likes the best.
Brian challenges you to pick one day to do this
What does it mean to adopt a mentality of abundance?
I learned this about Mr. Rogers
What can you do to start starting with people today?
Quote
“The pebble rarely sees the ripple…my job is to make an impact on the people in my life and I will never necessarily know the impact that they make as a result of me impacting them. But I can hold my head up high or put my head on the pillow at night and say ‘job well done.'”
Helpful Links
Start with Your People: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything
Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
The Clarity Sessions
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery
The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types
5 AM Miracle: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything with Brian Dixon
Episode 265: Bringing Gratitude with Karl Staib
Brian’s Website
The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Typology
I like this particular take on “people-powered productivity.” Why? Because it’s personal. Brian’s got some great ideas throughout the pages of his book and he shared quite a few during our conversation. I hope you get a lot out of it. I know that I did.
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
49 min
November 06, 2019 You Are Awesome with Neil Pasricha
On this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of being joined by the author of The Book of Awesome Series, Neil Pasricha. Neil thinks, writes, and speaks about intentional living and on this episode he’s going to share with me some of his insights from the book You Are Awesome: How to Navigate Change, Wrestle with Failure, and Live an Intentional Life.
Neil is a New York Times best-selling author of 5(!) books, selling well over a million copies of his books in the process. He also hosts the award-winning podcast – and foamier Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week – 3 Books. He’s an in-demand international speaker and, like me, is a Canadian. Unlike me, he lives in Toronto with his wife and three sons.
We spend time during our discussion talking about his latest book and a wide variety of productivity-related topics for just over an hour, making this one of the longer episodes I’ve ever produced. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation I have with Neil on the program. It’s, in a word… awesome.
Talking Points
Neil shares with me what You Are Awesome is really about
He shares why he started his blog
This is the difference between resilience and grit
We talk about the use of ellipses or the dot-dot-dot
These are the steps that you need to take to be awesome
We explore an all-too-common feeling: the feeling of not being good enough
Neil and I discuss the importance of failure
Does Neil journal?
Neil turns the tables and asks me about my journaling practice
When I share with Neil my TimeCrafting methodology he asks if I feel any sort of constraints surrounding it
I turn the tables back and ask Neil if he has any sort of daily theming practice that he uses
We close out the conversation by slowing things down a bit
Quote
“We have never been more productive – ever – than now.”
Helpful Links
You Are Awesome: How to Navigate Change, Wrestle with Failure, and Live an Intentional Life
Day One
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful
The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World
The Pomodoro Technique
Neil.blog
3books.co
The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Akimbo
There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and so many great takeaways. It was refreshing to have the tables turned on me with a few questions and I know we could have spoken to each other for much longer. I encourage to give this episode a repeat listen – there are insights a-plenty to be found!
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
1 hr 8 min
October 30, 2019 Metamorphosis with Steven L. Blue
On this episode I speak with Steven L. Blue. Steven is the best-selling author of five critically acclaimed books that target executives, leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to learn the secrets of success in the corporate world.Steven’s latest book, Metamorphosis: From Rust-Belt to High-Tech in a 21st Century World, is a detailed blueprint for CEOs and senior leaders to transform their businesses from failing rust-belt companies with small margins into high-tech leaders with superior profits.
I spoke with Steven about the shift from rust-belt to high-tech products, the patience involved when making a change, and the process of metamorphosis as a whole. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and plenty of lessons that Steven offers that you should heed when undergoing organizational – or even individual – metamorphosis.
Talking Points
What metamorphosis means to Steven – and what Steven wanted to title the book in the first place
Steven discusses the idea of “innovational potential”
The surprising model that Steven believes you should follow when going through a metamorphosis
We talk about disruptive thinking and how important it is to adopt it
Would Steven hire a Chief Innovation Officer?
This is what Steven had his staff trained in years ago that has helped the company out in incredible ways
The impact Steven feels change has on productivity – and how he suggests a company combat any fears that arise from an initial loss in productivity when instituting change
We talk about the many forms that innovation can show up in your business and where he has it show up in Steven’s company
When and how does scale play a role in the metamorphosis of a company?
This is one of the toughest aspects of making change… no matter the size of your business
How much time does Steven spend in the planning phase?
Outsourcing is key – but there’s an important piece when you’re outsourcing to external contractors that Steven believes is a must
This is the biggest piece of advice that Steven says will help you get a decent start when you decide to undergo a metamorphosis
Quote
“Innovation should be everybody’s job.”
Helpful Links
Metamorphosis by Steven L. Blue
Steven’s Website
Steven on Twitter
The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Get Yourself Optimized
Even though you may not be running a manufacturing company like Steven does, there are still great takeaways regarding change that you can use in your own business – and life. Change is never easy but if you stand still then others will pass you by along the way… and you’ll spend time playing catch-up instead of investing it in what you need and want to be investing it in. If your intention is to make change that matters, then you need to plan for it so that you can be as ready as possible for whatever that new route will throw your way.
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
40 min
October 23, 2019 Revisiting and Reframing Automation with Wade Foster
On this episode, I speak with Wade Foster. Wade is the CEO and co-founder of Zapier, a workflow automation tool used by over three million people to connect the work apps they use every day. Prior to Zapier, Wade worked as a customer development lead for The Idea Works, Inc. in Missouri. He is an alumnus of Y Combinator and has degrees in industrial engineering and business administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
I wanted to have Wade back on the show to explore the genesis of Zapier as well as how automation has worked for him over the years. We talked about his own to do list, who inspires and motivates him through their work and so much more during our conversation. I’m pleased to have him return as a guest on the show and hope you enjoy this revisited and reframed discussion.
Talking Points
Wade shares a bit about Zapier
Where has Zapier gone since its inception? How has it evolved?
Is there such a thing as “too much automation”? What trips people up when they are trying to automate?
Here’s what Wade thinks Zapier – and automation – is helping people focus on to help out with their productivity
Wade shares how you can make time to automate – and why you should
Here’s one thing that you can’t automate on the whole… but can automate in parts
How Wade started automating – and how he keeps at it
What automation has freed Wade up to do more of
Does Wade keeps a to do list? Here’s how he structures his weeks
How Wade breaks down big things – like projects
What about home or personal automation? What does Wade do on that front?
Where does Wade draw inspiration from?
These are the particular pieces of writing and content that Wade refers to consistently to stay on track
We talk about scale and how Zapier plans to scale
How does Jeff Bezos’s quote “Focus on the things that don’t change” play a role in Wade’s company and his own life
Quote
“The reality is that innovation and technology move so quickly that you always have to be looking for the next angle for yourself or you might find that your company is… innovated out of business.”
Helpful Links
A Closer Look at Automation with Wade Foster | The Productivityist Podcast
Thinking Fast and Slow
IFTTT
Signal v. Noise | Basecamp
The Hard Things About Hard Things
I Ran the Full Text of Jeff Bezos’s 23 Amazon Shareholder Letters Through a Word Cloud Generator, and the Insights Were Astonishing | Inc.com
1,000 True Fans | The Technium
The Innovator’s Dilemma
Zapier
The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Process
The thing about automation is that you need to think about not only what you want to automate but why you want to automate in the first place. Don’t just automate for automation’s sake. Software can help once you’ve made that call, but without making a smart and wise choice beforehand you may be setting yourself up for more work than you bargained for.
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
50 min
October 16, 2019 Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal
On this episode, I’m joined by Nir Eyal, the author of what I consider to be the best productivity book I’ve read in a long time, Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life.
Without question I feel that Nir’s book Indistractable is the best book on the topic of productivity that I’ve read in a long time. We dig into the book throughout our lengthy discussion, discuss the concept of willpower (and my misinterpretation of how he feels about it), and so much more. There’s plenty to unpack in this episode and I’m pleased to be able to bring it to you.
Talking Points
Why I feel that Indistractable is one of the best productivity books out there
Nir shares why the book covers for both Hooked and Indistractable are yellow
The distinction between traction, time management, and becoming indistractable
What is pseudowork?
Nir Starts to reveal the four strategies that you’ll need to become indistractable
This is what time management actually is
We talk about willpower – and this is where I misinterpret Nir’s belief on the subject
As a follow up to our willpower back-and-forth, Nir says that this is what we DO have available to us
I share my external triggers with Nir and that leads to a discussion of the idea of identity
Nir spends time discussing the other types of “pacts” you can put in place on your indistractable journey
Nir gets personal as he discusses the power of “effort packs”
I share my own examples of “effort packs”
Nir talks about “progressive extremism” and its role in becoming indistractable
Nir talks about to do lists
Here’s what Nir says what you shouldn’t – and should – put on your calendar
We chat about misinformation around the use of tech
This is Nir’s definition of productivity… and his advice to live up to that definition
Quote
“The body gets what the body needs.”
Helpful Links
Good Life Project | Nir Eyal
Ryan Holiday’s Recommended Reading
The Productivityist Podcast: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy
Schedule Maker
The 106 Year Old Problem
Indistractable.com
Nir and Far [Podcast]
The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Remote Work Friends
This episode is longer than usual but it’s worth every second. Nir’s perspective on productivity is attuned to my own in many ways. Hearing him agree with me on the concept of theming your time and using the calendar as a directory for your day and a to do list for the details of your day made… well, my day. I hope that this discussion we had made your day too.
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
59 min
October 09, 2019 Bringing Gratitude with Karl Staib
I’m joined by my good friend and author of Bring Gratitude: Feel Joyful with Bite-Sized Mindset Practices, Karl Staib on this episode. We spend time speaking about the effects that gratitude can have on your productivity when you simply “bring it” into your life as much as possible.
Karl is also the creator of free 30-Day Bring Gratitude Challenge, an initiative that helps people strengthen their mindset through practicing gratitude. The challenge is presented in a private Facebook Group (linked below) and his goal is to get the smartest and most caring people together to create an amazing community so they can help each other learn from our mistakes and build a life that they all love.
Talking Points
Why Karl is a recovering “complainer”
What Karl means when he encourages you to “bring” gratitude
The story of the meeting that began Karl’s mindset shift towards gratitude
What Karl does when he catches himself veering away from gratitude
The question Karl asks himself that helps him tap into gratitude when he’s “just not feeling it”
Karl explains how to leverage both willpower and way power to help you practice gratitude
Karl gets into some of the scientific studies that have been made around the effects of gratitude
These are the 3 levels of gratitude…
The important thing Karl does at the end of the day
What finally made the journaling habit stick for Karl
This is what you can do start building the habit of bringing gratitude more consistently today
Quote
“If you can be grateful for who you are and know that you are good enough in what you bring to every day, then it makes everything else easier.”
Helpful Links
Bring Gratitude: Feel Joyful with Bite-Sized Mindset Practices
Mindset First Club on Facebook
Bring Gratitude Cards
Bring Gratitude
While gratitude may not have an immediate ROI when it comes to your productivity, the long-term benefits are massive. Like with meditation, simply practicing gratitude a little bit every day strengthens your resolve and builds momentum. Keeping a journal and asking yourself what you were grateful for over the course of your day can be a huge help… and you can also start your day off by simply telling yourself what you’re grateful for.
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
47 min
October 02, 2019 How to Build Yourself More Time with Jaime Masters
I’m excited to welcome Jaime Masters as a guest on his episode of the podcast. Jaime is the host of Eventual Millionaire. She’s interviewed almost 500 self-made millionaires and billionaires. She’s been a business coaching for over 10 years and has taught six and seven-figure CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners how to double and triple their revenue. She has been featured in Yahoo Online, Inc.com, SUCCESS Magazine, Entrepreneur, Women’s Health Magazine, Business Insider, and more.
I’ve been friends with Jaime for years and have had the pleasure of hanging out with her at events in cities all over the world. She loves business and all things geeky. She’s the mother of two amazing kids that are already making money in business as stilt walkers and contortionists. (I need to get my two kids on this whole “making money” thing!)
I wanted to talk to Jaime about her latest venture: Ownerbox. It’s Jaime’s new brand that delivers business owners the dream they signed up for when they started their business. We talked about what her plan is for Ownerbox, why systems are important, and much more she does to help people build themselves more time.
Talking Points
What is Ownerbox?
Why Ownerbox was created
Why the “CEObox” and the “Ownerbox” are NOT the same
Jaime tells The Story of Joey
We discuss the idea of patience and how it translates into Jaime’s latest venture
What Jaime’s intent was when she started her Eventual Millionaire brand
Why Jaime thinks systemizing is important to success
The discussion Jaime had with her kids when she told them that she was going to have someone else other than herself pick them up every once in a while
Why Ownerbox helps owners “pick their spots” when it comes to where they spend their time and energy
This is what Jaime recommends you do that will help you build yourself more time
Quote
“Knowing that systems work better is one thing. Doing them is totally another.“
Helpful Links
Ownerbox
The Productivityist Podcast: Michael Gerber
The Productivityist Podcast: Paul Jarvis
Eventual Millionaire: Michael Gerber
Eventual Millionaire: Paul Jarvis
Dave Ramsey’s Debt Snowball Method
The Speed of Implementation: An Exclusive Offer for The Productivityist Podcast
Jaime knows how to help business owners feel like they own their businesses instead of the other way around. That’s why it’s no wonder that she created Ownerbox; it’s a vehicle to help her do that. The big lesson here is that putting a system in place is not only a smart move…it’s the only move you can make if you want to run a successful business (and, really… a successful life). It reminds me of something that I’ve said time and time again: Frameworks foster freedom.
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
31 min
September 30, 2019 BONUS EPISODE: It's International Podcast Day with Michael Schechter
This bonus episode celebrating International Podcast Day features a long-awaited return of the productivity banter between yours truly and my good friend and former co-host of Mikes in Mics, Michael Schechter. We talked about the Whole30 program and what Schechter is drinking during the episode because of it, what he means by "setting his combination," and what it's like to attend the annual Berkshire Hathaway meetings. You can check out Michael's guest post that I published in conjunction with this episode here. Happy International Podcast Day!
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. 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
42 min
September 25, 2019 Own Your Weird with Jason Zook
On this episode, I speak with my friend Jason Zook. Jason is the author of several books, including Own Your Weird: An Oddly Effective Way for Finding Happiness in Work, Life, and Love.
Jason Zook is an unconventional entrepreneur. Tired of living a life that felt prescribed to him by society, Jason used his out-of-the-box thinking and ingenuity to create multiple profitable Internet-based businesses. From making $1m wearing sponsored t-shirts for a living with his IWearYourShirt business, to selling his last name twice and eventually even selling his future, Jason is all about owning his weird!
Talking Points
Why this book needed to come out now
Jason and I discuss the resonance of the word “weird” over “different”
What’s difficult about adopting the mindset that being weird isn’t just okay but how it can help you thrive
What (and who) is this book really about?
How do you pay attention to your “weird” above all of the other noise that’s out there?
We talk about testing assumptions and how Jason does that
Why Jason can’t work with a personal trainer to help him reach his fitness goals
I reveal this episode’s Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week
Why in the world did Jason decide to “sell his future” and how did it work out for him?
Does Jason look for weirdness when deciding to pursue projects?
This is what Jason said in his book that you can do right now to make your life better
Does every aspect of an initiative Jason pursues have to hit all three of his values?
Jason explains how challenging it was to write the “how to” aspect of the book
Quote
“You cannot just go from 0 to 100 percent and be successful and have sustainability with it.”
Helpful Links
Get Own Your Weird
The Productivityist Podcast #258: What You Can Learn from Napoleon Hill with Jeffrey Gitomer
Wandering Aimfully
@jasondoesstuff
The big thing that you need to think about around “owning your weird” is that you should absolutely OWN IT. I’ve found that when I embrace my weirdness that it hasn’t led me astray – and has actually helped me forge a path that works even better for me. It’s definitely worked for Jason and I’m certain it will do the same for you. (You’ve also got a book out there now that can help you out if you need it!)
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
39 min
September 18, 2019 Start Finishing with Charlie Gilkey
On this episode, I chat with my good friend Charlie Gilkey. He’s the author of the book Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done and is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a company that helps professional creatives, leaders, and changemakers take meaningful action on work that matters.
Charlie and I have been friends for years and we see eye to eye and a lot in the world of personal productivity. This book has been a long time coming and we spend time discussing the building of the book, the role of pacing in productivity, the idea of the “thrash” and how it impacts finishing, and much more. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and I’m really happy to bring to you. Enjoy!
Talking Points
We talk about the relationship between starting and finishing to the calendar
How important is pacing when it comes to productivity?
Charlie explains where folks like him and I can get in trouble
How does someone keep themselves from getting run over by other projects when they are focusing on other ones?
This is something that didn’t make the cut during the editing process of Charlie’s book
Charlie says that this is one of the pillars of productivity
What is thrashing?
What does Charlie think about making all projects…well, projects?
How did Charlie deal with thrashing during the writing of his book?
Charlie talks about getting past the “hard side of things”
Quote
“A project in motion stays in motion. A project at rest stays at rest.”
Helpful Links
Start Finishing
Productive Flourishing
The Productivityist Podcast: Jon Acuff
The Productivityist Podcast: Cal Newport
The Productivityist Podcast: James Clear
The Productivityist Podcast: Josh Kaufman
The Productivityist Podcast: Austin Kleon
Finishing is hard. But it can be done as long as you know that you’re going to face this idea of “thrashing” along the way, especially for things that really matter to you. I know I’m going to face that thrashing as I write my book (among other things) and knowing that is going to be there is the first step in seeing it through to the finish. The next step you could (and should) take is picking up Charlie’s book because it will help you with every other step thereafter.
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
45 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.