A Productive Conversation

On this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Leslie Grandy, author of Creative Velocity: Propelling Breakthrough Ideas in the Age of Generative AI. Leslie is a global product executive turned CEO advisor who helps organizations unlock creative thinking to accelerate growth. Her decades of leadership at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and T-Mobile give her a unique perspective on how creativity, technology, and leadership intersect.

Our conversation explores why creativity isn’t limited to artists, how space and time fuel ideation, and what role emotional regulation plays in sustaining momentum. We also dig into how precision, AI, and frameworks can both hinder and propel breakthrough ideas. If you’ve ever doubted your own creativity—or wondered how to harness it consistently—you’ll want to hear this one.

Six Discussion Points

• Why many professionals mistakenly believe they aren’t creative—and how to reframe that thinking.
• The power of space—whether walking, running, or even showering—in activating creative flow.
• Precision as both a driver and deterrent of creative velocity, depending on how it’s applied.
• Emotional regulation and equanimity as essential tools for sustaining creativity without burnout.
• How to think about velocity beyond speed—focusing on predictability, quality, and intentional triggers.
• Using AI as a creative collaborator through structured frameworks to expand possibilities without chaos.

Three Connection Points

• Get Leslie's book
• Watch John Cleese’s classic talk on creativity
• Check out NotebookLM

This conversation with Leslie reminded me that creativity isn’t an exclusive club—it’s a capacity we all share, provided we give ourselves the time, space, and intention to use it. Whether you’re leading a team, writing your next book, or simply looking to bring more meaning to your daily choices, Leslie’s insights on creative velocity offer a clear path forward.

I had the chance to sit down with Neil Ghosh, a seasoned executive whose work has spanned the nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and private sectors. He’s also the author of Do More Good: Inspiring Lessons from Extraordinary People, a book filled with stories of leaders, visionaries, and everyday people who embody the power of empathy, courage, and action.

In our conversation, Neil and I dove into the importance of perspective, why empathy isn’t a “soft” skill but a strategic one, and how small actions can have extraordinary impact. We explored how his upbringing in Kolkata shaped his worldview, the lessons he learned from people like John McCain and Shimon Peres, and why legacy is something you influence—but never fully control.

Six Discussion Points

• Why doing more good is different from simply doing more.
• The value of travel—both near and far—in broadening empathy and perspective.
• Lessons from John McCain about honoring principles and bridging divides.
• The role of humility and how serving with it can reshape leadership.
• How listening deeply—not just hearing—creates space for meaningful change.
• Why legacy is less about control and more about the small, consistent actions we leave behind.

Three Connection Points

• Neil’s book: Do More Good
• 5 Steps Anyone Can Take to “Do More Good” and Make a Lasting Impact | Success Magazine
• Your Time is Not Thine: Rethinking “Know Thy Time”

Conversations like this remind me that productivity isn’t about output for its own sake—it’s about impact. Neil’s perspective reinforces the idea that empathy, humility, and legacy aren’t separate from our work, but central to it. I hope this episode leaves you inspired to do not just more, but more good.

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, and Patrick Rhone and I dive into the idea of connection—what it means, how it shows up in unexpected ways, and why it’s such a powerful force in our lives. From sports teams and fandoms to faith, empathy, and even the role AI can play in everyday decisions, we explore how connection shapes the way we live, work, and relate to the world.

As always, the conversation is a mix of personal stories, practical reflections, and thoughtful insights. It’s one of those talks that started in one place (football fandom, of all things) and wound its way toward something bigger—how our connections help us build meaning, resilience, and compassion in a busy, noisy world.

Six Discussion Points

• How fandom and sports teams spark lifelong connections—sometimes for surprising reasons.
• Why values strengthen or weaken our bonds, whether with people, communities, or organizations.
• The role empathy and compassion play as natural outcomes of genuine connection.
• How faith, rituals, and shared traditions anchor identity and belonging.
• The importance of questioning what we connect to and why, especially in daily life.
• How tools like AI can reduce decision fatigue and help free us up for deeper connections.

Three Connection Points

• Patrick's Website
• The Fundamentals with David Robinson(s)
• A conversation with Martin Sheen and Rick Steves on the value of travel and "The Way"

At its heart, this episode reminds us that connection is about much more than shared interests—it’s about empathy, values, and the choices we make every day. I hope you find it as thought-provoking to listen to as it was for us to record.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Chris Ducker—serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and longtime friend—to talk about his latest book, The Long Haul Leader: 10 Strategies to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Achieve Lasting Success. Chris has spent over two decades building, buying, and selling businesses, while mentoring leaders worldwide.

Our conversation goes beyond business tactics. Chris shares candid stories of burnout, rebuilding, and how energy—not time—is the most valuable asset for sustainable success. From the importance of patience to the role of hobbies in leadership, this episode offers insight into what it really takes to thrive for the long haul.

Six Discussion Points

• Why hustle is a season, not a lifestyle
• The lessons Chris learned from battling burnout—twice
• Why energy is more valuable than time for leaders
• The art of letting go: selling businesses and focusing on what matters
• How patience, adaptability, and presence shape long-term leadership
• Why hobbies and creative outlets are vital to performance and recovery

Three Connection Points

• Get Chris's Book: The Long Haul Leader
• The Long Haul Leader Summit
• Chris's website

Chris’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about building sustainability into your life and work. The principles he shares in The Long Haul Leader apply whether you’re running a company, leading a team, or simply trying to create a healthier balance for yourself.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I welcome Ben Amos—video strategist, producer, international speaker, and author of Engage: The Definitive Guide to Video Strategy for Business. Ben has helped brands and entrepreneurs around the globe cut through the noise and connect with their audiences through intentional video.

We dig into why strategy must come before tactics, how to identify your ideal audience, and the real role video can play in building relationships that convert. This isn’t about shiny equipment or the latest platform—it’s about clarity, focus, and showing up with purpose.

Six Discussion Points

• Why the pandemic accelerated the adoption and acceptance of video
• The Sun Tzu quote that shapes Ben’s approach: “Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat”
• How to define your audience with a singular avatar—and why that matters
• Setting clear goals for each video in alignment with the customer journey
• The seven elements of video strategy and why production comes last
• Practical tips for repurposing podcasts and long-form content into impactful short videos

Three Connection Points

• Engage: The Definitive Guide to Video Strategy for Business
• Ben's website
• Engage Video Marketing Podcast

Talking with Ben reminded me that video doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With a strategy-first mindset, it becomes less about keeping up with trends and more about connecting with the right people at the right time. Whether you’re starting fresh or rethinking your current approach, Ben’s insights are the kind that can change how you view video in your work.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Michael Timms—TEDx speaker, leadership consultant, and author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability. This conversation is a part of our ongoing exploration into the habits that drive not just productivity, but the kind of leadership that inspires lasting impact.

Michael unpacks how accountability is often misunderstood and misused—weaponized as blame rather than cultivated as ownership. We explore what it means to truly support people to be accountable, the distinction between leadership and management, and the systems thinking leaders must embrace to avoid finger-pointing and foster real results.

Six Discussion Points

• Why “holding people accountable” is the wrong approach—and what to say instead
• The critical distinction between leadership and management
• How self-awareness and humility form the foundation of great leadership
• What journaling, feedback, and asking for advice all have in common
• The three habits of inspiring accountability—and why they work in harmony
• Systems thinking: how leaders can engineer solutions that prevent future issues

Three Connection Points

• How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability
• Michael's TEDx Talk – How to Claim Your Leadership Power
• Why Reading Leadership Books will Boost Your Productivity

This conversation with Michael was a powerful reminder that the best leaders don’t point fingers—they build frameworks. If you're looking to lead with more clarity, humility, and purpose, I highly recommend picking up his book and watching his TEDx talk. True accountability isn’t about control—it’s about connection.

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where I’m joined by my friend Patrick Rhone to explore timeless ideas around productivity, creativity, and everything in between. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into what it really means to be creative—especially when you're busy, overwhelmed, or stuck in perfectionism.

We unpack how constraints can fuel creativity, how time and space are both essential and elusive, and why imperfection might be your creative superpower. There’s a lot of riffing, real talk, and reflection in this one—and if you’ve felt like your creative well is running dry, this might be the refill you’ve been waiting for.

Six Discussion Points

• The relationship between speed, structure, and creativity
• Why constraints can actually enhance creativity (yes, really)
• John Cleese’s insight: creativity requires both time and space
• How perfectionism can sabotage creative flow
• Turning mundane tasks into creative opportunities
• The importance of being your own audience—and knowing what’s “for you”

Three Connection Points

• Patrick’s Website
• Rick Rubin's The Creative Act: A Way of Being
• "The creative process needs space—not just time." Read 50 more lessons I've learned here.

This episode is a reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone trying to make something meaningful with their time. Whether you’re juggling routines, deadlines, or just trying to show up a little more intentionally each day, the ideas we explore here can help unlock creative momentum—even in life’s most constrained moments.

Brian Tracy returns to A Productive Conversation to mark the launch of the 4th Edition of Eat That Frog!, the productivity classic that has helped millions worldwide stop procrastinating and get more done. This updated edition includes a new chapter on the Law of Three, enhanced tools, and a built-in discussion and action guide — making it more relevant than ever in a world filled with distractions and overwhelm.

In this bonus episode, Brian and I dive deep into what has (and hasn’t) changed since the original book’s release, how people can adapt the “eat the frog” principle to their unique rhythms (yes, night owls included), and why self-discipline is the key to self-esteem — and ultimately, success.

Six Discussion Points

• Why now was the right time for a 4th Edition of Eat That Frog! — and what’s new inside
• How the definition of the “frog” has held steady, even as the world has changed
• Brian’s insights on habit formation and why bad habits don’t go away — they get replaced
• The role of self-discipline in building confidence, clarity, and results
• How prioritization is even more important today — and how the “Law of Three” can help
• Why you should listen to your heart, trust your gut, and do more of what matters most

Three Connection Points

1. Eat That Frog! 4th Edition on Amazon
2. Brian Tracy’s Website
3. Episode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy

It’s always an honour to speak with Brian Tracy — and this conversation was no exception. Whether you're a longtime fan of Eat That Frog! or discovering it for the first time, this episode is packed with timeless advice and fresh insights to help you sharpen your focus, overcome procrastination, and move toward your goals with clarity and confidence.

In the latest episode, I sit down with Rob Shallenberger—CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership and one of the world’s foremost authorities on productivity and time management. Rob’s background is as dynamic as it is inspiring: from flying F-16s and serving as an Advance Agent for Air Force One to training Fortune 500 companies and governments alike.

We focus on the updated second edition of his bestselling book Do What Matters Most, diving deep into the transformative power of pre-week planning, the productivity quotient, and why it’s crucial to schedule your priorities rather than just prioritize your schedule. Rob’s mission is clear—help people lead lives by design, not by default.

Six Discussion Points

• How task saturation leads to misprioritization—and how to combat it
• Rob’s four-step pre-week planning system and how it creates peace and balance
• The productivity quotient: why aiming for 70–80% is the sweet spot
• Real-life stories that show how planning changes lives—including generational impact
• How Rob's military background shaped his approach to time and leadership
• The role of AI in planning—why it’s a tool, not a replacement for human intuition

Three Connection Points

• Do What Matters Most – Second Edition (Amazon)
• Rob’s Planner Tools and Resources
• Becoming Your Best Website

This conversation with Rob left me both inspired and affirmed in my belief that quality productivity stems from intentional design. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stuck in reactive mode, Rob’s framework provides both structure and flexibility. I encourage you to test out his pre-week planning approach—just four weeks can make a meaningful difference.

In this very special "Ask Mike Anything" edition of the podcast, the tables turn. TimeCrafting Trust Premium member and all-around thoughtful guy Tim O’Hare steps in to host and ask me questions submitted by listeners—and some of his own. From the value of journaling to the nuances of urgency, we explore what it truly means to right the ship when your time management feels off course.

This is a raw and reflective episode, recorded live with audience interaction. We talk through everything from tech transitions and app overload to the dangers of measuring productivity purely by numbers. If you've ever felt like you know what to do but still can’t quite get it done, there’s something here for you.

Six Discussion Points

• Why journaling is my go-to tool for daily course correction—and why it’s easier than most people think
• How to close the gap between vision and reality using urgency, importance, and thoughtful task breakdown
• Navigating forced software transitions without losing your workflow (or your mind)
• How AI can help (or hurt) your attention and task clarity, depending on how you use it
• How to make progress on tasks you’re procrastinating—even if you "know better"
• Why I focus more on productiveness than productivity, and how to measure what really matters

Three Connection Points

• Monk Manual (GET 10% OFF)
• Watch the recording of this episode on YouTube
• Tim's Blog

Whether you’re new to TimeCrafting or a longtime practitioner, this conversation highlights what so many of us wrestle with: the difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. If you’ve been stuck, scattered, or just seeking clarity, I hope these answers light a way forward.