A Productive Conversation

This episode features a truly audacious guest—Anne Marie Anderson. A three-time Emmy award-winning broadcaster and the author of Cultivating Audacity, Anne Marie has spent her career on the sidelines of high-stakes sporting events and inside boardrooms, observing what sets bold, high performers apart.

But this isn’t just about elite athletes or executive culture. It’s about how you can embrace everyday audacity—bit by bit. We explore how to take micro-risks, manage fear without eliminating it, and adopt boldness as a way of being, not a one-time event.

Six Discussion Points

• Why audacity is less about bold moves and more about micro-risks
• How to separate urgency from importance—and why that distinction matters
• Why fear should be navigated, not conquered
• How Anne Marie wrote her book in 15-minute blocks and why that method worked for her
• What it means to set boundaries with intention rather than default
• How to audit your time and reclaim it in meaningful, energizing ways

Three Connection Points

• Anne Marie's website
• Anne Marie's book
• Read "How to Maximize Your Minutes"

This was a conversation that moved far beyond productivity tips and into what it really means to live intentionally, audaciously, and sustainably. Anne Marie brought both depth and practical wisdom—and I hope you walk away from this one ready to take that next bold step, no matter how small it may be.

When you gain agency over your time—whether stepping out of a traditional 9-to-5 job or shifting into self-employment—it can feel liberating… and overwhelming. Kerry Hoffman knows this tension well. As someone who helps individuals and teams make sense of what they’re doing and when they’re doing it, she offers a refreshingly practical approach to task management and planning that embraces both the structure and spontaneity life demands.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, Kerry and I dive into the habits and mindset shifts required to design a system that supports how you want to live—not just how you work. From flipping mattresses to prepping for quarterly reviews, it’s about giving your tasks a home… and giving yourself a break.

Six Discussion Points

• Why gaining control over your time can feel disorienting—and how to reclaim clarity through structure
• The power of defining homes for different kinds of tasks (calendar, project manager, spreadsheet, etc.)
• The liberating magic of mundane reminders (yes, even "flip the mattress")
• How building a system frees up bandwidth and unlocks more unplanned time
• How reflecting after the experience makes the memory stronger (and more fun)
• Why teams need to define what ASAP really means—and who decides what's "possible"

Three Connection Points

• Kerry's website
• Kerry on LinkedIn
• The News and Your Attention: Engaging Without Being Consumed

Kerry reminded me of something vital in this conversation: structure isn’t about control—it’s about creating space. Space for spontaneity, reflection, even a non-alcoholic beer at the end of the day (which we talk about, too). Her blend of grounded tools and generous mindset makes the work of planning feel like an act of care, not constraint. 

What happens when the host becomes the guest? In this special episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit on the other side of the mic as Tim O’Hare—an active and insightful member of the TimeCrafting Trust Premium community—interviews me about my latest book, The Productivity Diet.

We explore why this book took years to come together, what makes it different from typical productivity guides, and how it offers a more sustainable and value-driven path toward productiveness. Tim asks great questions, and we dive into the mindset, structure, and lived experiences that shaped the book.

Six Discussion Points

• Why I resisted writing The Productivity Diet—and what finally pushed it forward
• The shift from productivity to productiveness: a deeper and more durable focus
• How the three-part structure (Mindset, Practice, Mastery) came to life
• The role of reflection and rhythm in building sustainable systems
• How metaphors like “dieting” help make abstract concepts tangible
• The importance of having a supportive community while crafting time intentionally

Three Connection Points

• Buy The Productivity Diet
• Check out Tim's Blog
• Join TimeCrafting Trust Premium

This episode isn’t just a behind-the-scenes look at the book—it’s a conversation about what it really means to live with intention, apply attention wisely, and develop a practice that fits real life. Whether you've read the book or are just getting curious, this episode will give you clarity and maybe even a nudge to reflect on your own relationship with time.

In this episode, I reconnect with productivity strategist Yvonne Heimann—aka AskYvi—who’s not only made a bold geographic shift but is navigating personal and professional freedom with intention and clarity. We explore what it looks like to trust the systems you’ve built, especially when life throws curveballs or invites you into a new chapter.

Yvi shares her journey from San Diego to Vancouver Island, a leap that challenged her structured mindset but reaffirmed the foundation she’d built in her business. We discuss the nuances between planning and preparation, how constraints can become catalysts for creativity, and what it really takes to be nimble without losing direction.

Six Discussion Points

• Why Yvi left San Diego and how that decision sparked unexpected growth
• The difference between planning and preparation—and why that matters
• How building systems in business created personal freedom
• Letting go of perfection and trusting the foundation instead
• The role of journaling and rituals when life becomes unpredictable
• Why boundaries in business are not restrictive—they’re liberating
• How dynamic environments call for static anchors and structure

Three Connection Points

• AskYvi.com
• Yvi's YouTube Channel
• ClickUp

Yvonne’s story is a masterclass in what it means to build a business and life that are both stable and adaptable. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded while embracing change, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. (Originally released August 2021)

It was a real treat to welcome Keith Ferrazzi back to the show—especially to discuss his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship. Keith’s work has long pushed beyond traditional leadership models, and this conversation builds on that legacy with his fresh concept of “teamship.”

We dig into how the book is structured like a workbook, intentionally concise but rich with practices, diagnostics, and stories from leaders who’ve made the shift. Keith shares not only what teamship is, but why it matters more than ever—especially in a world that’s still grappling with how work actually works.

Six Discussion Points

• Why the term “teamship” matters and how it reframes traditional leadership models
• The power of practices like “stress testing” and “candor breaks” in elevating team dynamics
• How the book is structured for flexibility and immediate application—like a toolkit, not a textbook
• Why teams should redefine who is on their “team” beyond the org chart
• The myth of efficiency and how true growth emerges through inclusive co-creation
• Why engineers—more than MBAs—are driving the future of how we collaborate

Three Connection Points

• KeithFerrazzi.com
• Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship
• Episode 306: Leading Without Authority with Keith Ferrazzi

This conversation reminded me why Keith’s work continues to influence how I think about leadership, collaboration, and the future of work. Never Lead Alone isn’t just a book title—it’s a call to action for all of us to stop putting the weight of progress on a single set of shoulders. The path forward is teamship. I hope this conversation sparks that shift for you, too.

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I go deep on foundational elements of productiveness. And for this one—our 600th episode, no less—we dive into a topic that touches everything from our to-do lists to our dinner prep: focus.

What does it really mean to focus? And more importantly, how do we hold onto it when the world (and our brains) are pulling us in a million directions? Patrick and I get personal, philosophical, and practical in this candid conversation about the mechanics, challenges, and beauty of attention.

Six Discussion Points

• Why clarity is essential for cultivating focus
• How poor planning can derail your ability to be present (and how to get back on track)
• The four spheres of attention: Noticing, Awareness, Focus, and Concentration
• How setting an intention—before a task or even a class—can sharpen your results
• The role of tools, routines, and even AI in maintaining (or stealing) our attention
• Why focus is as much about space as it is about time

3 Connection Points

• Patrick's blog
• Ted Lasso's "Be Curious" Scene
• The Center Must Hold (but can it?)

Focus isn’t just about removing distractions—it’s about choosing what matters and committing to it with clarity and care. Whether we’re talking about planning meals or choosing how to use AI, what Patrick and I come back to again and again is this: the quality of your attention determines the quality of your experience. And we hope this conversation helps you experience more of what really matters.

When I first heard the term conative, I was surprised I hadn’t come across it before. After all, I live in the productivity space. But after my conversation with David Kolbe, it became clear just how crucial it is to understand this third part of the mind—especially if we want to work more naturally and avoid burnout.

David is the CEO of Kolbe Corp and co-author of the book Do More, More Naturally: Empowering Effortless Success and the Freedom to Be Yourself. In this episode, we dive into how understanding your instinctive strengths—the way you naturally take action—can dramatically shift your productivity, your teamwork, and your overall approach to work and time.

Six Discussion Points

• What “conative” means and why it’s a vital (and often overlooked) aspect of how we get things done
• The three parts of the mind—cognitive, affective, and conative—and how each plays a role in productivity
• How to stop following one-size-fits-all productivity advice and instead lean into your natural strengths
• What organizations can do to allow employees to operate more naturally without sacrificing excellence
• Why balance isn’t about 50/50—it’s about harmony and nuance
• Practical steps for realigning with your natural way of working when feeling stuck or exhausted

Three Connection Points

• David's Website
• Do More More Naturally: Empowering Effortless Success and the Freedom to Be Yourself
• Reason plays a role in this. Give this a read if you want reason on your side.

David’s insights are a refreshing reminder that productivity isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we instinctively do it. I walked away from this conversation with a new appreciation for nuance, individuality, and the value of building systems that work with our natural tendencies rather than against them. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but still not in flow, this episode might be just what you need.

It was a real treat to reconnect with Austin Kleon for this episode of A Productive Conversation. Before we got into the heart of the conversation, Austin gave us a quick update: his next book Don’t Call It Art is in the works, inspired by the playful creativity he’s witnessed in his kids. He also mentioned that his once-weekly newsletter has now doubled in frequency—and it continues to be one of the best things I read online.

What followed was one of the most down-to-earth, real conversations I’ve had on the podcast. Austin and I explored how routines shape creative work, why space and time are both essential, and what it means to pay attention in a world that’s constantly pulling at you. His approach to creative living—one grounded in ritual, space, boundaries, and self-awareness—is something we can all learn from, whether we’re artists, entrepreneurs, or just trying to make a little more room for what matters.

Six Discussion Points

• Austin’s upcoming book Don’t Call It Art and how it was inspired by parenting
• The power of routine in a creative life—and how Austin structures his day
• Why boundaries (including physical signs on doors) help protect focus
• Using analog and digital “zones” for different types of work
• Paying attention to what you pay attention to—and why it matters
• The idea of a “bliss station” and how space (or time) supports creative flow
• Revisiting your own journaling and notes as a form of orientation and reflection

Three Connection Points

1. Austin's website
2. Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad
3. My "Bliss Station" (circa 2019)

Whether you’re deep into your own creative practice or trying to carve out more space for it, this conversation with Austin is a reminder that creativity isn’t about hustle—it’s about attention, boundaries, and giving yourself room to work and think. It’s always a joy to talk with Austin, and I hope this episode helps you reconnect with your own creative rhythm. (Originally released April 2019)

Hey, it’s Mike.

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In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Krish Ramineni, co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai. Krish has had an impressive journey—from being one of Microsoft’s youngest product managers to launching Fireflies, an AI-powered meeting assistant. He’s also been named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and has guest lectured at Stanford on deep learning and machine learning.

We cover a lot in this conversation—how AI can enhance focus, how Krish avoids getting pulled into shiny object syndrome while building Fireflies, and what the future of AI-powered productivity looks like. If you’re curious about AI’s role in work and how to stay on track while scaling a business, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Key Discussion Points

• How Fireflies.ai helps people focus on what matters by automating meeting notes.
• Why AI should seamlessly integrate into workflows instead of requiring users to change habits.
• The balance between quantitative and qualitative work—and how AI can enhance both.
• How Krish resisted distractions and stayed committed to building Fireflies.ai instead of pivoting too soon.
• The role of AI in streamlining meetings and reducing unnecessary communication overhead.
• The challenge of maintaining focus while scaling a tech startup.
• Where AI is headed next and how people can leverage it for both efficiency and creativity.

This conversation is a must-listen if you’re interested in AI’s practical applications, how to use it to free up mental space, and what it takes to stay focused in an industry that’s always shifting.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Krish: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Check out Fireflies.ai: Click here
• Learn more about Krish's story: Read it here
• Related Conversation: Episode 525: Mat Ellis Talks About Balancing Productivity and Personal Connection with AI
• Related Blog Post: The Speed of Right

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Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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