Ask Andrew

In this episode of AskAndrew, host Andrew Ledet delves into the perplexing question "Who are you?"

He shares his experiences and offers practical tips on crafting impactful introductions, whether for job interviews, networking events, or client meetings.

Andrew discusses the importance of understanding your audience and time management in introductions, along with key ingredients for a stellar intro such as name, occupation, accomplishments, and personal qualities.

He suggests avoiding common pitfalls like rambling and using jargon, and offers creative games to help form engaging intros. Additionally, he provides advice on practicing your pitch, including writing it down, recording and listening to it, and seeking feedback from mentors or friends. The episode wraps up with a recap and encouragement to embrace uniqueness in introductions.

Resources:

Think/Feel/Do Prep Worksheet

In this episode of Ask Andrew, host Andrew Ledet delves into the transformative power of musical practice and its surprising parallels with professional development.

Inspired by the legendary Herbie Hancock and his band's commitment to growth, Andrew reflects on the valuable insights he gained from his musical journey.

From setting clear goals to embracing the 'practice mindset,' he shares six key techniques that have not only honed his musical skills but also enhanced his approach to daily work.

Discover how infusing elements of play, setting achievable goals, and embracing tools can amplify your personal and professional growth.

Join Andrew as he invites you to embrace the rhythm of practice and embark on a journey of continuous improvement.

In this episode of 'Ask Andrew,' host Andrew Ledet delves into the world of games and how they can revolutionize our approach to work.

From spotting circles to understanding the key components of engaging gameplay, Andrew explores the power of play in fostering joy and productivity. Through personal anecdotes and insights, listeners learn practical strategies for incorporating games into their professional and personal lives, including adding timers, setting personal records, and promoting creative expression.

This episode also covers potential pitfalls, reminding us to navigate the game of work with a mindful approach. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the concept, this episode offers valuable tips and inspiration for turning mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Resources:

The Infinite Game (affiliate link)

Flow (affiliate link)

It's bracket season! On this episode of AskAndrew, we use a data set of 2024 hoops data to show how to use pivot tables to quickly crunch metrics.

Disclaimer: Pivot Tables aren't a guarantee you'll win your bracket BUT they can help you get faster mining data for trends.

The goal for today’s time is to showcase the basics of pivot tables: when to use them, how to set them up, how to filter, and how to sort. If you’re a little rusty or have avoided pivots, today’s show is for you. We will touch on a few common errors that may arise when playing with data to help you have the confidence of Caitlin Clark shooting from half-court.

Resources:

Data set

Google sheet (Copy the sheet to play with creating your own pivots)

Didn't get rated as highly as you thought you would in a review? Are you being told to be more productive?

Join for insights on navigating performance reviews, setting boundaries, and excelling in various roles, from sales to HR.

Get ready for 7 actionable paths to being "Kenough," covering organization, goal alignment, and effective time management.

Dive into practical strategies for personal growth and discover how seeking feedback can elevate your game.

Don't miss this transformative episode at the intersection of #Productivity and #SelfWorth

Resources:

Substack

Tomato timer

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/more-of-us-will-get-harsh-reviews-this-year-heres-what-to-do-about-it-72b62138

https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/stop-constantly-asking-your-kids-how-they-feel-d36cf32e

How many hours have you wasted in meetings?

This week’s playtime is inspired by an article I read about the toll of virtual meetings. We will cover two proven concepts to help you bring more good and joy to meetings. This should help relieve stress and get more done in less time. Sound good? Stick around until the end for a bonus tip.

2 Steps to Better Communication

Resources:

Free Think/Feel/Do Worksheet

“Virtual meetings are killing the office vibe" WSJ

Purpose Benefit Check

Written version: https://askandrew.substack.com/p/saved-by-the-prep

Have you ever felt stuck? 

For those who know me, you’ve likely encountered my struggle to make a decision.

Maybe you're struggling with a creative project or a career change, or maybe you're just feeling unmotivated. Whatever your case may be, it's a common experience that we all face.

Inspired by coaching I’ve received, books I’ve read, and reflections from a lifetime of struggling with decisions, today’s show walks through a framework to help you get unstuck.

Resources:

Decision Maker Framework

Book of Beautiful Questions (Affiliate link)

100% Responsibility

Giving Feedback/Speaking Unarguably

Vlookups are the formula I've taught to the most people and can be tricky if you haven't used it in a while or you aren't quite sure how and when to use it.

This episode outlines:

The BIG benefits of using Vlookup for me are:

Last week we played with the idea of being a scientist and how that can help you solve puzzles. This week we are going to explore how being an artist can help you create new possibilities. My inspiration for this journey is Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.” This book is largely responsible for changing my life.

Discover the power of unlocking your creative potential, trusting your instincts, and embracing the artist within. We will meditate on themes of art and love. Then share practical tools that can ignite your artistic flame.

Uncover the secrets of morning pages, solo artist dates, and the alchemy of creative energy, as we navigate the path of becoming and embracing our true artistic selves.

Helpful links:

Episode on Whole Body Yes

TED Talk for those who think they can't draw

In this episode of Ask Andrew, we explore Gedankenexperiments, or thought experiments, inspired by the wisdom of Albert Einstein.

The episode explores how applying the scientific method to daily challenges can ignite your imagination and enhance problem-solving.

We walk through the steps of observation, questioning, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and data analysis, demonstrating how this method is not exclusive to scientists but can be a powerful tool for everyone.

The episode encourages listeners to embrace the spirit of exploration, offering practical tips and insights for incorporating Gedankenexperiments into daily life.

Join Andrew on this thought-provoking journey to unleash your creativity and approach life's challenges with a scientific mindset.

Helpful links:

Understanding Einstein's quote

Worksheet for your thought experiments

Sample size calculator