Cal Newport argues that the most important skill to develop is the ability to do "deep work". This is work that allows you to make big leaps in your work and accomplish your long-term objectives rather than getting stuck in the muck and mire of "shallow work". On today's episode, he teaches us what deep work is and how to do more of it.

Cal Newport argues that the most important skill to develop is the ability to do "deep work". This is work that allows you to make big leaps and accomplish your long-term objectives rather than getting stuck in the muck and mire of "shallow work". On today's episode, he teaches us what deep work is and how to do more of it.

Learn more about Cal's new book .

Ten years ago this month, The Accidental Creative podcast launched. In today's episode, I share ten things I've learned over the past decade about creating something valuable that resonates with others.

Ten years ago this month, The Accidental Creative podcast launched. In today's episode, I share ten things I've learned over the past decade about creating something valuable that resonates with others.

What do you do when competitors are knocking off your product? Today's guest, Dave Munson (founder and CEO of Saddleback Leather), decided to create a video to show them how to do it better. In today's episode, Dave shares how to build your business around an ethic, why showing your values is critical, and the importance of seeking wisdom and establishing a vision.

What do you do when competitors are knocking off your product? Today's guest, Dave Munson (founder and CEO of Saddleback Leather), decided to create a video to show them how to do it better. In today's episode, Dave shares how to build your business around an ethic, why showing your values is critical, and the importance of seeking wisdom and establishing a vision.

My three key takeaways:

1. Strive for a unique expression of some kind in your business. Dave's is quality. What's yours?

2. Put your company's values on display so that your customers can see them.

3. Seek wisdom from others who know more than you do, and commit to a vision and share it often.

Key quote: "A strong vision regularly shared will pull for its own fulfillment."

The "Knockoff" Video:

To "communicate" means to "make common". What common ground are you trying to build with your intended audience through your work? What impact are you trying to achieve with your intended audience? In today's episode, I read an excerpt from my new book Louder Than Words and challenge you to consider how you can make your work resonate more deeply.

To "communicate" means to "make common". What common ground are you trying to build with your intended audience through your work? What impact are you trying to achieve with your intended audience? In today's episode, I read an excerpt from my new book and challenge you to consider how you can make your work resonate more deeply. (Get 3 free chapters of Louder Than Words below.)

What separates respected leaders from the pack? Why do some people inspire others to follow while others can't seem to gain the trust and respect of their team? Today's guest, Brad Lomenick, shares insights into how great leaders get it done in his new book H3 Leadership, and he's here to help us lead better in life and work.

What separates respected leaders from the pack? Why do some people inspire others to follow while others can't seem to gain the trust and respect of their team? Today's guest, Brad Lomenick, shares insights into how great leaders get it done in his new book , and he's here to help us lead better in life and work.