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Sam Alvita is a career strategist, certified coach, and founder of Work Rewritten, where she helps professionals and organizations navigate the shifting rules of work with greater clarity, agency, and resilience. With over 10 years of experience spanning design, education, and coaching, Sam has worked at IDEO and currently serves as Director of Learning Design at MasterClass. A graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Pennsylvania, she holds coaching credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ACC) and IPEC. Her work sits at the intersection of career strategy, systems thinking, and learning experience design,  translating complex labor market shifts into practical frameworks that help people make smarter, more intentional career moves without panic or burnout.

Speaker Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sloanalvita

https://substack.com/@byworkrewritten

https://www.byworkrewritten.com/

Recorded Date and Location

Date: 20/02/2026

Guest location: : Los Angeles, California, United States

Episode Description

Why do so many smart, capable people feel stuck at work,  even when they’re doing everything right? Sam Alvita, founder of Work Rewritten and Director of Learning Design at MasterClass, joins us to dismantle the outdated career playbook most professionals are still following. From broken assumptions about loyalty and stability, to the hidden structural shifts reshaping the job market, Sam delivers a grounded, research-informed framework for making better career decisions in an era of constant disruption. If you’ve ever felt like the rules of work changed without anyone telling you, this episode is your wake-up call,  and your new map.

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Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey is a Subtraction Strategist, keynote speaker, Forbes Senior Contributor, and creator of the Lead in 3D framework. Harvard-trained in psychology and educated by horses, Nell helps high-performing, big-hearted leaders find success that feels as good as it looks. With a career spanning global humanitarian work across four continents, elite education at Harvard, Columbia Business School, Cambridge, and Università di Roma III, she brings a rare blend of systems thinking, compassion, and real-world leadership experience. As faculty at EQUUS and co-founder of the Purposeful Growth Institute, Nell specialises in equine-assisted learning and purpose-driven leadership development. Her core frameworks — Stop–Drop–Roll and 3D Leadership (ME, WE, WORLD) — give leaders a practical way to do less, matter more, and lead without burning out.

In this conversation, Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey discusses the concept of subtraction as a strategy for enhancing productivity and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of reducing unnecessary tasks and focusing on what truly matters, drawing insights from her experiences and the natural world, particularly horses. The discussion covers the societal inclination towards 'more' and how this can lead to burnout, the principle of diminishing returns, and practical steps for implementing subtraction in daily life. Nell also addresses the challenges of corporate culture and the need for a shift in mindset towards systems thinking.

Speaker Links

Here's the 90 day guestpass for your listeners to come check out the Daily Subtraction Practice, on me: https://nell3d.substack.com/guestpass

Website: nell3d.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nell3d/

CTA Link: https://nell3d.kit.com/stopdroproll (free Stop–Drop–Roll one-pager)

Recorded Date and Location

Date: 19/02/2026 

Guest Location: Greenwich, CT, United States

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.

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Today’s guest has been at the heart of transformation for over 35 years in IT, including nearly three decades at Microsoft, where he now leads Customer Success for AI, Cybersecurity, and Leadership across some of the world’s largest Retail and CPG enterprises. He’s a Microsoft GM, Industry CISO, LinkedIn Top Voice, keynote speaker, and former Vice Mayor who has led mission-critical programs like Navy Flank Speed and USAF CHES, all while championing one core belief: technology doesn’t transform organizations, leaders do. Get ready for a conversation on leadership, cross-functional impact, and clarity in chaos with Nick Palomba

Nick Palomba spent 29 years at Microsoft coordinating teams across functions, time zones, and government agencies. He shares why most cross-functional work fails, when silos are actually smart, and how to get results without the corporate collaboration circus.

Speaker Links

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/nick-palomba-s-newsletter-7164304949038833664/

Recorded Date and Location

Date: 05/02/2026

Guest location: Greater Tampa Bay Area

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.

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Leadership is not a promotion, it is a practice you start where you are. In this episode, we break down John Maxwell’s five levels of leadership and connect them to David Graddy’s three phases of leadership growth, so listeners can see exactly how to move from “good employee” to “go-to leader” without waiting for permission. Expect spicy takes on bad managers, late leadership training, and why some “leaders” never grow past positional power, plus concrete steps to increase your influence in the next 30 days.

Speaker Bio

Imagine rising through the ranks of an aerospace giant like Boeing, not by waiting for a promotion, but by leading in the trenches, long before anyone handed you the title. 

That’s David Graddy. With 40 years mastering IT, retail, and leadership across industries, this John Maxwell Certified Trainer and author of Leading in the Trenches reveals the blueprint for anyone to build unstoppable influence.

No fancy degrees required — just empathy, communication, and adaptability to decode any manager, outshine your peers, and become the go-to leader your team needs. From Wichita’s front lines to tomorrow’s AI-powered workplaces, David proves: true leadership isn’t promoted. It’s chosen.

Speaker Links

https://amzn.to/4jGoCey

https://davidgraddy.com/

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• Website: santiagotacoronte.com
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• https://santiagotacoronte.com/

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In this conversation, Tim Beattie discusses the evolving landscape of consulting, emphasizing the need for a shift from traditional models focused on outputs to a more outcome-oriented approach. He highlights the importance of enablement over mere delivery, the pitfalls of the silver bullet mentality, and the necessity of mastering OKRs for effective measurement. Tim also explores the role of AI in enhancing consulting practices and provides insights on crafting effective OKRs and key questions leaders should ask before engaging consultants.

Takeaways

• Traditional consulting is broken and needs to evolve.
• Focus on outcomes rather than outputs in consulting.
• Enablement is more important than delivery in consulting.
• The silver bullet mentality leads to dependency on consultants.
• Organizations should build internal capabilities instead of relying on external consultants.
• OKRs should be regularly reviewed and owned by teams.
• Effective OKRs require collaboration and clear ownership.
• AI can enhance consulting by amplifying human expertise.
• Consultants should leave behind high-performing teams.
• Leaders must ask critical questions before signing consulting contracts.

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• Website: santiagotacoronte.com
• LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte

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• https://santiagotacoronte.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with James Eagle, a data visualization specialist who spent two decades in asset management at HSBC, Fidelity, and Vontobel before co-founding PlotSet. James helped win $41 billion in assets from sovereign wealth funds by making complex data instantly clear, and now creates viral animated visualizations for Visual Capitalist that transform how millions understand the world.

Takeaways

• Data visualization is a tool for delivering clarity.
• Storytelling is essential in both writing and presenting data.
• Laziness in communication leads to ineffective data presentations.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for effective visualization.
• Static bar charts are often the most effective visualization type.
• AI can enhance data visualization but can also spread misinformation.
• Every chart should convey a clear message to be valuable.
• Emotional engagement is key in data communication.
• You can create effective visualizations without coding skills.
• Practice framing information to make it relevant to your audience.

Create Your Own Charts: https://plotset.com/
James' Newsletter: Killer Charts Blog: https://killercharts.blog/
Get the Book "From Chaos to Clarity": https://amzn.to/4r9nHpA

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• Website: santiagotacoronte.com
• LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte

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Reginald Ferguson talks about how he got started in the fashion industry, influenced by his family and the energy of New York City. He explains how what we wear can affect how others see us at work, and why dressing well matters for credibility and respect. Reginald also examines how ideas about leadership attire are changing, the impact of fast fashion, and why personal style matters. He shares practical advice for anyone looking to improve their wardrobe without sacrificing their sense of style, and he discusses the specific challenges women face in the workplace regarding style and judgment.

Takeaways

• Fashion is influenced by personal experiences and upbringing.
• New York City serves as a significant backdrop for fashion inspiration.
• Dressing well can enhance productivity and credibility.
• Leadership attire has evolved; it's not just about suits anymore.
• Personal style should be distinct and aspirational.
• Fast fashion can be avoided by developing a personal style.
• Reinvention of style is a gradual process.
• Knowing your dimensions is crucial for making smart clothing choices.
• Clothing communicates who you are and affects how others perceive you.
• Women face unique challenges in workplace attire and judgment.What’s Your

Real Productivity Score as a Leader? Take the Free Test: https://santiagotacoronte.com/productivity-quiz/

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.

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• Website: santiagotacoronte.com
• LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte

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In this conversation, Michele DeFilippo discusses the evolution of self-publishing, emphasizing the balance between quality and budget, the importance of engaging with an audience before writing, and the challenges of maintaining high standards in a DIY publishing landscape. She highlights the need to invest in high-quality services, the role of AI in editing, and the realities of earning a living through self-publishing. Michele also addresses common misconceptions about bestsellers and the importance of multiple drafts in the writing process.

• Self-publishing has empowered authors but comes with challenges.
• Quality should not be compromised for budget in publishing.
• Engaging with your audience before writing is crucial.
• Productivity in writing should focus on quality, not speed.
• Perfectionism can hinder the publishing process.
• Beware of scams in the self-publishing industry.
• AI tools can assist but should not replace human creativity.
• Making a living from self-publishing is challenging and requires effort.
• Investing in quality services is essential for a successful book.
• Multiple drafts are necessary for producing a polished manuscript.

What’s Your Real Productivity Score as a Leader? Take the Free Test: https://links.santiagotacoronte.com/Productivity-Assessment

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.

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• Website: santiagotacoronte.com
• LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-tacoronte/
• https://santiagotacoronte.com/

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In this conversation, Concetta Cucchiarelli discusses the complexities of focus and attention, challenging common misconceptions about deep focus and multitasking. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how our environment and relationships influence our ability to concentrate. Through her Sustainable Focus Framework, she provides insights into managing distractions and enhancing productivity. The discussion also touches on the impact of the attention economy on children and offers practical tips for protecting one's focus in a world filled with distractions.

Takeaways

• We are optimizing our focus by being alone, which may not be effective.
• Attention spans are not necessarily shorter; we are filtering information differently.
• Focus is a natural process that can be managed, not forced.
• Multitasking can be helpful in specific contexts, but is generally not recommended.
• The myth that we can extend focus indefinitely is misleading.
• Focus is crucial for building relationships and showing love.
• Distractions should be viewed as opportunities to enhance focus.
• The Sustainable Focus Framework includes preparation, focus, and logging off.
• Flow state is an ideal, but not the only way, to achieve focus.
• Protecting attention requires filtering information and reducing decision points.

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.

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• Website: santiagotacoronte.com
• LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte

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• https://santiagotacoronte.com/

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In this conversation, Santiago and Simon Copsey delve into the complexities of management and the importance of simplification. Simon shares his journey from software development to consulting, emphasizing the need for managers to understand the interconnectedness of their teams and the impact of their decisions. They discuss the theory of constraints, practical tools for simplification, and the role of middle management in creating or alleviating complexity. The conversation highlights the significance of trust, clear goals, and the distinction between activity and impact in fostering a productive work environment.

•Complexity in management often arises from a lack of understanding of interdependencies.
•Creating simplicity is a complex process in itself.
•Managers need to be curious and ask why to uncover underlying issues.
•The theory of constraints can help identify where to focus efforts for maximum results.
•Middle management can be both a blocker and a facilitator of change.
•Trust between teams is essential for reducing complexity.
•Productivity should be defined as making progress towards clear goals.
•KPIs and OKRs should be used judiciously to avoid losing sight of the big picture.
•Assumptions should be made explicit to improve decision-making.
•Simplification requires a cultural shift within organizations.

Connect with Simon: https://curiouscoffee.club/

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.

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• Website: santiagotacoronte.com
• LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte

Have questions or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]

Connect with the host:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-tacoronte/
• https://santiagotacoronte.com/