Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Stuart McDonald kicks off our new mini-series, "Systems in the Wild," by finding surprising productivity lessons in the kitchen.

Using the professional kitchen as a metaphor, he explores how fundamental concepts can transform your work life. Stuart breaks down the power of "mise en place" (having everything in its place) to reduce cognitive load and the importance of designing a logical workflow to support your natural energy rhythms. Drawing on examples from the popular TV show The Bear, he discusses how these principles apply to professional settings like his own law firm. He also touches on the value of repurposing previous work and building a "digital pantry" of assets.

The episode concludes by highlighting the importance of building "taste tests" into your process to ensure continuous improvement and avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.

This episode is a grounded, jargon-free guide to creating a more sustainable and supportive work environment.

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As the first themed series within Season 2 of Productivity Next wraps up, host Stuart McDonald reflects on what we’ve uncovered across the Inclusive Productivity arc. From rethinking motivation to designing flexible environments, this episode highlights how inclusive approaches to productivity can benefit everyone, not just those who identify as neurodivergent.

Stuart draws on personal experience as a dyslexic founder, listener stories, and emerging research around hybrid work and neurodiversity in the workplace. You'll hear why inclusive design isn't a compromise - it's a productivity enhancer for the modern world.

This episode also previews the next mini-series coming up in Season 2, including in-depth dives into alternative systems and the highly anticipated Productivity Interviews series.

A thoughtful, hopeful send-off to an insightful theme.

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In this episode, Stuart McDonald explores the idea of sustainable motivation and how to stay driven without burning out. Rather than relying on hype or hustle, Stuart introduces practical frameworks, mindset shifts, and real-world strategies that help individuals maintain consistent momentum.

From self-compassion and energy pacing to identity-aligned goals, Stuart draws on recent research to offer listeners a grounded way to stay productive over the long term.

Business enquiries: [email protected]

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In Episode 5, Stuart McDonald explores the environments (both physical and digital) that shape how we work. Tools aren’t neutral. The way they’re designed can either enable flow or create friction.

From sensory-sensitive workspaces to customisable software, this episode offers real-world ideas for creating spaces and systems that flex to meet diverse needs. It’s a reminder that inclusive design isn’t a bonus, it’s good practice.

Key Themes:

• Inclusive design for physical workspaces
• Reducing cognitive load in digital tools
• Flexible focus tools and sensory supports
• Permission to pause: tools that encourage breaks
• Designing for dignity, not just efficiency

business enquiries: [email protected]

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In Episode 4, Stuart McDonald shifts the lens from individual productivity to collective impact. What does it take to build a team culture that truly includes difference—not by accident, but by design?

This episode examines how everyday decisions, such as how we conduct meetings, define roles, establish expectations, and create feedback loops, can either reinforce exclusion or foster a sense of belonging.

Key Themes:

• Why inclusive teams are intentional, not accidental
• The power of transparency, flexibility, and psychological safety
• Real-world examples of inclusive meetings, deadlines, and team norms
• Accountability without rigidity
• Identifying and redesigning unspoken rules

Business enquiries - [email protected]

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In this episode of Productivity Next, Stuart McDonald explores how inclusive communication helps remove friction, foster participation, and make work more accessible for everyone.

From multimodal updates to flexible feedback channels, Stuart shares real-world strategies for communicating in ways that support different processing styles and rhythms, without sacrificing clarity or efficiency. It’s not about saying more, it’s about saying it better.

Key Themes:

• Why “clarity” looks different for different people
• Examples of async communication, audio-visual tools, and flexible feedback
• Creating psychological safety through communication agreements
• A shift from rigid norms to collaborative clarity

Business enquiries: [email protected]

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In Episode 2 of the Inclusive Productivity series, Stuart McDonald challenges the idea that productivity must look one specific way and offers practical strategies for designing work that better supports neurodivergent thinkers.

From flexible tools to low-pressure communication and clear outcomes, this episode reframes inclusion not as accommodation, but as good design. With real-world examples and actionable insights, it encourages teams and individuals to shift from “fit the system” to “flex the system.”

Key Themes:

• Why neurodivergent people often experience productivity differently
• Tools, setups, and rituals that create comfort and flow
• Inclusive communication practices that benefit everyone
• The importance of psychological safety and outcome clarity
• A shift in mindset: productivity as rhythm, not rigidity

business enquiries: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this opening episode of the Inclusive Productivity series, Stuart McDonald invites listeners to question the default systems of work and ask: who are they built for?

This episode reframes productivity as something that should support a wider range of experiences, energy levels, and working styles, not just reward speed and visibility. Through real-world stories and reflective insights, Stuart lays the foundation for a more flexible, inclusive, and human way to approach getting things done.

Key Themes:

• How traditional productivity models exclude many modern workers
• Examples of inclusive practices in meetings and performance
• Why it’s time to shape systems around people, not force people to fit systems
• A preview of what’s coming up in the series

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