By Gerald J. Leonard
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The podcast currently has 71 episodes available.
Just like a fire can either warm a home or burn it down, stress can fuel our productivity or consume us whole. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes the inspiring Snowden McFall, owner of Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching, and the author of Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers. Together, they delve into a topic that resonates with many: the impact of stress on our productivity. Snowden offers a refreshing viewpoint, encouraging us to see stress not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for getting things done.
Their conversation covers practical self-care practices, strategies for maintaining focus, and the influence of workplace culture on our stress levels. Snowden also shares valuable leadership insights and highlights the importance of open communication.
Packed with actionable tools to enhance your productivity and well-being, this episode invites you to unwind and discover how to transform stress into your greatest ally.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Snowden McFall
[03:36] The dartboard exercise
[06:05] The power of music
[09:08] Natural ways to relieve stress
[09:43] How stress dramatically lowers productivity
[11:38] Effective stress relief techniques
[16:04] Chronic stress and decision making
[21:46] Transforming stress mindset
[28:22] Closing remarks and book recommendation
Notable Quotes
[08:46] “I think there are natural and healthy ways to relieve depression, and music is one of those.” - Snowden McFall
[22:21] “If you look at stress as a wake-up call, I think that's really powerful because it usually shows up in health issues. It’s a wake-up call to let you look at your life and see where you are.” - Snowden McFall
[23:55] “You have to give yourself time limits, and even when you're doing exactly what you love, you’ve got to take care of yourself first so that then you can take care of others.” - Snowden McFall
[25:03] “What you focus on magnifies. You want to be crystal clear about what you want in your life and focus on that. When you shift into gratitude, you expand.” - Snowden McFall
Guest Bio
Snowden McFall, professional speaker, author and coach, is a 30 year entrepreneur & owner of Brightwork and Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching. A business expert who speaks on motivation, stress management, P, Snowden has authored and co-authored 6books, including Fired Up!, which has now sold over 65,500 copies. Her newest book is Stress Express: 15 Instant Stress Relievers. Snowden received her BA from Vassar College and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Brown University. As co- founder of the non-profit group “Success for Women Entrepreneurs” in NH, Snowden's volunteer work led to national media attention. The Small Business Administration named her National Women in Business Advocate of the Year which led to a White House ceremony & Congressional luncheon in her honor. Inc. Magazine later chose Snowden as finalist for “New England Entrepreneur of the Year.” Snowden has appeared on 366 radio shows, CNN Financial News, The Home Shopping Networkand Bloomberg Television. Recently featured in Success Magazine, Investors Business Daily and Foxnews.com as an expert on burnout, Snowden has been speaking for 27 years and has addressed several thousand professionals at companies like Pepsico, Fidelity National Financial, Allstate and Johnson and Johnson Vision. She was voted 2021 Small Business Leader of the Year by the ProfessionalWomens Council and is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville,Fl, Class of 2010. A JBJ Woman of Influence, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award during President Obama’s administration. Most recently, she named the Top Public Speaking Coach of the Year for 2024. You can find her at www.firedupnow.com
Resources
Snowden McFall
Website - https://firedupnow.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snowdenmcfall/
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/snowdenmcfall/
Book - Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Have you ever wondered why some incredibly talented people seem to struggle while others, who might not appear as gifted, seem to effortlessly thrive? Is it really just luck, or is there a deeper secret behind their success?
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Allen Lycka, a renowned productivity expert and life coach. Dr. Lycka, who overcame a misdiagnosis of ALS in 2003, draws from his book, The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life, which forms the heart of their discussion.
Dr. Lycka introduces his "Golden Pearls of Wisdom," offering practical advice that can lead to significant personal growth and enhanced productivity. He delves into the concept of ikigai—the Japanese principle of finding purpose in what you love, excel at, what the world needs, and what you can be compensated for. Alongside this, he highlights the transformative power of gratitude, revealing that businesses with high gratitude levels are up to 10 times more productive.
From actionable strategies for setting and reviewing daily goals to the role of exercise in battling depression, Dr. Lycka provides valuable insights that can reshape your approach to success.
Tune in now to uncover how Dr. Lycka’s secrets can help you unlock your true potential and live a fantastic life!
What We Discuss
[02:02] Introduction to Dr. Allen Lycka
[06:27] What is Ikigai?
[11:43] Impact of gratitude on productivity
[13:07] Strategies for maintaining productivity during adversity
[19:50] Impactful habits and mindsets one can develop
[20:46] Dealing with distractions
Notable Quotes
[04:27] “I attribute my success to drive. I also call it hunger. It's something that we have deep down in our sides that pushes us to the next level." - Dr. Allen Lycka
[06:00] “To me, drive comes from a why, and sometimes it comes from a why deep in our gut, and it could be innate” - Gerald J. Leonard
[10:10] “When I wake up, I think about all the good things that are going to happen to me today, and I write them down.” - Dr. Allen Lycka
[13:08] “It's not what happens to you, it's what you do with what happens that is so important, that is really what my book is all about.” - Dr. Allen Lycka
Resources
Dr. Allen Lycka
Website - https://drallenlycka.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenelycka/
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/drallenlycka/
Book - The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Other Mentioned Books:
Chicken Soup for the Soul
The Success Principles
On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Did you know that overcoming significant health challenges can reshape your approach to life? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Lisa Zaretsky, founder of Zaretsky Wellness. A leading authority in STEAM education, Dr. Zaretsky is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in hypnotherapy, coaching, and holistic mental and emotional health. Her expertise in neurodiversity has left a profound impact on countless individuals and communities.
Dr. Zaretsky opens up about her personal journey, sharing how significant health challenges, including surgeries and accidents, have shaped her approach to resilience and personal growth. She underscores the transformative power of self-compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude in overcoming adversity. The discussion also delves into neurodiversity, the importance of workplace accommodations, and the role of mindfulness in daily life.
Tune in to gain valuable insights on enhancing productivity and navigating life's challenges with intention and grace.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Dr. Lisa Zaretsky
[09:47] Cultivating perseverance
[12:53] Magic seven principles
[16:01] The canoe metaphor
[20:04] Understanding PTSD and isolation
[22:16] Neuroplasticity and change
[23:16] Neurodivergence explained
[34:55] The role of environment in growth
[37:32] The impact of industrialized education
[40:27] Creating sustainable work environments
[42:38] Staying present amidst uncertainty
Notable Quotes
[13:18] "When I lead with love, everything else falls into place." - Dr. Zaretsky
[14:39] "Pain is a construct of the mind, and when you get behind the driver’s seat of your mind, you’re steering it with mindfulness and intentionality." - Dr. Zaretsky
[15:32] "Stay in the present moment mindfully and intentionally, and that’s when actual magic happens." - Dr. Zaretsky
[21:47] "When you change the belief systems with intensity, frequency, and duration, you create new neural pathways in your brain. It's the concept of neuroplasticity, and it allows you to redirect yourself forward in a new way." - Dr. Zaretsky
[18:20] "We don't have to be a victim or succumb to trauma. We can get behind the driver's seat of our minds, integrating what needs to be done, and move forward." - Gerald
[45:42] "Gratitude helps you stay present. The past is just a memory, and the future is a projection. The only thing we truly have is the present moment." - Gerald
Resources
Dr. Lisa Zaretsky
Website - https://www.drlisazaretsky.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisazaretsky/
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/drlisazaretsky/
Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/DrLisaZaretsky?_rdc=1&_rdr
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Life can feel like one curveball after another, and sometimes, just staying in the game feels like a victory. We’ve all been there. But what if I told you that you could not only survive those tough times but come out stronger on the other side?
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a compelling conversation with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a corporate executive, Emmy Award-winning news anchor, and former U.S. gymnastics team member. They delve into themes of resilience, personal growth, and productivity. Nina shares her journey through life’s challenges, highlighting the crucial role of mindset shifts and positive influences. She also discusses how social media comparisons can erode self-worth and the importance of curating a supportive environment. The episode wraps up with practical strategies to overcome adversity and take control of your narrative, encouraging you to embrace resilience for success in all areas of life.
Ready to transform your setbacks into comebacks? Tune in now and discover how resilience can be your greatest asset.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Nina Sossamon-Pogue
[08:05] Finding focus in the present
[17:35] Nina's reflection on job loss
[20:38] Journaling forward concept
[25:05] The impact of trauma and navigating life's challenges
[35:20] The dangers of comparison
[38:07] Taking control of your life
Notable Quotes
[03:06] “My success stems from being resilient. Throughout my life, resilience is what helped me thrive and do better.” - Nina
[11:46] “‘When you're in the frame, you can't see the picture.’ - Willie Jolly” - Gerald
[27:32] "Whatever this is that you're going through, it's okay to not be okay." - Nina
[35:20] “Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Nina
[38:45] “You are in control of your life. If it's not working, it's up to you to fix it.” - Nina
[39:41] “It's not just about doing a lot of stuff; it's about who you become and how you reinvent yourself as you go through life's challenges.” - Gerald
Resources
Nina Sossamon-Pogue
Website - https://www.ninasossamonpogue.com/
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasossamonpogue/
Twitter -https://x.com/NinaSossP
Facebook-https://web.facebook.com/NinaTheAuthor/about
Book: This is Not the End by Nina Sossamon-Pogue
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Are you struggling to juggle your work responsibilities with your personal life? Have you ever wondered how saying “no” might actually be the key to maintaining focus and achieving your goals? With the evolving definition of work-life balance, how do you strike the right chord between dedication and burnout?
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in an enlightening conversation with Corey Poirier, an acclaimed keynote speaker and author. They explore key topics such as productivity, work-life balance, and personal growth. Corey shares his distinctive perspective on work-life balance, stressing the value of truly loving what you do. He also introduces his latest book, The Enlightened Passenger, and highlights the importance of saying no to non-essential tasks. This episode delves into how clarity, focus, and purpose are crucial for productivity and provides actionable strategies for maintaining a productive mindset and leveraging your network for success.
Tune in to hear more from Corey Poirier and gain practical tips to elevate your productivity and well-being.
What We Discuss
[02:01] - Introduction to Corey Poirier
[04:37] - The concept of balance
[09:32] - Clarity in purpose
[15:00] - Strategies to avoid burnout
[18:16] - Traits of consistently productive individuals
[21:35] - Mindset and productivity
[28:29] - Event + response = outcome
[31:01] - Continuous learning
[33:16] - Leveraging networks for productivity
[41:23] - Blue Talks initiative
Notable Quotes
[03:39] “For me, when it comes to work-life balance, I threw out that term years ago. Balance to me is the fact that I love what I do all day, every day.” - Corey Poirier
[07:27] “I grew up as a yes person. My grandfather always told me to do everything, say yes to everything, and then figure out how to juggle it all. But I realized that high achievers say no over and over again to focus on what truly matters.” - Corey Poirier
[14:03] “I burned out twice in my life, and I don't ever want to burn out again. It took me nine months of feeling exhausted all the time. I don't want anybody to burn out, so I say no to things that drain me and take breaks to recharge.” - Corey Poirier
[31:01] “Once we stop learning, we stop living.” - Corey Poirier
Resources
Corey Poirier
Website - https://www.thespeakingprogram.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thatspeakerguy/
Twitter - https://x.com/thatspeakerguy?lang=en
Book: Quitless with Corey Poirier
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Are you ready to transform your leadership approach and elevate your impact? Join host Gerald J. Leonard on this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast as he sits down with Mick Spiers, the visionary behind the Leadership Project Movement. The Leadership Project is a vibrant initiative with a vision to inspire all leaders to challenge the status quo. The Leadership Project is dedicated to empowering modern leaders through knowledge and emotional intelligence to create meaningful impact.
Gerald and Mick delve into the essence of effective leadership, spotlighting the crucial elements of self-reflection, intentionality, and the hurdles that new leaders encounter. Mick reflects on his personal journey, underscoring the value of drawing lessons from past leadership roles and nurturing a collaborative atmosphere. He presents key strategies, such as being the last to speak and cultivating inclusive work environments. Together, Gerald and Mick emphasize the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and committing to ongoing learning in leadership.
Tune in now to hear Mick Spiers’ invaluable advice and learn how to implement leadership principles from his book, You're a Leader Now What?
What We Discuss
[01:17] Introduction to Mick Spiers
[08:48] Mick's journey to leadership
[12:11] Importance of coaching in leadership
[14:23] Experiential learning in leadership
[19:41] Common pitfalls for new leaders
[20:34] Creating a leadership credo
[25:03] The shift from “I” to “we”
[30:55] Building trust and rapport
[41:18] Creating an inclusive workplace
Notable Quotes
[9:55] “No one deserves to work in a workplace that they hate; they should all have a workplace that inspires them, where they feel valued, where they feel seen, where they feel heard.” - Mick
[2:48] “People remember how you make them feel, and whether it’s good or bad, they will remember the emotion much more than what you specifically said to them.” - Gerald
[4:58] “What gives people pride in the work they do is feeling like they matter.” - Mick
[41:43] “You don't need to have all the answers, but you surround yourself with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds. This is what is going to enrich our decision-making.” - Mick
[45:48] “There is a vacuum of leadership in some ways in the world, but also a place where young leaders are looking for resources to help grow themselves.” - Gerald
Resources
Mick Spiers
Website - https://www.mickspiers.com/
LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/mickspiers
Book: You're A Leader Now What?: The proven path to high performance leadership
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Are we truly achieving health equity when patients with sickle cell anemia face a stark lack of family counseling and support in hospitals? How can we claim fairness in healthcare when these basic needs are so often neglected? And what about cultural differences in healthcare? How frequently are these crucial aspects overlooked, perpetuating disparities? Is it any wonder that African-American patients often feel undervalued in a system that fails to recognize their humanity?
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Dr. Mauvareen Beverley, an executive physician renowned for her expertise in patient engagement and cultural competency. As the author of Nine Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity, Dr. Beverley draws on her extensive experience to explain why cultural competency is essential in healthcare. She shares innovative approaches for improving health outcomes, focusing on African American communities and patients with sickle cell disease. Through personal stories, Dr. Beverley underscores the importance of understanding cultural contexts to enhance patient care and achieve meaningful results.
Don’t miss this episode for Dr. Beverley’s invaluable insights and actionable strategies for advancing equitable healthcare.
What We Discuss
[02:32] Dr. Beverley's background
[04:43] The bridge-team concept
[05:47] Patient story: Sickle cell experience
[07:41] Understanding patient needs
[10:39] Sustainability of health equity initiatives
[12:52] Barriers to health equity
[14:53] Historical context of health disparities
[20:24] Cultural competence in healthcare
[22:34] Curiosity in patient engagement
[29:04] Workplace health equity strategies
[36:23] Bridging perceptions and reality
Notable Quotes
[10:32] “My focus is on sustainability of a process that we're going to put in place to achieve health equity.” - Mauvareen
[10:49] “If our health is not taken care of and we're not being advocated for or we don't know how to advocate for ourselves, our productivity will be shot.” - Gerald
[20:24] “Recognize and treat all atrocity survivors the same.” - Mauvareen
[27:06] “Once accurately diagnosed, there's no human being on planet Earth that can give it that. The millionaire can think, oh, I'll give you $1 million to take the cancer back. Oh, that's not enough. I'll give you 5 million.”- Mauvareen
[29:07] “Eliminate the word non-adherent or non-compliant without asking implied questions.”- Mauvareen
[35:26] “If you're designing a system based on perception and not reality, how are we able to solve the problem?”- Mauvareen
Resources
Dr. Mauvareen Beverley
Website - https://drbeverley.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauvareen-beverley-md/
Book: The Nine Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Have you ever found yourself unable to focus at work because you're constantly worried about someone you care about? It's undeniably tough, but focusing on gratitude in these challenging times could make a world of difference.
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Delia Chiaramonte, the visionary behind the Integrative Palliative Institute and the voice of the Integrative Palliative Podcast. She is also the author of Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself.
During their sit down, Delia delves into the world of integrative palliative medicine, blending holistic care with palliative methods to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. She offers practical advice on balancing caregiving responsibilities with professional life, stressing the importance of embracing an "imperfect plan" to stay on track. She introduces the concept of "finding the flowers in the poop," which involves acknowledging the challenges of caregiving while seeking out positive moments to maintain emotional resilience and enhance productivity.
This episode shines a light on the transformative power of positivity and gratitude, even during tough times, don’t miss it.
What We Discuss
[02:01] - Introduction to Delia Chiaramonte
[08:40] - Coping with difficult situations
[11:15] - Control and letting go
[13:20] - Finding flowers in the poop
[13:56] - Common productivity pitfalls for caregivers
[22:07] - Imperfect plan for caregiving
[28:58] - The importance of focusing on the now
[36:07] - Facing the darkness
[43:41] - Tools for sustained productivity
Notable Quotes
[03:27] “Palliative medicine is the care of families who are facing serious illness, focused on improving symptoms, improving well-being, and reducing suffering.” - Delia Chiaramonte
[04:33] “Many people are mistaken, they think that palliative care and hospice are the same thing, but they're not. Hospice is a teeny tiny part of palliative care.” - Delia Chiaramonte
[09:21] “When someone might die, they often change the way they're living. They stop doing things that they don't want to do, they stop seeing people that they don't like, and they focus on what really matters to them.” - Delia Chiaramonte
[12:43] “People cause a lot of suffering for themselves by trying to control the things they can't control.” - Delia Chiaramonte
[19:30] “Sometimes we wait to get through something difficult to be grateful. But I think it's more important to be, like you said, looking for those flowers while we're going through.” - Gerald J. Leonard
[40:18] “When we are depleted, hard regular things become impossibly hard.” - Delia Chiaramonte
[47:43] “If we're brave and willing to face the darkness, it can create such depth, connection, and meaning, and it can be a really powerful and even positive experience.” - Delia Chiaramonte
Resources
Delia Chiaramonte
Website - https://integrativepalliative.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte/
Book: Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One’s Illness Without Losing Yourself
Podcast: https://integrativepalliative.com/podcast
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
Ever been part of a dysfunctional company? They are like puzzle pieces that don't quite fit, breeding gossip, stifling innovation, and diminishing output quality over time. When faced with such dysfunction, it's easy to point fingers at individuals.
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Joel Dubin, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies” and a seasoned cybersecurity consultant. Together, they explore the complexities of dysfunctional companies, the impact of detrimental behaviors on productivity, and actionable strategies for employees to navigate such environments.
Joel’s book humorously outlines the common traits observed in dysfunctional companies. The duo discusses how these habits affect employee morale and productivity, highlighting the crucial role of leadership, open communication, and adaptability. Joel shares humorous anecdotes from his career, shedding light on the negative effects of bureaucracy and constant reorganizations.
Both Gerald and Joel provide practical advice for navigating dysfunctional work environments, emphasizing the importance of networking and building emotional connections. This episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to boost workplace productivity and morale. For more on navigating dysfunctional work environments and boosting productivity, tune in to this episode.
What We Discuss
[02:01] Introduction to Joel Dubin
[04:39] Dealing with dysfunctional companies
[12:50] Impact of dysfunctional behaviors on productivity
[16:24] Examples of dysfunctional behaviors
[18:41] Engagement with frontline workers
[19:47] The Japanese Assembly Line scenario
[20:48] Impact of dysfunctional company habits on morale and motivation
[24:06] The role of leadership in fostering or mitigating dysfunctional habits
[31:23] Steps to improve productivity and avoid multitasking
[34:22] Advice for employees in dysfunctional companies
[38:57] Building relationships and emotional value
Notable Quotes
[13:58] “You got to have people that know how to be even at high levels of management, know how to be vulnerable. You need to be able to say, ‘I made a mistake. Let's see how we can fix it.’” - Joel Dubin
[34:22] “Look at your career, not your job. Be loyal to yourself and your career, constantly take any training to improve your skills.”- Joel Dubin
[36:41] “Always be prepared for change. Don’t be complacent, don’t feel too comfortable, and remember today could be your last day.” - Joel Dubin
Resources
Joel Dubin
Website - https://www.joeldubin.com/
X: https://x.com/dubinslanguages/status/1807546992819675314
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeldubin/
Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
In a world increasingly chaotic, how can one make clear decisions and find peace of mind? Amidst the noise of debates and conflicts, it's easy to lose balance.
This episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast is a deep dive into the fascinating concept of deep trade-offs. Host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Mike Hassell, former General Manager and Co-founder of audio publisher Knowledge Products. Mike's background spans engineering, business, and liberal arts, a testament to the power of curiosity and risk-taking. His book, “The Deep Trade-offs,” explores conflicts between values and how understanding these can enhance decision-making.
They discuss mental and physical health connections, grit, and persistence in overcoming challenges. Mike explores living authentically, drawing on the idea of being kaleidoscopic in adapting to different situations. They delve into honesty versus deception, reversible versus irreversible decisions, and the transformative power of relationships. Storytelling emerges as a tool for understanding complex ideas and forging meaningful connections.
This episode offers practical wisdom and thought-provoking insights to revolutionize productivity and decision-making. Let’s dive in!
What We Discuss
[02:01] - Introduction to Mike Hassell
[03:25] - Mike's defining trait that has driven his success
[05:34] - Understanding deep trade-offs
[10:43] - Subconscious and emotional decision-making
[12:16] - Insights gained from psychology and medicine
[15:43] - Growth mindset and grit
[18:43] - The concept of authenticity
[21:10] - The tension between ideals and reality
[22:59] - The subconscious and shaping behavior
[31:08] - The difference between corresponding truth and coherent truth
[33:05] - The impact of relationships on inducing change
[36:31] - The concept of theories as stories
Notable Quotes
[06:13] "We don't give up on the things that we want to happen, and we struggle for them, and we step on toes." - Mike Hassell
[05:19] "What we admire most about people is generally not their pleasures and their beauty; it's their endurance and their resilience and their ability to do something in the face of hardship." - Mike Hassell
[11:35] “A lot of our decisions are made by emotions, and then we rationalize them to make them logical.” - Gerald J. Leonard
[20:01] "We change over time and we change based on the circumstances that we're in, but yes, we're a lot more like chameleons in some ways." - Gerald J. Leonard
[25:11 "A lot of times it's not the things that we don't know that's the problem; it's the things that we know that are not true." - Mike Hassell
[33:05] "People are not shoved into change; they're loved into it. Relationships come first if you want to change somebody, including yourself." - Mike Hassell
Resources
Mike Hassell
Website - https://deeptradeoffs.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hassell/
Book: Deep Tradeoffs: Restoring Balance and Respect In A Polarized, Angry World
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
The podcast currently has 71 episodes available.