Learn how Mark Simon became one of Hollywood's most successful storyboard artists using the power of questions. His creative perspective on life, matched with his courage to ask for what he wants, helped him succeed early in his career. In this episode, you'll discover how Mark made powerful connections and learned from his mistakes to quickly become the Godfather of Storyboarding and owning his animation studio. Listen to Mark's story and choose which action will help you reach success.

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

1. Raise your rate. Don’t be afraid to ask for more money. ACTION: Increase your rate a small percentage before responding to the next lead. 
2. Ask questions. You learn more by asking questions. You also build stronger relationships with others by letting them teach you. ACTION: During your next conversation, ask more open ended questions with the mindset to learn.
3. Ask for help. People love to help others! Let them share their resources by asking for their help. ACTION: If you’d like to meet someone, ask a mutual acquaintance for an introduction. 
4. Get involved. Be active in your industry. You’ll build valuable relationships and gain priceless knowledge in return. ACTION: Attend an event in your industry and network with others.

Guest Resources

If you’d like to continue learning from Mark Simon, you can follow him on LinkedIn. You can also visit his website, Storyboards & Animatics, to learn more about his work.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

How to Ask Productive Questions

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Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Continue to learn how David Winford went from growing up in a trailer park to being a millionaire-making business coach. In this episode, part two of a two-part series, you’ll hear how influential his wife and kids were in his journey to success. He talked about why he viewed his marriage as his first business and made it the top priority over anything else. He discussed how his primary aim is to live deeply, maintain a balance between his head and heart, be in harmony with nature, and be the best man he can be. He also shared incredible stories that showcase his values time and time again. Be prepared to laugh and cry as you listen to this episode, then choose which action you’ll take to incorporate the invaluable wisdom of David Winford into your life. 

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

1. Identify your core values. David calls them his primary aim. When you have clear core values, you’ll have a solid guide for decision-making going forward. ACTION: Create a first draft of your core values.
2. Structure your time. You’ll create more opportunities to focus on what is most valuable in your life when you schedule your time consistently. ACTION: Create a schedule built around your most valuable activities. 
3. Give first. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive. Even a kind gesture can work wonders. Ask yourself, “What’s a gift I can give someone today?” ACTION: Pick the person and give them a gift today. 
4. Think strategically. Live your life with intent and think more strategically about your actions. Don’t live your life by accident by scheduling your time with purpose. ACTION: Choose one action that will bring your joy or motivation, and schedule time in your calendar to do it.
5. Celebrate the small wins. When you acknowledge your progress, you shift your mindset and create momentum for success. ACTION: Review your weekly actions and celebrate a small victory in whatever way feels appropriate. 

Guest Resources

If you’re looking for a game-changing coach, you can reach out to David Winford on LinkedIn.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

Balancing Work and Life

Improving Your Focus

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Discover how David Winford went from growing up in a trailer park to becoming a millionaire-making business coach. His tenacity and determination carried him through significant challenges throughout his life, which molded him into the perfect business coach. In this episode, which is part one of a two-part series, you’ll hear how David started his career by making a spontaneous, and life-changing, decision. You’ll hear how he continued that pattern of fearless decisions coupled with a relentless follow-through, which helped him build a reputation of reliability and achieving powerful results for his clients. Listen to the first part of his story, and look for ways you can infuse some of David’s wisdom and courage into your life. Then, be sure to schedule time in your calendar to hear the second half of his incredible story next week!

Action Principles 

Actions will be shared at the end of next week’s episode, when we complete David’s interview.

Guest Resources

If you’re looking for a game-changing coach, you can reach out to David through the Coachfirm website. You can also follow David Winford on LinkedIn.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

Discovering Your Strengths

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Join my family in this special episode as we discuss the success principle of systems. Together, my kids and I define what makes up a system and why they are essential to success. We discuss examples of how systems create consistent experiences all around us. We also share systems we use personally and why they help us meet our goals. 

Then, we all share ideas for how we can improve our systems to make the next draft a little bit better.

Action Principle

Be open to making changes when your system needs an update. Using systems will get you consistent results for long-term success. You must also be willing to review and make changes as required. There’s no such thing as a perfect system, only the next draft. Ask yourself, “What one thing can I do to make my system just a little bit better?”  ACTION: Decide on one step to improve your system, then write it down and take action on it.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Learn how Pete Mockaitis used the scientific method to create one of the world's most popular and profitable podcasts. His enthusiasm for learning, working with people, researching ideas, and thinking outside the box guided his path towards the successful life he enjoys today. In this episode, you’ll hear how Pete turned his failed business attempts into a proven system for success. Listen to Pete’s story, then decide which action fits your needs best and make him a part of your success journey.

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

1. Take advantage of extracurricular activities. When you take part in school activities outside the classroom, you gain experience and build valuable connections.  ACTION: Do a little experiment by taking part in an activity that’s unexpected.
2. Validate demand. A great idea is only as good as the demand for it. Use a system of research and testing to validate the demand first. ACTION: Survey your target market on your idea.
3. Adopt a scientific mindset. As a scientist, you must be okay with failure. Through failed experiments, you can learn valuable lessons. ACTION: Choose a test to run and tell yourself “If it fails, that’s okay…what did I learn?
4. Ask for feedback. Before investing in a new product or service, ask others for feedback on their experience. ACTION: Ask five people that used a service provider you’re considering and ask them how it worked out for them. Would they use it again?

Guest Resources

Continue learning from Pete by subscribing to his podcast, How to be Awesome at Your Job. You can also follow him on LinkedIn. 

Additional Recommendations:

Speak and Grow Rich, by Dottie and Lillet Walters

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

Small Business Secrets

Discovering Your Strengths

Pete Mockaitis - LinkedIn Learning Courses Homepage

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Discover how Manisha Thakor transformed from a workaholic focused only on money to an advocate for balance and emotional health. Her financial upbringing and passion for helping women made her the financial well-being guru she is today. In this episode, you’ll hear Manisha’s story about her unhealthy mindset towards her career, the major wake-up call that changed everything, and the actions she took to shift her perspective to one of balanced success. Listen to Manisha’s story, then decide which action will most benefit you and make her a part of your success journey.

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

1. Financial literacy provides choices. When you’re educated about your personal finances, you’re more likely to be successful. ACTION: Take a course or read a book on personal finance.
2. Read more books. By educating yourself on various topics, you’ll be ready for opportunities and make better choices. ACTION: Set a goal to read one educational book per month.
3. Live a fuller life. Finding a healthy rhythm and enjoying life now will lead to a balanced, long-term success. Ask yourself, “What can I do to start making what I'm doing worth it now?” ACTION: Schedule time in your calendar to do something you enjoy this week.
4. Know your values and source of joy. Defining your values will guide you to make the right decisions in life. Knowing what gives you joy will provide the energy to keep going forward. ACTION: Sit down and identify your top three values and top three joys. Use them as a guide for all future decisions.

Guest Resources

You can continue to learn from Manisha Thakor at MoneyZen.com or by preordering her book, MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your Enough. You can also follow her on LinkedIn.

Additional Resources:

The Savvy Ladies Organization

Profit First by Michael Michalowicz

How to Make Your Kid a Money Genius by Beth Kobliner

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

Balancing Work and Life

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Join my family in this special episode as we discuss the success principle of follow-through. Together, my kids and I define the meaning of follow-through and why it’s essential to success.

We share examples of following through on a commitment and how being consistent builds a reputation of trust. We also discuss some common obstacles that stop us from doing what we said we would do. 

Then, we all share ideas for using these principles to be more successful in our daily lives.

Action Principle

Be reliable by consistently following through on your commitments. When you continuously keep promises, you build a reputation of reliability and trust with those around you. You also create stronger relationships because your team knows they can count on you. ACTION: Use your calendar to schedule commitments.

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Learn how Sam D’Arc went from washing cars as a teenager to becoming COO of one of the largest auto dealer groups in the United States using his natural entrepreneurial skills. His passion for taking risks has paid off with a highly successful career. In this episode, you’ll discover how Sam recognized valuable opportunities throughout his life. He shares his unique perspective on failure and why it’s helped him overcome many obstacles in life. Listen to Sam’s story of perseverance and choose which action below fits your vision best.

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

1. Just ask. When you see an opportunity, don’t be afraid to ask for it. The worst they can say is “no.” ACTION: Ask for the opportunity to do something that will take you closer to your goal.
2. Help others make a decision. Selling is helping. You’re helping someone make a decision because you care about them. ACTION: Ask yourself how you can help someone rather than focusing on what you can get from them.
3. Turn adversity into growth. Remember that a failure is actually an opportunity for growth if you learn from it. ACTION: Focus on what you’ve learned when something doesn’t work out.
4. Know your vision. A vision guides you in the right direction. ACTION: Create a vision for your life.

Guest Resources

Subscribe to Driving Vision Podcast to learn more from Sam. You can also follow him on LinkedIn.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

Discovering Your Strengths

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Discover how Angy Ford went from a piano teacher to an entrepreneur by doing what she does best. Her dedication to going above and beyond for her students sets her apart from her competition. In this episode, you’ll learn how she turned her passions into a multi-location business with hundreds of employees. Angy shares what creative learning tools she used in her lessons. She talks about funding the expansion, assessing opportunities, and maintaining balance during the rapid growth period. Listen to Angy’s story, then choose one action that will help infuse some of her wisdom into your journey.

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

1. Communication. Whether you have a partner in business or life, good communication is the foundation for success. ACTION: Schedule recurring meetings to communicate with your partner.
2. Find your spark. Make yourself stand out from your competition by offering something unique or special. Play to your strengths. ACTION: Brainstorm ideas for a special spark you can include in your business.
3. Be organized. Organizing your finances and documenting everything is vital to success. ACTION: Create documented systems to keep track of your business and ensure all actions are consistent.
4. Find your balance. Overworking yourself and not taking time to enjoy your life will cause you to burn out. ACTION: Find a healthy work-life rhythm that works for you and stick to it.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

Time Management Fundamentals

Balancing Work and Life

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Discover how Ayse Birsel embraced her natural talents for problem-solving and creativity to become an award-winning industrial designer, working with major brands like Amazon, Toyota, and IKEA. In this episode, you’ll learn how impactful relationships and mentors can be in your life. Ayse also shares how she uses a life roadmap and views problems as opportunities for a successful, balanced life. Listen to her inspirational story. Then, select one of the actions below to infuse her wisdom into your life today!

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

1. Create a life roadmap. Sit down and sketch out the highlights from your life. Explore the lessons you’ve learned along the way, and plan out where you want to go next. ACTION: Schedule a date in your calendar to design your life roadmap.
2. Mentorship. There’s significant value in having or being a mentor. Whether you’re being helped, or you’re helping someone else, the relationship created can be life-changing. ACTION: Ask someone you admire in your industry if they’ll be your mentor. If you’re already at a high level, consider being a mentor instead.
3. Adopt an optimistic mindset. Instead of viewing everything as a problem, adjust your mindset and look at them as opportunities. ACTION: If you’re facing a challenging issue right now, ask yourself, “What if this is an opportunity to make something better?”

Guest Resources

You can continue to learn from Ayse Birsel by subscribing to her newsletter. You can also purchase her book, Design the Life You Love.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

Productivity Tips: Finding Your Productive Mindset

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com