What happens when everything you’ve built suddenly disappears? In this episode, Jay Papasan sits down with Rory Vaden—someone who knows what it’s like to lose everything and rebuild from scratch. After Rory and his wife, AJ, were forced out of the business they’d spent 12 years building, they had to start over with nothing but a non-compete, their expertise, and a lot of hard-won lessons.

That painful reset led to the creation of Brand Builders Group, a business built around the exact process Rory and AJ used to reinvent themselves—one that now serves some of the world’s top personal brands. But at its core, their conversation with Jay isn’t just about strategy. It’s about identity, focus, and service.

Rory explains why most people get stuck on the wrong side of what he calls “Sheehan’s Wall”—trying to emulate big names by doing too much, too soon, with scattered focus. True breakthrough comes from relentless focus on one thing: the unique problem you solve, in one word, for a specific “who.” Together, Jay and Rory break down the six key questions that define your brand DNA, explore how your past pain and setbacks can prepare you for your greatest impact, and discuss why the person you’re best positioned to serve is who you once were.

Challenge of the Week:

Get out your notebook and journal your answers to these questions: What challenges have I conquered? What setbacks have I survived? Who is the person I once was—and how could I serve that version of myself? Use this reflection as your first step toward clarity and breakthrough.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

How to find your “one word” problem and the audience you’re meant to serve

Why focus beats diversification—especially when building a personal brand

The six questions behind Brand Builders Group’s brand DNA process

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read Wealthy and Well-Known by Rory & AJ Vaden

Brand Builders Group: freebrandtraining.com/TOT

Read Take the Stairs by Rory Vaden

Listen to The School of Greatness podcast with Lewis Howes

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA 

When The ONE Thing first came out, Brandon Turner didn’t just read it—he made it his only book for an entire year, reading it cover to cover more than 20 times. The result? He didn’t just hit his audacious goal of acquiring $50 million in real estate in three years—he soared past it, buying $300 million worth.

In this episode, Brandon pulls back the curtain on exactly how he did it. We talk about how to audit your time, create a “not to do” list, and get ruthless about delegating anything that isn’t your highest-value work. Brandon shares the keystone habits that unlock everything else, the difference between setting a vision and just dreaming, and why tracking your personal life is just as important as any business KPI.

We also dive into practical strategies for goal setting with your spouse, the importance of supporting each other’s dreams (even if they’re wildly different), and how habit tracking can turn your goals into a game you actually want to play.

Challenge of the Week:

Pick one habit you want to build. Make yourself a simple tracker—just a piece of paper and a pen will do. Track it every day this week. At the end of the week, look at your score. Did you hit your target? If not, what got in the way? Gamify it, and see how much progress you can make, one small step at a time.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

How to reverse engineer your vision down to a single next step

Why your “not to do” list is just as important as your to-do list

How gamifying your habits can make growth inevitable

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Learn more: BiggerPockets

Listen: The Better Life Podcast

Read: Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold

Follow Brandon on Instagram: @beardybrandon

Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA

We spend a lot of time worrying about uncertainty—tariffs, market volatility, the looming threat of a recession. But what if these aren’t just obstacles, but some of the greatest opportunities for your business or career? History shows that recessions often create more millionaires than any other time and open the door for companies to leap ahead.

In this episode, I break down the seven strategies you can use to become recession-proof. These are the same ideas that helped Keller Williams not just survive the Great Recession, but emerge as the #1 company in our industry. We talk about how to develop a resilient mindset, get lean and cut unnecessary expenses, and focus ruthlessly on what actually moves the needle. I walk you through practical exercises—like the ABCs of expenses—and challenge you to find your margin so you can weather any market.

We’ll cover how to stay agile and adapt your business model for the market ahead, not the one you’re leaving behind. You’ll hear why being connected—to your team, your network, your vendors, and even your competitors—is more important than ever. And we dig into the importance of becoming irreplaceable to your clients, plus how to become a beacon of leadership when everyone else is running for cover. The truth is, change is coming whether we like it or not. The only question is: will you be ready to seize the opportunity?

Challenge of the Week:

Set aside an hour to do the ABCs of expenses. Grab three months of statements and label every expense as an A (absolutely essential), B (optional), or C (stuff you can cut right now). Take action to reduce or eliminate your Bs and Cs—your business and your bank account will thank you.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why uncertainty and recessions can be your biggest opportunity

Seven strategies to thrive and gain market share in tough times

How to cut costs, get focused, and become irreplaceable

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read Shift: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Dave Jenks

Read Grit by Angela Duckworth

Read Antifragile by Nassim Taleb

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA 

If you’ve ever struggled to get started, finish what you begin, or felt like your brain just doesn’t operate like everyone else’s—you’re not alone. Jay sits down with ADHD coach and entrepreneur Tyler Elstrom to unpack what’s really going on in the ADHD brain, from dopamine regulation to executive function to emotional overwhelm.

Tyler introduces the “INCUP” framework—five triggers that can help neurodivergent people enter flow, stay productive, and feel fulfilled: Interesting, New, Challenging, Urgent, and Passionate. When these five levers are present, the ADHD brain actually produces more dopamine than a neurotypical brain—and that’s where the superpower lies.

This episode is packed with practical strategies for tapping into motivation without relying on shame or stress. Tyler and Jay talk about everything from time blindness to body doubling to why a $7 coffee might just be the best investment you can make in your focus. Whether you have ADHD or love someone who does, this episode is a compassionate, empowering deep dive into a better way of working.

Challenge of the Week:

When you fall short—miss a deadline, forget something, or show up late—say “Oops” and move on. Practice offering yourself grace instead of shame. This one small habit can completely change your relationship with productivity and self-worth.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why ADHD brains don’t respond to rewards the same way—and how to work around it

The five productivity triggers that flood the ADHD brain with dopamine

Why harshness and shame are counterproductive (and what to do instead)

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Tyler Elstrom’s website: ADHDTyler.com

Follow Tyler on Instagram: @tylerelstrom_

Read Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA 

Are you succeeding so slowly you think you're failing—or failing so slowly you think you're succeeding?”

In this solo episode, Jay Papasan introduces the concept of quality inflation: the idea that the standards for average—and especially extraordinary—performance keep rising every year. Drawing inspiration from the Red Queen Hypothesis and his experience coaching high achievers, Jay breaks down what it takes to stay competitive in a world where standing still means falling behind.

We walk through five powerful strategies to help you not just survive but thrive in a high-growth environment: from “reading for what you need,” to modeling excellence, to building accountability into your life. Whether you’re early in your journey or already well into your career, these practical tools can help you identify your biggest opportunity for growth and take the first step toward it.

Challenge of the Week:

What’s your biggest opportunity for growth—the one you’ve been avoiding because it’s painful, uncomfortable, or ego-bruising? Choose one strategy from the episode (books, courses, mentor, group, coach) and take the first step toward improving it this week.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why “change is a strategy, not a threat”

What the Red Queen Hypothesis can teach us about professional growth

Five ways to beat quality inflation in your industry

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA 

What if the very traits you’ve been told to hide are actually your greatest assets? This week, I’m joined by Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, to explore nine provocative traits—like being weird, selfish, nosy, shameless, or even brutal—and how to use them as superpowers.

Jenny shares how embracing qualities like “shameless” self-advocacy and “nosy” curiosity can help you push past imposter syndrome and open doors you didn’t know existed. We break down practical frameworks like defining your “power assets,” sending a “shameless Monday email,” and practicing “woo with you”—flipping “I” statements to “you” statements to build stronger relationships and influence outcomes.

Jenny’s journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur is a masterclass in acting despite fear and reframing discomfort as a signal to move forward. If you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or fear of standing out, this episode will help you see those challenges as opportunities. Opportunity lives just outside your comfort zone—and Jenny’s stories and tools show you how to step into it.

Challenge of the Week:

Practice one small act of wild courage—ask for something that feels uncomfortable, whether it’s at work, at home, or even sending back your order at a restaurant. Notice what happens when you advocate for yourself and step out of your comfort zone.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

How to flip traits like “selfish” and “nosy” into career strengths

The Monday “shameless” email and other simple frameworks to stand out

Why learning to say “no” (and being a little “brutal”) leads to more success

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Learn more at itsjennywood.com

Read Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It by Jenny Wood

Take Jenny’s “Wild Courage” Quiz

Follow Jenny on Instagram: @itsjennywood

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA 

This episode wraps up our two-part series on what leadership lessons we can learn from parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy, author of Good Inside. If you caught part one, you know these lessons aren't just for parents—they’re tools for anyone who wants to show up better in their relationships and at work.

We dive into the last three lessons Jay took from Dr. Becky’s work: The Power of Repair, Resilience Over Happiness, and Playing the Long Game.

We start with the power of repair—the idea that it's never too late to take ownership and mend trust, whether it's with your child or your team. Then we explore why great leaders prioritize resilience over happiness and learn to tolerate discomfort so that growth can happen. Finally, Jay shares how Dr. Becky’s philosophy of always choosing the long game can change not only your parenting, but your leadership legacy.

Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about reflection, accountability, and choosing growth over ease. Let’s model what we want to see, in our kids and in our teams.

Challenge of the Week:

Look for a moment where you can recognize that two things can be true at the same time. Maybe you’re a strong leader who’s struggling right now. Maybe a team member is usually dependable but underperforming. Acknowledge both sides. It will change how you approach the challenge.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why self-awareness around triggers is key to great leadership

How repair builds trust after mistakes

What it means to lead for the long game, not the quick win

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA

This episode started as a parenting read and turned into a masterclass in leadership.

After picking up Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy, Jay found himself repeatedly thinking, "This is leadership." In the first of a two-part series, he explores the surprising—and incredibly useful—ways that parenting advice maps directly onto leadership. If you're mission-driven, leading a team, or simply trying to show up better in your relationships, these four lessons will stick with you: Two Things Can Be True, Know Your Job, Behavior Is a Window, and Connection Before Correction.

Jay shares practical tools and reflective questions to help you take each of these ideas into your work life. And yes, if you're a parent too, you’ll walk away with some insights there as well.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why “two things can be true” might be the most powerful mindset for handling conflict

How knowing your job (and your people knowing theirs) clears the fog in the workplace

Why behavior is a window, and what curiosity can teach you about your team

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Read: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA 

Sometimes the challenges life throws at us are bigger than anything we could have prepared for. In today’s episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Gene Rivers, one of the top instructors and true practitioners of The ONE Thing, to hear the remarkable story of how he and his family survived a devastating hurricane—and what they did next.

Gene shares what life was like before the hurricane hit, how they made the leap from corporate careers into real estate, and what happened when they lost everything overnight. He walks us through the mindset shift that allowed them not just to rebuild but to aim even higher than before. Their story is a real-world example of what it looks like to face reality head-on, focus on what matters most, and turn clarity into action.

We talk about how Gene and Rebecca rebuilt their real estate business from a garage, the simple but powerful strategy that fueled their growth, and why building relationships—not just making sales—was the real secret to their success. We also explore how the clarity they found during hard times helped them create a life centered around family, growth, and experiences worth sharing.

If you've ever wondered how to stay focused when the world around you feels uncertain, this episode is for you. Gene’s story is a reminder that no matter where you're starting from—or starting over—you always have the power to take the next right step.

Challenge of the Week:

Take five minutes each morning this week to sit quietly, without your phone or distractions, and reflect on what’s most important for your day. Ask yourself: What’s the one thing I can do today that would make everything else easier or unnecessary? See if that simple practice starts to shift your focus and energy.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

How Gene and Rebecca rebuilt their business after losing everything in Hurricane Andrew

Why talking to people about real estate everywhere they went became their winning strategy

How staying grounded in family and clarity helped them build an extraordinary life

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Connect with Gene at GeneRivers.info

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA 

WARNING! You must comply with the TCPA and any other federal, state or local laws, including for B2B calls and texts. Never call or text a number on any Do Not Call list, and do not use an autodialer or artificial voice or prerecorded messages without proper consent. Contact your attorney to ensure your compliance.

This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guests represent those of the guests and not ProduKtive or Keller Williams Realty LLC and their affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

When Jay Papasan launched the Twentypercenter newsletter, it was his personal version of a Rocky-style training montage. He committed to writing, editing, and publishing a new piece every single week—no matter what. 137 newsletters later, he’s gained more than just consistency. He’s built a powerful, intentional audience and uncovered key lessons about what it takes to grow something meaningful.

In this solo episode, Jay shares 16 and a half of the most valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. From the importance of patience and vulnerability to the surprising power of simplicity and repetition, Jay opens up about the creative systems and mindset shifts that helped him grow from 89 subscribers to over 12,000—with zero paid ads.

Whether you’re starting a newsletter, podcast, YouTube channel, or just building something of your own, these lessons will help you create with purpose—and keep going long enough to see it pay off.

Challenge of the Week:

Pick one idea you’ve been waiting to start—a newsletter, podcast, blog, or creative habit—and publish the first version this week. Don’t overprepare. Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Just hit send. Then, create a simple system that will help you show up consistently from here on out.

***

To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.

We talk about:

Why creativity snowballs once you start creating consistently

How quality beats quantity—and why 1,000 true fans is enough

The critical role of systems, habits, and reader feedback in sustainable growth

Links & Tools from This Episode:

Build Your Audience Resources

Kevin Kelly's “1000 True Fans”

Read Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas

Read Getting Things Done by David Allen

Read Atomic Habits by James Clear

Free Resources

Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email [email protected] or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.

Produced by NOVA