Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life

By Rebecca ShaddixBusiness Education Self-Improvement How To

Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life episodes

September 30How to Feel More Confident in Conversations and Presentations
In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca draws on her background in performance psychology and leadership development to share how a simple shift in assumption can transform both the challenges you face and the way you connect with others.
Rebecca explores how our assumptions shape resilience and interpersonal connection, and why shifting to assume that solutions, and support, are already within reach reframes every problem. This isn't about blind optimism, she explains, but a practical mindset framework that lowers stress and opens the door to creativity.
If you've ever struggled with chronic overwhelm, self-doubt before presentations, or draining conflict in relationships, this episode offers actionable strategies for instant clarity and calm.
Rebecca also covers:
How assuming a solution exists, rather than assuming a problem is unsolvable, changes your stress response in the moment
Why believing people already like you, rather than needing to win them over, can lower stress and sharpen focus
A simple mindset-shift framework for tackling any obstacle, without grinding through it
How the "protagonist test" can break through decision paralysis and spark creative next steps
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
Timestamps
The “Behind Mountains, There Are Mountains” Mindset – 0:14
Assuming a Solution Exists to Every Challenge – 0:51
Believing Others Already Like You in Conversations – 1:36
Biochemical Benefits of Positive Assumptions on Focus – 2:00
Applying the Protagonist Test to Generate Next Steps – 4:12
6 min
September 23How to Stop Perfectionism From Wasting Your Time with Fran Hauser — Part 2
How can you create more space in your calendar, protect your energy, and stay productive without burning out?
In Part 2 of Rebecca Shaddix’s conversation with Fran Hauser, they explore practical time-management strategies for setting boundaries, avoiding overscheduling, and planning work around your natural energy levels. Fran is the author of the bestselling book “The Myth of the Nice Girl" and the new book “Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour.” She is also a former Fortune 500 President, startup investor and advisor, and owner of Bedford Books.
Fran explains how each day moves through three energy rhythms: peak performance, creativity, and restorative time. She shares how to match important tasks to each rhythm instead of forcing yourself to do demanding work when your energy is low.
Rebecca and Fran also discuss why hour-by-hour default time blocking can create pressure and contribute to burnout. Fran explains how 10-minute buffers between meetings can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and give you time to reset. She also shares how a “to-don’t” list can help you stop people-pleasing and protect your priorities.
If back-to-back meetings leave you drained, you struggle to say no, or your focus disappears in the afternoon, this episode offers a more sustainable way to plan your day. You will learn how to work with your chronotype, remove low-value commitments, and make more intentional choices about your time.
What You’ll Learn:
How to map tasks to your peak performance, creative, and restorative rhythms
Why 10-minute buffers between meetings can reduce stress and improve focus
How working with your natural chronotype can improve productivity
Why administrative tasks are better suited to periods of lower energy
How a “to-don’t” list can help you set boundaries and stop people-pleasing
How to remove padded meetings and low-value commitments from your calendar
Why asking “What happens if I do not do this?” can expose unnecessary work
Listen to learn how to build breathing room into your calendar, protect your energy, and make progress without optimizing for filling every available minute.
Timestamps
00:01:19 — Why 10-minute buffers work better than back-to-back meetings
00:02:46 — Planning tasks around your three daily energy rhythms
00:05:31 — Batching administrative work during low-energy periods
00:09:03 — Choosing what you want to do instead of what you should do
00:14:48 — Using a “to-don’t” list to set boundaries and stop people-pleasing
Connect with Fran
Website: https://www.franhauser.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franhauser
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fran_hauser/
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
22 min
September 16Twenty Minutes is the New Hour with Fran Hauser — Part 1
What if some of your productivity habits are actually wasting your time?
In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca Shaddix speaks with Fran Hauser, author of The Myth of the Nice Girl and the forthcoming book Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour. Fran is a former Fortune 500 executive, startup investor and advisor, and owner of Bedford Books.
Fran explains how four common habits—people-pleasing, perfectionism, procrastination, and padding—can drain your time and lead to burnout. She also shares how a 20-minute mindset can improve focus, reduce overwhelm, and help you make meaningful progress.
Not all procrastination is harmful. A short, intentional thinking break can support creative problem-solving and lead to better ideas. The greater time costs often come from overplanning, adding extra time to tasks, and waiting for perfect conditions.
Rebecca and Fran also discuss how to take messy action, manage your inner critic, build confidence, and shorten meetings and work blocks. These practical time-management strategies can help you protect your energy and focus on the work that matters most.
What You’ll Learn:
How to tell the difference between productive thinking time and avoidance
Why messy action is often more effective than waiting for perfect conditions
How to manage self-criticism and build internal confidence
Why 20-minute meetings and work blocks can improve focus and productivity
How people-pleasing, perfectionism, and padding waste valuable time
Why scheduling time to worry can help reduce stress and prevent burnout
How to question long-standing habits and create a more efficient schedule
If you struggle with procrastination, perfectionism, people-pleasing, long meetings, or an endless to-do list, this episode offers practical ways to reclaim your time. Listen to learn how small changes can help you work with greater focus, protect your energy, and make progress without burning out.
Timestamps
00:01:10 — Productive thinking time versus avoidance procrastination
00:06:34 — Overcoming perfectionism through messy action
00:10:05 — Building confidence and managing your inner critic
00:14:34 — Using the 20-minute mindset for meetings and projects
00:18:31 — Identifying padding as a hidden time thief
Connect with Fran
Website: https://www.franhauser.com/twentyminutes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franhauser
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fran_hauser/
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
18 min
September 10Why Your “Bad” Habits Might Be Good for You with Amanda Natividad — Part 2
What if your “bad” habits aren’t actually problems you need to fix? What if you can use them to make work and life easier?
In Part 2 of their conversation, Rebecca speaks with Amanda Natividad, marketing leader at SparkToro and co-author of the forthcoming book Zero Click Marketing. Amanda grew her Twitter audience from 700 to more than 100,000 followers in just one year. Her career has also taken her from culinary school to startup growth.
Amanda explains how she builds her schedule around the way she works best. Her firm 4 p.m. cutoff pushes her to complete important work during her most productive hours. It also keeps work from taking over her evening and causing burnout.
She and Rebecca discuss how simple changes to your environment can make family routines easier and reduce daily stress.
The main idea is simple: If a pattern keeps emerging, the way to use it to your advantage isn’t always a matter of willpower or discipline. Sometimes, you just need to make small changes to find a system that works with your habits instead of against them.
If work follows you into the evening, email feels endless, or work and family compete for your attention, this episode offers practical ways to protect your focus, reduce overwhelm, and get important work done with less stress.
What You’ll Learn
Why a firm end to your workday can improve focus and protect your personal time
How to schedule your most important work during your peak energy hours
How to use micromoments to manage email and other small tasks
How simple changes to your home can make family routines easier
Why any habit can ultimately work for you, even if it looks like a “bad” habit at first glance
Timestamps
00:00 — Why Amanda ends high-focus work at 4 p.m.
06:59 — Leading a small marketing team with fewer meetings
13:40 — Arranging your home to make mornings easier
16:45 — How to build habits that match your natural energy
Connect with Amanda
Website: https://amandanat.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandanat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandanat
X: https://x.com/amandanat
Substack: https://amandanat.substack.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyahFqV3r_6eMYR8gZ6LDqw
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
20 min
September 03Staying Focused Through Constant Interruptions with Amanda Natividad — Part 1
How do you protect your focus when your day is full of interruptions, complex tasks, and constant context-switching?
Rebecca speaks with Amanda Natividad, marketing leader at SparkToro and co-author of the forthcoming book Zero Click Marketing, who has built an engaged audience across social media platforms and defined brand categories for tech startups.
This episode unpacks how Amanda stays focused while building a marketing function, writing a book, hosting a podcast, and parenting, all while managing constant context-switching throughout the day.
Amanda shares the tools she uses to stay organized, including low-tech options like a magnetic white board desk pad, and AI-powered tools like Wispr Flow for speech-to-tech transcriptions for emails and social media posts. She also shares the frameworks behind her decision-making process for prioritizing tasks.
Amanda explains that prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance, combined with a simple "parking lot" system for capturing stray ideas and errands, creates a mental buffer that protects focus without adding pressure to act on every distraction immediately.
If you've ever struggled with juggling operational, strategic, and administrative tasks, constant digital interruptions, or switching between deep work and family obligations, this conversation offers concrete, practical ways to get more done with less stress.
What You'll Learn:
A simple thought experiment to use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize urgent vs. important tasks and set realistic deadlines.
Why a "parking lot" for stray thoughts protects focus better than chasing quick ways to cross lower-impact items off of your to-do list.
How batching administrative work in dedicated time blocks reduces overwhelm compared to interrupting focus blocks throughout the day.
Using voice-to-text tools like Wispr Flow to protect against wrist strain and speed up content creation.
When and where it makes sense to use AI for email replies.
If you want to sharpen your focus, minimize overwhelm, and reclaim control of your time, this episode gives you practical, research-backed strategies you can start using today.
Timestamps
Using the Eisenhower Matrix for Task Prioritization – 00:04:09
Parking Cognitive Distractions with a “Parking Lot” List – 00:06:49
Streamlining Email by Processing Top-to-Bottom – 00:09:02
Automating Responses and Boundary-Setting with AI – 00:11:38
Removing editing rounds and decision-making for low-impact tasks – 00:17:20

Connect with Amanda
Website: https://amandanat.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandanat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandanat
X: https://x.com/amandanat
Substack: https://amandanat.substack.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyahFqV3r_6eMYR8gZ6LDqw
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
18 min
August 26Overcome Procrastination With Better Systems with Mark Talaga — Part 2
Why is it so hard to start the habits we want, and stop the ones we don’t, even when what to prioritize?
In part 2 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with Mark Talaga, performance coach and host of the Hopelessly Gifted podcast, executive functioning specialist.
Mark explains that your brain can’t process negatives, so rather than telling yourself “don’t scroll,” you create an identity as someone who is mindful and focused.
If you’ve ever struggled with getting started or stopping a habit, wrestled with shame or self-labels, or felt overwhelmed by simple tasks, this conversation offers process-driven strategies to boost confidence and reduce burnout.
What You'll Learn:
How replacing unwanted habits with new identity cues vs. relying on prohibition leads to lasting change
Why making a system bigger, adding supports and micromoments, beats minimal incremental tweaks
The counterintuitive power of positives vs. negatives in executive functioning and habit formation
How forced-ranking priorities reveals the true trade-offs behind simple actions like responding to texts
The process approach vs. moralizing failure when something “should be simple” but isn’t
Why managing expectations of incremental growth prevents overwhelm and perfectionism
If you want to build sustainable habits, overcome overwhelm, and optimize your time for greater wellbeing and satisfaction, this episode gives you identity-based and process-driven strategies rooted in performance psychology.
Timestamps
Executive Functioning Challenges vs. Brilliance – 00:00:00
Building Robust Systems for Habit Initiation – 00:00:59
Identity-Based Approach to Stopping Unwanted Behaviors – 00:01:13
Forced-Ranking Priorities & Trade-Offs in Task Management – 00:04:40
Sequencing Growth & Managing Expectations – 00:05:35
Connect with Mark
Website:https://www.centerforidentitypotential.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktalaga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforidentitypotential/
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
10 min
August 19Stop Procrastinating by Understanding Executive Function with Mark Talaga – Part 1
Why do high-achievers struggle with burnout, procrastination, and follow-through, even when they know exactly what they need to do?
In part 1 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with Mark Talaga, licensed professional counselor, speaker, and founder of the Center for Identity Potential, who has helped gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent individuals, families, and organizations decode executive function struggles and reclaim productivity without burnout.
Together, they unpack what drives burnout in high-achievers and why viewing exhaustion as a series of executive function glitches can transform how we manage our time and wellbeing.
Mark explains that burnout isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem but a sign that specific brain processes, like initiation, sustaining, prioritization, sequencing, and emotional regulation, are working overtime or missing key supports.
If you’ve ever struggled with feeling overwhelmed by urgent tasks, losing focus mid-project, or falling into a shame spiral when habits fade, this conversation offers clear frameworks to diagnose your bottlenecks and practical steps to rebuild sustainable routines.
What You'll Learn:
How executive functions vs. general stress responses reveal distinct sources of burnout and what the prefrontal cortex command center actually controls
Why forced priority ranking creates clarity when everything feels urgent (example: pairing tasks in a “tournament” to surface top priorities)
The role of initiation vs. sustaining in habit formation and a simple assessment to pinpoint which skill needs support
How external working memory (visual cues) vs. internal reminders impacts daily habits like water intake and task follow-through
The micro-skill approach to emotional regulation vs. shame spirals and its effect on confidence and focus
The sequencing vs. spontaneous action distinction for improved productivity in both work and home environments
If you want to pinpoint your personal burnout triggers, reclaim deep focus, and build long-lasting habits, this episode gives you targeted strategies rooted in performance psychology.
Timestamps
The role of executive functions in burnout – 00:01:12
Distinguishing initiation vs. sustaining in executive‐function challenges – 00:03:06
Using forced priority ranking to combat overwhelm – 00:06:06
Leveraging external working‐memory cues for habit maintenance – 00:08:52
Reframing habit change by addressing underlying system complexity – 00:11:19
Connect with Mark
Website:https://www.centerforidentitypotential.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktalaga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforidentitypotential/
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
16 min
August 124 Science-Backed Ways to Reduce Anxiety in 60 Seconds
This episode of Time Billionaires explores a simple question: how can quick, intentional micromoments reset your focus and creativity, without changing your schedule?
Rebecca shares research-backed micro-practices you can use in under two minutes to reset your nervous system, spark new ideas, and reduce overwhelm during the workday. She explains why brief, body-based breaks such as lying down for 60 seconds instead of scrolling your phone can shift your mind out of stress mode and into focus.
If you've ever struggled with digital overload, creative blocks, or restless transitions between tasks, this episode offers practical, science-backed rituals you can start using today.
Rebecca covers:
Why a 60-second floor rest can reset your attention better than a scroll break
How turning a desk object into a metaphor can reveal hidden sources of overwhelm
Why paying attention to shadows on a walk can spark the same insight as a shower thought
How doodling with both hands at once can boost focus and creative thinking
Why short micromoments (not marathon work sprints) sustain focus and wellbeing over time
If you want to reclaim scattered focus, spark fresh ideas on demand, and reduce stress mid-day, this episode gives you simple, actionable ways to start.
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
Timestamps
Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for quick mental recentering and focus resets – 00:00:00
Make It a Metaphor exercise to spot overload and gain perspective – 00:01:05
Shadow Play outdoors to spark creativity and grounding – 00:02:10
Bilateral Doodling for cross-hemispheric brain activation and calm – 00:03:15
5 min
July 29Improv Games to Rewire Focus and Confidence with David Westerlund – Part 2
What if a few minutes of improv could lower your anxiety, sharpen your focus, and help you build stronger relationships before your next meeting?
In part 2 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with David Westerlund, an applied improv teacher who has helped professionals across five countries use improv games and techniques to boost confidence, reduce overwhelm, and show up more fully in their work and personal lives.
David shares how short, structured “play breaks” built around simple improv games train the exact skills most professionals struggle to develop: active listening, pattern recognition, creative risk-taking, and presence during transitions. He also introduces a framework for planning in uncertain environments that replaces typical forecasting with something far more flexible and useful.
If you've ever felt stuck on autopilot between meetings, overwhelmed by digital noise, or too cautious to take creative risks at work, this episode gives you concrete tools you can start using in micromoments throughout your day.
What You'll Learn:
Why a short playbreak is a research-backed way to lower anxiety and build confidence
How the "word-at-a-time" story game trains active listening faster than most communication workshops
What the critical uncertainties framework is, and why it outperforms traditional forecasting in unpredictable environments
How low-stakes "stepping out" exercises build the courage to take bigger risks
Why slowing down during transitions, instead of rushing through them, sharpens focus and deepens connection
Timestamps
Practicing for the Future & Intentional Micromoments — 00:01:14
David’s experience as a jail chaplain — 00:03:01
Critical Uncertainties Framework & Action-by-Doing Problem-Solving — 00:05:25
Structuring 20-Minute Virtual “Play breaks” — 00:08:28
Low-Stakes “Stepping Out” to build Confidence — 00:15:42

Connect with David
Website: https://davidwesterlund.com/about/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-westerlund
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjwesterlund/
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
16 min
July 226 Improv Principles That Will Boost Your Confidence with David Westerlund — Part 1
Did you know that you can do improv without performing? And there’s surprising research about the ways improv exercises actually improve your focus, reduce overwhelm, and help you make better use of the small gaps in your day?
In part 1 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with David Westerlund, an applied improv coach with over a decade of experience bringing improv principles to corporate teams, universities, and leaders of all levels, helping them build stronger communication skills, problem-solving, collaboration, and creative momentum.
Presence isn't a personality trait, it's a micro-skill you can train. David breaks down how improv principles like "yes, and," noticing offers, and the Seven Things exercise aren't about performance. They're practical tools for reclaiming focus in micromoments, breaking planning analysis paralysis, and showing up more fully in meetings, conversations, and your own day.
If you've ever felt stuck overplanning, distracted in back-to-back meetings, or unable to find creativity when you need it most, this episode gives you simple, research-backed tools you can use in under five minutes.
What You'll Learn:
How the Seven Things exercise builds presence and focus in under a minute.
Why noticing "hidden offers" in everyday conversation transforms how you connect with people.
How “fractal thinking” takes inspiration from nature and leverages small behavioral changes to create outsized impact.
The difference between "yes, and" and "both/and" — and why neither means agreeing with everything someone else says.
Timestamps
Seeking and Accepting “Offers” in Interactions – 00:02:56
Seven Things Noticing & Appreciation Exercise – 00:05:23
Applying Fractal Patterns to Teams & Habits – 00:07:20
The “Leap” Principle to Building Momentum and Confidence – 00:09:39
“Yes And” vs. “Both And” Communication Framework – 00:13:44

Connect with David
Website: https://davidwesterlund.com/about/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-westerlund
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjwesterlund/
For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.
And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
16 min

About Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life

From the publisher's feed

Time Billionaires is the podcast for high-performing professionals who know they could be getting more out of life. Whether you're busy doing the things you think you have to do while longing for the things you actually want to do, or simply seeking more intention and groundedness in how you spend your time, this show is for you.

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Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life

Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life episodes

About Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life