In this episode of Work In Progress, we tackle burnout - nowadays quite a common term, but what is it really? Expert Shauna Moran joins host Sarah Stancombe to explain how it starts and what we can do to prevent it, manage it, and come out the other side stronger. 

Shauna Moran partners with organizations and leaders globally to transform team dynamics, foster resilience, and create cultures that support both well-being and high performance. As an internationally recognized expert in workplace well-being, burnout prevention, and leadership development, she focuses on empowering women leaders and fostering sustainable workplace well-being. In fact, her clients report a 60% reduction in stress levels while increasing their impact.

In this episode, Shauna Moran explains what burnout is, the three core pillars causing burnout, and the five stages of burnout. She shares some common misconceptions, and how the term is often misused. Shauna Moran recommends self-scoring as a method of collecting data about yourself to figure out where the stress is coming from, and what best relieves it. 

Together, Sarah and Shauna Moran discuss what different activities might work for relieving stress, such as going for a walk, a dance class, or better managing work life integration. For example, you might take a longer lunch break if you started earlier in the morning, or prioritize your tasks based on the amount of energy you need for each one. 

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Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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In this episode of Work In Progress, we dive into the complex topic of how stress impacts productivity. Stress can truly sabotage our workflow, making us more unproductive, only to have more stressors keep piling on. It can be a vicious cycle, thus, joining host Sarah Stancombe today to give some expert advice Dr. Lexi Harrigan.

Dr. Lexi Harrigan is a licensed physical therapist, resilience coach, and founder of Pelvis Power PT, a concierge physical therapy practice based in Dallas-Fort Worth. With nearly two decades of experience in women’s health, chronic pain, and oncology rehab, Dr. Lexi Harrigan blends clinical expertise with trauma-informed care to help individuals and organizations navigate stress, grief, and burnout. She is also a professor at the University of St. Augustine and a published author, using her voice to empower people to take radical ownership of their health and wellbeing. Dr. Lexi Harrigan is passionate about building trust-based leadership, emotionally intelligent workplaces, and sustainable wellness strategies for high-performing teams.

In this episode, Dr. Lexi Harrigan explains that shame is a big factor in many people’s lives that stops them from resting and taking adequate measures to care for themselves. In these cases, stress can create sickness, pain in the body, and burnout, forcing people to take time off work. If we can be more proactive about our stress and overall health, we can avoid more drastic issues occurring in our bodies.

Together, Sarah and Dr. Lexi Harrigan explore how the body and mind are thoroughly interconnected. Drooping your head sends a message to your mind that there is sadness present, whilst opening your chest promotes a more confident outlook. Dr. Lexi Harrigan advises taking three deep diaphragmatic breaths everyday, and releasing any tension in your body with the exhale. This can vastly improve your readiness for the day and attune your mind to notice more often if there is unnecessary tension being held in your body. 

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Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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Job hunting and resume writing can often seem like a daunting task. Choosing what information to pack in and navigating the ever-changing job market is no easy feat. Thanks to expert Gabrielle Suttis, CRS, this episode uncovers advice to make the process a little bit easier, and certainly more effective.

Gabrielle Suttis, CRS is an entrepreneur with a background in Human Resources and is the founder of Go Getter Resumes. She has an extensive history of connecting candidates with jobs in the construction, oil and gas, and safety industries. She is also an award-winning resume writer and a Certified Resume Strategist who takes an individualized approach to each resume. Gabrielle Suttis, CRS started out as an Administrative Assistant for the Government of Alberta and has since progressed to specialize in human resources, and seeks to bridge the gap between job seeker and employer.

In this episode, Gabrielle Suttis, CRS explains that a key part of resume writing is actually not to talk about yourself. This is a big misconception that can be easily solved by focusing on the role instead of yourself personally. She also accentuates the importance of values and how these can really help you define a career. 

Together, Sarah and Gabrielle Suttis, CRS explore the importance of networking - something many struggle with but one that does not have to be doused in professionalism to be helpful, in fact, authenticity is key, and some of your closest circles may end up helping with your job search too.

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Follow Gabrielle Suttis, CRS’s work on her website: www.gogetterresumes.com

Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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Many people are now working from home due to the needs of our personal lives, or the needs of our colleagues across the world and the expansion of companies across continents. So, this week on Work in Progress: The Personal Productivity Science Insights Podcast, host Sarah Stancombe consults Steven Puri, the founder and CEO of a focus app for remote work, on what it takes to stay motivated in a remote work environment.

Following a long-standing career in film and television, Steven Puri returned to building tech companies, and founded a highly raved focus app The Sukha Company. With the mission to help millions of people find their focus and achieve a healthier work life, The Sukha Company app is equipped with a range of effective productivity tools, from focus music and distraction blockers, to Pomodoro timers and more.

In this episode, Steven Puri explains the idea of flow state, and how specific music can help us reach it. He further elaborates on the conditions that are prime for achieving the flow state, and shares advice on accomplishing it.

Together, Sarah and Steven Puri explore the idea of simplifying —  for instance, you are more likely to have a productive work session with a list of just three things, rather than an overwhelming list of 17. So, whether you’re a seasoned working professional, or just starting to find your place on the market, tune in this week for expert advice on finding focus in remote work settings!

Follow Steven Puri’s work: www.TheSukha.co

Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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What if retirement wasn’t about stopping — but starting? This week on Work in Progress: The Personal Productivity Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults author and artist Carrie Jane Knowles to learn more about what it takes to design your ideal retirement.

A well-established author, Carrie Knowles has nine books and numerous writing awards to her name. For the last six years, she has written a personal perspective column, Shifting Forward, for Psychology Today, addressing themes of relationships, grandparenthood, emotions, and aging, through personal stories. Most recently, her debut one-act play, Modern Women, won second place in the 2024 William Faulkner Literary Competition.

In this episode, Carrie Knowles reveals how her profession as an artist and author has shaped her perspective on retirement. Additionally, she addresses common misconceptions most people have about retirement, that hold them back from making full use of its potential.

Together, Marie and Carrie Knowles explore habits and exercises that may prove useful in retirement planning. So, tune in this week for expert advice on designing your ideal retirement, and remember — retirement isn’t an endpoint, but a launchpad.

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Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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Time management, task batching, goal setting… These are just a few of the commonly discussed techniques when it comes to productivity. But something that often gets overlooked is self-compassion. What if being kinder to ourselves isn’t just a nice idea, but a legitimate productivity tool?  In this episode,  hospital medicine physician Adrienne Mann, MD joins host Marie Stella to explore the role of self-compassion in productivity.

Additionally, Adrienne Mann, MD is an associate professor of hospital medicine at the University of Colorado and Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, and Core Faculty for Coaching at the CU Internal Medicine Residency Program. She is a Master Certified life coach and Co-Director of Better Together Physician Coaching,  CU-based life coaching program serving medical students, residents, fellows, and clinicians in practice nationwide. Her scholarly interest is in the development, application, and study of coaching methodology in sustainable programs to promote resilience and well-being by encouraging a growth mindset and creation of individualized definitions of success. 

In this episode, Adrienne Mann, MD stresses the importance of understanding yourself and advocating for your own needs to ensure your environment is conducive to achieving maximum productivity. She also touches on rest, self-compassion, and the struggles people face with imposter syndrome. 

Together, Marie and Adrienne Mann, MD discuss being curious, paying attention to your inner voice or inner critic, and solutions such as seeking help from a life coach.

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Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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Many people view mindfulness as an emptying of the mind, but this is not entirely true. Mindfulness encompasses the body, observing thoughts, and being situated in the world around us. In today’s episode we are joined by Dr. Bassam Khoury to explore how mindfulness and compassion work together in a dual approach to improve our overall wellbeing and our personal productivity. 

Dr. Bassam Khoury is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology at McGill University, and he heads the McGill Mindfulness Research Lab, where he and his team conduct research to advance the theory, research, and applications of mindfulness and compassion. Dr. Bassam Khoury has published numerous papers on mindfulness and compassion in leading journals in the fields of clinical psychology and physical and medical health. His work includes 77 journal articles and 9 book chapters - he has gained international recognition and has been cited over 8,500 times. Dr. Bassam Khoury has also been recognized with multiple awards, including the Association of Psychological Science Emerging Scholars Rising Stars Award and the William Dawson Scholars Award.

In this episode, Dr. Bassam Khoury stresses the importance of setting intentions for a mindfulness practise, and asking yourself what you want to get out of it. Is it to improve yourself, your stress, your relationships, or perhaps your interactions with others? 

Together, Sarah and Dr. Bassam Khoury discuss how meditation practices should focus on the body, not just on the mind. While observing your thoughts is important, so is connecting with your environment. Dr. Bassam Khoury’s own research also touches on compassion towards others, such as building compassion towards animals. 

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Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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The complex topic of psychological flexibility may seem daunting, but focusing on self-compassion will help most individuals inch toward a more fulfilling life. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Sarah Stancombe is joined by psychology professor Dr. Miriam Liss to learn more about what it takes to be psychologically flexible.

Currently serving as professor and chair of the psychological science department at the University of Mary Washington, Miriam Liss is also a member of the university’s interdisciplinary women, gender, and sexuality studies program. In addition, Miriam is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in 2001. Among her long list of accolades are over 60 articles on an extensive range of topics, as well as co-authoring books such as ‘Balancing the Big Stuff: Finding Happiness in Work, Family, and Life’. 

In this episode, Miriam shares metaphors that can help us better understand the role our own thoughts play in our lives, and centers self-compassion as different to self esteem, encouraging speaking to oneself as one would a friend. She also shares her groundbreaking research on the gendered world of mental load. 

Together, Sarah and Miriam frequent the phrase ‘do it scared’, which has circulated online, and how this pertains to the idea of standing above the unhelpful thoughts, and not letting them control your actions. So, if you love metaphors, gender studies, and learning about the complex world of the brain, tune in this week for an enlightening discussion!

Follow Dr. Miriam Liss’s via the following link, and find her published works on google scholar: https://psychologyofwomenandgender.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-in-progress-the-personal-productivity-science/id1648510051  

Working with ADHD encompasses a whirlwind of strong hyperfocus periods and extreme lows. This week on Work in Progress: The Personal Productivity Science Insights Podcast, host Joahanna Wickramaratne chats with ADHD coach Carolyn Verhoef to find out more about sustainable working practices that will prove effective to those with ADHD.

As an ADHD and positive intelligence coach, Carolyn Verhoef supports adults in creating flow in life, work, and home. With a background as a chef, retail manager, professional organizer, and belly dancer, thinking outside the box comes naturally to Carolyn Verhoef. Currently based in Perth, Carolyn Verhoef works with adults with ADHD all over Australia and the world.

In this episode, Carolyn Verhoef sheds light on how workplace burnout manifests in those affected by ADHD, and why they face several challenges specifically when it comes to sustaining productivity at work. She addresses some common misconceptions that exist about ADHD, and reveals some effective work approaches that help to combat workplace burnout.

Together, Joahanna and Carolyn Verhoef weigh up various habits and practices that may prove useful, for those with ADHD, in finding their flow. So, tune in this week for expert advice on harnessing strengths, managing energy levels, and more!

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Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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Do you find yourself constantly putting off important tasks? This week on Work in Progress: The Personal Productivity Science Insights Podcast, host Joahanna Wickramaratne interviews career and life happiness coach Manuela Pauer to address the painful obstacle that is procrastination, and how it impedes on our productivity.

With over 14 years of experience, Manuela Pauer specializes in helping mid-career professionals connect with their purpose, passions, and strengths, to create a career and life they love. Prior to helping other professionals, Manuela Pauer saw a successful corporate career spanning strategy consulting at Bain & Company, product management at a Silicon Valley startup, as well as executive directing product management and strategic planning at AOL, formerly known as America Online.

In this episode, Manuela Pauer highlights and addresses some common misconceptions she’s come across about procrastination, elaborating on the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to the largely undesired habit. Additionally, Manuela Pauer sheds light on how to recognize and disrupt the pattern of procrastination.

Together, Joahanna and Manuela Pauer discuss habits that may prove useful in avoiding procrastination. So, tune in this week for practical pointers on keeping yourself on track for optimum productivity!

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Produced by the Personal Productivity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://pp.lmsl.net for further information about Personal Productivity Science Labs.

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