

Productive Joy
Dr. Christie McMullen
Welcome to Productive Joy with Dr. Christie. I'm your host, Christie McMullen, and together we are going to make sure we turn fun into action. How will we do that? By thoughtfully taking AIM. AIM stands for Analyze Improve Move. We're going to analyze the things that you're currently doing that you're like, I probably could find more joy in this. We're going to improve on those things by listening to experts and learning all kinds of new ways to do business. And then we're going to move. It is time to learn and grow together...let's do this.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 3, 2024 • 30min
From Victim to Victory with Lior Arussy
Do NOT miss this episode - Full Stop. Dr. Christie's guest today will leave you with so much amazing, wise, and useful information, it may warrant a few listens. Lior Arussy, a customer experience strategist, author, and yes, even a chocolatier joins the show.
Lior discusses the challenges of embracing change, sharing insights from his book 'Dare to Author'. He emphasizes the importance of converting life's experiences into strengths and tools for the future. Through compelling stories and practical advice, he encourages you to choose a life of victory over victimhood. Learn how to be future-ready, resilient, and to turn change into opportunities, all while celebrating the time we have and making a positive impact on others.
Connect with Lior Arussy
Connect with Dr. Christie
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
customer experience
strategist executive
author
books
father
grandfather
chocolatier
watch collector
life with victory
life in victimhood
transformation
Mastercards
Delta Airlines
resilience
new tools
new technology
embracing change
COVID
unprecedented event
financial crisis
Dare to Author
superpower
future readiness
writing your life story
impact on others
dream it
achieve it
glass half full
efforts
trade offs
imposter syndrome
fixer
creator
business leader
Blockbuster
Netflix
strategy
opportunities
thriving
survive
mission
tools
unplanned events
organization
industry
resilient muscle
bad news
good news
clients
leaders
change resilience
challenges
success
chocolate
time
message
new book
practical solution

Nov 27, 2024 • 8min
Blue Collar Cash and More with Ken Rusk
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie highlights some of the standout moments from her interview with Ken Rusk, the author of 'Blue Collar Cash'. She discusses Ken's inspiring background from a ditch digger to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the value of hard work, celebrating quick wins, and setting purposeful goals. She recaps his unique approach to goal tracking and team motivation. Christie reflects on the importance of vocational skills and the power of personal determination in defining one's success, and gives actionable insights and a motivation to make it happen.
Find more about Ken
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
author
Blue Collar Cash
interview
ditch digger
celebrate
quick wins
goals
career
technical
education
marketable
skills
pathways
entrepreneurs
milions
podcast
purpose
approval
future
family
opportunities

Nov 26, 2024 • 32min
You and Only You Get to Determine Your Future with Ken Rusk
Thank you for listening to another enlightening episode of Productive Joy. Today Dr. Christie welcomes Ken Rusk, an author and life coach with a background and real-world insights in blue-collar work. Ken shares his journey from a ditch digger to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of vision and culture in achieving success and joy. Ken discusses his unique approach to cultivating goals in his company, his views on overcoming the stigma surrounding blue-collar jobs, and that you don't need an expensive piece of paper from a renowned University to become wildly successful and create your best life.
Find more about Ken
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
book
bestseller
bizarre podcast experience
blue collar
entrepreneur
visionary
ditch digger
construction
interview
life coach
culture
goals
success stories
stigma
college
trades
high school
tradesman
entrepreneur
educator
mentor
Marine
work hard play hard
consistent
employee
pathways
visualize
curiosity
anticipation
financial independence
revenue
profits
Make A Wish
Junior Achievement
Boys and Girls Clubs
non college success
career
control
visual side of brain
Junior Achievement

Nov 20, 2024 • 8min
Be a Light To Those Around You & More with Dan Doerksen
Today Dr. Christie reflects on yesterday's interview with Dan Doerksen. She explores the idea that the work we do is often initially productive and enjoyable but over time, it is reduced to merely a 'job', losing its potential to be fulfilling and fun. She encourages you to find people who shine their light on others and rethink your approach to work and seek ways to make it enjoyable and satisfying again.
Connect with Dan
Connect with Dr. Christie
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Productive Joy
Dan Doerksen
psychological safety
workplaces
psychological safety class
coaching
engagement
quality of life
teenagers
community programming
values
sense of identity
parents
career paths
family systems
organization structure
community service
strategic planning
emotional health
work sucks
quality of experience
employee engagement
managerial
leadership
manager
career coaching
responsibility
expectations
performance management
team
decision making
conflict resolution
podcast
fun
learning
coach
LinkedIn
acquaintance
guest
bright
work
job
fulfilling
managers
successful
created spaces
teaching
adults
influence
mindset
introspection
writing a book

Nov 19, 2024 • 40min
Work Life Matters with Dan Doerksen
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Dan Doerksen, an expert in psychological safety and organizational development. They discuss how to make work environments enjoyable and productive, highlighting the crucial role of managers in employee engagement. Dan shares his story, from an aspiring pilot to organizational designer, emphasizing that work doesn't inherently suck; it's about removing the obstacles that make it unpleasant. He and Dr. Christie dig into the importance of leadership, the impact of managers on work culture, and practical tips for creating a positive work environment.
Connect with Dan
Connect with Dr. Christie
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Productive Joy
Dan Doerksen
psychological safety
F1 race car
organizational developer
workplaces
organizational design
psychological safety class
coaching
engagement
quality of life
teenagers
community programming
values
sense of identity
parents
career paths
family systems
organization structure
community service
strategic planning
adolescent development
emotional health
work sucks
quality of experience
employee engagement
managerial
leadership
Gallup
manager
career coaching
Disney World
responsibility
expectations
performance management
team
decision making
conflict resolution
podcast
fun

Nov 13, 2024 • 10min
Unifying Teams and More with Davina Stanley
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie dives into her conversation with Devana Stanley about her books, Elevate and Engage, focusing on creating clear messages for leaders. She shares secrets on how to empower team members by understanding their personalities, fostering a safe and logical working environment, and making learning fun and memorable.
She also gives practical strategies for integrating teams after mergers and how to analyze, improve, and move forward effectively.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Productive Joy
leadership
author
perspective
nuggets of wisdom
follow the podcast
Davina Stanley
leadership guru
grown boy mom
Australian
Seattle
airplane
car wreck survivor
education
consulting firms
leadership background
flexibility
Hong Kong
New York
Tokyo
communication specialist
management consulting
McKinsey
problem solving
adventurous life
freelance
training
Asia Pacific marketing
lawyers
teaching
structured communication
pyramid principle
clarify thinking
organizations
freelance for McKinsey
writing
Elevate
Engage
Leader's book
one pager
consulting work
online course
story structure
team members
methodology
leadership clarity
collaboration
epiphany

Nov 12, 2024 • 29min
Clarify your Message with Davina Stanley
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie brings you a guest with one of the most impressive resumes you can imagine. Davina Stanley, an author and leadership expert, shares her unique insights on leadership, problem-solving, and communication strategies that save time and enhance productivity.
Growing up in rural Australia and living in various global cities, Davina brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation. She introduces her books, 'Elevate' and 'Engage,' which offer structured communication techniques to help teams and leaders work more effectively. She also shares her personal anecdotes and reflective thoughts on achieving joy in our personal and professional life.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
keywords:
Productive Joy
leadership
author
perspective
nuggets of wisdom
follow the podcast
Davina Stanley
leadership guru
grown boy mom
Australian
Seattle
airplane
car wreck survivor
education
consulting firms
leadership background
flexibility
Hong Kong
New York
Tokyo
communication specialist
management consulting
McKinsey
problem solving
adventurous life
freelance
training
Asia Pacific marketing
lawyers
teaching
structured communication
pyramid principle
clarify thinking
organizations
freelance for McKinsey
writing
Elevate
Engage
Leader's book
one pager
consulting work
online course
story structure
team members
methodology
leadership clarity
collaboration
epiphany

Nov 6, 2024 • 7min
Strength In Vulnerability & More with Mike McCormick
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie talks about the amazing amount of information she took away from her interview with Michael McCormick, a seasoned superintendent dedicated to making people better.
Dr. Christie shares insights from Mike's life, including lessons from being a latchkey kid and the importance of recognizing patterns in behavior. She discusses the significance of knowing your people, fostering vulnerability as a form of courage, and creating environments for others to excel.
PLUS! Dr. Christie spills some details on her new book 'Learning Can Stick' available now on Audible.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.

Nov 5, 2024 • 32min
Don’t Be Afraid with Mike McCormick
In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Michael McCormick, a former superintendent who shares his story from juvenile corrections officer to educational leader.
Mike discusses overcoming fear, building a strong team, and the impact of long-term relationships in education. He emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically, fostering joy, and maintaining gratitude. He also shares personal stories and gives valuable insights for leaders aiming to cultivate a positive and productive work culture.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Key words from the episode!
Productive Joy
podcast
Productivity
Joseph Campbell
fear
leadership
retired
superintendent
education
California
teacher
administration
career
goals
team building
relationships
institutional knowledge
joy
fun
family
work environment
vulnerability
gratitude
successful
authentic self
siblings
public schools
students
children
speaking
engagement
passion
motivation
NFL players
educational initiatives
impact
community
talent
access
opportunity
parents
colleagues
support system
network
organization
culture
psychological safety
creativity
aspirations
life lessons
advice

Oct 30, 2024 • 8min
Money Isn't Something To Be Afraid Of & More with Jeff Panik
On today's episode Dr. Christie gives a recap of her conversation with Jeff Panik, an author and financial guru, focusing on financial literacy for young adults. Dr. Christie reflects on her personal financial challenges growing up and the importance of financial education.
She emphasizes that while we don't need to be experts in everything, it's vital to surround ourselves with people who have different skill sets. She also talks about how to make learning memorable by building relationships and making interactions safe, logical, fun, and impactful.
Dr. Christie McMullen is a best-selling author and 24-year educator turned entrepreneur who can help you make work fun! She has worked with thousands of adults in multiple industries at organizations like Aetna, ReMax, Solaris, and RISE to improve human interactions.
With a master's and doctorate in Educational Leadership and two and a half decades of practical experience she is able to connect with CEOs, directors, educators, salespeople, and everyone in between.
Keywords:
issues
life
communication
transparency
resources
kids
college
debt
direction
recipe
tough time
running
grateful
direction
brilliance
episode


