Productivity Gladiator

Drowning in emails? This is your life raft. Discover the shockingly simple 4D system for inbox mastery and the little-known hacks top performers use to never miss an important email and stay on top of tasks. Listen now, so you can close your inbox with confidence.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/email-overload-no-more-reclaim-your-inbox-with-these-underutilized-hacks-tactics********************Links to References In This Episode—The “Done With You” Email course Brian mentioned, is available as part of the Productivity Gladiator monthly membership. It’s like a monthly Starbucks for your professional development. This special introductory offer will never be available again. By getting in now you’ll be grandfathered in to all of the future upgrades, content, and tiers.***********************************Episode DigestReclaim Your Inbox!Email is the biggest productivity drain of the modern workforce. We're all drowning in a never-ending deluge of messages, requests, and digital noise clogging our inboxes. But what if there was a simple way to cut through the chaos and achieve the mythical "inbox zero"?The answer lies in adopting a systematic approach to email management. By implementing a few core principles and key strategies, you can kiss inbox overwhelm goodbye and operate from a distraction-free zone of productivity.The Necessity of Inbox ZeroWhile some argue that an empty inbox is optional, the reality is quite different. As the anecdote about the overflowing maintenance inbox illustrates, an unprocessed inbox is a leading indicator of dropping balls and missing commitments:"If you don't have a really well developed system and you don't get to zero emails in your inbox once a day, I've got a system for you...Because if you're bad at email, then you're probably also bad at coming through on things that I ask you for and taking care of things on your to-do list."Top performers excel at email processing precisely because it's the gateway habit to responsiveness and accountability on all fronts. Aiming for "just a few" emails is settling for subpar follow-through.The 4D System: One Core Underlying ProcessAt its core, mastering email demands implementing a simple 4-step decision matrix for every single message that hits your inbox:Deal with it - If it can be done in under 2 minutes, respond immediately and archive.Delegate it - If it's someone else's responsibility, forward accordingly with a follow-up reminder for yourself if needed.Defer it - If it requires longer action, capture it in a task list or snooze it, then remove it from your inbox.Delete it - If it provides no further value, delete or archive it."You have to delete or archive it out of your inbox once you reviewed it and there's nothing left to do with it."Processing each email through this consistent 4D workflow is the golden key to inbox zero. Coupled with a cadence of tackling your inbox in bursts 3-4 times per day, your backlog will rapidly become a fading memory.5 Turbo-Charged Email HacksOf course, true email mastery extends beyond the 4D method alone. Here are 5 powerful email-optimizing tips from the pros:Send & Archive Button - Configure a shortcut to simultaneously send your reply and archive the original thread from your inbox.Schedule Send - Delay email delivery for optimal sending windows to boost response rates and avoid training recipients to expect 24/7 availability.Snooze Emails - Leverage snooze functions to temporarily remove emails requiring future action until the appropriate date/time.Use Templates - Create saved templates for frequently sent messages to streamline composing.Close Your Inbox - Also disable notifications. You want that inbox CLOSED until you choose to open it later."I want nothing. Close your email. And if you're really bad about this, I can already say this is probably gonna be like trying to quit cigarettes."The Bottom LineFor too long, we've labored under the false belief that digging out from inbox insanity is an epic, endless struggle. But as you can see here, a simple shift in mindset and habits is all it takes to permanently shed that productivity succubus.No more opening your email app with dread, scrambling to catch up on a backlog spanning weeks or months. Just a pristine, zen-like inbox awaiting your orders each morning. That's the power of inbox zero - reclaiming control over your priorities and attention. It's time to rise as the email ninja you were born to become.CAN I TEACH YOU EMAIL, THE RIGHT WAY?This episode was full of great information, and is only about a third of the lessons and information I teach you in the Email Course! It’s a part of the Productivity Gladiator Membership. I’ll share my screen, give you visuals, and walk you through the information I’m teaching.There’s so much more included too! The new monthly membership is like a monthly Starbucks for your professional development. This special introductory offer will never be available again, come join now, and you’ll be grandfathered in to all the future content, tiers, & enhancements.*******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. As more opportunities come up with the membership, you’ll be the first to know about these news courses and areas of education. Sign up to start receiving these tips!About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. Graduates of Productivity Gladiator training wield time management & life balance superpowers, activate a laser-guided ability to focus & prioritize, and implement a sniper-precise approach to task & email management. If what you’ve seen or heard here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Leadership strategist Sara Canaday joins Brian and shares insights on the key differences that turn a good leader into a great one. Unlike vague general leadership training, this conversation is specific for a change, delving into what a good leader and a great leader would do in the same situation, to unlock their team's potential and become truly memorable leaders.See the full details and links on the episode's page: the-difference-between-good-vs-great-leaders-a-deep-dive-with-sara-canaday*****************************Links to References In This EpisodeSara Canaday’s LinkedIn ProfileSubscribe to Sara’s NewsletterSara’s Courses on LinkedIn LearningBook Brian mentioned, Strengths Based Leadership*****************************Episode DigestWe all know the basics of good leadership - meeting targets, maintaining an efficient team, delivering results. But what propels a leader from merely good to truly great? What’s gives them the elusive "X-factor" that inspires unwavering loyalty and leaves a lasting legacy. Sara and Brian dove in.Great leaders educate rather than just inform."It's one thing to just pass on information, but a great leader actually brings that vision to life."Actionable Takeaway: Use creative methods like props, analogies, visuals, and stories to make ideas tangible and relatable when communicating with your team. Don't just relay information - vividly illustrate the "why" behind decisions and initiatives.A great leader is a talent cultivator, not just a task distributer."A great leader actually matches those team members with the skills that they're not only good at, but that inspire them."Actionable Takeaway: Have one-on-one conversations to understand each person's unique interests and motivations. Then deliberately assign projects and responsibilities that leverage their strengths while providing growth opportunities in areas of passion.Foster an environment of open dialogue and critical thinking."What are we missing here?" "What would make you more comfortable with this strategy?"Actionable Takeaway: Resist providing just the answers. Ask thought-provoking questions that challenge assumptions and invite diverse perspectives. Make your team meetings a psychologically safe space for candid input.Be a connector and developer of people."A great leader is so well connected themselves. They've worked hard enough on their own network that they can now share it with you."Actionable Takeaway: Actively connect your team members with other experts, mentors, training opportunities and experiences that can accelerate their professional growth and career aspirations. Share your own networks liberally.Display entrepreneurial spirit and vision."They're asking questions on a broader scale...Why do we always do it this way? What if we stopped doing this altogether?"Actionable Takeaway: Don't just maintain the status quo. Challenge existing processes and ways of thinking, and provide potential alternatives. Inspire your team by posing bold "what if" questions that spark innovation and positive disruption.Be situationally fluent and highly self-aware."Can they read the room? Can they sense that they're going a little too much in the weeds? Can they sense the conversation needs levity?"Actionable Takeaway: Continuously work on developing emotional intelligence. During meetings and interactions, make it a habit to pause, read verbal and non-verbal cues, and adjust your style and approach as needed to optimally connect with your audience.The path to great leadership is challenging but rewarding. It requires a steadfast commitment to inspiring and developing others rather than just completing tasks and hitting numbers. By embodying these qualities, you become a leader who doesn't just meet expectations, but one who leaves a lasting impact on your teams and your organization.The choice is yours - strive for good or strive for great? Embrace these strategies to unlock your ultimate leadership potential.****************************************Today’s GuestSara CanadayLeadership Strategist, Speaker, and Award-Winning AuthorSara Canaday is a leadership consultant, speaker and author who helps companies maximize the contributions of their leaders and high potentials for bottom-line impact. Drawing on 13 years of corporate experience, Sara has a unique gift for connecting with her clients and ensuring they walk away with actionable strategies for positive change -- strengthening leadership skills, improving business relationships, and enhancing performance. Sara is a member of the National Speakers Association and a by-invitation only leadership instructor for LinkedIn Learning. She has been featured in a number of publications, most notably Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.Sara is the author of three books, You – According to Them: Uncovering the blind spots that impact your reputation and your career, the award-winning book, Leadership Unchained: Defy Conventional Wisdom for Breakthrough Performance, and her latest book, Essential Coaching Skills for Managers: The Tools You Need to Ignite Greatness in Each Employee.Website: saracanaday.com Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/saracanaday *******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Discover 14 innovative ways to harness generative AI to elevate your productivity at work and home. Learn how AI can analyze data, summarize contracts, and even add humor to your speeches. Brian shares practical examples that demonstrate AI as your 'brilliant intern.' He also introduces a new membership course for hands-on learning in these skills. Embrace the future of productivity and make AI work for you!

Chris Croft, an author and speaker on productivity and happiness, joins Brian on the show to share his unique "productivity animal" framework. He explains how different animal personalities represent different combinations of goals, efficiency, enjoyment, and achievement. The banter between Chris and Brian is humorous and insightful. Take the quiz to find out your Productivity Animal, and tune in to find out what it means.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/what-is-your-productivity-animal-understand-your-natural-tendencies-with-chris-croft*****************************Links to References In This EpisodeChris Croft’s Productivity Animal QuizChris Croft’s websiteChris Croft’s Books - Amazon - GoodreadsBOOK: The book by Victor Frankl, Man’s Search For Meaning, that Brian mentioned - Goodreads - AmazonChris’s Youtube Video: Time Management In Under 8 MinutesBOOK: 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management by Hyrum W. Smith - Goodreads - AmazonBOOK: Getting Things Done by David Allen - Amazon - Goodreads*****************************Take Chris Croft’s Productivity Animal Quiz. Which one are you?!*****************************Your Productivity Animal: Achieve More by Understanding Your Natural TendenciesWe all want to be productive - to achieve our goals while still enjoying life. But the reality is, most of us struggle to find that ideal balance between efficiency, achievement, and happiness. In this insightful podcast, author and speaker Chris Croft introduces his creative "Productivity Animal" framework to help individuals identify their natural productivity styles and what shifts are needed to reach their full potential.The Genesis: Goals, Enjoyment, AchievementCroft's animal archetypes stem from his realization that true fulfillment comes from a harmonious blend of goal-setting, enjoyment, and achievement across all life domains - work and home. As he mapped this out visually: Goals and Efficiency are the "inputs" that lead to the "outputs" of Enjoyment and Achievement.Croft emphasized the crucial role of defined goals: "If you set a goal, it's like putting a destination in your GPS - every day you'll make decisions pointing you toward that end point." Yet goals alone are insufficient; you need efficiency and discipline to propel you forward on that journey. As Croft summarized: "Goals make you more disciplined and assertive, so you go faster in the right direction."The Productivity Animals RevealedSo which animal represents your current productivity style? Croft outlines six key archetypes:The Greyhound: Efficient but goalless, the metaphor of chasing the incentives round and round a track but never really getting anywhere. "If you don't have GPS set, you'll just drive at random and end up in a swamp. A shocking 38% of people who took my quiz are Greyhounds - hard workers lacking goals and a clear purpose.”The Kangaroo: Enjoyment-seekers living purely in the moment, devoid of goals or efficiency. "You can do this in your 20s, but eventually you need to get a grip on what you want to achieve."The Mountain Goat: Relentlessly pursuing goals while forgetting to enjoy the journey. "Like goats scaling a mountain but never stopping to admire the view." At risk of burnout from all work and no play.The Soaring Eagle: The ideal state - crystal clear on goals, efficient in pursuit of them, while still making time for enjoyment in all life areas. "If you have the right mix of home/work and joy/achievement goals - you've got life sussed."The Koala: Has goals but is inefficient. These people are often dreamers, who have high aspirations but don’t seem to accomplish any of their dreams. This also might be where someone who has “golden handcuffs” sits, which means they’ve got a great paying job, and are afraid to lose it to try for something more. The Tortoise: Doesn't have goals and is also not efficient. They don't achieve anything and they don't enjoy themselves. And these are the people who plod through life and they're just unhappy and they just go, well, what can you do? I'll just have to carry on doing this job that I hate. They have all sorts of potential if only somebody told them. They're just plodding along through the grass thinking, well just have to eat grass again today.You Evolve & Change Throughout Your Life Once you identify your animal, Croft provides wisdom on evolving toward the enlightened Eagle. For Greyhounds, it's simply a matter of getting clear on goals to give your work purpose. Kangaroos need to find a motivating vision to work toward. And Goats must embrace enjoyment and inject play into their relentless pursuit of success.The Hedonic Treadmill TrapBut even the lofty Eagles must guard against a insidious productivity pitfall - the "hedonic treadmill." This is where you achieve a goal like running a marathon, only to immediately start chasing the next goal without pausing to celebrate. You buy your dream car, but a few weeks later, the thrill is gone and you're longing for the next material prize.To counter this, Croft advises setting a mix of achievement and enjoyment goals across life domains. "If all your goals are financial, you'll just want newer cars. Have goals like writing a book or performing music too." He also stresses regularly re-evaluating your goals, letting go of completed ones, and setting new inspiring challenges.The Path to SoaringThe key takeaway? We're all a work-in-progress on the path toward becoming more productive, purposeful, and joyful. Knowing your current productivity animal is the first step. From there, implement Croft's wisdom to integrate the missing elements - whether that's defined goals, improved efficiency, or scheduled enjoyment.As Croft summarizes: "The Eagle must continually ask - what's next? How do I follow up Everest? Because it's never finished...you climb one mountain only to see a bigger one on the horizon." A meaningful, fulfilling life is a perpetual journey of striving towards elevated visions of achievement and happiness. Embrace your productive nature, but keep soaring toward your highest ideals.****************************************Today’s GuestToday’s GuestChris CroftAuthor, Speaker, Traineron Productivity & HappinessChris Croft is one of the world's leading trainers, having provided courses to over 87,000 people in-person and a staggering 18 million online across platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and YouTube. With top-selling courses on project management, happiness, negotiation skills, and more, Croft has cultivated a massive global following - his tip of the month email reaches over 20,000 subscribers. A prolific author and former chartered engineer with an MBA from Cambridge, Croft brings decades of corporate experience and an interactive, practical teaching style to help professionals achieve more while finding greater fulfillment.Website: chriscroft.co.uk Linkedin Learning: linkedin.com/learning/instructors/chris-croft LinkedIn Contact: linkedin.com/in/chriscrofttraining/ Chris Croft’s Books - Amazon - Goodreads*******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Dean Karrel, a sales trainer and career advisor, joins Brian to discuss everyday sales tactics that can be used to influence and persuade, not just in a sales role but in all aspects of life - with kids, family, bosses, and clients. They discuss emotional intelligence, listening, understanding the other person's perspective, telling stories, being prepared, focusing on benefits over features, building trust through integrity, and character, as key skills for effective "selling" and positive influence in all your relationships. Selling is a valuable skill in all your roles throughout your life. Everyday persuasion is right!See the full details and links on the episode's page. *****************************Links to References In This EpisodeDean Karrel's book "Mastering the Basics: Keys to Career & Life Success"Dean Karrel’s courses on LinkedIn LearningBrian Nelson-Palmer's TEDx talk on the value of your timeMovie Glengarry Glen Ross - the Alec Baldwin "Always Be Closing" speech sceneMovie - The Wolf of Wall Street - The Sales Speech SceneMovie - Tin Men - scene on deception & Aluminum SidingDr. Todd Dewett's episode on storytelling*****************************Everyday PERSUASIONWe all have an aversion to “sales” and “selling.” Visions of high pressure, scammy salespeople immediately come to mind thanks to negative stereotypes perpetuated by popular media. However, the reality is sales skills are invaluable in all aspects of business and life – with your colleagues, your family, even your kids. Sales, influence, and persuasion happen everyday in a variety of relationships and scenarios.So how can you utilize sales tactics effectively without manipulation? The key is authenticity. Success lies in enhancing your natural abilities rather than pretending to be someone you’re not.Emotional Intelligence Sets the StageThe first and most critical sales skill is emotional intelligence – self-awareness and understanding others. You can’t sell anything without first reading the emotional state of the other party. Listen more than you speak to pick up on cues revealing how the other person is feeling and what objections or concerns they may have. Empathize and find common ground. No progress will happen if emotions run high or trust lacks. As one quote puts it, “take it easy, they’re doing the best they can.” Meet people where they are first before launching into a proposal or request.What’s in It For Them?We all ask ourselves “What’s in this for me?” when presented with an offer. The key is to flip perspectives. Demonstrate how your product, idea, or proposal specifically solves a problem or adds value for the other party. Generic benefits don’t compel action. You have to understand motivations and goals from their angle. Do your research to craft messaging hitting on tangible outcomes the other person cares about.An example shared was utilizing AI to help clean out and use up food when moving houses. The benefit of convenience connecting with a pressing real need in the moment led to adoption of the technology. Even though general usefulness had been touted before without impact. Think benefits over features and make it personal.Stories Resonate More Than StatsStories speak directly to emotions and relationships. Data and facts have their place in selling, but stories forge human connections vital for influence. One powerful anecdote relayed was of a salesperson standing on a couch to physically demonstrate the “no sag” benefit of that particular furniture product. Visuals showing 350 pounds of force exerted without damage tell the durability story far better than talking springs and fabric quality.Stories also help deliver difficult news or major changes that require buy-in from your team. Explaining the reasons behind a shift through story gives helpful context. Even during painful layoffs, the “why” behind restructuring won empathy and preserved future relationships with those impacted.Authenticity Starts with Self-AwarenessA sales pro knows both strengths and growth areas – they have clarity on natural abilities that can be enhanced versus trying to force behaviors not aligned with innate tendencies. As one leader learned, aggression and manipulation don’t work long-term even if you initially close more deals. You burn trust quickly through not being genuine.Leaning into authenticity requires self-awareness. What unique value do you bring based on abilities, experience, and personality? Lead with your true self to build trust and likability that enables influence.The Foundation: CharacterAt the root, your character determines the trust you instill. One story involved calling out a rude customer and then encountering them later as a job candidate. Treating people respectfully regardless of power status or external pressures reveals strong principles. Do you help others when there is no advantage or audience? How you act when no one is looking shows who you truly are.Relationships Drive ReferralsFinally, sales has shifted from one-off transactions to relationship focus because referrals now drive revenue. While AI supports many business functions, people ultimately still decide to do business with people. No software builds rapport and trust for you. Use technology to enhance but not try to replace human connections.Listening and learning about the other person before launching into a sales pitch proves more persuasive than glossy brochures or elegant features. Sales at its core sits on this foundation: genuinely knowing, helping, and collaborating with humans.****************************************Today’s GuestDean KarrelSales Trainer, Career Mentor, AuthorDean Karrel is an expert in executive coaching, career mentoring, sales training, and leadership development.Dean has been in sales management and leadership positions for over three decades with some major global publishing companies. Most recently, he was senior vice president of sales of John Wiley & Sons based in Hoboken, New Jersey. His sales teams were focused on direct sales to major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Costco, and other national chains, along with initiatives aimed at B2B and B2C sales. Dean now has his own consulting business providing sales training programs along with career and executive coaching. In addition, he is a Certified Professional Career Coach. Dean is the author of Mastering the Basics: Simple Lessons for Achieving Success in Business.Website: linkedin.com/learning/instructors/dean-karrelLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/deankarrel *******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special zoom events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Ever been in a meeting and thought “UGH, this meeting could have been an email?” This episode is a massive knowledge share, where Brian reveals some of the tips, tricks, and hacks he teaches in his training on this topic. It’s time to pull back the curtain on meeting efficiency, effectiveness, and skill.See the full details and links on the episode's page. *****************************Links to References In This EpisodeMy Facebook Reel that went viral and inspired the idea for this episode.The research I mentioned showing when people are most likely to say yes.***********************************Episode DigestNew Type Of Episode starting 2024This is a massive knowledge share. I’m going to be doing more of these as well.The idea for episodes like this came from a Facebook Reel I shared that went viral last year. It was a simple knowledge hack, but based on the engagement it was something people were interested in. Through Productivity Gladiator I teach personal practical productivity skills. I have a lot of knowledge and hacks to share. The episodes with guests with guests deliver practical and interesting takeaways, and I also want to share all the hacks and tips that I’m delivering in my workshops as well. here’s the overall concept to remember: Synchronous or Asynchronous Communication Does the person receiving the communication need to be there receiving it at the same time you’re sending it?Synchronous is received live at the exact same moment the person is speaking it: Examples: Meetings, Phone calls.Asynchronous is received at some point (could be shortly, or much longer, after): Example: Email, shared Google or Sharepoint Documents, teams/slack messagesList of # Tips & HacksA meeting is likely a good idea if: Everyone can/should contribute real timeYes for developing the solution to a problem, brainstorming, or a situation where there are a lot of questions to be answered. No - if you’re just going to ask them to send you an email later with their ideas, or if you were just going to mute their mics anyway.A meeting is likely a good idea if: Time is short, you can’t wait for everyone to get back to you via a return message. A meeting is likely a good idea if: Messages have gone back and forth several times already. A meeting is likely a good idea if: Messaging has created more questions than answers. A meeting is likely a good idea if: You need someone to say yes.Most likely to say yes in the first half of the morning, or the first 2 hours after lunch. A meeting is NOT needed if: Everyone is not expected to actively contributeExamples: status meetings, staff meetingsFavorite phrase to put perspective on whether this meeting is needed: “There’s a lot of money in this room” (how much everyone’s time is worth)A meeting is NOT needed if: Everyone who needs to speak cannot attendA meeting is NOT needed if: This is just a chance for you to read to everyone the info sent in advance. A successful meeting is on TAPPTimely Start and EndAgenda - Provided ahead of time. If it’s not on the agenda, add it to the next meeting, or let participants have input to add it to this one.Preparation - What do people need to bring, or do, in advance?Purpose - Why are we having this meeting?How many meetings per day?Optimal - no more than half your day. Research says somewhere in the 3-4 hours total per day.Ideally grouped together. Better to have a block of meetings and time before and/or afterNOTE: It’s often not up to you, I get it, just something that’s helpful to keep in mind. Meeting Success Tip - Record The Meeting – For anyone who cannot attend, they can watch the recording, no need to “catch people up” who were out. (tip, watch at 2x or 3x speed) Meeting Success Tip - Record Action Items - Review these at the end of the meeting.Meeting Success Tip - Acknowledge The People Then Proceed - Even if it’s brief or intros necessary, then start agenda.Common Meeting Mistake - DO NOT: Ignore the agenda.Common Meeting Mistake - DO NOT: Catch people up, who are late to the meeting. Common Meeting Mistake - DO NOT: Run over the allotted time - Ask permission first if you only need ## minutes, or schedule another time to meet to continue.Meeting Alternatives - If you DO NOT need confirmation message received (ex: if they missed the meeting, no makeup needed) Recorded Video (Video Podcast) (all 3 types of people: watch, listen & read)Podcast/Audio Message - Recorded AnnouncementsTeams/Slack Channel discussionEmailCloud Document - Shared Link. (everyone provides ideas)Meeting Alternatives - If you DO need confirmation of message received (ex: if they missed meeting you would need to meet with person who missed to make it up. This is probably rare.Send Email - Read Receipt Requested Send out a Form/Survey - Completion RequiredThis could be a video, audio, written, or recommend all three.Online TrainingSend out a Survey (Microsoft Form)Create Powerapp to automate follow-up.HYBRID MEETING TIP - Everyone who speaks is on camera on their own individual camera.In a conference room, everyone bring your own laptopHYBRID MEETING TIP - “Spotlight” the person speaking.Designate whose job this is in the beginningImportant if more than 10 people in meeting.HYBRID MEETING TIP - Collaboration done through meeting software. Virtual Whiteboard gets way more interaction than live whiteboard with camera on it.ONLINE MEETING TIP - Important Meeting Options (Set by host):Who can bypass the lobby? - “Everyone” Unless you want popups disrupting your meetingLeverage Co-Organizers to help mute/control/spotlight.Allow mic for attendees?For big meetings, likely “no”. Add person as Co-Organizer if they need to speak. Allow camera for attendees?Allow meeting chat? (would Q&A be better?)HYBRID/ONLINE MEETING PRO MOVE: Host mutes, don’t ask the crowd to.None of this “Everyone Mute Your Lines”HYBRID/ONLINE MEETING PRO MOVE: Take breaks at least every 50 minutes. Tell them you’ll do this up front. People need “bio breaks” and “brain breaks. If you don’t, you’ll lose them.TIP ON CHANGING MEETING CULTURE - Imagine it’s your meeting someone says “this doesn’t need to be a meeting”. You’ve had this meeting weekly for 2 years? You (or the person you’re talking to) may go through the stages of grief about this. (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance)TIP ON CHANGING MEETING CULTURE: Their Idea & Be KindIf you can, let them think it’s there idea, see if they take the hint and do it on their ownBe kind, be positive, don’t lead with “this meeting is a waste”. TIP ON CHANGING MEETING CULTURE - Start with your own. Sometimes if it’s effective, people will copycat you, then everyone wins, and they’ll think it’s their idea (Story: Video Podcast idea)2 questions to ask yourself to determine, should this be a meetingWill it be a value add for everyone at this meeting to contribute to the meetingHint: will you be disabling the mics/cameras/chat during the meeting? Record it and send it on its own. If someone is out on vacation and misses this, they won’t need to make it up?I can help your team with this! Can I come talk to your team about this? Sometimes it’s scary to bring this up from inside the organization due to office politics or not wanting to rock the boat by recommending someone above you change. Businesses bring me in to help with this, it’s what I do. I teach a workshop on this topic specifically.If I can help, reach out to me, lets chat. Connect me with your workplace, lets set up a session for me to talk about this for your team. *******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special zoom events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Can we be productive at work without ruining our own wellbeing? Jeanette Bronée shares insights gained while recovering from burnout and losing both parents. We discuss tangible ways individuals and leaders can shift perspectives to promote sustainable productivity grounded in humanity and wellbeing.See the full details and links on the episode's page. *****************************Links to References In This EpisodeNail in the forehead video.Study from Finland on children, 15 minute break each hour for learning.Microsoft’s study on why you need breaks between meetings.Episode DigestAchieving Balance: Productivity and Wellbeing in HarmonyThe perpetual balancing act between workplace demands and personal wellbeing frequently fuels feelings of stress and inadequacy in the modern economy. We aim to seek success in our careers, often convinced we must sacrifice self-care along the way. It leaves professionals endlessly asking—can productivity and wellbeing peacefully coexist?Fresh perspectives, such as from Jeanette Bronee, reveal achievable ways individuals and organizations can shift limiting attitudes about performance at the expense of health. They highlight small but mighty everyday habits that transform not only individual resilience, but ripple out to impact workplace cultures as a whole.Reframing Wellness as a Lifelong PracticeAn emerging view proposes letting go of thinking about wellness and self-care as a fixed goal, like pounds to shed or boxes to check off a list. Rather, it suggests embracing the ongoing daily relationship with caring for ourselves and listening in closely, without judgment, to what we need in each moment. Contentment comes from accepting our ever-changing state of balance, not upholding perfectionist expectations.The Restorative Power of Mini-BreaksEven small, 60-90 second pauses in the frenzied workday to simply breathe, move, or reset, prove powerful. These moments of micro-recovery improve mental clarity, energy renewal and sharper focus to tackle tasks at hand. Skipping our body’s cries for regular respite often backfires by depleting cognitive reserves and performance over time. Think of it, even boxers in the ring get breaks between rounds. Why shouldn’t you between activities?Cultivating Emotional Wellbeing Accelerates ResultsPhysical health certainly impacts daily effectiveness, but science shows our emotional states wield equal influence. Feeling valued, seen, and heard has profound effects on motivation, engagement and work fulfillment. Those leading teams see substantially higher performance and retention by encouraging idea exchange and taking time to actively process responses. Fostering emotional health requires enhanced presence and listening—not necessarily extra minutes in the day.Solutions Emerge by ReframingRefocusing how we frame problems makes all the difference. When facing roadblocks, ask “What do we need to move forward?” rather than “Why isn’t this working?”. Leading with what IS possible sparks collaborative problem-solving, whereas dwelling on deficiencies fuels frustration. This outward and forward-looking orientation cultivates optimism and belief in our collective ability to handle uncertainties on the horizon.Scheduling Intentional Transition TimeBack-to-back meetings often zap productivity despite tight scheduling. Agendas benefit from built-in buffers between sessions, allowing participants to solidify takeaways, recharge focus and emotionally transition between topics. Rather than defaulting to 30 or 60 minute blocks, strategically calendar 25 or 50 minute meetings, and hold to those time slots. Guarding 5-10 minutes between commitments grants much needed mental space. If you’re leading the meeting, you can also give everyone 1 minute at the beginning of your meeting, to afford them that time to process. Try taking a moment of silence in your next meeting, see how it works?Leaders Set the Stage for Cultural TransformationIndividuals certainly own responsibility for self-care habits that enhance resilience. However, organizations seeking lasting change must evolve. Leadership carries responsibility for sowing seeds that gradually transform company culture and assumptions. Simple but consistent practices like starting meetings with one minute of quiet centering or group reflection demonstrates that employee health and humanity matter, not just performance.In reality, the two aims need not compete—sustainable productivity requires sound wellbeing. By raising awareness and implementing small but consistent changes, both individuals and organizations make progress towards resilient cultures where people energize their best work without depleting inner reserves. What shifts might you experiment with to bring your physical, emotional and cognitive wellbeing into greater harmony this year?****************************************Key Quotes"We do need to pause more. We need to be able to calm our nervous system down or we basically can't think straight. Um, some people will argue, well, I'm better at it than others. Yes, we all different at it. But if we don't pause throughout the day, if we don't do the, even the basics of water, food, and a couple of pauses and rest here and there, if we don't even do that, there's a good chance that cortisol just keeps rising and rising and rising and rising and rising all throughout the day." “instead of running around taking care of me, could you come over here and sit down and just talk to me? I wanna know that you care about me. I don't need you to care for me.”“It may be that they also feeling that they were dismissed in the previous meeting, and then they show up in this meeting and they're like, want to show that they know more because they are not feeling heard and seen.” Today’s GuestJeanette BronéeSpeaker, Culture Strategist, & Author of “The Self-Care Mindset”Jeanette is rethinking self-care in the workplace as the foundation for peak performance, engagement, and a culture where people belong and work better together.As an internationally recognized self-care mindset expert, she has spoken at the United Nations, given keynotes across the US, and spoken to audiences on five continents. She shares the tools to reclaim agency and cultivate the human connection that helps us communicate and collaborate with curiosity and care so that we can navigate challenges, innovate, and grow stronger together in our constantly changing reality.She gives us the C.A.R.E. driven framework so we can change our relationship with self-care at work in order to be busy and healthy at the same time, cultivating a culture where people create impact and sustainable success together. Her clients include IBM, BlackRock Lockheed Martin, Kaiser Permanente, Genentech, Microsoft, Facebook, ebay, Siemens, and more.Her new book, “The Self Care Mindset, Rethinking How We Change and Grow, Harness Well Being and Reclaim Work Life Quality” is a book of tools to harness our human advantage to grow through adversity.Website: jeanettebronee.com Book: The Selfcare MindsetPodcast: Pause On ThisBlog: jeanettebronee.com/blog Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jeanettebronee Instagram: instagram.com/jeanettebronee YouTube: youtube.com/@JeanetteBronee-PathforLife *******************************************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special zoom events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a senior project manager, I now help others to level-up through my Productivity Gladiator training. These Gladiators wield email management superpowers, a laser-guided ability to focus, samurai-grade prioritization skills, a sniper-precise task tracking approach, Jedi time management skills, and a secret sauce for maximizing their personal life balance. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.

Dr. Todd Dewett joins Brian to dive into story telling at work and at home. They uncovered tips and tactics on how to tell better stories, when to leverage the power of a story, and where stories are most effective. These hacks will help you level up your story telling game, so you’ll shine even brighter at work, and in your personal life. See the full details and links on the episode's page. *****************************Links to References In This EpisodeLinkedIn Learning Course “Storytelling for Leaders” by Dr Todd DewettChris Rock excerpt Todd references: From Bigger & Blacker, segment on relationshipsBook: The Little Black Book of Leadership: Essential Advice for New Managers by Todd Dewett PhDBook: Show Your Ink: Stories About Leadership and Life by Todd Dewett PhDBook: Dancing with Monsters: A Tale About Leadership, Successss, and Overcoming Fearsby Todd Dewett PhDBook: The Ten Delusions: And How To Survive Them Effectively by Todd DewettEPISODE DIGESTStorytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with people and getting your message across. In this episode of Productivity Gladiator, Brian Nelson-Palmer has an in-depth discussion with communication expert Dr. Todd Dewett about how to become a master storyteller.THE CORE ELEMENTS OF STORYTELLINGTodd outlines the basic structure that most good stories follow:Act 1 introduces the characters and the situation they are in. Draw the audience in with an interesting predicament.Act 2 escalates events and creates intrigue. Take the audience on an emotional journey.Act 3 provides resolution and wraps up the story. Provide a satisfactory conclusion.A compelling storyteller uses vivid details, varies their tone and pacing, and incorporates relatable characters and scenarios that tap into the audience's shared experiences. This emotional component takes the story beyond just relaying logical information.WHEN TO USE STORIES VS. QUICK ANSWERSStories shine when explaining the "why" behind something, rather than direct responses to simple questions. In professional settings with time limitations, opt for shorter anecdotes rather than long epics. Save the drawn out stories for rare occasions when you really want to drive home a point.Dr. Dewett notes "Stories are special and should not be used all the time. It's just like your favorite food. If you eat it all the time, you become redundant and lose some love for it." Keep people engaged by strategically picking your storytelling moments.STORIES IN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPSOverusing stories with friends and partners can grow old quickly. Dr. Dewett suggests prompting loved ones for stories to give them a chance to share. This provides an opportunity to learn new things about each other, even after years together. Share new experiences to avoid repeating tired tales they've heard multiple times before.EXAMPLES BRING THE PRINCIPLES TO LIFEThroughout the interview, Dr. Dewett illustrates effective storytelling through engaging examples from his own career as a professional speaker. He takes the audience on a journey, using vocal inflection, passion, and practical takeaways people can relate to.His stories showcase how following a narrative structure and making it personally resonate grabs attention even when delivering difficult messages. Dr. Dewett notes that reading the room and adjusting your delivery based on reactions is also crucial for successful storytelling.KEY QUOTES"Stories are the key to getting what you want in life because it helps people get on board. They relate to stories.""Stories are special and should not be used all the time. It's just like your favorite food. If you eat it all the time, you become redundant and lose some love for it.""If you're going to tell them the why, it should be a story."Today’s GuestDr. Todd DewettMaster StoryTeller, Speaker, AuthorDr. Todd Dewett is one of the world’s most watched leadership personalities: an authenticity expert, best-selling online course creator, a TEDx speaker, and an Inc. Magazine Top 100 leadership speaker. He has been quoted widely, including the New York Times, BusinessWeek, and TIME. After beginning his career with Andersen Consulting and Ernst & Young he completed his PhD in Organizational Behavior at Texas A&M University and enjoyed a career as an awardwinning professor and scholar. Todd has delivered over 1,000 speeches and created a body of educational work enjoyed by over 30,000,000 professionals around the globe. His recent clients include Microsoft, ExxonMobil, Pepsi, Boeing, Google, Caterpillar, IBM, Zoom, and hundreds more.Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/drdewett Instagram: instagram.com/drdewett Website: drdewett.com YouTube: youtube.com/c/DrToddDewett Facebook: facebook.com/DrToddDewett

Eric Girard, CEO of Girard Training Solutions with over 30 years of experience, shares invaluable time management hacks for new managers. He emphasizes the importance of calendar blocking, even for small tasks, and finding a system that aligns with personal preferences. The discussion highlights leveraging AI tools for productivity while maintaining human connections. They explore the perks of Silicon Valley, subscription services for mundane tasks, and the efficiency of dictation as a communication tool, all aimed at enhancing leadership effectiveness.

Chris Westfall joins Brian on the show to dissect what it is that makes a winning elevator pitch. He is a regular contributor to Forbes, the author of The NEW Elevator Pitch, and one of the most sought-after business coaches & keynote speakers in the world.See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiator.com/episodes/dissecting-a-winning-elevator-pitch-with-chris-westfall*****************************Episode ContentFor EmployeesOpen your pitch with something that’s honest, and true, and doable, which they will agree with. The most powerful pitch is the one that’s honest and true. Next: Share something that’s unexpected, surprising, innovative, or counterintuitive.Last, some new information that will make them say, “tell me more”.The higher above you that you pitch, the more simple the concepts need to be, don’t get down in the weeds, zoom out to a level that’s honest and true for both of you at both of your levels. *****************************For Front Line Supervisors and Middle ManagersOnly difference between a pitch as an employee vs a pitch as a manager is to constantly remember “service”. It’s constantly in terms of “impact”. “With these resources, here’s what I’d be able to do for you…”“I’ve thought this through” and come prepared to share the thoughts.The elevator pitch just starts the conversation, and gets permission to tell them more later. *****************************Videos of Pitches Referenced In This EpisodeDirect link to the pitch that won the Rice Business Plan Competition this year. Topic: Magnetic GearsCompany: Fluxworkshttps://tinyurl.com/FluxWorksPitchAaron Powell of Bunch Bikes in verbal fistfight with Barbara Corcoran in his pitch on Shark Tank and she “takes him downtown”. He got “real”.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXE7xkVZt8Y *****************************Today’s GuestCHRIS WESTFALLUS National Elevator Pitch Champion, Author, CoachChris Westfall is an entrepreneur, business coach, and is recognized as the US National Elevator Pitch Champion.A regular contributor to Forbes, and the author of four books - plus a ghostwriter for six more - he specializes in helping bring new stories to life. His titles include easier, Leadership Language and The NEW Elevator Pitch.Chris has helped launch over five dozen businesses, and has appeared on ABC NEWS, NBC TV and CNN. He has worked with thousands of leaders at Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations and high-tech startups. He regularly consults with top-tier universities. and is a coach to entrepreneurs and executives around the globe. His clients have appeared on Shark Tank, Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank-Australia. Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/westfallonline/Website: http://westfallonline.com Forbes: http://bit.ly/Forbes-CWYouTube: http://youtube.com/westfallonlineBooks online:Leadership Language: http://bit.ly/leadershiplanguageEasier: http://easier-book.comThe NEW Elevator Pitch: http://bit.ly/thenewelevatorpitchSocials: @westfallonline*****************************Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian does special zoom events and shares hacks and tips exclusively for his email subscribers. Topics like “13 alternatives to checking social media on your phone” or “2 email rules which will cut your email inbox in half” and more. Sign up to start receiving the tips from these exclusive events! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. I teach overworked project managers how to level-up their life balance and pump up their practical productivity through my Productivity Gladiator training system. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.