Productive Flourishing

We know teams serve as the cornerstone of any successful organization. Yet all too often, the relational and emotional aspects of teamwork end up sidelined in favor of performance metrics alone — which ironically doesn't always improve team performance. Recently, I was invited to share insights on this on the ATD Talent Development Leader podcast (sponsored by Randstad Risesmart) where I discussed the team habits approach to the nexus of performance and belonging. This was a conversation about what really matters to and on a team — why trust, belonging, and well-being aren't just nice-to-haves but are the essentials we need to have productivity and impact. What we see again and again is strong interpersonal bonds as the defining trait of high-performing teams. When there's psychological safety, and people feel connected and understood, teams come alive. On the flip side, the absence of these bonds can be just as damaging as their presence is powerful. Without trust and open communication, even the most skilled teams struggle to make progress.Throughout the conversation, I share practical strategies for embedding the eight essential team habits — guiding principles that any leader or team member can put into action. If you're looking to build a culture grounded in trust and purpose, I hope you'll find this episode helpful — as we continue the ongoing work of reinstating the human side of teamwork at the center of team performance. Topics We Explored* Why work is fundamentally about relationships, not just outputs * The evidence for high-performing teams being characterized by strong interpersonal bonds* How belonging and trust are essential for maintaining healthy team relationships and driving performance* Ways emotional and social components can be integrated into team decision-making, rather than just rational/strategic factors* Why large-scale change initiatives often fail due to top-down approaches that lack buy-in — and democratic, bottom-up change is more effective* That building an environment of trust and articulating a clear vision are critical leadership responsibilities * The reasons many individual contributors end up feeling disempowered and disconnected from improving team dynamics * Practical strategies for enhancing specific team habits that can lead to significant performance improvementsIf Productive Flourishing adds value to your inbox, consider upgrading to a paid or pro subscription to access to the full archive, monthly community coaching calls, and more.Episode Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to the ATD podcast. [01:24] Exploring the fundamental importance of relationships, not just outputs, in high-performing teams. Belonging and trust as essential glue for healthy team dynamics and performance.[06:02] Why there's a need to integrate emotional and social components, not just rational/strategic factors, into team decision-making. Avoiding the mistake of trying to extract these more human elements.[10:07] We discuss the high failure rates of top-down, under-resourced change initiatives, and I explain why a democratic, bottom-up change management that addresses team pain points and creates a sense of urgency works better. [16:43] Employee disengagement is a major challenge, which can best be addressed by making work more personal, relational, and empowering team members to improve their own circumstances.[19:32] Overview of the 8 key team habits (belonging, decision-making, goal-setting, planning, communication, collaboration, meetings, core habits) as a scorecard for high-performance teams.[28:13] Specific examples of enhancing team habits around meetings, such as reducing unnecessary updates and clarifying commitments for information-sharing.[34:54] Recognition that many individual contributors feel disempowered and disconnected from improving team dynamics. [35:47] Insights from Rutger Bregman's "Humankind" debunking myths about human nature, and how it relates to the need to emphasize relational elements in team habits.[41:44] Upcoming project focused on the importance of trust and vision in leadership, as key questions teams are always asking.[43:09] Invitation for listeners to connect. [43:37] Conclusion and gratitude for the insightful conversation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

In this special anniversary episode, Charlie Gilkey and Maghan Haggerty reflect on the five-year milestone of Start Finishing, diving deep into its impact on their lives, the lives of their community, and Productive Flourishing's evolution over the past 17 years. They explore how doing your best work transforms you as an individual and creates ripple effects for leaders and their entire teams.Topics We Explored:* The deeper paradox of productivity: Why do we often end up putting off the things we really want to do in life to some later date? (When that means we may not ever start, let alone finish, those projects.) * The origins of Start Finishing as a book, and the driving force behind it, namely to argue for doing the work that matters and treating one's "best work" as priority — and what that changes in how we approach meaningful projects.* All the ways in which personal and team success are interconnected, and how Charlie's third book Team Habits built on the foundations of Start Finishing.* The multitude of “best work” stories we've heard from people around the world who, as a result of finding Start Finishing, have finished the projects that matter.* Embracing life and work simultaneously by living and working with purpose, and finding joy in the process. * Charlie's vision for the future of "Productive Flourishing", inviting people to embrace the "get to" mindset (“getting to” do the work we've dreamed of doing.) Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:CHARLIE'S BOOKS* Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done * The Start Finishing Field Guide* Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results * The Small Business Life Cycle BLOG POSTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE* Yet Another Blog on Time Management?!* Stand Tall, Creative Giants* The Air Sandwich: Why Your Big Picture and Day-to-Day Reality Don't Link Up* A Frog a Day Keeps Your Anchors Aweigh* Success Often Comes When You're Not Searching for ItOTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE* Finite and Infinite Games by James P Carse * Give to Grow by Mo Bunnell (Episode 254)* Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert* PF Productivity CoachingIf this podcast episode — and PF in your inbox in general — benefit you, consider how much you might flourish with access to the full archive of writing, monthly coaching calls & e-courses with a paid subscription.Thanks for Listening!We'd love to hear your stories of what you've started and finished thanks to Start Finishing. Share your best work moments with us!Subscribe to the Productive Flourishing Podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. Plus, if this episode resonated with you, leave a review to help others find the show.Episode Timestamps[0:00] Re-introduction to the podcast and the 5-year anniversary of Start Finishing.[2:15] Maghan discusses her personal journey with "Productive Flourishing" and the impact of Start Finishing on her life, work, and career. [7:48] Charlie shares the origins of Start Finishing and how it connects to Productive Flourishing's broader mission.[15:30] The importance of “best work” and why focusing on it and keeping it a priority leads to our thriving. [20:58] The transition from Start Finishing to Team Habits and how personal and team success intertwine.[32:46] Further reflection on how Productive Flourishing has evolved over 17 years and what's next.[40:30] Maghan shares some Start Finishing reader stories about the power of finishing our most meaningful projects.[47:20] Charlie and Maghan dive into ideas about thriving in both work and life, by following a sense of purpose in both. Coming Soon: Limited, Signed Start FinishingTo celebrate the 5th anniversary, Charlie's gone into the vault and found a small number of first edition hardcovers of Start Finishing he'll sign (and personalize, with whatever message you'd like) and make available for sale.If you're interested in getting your own hands on this piece of PF history, or giving a one-of-a-kind gift to that person you know could benefit from Start Finishing, hit the button to sign up, and you'll be the first to know when we have these available for sale. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Topics We Explored:* Mo Bunnell's new book Give to Grow and why it makes sense to focus on relationships and a giving mindset as the foundation for long-term business success.* How to define business development and distinguish it from pure sales, as well as the importance of strategic helpfulness in developing a business or career. * The logic behind providing value upfront through small projects or advice to build trust and increase the likelihood of future business and engagement.* Strategies for making effective recommendations and managing client expectations, including the use of social proof and escalating commitments.Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:* Mo Bunnell: Website | Podcast* Give to Grow Supplemental Materials: Downloadable resources, including the Give to Grow Team Launch Guide, top lead generation methods worksheet, meeting prep questions, research citations, and an exclusive secret chapter.* Find Your Business Flow: PF's new cohort program to help entrepreneurs focus on (among other things) growth — building relationships, scaling your business, and winning the work that matters.Perspectives like those in this episode can help you grow your business. By upgrading to a paid subscription, you gain access to exclusive content, monthly coaching calls & e-courses.About Mo Bunnell:Mo Bunnell helps complex organizations grow by scaling business development skills and creating a growth-oriented culture. He's the founder of Bunnell Idea Group (BIG) and the author of The Snowball System. BIG has trained tens of thousands of professionals at hundreds of organizations. Mo lives in Atlanta, Georgia.Thanks for Listening!Subscribe to Productive Flourishing on Apple Podcasts to get all the latest episodes delivered straight to your preferred mobile device. This is the perfect option for listening to the show in the car, on the subway, or while you're working out. Plus, you won't have to fuss with figuring out how you're going to listen.Episode Timestamps[0:01:46] Charlie Gilkey introduces Mo Bunnell and discusses why he's excited about the Give to Grow book.[0:05:02] Discussion of the broader definition of business development and how it differs from sales.[0:07:34] Mo Bunnell explains the importance of balancing altruistic and economic success in business.[0:11:41] Importance of selling the problem and the solution, not just the expertise.[0:13:26] Discussion of the differences between the skills needed for "doing the work" versus "winning the work".[0:18:30] Explanation of the concept of "certainty" versus "possibility" in business development.[0:22:05] Explanation of the "give to grow" strategy and providing value upfront to build trust.[0:26:52] Discussion of how to make effective recommendations and manage client expectations.[0:31:14] Advice on naming programs and offerings to focus on outcomes, not just processes.[0:35:47] Importance of providing options and allowing clients to choose.[0:41:44] Addressing the challenge of transitioning from free to paid content. [0:47:59] Practical tips for committing to and testing new business development strategies.[0:52:54] Discussion of the importance of casting possibility and helping clients see their best version.[1:06:51] Final thoughts on the emotion and inspiration of winning the work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Note to the reader: Team Habits, my most recent book, was released one year ago this week. You might also be aware of Productive Flourishing's sister publication, Better Team Habits, a spin-off of the book. We've had incredible moments over on BTH in the past year. For those not subscribed to both publications I'd like to celebrate the book's anniversary by sharing with you a singular podcast episode I sat down to do with my friend Kate Tyson on “fixing the plane while we fly it.” I think it will prove fruitful for PF readers too — for your current or future teams. — Charlie Many of us would likely agree on the fact that the dominant, central power structures that make up our system need some reform. That goes for institutions large and small, whether we're talking about a particular startup company or the global economy.But what is change supposed to look like, and how does it come about?If I could offer one of the basic tenets from Team Habits, it's that we start the change process by first shifting the way we relate to each other — in our teams and at work. This episode originally aired on Kate Tyson's podcast Boss Talks: Whiskey Fridays, in which she and I dive into how cultural change is a long-term play, and why better team habits are a critical component of the process.Topics We Explored* The challenges of leading and effecting change in businesses, particularly in the context of social and economic change, and the importance of engaging with the 'messy middle'.* Looking for 'subversive simplicity' in our lives, business, and management decisions — which often challenges conventional wisdom on growth and productivity.* The disconnect between workplace culture and the caretaking reality at home of many team members.* How to address these and other issues of power and balance in the workplace we'll need as a whole a more collaborative approach to decision-making and team bonding* Leading and forming teams is never easy.* Why by acknowledging issues and addressing power dynamics head-on, we have a chance to avoid conflicts or deal with them effectively.* How prioritizing relationship-building with our teammates ultimately creates change and trustThis episode touches on many topics I explore at length in my book, Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results.If Productive Flourishing adds value to your inbox, consider a paid or pro subscription for access to the full archive, monthly community coaching calls, and more. About Kate TysonKate Tyson is a multi-disciplinary business owner and rebellious spirit, and the owner and director of Wanderwell, a consulting and bookkeeping practice that grows thriving small businesses, while investigating new models for being in business. Wanderwell integrates financial expertise with an empathic, vision-forward approach, and leads with the belief that businesses can help create a more just world that centers people, community, and the environment.Episode Timestamps[0:00] Leadership, power sharing, and social change. What does it take to shift from a single-leader model to a democratic leadership approach? Many companies and leaders struggle with the challenge of moving towards shared leadership without losing direction. Businesses can be platforms for social and economic change, and as a result, grapple with the complexities of dismantling oppressive structures within capitalist frameworks. How do we foster collaboration and ensure respect within the workplace while striving for excellence?[5:28] Cultural norms in the workplace. The workplace can be a site of systems change and social justice, given the growth of decentralized micro-capitalist businesses in the 2000s. Leaders need to prioritize team well-being to avoid perpetuating negative aspects of the dominant culture. Charlie shares how to recognize and dismantle harmful cultural norms — and how leaders can become aware of and shift away from perpetuating negative cultural patterns through reflection and awareness.[11:58] Burnout & Team Dynamics. Charlie explains how burnout and revolving doors (of employees) can be symptoms of how white supremacy and toxic hierarchy affect businesses and our experience in the workplace. Common assumptions about productivity in the workplace are often deeply flawed. Cranking tasks out faster is only one dimension of productivity. Being a leader or owner may mean challenging norms about pressure and invisible expectations (especially for emotional and social labor). We want team members to take more ownership and yet we need to share the burden — with self-care and compassion. That means looking at system issues, rather than finding individual blame.[20:53] Decision-making and mutual care. If we want to care for the humans in our businesses we need to think about things like language. But it can't be words alone. We might want to look at team habits about how we approach one another — do we approach situations with empathy and avoid making assumptions? If there's a wider collective issue on the team, those are things that training and clear communication can go far in addressing, especially when creating a new team. A central idea in Team Habits is about levels of decision-making for team members, and the importance of communication and context. [30:34] Democratizing leadership and employee ownership. Kate shares personal experience with Quaker organizations, highlighting consensus-driven decision-making and anti-authoritarianism. The discussion turns to deeper work of helping people decolonize themselves, including employee equity and ownership pathways. Open book management (OBM) is one approach to doing that. [36:11] Power dynamics in the workplace. Salaries are one challenge that come up in disrupting traditional power dynamics (and is a topic addressed by OBM.) Transparency is one approach to disrupting the secrecy and taboo around salaries — while it's fair to acknowledge that power dynamics in organizations are complex, involving individual and institutional power.[39:45] Interpersonal vs. Institutional Power. Interpersonal power is a hugely important topic for teams. Charlie emphasizes the need to put more care back into work relationships between teammates to build trust and support. If one person steps on another's toe, it can lead to mistrust and friction, but also one individual might choose institutional power as a means to solve the problem, reinforcing the paradigm and creating a triangle of intervention.[45:08] Care vs. institutional power, and difficult conversations. Teams at some point are forced to choose between institutional power or actual care. Team members must be willing to have difficult conversations. Inconsistent communication and delegation practices bring about tension. [51:22] Breeding respect and autonomy. Respect is crucial, for everyone on the team, but also those in leadership positions, even in anti-hierarchical organizations. Leaders need unscheduled time to think and make decisions, respecting their unique function and autonomy. Kate discusses the importance of intentionally designed structures in anarchist movements, citing the Goldilocks problem.[58:06] Team habits, meeting and collaboration. Changing one type of team habit has ripple effects on others, like eliminating bad meetings. Relational work is not separate from business work, since often it's our relationships that are most important to us as humans. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Earlier this month Leadership Beyond Borders re-released an episode I did with them a while back, alongside host Kimberli J. Lewis. The conversation centered on how team habits apply in international, remote, and diverse organizations, and to change management. We discussed the need for clear communication as a team habit, with specific channels and protocols, especially on remote and geographically dispersed teams — as well as how to remove bottlenecks and strike a balance between providing enough information and too much detail. Our discussion touched further on the importance of personal connection, trust, and empathy in teams, and how this sense of belonging (another major team habit) ultimately paves the way for high performance. Leadership Beyond Borders looks at the impact constant change is having on our organizations and how these changes affect the kind of leadership we need to drive long-term success in today's global economy. The idea of the podcast is to explore the opportunities and challenges of different kinds of organizations (including remote first) and what kind of leadership skills and values are needed to ensure engagement, retention, and ultimately great performance.Topics We Explored: * Why in order to function within the global business environment, your business needs to constantly change and adapt to a variety of new constants* The power of team habits and dynamics to drive success in today's fast paced business landscape* How to figure out this new way of working with each other,  and putting it all back together when everything's broken. (Much in the way it was for so many organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.)* Why effective communication, collaboration, and interpersonal team leadership improve work outcomes.If you and/or your team benefit from these posts, consider a paid or pro subscription for even more support in terms of monthly community leadership coaching, access to the planning system, and full archive of content. Episode Timestamps[0:05] Team habits and dynamics for business success. Host Kimberli Lewis discusses globalization, digital transition, and leadership impact with listeners worldwide. Charlie shares insights on team habits for success in a fast-paced business landscape.[4:00] Forging a path in leadership, teams, and productivity consulting. Charlie argues that individuals in organizations are (usually) not the problem, but rather how they come together as a team and create systems that either work or don't work. We all play a part in the construction of our team's habits, for better or for worse, and that's important to acknowledge. He emphasizes high standards and compassion in leadership, and the potential for heroes to emerge in unexpected ways.[11:46] Teamwork, inclusivity, and productivity. Charlie's upbringing and complex childhood experience informs his approach to work communication management. He prioritizes lifting up those with least privilege and power in organizations. [17:09] Creating a baseline of trust and mutual respect. Overview of the eight habits of high-performing teams, including belonging, decision making, and goal setting. Meetings are a key area where team habits play out, and poor habits can lead to poor meeting culture. Belonging is especially crucial in virtual teams. Language of trust and relationship often beats out task-based language.[25:17] Team collaboration and motivation. Understanding individual goals and motivations can help drive team collaboration. Rather than pushing team members towards a goal, it's more effective to help them find their own motivation and support them in achieving it. This requires finding common ground and aligning goals. [35:05] Decision-making habits for teams, including leveling decisions and addressing bottlenecks. Charlie discusses decision-making as a habit in teams, and explains the three levels of decisions. Decision-making habits (and knowing the decision levels) can transform other team habits and increase trust and belonging. Transparency and enrolling team members in decision-making removes bottlenecks and increases productivity.  [40:58] Effective communication in diverse teams. Communication in diverse teams requires specific channels for urgent vs non-urgent messages. Team members ought to commit to using agreed-upon channels to avoid confusion and ensure clarity. Communication often hinges on providing the right amount of detail. Brief explanation of how women and men communicate differently due to socialization and power dynamics.[45:33] Productivity, team habits, and getting buy-in. After analyzing a team's habits a roadmap can be created to improve specific habits. An easy fix on meetings might be leaving five minutes at the end of every call for next actions. Charlie encourages listeners to invite others into the changes they want to make together. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

I had the pleasure of joining forces recently with Andy Kaufman, current host of The People and Projects Podcast, to discuss team habits — specifically, the high cost of ignoring them — and how and why team habits ultimately shape team culture and performance. Our conversation touched on a variety of generative topics, including offering some practical approaches to: * enhancing team dynamics * instilling a sense of belonging * improving decision-making* and addressing everyday ‘broken printers' in professional and family life My thinking was that the touchpoints in this episode would be of interest to our Better Team Habits audience since they offer a similar level of depth to the analysis we offer in BTH Office Hours coaching (Paid and Pro subscribers) and Quarterly Planning sessions (Pro subscribers).If you want to uplevel your leadership or team dynamics, I encourage you to upgrade your subscription to gain access to monthly coaching and our full planning system.Sound Bites from the Episode* “‘Time in' erodes ‘awareness of'.”* “Be the teammate you want your teammates to be.”* “Belonging is a macro word that includes feeling appreciated at work, feeling like your contributions and perspective matter, that you have moral and functional trust.”* “We do it because it's the right thing and because this is how we want to be together and, oh by the way, it has these amazing other benefits.”* “I would rather over-index on caring.”* “So many families have a daily ‘broken printer' that's called the ‘getting to school runaround'.”* “None of us show up at work and opt-in to the CC thread from hell.”Episode Timestamps* [00:00] Introduction* [01:44] Start of Interview* [05:36] The Broken Printer Metaphor* [08:43] How We Encourage the CC Thread from Hell* [12:21] Team Dynamics* [14:56] What If You're Not a Senior Leader?* [19:27] Number One Rule of Being a Great Teammate* [21:18] Building Belonging Habits* [30:14] The Importance of Small Gestures* [38:34] Applying Team Habits to Families* [44:48] Wrap-up* [45:24] Andy Comments After the Interview* [50:17] Outtakes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Gary Bertwistle (of Mojo Sessions fame) and I had this meeting of minds back in February — truly jamming together over substantial territory: from the need to acknowledge change and challenges in the modern workplace, to building trust and autonomy in teams, and techniques for aligning habits, communication, and belonging. I hope you'll get as much out of it as I did. Topics We Explored: * The need for trust, personal responsibility, and sometimes dissent, to create productive forward-moving team dynamics* Strategies for improving teamwork, such as rotating the role of red cell thinker and eliminating the least valuable meetings and habits. * Considering emotional and social data in decision-making, and asking specific questions to gather this data from your team.* Challenges involved with leadership, such as prioritization, health and wellness in a busy work life, plus practical advice for overcoming some of those obstaclesIf you want to gain access to more exclusive content, community coaching calls, and the full archive of our worksheets and resources, consider a paid subscription.Episode Timestamps[0:15] The role of teamwork in productivity with the impact of AI on jobs. Teamwork and collaboration are vital to productivity and leadership, especially in a moment when we're facing changes to the nature of work after COVID and now, with emergent shifts in AI.[3:41] Consequences of the pandemic, and paradoxes we run into with teams. Some of the consequences of the pandemic have gone ignored, including cumulative burnout and fatigue on teams. Many leaders continue to pretend this isn't happening. Teams often struggle due to evolutionary wiring for people pleasing & goal orientation. Even individuals who may think they're personally being productive are not necessarily finishing tasks competently with teammates.[10:42] Team dynamics, productivity, and emotional intelligence. Individual productivity differs from team productivity partly as a result of the social and collective overhead involved. Charlie highlights the disconnect that can emerge between leaders and team members around productivity and goals. Leaders and team members can have different perspectives on what constitutes productive work, leading to tension and misalignment. [17:40] Social and emotional factors in decision-making — and their impact on your team. As leaders, we ought to be considering social and emotional factors in decision-making, and actively gathering information in this area from our teams. Taking a more holistic approach can lead to better business outcomes. Charlie offers three questions to help teams understand each other's perspectives on change initiatives, and explains why we need a team-based approach to change. Plus why viewing each other as teammates fosters a collaborative and human-centered work model. [24:35] Trust and its impact on team productivity, belonging, and performance. Trust is highly key to employee productivity according to research. It's an essential for high-performing teams, as it enables members to take risks and rely on each other. Belonging is the first category of team habits, as it fosters trust and ensures team members feel supported and valued — and are therefore more interested and invested in contributing. [28:59] Workplace dynamics, trust, and autonomy. In many cases, people have given up on leaning on their teammates enough in the workplace — and that obsession with autonomy leads to burnout and stress. Trust and autonomy must work together when it comes to creating great teamwork. When team members feel safe and supported, they are more likely to do their best work. Gary suggests there's a connection between giving each other that space and developing trust. For example, when individuals have more control over their schedules, they tend to feel trusted and safe in their work.[34:37] Trust and autonomy in remote work. Issues of trust are particularly key in remote work but there's a need to set clear goals and expectations. Leaders should give employees the autonomy to figure out how to meet those goals, while employees agree to do their best to make it happen. Trust teams to figure out how to work best, extend responsibility to tell the org what's working/not working. Autonomy of schedule, trust, and responsibility signal trust to teams, leading to better outcomes.[39:16] Father's life experiences, military service, and overcoming obstacles. Charlie reflects on his father's resourcefulness and standards-driven approach to work, and the challenges he faced as a black man in the South in the 1960s. His dad used creative discipline and training methods to help his own kids meet his high standards. While high standards and toughness are important to leadership, being able to show compassion and gentleness is just as vital. He credits his mother for playing a significant role in shaping his perspective on leadership and life. [47:07] Prioritizing health and wellness is a personal project — it requires time, energy, and attention. Health and wellness are a project, just like building a team and using productivity habits. There's good reason to prioritize health, even over creative or business goals.[51:27] Prioritize health and wellness by scheduling time for it. Prioritize your calendar to align with your priorities, not just your tasks. Individuals should focus on doing the activities that are tied to what they want to be, rather than simply wanting to be something. That's one starting approach to making progress on any goal.[55:35] Combine the team's personal goals with team goals for high performance. Personal importance is often neglected in scheduling, leading to imbalance. Build Goldilocks-level cadence for weekly goal discussions to boost accountability. That's part of how you build teamwork in a way that leads to accountability. [1:02:09] Why dissent in teams makes for better decision-making and greater success. Gary highlights the importance of dissension in teams, citing Charlaine Nimeth's book on the topic. Charlie agrees on the need for rotating the role of “red cell team thinker” to maintain team engagement. “Red cell thinkers” identify potential risks and develop solutions.[1:08:56] Improve team productivity by identifying and addressing broken systems and habits. Analyze the "broken printer" causing the most pain and frustration to your team. Start with easy wins to improve team dynamics and build discipline. Growing the team's capacity for personal responsibility is the best approach to fixing team problems and helping folks work better together. Another first step is to fix your meetings and eliminate those meetings that are terrible for everybody.  [1:16:16] Productivity, teamwork, and the right prioritization. Aristotle's idea of thriving was that thriving is unique to each individual — but to reach a state of flourishing always requires principled action. Gary suggests sometimes it makes sense to prioritize execution over planning, and that burnout happens when we trade time and focus for other things. Examine your schedules and priorities, to decide if you're making a good trade of your time and focus.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Many of us would likely agree on the fact that the dominant, central power structures that make up our system need some reform. That goes for institutions large and small, whether we're talking about a particular startup company or the global economy.But what is change supposed to look like, and how does it come about?If I could offer one of the basic tenets from Team Habits, it's that we start the change process by first shifting the way we relate to each other — in our teams and at work. This episode originally aired on Kate Tyson's podcast Boss Talks: Whiskey Fridays, in which she and I dive into how cultural change is a long-term play, and why better team habits are a critical component of the process.Productive Flourishing is a reader-supported publication. For exclusive insights, access to the archive, and group coaching calls for leaders and managers upgrade to a paid subscription. Topics We Explored* The challenges of leading and effecting change in businesses, particularly in the context of social and economic change, and the importance of engaging with the 'messy middle'.* Looking for 'subversive simplicity' in our lives, business, and management decisions — which often challenges conventional wisdom on growth and productivity.* The disconnect between workplace culture and the caretaking reality at home of many team members.* How to address these and other issues of power and balance in the workplace we'll need as a whole a more collaborative approach to decision-making and team bonding* Leading and forming teams is never easy.* Why by acknowledging issues and addressing power dynamics head-on, we have a chance to avoid conflicts or deal with them effectively.* How prioritizing relationship-building with our teammates ultimately creates change and trustThis episode touches on many topics I explore at length in my book, Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results.About Kate TysonKate Tyson is a multi-disciplinary business owner and rebellious spirit, and the owner and director of Wanderwell, a consulting and bookkeeping practice that grows thriving small businesses, while investigating new models for being in business. Wanderwell integrates financial expertise with an empathic, vision-forward approach, and leads with the belief that businesses can help create a more just world that centers people, community, and the environment.Episode Timestamps[0:00] Leadership, power sharing, and social change. What does it take to shift from a single-leader model to a democratic leadership approach? Many companies and leaders struggle with the challenge of moving towards shared leadership without losing direction. Businesses can be platforms for social and economic change, and as a result, grapple with the complexities of dismantling oppressive structures within capitalist frameworks. How do we foster collaboration and ensure respect within the workplace while striving for excellence?[5:28] Cultural norms in the workplace. The workplace can be a site of systems change and social justice, given the growth of decentralized micro-capitalist businesses in the 2000s. Leaders need to prioritize team well-being to avoid perpetuating negative aspects of the dominant culture. Charlie shares how to recognize and dismantle harmful cultural norms — and how leaders can become aware of and shift away from perpetuating negative cultural patterns through reflection and awareness.[11:58] Burnout & Team Dynamics. Charlie explains how burnout and revolving doors (of employees) can be symptoms of how white supremacy and toxic hierarchy affect businesses and our experience in the workplace. Common assumptions about productivity in the workplace are often deeply flawed. Cranking tasks out faster is only one dimension of productivity. Being a leader or owner may mean challenging norms about pressure and invisible expectations (especially for emotional and social labor). We want team members to take more ownership and yet we need to share the burden — with self-care and compassion. That means looking at system issues, rather than finding individual blame.[20:53] Decision-making and mutual care. If we want to care for the humans in our businesses we need to think about things like language. But it can't be words alone. We might want to look at team habits about how we approach one another — do we approach situations with empathy and avoid making assumptions? If there's a wider collective issue on the team, those are things that training and clear communication can go far in addressing, especially when creating a new team. A central idea in Team Habits is about levels of decision-making for team members, and the importance of communication and context. [30:34] Democratizing leadership and employee ownership. Kate shares personal experience with Quaker organizations, highlighting consensus-driven decision-making and anti-authoritarianism. The discussion turns to deeper work of helping people decolonize themselves, including employee equity and ownership pathways. Open book management (OBM) is one approach to doing that. [36:11] Power dynamics in the workplace. Salaries are one challenge that come up in disrupting traditional power dynamics (and is a topic addressed by OBM.) Transparency is one approach to disrupting the secrecy and taboo around salaries — while it's fair to acknowledge that power dynamics in organizations are complex, involving individual and institutional power.[39:45] Interpersonal vs. Institutional Power. Interpersonal power is a hugely important topic for teams. Charlie emphasizes the need to put more care back into work relationships between teammates to build trust and support. If one person steps on another's toe, it can lead to mistrust and friction, but also one individual might choose institutional power as a means to solve the problem, reinforcing the paradigm and creating a triangle of intervention.[45:08] Care vs. institutional power, and difficult conversations. Teams at some point are forced to choose between institutional power or actual care. Team members must be willing to have difficult conversations. Inconsistent communication and delegation practices bring about tension. [51:22] Breeding respect and autonomy. Respect is crucial, for everyone on the team, but also those in leadership positions, even in anti-hierarchical organizations. Leaders need unscheduled time to think and make decisions, respecting their unique function and autonomy. Kate discusses the importance of intentionally designed structures in anarchist movements, citing the Goldilocks problem.[58:06] Team habits, meeting and collaboration. Changing one type of team habit has ripple effects on others, like eliminating bad meetings. Relational work is not separate from business work, since often it's our relationships that are most important to us as humans. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Key Takeaways:[3:24] Charlie's background and why he decided to become an entrepreneur.[9:16] It typically takes 18 months to 36 months just to figure out what you're doing as an entrepreneur.[13:13] Mark talks about his career journey from going to film school to going to a corporate company at a franchise company making videos. There, he started to look at which projects he enjoyed the most and which ones had the highest profit margins that he could deliver.[14:01] The lowest point in Mark's business and how it changed.[16:13] Mark's story of using his high intelligence, talent, and energy in a way that served himself and others.[23:47] Asking for help is one of the greatest things we could do.[24:15] When you accept the gift of not knowing, it opens up all these possibilities.[24:20] It's okay that you don't know, and you don't have to fight that.[31:42] What path will get your message in front of the people you want to speak to, and then once you are there, how do you build an experience better than your competitors?[33:16] The principles of marketing and sales haven't really changed since 2000 years ago. We've just gotten better at implementing those principles.[45:28] Mark's decision to stop running his business.[1:04:11] Doing our best work requires us to center ourselves on our dreams and our passions.[1:11:05] Ask yourself: what's the smartest thing you can do next, and then, what's the most courageous next step you can take on that project?[1:19:38] Mark's Challenge: Let him help you. Mentioned:Mark Drager: Website | PodcastRichard BransonFast CompanyBreakthrough Advertising

Key Takeaways:[2:57] Ruby and Eric discuss some of the unique delights and challenges of being part of a writing trio.[7:45] What is the bridge between this book and Morag's book Cultivate: The Power of Winning Relationship?[8:05] What are the intentional choices you can make to build ally relationships?[12:44] Ruby and Eric break down the five components of an ally mindset:abundance and generosityconnection and compassioncourage and vulnerabilitycandor and debateaction and accountability[13:23] In order to get more allies, you have to be one yourself.[25:43] How can we start with small ripples of joy in our own lives and have that branch out to help others?[28:12] Are two-hour staff meetings really necessary? And if so, how do we make them more efficient and profitable for everyone involved?[34:13] If you've invested in your relationship, it's going to withstand weird moments. In the meantime, what should we do when a sideways moment occurs?[59:54] Challenge: lean into having the hard conversations. Keeping your head down isn't going to change a damn thing. And, check out the Ally Mindset Profile to give you some insights into what comes naturally to you, as it relates to the five practices.Mentioned:You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at WorkAlly Mindset ProfileJohn Gottman

Key Takeaways:[6:20] We are in a media environment that is saturated with messages about how much more we could be doing.[7:27] Charlie, Jenny, and Tara define capacity and what that means to them.[10:51] What are some of the things that can make working in a team overwhelming?[14:17] When our world gets too big, we tend to get disengagement and boredom.[15:38] The difference between rigidity and rigor in goal setting.[17:09] Why is it important to bring in conversation about rigidity versus rigor as it relates to capacity and the ambitions that so many of us have, especially for creative pursuits?[21:55] How do you effectively and professionally communicate when you're overcommitted?[29:07] Just be honest about what you can and can't do.[32:07] Yes, technically we all have the same 24 hours as Beyonce, but we have different 24 hours.[45:34] At the heart of hustle culture is a solution to a substantially larger problem that we have in the 21st-Century economy. Charlie, Jenny, and Tara discuss how hustle and bro culture is a larger sign of a patriarchy and white male privilege.Mentioned:Jenny BlakeTara McMullin

Key Takeaways:[3:13] Jennifer discusses finding her voice in the workplace equality movement as a professional, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and someone who recognizes their privilege.[5:25] Jennifer talks about carrying the LGBTQ identity as a source of challenge, and using it as a vehicle to transform her own leadership.[12:22] When getting leaders and insiders to enact lasting change, we need to focus on DEI efforts on the moral case, just as much, if not more than, the business case.[15:43] If you are an insider, you can push on other insiders to lead differently.[17:40] Up to 75% of change management efforts fail, especially the top-down-led ones.[21:01] We can find core issues that we can focus on, which will then create ripples of change. One example of this can be toxic masculinity.[33:01] We should recognize that the differences between us are ones we should face and name, rather than sweep them under the rug.[38:11] The journey of understanding others is challenging and may reveal things about ourselves that we never expected. It's important to be patient, humble, and transparent about our experience. Humans don't learn by shaming one another.[1:01:28] Leaning on others within your community is super important, and Jennifer talks about the profoundness of an ally showing up to help speak for someone who can't.[1:09:49] Jennifer's challenge: get comfortable with being uncomfortable.[1:10:44] DEI is a laboratory for human evolution, and it challenges us at the deepest level in the not knowing.Mentioned:Jennifer BrownHow to Be an Inclusive LeaderDEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right, by Lily Zhengbell hooks

Can magic strike twice? As we learn in this episode, it most certainly can. Charlie welcomes Jadah Sellner, best-selling author, business coach, and the host of the Lead with Love podcast. Jadah shares wisdom from her own experience of going from the “green smoothie girl” to an anti-hustle and pro-sustainable leadership business coach. Jadah talks more about her #shebuilds movement, which helps founders build sustainable businesses without burnout, some tips on moving forward when you feel like you've outgrown your current situation, and how we can apply anti-hustle productivity in our personal and professional lives. Jadah and Charlie talk about their creative process of book writing, moving from fear to love, and how we can define our “enough” to move through the world more intentionally.Key Takeaways:[3:41] Jadah talks about co-founding Simple Green Smoothies with her then-business partner Jen, and the interesting journey to have the conscious uncoupling not only with a business partner but with an identity of a body of work that she built.[5:20] Can magic strike twice? The answer is yes.[5:58] What should you do when you feel stuck in a pattern, yet your heart and soul call you in a new direction?[10:08] Sometimes we need separation to rebuild on our own and find our way.[10:52] Jadah shares a few people and situations that helped her create her own skill set and tools to pull from in her current life.[11:13] How is She Builds different from anything Jadah has done before?[12:17] Pay attention to where your natural curiosity and interest lie.[14:31] Jadah is an immersive creator, and she talks about giving herself the space to process and creatively cocoon while she is going through the process of creative writing and output.[17:41] Things flow much more easily when we embrace the fact that each project brings a new creative process.[23:15] The core message behind She Builds is that hustle culture isn't working for women.[32:51] Sometimes advocating for yourself also means having to push back deadlines and be honest with yourself and others that things may not happen on the exact day you plan for them to happen.[38:55] How can we move from fear to love? Jadah breaks down her definition of “L.O.V.E.”: lead, optimize, visualize, and expand.[41:23] In a world where your to-do list can be a bottomless mimosa, it's important to have an intentional and practical relationship with your to-do list.[48:47] Jadah's growth edge now is being in a creative process with her book.[50:43] Jadah's challenge: define your “enough” number. It is personal for everyone and can help move you out of hustle culture.Mentioned in this episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe AcademyMomentum AppJadah Sellner@jadahsellnerLead with Love PodcastShe Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your LifeElizabeth GilbertNeil GaimanToni Morrison

Key Takeaways:[4:36] Tara talks about what led her to create the What Works book, a blend of her own personal quest to re-establish her relationship with work and goals, mixed with conversations with people who had all sorts of different relationships to productivity and goals.[6:08] In the process of Tara's research for the book, it brought up a deeper conversation of how much culture, family, and upbringing have on our identity, which makes an impact on how we structure our work and the goals we set.[6:49] We are bombarded by marketing and societal messages that make us feel like we aren't good enough, or aren't doing enough.[7:22] Tara and Charlie discuss why we don't do the things we really want to do, and why working on teams can be so hard, even though we are primed to work with others.[12:25] We unpack the validation spiral, and why it's so common.[16:21] Externally, one of the ways that we play into the validation spiral is by saying yes to things, taking on projects, and spreading ourselves too thin to do anything impeccably.[20:23] So many of us are socialized to be the supporting actor when really we can be the lead actor in our own story.[24:01] Ask yourself: what resources do you need, and where might they come from?[33:15] When “shoulding” and “supposed to-ing” yourself, get clear and concrete about what exactly you are looking for. Try to get specific about numbers and benchmarks.[40:15] Why don't we ask for help before we absolutely need it?[45:10] Get a support team together before you need the help.[52:12] As a community, we can learn to break down resistance to ask for help and more openly offer help to others without expecting much in return.Mentioned in this episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe AcademyMomentum AppBrokenDown GirlTara McMullinWhat Works: A Comprehensive Framework to Change the Way We Approach Goal SettingWhat Works What Works Network

Key Takeaways:[4:17] Mark talks about the experience of almost dying from a rare form of lymphoma when he was in his 30s, and how it was the introduction to facing the unavoidable work of the friction that comes with life.[5:32] We must face what is done to us, but we are more than what has been done to us.[5:41] Mark talks about how the pandemic showed our generation it's time to learn to choose love over fear, and compassion over self-interest.[11:20] One of the first “faults” goes back to the Industrial Revolution, where this is the first time in history that where we live and work is separated.[17:16] Reality TV is our present-day virtual Colosseum.[27:23] Often spiritually, the safest place is in the center.[28:09] Every one of us has a daily and perennial choice between love and fear. But there's a difference between letting fear move through you and obeying it.[34:38] Through solitude, we restore our direct connection to the universe, and through relationships, we restore the wonder of being human and compassion and kindness.[37:11] The bad news is we're always falling. The good news is there's no bottom.[47:56] Mark's challenge and invasion: inhabit life fully by being as open-hearted and as loving as possible. This will require courage, strength, and kindness.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe AcademyMomentum AppMark NepoSurviving Storms: Finding the Strength To Meet Adversity, by Mark NepoThe Social DilemmaThink Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day, by Jay SetiNo Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering, by Thich Nhat Hanh

Key Takeaways:[4:54] Lisa would consider herself mentally ambidextrous. She likes structure and hard problems but also enjoys free thinking. Both these qualities help her as a storyteller and entrepreneur.[5:04] Lisa talks about deciding that she wanted more out of early retirement than sitting and eating pancakes all day![8:36] As a polymath, you can both be multidisciplinary and singularly focused.[12:44] Sometimes people put themselves in a prison of their own making. Lisa talks about how we can lean into creativity and fun rather than being stuck feeling like we have to do one thing.[13:21] When we start thinking about making decisions that affect our evolution, we tie in three factors that make them super hard and high-stakes: we make a decision, it is non-reversible, and it seems like it's non-recoverable.[15:02] Sometimes we think that we are failing, when we're really in the middle of succeeding, but the only way you know that is to know that you are trying a new thing and experimenting.[27:00] Lisa discusses how her definition of success was flawed and how she was basing success on outcome rather than creating a process that really reflected where her money and time were going, and if this matched her values.[38:26] Lifestyle changes can take time.[1:04:29] It's often what we are ashamed of and embarrassed about that can lead us to really get what we want.[1:08:03] Lisa's challenge to you: make yourself a “to don't” list.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe AcademyMomentum AppBehind the Brilliance PodcastLisa Nicole Bell@lisanicolebellA Whole New MindMr. Money Mustache

If you've ever wanted to do interesting projects with friends and family but traditional business ownership models didn't feel quite right, this episode is for you. Kate Strathman is an artist, writer, and rebellious spirit. As a multidisciplinary business owner, Kate taps into each of these traits to help others build equitable team structures and dream up alternative business models that may have never previously existed. In this episode, Kate talks about the definition of a collective and how it differs from a cooperative, how to know what purpose, structure, and operating model to use, and what to do when you know it's time to shift. Kate also discusses how we can better create value for people through our business. Key Takeaways:[3:56] Kate talks about how someone with an art degree and a love of wandering around India ended up in bookkeeping and a finance consultancy.[12:35] Kate defines a cooperative as a business that is owned by the people that benefit from it. There are different types of cooperatives. A worker co-op is a type of business where the employees directly own and control the business, generally on a democratic basis of one person/one vote.[15:20] In a worker co-op, ownership derives from working in the company, rather than investing in capital.[23:20] Pay and power are not the same things. Just because you have 50/50 ownership in the business, it might not necessarily mean you get paid the same.[28:07] Kate talks about some of the conditions that skew us towards a co-op versus more of a standard partnership: the number of people, owner obsolescence, and creating a multi-generational structure.[49:11] What is the line between resilience and interdependence?[51:27] Kate's challenge: think about one way the structure of your business could shift to benefit all the humans and communities it touches. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe AcademyMomentum AppWanderwell ConsultingKate StrathmannSimple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential, by Greg Crabtree, with Beverly Blair Harzog

This week, New York Times bestselling author and essayist Esmé Wang joins the show. Esmé first talks about growing up with immigrant parents, and how that shaped her ideas of accomplishments and what it meant to succeed as a creative. She details how she went on to go to Yale, became a scientist, and then veered onto the path of writing and how her illness taught her to just “be” instead of always trying to be productive. She shines a light on the lessons she learned from having her book rejected 41 times before being selected as a once-in-a-decade award winner. Esmé is also the founder of The Unexpected Shape Writing Academy.Key Takeaways:[2:51] When you're a creator and dealing with disabilities and chronic illness, one of the things you have to accept is that your plans don't always work out the way you want them to, because life happens.[3:19] Esmé talks about growing up as a professional writer with immigrant parents from Taiwan who put a very high emphasis on attending an Ivy League school and productivity.[12:02] One of the problems of living a creative life and unconventional path is that the normal markers people would use for success may not be there.[13:05] Esmé's first book was rejected 41 times before it was picked up by a publisher. She talks about how luck plays a role in success.[17:53] We all have the same hours in a day as Beyonce, but definitely not the same level of support![21:01] Esmé discusses her own dealing with illness as a person that put high importance on output and productivity.[25:07] How can people with chronic illness and disability reframe the way they look at productivity and time management in a way that doesn't lead to frustration and disappointment?[28:01] Culture and our capitalistic society are obsessed with productivity.[35:08] Able-bodied people often don't realize how much it takes for someone with a disability or chronic illness to do the things they view as “normal” or easy.[38:41] How the Momentum App can help.[42:22] How we can better communicate with the people in our lives when we need a break or are running out of energy.[53:24] Challenge: write down EVERYTHING you do in a day. Everything. You are doing way more than you think you are.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe AcademyMomentum AppEsmé WangThe Unexpected Shape AcademyAdam GrantBrené Brown

Tara Newman is the Founder and CEO of the Bold Profit Academy and host of the Bold Money Revolution. She joins the show today for a conversation about the importance of remembering why most of us start businesses and seek out entrepreneurship, how common growth strategies can lead to a lack of resiliency, and how service providers can avoid the mindset of selling themselves. This is a great episode for those wanting to make their business work for them and their life, rather than having their life be working for their business. Key Takeaways:[3:58] Many of us come to entrepreneurship out of necessity. Tara talks about her diagnosis of Lyme Disease, and how getting COVID-19 also flared up her EB Virus. To heal, she needed proper time and space to focus on her health journey, which having your own business can allow. [8:00] The pandemic cycle introduced new layers that we hadn't had to consider before. This resulted in many of us having to re-engineer our businesses. [15:26] Why it's detrimental to condition your reward system to seek likes, followers, and comments rather than true value. [19:32] Tara explains how the online business model is the most costly thing she has ever seen. [23:03] Tara is a big believer that you can be a millionaire without having a million-dollar business. [24:49] There is no regulation for digital advertising and research shows that up to 88% of ad clicks are fraudulent. [27:45] Publicly held companies are cutting their ad revenue and marketing because they know they can make sales without them. [38:07] The biggest benefits to having a profit-first framework as a method. [48:05] What has Tara learned as a wartime leader? Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe Productive Flourishing AcademyMomentum AppTara Newman: Bold Profit Academy

Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He joins the show to talk about how we can access flow and empathy during times of crisis, and how we can learn from the innovation over the pandemic and keep it as we move forward. Steven also talks about the inspiration behind his best-selling thriller, The Devil's Dictionary.Key Takeaways:[3:47] Steven talks about starting his career in journalism and expanding his interest in disruptive technology and how people get and stay in their flow.[6:50] Steven talks about his thoughts on being a rational optimist, and what we mean when we say radical humanism.[11:12] How did COVID-19 disrupt the way we work and live when it comes to both AI and material revolution and how can we embrace these changes moving forward?[26:30] The four best tools to manicure our nervous systems are gratitude, mindfulness, exercise, and regular access to flow. It is imperative that we take advantage of these during a crisis.[28:44] How do we cooperate at scale at speed without a war driving us forward?[30:01] Steven talks about his book, The Devil's Dictionary.[43:25] Are we going to use these technologies to fix the globally broken supply chain? That's an open question.[46:53] Steve explains how we need different models for sharing value at scale than what we currently have.[51:02] In order to solve world problems, we need empathy for all beings, plants, animals, and ecosystems.[52:00] If you're interested in creativity and innovation, and entrepreneurship, you need to tamp down the brain's negativity bias and make room for new information. The easiest way to do that is through empathy.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe AcademyMomentum AppSteven KotlerThomas PoggeDevil's Dictionary

In this episode, Angela is back as we discuss why it's important for founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs of all kinds to consider a sabbatical or a “slowbatical.” Just as it sounds, a slowbatical is a time to slow down, recover, and recharge from career stresses. As a society, we have reached a critical point where we are no longer just working hard but working towards imminent burnout; burnout that will cost you, your clients, your employees, and your bottom line. If you're reading this and thinking, “I can't do that,” then this episode is especially for you.Key Takeaways:[2:56] When reflecting on this episode, Angela realized she and Charlie continued to have the “burnout” discussion without ever taking a break to recharge.[7:41] What is a slowbatical? And why it's more attainable than a true sabbatical.[9:59] So many of us have reached a tipping point where today's pace is driving us to burnout on a detrimental scale.[10:42] One positive of the pandemic is we have begun talking more about burnout and the need for slowing down; even though it was at a tipping point before COVID-19.[12:48] When we talk about burnout, most people think about being incapacitated but there are levels of burnout. Oftentimes, it's more gradual than a dramatic implosion.[14:53] Rather than waiting for a falling out, it's best to plan for what to do if there is burnout.[16:06] The OEN April panel discussion spared an important issue which is why there is so much pressure and threat of burnout on founders and small business owners, especially.[23:55] It's okay to recognize what role privilege plays in the need for sabbaticals and slowbaticals without discounting the importance.[27:07] While this episode has an emphasis on founders, it is just as important for those with side hustles or traditional jobs to allow themselves the mindset to slow down.[30:24] There may be a cost to taking a break, but there will likely be a bigger cost to not taking one.[34:48] What and when founders and business owners can plan for sabbaticals and slowbatticals.[44:48] It's time to stop saying, “I can't” when it comes to sabbaticals and slowbaticals. And start asking, “Why?”[46:15] The two questions you need to ask when thinking about a slowbatical are 1) What are you making space to do more of? 2) What are you making space from?[49:00] Time and time again, people that take slowbaticals find that results remain relatively the same.[54:15] Angela has not only helped clients and seen their growth with slowbaticals but she's also had to examine and struggle with this in her own life.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyThe AcademyMomentum AppOEN April PubTalkWanderwell“Under Pressure” — The Portland Business JournalYNABHell Yeah or No, by Derek Sivers“Relax for the Same Result,” by Derek Sivers

In this episode, Jenny Blake joins Charlie on the show to talk about free time and how systems can help us create more of it in our busy lives. The real goal of effective systems is to help us do our best work, free up our energy, and pursue what matters to us. Jenny and Charlie discuss what keeps people from building the right systems, why our ideas of hard work play into the systems we build, and how to start creating more free time in our businesses and personal lives. If you want more free time, this episode is going to be an eye-opener.Key Takeaways:[3:13] How did Jenny end up with the book Free Time? She explains how she was inspired to write her first two books, Life After College and Pivot, and Free Time is about optimizing what's now.[6:54] A lot of books on systems tend to be quite dense and complex. Jenny's aim was to bring some levity to the conversation with her book.[9:23] For business owners, Charlie highlights some important things to keep in mind about people sharing their numbers.[12:57] What is Free Time about? At its core, it's a book that helps you make your business work for you without so much work to make it work.[19:25] We need to start thinking about systems differently. A system is essentially a set of interrelated, interconnected parts that produce a consistent result. Oftentimes, in organizations, it can feel like people are at fault, but the underlying issues may be the work systems that have been created.[21:52] Jenny shares some examples of the importance of having systems on the personal and household front.[34:45] When we look at the things we don't like to do or are not good at doing from another perspective, we can actually see that there are people out there who are good at it, and who want to do it, and will benefit economically from doing it.[37:29] One of the things we have to take seriously in all teams is the energy and emotions that we inject into them.[40:32] The bottleneck and chief constraint in a business is often not time, but energy and attention.[43:51] Jenny and Charlie discuss infinite games and how happiness and free time tie into that.[52:20] Creating systems can start by thinking of what you would like an ideal world to look like. The point is not to get caught in the minute details of how that is possible but merely visualize and dream what is possible.[57:29] Strategic laziness can be a helpful concept to tap into to create systems and processes in your business to make things easier for your future self.[62:25] Jenny invites listeners to do less. So much of free time is permission, and that permission is to be a little bit radical with your free time.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyFree Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business, by Jenny BlakePivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One. by Jenny BlakeLife After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want. by Jenny Blake Productive Flourishing Podcast “Episode 72: How to Embrace Uncertainty Through a Career Change with Jenny Blake”Pivot PodcastFree Time PodcastOne Stone CreativeThe Infinite Game, by Simon SinekDeep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, by Cal NewportTim Ferris, Strategic LazinessAndrew Wilkinson — Lazy Leadership

In this episode, Productive Flourishing team members Cory Huff, Steve Arensberg, and Maghan Haggerty join Charlie on the show to talk about the Start Finishing Field Guide, the workbook version of Charlie's best selling book, Start Finishing. In this behind-the-scenes chat with some team members who helped bring the field guide into existence, hear more about some lessons the team learned along the way, the challenges they faced, and why this is the perfect time to launch this workbook. It's going to be an episode with takeaways for everyone, regardless of whether you're a writer, creator, or team leader.Key Takeaways:[4:07] Charlie explains his process of writing Start Finishing, and how it turned out to be the kind of book that it is.[6:08] Steve was the champion for the Start Finishing Field Guide from the beginning. He shares more about why he felt the worksheets and guides that accompanied Start Finishing were so important.[8:00] When writing a non-fiction book, it is always important to be open to other bits of collateral that you might need to support it.[9:05] It took a lot of effort to bring the Start Finishing Field Guide into existence. Steve talks about why important tasks that aren't urgent can sometimes get pushed to the back, especially if there isn't someone in the organization to champion them.[10:47] There was a gap between the information presented in Start Finishing and readers actually translating that into a final finished project.[13:50] How did Maghan get roped into the field guide of Start Finishing? She talks about how she started as part of a street team to promote Start Finishing and found herself needing companion worksheets to better process the concepts it covered.[15:44] Charlie outlines the timeline for the field guide and how it ended up being launched now.[17:50] Steve talks about some of the calculations and approximations the team had to do around the cost of producing the field guide, as well as how the team decided which other projects were going to be put on the backburner for this.[20:35] What are some of the differences between publishing a workbook and a traditionally published book?[24:48] What's the thought process behind creating worksheets to help people grasp concepts or ideas better?[29:39] For Maghan, working out how to translate each chapter of the book into worksheets essentially became a lesson for her on what to do next and how to implement the principle of that chapter in her life.[34:11] The team shares their reflections on what they have learned from working on the field guide and being a part of the PF team.[42:02] Why is the book called a field guide rather than a workbook? It's a great resource to have along the journey![44:16] Sign up to get the details about the field guide when it gets released.[45:32] Steve, Maghan, and Cory share their final thoughts to wrap up the interview.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyMomentum PlannersSounds True

 In this episode, Angela joins Charlie on the show after a long hiatus to talk about her concussion rehabilitation process and what she has been going through since July when she experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Angela has been going through an intensive rehabilitation program, and it has been an exhausting experience for her. Her history with TBIs has impacted her in more than one way, and she and Charlie share how her neural deficits have inspired them both to change and adapt, as well as to ask and receive help when they need it.Key Takeaways:[2:16] Angela experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) in July and has been going through concussion rehabilitation since then. It has been a journey of learning to navigate the changes Angela has experienced in her thinking and thought patterns, both for herself and Charlie.[5:37] Team discussions have also taken on a different dynamic within PF with more neurodiversity. This has encouraged the team to become more reflective and introspective about how they share their material.[7:28] Angela's recent concussion is likely her eighth serious TBI. She talks a little about her experience with previous TBIs and how they have impacted her.[13:24] It is possible to have a TBI without blacking out, or any of the other common symptoms doctors screen for. Additionally, having TBI makes you more susceptible to additional TBIs.[17:11] Concussions and TBIs are a lot more common than people think they are. Oftentimes, changes that people, especially women, experience because of TBIs are misattributed to hormonal changes.[20:56] Angela has been on an intensive concussion rehabilitation program working with multiple specialists. It has been an exhausting experience for her, and she explains why.[27:30] When dealing with TBIs, it is important for the medical team to have a baseline of what the person's original level of functioning was. It makes all the difference in how they're evaluating the person's progress. Having someone else to advocate for you can help in this situation.[36:02] What are some things Angela and Charlie have learned from this journey? The first thing they realized was how much Angela was in charge of care work in the home, and how that had to change after her injury.[44:30] The second thing they learned was that Angela's schedule had been lying to her. Charlie and Angela talk more about how they helped her get into momentum planning to schedule her time.[49:54] Angela is still deep in the throes of her rehab, but there are already things she is grateful for.[51:05] Something that has helped Angela in this process is “sense naps.”[55:23] Knowing how to ask for help and how to accept it is one of the hardest things to do.[59:58] While most of this conversation has been focused on Angela's journey, Charlie has also experienced some catalytic changes.[64:14] Angela invites listeners to be honest with themselves about where they are and where their capacity is. It starts from there to let the people around you know where you are, so they can engage and interact with you as you are.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyMomentum Planners

Ashley Zuberi, yoga teacher, author, and former teammate of Team Productive Flourishing, joins Charlie on the show to discuss how we can reframe yoga, spiritual practices, and mindfulness so that we can integrate them into our days and make them work for us. Spiritual practices and philosophy are best suited to help us live our actual lives more fully rather than trying to create an ideal version of ourselves. Charlie and Ashley discuss how spirituality shows up in our day-to-day life and why it will always be a work in progress.Key Takeaways:[2:40] For many people, doing yoga, and cultivating a meditation or mindfulness practice are on their to-do list. Yet, people struggle with actually starting and maintaining these practices. Ashley addresses why people can get stuck before beginning.[5:29] Creating a meditation or yoga or spiritual practice is hard, and it's because it requires experimentation where people are looking for someone to tell them what to do.[7:03] One way to approach these practices is by integrating these practices into our lives in a more practical way. Ashley outlines how this plays out in her own life.[8:34] Charlie reflects on how his relationship with yoga has changed since 2020. Yoga is much more than just practicing poses. In its original form, yoga was a meditation practice![12:58] It can be just as, if not more, helpful to do shorter periods of yoga more frequently rather than longer sessions at larger intervals. What has happened is the assimilation and co-opting of other traditions into a Western paradigm.[15:40] A lot of what drives our actions is being more efficient and doing things more as efficiently as possible. However, that's not the goal in a spiritual practice.[17:54] Even hugs can be a part of your yoga practice if you are tuning into the present moment and practicing presence.[21:46] Spirituality is what happens in the moment and not just what happens in the special containers we create for them.[23:12] Charlie and Ashley discuss what it means to truly be able to show up as your full self at work, particularly now with COVID-19 and working from home.[25:29] COVID-19 has had some negative impacts on this generation of children, but looking beyond the arbitrary constructs and structures, we can see some other benefits like children seeing their parents at work, and parents being able to spend more time with their kids.[26:28] Charlie explains more about different types of reality, the objective, subjective, and interest objective, and how this ties into spiritual practices.[30:01] Our understanding of what yoga is evolves and changes with time. Charlie and Ashley share what it means for each of them and how it influences how they show up in the world.[34:33] What are some steps we can take to move forward from this conversation and start our spiritual practice?[43:55] Each of us has our own challenges and struggles with our spiritual practice. What is Ashley feeling most challenged by now?[48:50] Ashley invites you to try something today that helps you find more peace.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyAshley ZuberiEight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, by John M. Gottman, Doug Abrams, Julie Gottman, Rachel Carlton AbramsThe Mom ProjectSapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari

Jeffrey Davis, branding consultant, repeat guest, and author of the new book, Tracking Wonder, joins Charlie on the show to discuss how we can reconcile productivity and wonder. Our culture's obsession with productivity has a bias against wonder and yet wonder is essential for our creativity, satisfaction, and belonging. They discuss how these seemingly opposing forces balance each other and allow us to thrive and flourish, not merely be more productive.Key Takeaways:[2:10] Jeffrey shares the journey of how he wrote his latest book, Tracking Wonder. It was a process of discovery and learning through extreme adversity and crisis.[8:42] When we go on these journeys as thinkers and writers, there is often an intense pressure for it to be quick. Often, this is not the case and it can take months or years for ideas to come to fruition.[12:18] Fifteen to 20 years ago, positive psychology was still in its infancy, and the only option then was to turn to philosophy to talk about thriving, wonder, happiness, belonging, etc. Now, there is science to back it up.[15:49] The past 18 months, both culturally and socially, have raised a lot of questions about meaning and relationships.[17:03] Charlie and Jeffrey discuss measuring productivity; it has always been difficult to measure and has become even more difficult recently. Why are we tracking only certain metrics for productivity and efficiency and not others?[22:06] There is a lot of work to be done, and it does have an impact on the company's bottom line. On the flip side, as leaders, we need to have the integrity to recognize that people need to go out and do something different than just being stuck to their screens all day.[25:06] Charlie reflects on an interestingly productive time of his day — when he goes on his coffee walks in the morning.[29:05] There are a lot of things that look like not working, that make the working actually happen.[32:11] Getting off a structured routine can be a very bewildering experience of deinstitutionalization. When we get off the path fixed for us, we have to create boundaries, rhythms, and structures for ourselves.[37:02] How can we navigate that sense of bewilderment and disorientation when our rhythms are disrupted? Bewilderment fatigue can be a challenge, and sometimes we may disengage or bypass as a way of escaping reality.[40:41] Wonder has six facets. Jeffrey explains each one briefly. 1: Openness, 2: Curiosity, 3: Bewilderment, 4: Hope, 5: Connection, 6: Admiration.[44:16] How can productivity and wonder coexist? They seem to be at odds with each other, yet a balance is necessary.[48:10] We are more than our work. Charlie shares some ways to detach ourselves from our work in the language we use.[49:57] You are what you pay attention to. What are you paying attention to, and what are you focusing on?[53:31] How can we shape our time together better so that we develop more connection?[56:04] Jeffery used the design of his book to invoke wonder and bewilderment.[60:05] Jeffrey invites and challenges listeners to conduct an experiment at the beginning, middle, and end of your day to bring more openness, surprise, elevation, or connection.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyJeffrey DavisTracking Wonder: Reclaiming a Life of Meaning and Possibility in a World Obsessed with Productivity, by Jeffrey DavisThe Journey from the Center to the Page: Yoga Philosophies and Practices as Muse for Authentic Writing, by Jeff DavisShiva Sutras“Why You Need to Protect Your Sense of Wonder — Especially Now,” by David P. Fessell and Karen Reivich for Harvard Business ReviewBewilderment, by Richard PowersSounds True

Pam Slim, business coach, speaker, and author of the new book The Widest Net, joins Charlie on the show to discuss how building your business from an ecosystem paradigm instead of an empire paradigm changes everything — from how you do marketing to your approach to partnerships. They discuss the importance of having a focused beacon in your work, getting into the flow of building partnerships, and how to successfully start and grow your business in collaboration with others.Key Takeaways:[2:07] An arc connects all three of Pam's books — Escape from Cubicle Nation, Body of Work, and Widest Net. She explains the trajectory of the reader going through all three books.[4:51] Pam has experienced several different configurations of working since her first book. She shares more about her journey with work, and how she has built up her network of relationships.[8:18] In her book, The Widest Net, Pam talks about some of the other elements of marketing that are more relatable and inclusive. At its foundation, The Widest Net is focused on shifting the paradigm from “building an empire” to “building an ecosystem.”[13:51] A lot of marketing already happens within an ecosystem model.[16:33] Whether you're going deep in cultivating relationships or broad in reaching out to a large audience, you still have to do marketing, and you still have to do the work.[18:22] There is a distinction between relational connections and transactional connections.[21:21] As an expert within your field, you need to have a beacon. It is your responsibility to be really clear about what you do, your perspective, and your unique approach.[23:32] Many of us want to showcase all of our talents and interests, and illustrate that we have range. However, this can be problematic from a business perspective. Pam and Charlie discuss how to build a better beacon for our work.[28:33] You don't have to let go of all your passions, interests, and different revenue streams in your business. It's all about what you're shining the light on.[30:26] When our beacons are too diffuse, it makes it hard for people to refer us to others.[31:00] Partnerships are an essential part of building success in the ecosystem model. Pam explains how having “peanut butter and jelly” partners and brand partnerships can be useful.[36:31] How can we start positioning ourselves to get into the flow of building partnerships? It can be difficult, especially for underestimated or overlooked founders.[41:51] Pam shares some of the things she has learned about her own business and journey in writing The Widest Net.[49:34] Pam invites listeners to identify partners to help them market their business. The first place to start is with your favorite clients, customers, and people you work with.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done, by Charlie GilkeyPam SlimThe Widest Net: Unlock Untapped Markets and Discover New Customers Right in Front of You, by Pamela SlimBooks by Pam SlimMain Street Learning LabBackstage CapitalRareBreed VenturesOverlooked VenturesThe Plug Newsletter

KC Carter, meditation teacher, executive coach, and author, joins Charlie on the show to discuss the four permissions that will help us live a fuller life and be great leaders. They touch on how some of these permissions are sneakily radical, and KC's process of setting aside the time to make his new book Permission to Glow  a reality.  Key Takeaways:[3:07] - In his work, KC shows up in many different communities throughout the world. Those with a brand around nonfiction are often under pressure to show up one way all the time, but we are human beings that contain multitudes. [7:23] - The law of accumulation says that we are more than all that we've ever lived, and we're lucky if we can integrate some of that into our work. There can be a perpetual discomfort knowing which part to display in a given setting to get people to believe what you have to share.[10:15] - KC shares his process in overcoming the enormity of his book project to stay focused and on task, as well as to carve out the time to make it happen. He was able to draw on his experience putting a song together and recognizing the joy that comes at the end of a project. [16:20] - Glow vs shine: the reason glow resonated more than shine is because of the longevity of its potential, and it allows a wider spectrum of what it means to glow. Glow comes from within rather than reflecting light when we shine.[20:00] - KC talks through the four permissions: 1. Permission to chill 2. Permission to feel all the feels 3. Permission to glow in the dark 4. Permission to transcend competition for collaboration and uplift our human family[25:40] - The radicalness of the four permissions comes from looking at them in reverse order. Permissions 3 and 4 focus more on what we can do together, but Permissions 1 and 2 are radical in their own right because as a society, we don't often prioritize these things.[32:20] - KC talks about his struggle with the second of the previous permissions. Because his intelligence centers around his mind (rather than the heart), it can be difficult to let people into his process of struggle and victory.  [36:25] - KC also included a 5th permission, 5. Permission to suck. This allows people to keep compassion as they create change in their lives. [42:30] - The permissions are like a vine that continues to propagate throughout your life, and they change you as they change on external and internal levels. [45:40] - If you want to get started on these concepts, the default place to get started would be to create a daily meditation habit. That's the foundation of conscious leadership. [52:03] - KC's challenge to listeners is based on Permission 3 - look around at the fear in today's world, and ask yourself “What would it take for me to defiantly glow in this darkness, no matter what?”Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyPermission to Glow, Kristoffer (KC) CarterKC Carter

Andrea Owen returns to the show to talk about her new book, Make Some Noise. She and Charlie talk about the unlearning we all need to do to be able to speak our minds, with a specific focus on how challenging this is to do for women, and why. They also discuss the importance of unlearning through your own process.  Key Takeaways:[3:00] - Andrea talks through the trajectory of this book compared to her previous book, given the current climate of women's empowerment and looking back into the culture that raised us.[6:50] - Her book gets to the root of many issues, and sometimes that's uncomfortable. But going out of our way to make people comfortable with the conversation sometimes can exclude people from entering the conversation as their authentic selves.[11:30] - Charlie and Andrea talk about the idea of generational transmissions, and how the same head trash that affected our parents and grandparents still affects us today.[13:33] - One of the best tools Andrea has learned is to get curious about why you're acting the way that you are. It doesn't mean you are wrong for it, but it's valuable to explore where that's coming from.[17:25] - Andrea talks about the pendulum of “the norm” over the past few years, and the wake up call we all received around 2016. As the pendulum is moving back towards the middle, we will be able to have candid and vulnerable conversations that are necessary to unpack “the norm” to move forward to real social change.[25:50] - Charlie and Andrea talk about some of the reasons it's so difficult for women to initiate difficult and vulnerable conversations, as they are often waiting for other people to take care of their needs. It starts with this unpacking and unlearning of the conditioning and socialization that we've received.[28:10] - Andrea walks us through the four steps of unlearning: 1. Pay attention 2. Get curious 3. Self compassion 4. Keep the momentum[33:50] - In the process of unlearning, there will be feelings of discomfort, and that is okay. The important thing we can be responsible for is our behavior when reacting to those feelings.[37:00] - Another important topic Andrea includes in the book is money. Women tend to not talk about money and tend to not invest, even though they are often more successful than their male counterparts. [41:20] - Andrea talks about a specific experience with trying to find a babysitter, and the importance of having important conversations with young girls around their worth. Boys are often socialized much differently even from a young age, especially when it comes to financial worth. [46:12] - What you charge is not your value; you should charge for the value that you bring, but the value that you bring is not your personal worth.[47:30] - Andrea talks about the list of things to start and stop doing that is outlined in her book, as well as which she finds most challenging to work on.[52:55] - Andrea's invitation for listeners is to think about your conditioning and your socialization, how it is or isn't serving you, and what you are doing to change it. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyMake Some Noise, by Andrea Owen

Larry Robertson returns to the podcast for this episode to talk about his new book and way of thinking about leadership, Rebel Leadership. He and Charlie talk about why the times we are living in now will be the norm for the century, the upshot of this uncertainty, why future proofing is inevitably going to be a no-win scenario, and how we can thrive despite difficulties of the work ahead. We all have the capability of leadership within us, and today's conversation will inspire listeners to step into it.  Key Takeaways:[2:50] - Rebel and leadership are both terms that people are simultaneously attracted to and repelled by; however, the best aspect of both is how we can thrive in these uncertain times. Rebels are innovative, open, experimental, and adaptable. On the leadership side, the best leaders create an environment where everyone can lead in their own way. [8:25] - As we move forward in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world, we will experience risk in one of two ways: conventional risk and storm-surge risk. We are experiencing both more often and more simultaneously than the human race has before. [12:50] - Rather than trying to contain the uncertainty, we have to prepare for and learn to live in that uncertainty. Larry talks about structure in organizations and our own preparedness, and using that structure as support for your larger purpose. This VUCA world is an opportunity to create a new normal.[16:30] - Larry and Charlie talk about the idea of future proofing, and how it can be dangerous to focus on future proofing, because it doesn't allow you to see opportunities in the middle of difficult times. Future readiness recognizes that we have to continually adapt.[19:35] - This new book is kind of an evolution out of Larry's previous two books, focusing on how we lead out of our ideas into something bigger, and how leadership has changed. He combined four ideas to make this book: a sense of incompleteness, time relevance of uncertain times, looking for something new in leadership, and identifying patterns of success for people leading in uncertain times. [26:30] - The people that are creating value and impact are engaging and re-engaging in the creative process to not only materialize their best work, but also evaluate what that means, especially over time. Moving on this continuum can make it easier to get started on the next part of your body of work.[30:10] - When advancing on our next body of work, it's important to dig deep into what people have thought along the way, what went well and what went poorly, and what kept them on the path through the ups and downs. The back and forth of digging and advancing is part of the mix all the time. [33:35] - Larry talks about his interview process. With a broader audience, the more revelatory it is. If you can broaden out the spaces that you're serving, you're going to start to see patterns emerge. These patterns become lessons that can transfer.[41:00] - A key thing about interviews is that we often think we need better answers, but in reality we need better questions, and the willingness to engage with them in a way that fits the question. [45:20] - Another thing to recognize is that during this interview and exploration process, we may not always get closure on a question or idea. Recognizing the power in the idea of accepting the incomplete, we have to begin to apply it across the board, not just to isolated experiences. [47:00] - Each of the five insights explored in the book are helpful and powerful, but what they do in combination surprised Larry the most. The interconnection became so important, and as he realized the power, he was able to emphasize that for readers.[51:55] - As Charlie is writing his new book, Work Ways, this same interconnection becomes important as we examine how making changes in one aspect of work will affect everything else, especially in the times we live in today as we transition back to the workplace. The reality of the uncertainty around us is that it is real, but it is also necessary. Uncertainty is how we stay curious and advance ourselves.[1:01:25] - Larry's challenge for listeners is to think about leadership differently; it's not leadership in the traditional way we have thought about it, but an inherent capacity in all of us. His invitation to listeners is to rethink what leadership is, realize that you have a place in it, and choose to step into it. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyRebel Leadership, by Larry RobertsonBody of Work, by Pamela Slim

Key Takeaways:[2:15] - The elephant is not the only creature in the room. The idea behind naming the mouse in the room is that sometimes you have to acknowledge the more subtle things in the room - they're not always as big as an elephant. When we don't name our mice, we're more disconnected from our souls and from others.[8:40] - Charlie talks about the model of “name it, claim it, tame it.” We often can name our feelings, but until we claim them as true, we can't do anything to tame them, to be able to live and work with them. Emotion drives action, and when we claim those emotions it's easier to relate to the world through our stories. [12:51] - Naming mice is a doorway to deeper connection, more confidence, and stronger leadership. Having these conversations gives us the opportunity to be more deeply connected  to what's actually happening.[16:05] - David selected a mouse to represent this idea because it already relates to a saying and concept we have in society, and its size represents the little moments that happen in between the big things in our lives. [19:55] - At its heart, David's book is about awareness. Once we become aware of these feelings or moments, then we get the opportunity to name it, welcome it, and acknowledge that it is okay. This acknowledgement is where transformation can begin. [26:05] - Charles talks about some of the different reactions we feel when we name our mice. In some cultures there is a tendency to take immediate action, but we have the freedom to sit with what we've named and just allow it to be. [31:15] - The same goes for our interactions with others when they name their mice. Authentic relating is about just being with someone to explore what it's like to feel what they are feeling. As we each relate to the world through our stories, we have the opportunity to weave a common reality. [38:05] - How much of the range of human experience do we not allow ourselves to experience because we're afraid to name the mice or share our vulnerabilities? If we don't acknowledge our emotions, it is hard to move through them and transform them. [43:56] - David's call to action for listeners is to visit the Kickstarter page, join the campaign, and share the movement. The more people we get naming mice, the more we can begin to transform the world. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyName That Mouse Kickstarter Campaign

Today’s guest is Kris Putnam-Walkerly, author of Delusional Altruism: Why Philanthropists Fail to Achieve Change and What They Can Do to Transform Giving. She and Charlie talk about the barriers philanthropists face in making change happen, and Kris shares some of what she writes about in her book on ways to overcome them. Most importantly, they discuss whether the word philanthropy itself is one of these barriers for social funders and investors. Key Takeaways:[2:50] - Kris now works with philanthropists as an advisor and strategist, assessing impact and making changes based on what works and what doesn’t. Originally starting with a master’s in social work, her journey through different family foundations led her to this opportunity she has now.[5:35] - Kris defines philanthropy as actively promoting human welfare, and generosity and caring for others. While giving money is a big part of philanthropy, the definition extends to giving of our full selves to help our neighbors, communities, and the greater good.[8:20] - Charlie and Kris talk about whether the word philanthropy is culturally problematic. When considering the connotation of the words, phrases, or norms we perpetuate, we have to be conscious of racism or structural inequities, and implications they have for people’s lives today.[12:15] - As people begin to think about themselves as philanthropists or funders, it’s important to put yourself in uncomfortable positions and make sure you aren’t shying away from the hard problems. Nonprofits can help with this, but funders need to challenge themselves as well.[14:55] - Kris talks about overcoming the barrier of overwhelm, especially in an ever-changing world: 1. Start with the right questions (why and what), 2.an valuate where you’re at toda, 3. Figure out what focus items you need to work on to move you forward. [21:50] - Charlie and Kris talk about complexity capacity, and the barrier for philanthropists and funders taking on projects that will take an extended time to play out. They talk about putting reality into a relatable context, and also recognizing interim progress and engagement points along the way. [26:45] - Charlie shares his own experience fighting racial inequity and social justice on the board of SVP Portland. They looked at what was causing disparate outcomes in the community, and identified where they could make the biggest change. [32:19] - Once your plan is in action, you also have to intentionally check in to see what’s working and not working, and make changes as necessary. Disruption and volatility are the status quo.[33:50] - It can be frustrating for the entrepreneurial sector who are used to identifying problems and solutions on their own and at a fast pace. It is important for the entrepreneurial spirit and the coalition mindset to come together to make change happen in the most effective ways. [38:45] - In her book, Kris writes about ways to increase your speed (especially on the coalition side), while also noting that you have to have all the pieces in place for effective processes before you can kick things off. You have to allow time for connectivity to be established, but move quickly enough that the interest and funding remains.[40:15] - Charlie and Kris talk about what’s on the horizon for social investors and funders as we are moving toward a recovery period after this pandemic. In addition to looking ahead, organizations should also look back at the past year to identify things they would like to maintain going forward or changes they need to make to remain effective.[44:45] - Kris’ invitation for listeners is to reflect on your strategy, and refresh your strategy based on your reflections over the past year and your team’s plans moving forward. This will give clarity and flexibility. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyDelusional Altruism, by Kris Putnam-Walkerly8 Things Every Philanthropist Can Do - Free GuideCan’t Not Do, by Paul Shoemaker

In this episode, Charlie and Angela talk about managing the business in the midst of also having to take care of family. Currently in Arkansas to help take care of both sets of parents, they talk about how we sometimes have to shift our priorities for different seasons of life, and how to utilize skills sets across all facets of our lives, especially to help the communities and people that matter most to us. Key Takeaways:[3:15] - In the midst of COVID-19, as well as a rapidly growing and changing business, Charlie and Angela chose to travel to Arkansas to help take care of family. When Angela knew she needed to be there with her parents, they made the decision to come together because Charlie’s dad is also struggling with serious health issues.[8:10] - Charlie and Angela talk about the different motivations behind their decisions, and how it created the scenario for both of them to go together so they could serve as an anchor for each other, not just personally but also navigating the business from a new place.[11:01] - One of their biggest challenges with this transition is navigating and negotiating how they are going to show up to the business and for their families each day, and defining what their general level of success looks like day to day. One of their greatest joint values is priorities, and it’s necessary for those to look a little different in their current situation.[15:50] - Angela talks about some of the lessons she’s learned from her team’s support during this time. They work hard in their business to provide a supportive environment for their teams, and now that is being reciprocated while Charlie and Angela are in a different place (literally and figuratively). [20:00] - Being back in Arkansas has also allowed both Charlie and Angela to reflect on what it was like for them growing up in Ft. Smith and what has (and hasn’t) changed. They talk about the disparity in life outcomes, even within their own families, as well as how the medical system contributes to this disparity not only in Arkansas but across the country.[29:50] - Advocacy has been incredibly important even from the beginning of their relationship, and especially now, as they are navigating something new. Entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners often fall into the trap of applying their current mindset and worldview back against where they started. It’s going to be different; the important thing is to apply the tools and skills that you learned from your business to healthy advocacy for yourself and others.[39:35] - Being back home has been an important reminder to listen - really hear what they are saying and help them get their needs fulfilled. This is incredibly true for any type of provider.[43:15] - It’s easy to lose your “superpowers” when you’re around your family, and let boundaries crumble. To avoid this, apply your GATES (genius, affinities, talents, expertise, strengths) to be of service to your family and your people. It can be a tricky balance to apply these skills, but asking for permission grants the other person the autonomy to accept help. Get alignment on how you can be a part of where they want to go. [52:15] - When life comes in and competing priorities happen, how do you shift what success looks like to be in harmony with the other things that are important in your life? Remember that you are the one who calibrates your priorities. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie Gilkey

Today’s guests are Dustin Granger and Danielle Granger Nava, the brother-sister duo behind Toujours Planning. Toujours is a full service wealth management firm that caters to professionals and pre-retirees across the US. They join Charlie today to talk about what it’s like to work with a sibling, and how they have been able to foster a great working relationship.  Key Takeaways:[2:40] - When it comes to working with siblings or family, there are generally two camps: 1. Yeah, I could do that, and 2. Absolutely not. Dustin and Danielle’s father was in the financial planning business, and Dustin started working for him first before he recruited his sister to join him. [6:40] - Danielle talks about her resistance to joining her brother, not because of hesitance about working with her brother, but because of fear about making her way in an industry mostly dominated by males. Dustin also experienced some imposter syndrome as a young professional in the industry.[11:25] - The family dynamics are something that had to shift when Dustin took over and Danielle later came on board. Being able to work with his father was a wonderful learning experience, and now Dustin is like a mentor to Danielle. In a similar way, Danielle helps to calm Dustin down, so their dynamic is kind of a hybrid between siblings and best friends. Open communication has been key![17:38] - One of the biggest challenges of working together has been adjusting to their respective managerial roles, and syncing up their communication styles. Whenever there is tension, they resolve it quickly through a conversation. [22:00] - They’ve grown together as they have worked together to figure out their roles in a small business, especially the org chart and defining that, not only for Dustin and Danielle, but also for their team. [29:10] - Setting boundaries between work and family has been an important part of growth since they started working together as well. It’s important for any working partnership (friend-friend, partner-partner) to know when you should talk about work versus separating those elements and relationships. [33:45] - As Dustin hopes to pivot, he is having to let go of some of his managerial style. Danielle is trying to take the best elements of both of their styles as the primary responsibility shifts to her, while they are still both being true to themselves. [36:45] - One of the hardest things about working with a sibling for Danielle is being worried about a huge rift or something coming in between their sibling relationship or working relationship. For Dustin, one of the hardest things is feeling protective of Danielle from a business standpoint, but also giving her the space to grow.[44:30] - Danielle’s advice for anyone who may be interested in going into the family business is to avoid going into business with a family member who you frequently find yourself in conflict with. For Dustin, having a sense of humor is important to keep things light. Using face-to-face communication to talk and work things out is also incredibly important. [49:10] - Danielle’s challenge for any women listening is to go for those big opportunities that are out there. You can do it! Don’t play the comparison game or let fear overtake what you really want for your career. Dustin’s challenge/invitation is to not be afraid to form your business to what fits your personality, especially as relationships evolve. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyToujours PlanningThe Ensemble Practice, by Philip Palaveev

Today’s guest is Karwanna Dyson, an entrepreneur helping other women and minorities build successful and sustainable businesses by becoming government contractors. She shares her story of growing up in a poor urban community to becoming a thriving small business owner. Karwanna and Charlie talk about the unique opportunity small businesses have to change and support their community. Her story is one of strength and determination - despite the situations in front of us, there’s always a way to move forward. Key Takeaways: [1:55] - Growing up in an urban community, Karwanna knew she didn’t want to become a product of her environment. She forged a path that included a college education and corporate America, before she decided to pursue her own dreams by starting her own business. She talks about how she was able to see beyond what her community offered. [8:25] - Karwanna talks about the things she learned on her path to success that they didn’t teach in school. The things that are unspoken, like credit, finances, and how to build a business, are things she learned out of determination to succeed. [10:55] - Anyone can start and be successful in business, no matter your background or where you come from. Charlie and Karwanna talk about some of the disparities in starting a business, and demystify some of the preconceived notions about what is or isn’t possible in starting a business. [18:45] - Karwanna talks about chasing purpose versus chasing profit in her own business. She was chasing profit for at least five years. Although she did get some profit, she spent more time chasing and profiting, and it was exhausting. Tapping into and chasing passion was the key to a notable shift in revenue and success. [23:30] - For anyone who is looking to start a business, start with something you are passionate about. This goes back to growing up as well - our passion is something that is already within us. Remember your deferred dreams even as an adult. [30:05] - Karwanna talks about her mindset during this pandemic, and the importance of connecting with people who are winning during this time. Being informed of resources available to you and your business is important to thrive during this time. She fleshes out what it means to “not participate” in the pandemic in terms of mindset. [35:25] - In order to stay successful, sometimes you need to pivot (especially during this time) and know where to move. There are several small businesses who have seized the opportunities to pivot and actually experienced growth in the past year. [38:00] - One of the greatest business decisions Karwanna has made is changing her focus from individual consumers to the government being her primary customer. The government has resources allocated to spend on small business products and services. Government contracting can help sustain your business as part of your business model. [40:40] - Karwanna talks about how this epiphany changed her business but also gave her an opportunity to give back to the urban community she grew up in. With a B2G (business to government) business model, you can leverage more of your revenue to be a changemaker in your community. [43:55] - One of the challenges she’s currently facing is gaining a media presence to get the right messaging out for people. How can we change the narrative of what we see in the media or get the right voices heard? Karwanna is trying to bring back positive messaging to bring communities together. [47:50] - Karwanna’s invitation to listeners and entrepreneurs is to explore her resources, and especially her checklist to see if your business can qualify for government contracting. Also, how can you shift your mindset to not participate in this pandemic? Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyKarwanna Dyson, She’s Got GoalsChecklist and Resources

Angela is back on the podcast today! Charlie and Angela sit down to talk about some of the big growth edges they’ve had this year, especially in this crazy year that none of us expected. They talk about some of the changes for Productive Flourishing, as well as the personal changes they’ve discovered and embraced.  Key Takeaways:[3:30] - Much of this year has been defined by how quickly things can change. There are business changes on the horizon for Productive Flourishing, and the time of Covid has actually provided unexpected opportunities, projects, and growth for the business.[5:50] - 2020 has been a year of personal transformation for Angela that she could never have imagined. One of the biggest growth edges has been giving herself permission to stand in the light, especially in terms of being seen and heard as a leader. [7:15] - Another growth edge has also been self-acceptance, and embracing the messy emotions and feelings that are necessary for a full spectrum life. This self-acceptance has happened because of the writing she has been doing with the Anchor project. [9:27] - As Angela’s growth edge took off with the Anchor, Charlie had his own growth edge in taking a step back and allowing her to lead in this capacity. He has been learning a new balance between leaving space for emotions and keeping things moving forward. [14:55] - When one partner is shedding and growing around an area in life, both partners have work to do. Now Angela and Charlie are working on how they move forward without one of them having to feel uncomfortable. [16:30] - Another growth edge has been pulling back some of the many, many hats that Charlie wears as the Founder and main creator of Productive Flourishing. Productive Flourishing has shifted back into start-up mode, and has revealed a lot of what Charlie is doing, and what he can delegate. [21:30] - Moving forward despite fear has been another growth edge this year. Becoming more comfortable with uncertainty and with not knowing has been important for both Charlie and Angela this year. It’s okay to not have all the answers right now.[27:30] - Angela talks about another growth edge around receiving and accepting feedback from others. [32:00] - One of Charlie’s major growth points was around physical health. They talk about their gym project, and switching the mindset of the old way of working out to how they have adapted during COVID. [38:27] - Angela talks about having to embrace the two parts of herself in a way she hasn’t been able to do consistently before - Academic/Achiever Angela and Goddess/Heart Angela. She is doing the work to embrace and allow both of these aspects of who she is.[42:18] - What happens when we can integrate these two parts of ourselves? Loving and trusting these different aspects is what allows us to shine brighter. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingProductive Flourishing BlogProductive Flourishing AcademyStart Finishing, by Charlie Gilkey

This week, Charlie is joined by author, teacher, and consultant Nir Eyal to talk about his book “Indistractible,” and how to maintain focus in a world full of distractions. They discuss habits and techniques to gain traction back once it has been lost. Nir posits that willpower is not a finite resource but a mood that comes and goes just like happiness or sadness. Key Takeaways:[5:18] - Nir and Charlie discuss how the labels people give to themselves oftentimes prevent them from doing the things that they really want to do; and the second the process of trying becomes difficult, the label is confirmed.[8:00] - Nir talks about the definition of the word “indistractible,” and how he wanted to replace the negative, self-limiting labels people give to themselves with something that’s positive and helps us stay on track when trying to accomplish our goals.[12:00] - Nir explains that being distracted is not a character flaw and the way to combat impulsiveness is forethought; putting systems in place ahead of time to deal with distractions.[20:00] - Nir explains the differences between distraction and traction. Any activity can be traction as long as you’ve made time for it, so there is no need to feel guilty about scrolling through a Slack channel or playing a video game as long as you’ve made a conscious decision to do so.[27:23] - Charlie brings up the concept of willpower, which was once thought by social scientists to be akin to a muscle that can be fatigued, a limited resource. Nir brings in more recent research that interrogates this idea and comes to the conclusion that willpower is only exhibited in one group of people: those that believe willpower is a limited resource.[34:15] - Charlie talks about the value of re-focus blocks of time, which are used to recharge your willpower so that you can pursue the task at hand. Nir explains that willpower is simply an emotion; much like we wouldn’t run out of other emotions like angry and sad, we don’t run out of willpower.[37:10] - Charlie and Nir discuss how the quality of the environment you are in can dramatically change the quality of the work you do and the ability to be indistractible. [40:21] - Nir challenges the listener to master the uncomfortable emotional states that disrupt your time management and focus; he then invites the listener to check out his website and to download a complimentary companion workbook.Mentioned in This Episode:Start Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyIndistractible, by Nir EyalNir Eyal

Executive coach Amiel Handlesman joins Charlie on the show to talk about how we talk to each other. They illuminate the different kinds of conversations we have, and how to navigate them. Amiel talks about different conversational micro-habits that can help improve the quality of our communication, especially during this time when intentional conversation is so important.  Key Takeaways:[3:30] - Oftentimes, people wait to have conversations because they are afraid of having the conversation wrong. “Naming the conversation”, or type of conversation, can help get everyone on the same page.[8:18] - Sequencing is just as important as naming the conversation. Amiel talks about three different types of conversations: share stories / assessments, explore possibilities, and then ask / take action. [14:33] - Having a shared terminology between people really helps to ease frustration and misunderstanding. Naming what you’re doing (for example, “I have a request for you”) defines the roles for the speaker and the listener. It also creates a safe environment for the listener. [18:20] - Proactive communication is key to navigating and renegotiating commitments, especially in business. Different personality types approach this differently; do what works for you, but it is helpful to practice outside of crucial conversations, so it seems easy in those conversations.[23:05] - As you’re listening and taking in this advice, lean into the things that make you most uncomfortable - those are the areas of growth! Reflect on whether situations are a strength, stress, or stretch.[26:55] - Amiel and Charlie talk about the Enneagram test, which serves as a good basis to know the default way in which we interpret our experiences. When we learn about ourselves, there is a permission-giving factor that can be very helpful.[30:35] - There is a way to create a pause between the initial ask, and saying yes or no. Saying you’ll check your calendar gives you time to weigh everything else on your plate so you can give a firm commitment either way.[34:50] - Setting boundaries in conversation can bring up difficult and challenging emotions. You want to find a place for these emotions when engaging in conversation, which is part of learning to be competent in conversations. Amiel shares an example of when he had to say no and how he applied this. [40:50]  - As a leader and manager, it’s important to be able to articulate what your emotions are, so your teammates trust and understand where you are coming from and what you mean. This goes for personal relationships as well.[48:25] - These are skills you have to practice. You may have to go back and clear things up, so you can continue to establish trust in your communication. The way you get better is by repetition with intent to improve, and by having someone observe and provide feedback. [52:20] - Amiel’s invitation and challenge for listeners is to pick one of the conversations, situations, or habits discussed in this episode and write it down, and see if it’s something you want to make a commitment to for yourself. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyAmiel HandlesmanThe Sacred Enneagram, by Christopher Heuertz

Today’s episode is an interview Charlie gave to the founder of Record the Journey, a non-profit that provides outdoor adventures and photography training to military veterans and their families to make the process of transition easier. Charlie wanted to share this interview to bring light to challenges transitioning veterans face and to amplify Rachael’s great work.  Key Takeaways:[1:50] - Charlie talks about his history with military service, and how he juggled active duty and working towards his PhD at the same time. [5:48] - He came back healthy - both mentally and physically, which made the transition back to civilian life a little easier. [8:02] - Charlie’s experience transitioning back to grad school actually shed light on his own mission. The operating system he was using in the military wasn’t going to help him build his career and life here. It is a different skill set than responding to missions from his commanders and leaders. [11:30] - Charlie talks about some of the differences between military and civilian life, specifically community and routine. The focus was more single-minded when Charlie was deployed, and coming home, there are a lot of different things to worry about and make time for.[15:57] - One of the difficult things about making the transition is that how you orient fundamentally to other people changes. One of the main goals of Record the Journey is to share the stories of successful transition with other military members.[17:10] - One of the adjustments Rachael is making is getting comfortable with the label of being a creative or being an artist. For her, the tension was between being creative and being in active duty, and for Charlie, the tension was actually between being academic and being in active duty. [21:20] - One of the strengths the military brings into the civilian community is the “can-doisms.” As veterans transition back to the workforce, the focus is more on whether they can or can’t get the job done. This, along with Charlie’s work, helped Rachael take control of her own map and start doing things for herself.[27:05] - Where many transitioning military members, or civilians, thrive, is when we are intentional about building a squad around us that enables us to do what we do best. This squad or success pack can help get everyone where they need to go, and is often a connection that is missing for veterans transitioning back.[29:30] - One thing people with no military experience need to understand is that coming back is an identity shift, not just a new job. When you’re in the military, there is an entire culture of who you are that changes when you come out. It is important for civilian society to pay attention to what they can learn from transitioning veterans to improve their communities and organizations. [31:15] - For any listener, think about the map you’re following, and whether it’s a map or route that you created. When you get off a given route or map, you start finding your way to do your best work. Getting clear about your core values, and giving yourself permission to cultivate those values, can help guide your route.[37:50] - Especially during this time of COVID, it’s important to make the most of your time. Framing your priorities in a timeline will get things real clear, real fast. If your map is not taking you toward a priority project, figure out why not. [42:05] - The journey is different for different veterans. For some, it’s a journey making their map, for others, it’s reintegrating, and for some, it’s reconciling who you were before and who you are after your service. [45:55] - It is easy to get stuck in the heartbreak and mishaps, but when you get away from those moments, you realize that they are an important part of the story. Moving with these moments changes your experience in the moment, in a way that you may not see until later.[51:15] - Think about your map being written on a white board; if something happens you can change your map. You don’t have to create your map in permanent marker! When you get new information, you can make an adjustment that’s right for you.[53:20] - The transition back to civilian life is also a challenge for families of service members. Their family becomes their own squad while military members are gone, and it’s an adjustment coming home and figuring out how things have changed and how everyone fits together. [59:25] - The emotional weight of things doesn’t often line up with the physical transition. The reintegration process is not necessarily linear, and both parties need to give it space to breathe when it comes up, and work through it together.[1:06:32] - There is nothing wrong with the way the body and the brain deals with these responses. Take time to engage with it - that is how you will move through it. Walls are broken down with words first. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyRecord the JourneyRachael Ridenour on LinkedIn

Martha Alderson joins Charlie on the show today to talk about her new book, Boundless Creativity. They talk about the key insights of the book, the Universal story, and the importance of making space for creative pursuits during COVID times. There is an overlap between Martha’s ideas and Charlie’s ideas from Start Finishing, so some of these core conversations may resonate in new and different ways.  Key Takeaways:[1:50] - Martha’s new book takes a mythic and spiritual approach to productivity and getting things done. The opportunity to own her story was a transformative experience she didn’t expect from this venture. [4:50] - Martha talks about her experiences with her past books and having to silence her creative expression. Boundless Creativity was the first book that she really allowed herself to freely write her true beliefs, with a heavier focus on spirituality. [8:05] - The climate of today’s culture has opened the doors for more inward reflection, and our purpose here. More and more people are turning to some type of spirituality, and the status quo seems to be shifting. [12:00] - Martha describes the four parts of the Universal story. The beginning (things are comfortable but fragile, you are enthusiastic about your ideas), the middle (you start to meet the internal and external antagonists, testing ground), the dark night (usually the hardest part of a creative journey, things are stripped away and we lose ourselves), and finally the mastery / triumph (use the skills you learned throughout to overcome final obstacles). [17:15] - Each time you go through the Universal story, you get stronger and stronger until you are willing to try anything because you know you can. Many of the elements of the Universal story parallel the ideas Charlie explores in Start Finishing. [24:15] - Each part of the Universal story poses its own challenges. Some people struggle with getting started, and some people get started and want to give up when they get stuck. The middle, or the dark night, is often when past sufferings or traumas come up. [27:30] - Martha talks about her idea of a “threshold guardian”.  When you move into a new phase of the Universal story, don’t make that transition lightly. Value that you’re ready for the next step and the journey you will take moving forward. [31:00] - Whatever you come up against is just a different part of who you are. A commitment to move forward is a commitment to yourself. These tests and challenges are there to allow us to see just how powerful we really are.[33:15] - Speaking to or talking about a challenge doesn’t make it any harder than it already is. Talking about it makes it such that you can overcome it. Shine the light on those monsters, and embrace them. What comes out of this journey is the freedom to be yourself. [38:30] - Many people are having trouble giving themselves the space to dream and be creative during these pandemic times. If you’re feeling this way, take time to look at why you’re feeling this way. Embrace the discomfort.[43:55] - Allow yourself to accept that it’s okay to take time for yourself. It may not be easy, but it’s worth it. Your needs and desires count just as much as someone else’s. [47:00] - Martha talks about her own journey confronting her monsters during her writing process. For Boundless Creativity, it was more of an opportunity to put her truth out there for people who will most benefit. Because she had worked through dark nights in the past, she could write this book from a space of freedom.[52:30] - Martha’s invitation for listeners is to do what you’re most afraid of; whatever it is you’ve held yourself back from, walk into your fear and do it. When you do it, you will see just how strong you really are.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyBoundless Creativity, by Martha AldersonMartha Alderson

Today’s guest is Cara Chace, a Pinterest marketing strategist, writer, and social media strategist. While those are her areas of expertise in career, this episode is about integrating creative and analytical thinking in ways that make both better. The real trick is learning which brain is better for the task at hand, and approaching a task with your whole mind. She and Charlie talk about ways to identify patterns and reset when we find ourselves leaning too far to one side. Key Takeaways: [2:25] – There is a dichotomy in business and creative work between the analytical side and the more creative side. In Cara’s own career, she has experienced both sides of this spectrum; first as a criminal investigator, and then as a social media manager for MegaDeath. She now works as a Pinterest marketing strategist. [5:34] – Cara talks about the lens through which creativity is often displayed, especially when she was growing up, and how her view has recently shifted. Pinterest provides a unique combination of both creativity and analysis as the only visual search engine. [8:20] – It’s easy to define ourselves and others, but confining ourselves to one side of the spectrum shuts us off from the possibility (or reality) that we could be both. Many careers and scenarios require some degree of both analytical thinking and creative approach. [12:40] – There are also different ways to be good at critical thinking or creative endeavors. When you break down the ideas of left-brain or right-brain for yourself, you can use both to make your life so much better. Cara talks about how she is able to apply this in her position at Pinterest. [15:05] - Cara shares the moment she realized the integrated mind approach was what would lead her to success. About nine months into starting her business, she started looking at the data of her website traffic, and used that to build her business. [19:00] - Her default mode is to go to the left-brain analytical side when she is stuck. Recognizing that pattern signals that she needs to pivot, get back into her body, and then let the creativity flow in again. On the flip side, we can get over creative and fail to take action on what needs to be done.  It’s important to be aware of where you are on the scale. [26:05] - Cara talks about using reading as a tool to integrate both sides. This allows her brain to rest and come back more creatively when she gets back to work. Figuring out how to work smarter for better results will give you time and space to fulfill other aspects of your life. [30:25] - It is easy to let our health, happiness, and joy move to the bottom of the list of what’s important. Practical creatives often overlook those pieces of the equation, and neglect self-care. You don’t have to wait until life and work is in place to start practicing regular self-care. [34:40] - Everyone experiences the pendulum swing between both sides of the brain. It’s important to be aware of the patterns you get into, and have the tools that will allow you to work with those patterns, rather than against them. [39:38] - Cara’s two challenges for listeners are: 1. Take social media off your phone for a weekend, 2. Read a book that’s purely for pleasure, and see how much your brain feels reset and relaxed, and what ideas and inspirations come out of that.  Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyCara ChaceCliftonStrengths Finder

Authors Alexandra Jamison and Bob Gower join Charlie on the show today to talk about what it’s like to write a book with your partner. Their book, Radical Alignment, focuses on a four-layered approach to structured conversation, and how they used this approach on the journey to writing this book. They also discuss the application of their method not just in relationships, but also in business and personal life. Key Takeaways: [3:10] - Alexandra & Bob talk about the history of this book, and how it evolved from their initial conception. It started as a method they used for themselves and shared in workshops, and grew into something other people were clamoring after. [5:19] - The method focuses on intentions, concerns, boundaries, and dreams, and is used to ensure everyone is on the same page and empathetic to one another’s reasons for doing something. [7:50] - Bob talks through how this method grew out of the workshops, and some of the key points of each of the four steps. [11:49] - One of the most important steps is the last step - dreams. Ending on a high note together, and having that to pull you forward together, allows the couple or group to really feel like a team. [13:40] - The book is a true convergence of both Alex and Bob’s unique perspectives. This richness comes out in how they talk about bringing more humanity into their teams, and being more strategic personally. [16:00] - The journey of this book is a testament to all creatives out there with an idea they want to get out into the world. Their self-published book accomplished their initial goals, and had developed in a very natural and organic way. Don’t be afraid to act on your ideas - keep your eyes open for opportunities! [18:30] - Alex and Bob talk about how they used their own method to talk about writing a book about their method. [21:30] - The order of the conversation is almost as important as the conversation itself. Addressing concerns in a safe way allows the amygdala to calm down, and you can move forward with confidence in your decisions and creativity. [23:50] - The goal is not to force alignment. You may find that you do not align on intentions or dreams, and can pursue a different path forward with a project or relationship. [26:35] - Alex and Bob talk about their creative process, compared to working on separate projects. Using their model allowed complete transparency, and a shared voice emerged. [31:38] - Bob and Alex talk about the concern around a structured conversation being stifling rather than freeing, and the distinction between etiquette-based conversation and rules-based conversation. [38:07] - The group discusses the idea of the “missing conversation.” Having structure gives everyone a chance to speak (and listen) and holds all parties accountable for what is said and not said. [43:20] - Good and productive conversation has been a cornerstone in Alex and Bob’s relationship, and often plays out in their day-to-day interactions as well. [47:30] - Sometimes we don’t have conversations because we are hung up on the decision we will have to make at the end. The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t have to lead to a decision; this relieves the pressure of the conversation having to go a certain way. [50:26] - It is also important to make sure you’re in the right state of mind before approaching these conversations. All three use some form of the HALT principle from the 12-step world. [55:12] - Alexandra’s challenge for every person who identifies as a woman to use this all-in method for your next important conversation. Bob’s challenge for people who identify like him is to listen more than they speak. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyRadical Alignment, by Alexandra Jamieson and Bob GowerThe Art of Gathering, by Priya ParkerWomen, Food, and Desire, by Alexandra JamiesonNever Split the Difference, by Chris Voss

Eric Zimmer joins Charlie on the podcast today to talk about spiritual and habitual practices. They talk about the relationship between behavior change and spiritual practices, and why it’s especially important now. They also talk about how to get back on track when you’ve fallen out of your habits and practices. Key Takeaways:[2:10] - Eric shares his story about how he got into the realm of behavior and spiritual practices. Out of necessity to get out of his current situation, he had to think more deeply and learn how to live a good life. This started a life-long learning process about how our minds and emotions work. [5:35] - Eric talks about how his degree of privilege from his upbringing helped him be able to navigate his recovery circumstances. His story, and several others, remind us that these ideas can work for everyone, regardless of where they are starting their journey. [8:05] - One of the most important aspects Eric has learned over the last six years since starting the podcast is a focus on application rather than learning and epiphanies. In order to be authentic on his podcast, he had to participate in the experiences he was talking about.[10:30] - Eric talks about the tangible ways that this application has changed his day-to-day routine. As more guests came on his show, there was a focus on spirituality as well as behavior changes and habit-building. His depressions are much more manageable as a result of some of these changes.[15:10] - The improvements that we make in our lives are driven by the dramatic amount of shift that occurs. The difference is often so dramatic, but we don’t notice because we habituate. This can make spiritual growth a bit difficult because you are always chasing the next high.[19:25] - Eric has been integrating his work with spiritual practices with behavior changes, called spiritual habits. It takes the science of behavior change and applies it to spiritual life. He talks about some of the most important principles from behavior, and how he has incorporated them into his program.[23:25] - Charlie and Eric talk about why it’s important to have integrated spiritual practices, especially during this time of pandemic. These practices can help us drop our resistance, and in turn drop our suffering. Focus on the inputs rather than the outputs.[27:45] - Eric talks about how he’s different when he falls off the “habit horse.” Depending on the habit, he starts to get more irritable, and he is also able to recognize the triggers that might mean he’s falling back into a depression.[30:52] - It is easier to compartmentalize our spiritual practices from other habits. It’s important to know that your spiritual practice could be your physical exercise, or eating; it is all about the intention you are putting behind it. [34:28] - With behaviors, Eric shoots for 90% adherence with his clients. If you shoot for 90% day after day and year after year, your life can transform. Shooting for 100% can lead to burn out and quitting. You will likely fall off, but the key is how you get back on.[39:40] - Charlie and Eric talk about the correlation between effort and follow through. It is a different conversation when you examine the effort put behind a habit for that day, and whether you actually follow through, versus not even getting started. [42:55] - Eric shares how his practices are helping him overcome his current challenge of adapting to working by himself from home. [48:10] - Eric’s invitation for listeners is to think about one practice that would improve your mental wellbeing. Start to implement it every day in just a small way. These sorts of practices are more important than ever right now. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyEric Zimmer, The One You FeedThe One You Feed PodcastThe One You Feed Podcast Episode 300: Getting Things Done with Charlie GilkeyTriggers, by Marshall Goldsmith

Charlie sits down with Angela to reflect on this time we’re experiencing in our world with COVID-19, and what life has been like for them and their business. They talk about where they were before the pandemic, and how that set the stage for how they are handling this time. Together, they share their routines, some of the challenges they’ve faced, and what beautiful things have come out of this time that they are going to take with them after this has passed. Key Takeaways: [3:00] - Charlie and Angela went to Costa Rica in late February for a retreat. Angela talks about the overwhelming feeling that she needed to participate in the retreat (rather than just Charlie), and how this trip and retreat became an energetic catalyst for a reboot in their lives. [8:50] - Charlie reflects on some of the parts of himself and the business that they’ve put on hold since about 2015, and two big let-go’s they’ve had recently: the death of their cat and the launch of Charlie’s book. [13:55] - Jamaica allowed them to fully unplug from day-to-day life in Portland, and re-connect with each other and process their grief from events in 2019. The “hard stops” of Jamaica and Costa Rica allowed them to get some clarity and perspective to be able to get back into their lives. [17:11] - Charlie and Angela talk about how their recent prior experiences prepared them for the uncertain and uncomfortable times that have hit since mid-March and COVID-19. They’ve looked into their existing material that is actually quite well-suited to this time, and also launched the Daily Anchors. How can we create the best future with what’s right in front of us? [20:50] - Angela has been writing “Daily Anchors” every business day about what’s going on in their lives and business. It has been an opportunity for her to get back to using her voice to provide support, help, and light in the dark. Her writing practices for herself became things that could also benefit their community, and one of the most beautiful things to come out of the pandemic. [25:40] - Charlie talks about his current position and the journey he’s on of handing over some of the creative load to other people on the team. About the time they started sharing their resources, a book idea has struck Charlie that feels right to dive into now. At the same time, Start Finishing has been doing incredibly well. [32:20] - COVID-19 and the stress that it has placed on businesses and teams has really made creative work important. It is pretty remarkable what things have opened up in the way of creativity, and how you can be of support in the world. There are moments and opportunities right in front of us that we didn’t have before. [37:47] - In addition to creative output, Angela has been managing the finances for Productive Flourishing since the outbreak, through their Payroll Protection Plan. She talks about the anxiety around their business finances, and the reality of trying to secure support from public funding. [47:10] - Charlie talks about managing fear during this time of Covid, and how we can also focus on what’s going well and what you may have to celebrate during this time. There is an emotional contagion of anxiety and fear, it’s a fine line to walk to provide support and recognize other people’s realities. [49:55] - One of the biggest challenges for Charlie has been energetic claustrophobia, and not having access to the same spaces he had before Covid. The biggest challenge for Angela was the PPP, and having to shift her yoga practice to remote. [54:25] - Charlie and Angela talk about how to deal with loved ones not taking as good care of themselves as they should during this time, and perhaps not being cautious enough. This applies not just to physical proximity, but also media consumption. Check in on yourself and others, because we’re still pretty early on in this thing. [1:00:12] - Charlie and Angela talk about some of the things that have been really helpful for them during this Covid time, primarily music. Non-stressful video games and taking extra time off  have also provided an outlet for Charlie. [1:07:07] - Besides writing, some of the things that have been helpful for Angela have been the convenience of delivery and dropping expectations about herself and her roles and responsibilities (especially as a woman). Leaning into help when it’s available is okay! Nature has also been a balm for her. [1:12:02] - Despite the hard, there have been many beautiful gifts, revelations, and learnings that they hope to carry with them after we are out of this Covid time. One of the biggest life lessons has been knowing when to hold on and when to let go. It’s also important to keep sight of what you have to look forward to. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyProductive Flourishing Podcast "Year End 2019: Lessons Learned (Episode 212)"

Jeff Harry is an international speaker and consultant who shows how play enhances problem-solving and innovation. Play is not just childish fun, but can be found in day-to-day work. Charlie and Jeff talk about the hidden objection most people have to play, and ways you can overcome that to invite play into every aspect of your life. Key Takeaways: [2:45] - Play is super important, but you have to make time for it, and embrace the perspective. Many people think there should be a breakdown between work and play, but that’s not true. Play is a joyous action where you forget about time, and focus on the process rather than the result. Look for those moments in your work. [7:05] - Play can also come from being totally immersed in a process, like when you’re in flow and fully present in a task at your work. Try to find more in-the-moment opportunities. [9:24] - Play looks different for everyone, and oftentimes we don’t notice when we stop finding time for play in our lives. Jeff challenges listeners to remember the last time they had an “all in” moment. A playful mindset is a growth mindset. [12:37] - Jeff talks about how many corporations and startups are usually in this play space as they are getting started, which is part of what makes them successful. Charlie shares his idea of crock pot creativity versus pressure cooker creativity. The pressure cooker can sometimes stifle creativity. [16:15] - Charlie and Jeff talk about how sometimes you have to put some kind of timeline on your creativity. Make, create, play - but get it out there because you don’t know what someone else might think of your work. This quarantine is a great time to work on some of your smaller projects. [18:50] - The “pandemic perfectionist” is the idea of people like they should or have to be doing during this quarantine. You are the only one who can dictate what is right or possible for you during this time. What would you do if there were no right answers? [22:20] - People don’t allow themselves to play at a deep level because they don’t think they deserve to play. Give yourself permission to play - what if the things you’ve already done in your life were the work? It’s time for you to play! They talk about some activities that might qualify as play in adult life. [26:08] - They also talk about how it’s easy to feel that other people deserve to play, or rest, but when it comes to ourselves we put the pressure on to work, work, work. Explore with your friends and family what small adventures you could plan during this time, and look for play in the mundane. It’s in any moment that you want if you really explore it. [31:15] - The productive value of play extends beyond the intrinsic value. Some of the most challenging issues we are facing can be addressed in a creative way. If you want to get creative, you have to get bored. Boredom is where the creativity, the play, and the ideas lie. [35:40] - It’s also beneficial to step away from your phone or social media. Sometimes that consumption can actually stifle your creativity. Do take time to veg out and relax, but if it’s not actually rejuvenating you, you may need to shift. [40:05] - People can be in a far more resilient, happy, playful, productive, and successful place when they focus on doing whatever they need to do to chill and recharge. When you’re in a creative space, you are in more control. [43:51] - In a period of so much uncertainty, what would happen if we just leaned into it? As a people, we have the most evidence to be the most hopeful as a species that we’ve ever had. Charlie shares some of his personal experience with this from his time being deployed. [50:45] - During this COVID time, people are “locked up” feeling worried about everything that may happen or what we should do. When you’re in a super fearful state, it can be hard to play. Allow yourself to feel this, but at some point, listen to what comes up for you. [54:25] - Jeff’s invitation for listeners is to allow yourselves to be bored. Don’t consume content or anything that could distract, and listen to what your inner voice is saying. Act on it, and reflect afterwards if it was fun. You’ll be amazed at what you will have made. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyProductive Flourishing Podcast Episode 152: Larry Robertson: How to Explore and Play at Your Creative EdgeBig Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert

Today’s guest is Jennifer Louden, author of the new book Why Bother: Discover the Desire for What’s Next. She joins Charlie today to talk about how we can find the spark to engage with and create what’s next for us. If desire is a word you’re uncomfortable with, today’s episode is for you! Key Takeaways:[2:15] - Jen talks about her publishing journey, and what aspects of the book make “Why Bother?” her best work yet. This book came from a very different place than her previous work.[6:05] - One of the major conversations in this book is around desire. It can be a hard word for us, but we all ask the question we think we know the answer to - what are we bothering about? We don’t always have the desire to make a change in regards to a job, relationship, or health.[9:40] - Sometimes we aren’t saturated with the life or desire to make a decision in the first place. It’s not always a lack of desire for a specific thing, but a general lack of internal desire that prevents change from happening.[12:45] - Charlie and Jen talk about our complacency during difficult times, like a worldwide pandemic, and how it’s almost more important to give ourselves permission to “get our bother on” even during these times. They talk about some of the struggles creatives may be facing, and ways they can pivot to keep creating.[17:20] - We have to move our energy and let desire flow through our bodies. If you are having trouble focusing, try quick and short projects rather than some of your more involved projects.[18:50] - In the book, Jen talks about the two ways we grapple with the question “why bother?” The first is asking like we already know the answer. The other side of the question is genuinely getting curious so you can move forward.[23:25] - Jen has done some grappling of her own around the release of her book during this pandemic, and reflects on how it can feel when you put something out that’s a huge part of you, and the conditions of the environment aren’t right. She shares some ideas that have brought her comfort. [29:40] - In the book, Jen shares her model of six different steps to help people take the first step to finding their desire. The first is to leave behind - what are you still holding on to? The second is to ease in - claim your agency again.[33:30] - The third step is to settle down. We recognize that there can be desire, ambivalence, and difficulties side by side. It’s important to keep things in perspective here, and focus on the small things that accumulate from desire, to wonder, to thriving. The fourth step is desire. [37:07] - The fifth step is become by doing. The sixth step, being seen, is the one that is most difficult for Jen. She talks about struggling with letting herself be seen, through her books, with her close circle of friends. [40:15] - We also need to be aware of behaviors that might be enabling our “not bothered” state. Once behaviors are identified, we can also create pivot points to get ourselves out. Having accountability partners in our communities can also be helpful to call us out.[45:15] - Jen talks about the idea of always beginning again. When we fall off the horse, we can always get back on.[47:55] - The invitation for listeners is to discover how you can be companioned - so you know you’re not broken, and can dig deeper into what it is that you really desire. Find ways to open yourself and companion yourself so that life can flow again.Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyJennifer LoudenWhy Bother?, by Jennifer LoudenThe Productive Flourishing Podcast Episode 67: How to Avoid Creative Burnout with Jennifer Louden 

Today’s guest is John Jantsch, author and entrepreneur that specializes in marketing for small businesses. He is on the show today to discuss his new book The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur. He and Charlie discuss the inspiration for his book, including transcendentalist authors of the romantic period. John shares some of his favorite sections from the book, and they discuss how you can use this book to start conversations with others.  Key Takeaways:[3:40] - John talks about the pivot he made to the subject matter of this book, versus his five other books that focus on marketing. His other books were more “how to” books, and his new book seeks to tackle the “why to” and how to be more self-reliant as a human being. [7:05] - John and Charlie talk about some of the challenges entrepreneurs face, often in a short amount of time. As entrepreneurs you take on nearly all the responsibilities of a corporate business, but by yourself. [8:05] - One of the first pillars of self-reliance is resilience, which includes getting out there every day, but also the ability to reframe what has happened and learn from it. The other pillars include trust, courage, curiosity, mindfulness, nonjudgement, and gratitude. It is important to be intentional about applying these pillars. [10:10] - How we show up and how we respond are two things that entrepreneurs can truly control. [12:40] - John and Charlie talk about the pay off of practicing things like mindset and self-reliance. This can help you slow down and focus on doing less, but being really intentional about the things that matter. [15:12] - They talk about some of the counter-cultural ideas that are present now, and how John drew inspiration from some of the transcendentalist literature of the 1800’s. The protagonist was someone who was true to themselves.[16:35] - John shares some of his favorite parts of his new book, and his process of compiling passages, his own words, and challenges for readers. He shares a passage from the book about being enough in any moment. [21:05] - One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs is comparing themselves to others. Being able to embrace the idea that you are enough now will take you further. This is especially important for people building small businesses.[23:12] - With self-reliance, you get to decide what is enough for you, in your business ventures and in your life. With that, it is now easier than ever to compare ourselves to others.[26:15] - John shares some other influential writers and main themes of his book, especially how other people’s opinions are usually born out of their own fears. [30:50] - A practice of gratitude is important to establish. Charlie and John talk about the neuroscience of gratitude, and how our theories and practices inform what we see in the world. You also have to be grateful for the small things that add up to the sum of what’s being created.[34:45] - John talks about the particular challenges of writing this book, including the challenges of writing short versus writing long, and all the literature he had to curate to finish the book. [39:10] - A lot of online entrepreneurs struggle with the idea of overnight success; that’s not always the same path for everyone. The quotes and content of John’s book provide hope and permission to move at your own best. [43:25] - John talks about the pillar of nonjudgement, and how this was a learning point for him writing the book. Practicing nonjudgement also makes practicing patience much easier. [46:45] - John’s challenge for listeners is to explore and establish one or two mindfulness practices to keep you grounded in your priorities. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyClean EmailDuct Tape MarketingJohn’s WebsiteThe Self-Reliant Entrepreneur, by John JantschSelf-Reliance, Ralph Waldo EmersonSeasons of the Entrepreneur Blog Post

Michael Bungay Stanier joins Charlie on the show to talk about his new book, The Advice Trap. His book provides ways leaders can be more mindful of how they are coaching their team. In today’s episode, Michael and Charlie jam about some of the negative effects of falling into the advice trap too quickly. They also discuss patterns and questions to ask to better coach your team, and the best ways to give advice when it’s needed.  Key Takeaways:[5:50] - Michael shares the backstory to his book, and the default habit we have of responding to any situation by giving advice. The book seeks to end our knee-jerk reaction to always giving advice, often on things we don’t know about.[7:45] - Charlie and Michael talk about the need for different styles of leadership as a manager. To effectively lead your team, you need to be able to utilize the 6 styles of leadership, and know when to use them. Using the right leadership skills can drive culture and productivity, making life better for you and those around you.[10:15] - The book focuses on the manager’s impulse to give advice as the default. Michael and Charlie talk about striking a balance between giving advice and giving answers. They discuss some scenarios of how you can evaluate how receptive your team member may be to hearing advice or coaching.[16:15] - Michaels talks about the three personas of the advice monster: Tell It, Save It, and Control It. Whichever persona relates to you, it is a habitual response. The goal is that as leaders we are making mindful decisions in every situation. [21:45] - As a leader, one of your main roles is to make decisions. It is your job to wrestle with the tough decisions, and to be mindful about what decisions your team can make on their own. Michael and Charlie also talk about the necessity of sitting on decisions before jumping to your answer. [29:03] - Charlie and Michael talk about some books they’ve loved recently. [32:25] - Charlie and Michael talk about some perpetual problems we may encounter in business and relationships. There are some things that are always going to be present in both business and relationships. You have to focus on the good and how you are going to work around those things to keep moving forward.[36:55] - As a coach or a leader, it’s also important to point out and celebrate what you do well. Then you can encourage your team to apply the good to some other problem areas.[38:20] - Michael talks about the neuroscience of engagement that he discusses in his book. As a coach or leader, it’s important to learn the neuroscience because it really helps you understand how people work. Michael discusses the basics of the TERA quotient: tribe, expectation, rank, autonomy.[42:15] - Michael talks about different ways we can influence the TERA quotient when interacting with the people that we lead. If your team knows your coaching habits, you may not be as effective as you could be.[47:20] - In his book, Michael talks about the 6 foggy fires. All show up pretty regularly, but popcorning and coaching the ghost are two of the most common to be on the lookout for. Charlie and Michael also discuss the four D’s of giving good advice.[53:40] - Michael’s invitation to listeners is to get on the website and take the questionnaire to identify which advice monster persona is most real for you. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyClean EmailThe Advice Trap WebsiteThe Advice Trap, by Michael Bungay StanierThe Coaching Habit, by Michael Bungay StanierDaniel Goleman on Emotional IntelligencePrimal Leadership, by Daniel GolemanIt Doesn’t Have to be Crazy at Work, by Jason Fried and David HanssonEvery Book is a Startup, by Todd SatterstenCreative Calling, by Chase JarvisEight Dates, by John M. Gottman, Julie Gottman, and Rachel Carlton AbramsCatastrophe (Netflix show)

Today’s guest returns to the show to talk about his new book, The 50 75 100 Solution. Bryan Falchuk shares ideas to create better relationships in his new book, and how his writing process has changed over the course of his two books. This is a great episode for anyone who is looking to better a relationship or understand the journey that many authors experience. Key Takeaways:[4:30] - Bryan returns to the show to talk about what has changed since he was last on the show with the release of his first book. Bryan talks about the changes in his professional life, and the inflection points that have helped him navigate these changes.[7:03] - Bryan’s new book, The 50 75 100 Solution is all about focusing on how we engage with other people, and started with his relationship with his wife. [9:10] - Bryan talks about how and why he went about writing this new book. It stemmed from shifting his view of his relationship with his wife from what she was doing wrong to how they could both affect different behaviors from each other by presenting different versions of themselves. [14:04] - When he started applying the ideas from Open Heart, Clear Mind in his own life and with others, his book started to present itself and at that point, he had no choice but to write it. This was different than his first book because he was writing from the middle of the situation, rather than something he had had inside him for a long time.[18:45] - It is normal for an author’s first book to just flow, and then for them to struggle to start a second book. You often need more time to research and gain new life experiences. Charlie talks about the difference between explanatory and exploratory writing.[22:55] - The idea of the book is all about proportions or percentage of a relationship. Most people start out at 50/50 which is more “us vs them,” or each person showing up for themselves. 100 is when you’re each trying to make the other 100% better. [25:22] - 75 is where you have control over three quarters of the situation; this is made up of our actions and our reactions. In a relationship, our reactions are to the other person. Recognizing that you have control over what version you give another person to react to can lead to a virtuous cycle to get things to 100.[28:16] - “Better” in a relationship doesn’t necessarily mean everything is fine, but it does mean that the situation is resolved to a point where there is less suffering. [32:30] - We often feel like someone is intentionally doing something to us to erode trust. There is usually something deeper going on there where they believe hurting you gives them more power. It can be hard in these cases to give people a different version of you.[37:25] - Charlie and Bryan talk about the evolution of the language of apologies, by acknowledging the suffering we may have caused. It’s also important to note your intention (or when something was not your intention).[40:57] - The book goes through different kinds of relationships and how this strategy might work. Bryan and Charlie talk about how this idea plays out for interactions with children. It focuses on the Buddhist principle of happiness seeking.[46:55] - Bryan’s strategy ties into the work Charlie and Angela have done around positive boundaries, and making space for people. This can play out in families, in the workplace, and really any relationship.[52:00] - There is a difference between pain and suffering. Suffering adds the human spiritual element to a situation. This is related to another Buddhist concept of non-attachment. This concept can be very empowering for your life.[55:20] - Bryan and Charlie talk about the struggle of presenting these Buddhist principles as someone who is not born a Buddhist. The principles Bryan talks about can play out in any type of relationship, but in some situations a different path may be needed. [1:00:59] - Bryan’s invitation / challenge is to think about a relationship and understand what happiness is at play in the relationship (for both parties), and how you can appeal to both of those needs. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyClean EmailProductive Flourishing Ep. 184Do a Day, Bryan FlachukThe 50 75 100 Solution, Bryan FalchukOpen Heart, Clear Mind, Thubten Chodron

Angela joins Charlie on the show today to break down some of the recent events they’ve experienced in this last season of the year, focusing on a recent trip they went on and some lessons they learned from that trip.  Key Takeaways:[1:35] - Charlie’s new book, Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done is out now! Productivity is how we become our best selves in the world. The book covers tools, practices, and mindsets that will help you finish the stuff your soul is yearning to do. There are contributions from Charlie’s friends, colleagues, and teachers. [5:35] - One of the huge things that happened for Charlie and the team this year was the launch of his book. That has been a big learning curve and celebration for the whole team at Productive Flourishing. One of the not-great things that happened this year was Angela getting two concussions.[8:00] - This year they also experienced pregnancy, miscarriage, and the death of their cat. This year was really a year of ups and downs for Charlie and Angela, and the difficulty has been taking in all the emotions as they were happening simultaneously. [13:15] - They recently took a vacation for joint self-care, so they could heal from the events of the year together. One thing that transformed the trip was setting up boundaries beforehand. [15:35] - The first lesson they talk about is disconnecting completely from work while they were on their trip. Technology was minimal - each of them break down what technology they brought and used on the trip. [21:45] - Many of Charlie’s productivity projects have been about solitude, but for Angela, she maintains contact with her phone more often. The days get a lot longer when they’re not stuck to their devices, and it allows more time for the people you love and want to connect with.[25:05] - The second lesson learned was how much decision fatigue weighs on us, and how much micro-decisions add up. You can enjoy certain types of experiences more when you don’t have to constantly make decisions about different things. This frees up a lot of energy. [28:25] - They carried this back with them when they got home. Angela talks about the idea that simplicity equals peace. Personally, she’s taken a few steps back from multi-tasking, and putting more singular attention into tasks throughout the day.[35:33] - One of the big takeaways of simplicity equals peace is that we have a choice. You have to ask yourself how you’re going to get things done, but you can also ask yourself how you want to be while you’re doing work.[37:30] - Think about one area of your life that’s not quite in alignment for you, and identify something you can change to help increase your productivity. [38:54] - The third lesson learned is how much control we have over keeping things simple and intentional. Angela talks about some of the frustrations around focusing on one single thing, but also about the increased mindfulness she’s learned from being off her phone more frequently.[41:45] - The fourth lesson they learned was using structured conversations to reconnect. The book The Eight Dates guided them through eight topics ranging from intimacy and sex to conflict and disagreement. Having the joint commitment to walk through the book helped them reconnect in a really powerful way.[46:20] - This vacation was one of the best gifts they have given themselves. The lessons learned and disconnecting from the rest of the world made all the difference in how they were able to connect. [48:10] - These lessons can be applied to your day-to-day or holiday activities coming up at the end of the year. Think about what it might be like to disconnect and be present during this season. How can you lower decision fatigue and make this season simpler? What structured conversations could you have with the people around you?Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyClean EmailBlog Post on Miscarriage StoryEight Dates, by John and Julie Gottman

Today’s guest is Erin Field, founder of the MindFix Group. She joins Charlie to jam about why it’s so hard to rewrite stories and change self-sabotaging scripts. They also talk about some things you can do when you’re tired of the same choices leading to the same actions. Key Takeaways:[0:05] - Charlie’s new book, Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done is out now! Productivity is how we become our best selves in the world. The book covers tools, practices, and mindsets that will help you finish the stuff your soul is yearning to do. There are contributions from Charlie’s friends, colleagues, and teachers. If you’d like to pre-order a copy, click the link below.[4:00] - Erin ran a successful web agency for almost seventeen years, until she realized that it wasn’t something she wanted to do for the rest of her life. The fear around this thought was that her career was all she had ever known. After a series of rock bottoms, she started to see a therapist who showed her that the way she was looking at the world and seeing things was affecting everything else.[8:05] - She devoted all of her energy into learning how she could actually change what was going on in her head. When it became replicable, she realized this work was what she wanted to be doing. Our operating beliefs are the ones that are doing the driving, and tend to be the ones that drive our self-sabotage. [11:25] - Emotion drives action, and the language we use to describe things actually becomes the way we see and operate in the world. The stories, or head trash, tends to dominate. The piece of head trash impacts how events occur to us. This is the same principle as confirmation bias.[15:10] - People often struggle with what their “true” or “authentic” selves are. Different people can have different truths, and maybe the more important question is asking "what’s useful?" That can get us much further than “what’s true?” [17:50] - One of the most frustrating things about head trash is that we often realize the story we’re telling ourselves, and we know it’s not useful, but it’s difficult to change it. People hold on to these beliefs or stories because they feel like they have seen evidence in the world that it is true. [20:20] - In addition to our own stories, our cultures also have stories that become part of our mental narrative as evidence. When we have a belief that already has some evidence, every new bit of evidence that confirms the belief strengthens it, and we easily write off anything that doesn’t confirm it.[23:20] - The body keeps the score with all of our stories and head trash, and this can eventually manifest itself physically. Erin talks about some of the tests they use with their clients, and one of them is whether or not they can feel something in their bodies when they have those thoughts.[26:40] - People must learn to accept that it’s okay to have conflicting beliefs. They only accept one, and when they don’t acknowledge that they feel a certain way, they tend to suppress those beliefs or push them away. It takes energy to push things away, and when we accept them, sometimes the power dissolves.[31:20] - There is a connection between the body and the mind, but there are also some disanalogies that keep us stuck. It’s not quite as obvious when we push away mental beliefs versus physical manifestation.[32:55] - Erin talks about our beliefs and stories surrounding what’s possible with change. Our stories can anchor us down and prevent us from seeing our other successes.[36:45] - When it comes to goal setting with contradictory beliefs, Charlie talks about changing the directive. Instead of saying you can or can’t lose that weight or save that money, remain open and change the directive to “what would happen if I…” This curiosity is a useful tool to uncover what people’s specific head trash is.[41:40] - The work of uprooting head trash is daily work, because there are new things that pop up when we get rid of one thing. If it feels like there are other beliefs sprouting up, what you think you got rid of may not have been the root of the problem.[44:30] - The first step to getting unstuck from self-sabotage stories is to identify and uncover what the roots of our head trash are. Step two is dissolving and eliminating them, which is the main work of MindFix. The million dollar question for people to start asking themselves is “What would I have to believe to be true in order to keep experiencing this pattern over and over again?”[47:45] - Erin invites listeners to seriously ask themselves that million dollar question above, at least ten times a day. It is one of the most insightful questions that will help you learn about yourself in a short amount of time. Ask yourself that question and see what shows up. Mentioned in This Episode:Productive FlourishingStart Finishing, by Charlie GilkeyThe MindFix GroupThe Metaphors We Live By, George Lakoff and Mark Johnson