Podcast appearances and mentions of Gerald J Leonard

Ever feel like your problems are too big, too vague, too tangled to tackle? Dr. Mark L. Teague calls it “the blob”—that overwhelming mass of modern challenges we all face. In this powerful episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Teague, economist, former finance executive, and author of A Working Man's Guide, to reveal a game-changing approach: frame the problem before you fight it. Dr. Teague shares the strategy that helped him go from farmhand to PhD and Wall Street leadership: simplify the chaos, break it into components, and work against a frame, not a feeling. We also take a look at his Impact Index—a sharp diagnostic tool to evaluate whether someone's ambition and capability align—and a deep observation at why building a life of abundant purpose is the ultimate productivity advantage. Learn how principled thinking, rooted in traditional values, leads not just to success—but to purpose. Let's dive in. What We Discuss [00:00] Introducing Dr. Mark L. Teague, PhD [04:01] The 3 core principles that shaped Dr. Teague [05:31] Why accepting life's problems is the first step to real productivity [07:44] The power of the Scientific Method: Turning blobs into frames [11:06] Samuel Morse and the power of reframing problems [13:44] Building resilience in the age of AI, economic shifts, and overwhelm [17:07] The Impact Index: How ambition and competence drive real outcomes [23:22] Abundant purpose: Why fulfillment beats wealth every time [28:02] From managing money to managing meaning: Lessons for entrepreneurs and tradespeople [32:52] How values-driven leadership builds lasting business and family success [36:22] Holding fast to your North Star: The conversation that matters most [39:23] Where to find Dr. Teague and his book Notable Quotes [04:20] “Work hard, be honest, and be respectful. Those three things were expected—and you didn't deviate.” — Dr. Teague [07:44] “Don't work against the blob. Frame the problem, then work the frame.” — Dr. Teague [10:22] “Simplify. That's the secret to all stress management.” — Dr. Teague [17:07] “Capability without ambition makes you dead weight. Ambition without capability makes you dangerous.” — Dr. Teague [25:48] “Build your life around the intangibles—and use those same principles to pursue the tangible.” — Dr. Teague [35:55] “If you put business before family, you're talking to a fool.” — Dr. Teague Our Guest Dr. Mark L. Teague is a former finance executive, PhD economist, entrepreneur, and author of A Working Man's Guide. With deep roots in traditional values and decades of high-stakes leadership, Dr. Teague brings a fresh, practical perspective to productivity rooted in principle. His book delivers actionable tools and thought-provoking insights for anyone striving to lead a purpose-driven life and career. Resources Dr. Mark L. Teague, PhD Website - https://aworkingmansguide.com/ Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/DrMarkLTeague/ Book: A Working Man's Guide - https://www.amazon.com/Working-Mans-Guide-Strong-Values/dp/B0D9HYRPSP Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with seasoned psychotherapist and author Steven Melman, who brings over 40 years of experience in the mental health world. Their conversation dives into what it really takes to stay productive, grounded, and emotionally resilient—especially for those in helping professions like therapy, coaching, and consulting. Steven shares insights from his book, Guidance for New Clinicians in a Chaotic World: How to Practice Your Craft While Preserving Your Traditional Values. Whether you're just starting out or have years under your belt, you'll find plenty of practical advice on setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and even using humor as a powerful tool in your work. Gerald and Steven get real about the challenges clinicians face today—from the mental health impact of marijuana legalization to the importance of mentally “clocking in and out.” They also talk about the “goal wheel,” a tool for setting and tracking goals across all areas of life, and how self-discipline plays a key role in staying on track. If you're a clinician, coach, or just someone who wants to align your purpose with your productivity, you'll walk away from this episode with fresh perspective, useful tips, and a renewed sense of direction. Tune in and learn how staying true to your values might just be your most powerful productivity hack. What We Discuss [00:02:01] Meet Steven Melman: Clinician, author, mentor [00:03:59] How to stay present with clients—and leave work at work [00:06:24] The discipline of mentally “clocking out” and honoring personal time [00:08:11] Tackling procrastination: Use reward-based to-do lists [00:10:38] Creating a goal wheel for a balanced life [00:13:43] Early career productivity traps and how to avoid them [00:20:08] Listening over leading: A therapist's most powerful tool [00:22:07] The impact of mindful communication in therapy and marriage [00:24:52] Why humor isn't just a bonus—it's a strategy [00:26:58] The future of mental health: Staying productive while staying true [00:32:48] Where to find Steven's book and work Notable Quotes [00:05:54] “When you leave work, you have to mentally clock out. Otherwise, you're cheating your family and yourself.” — Steven Melman [00:10:38] “We're implementing self-discipline, overcoming procrastination, and being productive by reviewing our day and planning for tomorrow.” — Steven Melman [00:22:07] “You don't learn anything when you're the one doing all the talking. Truly listen and summarize what you hear.” — Steven Melman [00:24:52] “I take my work seriously—but I use humor to create connection and release tension.” — Steven Melman Our Guest Steven Melman is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and mentor with four decades of clinical experience. His latest book, Guidance for New Clinicians in a Chaotic World, serves as a practical and principled guide for new therapists looking to succeed without sacrificing their personal or spiritual values. Resources Steven Melman Website - https://stevenmelmanpsychotherapist.com/ Email - stevenmelman@yahoo.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-melman Book - Guidance for New Clinicians in a Chaotic World   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard explores the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern productivity with Gerard Wouters, a Taoist therapist and former financial manager whose unorthodox methods heal trauma in just two sessions. With over 28 years of experience, Gerard reveals how Taoist principles—like deciphering setbacks as messages and leading through harmony, not pressure—can transform overwhelm into flow.     From his shocking body-mind therapy breakthroughs to surviving 150 daily calls as a corporate leader, Gerard's stories prove that real productivity starts with self-awareness, boundaries, and the courage to say "no."     Tune in to discover why managing "people, not numbers" unlocks peak performance—and how to spot the hidden meaning behind life's obstacles.     What We Discuss [00:02:01] Introduction to Gerard Wouters: Taoist therapist and author   [00:04:41] The body-mind connection: Where trauma hides (shoulders = anger, pelvis = abuse)   [00:07:10] Gerard's 2-session therapy vs. years of conventional treatment   [00:10:26] Fear vs. danger: Why "spiders vanish when you unlearn fear"   [00:13:06] Taoist flow: How setbacks guide you (flat tire = don't meet that friend!)   [00:17:22] Leadership hack: The "3-minute rule" for emails/calls   [00:19:12] The power of "no"—why boundaries create respect   [00:23:31] "Stop managing numbers; nurture people": Teams thrive without pressure   [00:26:38] Where to find Gerard's book and work     Notable Quotes [00:03:46] “The treatment that I developed is absolutely unique and it helps people heal from all kinds of mental issues in two-hour sessions or a two-day workshop.” — Gerard Wouters [00:10:41] “Danger is a reality, but fear is a choice, and that's how it is. You choose if you fear something or not.” — Gerard Wouters [00:22:43] “By saying no, you create respect. We are only human, not robots. You need to set priorities and take care of yourself.” — Gerard Wouters [00:26:38] “Stop guiding and directing based on numbers because you don't work with numbers; you work with people. When people are comfortable and happy in their job, they will produce more automatically without pressure.” — Gerard Wouters   Our Guest Gerard Wouters is a Dutch Taoist therapist, speaker, and former financial manager who blends ancient philosophy with pragmatic healing. His groundbreaking therapy resolves deep trauma in two sessions, and his book, How to Make Life Simple, Happy & Successful, redefines productivity through presence and self-trust.    Resources   Gerard Wouters   Website - https://taoistisch.nl LinkedIn - https://nl.linkedin.com/in/gerard-wouters-1062231 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wouters.gerard?igsh=Nm16c3ozYjhkeTln Book - How to Make Life Simple, Happy, and Successful: The Taoist Way by Gerard Wouters   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Did you know the way you make eye contact could determine your next promotion—or prevent a team meltdown?  In this paradigm-shifting episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard uncovers the hidden mechanics of workplace success with Dr. Dianne Olvera, a clinical psychologist and former diplomat whose espionage experience revealed surprising truths about human connection. With dual doctorates in bilingual education and cultural neuroscience, Dr. Olvera proves that real productivity isn't about doing more, it's about connecting better. From her accidental dental disaster as a TWA stewardess to surviving Argentina's political turmoil, Dr. Olvera's extraordinary journey reveals how connection fuels resilience in business and life. This isn't just another soft skills lecture. It's an operational manual for the most overlooked productivity tool you have: your ability to truly see others.  Tune in to discover how mindful communication and authentic connection can transform your team dynamics, fuel inclusivity, and unlock lasting productivity.   What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Dr. Dianne Olvera's extraordinary career   [05:07] A hilarious (and revealing) story about knocking out a passenger's tooth mid-flight   [08:05] How language shapes culture—lessons from Latin America's "open conversations"   [13:29] The science of eye contact: Why being "felt" boosts productivity   [17:36] Spy tactics for workplace dynamics: Using eyes to set boundaries   [19:17] How electrical energy in our eyes rebuilds broken relationships   [23:31] The dark side of jokes: How negative speech patterns poison teams   [26:21] Neurodiversity in the workplace: Creating safety for divergent thinkers   [32:15] The "Ask Don't Tell" philosophy to empower self-leadership and intrinsic motivation  [32:53] Naming behaviours in the book [38:40] Where to connect with Dr. Olvera   Notable Quotes   [05:01] “I knocked a man's tooth out with my hip as we were getting ready to land at the Indianapolis 500. This is when they still had real forks." — Dr. Dianne Olvera   [08:05] "I spent 12 years in graduate school going for my first doctorate in bilingual special education, and then my second one was in cultural differences because I wanted to know what is the impact of language on people." — Dr. Dianne Olvera   [09:59] "In Latin America, people would come up, hug me, and tell me to my face what they thought of me. At first, you want to crawl into a hole, but then you realize they really care about me." — Dr. Dianne Olvera   [13:29] "When you broaden your awareness, you actually notice when somebody looks at you, and you also notice when they don't look at you. And so you don't feel." — Dr. Dianne Olvera   [19:17] "Our eyes are of the electrical system of our body. You can literally turn negative relationships or relationships that have gone cold within a week by just learning how to use your eyes." — Dr. Dianne Olvera   [23:31] "Negative speech patterns usually start out as a joke. But then that little negative gesture permeates the whole group." — Dr. Dianne Olvera   [33:44] “So it's the words you don't use that are the words that get you into trouble.”— Dr. Dianne Olvera   Our Guest Dr. Dianne Olvera is a lively and compassionate educator, former diplomat, and intelligence officer whose groundbreaking work has transformed classrooms and workplaces around the world. Holding doctorates in bilingual special education and cultural neuroscience, she brings a rare blend of academic insight and real-world experience. Her research into how language and nonverbal cues shape the brain has helped teams and individuals communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, and foster genuine connection. In her acclaimed book, The Power of Connection, Dr. Olvera reveals how subtle shifts in speech patterns and body language can unlock empowerment, collaboration, and lasting change.   Resources Dianne Olvera Website - https://www.drdianneolvera.com/ Book - The Power of Connection   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Mentioned Book Conversational Intelligence  Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

What If the Secret to Productivity… Is laughter? What do you do when your career disappears overnight? When GPS kills your bestselling book? Or when your team is drowning in stress and silence? For award-winning journalist and humorist Bill Williams, the answer wasn't hustle—it was humor. In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Bill Williams—award-winning journalist, former trombonist, and the brilliant mind behind 20 Years of Internet Humor, Volume One. For over two decades, Bill has delivered daily doses of joy through his “Thought of the Day” emails, and now he's sharing how laughter can transform not just your mood—but your productivity. Bill dives into his incredible journey from film and finance to publishing and performance, showing how humor helped him lead teams, overcome major life transitions (including two bankruptcies), and adapt to everything from the death of film photography to the rise of GPS. You'll discover how a funny email boosted his sales team's performance, why “nobody ever bought something from a grouch,” and how one book is helping readers around the world start their day with a smile. If you've ever needed a reminder that joy and success can go hand in hand, this conversation is for you. What We Discuss [00:00:05] Introduction to Bill Williams [00:06:27] Adapting to change in careers [00:09:33] Impact of humor on productivity [00:12:28] Organizing content for the book [00:15:10] The role of humor in sales [00:17:35] Using humor to navigate transitions [00:19:29] Staying focused in a digital age [00:20:21] Discussion on negativity in media [00:22:49] Productivity lessons from career transitions [00:26:19] Adapting to challenges in journalism [00:27:28] Closing remarks Notable Quotes [06:27] "One of the biggest things that I can say I have had and what I advise anybody to do is be adaptable, because things change. And when things change, you need to change with them." — Bill Williams [15:10] "Nobody ever bought something from a grouch. If you're not smiling, if you're not ready to have a joke with somebody and, you know, have them smile, you're not going to be a very good salesman." — Bill Williams [17:35] "I don't want to be a grump, okay? And nobody ever was a good manager when they were always grumpy, you know, and so, hey, if I can use humor, which is something I've always tried to do, things work out better." — Bill Williams [26:26] "You have to change with the situation. We put the disaster information on grocery bags so that they could get the information." — Bill Williams Resources Bill Williams Website: https://www.billwilliamscomedy.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@billwilliamscomedy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-williams-2488b0b Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billwilliamscomedy Book: 20 Years of Internet Humor   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

What if your brain's "operating system" is running on outdated software? In this transformative episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Agnes Chau—award-winning transformational coach, aerospace engineer, and founder of the nonprofit Empowered Heart—to explore how neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, and heart-mind alignment can unlock unparalleled productivity and fulfillment. From sound healing with gamma waves (backed by MIT research on Alzheimer's prevention) to muscle testing and Psych-K techniques, Agnes reveals actionable strategies to bridge the gap between conscious goals and subconscious blocks. Discover why 95% of behaviors are subconscious, how to "cancel" limiting beliefs in real time, and why stress relief isn't just self-care—it's a non-negotiable for peak performance. Packed with metaphors (think "Dead Sea vs. Mediterranean" for energy flow) and Gerald's personal vertigo comeback story, this episode is a masterclass in rewiring your mind, elevating resilience, and leading a life of purpose. Let's get into it!   What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Agnes [07:26] The importance of understanding subconscious behaviors and beliefs [08:28] The role of the subconscious [11:31] Upgrading the human operating system [18:28] The importance of achieving inner peace for positive life changes [21:04] The size of conscious vs. subconscious [22:22] Team alignment: football analogy [23:24] Heart and brain coherence [26:57] Practical application of alignment  [30:06] The Empowered Heart nonprofit organization [35:04] Stress impacts on physical and mental health [41:20] The Dead Sea vs. Mediterranean Sea analogy [45:08] Closing remarks Notable Quotes [10:42] "The subconscious is like that high speed train, whereas your conscious mind is like riding a bicycle. Well, if that high speed train is pointed in the wrong direction, you may get there faster." — Agnes Chau [11:49] "To upgrade your human operating system, you can tap into the powerhouse which is your brain, and align it with your divine heart, which is your intuition, your higher self, the holy spirit within the superconscious, and also tapping into and harmonizing the heart, the mind, and the body intelligence to create that life that you want." — Agnes Chau [32:26] "I'm not proposing that it's just all positive thinking. I'm proposing balanced thinking. And the challenge is that we have too much negativity and that's why there's this whole push towards more positivity to balance ourselves out. But at the end of the day, what you want is accurate thinking." — Agnes Chau [35:27] "If we're not constantly rinsing and washing out our brain with positivity through meditation and taking care of ourselves, then over time, stress will create a physical issue." — Gerald J. Leonard [39:25] "The importance of learning is about neuroplasticity. And it's always important to learn something new, whether it's physical or mental." — Agnes Chau Resources Agnes Chau Empowered Heart Website: https://www.empowered-heart.org/about-5 Website: https://www.agneschau.com/agnes-background LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnes-chau-llc Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Leadership isn't built in boardrooms—it's forged in the ER, on combat missions, and in the quiet moments when no one's watching. In this high-impact episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Josh McConkey—emergency physician, U.S. Army Colonel, and author of Be the Weight Behind the Spear. Drawing from 23 years of military leadership and frontline medicine, Dr. McConkey reveals how his "weight behind the spear" philosophy can transform passive contributors into high-performance leaders, even in chaotic environments. From harrowing Iraq war stories to the ER's opioid crisis frontline, Dr. McConkey shares riveting lessons on accountability, resilience, and adaptive leadership. Discover why NASA's 26-year-old mission controller succeeded (and what today's leaders can learn from it), how to replace micromanagement with ownership, and why "complacency kills" in business and life. Packed with raw anecdotes and actionable frameworks, this episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose—whether you're steering a team, a family, or your own career.   What We Discuss [00:05] Introduction to Dr. Josh McConkey [07:00] Leadership ethos explained [09:03] Productivity mindset shift [10:41] Youth confidence and leadership [11:45] The space race analogy [13:14] The story of Stephen Bales [18:04] Mental health crisis and impact of drug addiction [20:22] Hidden productivity killers [23:08] Focus on solutions [25:51] Adapting to change [27:32] AI in medicine [29:01] Learning more about Dr. McConkey   Notable Quotes [4:58] "If you're not making a difference, then you're wasting your time." — Dr. Josh McConkey   [7:00] "Be the Weight behind the Spear. That's my personal leadership ethos... That tip of the spear means nothing if you don't have a significant weight in those people behind you." — Dr. Josh McConkey   [16:58] "Standards, not rules. I give my intent, this is what I need to happen for us to be successful... If you're having to micromanage somebody, then you probably make another decision." — Dr. Josh McConkey   [25:51] "Complacency kills. It kills in business. It kills on the battlefield... You have to find a way to adapt and overcome." — Dr. Colonel Joshua McConkey   Resources Dr. Josh McConkey Website: https://www.joshmcconkey.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSQ7OpDAy4hr3doGNtqwtcA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mcconkey-md/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshMcConkeyForCongress Book: Be The Weight Behind The Spear Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

What if you could access a powerful tool to reprogram your mind, overcome self-doubt, and break free from the invisible barriers holding you back? In this episode of Productivity Smarts , host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes back a familiar voice—Dr. Lisa Zaretsky, a returning guest from Episode 69 and a renowned expert in hypnotherapy. This time, Dr. Lisa joins Gerald to discuss her new book, The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis, which unlocks the transformative power of self-hypnosis for personal and professional growth. Dr. Lisa shares insights from her groundbreaking Hypnotherapy Coaching Program, which boasts an impressive 95% success rate in helping individuals overcome challenges ranging from limiting beliefs and career obstacles to emotional blocks and financial struggles. Her book dives into practical tools and techniques, empowering listeners to take control of their subconscious mind and rewire it for success. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Lisa explains how self-hypnosis can help address deep-seated beliefs formed early in life, offering a three-part framework: induction, reframing, and transition. She emphasizes the importance of intention setting, consistency, and crafting personalized scripts to create lasting change. Listeners will also discover how small daily practices—even just five minutes a day—can lead to profound transformations in productivity, mindset, and overall well-being. This episode is packed with real-world applications and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for anyone ready to take control of their subconscious mind and elevate their potential. Tune in now to discover how self-hypnosis can help you break free from self-imposed limitations and achieve your goals with clarity, confidence, and purpose. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Lisa Zaretsky [03:39] Overview of Dr. Lisa's book [04:48] Hypnotherapy Coaching Program [06:05] Addressing subconscious beliefs [09:27] Self-hypnosis techniques [11:43] Three-part framework of self-hypnosis [12:46] Induction process explained [13:55] Setting intentions [19:12] Recording self-hypnosis scripts [20:35] Understanding limiting beliefs [21:49] Understanding subconscious beliefs [22:31] Conscious awareness and addressing beliefs [22:50] Self-hypnosis vs. regression [23:41] Personal goal setting experience [25:08] The beauty of continuous growth [25:19] Impact of self-hypnosis on resilience [26:02] Recording self-reflections [27:07] Bypassing conscious resistance [27:25] Setting intentions for follow-through [28:11] Reframing beliefs with affirmations [29:35] Letting go of outcome attachment [37:12] Conclusion and final thoughts Notable Quotes [00:06:05] “Your subconscious is 95% of your operating system, and we think that we're operating from our conscious mind, but it's only 5%.” – Dr. Lisa Zaretsky [00:14:46] “When you set your intentions, you have to be intentional and mindful, but you also want that stream of consciousness to come out as well because that's going to tell you where you truly, authentically want to go.” – Dr. Lisa Zaretsky [00:23:41] “I feel like I can't start my day unless I write down one of the five things I'm grateful for.” – Gerald J. Leonard Resources Mentioned Episode 69 Dr. Lisa Zaretsky Website: https://www.drlisazaretsky.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisazaretsky/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.zaretsky.7?mibextid=ZbWKwL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisazaretsky/ Book: The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Ever feel like you're running in circles—busy but not truly productive? Or maybe that nagging voice in your head whispers, "You're not good enough," no matter how much you achieve?  In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald talks with Dr. Winifred Bragg—a nationally recognized speaker, board-certified physician, and creator of The Bragg Factor—to tackle these challenges head-on. Dr. Bragg shares her transformative approach to productivity, starting with her signature Bragg Factor model. She breaks down how to rewire your brain (using tools like the reticular activating system) to focus on what truly matters, plus practical ways to ditch stress and imposter syndrome for good. And don't miss her genius hack: the Brag Book, a simple but powerful tool to track your wins and finally give yourself the credit you deserve. But this isn't just about checklists and hustle. Dr. Bragg opens up about the deeper stuff—like why mentorship and resilience are non-negotiables for success, and how volunteering (yes, even when you're swamped) can unexpectedly fuel your growth. Whether you're craving more productivity, joy, or just proof that you're already crushing it, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies to help you thrive. Tune in and discover how small shifts can lead to big, life-changing results. What We Discuss [00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Winifred Bragg [00:04:31] The importance of goals and mentorship [00:06:41] Creating a brag book [00:07:43] The reticular activating system [00:09:13] Imposter syndrome and self-doubt [00:10:16] Brain training for positive outcomes [00:14:41] Practical steps for using a brag book [00:16:46] The value of volunteering [00:19:11] Addressing overwhelm and stress [00:20:59] The essence of productivity [00:21:25] Gratitude and goal setting [00:21:39] Strategic productivity tools [00:22:51] Understanding the BRAG framework [00:24:07] The importance of team recognition [00:27:07] Where to find Dr. Bragg [00:29:21] Closing thoughts Notable Quotes [00:03:30] “I like to bring happiness to people who are dealing with pain, and when I'm speaking, people come to me sometimes because they are going through a pain of loss of a career or finances or whatever.” – Dr. Winifred Bragg [00:07:48] “When you write down your accomplishments, you remind yourself, 'I did that, I can do this,' and the book is an action step book that allows you to be active and write that down so you are reminded of the good about you.” – Dr. Winifred Bragg [00:19:11] “The burnout and all that is real, and what I tell people is to develop something that makes them happy. Think about something that brings you joy and spend some time with your family or friends to bring you joy.” – Dr. Winifred Bragggg [00:21:25] “What I've found in my own life is that by writing out my goals and writing out what I'm grateful for every day, it programs me to bring into my life the things that I'm looking for and things that I want.” – Gerald J. Leonard [00:24:07] “People are burned out and so many people get criticism but never get compliments. Just saying something good about them will give you so much mileage.” – Dr. Winifred Bragg Resources Dr. Winifred Bragg Website: https://thebraggfactor.com/ Books https://thebraggfactor.com/books/ Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

What if everything you thought you knew about health was wrong?   In this eye-opening episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Robert Lufkin—renowned metabolic health and longevity expert—to challenge some of the most deeply held beliefs in Western medicine. Drawing from his provocative book The Lies I Taught in Medical School, Dr. Lufkin shares how curiosity, courage, and a willingness to question the status quo have shaped his transformative journey.   Together, they uncover surprising truths about the power of lifestyle choices, from the hidden dangers of everyday mouthwash to the life-changing potential of the ketogenic diet. Dr. Lufkin reveals why metabolic health is the foundation for longevity, how small early interventions can prevent chronic disease, and what practical steps you can take to boost performance, energy, and well-being.   Whether you're optimizing your productivity or rethinking your approach to health, this episode offers a fresh perspective—and actionable insights—you won't want to miss.   What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Robert Lufkin [04:26] The Lies Taught in Medical School [08:20] Simple Lifestyle Changes to Reverse Chronic Diseases [17:03] The Obesity Lie and Metabolic Health [22:04] The Queen Metaphor [22:58] Ketogenic Diet and Mental Health [28:01] Hypertension and Modern Stress [35:13] The Truth About Cardiovascular Disease [38:28] Longevity and Chronic Diseases [43:06] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Notable Quotes [00:07:55] “ The world as we see it is constantly changing, at least our perspective of it and having that open mind, that learner's mind, that beginner's mind, as the zen people say is really a powerful tool.” – Robert   [00:14:41] “ Even though I'm a doctor, I realize, doctors don't make me healthy. I go to a doctor to become less sick. If I wanna become healthy, that's on me. And that's with lifestyle. And lifestyle is something no doctor can do for me.” – Robert     [00:21:28] “ Just a little bit of the right knowledge will kind of help change your motivation.” – Gerald   Resources Robert Lufkin, MD Website: https://www.robertlufkinmd.com/ Book: Lies I Taught in Medical School: How Conventional Medicine Is Making You Sicker and What You Can Do to Save Your Own Life   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Music could be your ultimate stress-relief tool, creativity booster, and productivity hack—all rolled into one. And no, this isn't about becoming the next concert pianist or mastering complex sonatas. It's about something simpler, more accessible, and honestly, way more fun: Piano Yoga.   In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Sonny Strancarone, CEO of Sonny's Piano and author of Sonny's Piano Yoga. Together, they dive into the fascinating intersection of music, mindfulness, and productivity. You'll learn about the transformative power of music—not just as an art form, but as a tool for personal and professional growth. Sonny introduces his "20-minute rule" for achieving a meditative state through music practice and explores the unique emotional connections that human creativity fosters, especially in contrast to artificial intelligence. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced musician, Sonny offers practical resources and a refreshingly joyful approach to learning music.   Listen now and start your Piano Yoga journey! What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Sonny [08:38] Mindfulness in music   [11:02] Musical learning vs. theory   [12:02] Sonny's teaching method   [15:04] Non-traditional music education   [18:08] The art of the muse   [20:15] Flow state in music   [23:47] The importance of arts in education   [25:06] Creativity as a biological function   [27:04] Historical figures and creativity   [28:43] Art and productivity connection   [29:47] The 20 minute rule [31:26] Human creativity vs. AI [32:37] Lessons from Sonny and embracing joy in playing [36:08] Closing remarks Notable Quotes [00:04:24] “I thought this was a jazz room, and improvisation is what jazz is about.” – Sonny   [00:07:32] “There is no such thing as a mistake, only a new opportunity to play the song differently.” – Sonny   [00:08:38] “Music has such a big role, and I think that's why I was encouraged by your book because it really teaches adults how to embrace an instrument and fall in love with playing music.” – Gerald J. Leonard   [00:20:15] “As a musician, learning to practice and get into a flow state when I'm playing transitions into my professional life. It helps me harness that flow state in business, meditation, and yoga.” – Sonny [00:23:47] “I think it's a crime that schools remove the arts and music when they have budget cuts. They take away a level of thought process and development that children and adults really need.” – Sonny [00:29:15] “As soon as you sit down at the instrument, you step out of your world of stress. You start to absorb your brain, get into dopamine, and elevate your energy level.” – Sonny Resources Sonny Strancarone Website: https://www.sonnyspianoyoga.com/ Book: Sonny's Piano Yoga Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Emile Henwood, a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson, the Lady from Philadelphia. Together, they dive into the extraordinary life of Marian Anderson, a trailblazing singer and civil rights icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Marian Anderson's story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. From her iconic 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial, which inspired a young Martin Luther King Jr., to her groundbreaking role in integrating the arts and civil rights, Anderson's life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on the world. Through this conversation, you'll discover how her principles and approach to overcoming adversity can help you navigate your own challenges, boost your productivity, and find deeper meaning in your personal and professional life. Let's dive in!   What We Discuss (00:02:01) Introduction to Emile Henwood (00:06:37) Impact of Marian Anderson's life (00:07:38) Emile's son's perspective (00:11:31) Marian Anderson's financial success (00:12:23) Influence on Martin Luther King Jr. (00:13:35) Jackie Robinson's integration (00:15:32) Marian's principles and resilience (00:21:41) Marian's devotion (00:26:03) Historical figures in business (00:27:14) Importance of the arts (00:29:00) Reflections on the book   Notable Quotes [00:03:58] “I felt an unmistakable nudge from the Lord to dive deeper into the life of Marian Anderson right at that point.” – Emile Henwood [00:09:05] “Without prayer and faith, she would have no voice and she would have never had a career like she had.” – Emile Henwood [00:21:41] “I'm telling my Catholic friends, you don't own the franchise on sainthood designations because here is a Protestant who was a saint.” – Emile Henwood [00:22:51] “Rather than sending a thousand missionaries, they chose to send one saint, and they sent Marian Anderson by herself with only her piano accompanist.” – Emile Henwood Resources   Emile Henwood Website: https://www.emilehenwood.com/ Book: Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Are you truly making the most of your time, or just keeping yourself busy? Be honest—how often do you end the day feeling exhausted, yet unsure if you actually got anything meaningful done? Burnout sneaks up before you even realize it. Procrastination convinces you there's always tomorrow. And just when you start making progress, imposter syndrome whispers, Are you even good enough? But what if the issue isn't just your workload? What if it's how you approach it? Imagine a version of productivity that isn't about grinding harder but working smarter—one that embraces motivation, self-care, and a mindset shift that turns obstacles into opportunities. In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard chats with Deborah Mallow, self-improvement expert and author of Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck. Together, they dive into the psychology of productivity, breaking free from negativity bias, and the power of reframing mistakes as growth opportunities. In this episode you will walk away with practical strategies to boost your efficiency and well-being—because success shouldn't come at the cost of your sanity. What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Deborah Mallow [06:26] Overcoming burnout [08:32] The journey to self-discovery [11:21] Writing as healing [15:15] Understanding procrastination [17:26] Rewards and accomplishments [19:40] Productivity and happiness [21:27] Negativity bias and its origins [22:35] Overcoming negative biases [24:40] Understanding imposter syndrome [25:45] Reframing failure as growth [28:19] Embracing the journey of becoming Notable Quotes [00:10:18] “I was overwhelmed, I was exhausted, I was just feeling beside myself. I didn't know what to do, and somehow divine intervention, a voice said to me, my inner voice said to me, my intuition, if you don't stop and you don't make a change, nothing's going to happen, and this is going to be your life, and you will die.” – Deborah [00:12:42] “Even if we know what we should do, we don't always do it. We don't honor our dignity, value our self-worth, value ourselves. We need to value ourselves and treat ourselves with care and with love.” – Deborah [00:24:52] “Everybody struggles with imposter syndrome. Once you realize that, you just have to give it up.” – Deborah [00:27:00] “Imposter syndrome might be there, but we have to slowly work through it. Just make your mistakes and see them as opportunities.” – Deborah [00:29:37] “The most important thing is self-pride. When you feel that rush of adrenaline because you did it and accomplished it, that's such a good feeling.” – Deborah   Deborah Mallow  Website https://thedailydecisions.com/ LinkedIn: Deborah Mallow  Book: Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Mentioned Becoming by Michelle Obama   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

The greatest obstacle to productivity isn't a lack of time, skill, or effort—it's the invisible weight of doubt, stress, and worry. We grind ourselves down, convinced that success comes from doing more, when in reality, true effectiveness begins with thinking better. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with retired pediatrician Dr. Ron Schneebaum to uncover a truth that could transform the way you approach work, relationships, and life. Together, they explore the powerful connection between emotional health, happiness, and productivity. Dr. Schneebaum shares his transformative journey in medicine, where he adopted a holistic approach to patient care—treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. He reveals how compassion, love, and empathy are essential for not only healing but managing stress and thriving in all aspects of life. The conversation delves deeper into childhood trauma's lasting effects and the importance of addressing emotional wounds for personal growth. One of the episode's most impactful moments is Ron's morning reflection routine, a practice that grounds him and helps him face challenges with calm and purpose. If you're ready to shift your mindset and live with more intention, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn how nurturing your emotional health can unlock your full potential—both at work and in life. What We Discuss [02:02] - Introduction to Dr. Ron Schneebaum [08:03] - Learning effective study techniques [11:06] - Building personal connections in medicine [14:49] - Lessons learned from illness [17:14] - Introduction to Ron's book [19:05] - The impact of COVID-19 on work life [21:55] - Managing stress in the medical field [23:10] - Morning visualization techniques [25:04] - Reviewing daily interactions for growth [28:25] - The magic of consistent practice [32:26] - Healing childhood wounds and making progress [39:25] - The influence of role models in adolescence [43:45] - Conclusion and additional resources   Notable Quotes [07:48] "When I saw medicine as a possibility of it being intellectually challenging and having this interpersonal side, I said that's what I wanted to do." — Ron    [20:00] "At the end of the day, no one ever sits on their deathbed and talks about the hours they spent in the office. They talk about the loved ones they spent time with, the people they helped, the memories they created, the things that they did that made a difference in other people's lives." — Gerald J. Leonard   [21:18] "When you care more about the person than just about getting the job done, the job will get done, but the person will be engaged." — Ron    [23:10] "One of the ways that I find is a great stress reliever, and this is available for everyone, is to set your alarm clock for about 10 or 15 minutes earlier than you need to get up and visualize your day ahead." — Ron    [29:05] "Think of somebody in jazz, like the greats doing their solos, or Ella Fitzgerald doing her scat stuff where she ends up back where she started. It didn't come out of her never having practiced it; she really worked at it." — Ron    Our Guest Dr. Ron Schneebaum is a retired pediatrician with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he served on the clinical faculty of Dartmouth College's Geisel School of Medicine. There, he founded the "Fresh Perspectives" program to support children and teens with behavioral, emotional, psychological, and academic challenges. Renowned for his teaching, Dr. Schneebaum was voted Best Teacher in Pediatrics by Dartmouth medical students. After retiring from clinical practice, he shifted his focus to helping individuals live happier, more fulfilled lives. Through his book, Bigger Hearted, and his podcast, On Being Happier: Thinking with Heart and Mind, he shares valuable insights on emotional well-being and personal growth. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Schneebaum enjoys organic gardening, hiking, woodworking, photography, and cooking, while continuing to advocate for mental and emotional well-being.   Ron Schneebaum Website https://ronschneebaummd.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-schneebaum-b1515321 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bigger-Hearted-Retired-Pediatricians-Prescriptions-ebook/dp/B0DQJYPW3Y   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

What if the biggest thing holding you back wasn't external at all—but something within you? What if success wasn't about grinding harder, but about leading yourself better? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Doug Schmidt, self-leadership expert and author of The Power of Self-Leadership, to unpack the game-changing principles from his book. But this isn't just about productivity hacks—it's about reshaping the way you think, work, and lead. Doug's story is one of transformation, not just achievement. He gets real about the struggles that shaped him, the mentors who pushed him forward, and the powerful realization that self-leadership isn't about doing more—it's about becoming more. He dives into the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses, mastering your mindset, and developing habits that set high achievers apart. If you've ever felt stuck, like you're capable of more but unsure how to get there, this episode is for you. Get ready to rethink self-leadership, break through barriers, and take control of your future.  What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Doug Schmidt [06:05] The power of mentoring [08:43] Defining self-leadership [15:48] Top habits for productivity [21:46] Mindfulness and meditation [25:50] Neuroscience of meditation [28:29] Overcoming procrastination as a habit [30:56] The Pomodoro technique [35:05] Self-leadership and networking [36:17] The power of gratitude [41:19] The law of reciprocity [42:01] Closing remarks Notable Quotes [05:14] “The number one thing that's helped me the most is developing role models and mentors. Learning is such a critical habit; wherever you are in life, just keep on learning. That's a superpower we can all do.” – Doug Schmidt [09:16] “If I can't lead myself, if I can't manage myself, I can't lead or manage other people. So, let's start right there. If I'm out of control emotionally, have poor habits, or am a toxic person, that's going to impact how I lead others.” – Doug Schmidt [12:25] “One of the biggest mistakes I've made career-wise is not understanding what my strengths are. I needed someone else to show me what I was really good at, and from that point on, I changed my career direction.” – Doug Schmidt [26:57] “We can do the same thing these great athletes and leaders do. You might not be in history books, but you can improve your leadership skills, mental strength, grit, and resilience. You can do that too.” – Doug Schmidt [35:10] “I send personalized thank you notes. It cost me a dollar and a half, but it shows appreciation and gratitude. It's a small gesture that can open doors and build connections.”– Doug Schmidt Our Guest Douglas L. Schmidt is a firm believer in the power of self-leadership. He advocates for personal discovery, and the idea that obstacles can be powerful teachers. They form the foundation of Doug's approach to life and work, driving a passion for helping others unlock their potential. His belief in self-leadership will motivate and will inspire you on your journey of personal and professional growth. With an MBA in Marketing and a BS in Finance, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of personal growth, business, sales, and marketing.    Resources Doug Schmidt Website douglaslschmidt.com LinkedIn: Doug Schmidt Book: The Power of Self-Leadership   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Mentioned Books Do What You Are Inner Excellence Power Communication by Helio Garcia Your Brain at Work by David Rock Resonate by Nancy Duarte   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

What if the things we've buried—memories, emotions, even physical clutter—are quietly shaping the way we live and work today? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Ann Mracek, author of Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child. Ann shares how sorting through childhood memories while helping her parents move into assisted living became an unexpected journey of healing. They dive into the emotional weight of the past, the power of storytelling, and why forgiveness isn't just about letting go—it's about making space for growth. Ann opens up about how addressing past traumas can actually boost productivity and well-being, and how decluttering your mind (and maybe even your attic) can lead to a more fulfilling life. If you've ever felt like old wounds are holding you back, this episode is for you. Tune in, reflect, and take the first step toward healing. Listen now and start your journey to a clearer, more productive mindset! What We Discuss [02:01] - Introduction to Ann Mracek [05:11] - Unpacking the Attic concept [06:59] - The importance of retrospection [10:03] - Creative process of writing [12:34] - Impact of suppressed trauma [13:18] - Success through soul's purpose [18:12] - Metaphors of unpacking [18:50] - Overcoming stage fright [22:05] - Childhood traumas identified [24:58] - The significance of memories [26:07] - Carrying rejection through life [26:45] - Traveling to China [27:07] - Cultural practices of remembrance [29:54] - Transformation through grief [31:28] - The importance of forgiveness [34:06] - Productivity beyond to-do lists [36:02] - Abundance vs. lack mindset [42:33] - Creating a supportive work environment [45:02] - Growth mindset in organizations [45:43] - Closing remarks Notable Quotes [05:24] "I think our society does not value retrospection nearly enough. Everyone's life has seasons where they're presented with unique opportunities to pause, reflect, and learn from that time spent in reflection." — Ann [08:23] "As each item was brought out of the house, it triggered a cascade of memories associated with that item. Stories I had forgotten, stories I had deliberately suppressed, traumas—it brought to the surface the realization that there were unresolved problems and conflicts between family members that really needed to be addressed." — Ann [21:24] "I finally forgave my piano teacher, and in that forgiveness, I realized that the third-grade child did everything they were capable of. It really wasn't my fault, and I needed to stop replaying that memory. Now, I'm excited to record, and I don't get any of that grabbing in my gut like I used to." — Ann [24:58] "I always have it sitting here by me. This is a reminder for me of the grace of healing. I found Pop's pipe in the attic, and it still smells of cherry wood smoke." — Ann [26:07] "All I ever wanted to do as a toddler was sit on his lap, and it never happened. I carried that rejection with me for decades. My baby self said, 'I am not worthy of being loved.'" — Ann [28:18] "I realized all of a sudden I could back up and separate my adult self from the experiential emotional memory of the child and realize Pop was broken. He was in deep grief in a circumstance that I had no awareness of and couldn't possibly comprehend as a toddler." — Ann [38:27] “I have a true core belief that the music I compose nearly daily is actually being channeled from the loving source of the universe. I feel that if that music is being sent through me, it's not supposed to stop here.”— Ann Our Guest Ann Michelle Mracek is a multifaceted creative professional whose diverse talents span writing, music, dance, and education. As an author, she has penned My Best Friends Live in The Woods: The Adventures of Albert, a mindful and compassionate tale that encourages meaningful discussions through interactive storytelling. Ann extends this narrative into a captivating YouTube series, where she serves as storyteller, illustrator, and composer. Her artistic journey includes directing the Aabla Raqs Belly Dance Company, where she excelled as principal dancer, choreographer, and teacher, creating engaging stage productions like Friendship Flies the Sun: The Ancient Egyptian Legend of Scarab Beetle. Ann's musical talents are further showcased through her performances as a singer and dancer at Six Flags Over Mid America and her role as a vocalist in a popular event band. Since founding Mracek Studio in 1979, she has mentored students in piano, voice, and music composition. Ann holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in music theory composition from the University of Kansas. Her latest literary work, Unpacking the Attic™: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child, offers a compassionate roadmap for self-discovery and healing. Ann Mracek Website https://annmracek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-mracek-4a099362 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Unpacking-Attic-Healing-Inner-Child/dp/0976648873 Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Mentioned Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten My Best Friends Live in the Woods YouTube Channel for 'My Best Friends Live in the Woods   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard speaks  with Andrea Waltz, the co-founder of Courage Crafters Inc. and author of the book "Go for No." Andrea shares her powerful perspective on rejection and how embracing it can actually drive productivity and success. They dive into the challenges entrepreneurs face, from feeling isolated to battling the fear of rejection, and emphasize the importance of building resilience and finding community support. Andrea also introduces the concept of setting "no goals" as a way to encourage proactive outreach and stay focused on progress, not perfection. She shares how reframing failure can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs and highlights the crucial lessons that come from learning through mistakes. This episode is all about shifting your mindset and turning setbacks into stepping stones for greater productivity and long-term success. If you're ready to embrace rejection and make it work for you, this episode is a must-listen! What We Discuss [00:02:01] - Introducing Andrea Waltz [00:05:52] - Overview of "Go for No" [00:06:32] - Mindset shift for productivity [00:09:22] - Overcoming fear and procrastination [00:12:06] - Examples of reframing failure [00:18:45] - The importance of passion and feedback [00:21:34] - Challenges of entrepreneurship [00:24:22] - The value of community [00:26:02] - Embracing rejection as strategy [00:29:12] - Process goals vs. destination goals   Notable Quotes [00:07:56] "If you want more yeses in your business, career, or life, you've got to be willing to hear the word no. Better to have done it and be told no than to never try and never know at all." — Andrea Waltz   [00:11:19] "It's not about whether you get a yes or a no; it's about having the courage to reach out and make those asks, and reward and celebrate yourself for doing it regardless of the outcome." — Andrea Waltz   [00:16:24] "You have to move through those failures and rejections on the way to success. There's no way to have success and get to the yeses without dealing with some of it." — Andrea Waltz   [00:24:22] "It is a journey, and I think what made it a pleasant journey was that you had your husband with you as you were doing it, and you guys were on the same page, so you could encourage each other through that process." — Andrea Waltz   [00:26:02] "Never think alone because you can sit there at your desk and spin around and around, and your brain will wear itself out. You got to think with somebody else." — Andrea Waltz   [00:27:45] "When we focused on just trying to hear 'no' more often, we had more business than we knew what to do with." — Andrea Waltz   Our Guest Andrea Waltz is the co-founder of Courage Crafters Inc., a company dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to overcome the fear of rejection and embrace failure as a pathway to success. She is best known for co-authoring the influential book "Go for No!", which has garnered acclaim for its unique approach to sales and personal development. The book has been recognized among the top sales books of all time, ranking #18 by ringDNA and listed in "23 Sales Books Every Sales Professional Should Read" by HubSpot.   Beyond her writing, Andrea is a sought-after speaker and trainer, delivering keynotes and workshops that focus on building resilience, embracing rejection, and fostering a growth mindset. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes, Inc., and Success Magazine.   Through her initiatives, Andrea has inspired countless individuals to transform their relationship with rejection, turning it into a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.   Andrea Waltz Website https://www.goforno.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goforno Book: https://shop.goforno.com/   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Ona Newton, CEO and founder of Tobams Group, to dive into the world of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and how businesses can seamlessly integrate them into their strategies.. They kick things off with a new segment, "Sustainability Smarts," where they explore how companies can move beyond checking boxes for compliance and truly embed sustainability into their core practices. Dr. Newton shares insights on the real challenges businesses face—like superficial compliance and a lack of understanding—and offers practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles, from strategic planning to better stakeholder engagement. She emphasizes how sustainability is not just a trend but a crucial factor for long-term success and standing out in a competitive market. However, she also warns against the pitfalls of greenwashing, reminding us that authenticity is key. Want to ensure your business stays ahead in this changing landscape? Tune in now to hear Dr. Newton's expert advice on making sustainability a real, impactful part of your business strategy. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on how to optimize your productivity and make a lasting impact! What We Discuss [00:02:01] - Introducing Dr. Ona Newton [00:05:46] - Challenges in ESG Integration [00:09:31] - Three-Legged Stool of ESG [00:14:50] - Balancing Profitability and Sustainability [00:17:45] - Technology's Role in ESG [00:21:31] - The Future of Sustainable Businesses [00:23:18] - Measuring Sustainability Progress [00:26:00] - Learning Resources and Publications   Notable Quotes [00:03:46] "I think what sustainability does is it brings everyone together. I don't think anyone is exempted." — Dr. Ona Newton   [00:12:45] "I was so challenged at that point in time because what they're doing is good, but then I was considering my own comfort because I was so hot and I'm not used to this." — Dr. Ona Newton   [00:20:32] "I started writing books on sustainability and encouraging teachers to teach that as extracurricular across the schools in different parts of the world because there's nothing that really is there for children of this age group to really understand what it means." — Dr. Ona Newton   [00:21:31] "The future belongs to sustainable businesses. ESG is no longer just about compliance; it's about staying relevant in a rapidly changing world." — Dr. Ona Newton   [00:23:05] "Companies are going to want to invest and work with you if they know that a part of the profits that they're giving you is going to go back into their community and do some good for people and make a difference." — Gerald J. Leonard   [00:24:28] "As climate change accelerates, I think the most critical action businesses can take is to decarbonize their operations by adopting renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency." — Dr. Ona Newton   Our Guest Dr. Ona Newton is the CEO and founder of Tobams Group, where she champions African talent, development, and global opportunities. A visionary leader, executive coach, and digital transformation strategist, she is dedicated to creating social impact through sustainability. With over 20 years of expertise, Dr. Newton has led initiatives for major global organizations, promoting strategic governance and empowering the next generation of leaders. She has authored influential books and mentors individuals to create lasting, transformative change.   Dr. Ona Newton Website https://tobamsgroup.com/founder LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dr-ona-newton-fbcs-frsa-fsip-8b809926a Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Ona-Newton/author/B0DHRJJ6M7   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Karden Rabin, co-author of The Secret Language of the Body. Karden takes us on his journey from massage therapist to exploring the psychological factors behind chronic pain. He introduces powerful somatic practices like the "view-breath" and "cross-crawl" to manage stress and improve productivity. The conversation delves into the science of how physical movement can regulate emotions, enhance cognitive function, and reset our day, especially during stressful times. Gerald shares his personal experience using movement as a tool for boosting brain function, from simple actions like drinking water to doing cross-crawls. Together, they emphasize the importance of body awareness and motor rhythm in managing stress and maintaining a balanced, healthy life. Ready to take control of your stress and improve your productivity? Tune in to this episode and begin your journey toward greater well-being today! What We Discuss [00:02:01] - Introduction to Karden Rabin [00:08:09] - Discovery of healing back pain [00:09:24] - Psychological correlates of pain [00:12:53] - Signs and impact of an unregulated nervous system [00:17:45] - Connection between mind and body [00:21:17] - Amygdala hijack concept [00:23:32] - Kinesiology and movement [00:26:35] - The view-breath technique [00:27:47] - Feeling body energy [00:28:59] - Cross-crawl movement [00:29:32] - The power of cross-crawls [00:30:08] - Emotional and cognitive regulation [00:31:10] - Physical vs. verbal processing [00:33:38] - Book recommendations and resources [00:36:21] - Closing remarks Notable Quotes [00:08:09] "Are you an overachiever? Are you type A? Are you a perfectionist? Do you put everyone's needs before your own? Do you repress most of your feelings? It started with a personality diagnosis, and I'd never seen anything like that before." — Karden Rabin [00:14:15] "Most people learn skills to become more efficient and get more done, but they don't use the benefits of that efficiency to seize back time for themselves. They just use the time to demand more output from themselves, and they are 1000% complicit in their own exploitation." — Karden Rabin [00:21:11] "Regulation gives you the ability to really think clearly and focus on what matters. All of our functional MRI measurements show that under stress or trauma, your higher executive functions start to shut down, and your old lizard survival brain turns on." — Karden Rabin [00:26:35] "When you physically stimulate a nerve, you create electrical activity in that nerve, and it sends good messages." — Karden Rabin Our Guest Karden Rabin is a co-author of The Secret Language of the Body, a guide to connecting with one's body and mind. In collaboration with Jennifer Mann, Karden explores how habitual patterns in response to stress can lead to mental and physical health issues. The book invites readers to experience their body, sensations, and emotions more consciously, offering science-based insights and practical techniques for healing and self-care. Karden's work emphasizes nurturing a balanced relationship with the organism we inhabit, moving beyond mere survival. Karden Rabin Website - https://www.kardenrabin.com/ Books - The Secret Language of the Body: Regulate Your Nervous System, Heal Your Body, Free Your Mind Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts  podcast, Gerald J. Leonard dives into the powerful link between productivity and emotional well-being. He's joined by Dr. Karyne Wilner, an expert in body psychotherapy and energy psychology. Together, they explore the key concepts from Dr. Willner's book, Releasing Toxic Anger for Women offering practical insights on how to manage negative emotions through somatic practices and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The conversation reveals actionable strategies for transforming anger into a productive force, underscoring how emotional health plays a crucial role in both personal and professional success.  Want to unlock your own emotional and productivity potential? Tune in and start making small changes today! Don't forget to leave a review, share the episode, and subscribe for more practical tips on boosting your success. What We Discuss [00:02:01] - Introduction to Dr. Karyne Wilner [00:07:19] - Importance of body work [00:08:53] - Understanding somatic practices and CBT [00:10:25] - The concept of containment [00:10:59] - Cognitive behavioral therapy skills [00:13:45] - Finding productive anger [00:17:10] - Types of anger [00:19:16] - Releasing negative thoughts exercise [00:22:10] - The role of somatic practices in healing [00:23:48] - Discussion on anger management [00:25:02] - Contact information for Dr. Wilner Notable Quotes [00:07:19] "Every experience you have from the fetus affects your brain and is stored in your brain and in your body. Often, the things we react to come from when we're very young, and we don't have a conscious memory about it." - Dr. Karyne Wilner [00:15:06] "Anger is a feeling made out of chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol. If you get angry and hold on to it, like holding a grudge, this chemistry stays in your body and poisons you, bringing a lot of negative thinking." - Dr. Karyne Wilner [00:18:13] "Suppressed anger, where you act like you're not angry but inside you're burning up, is the worst for your health. It can lead to heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune issues." - Dr. Karyne Wilner [00:23:48] "I enjoyed reading the book, and I know it's 'Releasing Toxic Anger for Women,' but I tell you, after reading this, I was like, men need this as well." - Gerald J. Leonard Our Guest Dr. Karyne Wilner is an energy psychologist and author with over 40 years of experience in body psychotherapy and energy psychology. She holds advanced degrees in clinical psychology, nonverbal communication, and humanistic education. Dr. Wilner is a leader in Core Energetics, a therapeutic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit by enhancing energy flow to promote healing and authentic living. She authored Releasing Toxic Anger for Women (2024), offering practical CBT skills and somatic practices for personal transformation. Known for her engaging seminars and workshops, Dr. Wilner's work emphasizes holistic healing, combining movement, grounding, and body-centered techniques to help clients overcome trauma and negativity. Starting in 2025, she will host the online seminar Transforming Anger into Love. Dr. Wilner is passionate about empowering individuals to embrace their true selves, experience success, and build confidence. Resources & Links Dr. Karyne Wilner Website https://drkarynewilner.com/ Book: Releasing Toxic Anger for Women Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Daisy Khan, a renowned leader in social change and human rights. Dr. Khan takes us on her journey from architecture to community building, sharing her transformative four-pronged change theory: education, collaboration, communication, and action. She underscores the power of empathy and non-judgmental listening as crucial tools for bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding. The discussion delves deep into change management, exploring the challenges of resistance to change and the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in effective communication. Dr. Khan emphasizes that the messenger often holds more power than the message itself, highlighting the importance of building trust through personal connections. She offers valuable insights on overcoming resistance by identifying its root causes and creating a sense of urgency around change. Listen in to learn how self-reflection, collaboration, and individual actions can drive sustainable social change, all while reinforcing the importance of education and communication in creating lasting impact. What We Discuss [00:02:01] Introduction to Dr. Daisy Khan [00:07:15] Exploring Dr. Khan's career shift [00:10:24] The importance of education in social change [00:14:22] Four-pronged change theory [00:21:18] Application of the four-pronged approach [00:23:23] Framing perspectives [00:27:08] Neurological impact of emotions [00:33:03] Understanding the root cause of resistance [00:39:02] The importance of self-reflection [00:44:26] - Scaling change efficiently [00:48:14] - The role of leadership in movements Notable Quotes [00:07:29] "The falling of the towers and the tragedy that unfolded thrust a mandate upon us, and I had to quit my career because the demand was so great on reaching out to Americans, explaining who we were and who we were not." - Dr. Daisy Khan [00:18:57] "This is what I mean by long-term sustainable social change: when you change not only the minds but also the hearts of people." - Dr. Daisy Khan [00:21:47] "We are such a polarized nation right now, and people don't know how to even communicate across divides." - Dr. Daisy Khan [00:22:16] "Imagine his grandchild not being able to even see him. That's the state we're in, and that's why people dread Thanksgiving because they don't know how to speak to one another." - Dr. Daisy Khan [00:25:26] "Everybody wants to be heard, everybody wants to be valued, and everybody wants to be respected." - Dr. Daisy Khan Our Guest Dr. Daisy Khan is an award-winning author, public speaker, and media commentator renowned for her dedication to promoting peacebuilding, gender equality, and human dignity. She is the founder of the Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE), a global network committed to advancing women's rights and combating anti-Muslim bias.  Born in Kashmir, Dr. Khan emigrated to the United States, where she initially pursued a career as an architectural designer in New York City. After 25 years in corporate America, she transitioned to community service, focusing on building bridges of understanding across diverse faiths and communities.  Throughout her career, Dr. Khan has been a prominent advocate for Muslim women's rights and has worked tirelessly to foster interfaith dialogue. She has authored several influential publications, including "WISE Up: Knowledge Ends Extremism," "Born with Wings," and "30 Rights of Muslim Women."  Dr. Khan's contributions have been recognized globally, earning her numerous awards and accolades. She has been featured in major media outlets and was named among TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People." Resources & Links Dr. Daisy Khan, D.Min Website https://daisykhan.com/ LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdaisykhan/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fdaisykhan.com%2F Books https://daisykhan.com/books/ Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Andrew Kadar, a physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Kadar opens up about his personal journey of resilience after being diagnosed with heart disease, sharing the challenges he faced and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. He discusses how mindset, adaptability, and seeking help were key to his recovery. Dr. Kadar also reveals how his experience as a patient has deepened his empathy and transformed his approach to patient care.  Tune in to hear Dr. Kadar's powerful insights on overcoming adversity and the critical role of empathy in medicine.  What We Discuss [00:02:01] Introduction to Dr. Andrew Kadar [00:11:09] Vulnerability in healthcare [00:13:49] Trusting caregivers [00:18:32] Adapting to challenges [00:22:23] Understanding patient perspective [00:24:50] Dual perspective in writing [00:27:00] Reflection and perspective shift [00:29:10] Caregiver consideration Notable Quotes [00:06:30] "My story is very similar to lots of other patient stories. First of all, I thought I was perfectly healthy... I had no expectation that I would, at a relatively young age, all of a sudden have symptoms of heart disease and end up having what's known as the widowmaker." - Dr. Andrew Kadar [00:12:09] "Of course, the thing that strikes immediately is the vulnerability that you're under. Because as a doctor or as an advisor, you're not really vulnerable to anywhere near the degree that a patient is." - Dr. Andrew Kadar [00:16:07] "Getting better is a cooperative effort. You need your caretakers to be guiding you, but you have to put the work in to help yourself get better." - Dr. Andrew Kadar [00:26:01] "I never say to patients after surgery that they're going to have no pain. I tell them that we'll be able to alleviate their pain to make it bearable, but any time you have a major surgery, you're unfortunately going to have to go through some struggle." - Dr. Andrew Kadar [00:29:10] "Having a major illness is a family affair. It affects your spouse, your colleagues, and it's important to be considerate of your caretakers and to be appreciative of them." - Dr. Andrew Kadar Our Guest Dr. Andrew G. Kadar is a distinguished anesthesiologist affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in West Hollywood, California. He earned his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and completed residencies at both Stanford University and Harvard University's Massachusetts General Hospital. Throughout his career, Dr. Kadar has served on the faculties of the UCLA School of Medicine, Charles Drew University, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In addition to his medical practice, he has pursued literary studies through the UCLA Writers' Program and the Antioch University MFA writing program. Dr. Kadar is the author of "Getting Better: A Doctor's Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal," a book that offers a unique perspective on the patient experience from a physician's viewpoint.  His contributions to both medicine and literature underscore his commitment to patient care and the human aspects of medical practice. Resources and Links Dr Andrew G. Kadar M.D. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kadar-5b1b1113 Book - Getting Better: A Doctor's Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes  Pastor Ray Lane, a 92-year-old veteran, author, and lifelong mentor. Pastor Ray shares the remarkable story of his life, beginning with his challenging upbringing during the Great Depression. Despite the hardships of growing up without running water or electricity, he excelled academically, becoming the valedictorian of his grade school. His resilience and determination are woven throughout his life, serving as a testament to viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth. Pastor Ray reflects on the profound influence of mentors in his journey. From agriculture to education, these guiding figures offered him valuable insights and opened doors that helped shape his path. He also shares his love for gospel and classical music, a passion ignited during a college music appreciation class. Though the course was initially a struggle, it introduced him to composers like Brahms, Haydn, and Beethoven, leaving an indelible mark on his life. In today's fast-paced world, Pastor Ray emphasizes the importance of listening to the wisdom of older generations. He encourages us to seek out mentors and learn from their experiences, reminding us that their stories hold timeless lessons. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, faith, and the power of mentorship, leaving listeners inspired to lead purposeful and impactful lives. What We Discuss [00:02:01] Introduction to Pastor Ray Lane [00:09:15] Learning environment in childhood [00:16:14] Mentorship and guidance [00:19:08] Transition to ministry [00:21:30] Faith and life experiences [00:26:06] Book availability [00:26:40] Life lessons and purpose [00:27:50] Marriage reflections [00:29:11] Health and longevity Notable Quotes [00:02:01] "The longer I live, the more I have come to believe that God puts us where He wants us to be for a specific purpose." - Gerald J. Leonard [00:06:37] "Even though I was unwanted at the time I was conceived, I got to live, and my parents were good to me. They never treated me as unwanted." - Pastor Ray Lane [00:15:19] "People just looked over her, like she wasn't even there, and that was a hard thing for her and for us." - Pastor Ray Lane [00:23:56] "The longer I live, the more I appreciate life because there are so many different ways I could have died." - Pastor Ray Lane [00:26:15] "I count it a rich privilege to be able to write the book." - Pastor Ray Lane [00:27:50] "I just want to encourage people that when they get older, it's not the end of life; life goes on until you go out under." -Pastor Ray Lane Our Guest Pastor Ray Lane is a 92-year-old veteran and an inspiring figure whose life story reflects resilience, faith, and purpose. Saved from abortion during the Great Depression, Pastor Ray's journey has been shaped by his deep belief that God places us where we are for a specific purpose. As a writer, he authored Conceivable: The Unlimited Potential of the Unborn, a powerful book that explores the value and potential of every life, no matter the circumstances of their beginning. Throughout his life, Pastor Ray has embraced the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and unwavering faith in God. His journey has been one of living with intention, striving to do his best, and making meaningful contributions to society. These values have led him to a life filled with achievement, fulfillment, and a profound sense of satisfaction. Pastor Ray's reflections on his life and experiences offer wisdom for others to embrace purpose, resilience, and faith in their own journeys. Resources Pastor Ray Lane LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-lane-4847583b Book- Conceivable: The Unlimited Potential of the Unborn Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Ready to level up your personal and professional life? It's not about working harder—it's about working smarter. Imagine harnessing the power of delayed gratification, pausing before reacting, and setting goals that are both concrete and achievable.  In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Emilio Justo—Cuban refugee, eye surgeon, TEDx speaker, and author of The Power of Pause: Mastering Delayed Gratification for Success. Together, they explore the power of pausing before reacting, setting meaningful goals, and harnessing delayed gratification to achieve lasting success. Dr. Justo shares the inspiring "Cuban triad" of self-discipline, perseverance, and delayed gratification, along with his concept of positive obsession. This conversation dives deep into the role of passion, commitment, and self-discipline in unlocking peak productivity. Whether you're aiming to work smarter, find your focus, or level up in every area of life, this episode offers the tools and inspiration to make it happen. What We Discuss [00:02:01] Introduction to Dr. Emilio Justo [00:11:34] The power of pause [00:12:02] Delayed gratification and productivity [00:18:28] Building habits for pausing [00:22:19] Goal setting and its importance [00:26:27] Embracing failures and leveraging setbacks [00:36:53] Resilience paradox [00:42:24] Cuban triad of success [00:44:52] Cuban quartet concept [00:45:23] Finding Dr. Justo online [00:48:30] Closing remarks   Notable Quotes [00:07:57] "Life has dealt you some lemons right now, but it's up to you to make lemonade." - Dr. Emilio Justo [00:12:17] "When we pause and be patient, digest what comes our way, and think things through before making rash decisions, we often build something greater later." - Dr. Emilio Justo [00:20:17] "I don't need to have a wide circle of friends and parties; I'm so comfortable just sitting in a room, sometimes turning the lights off, and thinking about things." - Dr. Emilio Justo [00:23:27] "Each time that we achieve something, we've got to be able to rejoice and celebrate. Emotionally, we want to celebrate so that we can recharge ourselves to get to the next step." - Dr. Emilio Justo [00:25:28] "The goal of the goal is who we become in the process of accomplishing that goal, and that's why it's so important to create a goal that's a little bit bigger than we are." - Gerald J. Leonard [00:26:56] "We need to be in a mindset where we rejoice in having failures because when we have those failures, it's going to teach us something and further accelerate our progress in the future." - Dr. Emilio Justo   [00:43:21] "We have to be obsessed, and obsessed means to have passion for our goals and what we're trying to achieve." - Dr. Emilio Justo [00:46:36] "If anyone out there is looking for a keynote speaker, fill out that contact page, and I will answer you within 24 hours." - Dr. Emilio Justo [00:47:37] "The best investment any of us can make is in a book because, for the cost of a meal, we can gain 5 to 10 years of somebody else's experience." - Gerald J. Leonard   Our Guest Dr. Emilio Justo is a Cuban refugee, renowned eye surgeon, and two-time TEDx speaker. With his third TEDx talk, he earned recognition as the third most-viewed TED talk of 2023, amassing over 9 million views. As the author of The Power of Pause: Mastering Delayed Gratification for Success, Dr. Justo empowers others to embrace intentional decision-making and long-term success. His expertise in both medicine and personal growth has established him as a sought-after speaker, guiding audiences to unlock their full potential through resilience and mindful living.   Resources   Dr. Emilio Justo Website -https://dremiliojusto.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliojustomd/ Book- The Power of Pause: Mastering Delayed Gratification for Success   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Have you ever considered how much financial stress impacts your life? How often does money worry keep you up at night or cause tension in your relationships? Did you know that financial problems are one of the leading causes of divorce? It's a reality that money issues can strain everything—from your career to your personal life. But what if there was a way to ease that pressure? What if having a solid financial plan could not only relieve stress but also enhance your relationships and career? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Rodger Friedman, a veteran retirement strategist and wealth advisor with over 40 years of experience. Together, they explore the powerful link between financial planning and productivity. Rodger shares invaluable insights on how a well-thought-out financial strategy can reduce stress, increase productivity, and even improve your personal life. He also discusses the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, building positive habits, and staying focused on clear goals. Tune in now to learn how you can start managing your money more effectively, reduce financial stress, and take the next step toward a more productive, successful future.  What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Rodger Friedman [05:29] Success factors in financial services [07:40] Avoiding common pitfalls [10:07] The complexity of wealth management [12:29] Importance of habits [14:49] The use of index cards to reinforce daily goals and decisions [19:27] Intentions vs. actions [20:43] Clarity in goal setting [23:43] The Pareto principle discussion [26:07] Importance of reading [30:55] The differences between philosophy, strategy, and tactics in wealth building [35:54] Closing remarks and resources Notable Quotes [02:38] "When you have a good financial plan and a strategy for managing money, it really releases a lot of stress because money plays a big part in the stress that people take on, and it can hinder them in their careers and everything else." - Gerald J. Leonard [05:29] "All growth happens outside of your comfort zone." - Rodger Friedman [07:40] “Look at what everyone else is doing, and don't do that. If you want to be successful, avoid following the crowd.” – Rodger Friedman [13:02] “Success is determined by the quality of your decisions and the habits you build around them. Bad decisions lead to poor behavior, and vice versa.” – Rodger Friedman [17:35] “Writing down your goals and reviewing them daily puts them in your bones. It keeps you focused, and makes sure you're always aware of the opportunities around you.” – Rodger Friedman [18:03] “When you program your brain with your goals, you start to see all the opportunities and resources aligned with those goals, and they start showing up in your life.” – Gerald J. Leonard [28:40] "Once your brain has been stretched by a new idea, a book, an insight, it can never go back to thinking the old way again." - Gerald J. Leonard Our Guest Rodger Friedman is a seasoned retirement strategist and wealth advisor with over 40 years of experience in the financial industry. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley and Senior Investment Management Consultant at Smith Barney, Rodger is a trusted voice in wealth building and retirement planning. A Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, he has participated in thousands of discussions on financial planning and passive income. Beyond his financial expertise, Rodger is also an accomplished author of seven books, including the bestselling Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country, among others. A proud member of the Sons of the Legion, he brings a unique perspective to both his professional and personal pursuits. With over 60 interviews and articles to his name, Rodger remains dedicated to helping clients achieve lasting financial security and success. Resources Rodger Friedman Website -https://eocritic.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-friedman-crpc%C2%AE-1300903a/ Book- 18 Wealth Lessons That Will Transform Your Thinking Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Mentioned Song:Jim Croce Photographs and Memories. Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

What if the secret to unlocking your highest productivity was as simple as saying one word? Sounds too easy, right? But what if that magic word—HU—holds the key to focusing your energy, calming your mind, and amplifying your performance? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard dives deep into the fascinating world where science and spirituality meet, alongside Dr. Nicole and Michael Sebastian, aka the Dream Team. They explore how the practice of Hu—a simple yet powerful vocal exercise—can transform your productivity, reduce stress, and help you lead a more balanced life. Dr. Nicole and Michael open up about their journey, which began with a literal dream that brought them together as life coaches and spiritual guides. They discuss their groundbreaking book, 1-Step Therapy: Just Say Hu: The Universal Panacea for All That Ails You, offering insights into how this one simple word can create harmony in your life. Whether you're looking to clear mental clutter, enhance focus, or relieve stress, Hu is the key to unlocking a higher level of well-being and productivity. By the end of this inspiring conversation, you'll walk away with practical tools to integrate both science and spirituality into your daily routine. Tune in and discover how Hu can work for you.   What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction of the Dream Team [06:49] The importance of dreams [09:11] Understanding the concept of Hu [14:01] Personal transformation through practices [22:08] Quantum physics and personal discovery [24:08] Client success story [28:06] Quantum connection [31:12] Final insights and encouragement Notable Quotes [06:49] “Pay attention to your dreams, because your life is going to change. It's going to take a 180-degree turn and go a different direction.” - Michael Sebastian [12:59] “It took my focus and my game to another level. There's the proof, and it's so quick, so fast, and it's simply a toning vibration that literally takes us to another level.” - Michael Sebastian [28:18] “When you Hu, suddenly all the stuff starts immediately getting better, and that's because it's all connected already. The Hu at a quantum level just does that—it fills in all the gaps and brings the very best version of yourself to the surface.” - Michael Sebastian Our Guests Nicole and Michael Sebastian, aka “The Dream Dudes,” are Modern-Day Oracles, Expert Decision Coaches, and authors of Trust Yourself: Master Your Dreams, Master Your Destiny. With expertise in dreams, signs, intuition, fitness, addiction therapy, and sociology, they guide individuals in decoding dreams and signs to navigate life's challenges and take control of their destiny. Creators of the Trust Yourself System, they teach others how to trust their gut, interpret dreams, and use intuition for success. Featured on A&E, E! Entertainment, Coast to Coast, and more, they offer workshops and private consultations from Hollywood Hills.   Resources Dr. Nic and Mike (Dream Team) Sebastian Website - https://www.1steptherapy.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nic-and-mike-sebastian-4a339924 Divine Guidance Institute-  https://www.guidestar.org/profile/27-4666146 Book- 1- Step Therapy Just Say Hu: The Universal Panacea for All That Ails You   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Have you ever reviewed your finances and felt a wave of anxiety? When financial matters are disorganized, the impact can reach every part of life—affecting mood, productivity, and even relationships. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Tina Tehranchian, an award-winning financial advisor at Assante Capital Management, about how financial planning is not merely about wealth accumulation. Rather, it's a path to creating stability that enhances productivity and overall well-being. Tina emphasizes that financial stress can greatly impair focus and performance, both personally and professionally. The discussion also touches on those who may be starting over later in life due to circumstances such as divorce or bankruptcy. Tina offers reassurance that it's possible to rebuild and highlights the importance of openness with financial advisors during these transitions. Gerald highlights the value of long-standing relationships between clients and advisors, with Tina reflecting on her pride in working with clients for decades. The episode emphasizes that effective financial planning is key to reducing stress and enhancing life satisfaction. What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Tina Tehranchian [06:03] Keys to success [08:04] Importance of a financial plan [09:54] Starting financial planning [14:04] Client success story [16:08] The role of financial advisors [17:52] Impact of financial planning on productivity [20:28] Risks in wealth building [22:45] Advice on financial well-being [23:38] Starting over financially   Notable Quotes [00:03:14] “When your financial life is not together, it can create a lot of stress in people's lives. But when you have an inkling of how to start and how to budget, it brings a lot of relief and fluidity in your life.” - Gerald J. Leonard   [00:10:23] “Removing that stress can definitely help with improving productivity. Many people get overwhelmed when they think about their financial planning, but you have to take the first step and do it in small steps.” - Tina Tehranchian   [00:14:04] “A good example that comes to mind is one of my clients who's been a client for over 30 years. When I met him, he was up to his neck in debt, but we started tackling the debt, and now he's retired with enough wealth to be concerned about taxes.” - Tina Tehranchian   [00:24:02] “It's perfectly all right to start all over again. Things happen in life. Don't be ashamed of your situation, whatever it is.” - Tina Tehranchian     Our Guest Tina is a distinguished Senior Wealth Advisor at Assante Capital Management with over 30 years of experience. She has received numerous awards, including being the first Canadian and woman to earn the Senior Wealth Advisor of the Year title from the International Association of Top Professionals in 2020. In 2021, she was named Senior Wealth Advisor of the Decade and Empowered Woman of the Year. Recently, Tina was recognized as one of Wealth Professionals Canada's *Top 50 Leading Women in Wealth* for 2023 and a Five-Star Advisor in Ontario in 2024.   Resources Tina Tehranchian Website - https://tinatehranchian.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinatehranchian/   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Does it ever feel like stress quietly drains your energy and clouds your mind just when you need to focus? Imagine if, instead of feeling overwhelmed, you could access a state of calm that actually fuels productivity. Far from being a mysterious trick, hypnosis is a powerful tool for reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity—helping you think and work at your best.   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Kelly Tallaksen, founder of Hearts in Harmony Hypnosis, to explore her path from paralegal to hypnotist and the profound impact of emotional healing on the mind. Kelly explains how early experiences shape adult behaviors and discusses why tackling emotional stress is key to breaking free from feelings of unworthiness and enhancing productivity. They dive into concepts like pre-birth consciousness, the influence of self-awareness, and the importance of emotional maturity in overcoming personal barriers. By the end, Kelly offers practical steps for using self-awareness and hypnosis to foster growth and reach your potential.   Ready to explore how hypnosis can reshape your mind and boost your productivity? Tune into this episode, and start unlocking the true power of your subconscious today. What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Kelly Tallaksen  [04:41] The power of hypnosis [05:53] Analogy of team dynamics [07:20] Kelly's musical influences  [09:48] Overview of Kelly's book [15:12] Internal battles [22:12] The importance of deep inner work [25:48] Compassion and higher consciousness [33:40] Techniques for emotional healing [37:03] Conclusion and resources   Notable Quotes [02:33] “The stress was not only outside of me; it was really coming from inside of me, from not healing those parts of me that felt unworthy.” -Kelly Tallaksen    [18:53] “If we knew who we really are, we would love ourselves. We are so magnetic, so divine, so beautiful. Our souls are so pure.” -Kelly Tallaksen    [20:28] “Once you have all of these thoughts in your mind, then the emotions are, 'Oh my goodness, no one could ever love me. I'm unlovable, I'm unworthy.'” - Kelly Tallaksen    [25:48] “When we're in that higher consciousness, we don't judge ourselves or others anymore. We have compassion for those that are suffering.” - Kelly Tallaksen    [36:15] “Tell me how you feel, and I'm going to help you process through it. Then bring in your mind to that child's feelings and help them understand the value in them, the spirit in them, the beauty of them.” - Kelly Tallaksen    Our Guest Kelly Tallaksen is a board-certified hypnotist and the founder of Hearts in Harmony Hypnosis, specializing in transformative healing through hypnosis. With a deep understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection, she guides clients in overcoming limiting beliefs and emotional wounds, empowering them to live fulfilling lives. Kelly utilizes various modalities, including past life regression and the Simpson Protocol, to facilitate profound self-discovery and healing. Recognized for her expertise, she is dedicated to helping individuals harness the power of their minds for personal growth and wellness. For more details, visit Hearts in Harmony Hypnosis.   Resources Kelly Tallaksen Website - https://heartsinharmonyhypnosis.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-tallaksen-13b4018/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeartsinHarmonyHypnosis/ Book - The Voiceless Soul: How to Express and Release Deep Fears of Unworthiness   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

What if the secret to unlocking your productivity lies not in working harder but in creating meaningful connections? Could something as simple as sharing a meal or taking a moment to chat with a colleague transform your work experience? In our fast-paced lives, these small acts of hospitality can recharge us and lead to significant improvements in our effectiveness.   In this thought-provoking episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes the insightful Annie McCune to explore how hospitality can supercharge productivity. Annie, author of Practicing Hospitality: The Joy and Grace of Loving Strangers, shares her personal journey of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and how acts of kindness foster genuine connections that enhance both personal and professional lives.   They dive into helpful strategies that can weave hospitality into daily routines and workspaces, showing how simple gestures can reduce stress and build community. Tune in and learn how embracing kindness leads to success in all areas of life. What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Annie McCune  [05:38] The impact of community [07:41] Defining hospitality [10:49] Balancing hospitality and productivity [13:32] Hospitality's role in reducing stress [15:50] Fostering a hospitable workplace [17:55] Correlation between hospitality and organization [19:54] Consequences of a non-hospitable environment [23:39] Connecting with Annie   Notable Quotes [02:50] “I grew up in a large, loving family, and our homes were family-friendly, not castles. That sense of safety and openness is something I've carried with me all my life.” - Annie McCune   [04:39] “Opening our doors to others was never a challenge; it was always a joy. Our four kids got used to making room, and now they do the same with their homes. It's contagious, and it's a good thing.” - Annie McCune   [12:43] “Productivity is more about prioritizing what you value most. If we value meaningful relationships and making a difference, it requires loving strangers, which can break up your day and have a great impact.” - Gerald J. Leonard   [22:12] “We were made for connection. The statistics right now from the Surgeon General are, 1 in 2 Americans are suffering physical or mental effects from isolation and loneliness.” - Annie McCune   Our Guest Annie McCune is an advocate for practicing biblical hospitality, emphasizing the joy and grace of opening one's heart and home to strangers. Rooted in her upbringing and life experiences, she shares how hospitality fosters deeper connections and a richer life.  Annie McCune grew up in a large, loud, and loving family in Western New York.  She graduated from Dartmouth College where she met her husband Lee who went on to attend medical school there. They have 4 children, and 12 grandchildren.  They feel privileged to also have numerous internationals of all ages from Honduras, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan call them family. Her favorite assignment after loving God and family is opening her door to those around her.   Annie is the author of Practicing Hospitality: The Joy and Grace of Loving Strangers, where she chronicles her journey and inspires others to embrace kindness and generosity without expecting anything in return. She is also available for speaking engagements and women's retreats.  Annie is a facilitator, teacher, speaker, and organizer of events that have been city-wide, state-wide, and worldwide. She has served on numerous civic and non-profit boards and has a certificate in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. In her free time, she enjoys watching birds in her backyard, long walks and relishing redemptive stories in books and movies. She and Lee currently reside in Atlanta Georgia.    Resources Annie McCune Website - https://anniebooks.com/ Book - Practicing Hospitality: The Joy and Grace of Loving Strangers by Annie McCune LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-mccune-0017ab69/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/anne.mccune/   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Did you know that 55 million people worldwide live with undiagnosed dementia?    In this enlightening episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Jeanne Severe, a physician assistant and author of Unlocking the Secrets of a Clear Mind. Jeanne draws from her vast experience in internal medicine and the emergency room to discuss the critical importance of maintaining cognitive health. Together, they dive into practical strategies for achieving mental clarity, covering everything from exercise, meditation, and proper sleep to balanced nutrition. Jeanne also emphasizes the power of vitamins, lifelong learning, and how setting clear intentions can help manage stress. They further explore the value of community support in fostering mental well-being.    Tune in and discover how small, intentional steps can sharpen your focus and boost your productivity.    What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Jeanne Severe  [03:22] Jeanne's transition from music to medicine   [05:55] Understanding dementia   [06:38] Importance of brain health   [08:12] Mental blocks and peak productivity   [09:19] Signs of early dementia   [14:35] Mental clutter's impact   [17:07] Strategies for a clear mind   [18:15] Preventive measures for brain health   [22:02] Importance of detoxification   [25:25] Intention setting importance   [27:15] Learning and growth mindset   [28:30] Addressing stress in high-pressure environments     Notable Quotes [04:35] “When patients come to the emergency room with memory loss or dementia, it touches my heart to see what their families are going through. I decided I needed to do something about it.” - Jeanne Severe [24:06] “Let me do things that would prevent me from getting a disease instead of waiting until the disease happens and then trying to cure it.” - Jeanne Severe [29:14] “If you are sincere with yourself, something will happen.” - Jeanne Severe   Resources   Jeanne Severe LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-severe-08a15a25/ Book - Unlocking the Secrets of a Clear Mind" by Jeanne Severe   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Public speaking is one of the most common fears, and it can seriously hinder productivity and career growth. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Laura Reid—an international keynote speaker, public speaking coach, and stand-up comedian—who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a stutter and social anxiety to thrive as a speaker.   Laura reveals the power of storytelling over rigid, traditional presentations and highlights why chasing perfection can be a trap. They also dive into the benefits of mentorship and the idea of "stumbling forward," encouraging listeners to embrace imperfection, learn from their mistakes, and ultimately boost their productivity and personal growth.   Ready to take your public speaking skills to the next level? Tune in now and discover how you can turn your fear into a strength!   What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Laura Reid [04:44] Key moment of change [12:24] Impact of fear on productivity [18:14] Optimizing preparation time [22:03] Engaging presentations [23:07] Perfectionism in public speaking [27:01] Importance of coaching [29:05] Stumbling forward   Notable Quotes [00:03:08] “I used to think a monster actually lived in my throat, and when I would try to speak, it would wake up and consume my words, taking my breath away.” - Laura Reid   [00:23:07] “Perfection just stifles our own creativity, and there's no achieving it, so why do I wish it were a thing? It doesn't really exist.” - Laura Reid   [00:27:16] “We all need help, and as an entrepreneur, we can be very isolated. Working with another person who's already succeeding is so important to get that feedback.” - Laura Reid   [00:28:14] “I was terrified, but I got up there with these other gifted comics, and I did it. People laughed, and it was exhilarating.” - Laura Reid   Guest Bio Laura Reid is a transformative speaker and coach known as "The Speech Slayer." After overcoming a childhood stutter and crippling anxiety, she discovered her passion for storytelling on stage, which helped her reclaim her voice. Laura's mission is to empower others to share their stories confidently and connect authentically, ensuring they never feel like ghosts in their own lives. Through her work, she inspires individuals to embrace vulnerability and find strength in their narratives.   Resources Laura Reid Website - https://www.thespeechslayer.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-reid-339456175 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laura_inwonderland/ Book - The Public Speaking Horror Show   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Books The Obstacle Is the Way Dare to Suck   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Are you ready to redefine what aging means for you? In a world that often views aging as a limitation, what if you could flip the script and see it as a new beginning? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with James Flaherty, an inspiring 89-year-old author and motivational speaker. They dive into how aging impacts productivity and the mindset that can help us lead fulfilling lives as we grow older. Living in a charming 1940s dairy barn in the Berkshires, Jim truly believes that you're "only as old as you think you are." His latest book, Loving Longevity, reflects this philosophy.   Jim attributes his success to a strong work ethic and the joy he finds in his craft. He shares a memorable quote from Noël Coward: “Work is more fun than fun,” underscoring the value of daily routines and prioritizing tasks. He recommends creating a nightly to-do list to ease anxiety and make space for creativity.   Throughout their conversation, Jim emphasizes the importance of social connections and staying active. He talks about “blue zones,” where community ties lead to longer lives. To tackle loneliness, he encourages listeners to engage with their communities and nurture relationships. Jim's insights remind us that embracing aging can open doors to new passions and opportunities, making it a journey worth celebrating.   Tune in now to discover how you can embrace aging and unlock your potential!   What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to James Flaherty [06:13] Daily discipline and routine [09:04] Music and inspiration [13:14] The importance of work ethic [17:58] Gratitude and happiness [20:56] Mindset over physical condition [22:39] The importance of education at any age [24:17] Engaging with life [35:27] Finding purpose in aging   Notable Quotes [05:08] “If you want to live a long time, you have to take care of the basic machine. I eat properly, I don't smoke, and I exercise every morning, whether I want to or not.” - James Flaherty [17:58] “Every day I am grateful, and every day I show gratitude for that. At 89, I do not wake up in pain, and I have never awakened depressed.” - James Flaherty [19:25] “Every morning of your life, you're going to have to confront your biggest critic, your biggest enemy, the highest wall you have to hurdle—it's that person in your bathroom mirror.” - James Flaherty [33:40] “The biggest problem of aging is that too many elders are living alone because she has died or he has died, and they're alone. Loneliness is the biggest stress and perhaps the biggest cause of early death.” - James Flaherty   Guest Bio Jim Flaherty was an international advertising writer/creative director who has published two novels, and two non-fiction books. He was also creator and innkeeper of a five-star country inn/conference center. He is a frequent motivational speaker about aging cheerfully. A strong believer in “you are only as old as you think,” Jim thinks 89 (going on 59) is terrific, and is a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His home is a 1940's art-filled dairy barn in the foothills of the Berkshires.   Resources James Flaherty Website - https://jamesbflaherty.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-b-flaherty/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamesbflahertyauthor/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@jamesbflaherty James Flaherty Books: Link   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Mentioned Book The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health Hardcover – September 5, 2023 by Ellen J. Langer Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Just like a fire can either warm a home or burn it down, stress can fuel our productivity or consume us whole. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes the inspiring Snowden McFall, owner of Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching, and the author of Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers. Together, they delve into a topic that resonates with many: the impact of stress on our productivity. Snowden offers a refreshing viewpoint, encouraging us to see stress not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for getting things done.   Their conversation covers practical self-care practices, strategies for maintaining focus, and the influence of workplace culture on our stress levels. Snowden also shares valuable leadership insights and highlights the importance of open communication.    Packed with actionable tools to enhance your productivity and well-being, this episode invites you to unwind and discover how to transform stress into your greatest ally.   What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Snowden McFall   [03:36] The dartboard exercise   [06:05] The power of music [09:08] Natural ways to relieve stress   [09:43] How stress dramatically lowers productivity  [11:38] Effective stress relief techniques   [16:04] Chronic stress and decision making   [21:46] Transforming stress mindset   [28:22] Closing remarks and book recommendation    Notable Quotes [08:46] “I think there are natural and healthy ways to relieve depression, and music is one of those.” - Snowden McFall [22:21] “If you look at stress as a wake-up call, I think that's really powerful because it usually shows up in health issues. It's a wake-up call to let you look at your life and see where you are.” - Snowden McFall [23:55] “You have to give yourself time limits, and even when you're doing exactly what you love, you've got to take care of yourself first so that then you can take care of others.” - Snowden McFall [25:03] “What you focus on magnifies. You want to be crystal clear about what you want in your life and focus on that. When you shift into gratitude, you expand.” - Snowden McFall   Resources Snowden McFall Website - https://firedupnow.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snowdenmcfall/ Instagram  -https://www.instagram.com/snowdenmcfall/ Book - Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Have you ever wondered why some incredibly talented people seem to struggle while others, who might not appear as gifted, seem to effortlessly thrive? Is it really just luck, or is there a deeper secret behind their success?   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Allen Lycka, a renowned productivity expert and life coach. Dr. Lycka, who overcame a misdiagnosis of ALS in 2003, draws from his book, The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life, which forms the heart of their discussion.   Dr. Lycka introduces his "Golden Pearls of Wisdom," offering practical advice that can lead to significant personal growth and enhanced productivity. He delves into the concept of ikigai—the Japanese principle of finding purpose in what you love, excel at, what the world needs, and what you can be compensated for. Alongside this, he highlights the transformative power of gratitude, revealing that businesses with high gratitude levels are up to 10 times more productive.   From actionable strategies for setting and reviewing daily goals to the role of exercise in battling depression, Dr. Lycka provides valuable insights that can reshape your approach to success.   Tune in now to uncover how Dr. Lycka's secrets can help you unlock your true potential and live a fantastic life!   What We Discuss [02:02] Introduction to Dr. Allen Lycka [06:27] What is Ikigai? [11:43] Impact of gratitude on productivity [13:07] Strategies for maintaining productivity during adversity [19:50] Impactful habits and mindsets one can develop [20:46] Dealing with distractions   Notable Quotes [04:27] “I attribute my success to drive. I also call it hunger. It's something that we have deep down in our sides that pushes us to the next level." - Dr. Allen Lycka [06:00] “To me, drive comes from a why, and sometimes it comes from a why deep in our gut, and it could be innate” - Gerald J. Leonard [10:10] “When I wake up, I think about all the good things that are going to happen to me today, and I write them down.” - Dr. Allen Lycka [13:08] “It's not what happens to you, it's what you do with what happens that is so important, that is really what my book is all about.” - Dr. Allen Lycka   Resources Dr. Allen Lycka Website - https://drallenlycka.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenelycka/ Instagram  -https://www.instagram.com/drallenlycka/ Book - The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Other Mentioned Books: Chicken Soup for the Soul The Success Principles On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Did you know that overcoming significant health challenges can reshape your approach to life? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Lisa Zaretsky, founder of Zaretsky Wellness. A leading authority in STEAM education, Dr. Zaretsky is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in hypnotherapy, coaching, and holistic mental and emotional health. Her expertise in neurodiversity has left a profound impact on countless individuals and communities.   Dr. Zaretsky opens up about her personal journey, sharing how significant health challenges, including surgeries and accidents, have shaped her approach to resilience and personal growth. She underscores the transformative power of self-compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude in overcoming adversity. The discussion also delves into neurodiversity, the importance of workplace accommodations, and the role of mindfulness in daily life.   Tune in to gain valuable insights on enhancing productivity and navigating life's challenges with intention and grace.    What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Dr. Lisa Zaretsky [09:47] Cultivating perseverance [12:53] Magic seven principles [16:01] The canoe metaphor [20:04] Understanding PTSD and isolation [22:16] Neuroplasticity and change [23:16] Neurodivergence explained [34:55] The role of environment in growth [37:32] The impact of industrialized education [40:27] Creating sustainable work environments [42:38] Staying present amidst uncertainty   Notable Quotes [13:18] "When I lead with love, everything else falls into place." - Dr. Zaretsky [14:39] "Pain is a construct of the mind, and when you get behind the driver's seat of your mind, you're steering it with mindfulness and intentionality." - Dr. Zaretsky [15:32] "Stay in the present moment mindfully and intentionally, and that's when actual magic happens." - Dr. Zaretsky [21:47] "When you change the belief systems with intensity, frequency, and duration, you create new neural pathways in your brain. It's the concept of neuroplasticity, and it allows you to redirect yourself forward in a new way." - Dr. Zaretsky [18:20] "We don't have to be a victim or succumb to trauma. We can get behind the driver's seat of our minds, integrating what needs to be done, and move forward." - Gerald [45:42] "Gratitude helps you stay present. The past is just a memory, and the future is a projection. The only thing we truly have is the present moment." - Gerald   Resources Dr. Lisa Zaretsky Website - https://www.drlisazaretsky.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisazaretsky/ Instagram  -https://www.instagram.com/drlisazaretsky/ Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/DrLisaZaretsky?_rdc=1&_rdr   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Life can feel like one curveball after another, and sometimes, just staying in the game feels like a victory. We've all been there. But what if I told you that you could not only survive those tough times but come out stronger on the other side?   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a compelling conversation with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a corporate executive, Emmy Award-winning news anchor, and former U.S. gymnastics team member.  They delve into themes of resilience, personal growth, and productivity. Nina shares her journey through life's challenges, highlighting the crucial role of mindset shifts and positive influences. She also discusses how social media comparisons can erode self-worth and the importance of curating a supportive environment. The episode wraps up with practical strategies to overcome adversity and take control of your narrative, encouraging you to embrace resilience for success in all areas of life.   Ready to transform your setbacks into comebacks? Tune in now and discover how resilience can be your greatest asset.   What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Nina Sossamon-Pogue [08:05] Finding focus in the present [17:35] Nina's reflection on job loss [20:38] Journaling forward concept [25:05] The impact of trauma and navigating life's challenges [35:20] The dangers of comparison [38:07] Taking control of your life   Notable Quotes [03:06] “My success stems from being resilient. Throughout my life, resilience is what helped me thrive and do better.” - Nina  [11:46] “‘When you're in the frame, you can't see the picture.' - Willie Jolly” - Gerald [27:32] "Whatever this is that you're going through, it's okay to not be okay." - Nina [35:20] “Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Nina [38:45] “You are in control of your life. If it's not working, it's up to you to fix it.” - Nina [39:41] “It's not just about doing a lot of stuff; it's about who you become and how you reinvent yourself as you go through life's challenges.” - Gerald   Resources Nina Sossamon-Pogue Website - https://www.ninasossamonpogue.com/ LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasossamonpogue/ Twitter -https://x.com/NinaSossP Facebook-https://web.facebook.com/NinaTheAuthor/about Book: This is Not the End by Nina Sossamon-Pogue Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Are you struggling to juggle your work responsibilities with your personal life? Have you ever wondered how saying “no” might actually be the key to maintaining focus and achieving your goals? With the evolving definition of work-life balance, how do you strike the right chord between dedication and burnout? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in an enlightening conversation with Corey Poirier, an acclaimed keynote speaker and author. They explore key topics such as productivity, work-life balance, and personal growth. Corey shares his distinctive perspective on work-life balance, stressing the value of truly loving what you do. He also introduces his latest book, The Enlightened Passenger, and highlights the importance of saying no to non-essential tasks. This episode delves into how clarity, focus, and purpose are crucial for productivity and provides actionable strategies for maintaining a productive mindset and leveraging your network for success. Tune in to hear more from Corey Poirier and gain practical tips to elevate your productivity and well-being.   What We Discuss [02:01] - Introduction to Corey Poirier [04:37] - The concept of balance [09:32] - Clarity in purpose [15:00] - Strategies to avoid burnout [18:16] - Traits of consistently productive individuals [21:35] - Mindset and productivity [28:29] - Event + response = outcome [31:01] - Continuous learning [33:16] - Leveraging networks for productivity [41:23] - Blue Talks initiative   Notable Quotes [03:39] “For me, when it comes to work-life balance, I threw out that term years ago. Balance to me is the fact that I love what I do all day, every day.” - Corey Poirier [07:27] “I grew up as a yes person. My grandfather always told me to do everything, say yes to everything, and then figure out how to juggle it all. But I realized that high achievers say no over and over again to focus on what truly matters.” - Corey Poirier [14:03] “I burned out twice in my life, and I don't ever want to burn out again. It took me nine months of feeling exhausted all the time. I don't want anybody to burn out, so I say no to things that drain me and take breaks to recharge.” - Corey Poirier [31:01] “Once we stop learning, we stop living.” - Corey Poirier   Resources Corey Poirier Website - https://www.thespeakingprogram.com/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thatspeakerguy/ Twitter - https://x.com/thatspeakerguy?lang=en Book: Quitless with Corey Poirier Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Are you ready to transform your leadership approach and elevate your impact? Join host Gerald J. Leonard on this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast as he sits down with Mick Spiers, the visionary behind the Leadership Project Movement. The Leadership Project is a vibrant initiative with a vision to inspire all leaders to challenge the status quo. The Leadership Project is dedicated to empowering modern leaders through knowledge and emotional intelligence to create meaningful impact.   Gerald and Mick delve into the essence of effective leadership, spotlighting the crucial elements of self-reflection, intentionality, and the hurdles that new leaders encounter. Mick reflects on his personal journey, underscoring the value of drawing lessons from past leadership roles and nurturing a collaborative atmosphere. He presents key strategies, such as being the last to speak and cultivating inclusive work environments. Together, Gerald and Mick emphasize the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and committing to ongoing learning in leadership.   Tune in now to hear Mick Spiers' invaluable advice and learn how to implement leadership principles from his book, You're a Leader Now What?   What We Discuss [01:17] Introduction to Mick Spiers   [08:48] Mick's journey to leadership   [12:11] Importance of coaching in leadership   [14:23] Experiential learning in leadership   [19:41] Common pitfalls for new leaders   [20:34] Creating a leadership credo   [25:03] The shift from “I” to “we” [30:55] Building trust and rapport   [41:18] Creating an inclusive workplace     Notable Quotes [9:55] “No one deserves to work in a workplace that they hate; they should all have a workplace that inspires them, where they feel valued, where they feel seen, where they feel heard.” - Mick [2:48] “People remember how you make them feel, and whether it's good or bad, they will remember the emotion much more than what you specifically said to them.” - Gerald [4:58] “What gives people pride in the work they do is feeling like they matter.” - Mick [41:43] “You don't need to have all the answers, but you surround yourself with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds. This is what is going to enrich our decision-making.” - Mick [45:48] “There is a vacuum of leadership in some ways in the world, but also a place where young leaders are looking for resources to help grow themselves.” - Gerald   Resources Mick Spiers Website - https://www.mickspiers.com/ LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/mickspiers Book: You're A Leader Now What?: The proven path to high performance leadership   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Are we truly achieving health equity when patients with sickle cell anemia face a stark lack of family counseling and support in hospitals? How can we claim fairness in healthcare when these basic needs are so often neglected? And what about cultural differences in healthcare? How frequently are these crucial aspects overlooked, perpetuating disparities? Is it any wonder that African-American patients often feel undervalued in a system that fails to recognize their humanity?   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Dr. Mauvareen Beverley, an executive physician renowned for her expertise in patient engagement and cultural competency. As the author of Nine Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity, Dr. Beverley draws on her extensive experience to explain why cultural competency is essential in healthcare. She shares innovative approaches for improving health outcomes, focusing on African American communities and patients with sickle cell disease. Through personal stories, Dr. Beverley underscores the importance of understanding cultural contexts to enhance patient care and achieve meaningful results.   Don't miss this episode for Dr. Beverley's invaluable insights and actionable strategies for advancing equitable healthcare.   What We Discuss [02:32] Dr. Beverley's background [04:43] The bridge-team concept [05:47] Patient story: Sickle cell experience [07:41] Understanding patient needs [10:39] Sustainability of health equity initiatives [12:52] Barriers to health equity [14:53] Historical context of health disparities [20:24] Cultural competence in healthcare [22:34] Curiosity in patient engagement [29:04] Workplace health equity strategies [36:23] Bridging perceptions and reality   Notable Quotes [10:32] “My focus is on sustainability of a process that we're going to put in place to achieve health equity.” - Mauvareen [10:49] “If our health is not taken care of and we're not being advocated for or we don't know how to advocate for ourselves, our productivity will be shot.” - Gerald  [20:24] “Recognize and treat all atrocity survivors the same.” - Mauvareen [27:06]  “Once accurately diagnosed, there's no human being on planet Earth that can give it that. The millionaire can think, oh, I'll give you $1 million to take the cancer back. Oh, that's not enough. I'll give you 5 million.”- Mauvareen [29:07] “Eliminate the word non-adherent or non-compliant without asking implied questions.”- Mauvareen [35:26] “If you're designing a system based on perception and not reality, how are we able to solve the problem?”- Mauvareen   Resources Dr. Mauvareen Beverley Website - https://drbeverley.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauvareen-beverley-md/ Book: The Nine Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

Have you ever found yourself unable to focus at work because you're constantly worried about someone you care about? It's undeniably tough, but focusing on gratitude in these challenging times could make a world of difference.   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Delia Chiaramonte, the visionary behind the Integrative Palliative Institute and the voice of the Integrative Palliative Podcast. She is also the author of Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One's Illness Without Losing Yourself.   During their sit down, Delia delves into the world of integrative palliative medicine, blending holistic care with palliative methods to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. She offers practical advice on balancing caregiving responsibilities with professional life, stressing the importance of embracing an "imperfect plan" to stay on track. She introduces the concept of "finding the flowers in the poop," which involves acknowledging the challenges of caregiving while seeking out positive moments to maintain emotional resilience and enhance productivity.    This episode shines a light on the transformative power of positivity and gratitude, even during tough times, don't miss it.   What We Discuss [02:01] - Introduction to Delia Chiaramonte [08:40] - Coping with difficult situations [11:15] - Control and letting go [13:20] - Finding flowers in the poop [13:56] - Common productivity pitfalls for caregivers [22:07] - Imperfect plan for caregiving [28:58] - The importance of focusing on the now [36:07] - Facing the darkness [43:41] - Tools for sustained productivity   Notable Quotes [03:27] “Palliative medicine is the care of families who are facing serious illness, focused on improving symptoms, improving well-being, and reducing suffering.” - Delia Chiaramonte [04:33] “Many people are mistaken, they think that palliative care and hospice are the same thing, but they're not. Hospice is a teeny tiny part of palliative care.” - Delia Chiaramonte [09:21] “When someone might die, they often change the way they're living. They stop doing things that they don't want to do, they stop seeing people that they don't like, and they focus on what really matters to them.” - Delia Chiaramonte [12:43] “People cause a lot of suffering for themselves by trying to control the things they can't control.” - Delia Chiaramonte [19:30] “Sometimes we wait to get through something difficult to be grateful. But I think it's more important to be, like you said, looking for those flowers while we're going through.” - Gerald J. Leonard [40:18] “When we are depleted, hard regular things become impossibly hard.” - Delia Chiaramonte [47:43] “If we're brave and willing to face the darkness, it can create such depth, connection, and meaning, and it can be a really powerful and even positive experience.” - Delia Chiaramonte   Resources Delia Chiaramonte Website - https://integrativepalliative.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliachiaramonte/ Book: Coping Courageously: A Heart-Centered Guide for Navigating a Loved One's Illness Without Losing Yourself Podcast: https://integrativepalliative.com/podcast   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Ever been part of a dysfunctional company? They are like puzzle pieces that don't quite fit, breeding gossip, stifling innovation, and diminishing output quality over time. When faced with such dysfunction, it's easy to point fingers at individuals.   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Joel Dubin, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies” and a seasoned cybersecurity consultant. Together, they explore the complexities of dysfunctional companies, the impact of detrimental behaviors on productivity, and actionable strategies for employees to navigate such environments.   Joel's book humorously outlines the common traits observed in dysfunctional companies. The duo discusses how these habits affect employee morale and productivity, highlighting the crucial role of leadership, open communication, and adaptability. Joel shares humorous anecdotes from his career, shedding light on the negative effects of bureaucracy and constant reorganizations.    Both Gerald and Joel provide practical advice for navigating dysfunctional work environments, emphasizing the importance of networking and building emotional connections. This episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to boost workplace productivity and morale. For more on navigating dysfunctional work environments and boosting productivity, tune in to this episode.   What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Joel Dubin [04:39] Dealing with dysfunctional companies [12:50] Impact of dysfunctional behaviors on productivity [16:24] Examples of dysfunctional behaviors [18:41] Engagement with frontline workers [19:47] The Japanese Assembly Line scenario [20:48] Impact of dysfunctional company habits on morale and motivation [24:06] The role of leadership in fostering or mitigating dysfunctional habits [31:23] Steps to improve productivity and avoid multitasking [34:22] Advice for employees in dysfunctional companies [38:57] Building relationships and emotional value   Notable Quotes [13:58] “You got to have people that know how to be even at high levels of management, know how to be vulnerable. You need to be able to say, ‘I made a mistake. Let's see how we can fix it.'” - Joel Dubin [34:22] “Look at your career, not your job. Be loyal to yourself and your career, constantly take any training to improve your skills.”- Joel Dubin [36:41] “Always be prepared for change. Don't be complacent, don't feel too comfortable, and remember today could be your last day.” - Joel Dubin   Resources Joel Dubin Website - https://www.joeldubin.com/ X: https://x.com/dubinslanguages/status/1807546992819675314 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeldubin/ Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional Companies   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

How can we be more productive? How can we operate at a higher level?Gerald J Leonard is here to tell us how; and as a certified project management professional, a certified portfolio management, professional, a certified IQ coach, and a highly accomplished professional he is very qualified to do so! About the Guest:Gerald J Leonard offers a unique productivity approach to accomplishing more every day.Gerald J. Leonard PMP, PfMP, and a C-IQ Coach; he's the Publishing Editor, CEO,and Founder of the Leonard Productivity Intelligence Institute, as well as the CEO of Turnberry Premiere, a strategic project portfolio management and IT governance firm based in Washington, DC. Gerald is also an Author, TEDx Speaker, Management guru, and, importantly, a Bass player. He brings all these traits and skills into his presentations and interviews. Gerald is the author of A Symphony of Choices (A Business Parable), Culture Is The Bass, and Workplace Jazz. About the Host: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results. Amy's most popular keynote speeches are:· The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership Legacy· The Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System Collaboration· The Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and Community· The Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid Team Her new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley/ Resources mentioned in the podcastThe Inspire Your Team to Greatness assessment (the courage assessment).How can you inspire our team to be more proactive, take ownership and get more done?You demonstrate and empower The Courage of a Leader. In my nearly 3 decades of work with leaders, I've discovered the 11 things that leaders do – even very well-intentioned leaders do – that kill productivity.In less than 10 minutes, find out where you're empowering and inadvertently kills productivity, and get a custom report that will tell you step by step what you need to have your team get more done.https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/Gerald Leonard Resources for The Courage of a Leader listenershttps://geraldjleonard.com/courage/ Thanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to The Courage of a Leader podcast! If you got inspired and/or got valuable leadership techniques you can use from this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have questions or feedback about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new The Courage of a Leader...

In a world increasingly chaotic, how can one make clear decisions and find peace of mind? Amidst the noise of debates and conflicts, it's easy to lose balance.   This episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast is a deep dive into the fascinating concept of deep trade-offs. Host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Mike Hassell, former General Manager and Co-founder of audio publisher Knowledge Products. Mike's background spans engineering, business, and liberal arts, a testament to the power of curiosity and risk-taking. His book, “The Deep Trade-offs,” explores conflicts between values and how understanding these can enhance decision-making.   They discuss mental and physical health connections, grit, and persistence in overcoming challenges. Mike explores living authentically, drawing on the idea of being kaleidoscopic in adapting to different situations. They delve into honesty versus deception, reversible versus irreversible decisions, and the transformative power of relationships. Storytelling emerges as a tool for understanding complex ideas and forging meaningful connections.   This episode offers practical wisdom and thought-provoking insights to revolutionize productivity and decision-making. Let's dive in!   What We Discuss [02:01] - Introduction to Mike Hassell [03:25] - Mike's defining trait that has driven his success [05:34] - Understanding deep trade-offs [10:43] - Subconscious and emotional decision-making [12:16] - Insights gained from psychology and medicine [15:43] - Growth mindset and grit [18:43] - The concept of authenticity [21:10] - The tension between ideals and reality [22:59] - The subconscious and shaping behavior [31:08] - The difference between corresponding truth and coherent truth [33:05] - The impact of relationships on inducing change [36:31] - The concept of theories as stories   Notable Quotes [06:13] "We don't give up on the things that we want to happen, and we struggle for them, and we step on toes." - Mike Hassell [05:19] "What we admire most about people is generally not their pleasures and their beauty; it's their endurance and their resilience and their ability to do something in the face of hardship." - Mike Hassell [11:35] “A lot of our decisions are made by emotions, and then we rationalize them to make them logical.” - Gerald J. Leonard [20:01] "We change over time and we change based on the circumstances that we're in, but yes, we're a lot more like chameleons in some ways." - Gerald J. Leonard [25:11 "A lot of times it's not the things that we don't know that's the problem; it's the things that we know that are not true." - Mike Hassell [33:05] "People are not shoved into change; they're loved into it. Relationships come first if you want to change somebody, including yourself." - Mike Hassell   Resources Mike Hassell Website - https://deeptradeoffs.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hassell/ Book: Deep Tradeoffs: Restoring Balance and Respect In A Polarized, Angry World   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

With a background in music and project management, Gerald J. Leonard, CEO of Turnberry Premier, orchestrates a discussion on the critical role of data-driven processes in creating sustainable workplaces and reducing carbon footprints. "Your climate strategy is your business strategy today," Leonard stressed. Leonard shares insights on the importance of leadership buy-in and cultural alignment for the effective execution of sustainability initiatives. As we explore the growing consumer demand for transparency in environmental impact, Gerald underscores the urgency of genuine commitment to sustainability practices, with 2030 looming as a pivotal year for global goals. Tune in as we uncover the power of education and storytelling in driving cultural change towards a greener future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that the simple act of journaling can be a powerful tool for shaping your reality? It's not just about jotting down the events of your day; it's about something much deeper.   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard delves into the power of journaling and its impact on personal success. He interviews Nathaniel A. Turner, an author, TEDx speaker, and humanitarian propulsion engineer, who shares his insights on journaling and productivity. Nathaniel emphasizes how journaling has significantly impacted his personal success. The discussion covers techniques like journaling forward, prioritizing activities, and using affirmations and vision boards to manifest desired outcomes, offering practical advice on enhancing productivity and achieving goals.   Don't miss out on the opportunity to revolutionize your life through the transformative force of journaling.   What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Nathaniel A. Turner [04:10] The misunderstood aspects of journaling [09:26] The impact of journaling on Nathaniel [12:52] Manifestation of goals through journaling [16:43] Techniques for prioritizing activities and goals [20:26] The neuroscience of writing [26:58] Strategies for maintaining consistency in journaling [31:05] Journaling as the starting point for efficient time management   Notable Quotes [03:24] “You're only as good as you are on the new day. So yesterday, my mind doesn't matter.” - Nathaniel [21:58] “I feel a little bit like what happens with journaling is similar to a GPS where you program where you want to go.” - Nathaniel [25:42] ”I try to focus less on the outcome and more on the process.” - Nathaniel [31:10] “If I don't start with journaling, then my day doesn't feel like I've started correctly.” - Nathaniel   Resources Nathaniel A. Turner Website - nathanielaturner.com LinkedIn - Nathaniel Turner Book: Journey Forward   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Mentioned The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss Feng Shui Master Marie Diamond   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

What if I told you that behind every smile, every success, lies a hidden battle – a struggle against the relentless tide of trauma, grief, and loss? How do we reconcile the paradox of achieving great feats while battling the demons of our own minds? And amidst the chaos, how do we find the courage to prioritize our emotional well-being and embrace the transformative power of self-care?   In a compelling conversation, host Gerald J. Leonard delves into the profound impact of trauma and grief on emotional well-being with author Sally Raymond, who shares her personal journey following her son's tragic death. Together, they emphasize the importance of self-care and integrating traumatic experiences to maintain mental and emotional health.    Tune in to this powerful episode to gain invaluable insights on navigating through grief and trauma, and learn practical strategies for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.   What We Discuss [02:01] Sally Raymond's story [05:13] Misunderstandings in psychotherapy [07:49] The brain's response to trauma [16:18] Strategies for coping with grief and loss [22:33] The importance of self-care [24:01] The impact of trauma on mental health and productivity [25:29] Maintaining balance during difficult times [34:27] Tips for setting realistic goals during challenging periods [40:42] Finding new purpose after loss and advice for discovering a new direction   Notable Quotes [04:06] “There is a place for no. The place for no is to say yes to something better.” - Sally [14:06] “If you focus on the worst case, you're going to overreact. You're going to be filled with fear and you're going to do something silly that isn't going to be appropriate for the situation.”- Sally [16:19] “Grief and loss take an enormous amount of energy, but it's a natural process. Don't fight it; allow yourself to feel because it's essential that you allow it full expression.” - Sally [24:39] “Your well-being is absolutely integral to the functioning, consistency, and competence of every other member of your galaxy.” - Sally [43:19] “Everything is not to take us out; it is the same thing—learn from it, don't demonize it, don't authorize it, look at what's the gift.” - Sally    Resources Sally Raymond Website - https://sallyaraymond.com/ Book: The Son I Knew Too Late: A Guide to Help You Survive and Thrive   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - https://productivitysmarts.com/ Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Mentioned Book: Whole Brain Living by Jill Bolte Taylor    Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

In this electrifying episode, we jam with Gerald J. Leonard, a jazz musician turned IT and sustainability powerhouse. Discover how Gerald's unique journey and insights can transform your business strategy and help you rock the world of sustainability.Key Takeaways:

Ease is a greater enemy to progress than hardship. These powerful words from Denzel Washington highlight a fundamental truth: real growth comes from embracing challenges, not avoiding them. By confronting obstacles head-on, we unlock our true capabilities and potential for growth. Embracing life's difficulties leads to continuous improvement, personal evolution, and ultimately, success and fulfillment.   This episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast offers a refreshing and deeply insightful take on what it truly means to be resilient. Host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by John Suzuki, author of American Grit: From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American War Hero. Through engaging conversations and inspiring anecdotes, they explore the power of resilience, grit, and having a clear vision for success in today's world.    John Suzuki's journey, marked by desire, discipline, and goal orientation, illuminates resilience as not just an admirable quality but a necessary trait for achieving productivity and success. His narrative, coupled with Gerald's philosophy, demonstrates that even small acts, when driven by compassion and vision, can create ripples of significant change.   Tune in to this episode for a refreshing take on resilience and discover how embracing challenges can lead to unparalleled personal and professional growth.   What We Discuss [00:02:01] Introducing John Suzuki [00:06:17] The story behind American Grit [00:13:00] Overcoming productivity challenges from an individual and book perspective [00:18:04] The dynamics when dealing with leadership for productivity [00:20:38] Leadership lessons from Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft [00:22:15] The role of resilience in overcoming challenges and personal growth [00:30:57] Learning from the past and preventing history from repeating [00:33:36] The power of determination and vision   Notable Quotes [00:08:53] “We have the ability to make the decision of the direction we want our lives to go irregardless of what society or the all the chaos that's out there.” - Gerald J. Leonard [00:07:08] “It's okay to be different. It's okay to disagree. It's okay to want more for yourself. It's okay to not go with the flow.” - John Suzuki [00:24:34] “Failure leads to success. It's okay to keep going.” - John Suzuki [00:25:26] “If you want things to be easy, it's not going to challenge you to become your best.” - Gerald J. Leonard [00:28:41] “One of the top three character traits that is really important is the ability to persevere.” - John Suzuki   Resources John Suzuki Website - johnsuzuki.com Book: American Grit: From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American War Hero   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

Are you tired of hustling and burning out, but still want to achieve more?

Prepare to be enlightened by Gerald J. Leonard, a distinguished authority in productivity intelligence and a luminary in the intersection of music, workplace culture, and neuroscience. As an accomplished international keynote speaker and a change catalyst in organizational culture, Gerald's insights are sought after in IMPACT Season 3. Gerald is not just any professional bassist; he is a revolutionary thinker in enhancing workplace productivity through a unique blend of his musical expertise and strategic insights. As an International Keynote Bassist and Culture Change Expert, his innovative programs seamlessly blend elements of music, productivity, neuroscience, and organizational culture to foster environments of high achievement. As the CEO, a Growth Strategies Coach, an Author, and a TEDx Speaker, Gerald specializes in guiding CIOs, VPs, and Directors of Project Management toward achieving lasting corporate sustainability with a solid foundation in data-driven strategies. Leading the Leonard Productivity Intelligence Institute and Turnberry Premiere as the Publishing Editor, CEO, and Founder, Gerald has positioned his Washington, DC-based strategic project portfolio management and IT governance firm at the forefront of organizational excellence. In a notable collaboration, Turnberry Premiere has partnered with Greenly, a pioneering carbon management platform, to democratize the initiation of the climate journey for businesses, simplifying carbon management and propelling companies of all sizes toward a net-zero-carbon future with ease and affordability. Gerald's unique approach to intertwining sustainability with productivity and business success has made him an influential figure in corporate sustainability. His extensive expertise and impactful contributions have earned him prestigious guest appearances on platforms such as NPR and Jack Canfield's show, among others. His latest publication, "A Symphony of Choices: How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making, Project Management, and Workplace Engagement — and Saved a Concert Season," was released in August 2023, adding another accolade to his prolific career. Gerald's TEDx Talk unveils the incredible value of deliberate practice and the neuroscience that underpins how practice fundamentally transforms our brains. Discover why a staggering 95% of an artist's time is devoted to practice, with performances serving as the pinnacle showcase of their dedicated rehearsals. Gerald encapsulates this philosophy in his belief that "The Performance is Practice on Display." CONNECT WITH GERALD: Email: gerald@PrinciplesOfExecution.com Website: ProductivityIntelligenceInstitute.com LinkedIn: in/geraldjleonard Facebook: /geraldjleonard Tags: #musicandthemind #musicforthebrain #brainmusic #thepowerofmusic #GeraldLeonard #symphonyofchoices #adrianabarton #wiredformusic @adrianabarton @wiredformusic @principlesofexecution @productivityintelligenceinstitute #principlesofexecution #productivityintelligenceinstitute #impactpod #theimpactcast @realimpactpod  

Unveiling Gerald J. Leonard's journey from music to making a differenceBio:Gerald is the CEO and Founder of the Leonard Productivity Intelligence Institute and the CEO of Turnberry Premiere, a strategic project portfolio management and IT governance firm based in Washington, DC. He attended Central State University in Ohio, receiving a bachelor's in music and later earning a master's in music from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard/Website: https://productivityintelligenceinstitute.comQuotes:“Once you learn the complexities of things, I think you can implement it with very simple processes.”“Words shape our world.”Episode Highlights:This episode delves into the significance of personal development, reframing negative thoughts, and embracing cultural diversity. Gerald shares insights on overcoming constraints, the power of relationships and the importance of learning from diverse cultural groups.Gerald has authored three books: Culture is the Base, Workplace Jazz, and A Symphony of Choices."Childhood Incidents:From his father's example of building a construction business and his mother working as a seamstress, Gerald knew he had to be industrious. In middle school, Gerald was part of junior achievement where he learned more about business and the monetary value of hard work. Influential Groups: As a child, family shaped a lot of things for Gerald. He saw how hard his father worked to provide for them, how he was there for them and his business. The experience taught Gerald what it was like to be a family man.Gerald grew up Methodist, but after joining college, he learned about other religions. He got a chance to interact with people from different backgrounds and used the scriptures as point of reference to see if he was on the right track. Cultural Influences:Gerald never saw his parents meditate, but he integrated meditation into his life from Indian spiritual practices into his life. He credits a course with Judith Glaser on conversation intelligence for teaching him about the brain and nervous system which he has incorporated into his own behaviour. Personality and Temperament:Gerald believes that he values long term friendships. He has people whom he has known for years, and he goes out of his way to ensure they remain close.In 2018 he lost 86% of his right inner ear capacity and experienced constant vertigo. Although he was six weeks away from giving a TEDX talk, he did everything in his power to heal , incorporating music therapy as part of the process. His resilience and determination paid off and he delivered his TEDX talk on the appointed date and time. Cultural Dissonance:Gerald once worked for a big law firm where the work culture was different from what he was used to . In the Ivy League environment Gerald knew he had to find ways to belong but it felt uncomfortable. He looks at it now as a positive learning experience that taught him new skills.What brings the Best in Gerald Leonard?Gerald has a focus on spending quality time to make a difference in the lives of others. He isn't counting the money made or time spent, rather the impact of the exchange.Soapbox Moment:Gerald invites us to check out his books and podcast from his website. He also encourages us to check out KIVA provide microloans that support people in difficult circumstances to reach their dreams. Support the show

Gerald J. Leonard, is a leading figure who has revolutionized the way we approach maximizing our potential. Gerald is an international Keynote Bassist and Culture Change Expert.  How can you be more productive, and prioritize? How do you figure out what matters most, and how do you schedule your priorities? How can you take time off while getting more done and feeling less stressed? What can you do to become more heart and brain-centered? How do you overcome limiting beliefs? How did you prepare for your TEDx talk? Gerald Leonard Gerald J. Leonard, is a leading figure who has revolutionized the way we approach maximizing our potential. Gerald's insights have been featured on platforms such as NPR and Jack Canfield's show, among others. A professional bassist, Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. Gerald is an international Keynote Bassist and Culture Change Expert. His programs integrate music, productivity, workplace culture and neuroscience. Excellent Executive Coaching Podcast If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review. The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals. Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company specialized in leadership development.

The podcast by project managers for project managers. Learn from the intriguing parallels between a jazz ensemble and an effective project team. Gerald J. Leonard demonstrates that music and project management share common principles as he offers a unique perspective on fostering a high-performing project team through the integration of music, productivity, workplace culture, and neuroscience. Table of Contents 01:41 … Combining Jazz and Project Management05:12 … Gerald the Author07:31 … Incorporating Jazz and Project Management09:39 … A Cadence to Managing Projects11:50 … Recognizing the Traits13:57 … Mentoring and Coaching14:52 … Kevin and Kyle16:10 … Jazz and Productivity20:01 … Gerald's Recovery Story23:04 … The Pomodoro Technique and Flow26:03 … Motivation and Accountability31:23 … Employee Burnout34:33 … Getting into the Right Rhythm36:08 … Contact Gerald37:42 … Closing GERALD LEONARD:  ...it's like playing jazz where things are moving quickly, meeting every day, things are happening.  Every two weeks you're delivering something.  So things are happening really rapidly, and they can adjust because the customers say, “Hey, I don't want that.  Let's move to this one.  I want this requirement now.”  And you have to move and adjust.  Well, that's like playing jazz.  Again, the song is moving pretty quickly.  So everyone has to, one, know their part, but also really lean in and listen. WENDY GROUNDS:  Welcome, fellow project champions, to Manage This! I'm Wendy Grounds, and joining me in the harmonious studio adventure today is Bill Yates, and Danny Brewer, our sound guy. Hold onto your project plans, because today we're diving headfirst into a fusion of beats and business. You heard it right – jazz and project management are about to collide in a symphony of ideas with a trailblazing maestro of maximizing potential, Gerald J. Leonard. Gerald is an IT project management consultant; but he also has two degrees in music and is an accomplished bass guitarist.  As a professional bassist, he uses jazz metaphors to illustrate how to build supportive and effective team cultures. Creating successful projects and high-performing teams is much like building a jazz ensemble. This isn't your average podcast – it's a symphony of ideas, where project management meets the jazzed-up art of success. So, buckle up, hit play, and let the show begin! Hi, Gerald.  Welcome to Manage This.  Thank you so much for being our guest. GERALD LEONARD:  Wendy and Bill, thank you so much for having me.  I'm really happy to be here. Combining Jazz and Project Management WENDY GROUNDS:  Can you tell us, just as an introduction, how you've combined your dual careers as a professional jazz musician and as a project management consultant? GERALD LEONARD:  Yes. I had done my bachelor's and master's in music, studied through the Manhattan School of Music with a gentleman at Juilliard, and played professionally in the city.  And then I did some ministry work back in the ‘80s, ‘90s, and I wanted to get back into music, but now I was married with two kids. I was kind of done with clubs and those kinds of things and thought, “Okay, so how can I keep playing and also make a good living and raise my kids?” So I got into IT at a time where, if you could spell IT, they were letting you in.  And so I got in.  You know, and I had my master's already, so I thought, “I'm not going to go back to school for another degree.”  And then I realized they had all these certifications out there, the Novell certifications, the Microsoft certifications, the MCSE certifications, and all these different things like that.  So I just started going that route.  That led me to a place where for years I was doing project work, became a project management consultant with a number of different companies, did work for the National Archives and major corporations, helping them at the enterprise level.  And then I would go and play shows,

The podcast by project managers for project managers. Learn from the intriguing parallels between a jazz ensemble and an effective project team. Gerald J. Leonard demonstrates that music and project management share common principles as he offers a unique perspective on fostering a high-performing project team through the integration of music, productivity, workplace culture, and […] The post Episode 189 – Harmonizing Potential – The Jazz of High-Performing Project Teams appeared first on PMP Certification Exam Prep & Training - Velociteach.

Not only is today's return guest, Gerald J. Leonard, an accomplished professional musician, but he is also an expert on workplace culture, strategy and productivity. On top of that, he is an author. The full title of his interesting new book is long and descriptive: A Symphony of Choices – How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making, Project Management and Workplace Engagement – and Saved a Concert Season. The book is a primer on how to make decisions amidst complex and multifaceted challenges. While it is full of excellent advice, it reads like a novel, because Gerald uses an engaging story to make his lessons clear. The tale's hero, Jerry, is a symphony orchestra musician who suddenly has the job of orchestra manager. A college professor mentors Jerry, helping him to quickly get a handle on the orchestra's big challenges. As Jerry works his way through difficult personal and professional decisions, readers learn about project management. In today's episode, Gerald, an engaging story-teller, shares lessons not only from Jerry's experience, but also from his own life. For more info and free resources from Gerald Leonard, go to: https://geraldjleonard.com/jazzed/

Is managing a team like conducting a Jazz orchestra? Gerald J. Leonard is CEO of the consultancy Principles of Execution, host of the Productivity Smarts podcast, and author of A Symphony of Choices. He shares his tips on how to hone your influence on others and how to be a better mentor. Handy Andy Baryer wants your garden to thrive in the fall, and he has some tips for us! Plus, a look at the future of A.I generated music. RUOK with refunds? How about the dentist? HEY, DO YOU LIKE PODCASTS? Why not subscribe to ours? Find it on Apple, Google, Spotify & Tune In

Get ready to be inspired by a true powerhouse in the field of productivity intelligence. Our guest today is Gerald J. Leonard, a leading figure who has revolutionized the way we approach maximizing our potential. Gerald is the Publishing Editor, CEO, and Founder of the Leonard Productivity Intelligence Institute, where he focuses on enhancing productivity and building better workplace cultures. He is also the CEO of Turnberry Premiere, a strategic project portfolio management and IT governance firm in Washington, DC. A professional bassist, Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more in the workplace. https://productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/managesmarter/ for FREE MATERIALS In this podcast for managers, Audrey, Lee and Gerald discuss:  ·        Gerald's tips for what order to approach tasks to boost productivity ·        Time chunking methodology ·        Analogy of a symphony and conductor to the performance of you and your team ·        Productivity boosting processes "Juggling multiple projects has become one of our major challenges, both as individuals as well as organizations, in our private and in our professional lives.”– Gerald Leonard Build Credibility and Effective Leadership with the Manage Smarter Podcast Join hosts Audrey Strong and C. Lee Smith every week as they dive into the aspects and concepts of good business management. From debunking sales myths to learning how to manage with and without measurements, you'll learn something new with every episode and will be able to implement positive change far beyond sales.  Connect with Gerald Leonard https://productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/productivity-smarts-podcast/ https://m.facebook.com/geraldjleonard Connect with Manage Smarter Hosts ·         Website: ManageSmarter.com  ·         LinkedIn: Audrey Strong                                                                    ·         LinkedIn: C. Lee Smith   Connect with SalesFuel ·         Website: http://salesfuel.com/  ·         Twitter: @SalesFuel  ·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Gerald J. Leonard. Ron and Gerald covered a lot of interesting topics including Gerald's personal health journey, brain science, being a musician, and the power of affirmations. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Gerald's favorite quote (3:17) His background (4:06) How his bass playing helped his recovery (8:45) His relationship with lean (11:53) The brain science behind thinking subconsciously (16:08) How Gerald uses affirmations (22:02) "Drifting" AND having clear direction (27:29) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Free Resource for GA Podcast Listeners A Symphony of Choices Pre-Order Gerald's Website Gerald on LinkedIn Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here. What Do You Think? Do you use affirmations?

Strategies for decision-making and management play a crucial role in the success of any organization. Effective decision-making involves analyzing information, considering alternatives, and choosing the best course of action. Furthermore, adept management requires the ability to lead teams, set goals, and allocate resources efficiently. By implementing well-defined strategies for decision-making and management, businesses can enhance productivity, foster a positive work environment, and achieve their objectives with confidence. Gerald J. Leonard is the CEO of Principles of Execution (PofE), a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, renowned for his 20+ years of expertise in Strategic Project Portfolio Management and Culture Change consulting. With a captivating blend of skills as a professional bassist and a certified Portfolio Management Professional consultant, Gerald offers a distinctive and insightful approach to driving success for large Federal and State Governments and Multinational Corporations. Today, Gerald will talk about his forthcoming book titled "A Symphony of Choices," encompassing themes of harmony, adaptive leadership, emotional intelligence, and other insightful topics. Resources Gerald J. Leonard Site Gerald J. Leanard on Facebook Gerald J. Leonard on Linkedin A Symphony of Choices: How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making Book on Amazon

A Symphony of Choices: Mastering Decision-Making Join me for an enlightening episode as we sit down with acclaimed author Gerald Leonard to discuss his latest book, "A Symphony of Choices: How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making, Project Management, and Workplace Engagement." In this captivating conversation, we explore productivity, decision-making, and invaluable practices to enhance workplace performance. Tune in to gain practical insights that can transform your approach to decision-making and foster a more engaged and harmonious work environment. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true expert in the field! Pick up a copy of A Symphony of Choices, here. Guest Bio. Gerald J. Leonard, PMP, PfMP, and a C-IQ Coach, is the Publishing Editor, CEO, and Founder of the Leonard Productivity Intelligence Institute and the CEO of Turnberry Premiere, a strategic project portfolio management and IT governance firm based in Washington, DC. He attended Central State University in Ohio, receiving a bachelor's in music and later earning a master's in music from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. During the last 25+ years, Gerald has worked as an IT Project Management consultant and earned his PfMP, PMP, MCSE, and a Certification in Conversational Intelligence (C-IQ) Coaching. He has acquired Project Management and Business Intelligence certifications from the University of California, Berkeley; Theory of Constraints Portfolio Management from the Goldratt Institute, Executive Leadership from Cornell University; and The Wharton School: Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program. In Gerald's leisure time, he loves to play golf and travel internationally.

Get ready to be inspired by a true powerhouse in the field of productivity intelligence. Today I'm having a conversation with Gerald J. Leonard, a leading figure who has revolutionized the way we approach maximizing our potential. Gerald's insights have been featured on platforms such as NPR and Jack Canfield's show, among others. A professional bassist, Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. Gerald is an international Keynote Bassist and Culture Change Expert. His programs integrate music, productivity, workplace culture and neuroscience.   Connect with Gerald today:  https://productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/ratrace/   Get your copy of Laura's new book Rat Race Reboot today: https://www.amazon.com/Rat-Race-Reboot-Potential-Impossible-ebook/dp/B0C1TGR7V9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PD2ZISQYWUD7&keywords=rat+race+reboot&qid=1686765918&s=books&sprefix=rat+race+reboot%2Cstripbooks%2C78&sr=1-1     Check out my website: https://www.ratracereboot.com/   Funding available for coaching https://www.eazeconsulting.com/apply?cl=GKKAY&ag=VAIHGCCG7B https://lauranoelcc.com/calendar   Guest Bio: Gerald J. Leonard is the Publishing Editor, CEO, and Founder of the Leonard Productivity Intelligence Institute, where he focuses on enhancing productivity and building better workplace cultures. He is also the CEO of Turnberry Premiere, a strategic project portfolio management and IT governance firm in Washington, DC. Gerald is known for his unique approach to productivity and business success. As an Author, CEO, Project Portfolio Management guru, and accomplished Bass player, he brings a diverse range of skills and experiences to his presentations and interviews. With a passion for helping others reach their full potential, Gerald has established himself as a leading figure in the field of productivity intelligence. His expertise has garnered significant recognition, leading to numerous sought-after guest appearances, including notable platforms such as NPR and Jack Canfield's show, among others. His highly anticipated third book, “A Symphony of Choices: How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making, Project Management and Workplace Engagement — and Saved a Concert Season,” is set to be released in August   #Geraldjleonard #RatRaceReboot #Mindset #LawOfAttraction #StretchIntoSuccess #ParadigmShift

The Power of Mentorship with Gerald J. Leonard, Musician, Author and CEO Mentorship is crucial in personal and professional growth, providing valuable guidance and insights from experienced individuals. In this episode, host Jenn DeWall welcomes back author, CEO and musician Gerald J. Leonard to The Leadership Habit. Gerald is a PMP, PFMP, and CIQ Coach, […] The post The Power of Mentorship with Gerald J. Leonard appeared first on Crestcom International.

Welcome to Productivity Smarts, the podcast that helps ambitious professionals like you optimize your time, achieve your goals and improve your overall performance at work and in life.   I'm your host, Gerald J. Leonard, and today we have an exciting topic to discuss: " From Overwhelmed to Focused_How Paraliminals Can Transform Your Productivity.   If you want to maximize your time and improve your performance, this episode is for you.   Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of your job?   Do you struggle to stay focused and accomplish your goals amidst distractions?   We all face these challenges, but what if I told you there's a powerful tool to help you overcome these obstacles and unlock your full potential that was as easy as pushing a button?   Paraliminals are audio recordings designed to tap into your nonconscious and subconscious mind and unleash your inner abilities.   If you want to check out the power of paraliminals, click here to see for yourself.  https://www.learningstrategies.com/Paraliminal/Home.asp?aff=1aff47245   If you're enjoying the content and finding it valuable, we would appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a review. Your feedback is important to us and helps us reach a wider audience.   If you leave us a 5-star review, it would mean the world to us. Not only does it help us improve the podcast, but it also helps us attract more sponsors and grow our community.   Thank you again for your support and listening to the Productivity Smarts Podcast.   Sponsors:   A Symphony of Choices: https://amzn.to/3Keq3zx   Growth Strategies: https://productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/mastermind/   KIVA: It's a loan, not a donation Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds   Connect with Gerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard   Free Productivity Smarts Weekly Evaluation Worksheet https://go.productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/productivity-smarts-worksheet   Every Goal Is A Project, and Everyone Is A Project Manager worksheet https://go.productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/every-goal-is-a-project     Discover How To Set Goals, Build A High-Performing Team, & Increase Productivity.... Starting Today!” https://workshop.productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/optin1666905303826?_ga=2.21012029.741858075.1668537790-242233139.1659493194     Learn more at www.productivitysmartspodcast.com

Productivity Smarts is an audio podcast hosted by Gerald J. Leonard, a productivity expert who helps other professionals get more done. Each episode features an in-depth discussion or interview with top productivity experts, tips, and strategies to help you become more productive by leveraging neuroscience principles. Features: • Interviews with top productivity experts • Tips and strategies for getting more done • Interviews with people who are doing great things Benefits: • Learn how to get more done • Get inspired by others who are doing great things in their lives • Hear what they do to stay focused and motivated   My mission is to help busy professionals become more productive to achieve their goals faster and reduce stress. I believe that everyone has the ability to increase their productivity. I also believe that everyone can benefit if I can help others improve their productivity. That's why I created this podcast. It's a place where I will share tips, hacks, and other productivity resources.   You'll learn how to get more done in less amount of time. And you'll find out what works for me and my team. So join me every weekday as I discuss productivity topics ranging from tools to habits. Sponsors: A Symphony of Choices: https://amzn.to/3Keq3zx Growth Strategies: https://productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/mastermind/ Connect with Gerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard Learn more at www.productivitysmartspodcast.com By asking engaging questions that encourage your feedback and input, we want to better understand our audience and create content that resonates with you. We will read your responses and incorporate your feedback into our future episodes. We would love to know your feedback on the following questions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_NgaX4NzZ5fhJW_UZuNz0W9crQAzkww6JvrYHDU_yUAkcAg/viewform?usp=sf_link    

A conservatory-trained professional bassist, Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more in the workplace. He is the CEO of Principles of Execution, a Certified Minority Business Enterprise and consulting practice with over 20 years' experience working with federal and state governments and multinational corporations. Past and present clients include Verizon, Center of Medicaid and Medicare, Freddie Mac, Hewlett-Packard (HP), GEICO, and many more.

Conservatory-trained musician, CEO of the business consultancy Principles of Execution (a Certified Minority Business Enterprise), and author of Workplace Jazz: How to Improvise – 9 Steps to Creating High-Performing Agile Project Team, Gerald Leonard joins Dr. Bunny to discuss the concept of improvisation, and so much more. Gerald tells us when his love of music began, what instruments he started on, and what led him to becoming a bass player. Being a jazz musician, Gerald learned many things along the way that helped him in his career, like: if you want to get better at something you have to practice things that you're not comfortable with, so you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. And you have to be a lifelong learner! This is a great interview that will have you looking at life in a whole new way! Tune in and prepare to be inspired! About Gerald Leonard: A professional bassist, Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. He is the CEO of Principles of Execution (PofE), a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Strategic Project Portfolio Management and Culture Change consulting practice with over 20+ years' experience working with large Federal and State Governments and Multi-National Corporations. Past and present clients include Verizon, Center of Medicaid and Medicare, Freddie Mac, Hewlett-Packard (HP), GEICO, and many more. He is also the author of Culture Is The Bass: 7Steps To Creating High-Performing Teams. He invites you to follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Goodreads. Contact Gerald Leonard at https://workplace-jazz.com/ Contact Dr. Bunny Vreeland at (805) 482-8111 or E-mail: Bunny@BunnyVreeland.com
Also visit: https://bunnyvreeland.com

Ready for some workplace Jazz from Gerald J. Leonard? He's a musician that can also play the computer. He's here to explain that relationship and talk about how his love of learning has made him an expert at helping CIOs, VPs, and Directors of Project Management build, engage, and sustain high-performing agile teams.   Guest Bio: Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. As an accomplished musician, creativity, innovation, and peak performance are part of his world. Gerald leverages these very principles to give your business the edge needed to succeed in a highly competitive workplace. He's the author of Culture Is The Bass: 7 Principles for Developing A Culture That Works and Workplace Jazz: How to IMPROVISE – 9 Steps to Creating High-Performing Agile Project Teams.   Guest Contact Info: WEBSITE: https://geraldjleonard.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/geraldjleonard TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ppmacademy LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW6_ZzZy5LBhmKVYcpbOGqg     Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com or visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka.    We would love to have you join us there, and welcome your messages. We check our Messenger often.   If you loved the podcast, be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share it with friends and leave a review! Dr. Lycka wants you to live your best life. Visit coachingwithdrlycka.com and book your Discovery call today. His bestselling book, "The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life" can be found on Amazon.com. Get your copy today!    We are building a community of like-minded people in the personal development/self-help/professional development industries, and are always looking for wonderful guests for our show. If you have any recommendations, please email us!   Dr. Allen Lycka's Social Media Links Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/ Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/drallenlycka LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka YouTube:  https://www.YouTube.com/c/drallenlycka   Subscribe to the How to Live a Fantastic Life podcast We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show – you can subscribe to the podcast app on your mobile device.   Leave a review We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again.  Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!

Creating High-Performing Teams Like a Jazz Band with Gerald J. Leonard Hi everyone. It's Jenn DeWall. And on this week's episode of The Leadership Habit, I sat down with Gerald J. Leonard to talk about creating high-performing teams like a jazz band, and his book Workplace Jazz: 9 Steps to Creating High-Performing Agile Project Teams. […] The post Creating High-Performing Teams Like a Jazz Band with Gerald J. Leonard appeared first on Crestcom International.

A professional bassist, Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. Gerald is an international Keynote Bassist and Culture Change Expert. His programs integrate music, productivity, workplace culture and neuroscience.Gerald Leonard is the author of “Culture Is The Bass: 7 Steps to Creating High Performing Teams,” listed on Entrepreneur magazine as one of the “Top 15 Books on Business Culture That You Need to Read Today,"" and the book, ""Workplace Jazz: How to Improvise,” listed on Human Resources Online as one of the Top 10 must-read HR books. Gerald is the CEO of Principles of Execution, dba Turnberry Premiere, a Strategic Project Portfolio Management, Culture Change and IT consulting firm with over 20 years' experience working with large Federal and State Governments and Multi-National Corporations.

A professional bassist, Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. He is the CEO of Principles of Execution (PofE), a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Strategic Project Portfolio Management and Culture Change consulting practice with over 20+ years' experience working with large Federal and State Governments and Multinational Corporations. Past and present clients include Verizon, Center of Medicaid and Medicare, Freddie Mac, Hewlett-Packard (HP), GEICO, and many more.  He is also the author of Workplace Jazz: How to Improvise and Culture Is The Bass: 7 Steps To Creating High-Performing Teams.   Show Highlights The value of having coaches and in the areas you want to go  The “acres of diamonds” lesson Learn to speak the language of imitation Deliberate practice is the performance.  Uncover workplace jazz and leave your ego at the door Music integrates the entire brain and allows you to see the big picture 3 ideas to naturally improve team dynamics Develop the pathway and capability to have great scientific and mathematical minds with brain integration.  “High-performing teams are high performers individually, but when they come together they first think of the performance and then they surrender to each other to highlight and motivate and encourage.” -Gerald Leonard   Gerald Leonard's Resources & Contact Info: Connect with Gerald to book your productivity!  Workplace Jazz: How to Improvise  Culture Is The Bass: 7 Steps To Creating High-Performing Teams. LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter What if Practice is the Performance: Falling In Love with Practice Gerald J. Leonard| TED Talk   Looking for more? Read The Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap Join “The Mastermind” Read the latest on the blog   SHOW SPONSORS: HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Transform how you lead to become a resilient and empowered change agent with Harvard's online Certificate in School Management and Leadership. Grow your professional network with a global cohort of fellow school leaders as you collaborate in case studies bridging the fields of education and business. Apply today at http://hgse.me/leader. TEACHFX School leaders know that productive student talk drives student learning, but the average teacher talks 75% of class time! TeachFX is changing that with a “Fitbit for teachers” that automatically measures student engagement and gives teachers feedback about what they could do differently.  Learn more about the TeachFX app and get a special 20% discount for your school or district by visiting teachfx.com/blbs. ORGANIZED BINDER Organized Binder is the missing piece in many classrooms. Many teachers are great with the main content of the lesson. Organized Binder helps with powerful introductions, savvy transitions, and memorable lesson closings. Your students will grow their executive functioning skills (and as a bonus), your teachers will become more organized too. Help your students and staff level up with Organized Binder.   Copyright © 2022  Twelve Practices LLC

Success Author's Corner with Gerald J. Leonard debuts Workplace Jazz. Hear from this accomplished jazz bass guitarist. Gerald offer a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. As an accomplished musician, creativity, innovation, and peak performance are part of my world. Gerald leverages these very principles to give your business the edge needed to succeed in a highly competitive workplace. He's the author of Culture Is The Bass: 7 Principles for Developing A Culture That Works and Workplace Jazz: How to IMPROVISE – 9 Steps to Creating High-Performing Agile Project Teams.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.

I frequently ask people where they see any form of agility outside of regular development. Joe Justice initially triggered me with that thought during our conversation in the previous season's episode. A lot of answers passed the revue but never has anyone mentioned Jazz. Yet, Gerald J. Leonard has written a book around this very example. The smooth sound and the way jazz musicians play work together are similar to how agile teams work together. Inspecting and adapting how they create the value, that beautiful sound. Gerald has some very excellent comparisons to share with us!What you'll discover in this show:-        Concert halls can help you in delivering value -        Jazz players adapt to each other like people in Agile teams-        Beauty, as always, lies in the eyes of the beholder    Speakers:Gerald J. LeonardAuthor | Online Courses | Strategic PMO Advisor for Government and Fortune 500 | C-IQ Coach | TEDx Speaker | Bassist | Angel Investor | Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. As an accomplished musician, creativity, innovation, and peak performance are part of my world. Gerald leverages these very principles to give your business the edge needed to succeed in a highly competitive workplace. He's the author of Culture Is The Bass: 7 Principles for Developing A Culture That Works and Workplace Jazz: How to IMPROVISE – 9 Steps to Creating High-Performing Agile Project Teams.  Contact Jurgen Appelo:https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard/https://geraldjleonard.com/Sander Dur (host)Scrum Master, Agile Coach, trainer, and podcast host for ‘Mastering Agility”Sander Dur is a business agility enthusiast, with a passion for people. Whether it's healthy product development, agile leadership, measurement, or psychological safety, Sander has the drive to enable organizations to the best of their abilities. He is an avid article writer, working on a book about Scrum Mastery from the Trenches, and is connecting listeners with the most influential people in the industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanderdur/ https://agilitymasters.com/en https://sander-dur.medium.com/ Additional resources: https://geraldjleonard.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrl2kR2UdHM 

Gerald J Leonard is "The Workplace Jazz Guy." Gerald offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. As an accomplished musician and TEDx Speaker; creativity, innovation, neuroscience and peak performance are part of his world.   Gerald is a Certified Project Portfolio Management Consultant and a Conservatory Trained Classical and Jazz Bassist who has been reviewed by the New York Times and performed at Carnegie Hall.   He is a member of the National Speaker Association, the author of "Culture is the Bass," and his recently released book "Workplace Jazz: How to I.M.P.R.O.V.I.S.E. - 9 Steps to a Successful Agile Project Team Transformation." Web: https://geraldjleonard.com/ Web https://workplace-jazz.com/   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard    Welcome to Profiles in Success and thank you for listening!   For more visit: https://profilesinsuccess.com/ Work with us: https://www.bernhardtwealth.com/

In this episode, I meet Gerald J Leonard, The Workplace Jazz Guy for part 2. Gerald offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. As an accomplished musician and TEDx Speaker; creativity, innovation, neuroscience and peak performance are part of his world.  He is a Certified Project Portfolio Management Consultant and a Conservatory Trained Classical and Jazz Bassist who has been reviewed by the New York Times and performed at Carnegie Hall. He is a member of the National Speaker Association, the author of "Culture is the Bass," and the soon to be released book "Workplace Jazz: How to I.M.P.R.O.V.I.S.E. - 9 Steps to a Successful Agile Project Team Transformation." Web: https://geraldjleonard.com/ Web https://workplace-jazz.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sundaylunchpm/message

In this episode, I meet Gerald J Leonard, The Workplace Jazz Guy. Gerald offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. As an accomplished musician and TEDx Speaker; creativity, innovation, neuroscience and peak performance are part of his world. He is a Certified Project Portfolio Management Consultant and a Conservatory Trained Classical and Jazz Bassist who has been reviewed by the New York Times and performed at Carnegie Hall. He is a member of the National Speaker Association, the author of "Culture is the Bass," and the soon to be released book "Workplace Jazz: How to I.M.P.R.O.V.I.S.E. - 9 Steps to a Successful Agile Project Team Transformation." Web: https://geraldjleonard.com/ Web https://workplace-jazz.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sundaylunchpm/message

Sometimes, one's love for music will give you more than entertainment. For Gerald J. Leonard of Principles of Execution, this put him on a path toward success in the realm of consulting. Sitting down with Michael Zipursky, he shares how he integrates the musical talents he honed from childhood into his career in consulting, helping scale businesses through programs that actually work. Gerald explains how this experience taught him the importance of getting proper mentorship to continuously improve his skills, particularly his innate marketing skills. He also shares how his constant desire to learn and grow allowed him to write a book, create his own course, and develop a seven-step process in creating the right workplace culture for you.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Consulting Success Community today:consultingsuccess.com

Gerald J. Leonard is the CEO of Principles of Execution (PofE), a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Strategic Project Portfolio Management and Culture Change consulting and coaching practice with over 20+ years experiencing working with large Federal and State Governments and Multi-National Corporations. The post #091 – Gerald J. Leonard, Author of Workplace Jazz first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

Gerald J. Leonard helps CIOs, VPs, and Directors of Project Management build, engage, and sustain high-performing agile teams. He helps them create teams that can accomplish more every day through my Consulting, Coaching, PPM 360 Assessments, and Virtual Jazz Bass Performance & Talks. In Workplace Jazz, Gerald raises a battle cry for individual and corporate responsibility in building cultures that are healthier and more productive for those working in them. Learn more about Gerald J. Leonard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard Learn more about Workplace Jazz at https://workplace-jazz.com Learn more about Principals of Execution at principlesofexecution.com Seeking more ways to Amplify Your Business? Register for our free Profit Growth Accelerator training at https://GrowthAmplifiers.com/Amplify

It seems that music and business couldn't be more different. But our guest today has found that they are far more similar than we think. Today's guest on A Life and a Living Podcast is Gerald J. Leonard, CEO of Principles of Execution and accomplished musician. The work he has done as a consultant is absolutely fascinating. Gerald started out as a musician that wound up in the field of IT. Over time, he then worked his way into the CEO position of Principles of Execution and is the author of two books, Culture is the Bass and Workplace Jazz. As you can see, music still plays a significant role in Gerald's life and his career. In today's episode, he weaves together what he knows and uses as a musician into the business world and the results speak for themselves. What We Talked About in This Episode: Gerald's Background and Passion in Music What Business and Music Have in Common The Importance of Learning Your Instrument Understanding the Value of Practice and Repetition Seeking a Coach, Instructor, or Mentor to Hone Your Business Craft Demonstrating Expertise Developing an Environment to Create Team Buy-In How to Get a Diverse Mindset for Innovation Learning by Watching versus Learning by Listening Conversations Drive Culture The Neuroscience Behind Culture Gerald's Advice to Leaders Through Crisis Growth Through Agility, Flexibility, and Innovation Covid's Positive Impact on Culture and Teamwork Gerald's Book Recommendation and Daily Rituals About Our Guest: Gerald J. Leonard is the CEO of Principles of Execution (PofE), a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Strategic Project Portfolio Management and Culture Change consulting and coaching practice with over 20+ years experience working with large Federal and State Governments and Multinational Corporations. Gerald provides an insightful and unique way of combining his experience and expertise as a professional bassist and a certified Portfolio Management Professional consultant. To reach Gerald, go to his website: https://geraldjleonard.com/ Connect with Gerald J. Leonard: Workplace Jazz Website Culture is the Bass: 7 Steps to Creating High Performance Teams by Gerald J. Leonard Workplace Jazz: How to Improvise - 9 Steps to Creating High-Performance Agile Project Teams by Gerald J. Leonard Connect with John Murphy: Youtube Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Website If you liked this episode, please don't forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast. Thanks for tuning in!

It seems that music and business couldn’t be more different. But our guest today has found that they are far more similar than we think. Today’s guest on A Life and a Living Podcast is Gerald J. Leonard, CEO of Principles of Execution and accomplished musician. The work he has done as a consultant is absolutely fascinating.

Have you ever played a musical instrument? Were you deliberate about practicing or did your parents have to force you? Gerald J. Leonard claims that professional musicians spend 95% of their time practicing and only 5% on stage. He should know...  Gerald is a professional jazz musician, a Portfolio Management Professional consultant, and the author of two books: Culture is the Bass and, his new book, Workplace Jazz. As a lover of neuroscience, he understands the importance of deliberate practice. In this conversation, we explore the unexpected connection between deliberate practice and gratitude.

Gerald J. Leonard, PfMP, PMP, assist CIOs, VPs, Directors, and Managers of Project Management build, engage, and sustain a more mature project practice. He creates productive project teams that can accomplish more every day through his consulting, coaching, and online assessments. Mr. Leonard also provides an insightful and unique way of combining his experience and expertise as a professional bassist and a certified Portfolio Management Professional consultant. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/asipofinspiration/support

This podcast is for aspiring TEDx speakers to gain insight into what it takes to land their talk. With weekly expert advice from past TEDx speakers and event organizers. These are the insider connections and "hacks" to the red spot. Watch Adam's TEDx Talk here: www.bit.ly/TEDxALW Increase Your Influence, Income & Impact! To enquire about The TalkXcelerator Program visit www.TalkXcelerator.com *Not affiliated with TED*

Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. As an accomplished musician, creativity, innovation, and peak performance are part of his world. Gerald leverages these very principles to give your business the edge needed to succeed in a highly competitive workplace. He is the author of Culture Is The Bass: 7 Principles for Developing A Culture That Works and the upcoming book, Workplace Jazz: How to IMPROVISE – 9 Steps to a Successful Agile Project Team Transformation.   He is the CEO of Principles of Execution (PofE), a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Strategic Project Portfolio Management and Culture Change consulting and coaching practice with over 20+ years experiencing working with large Federal and State Governments and Multi-National Corporations  

Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. As an accomplished musician, creativity, innovation, and peak performance are part of his world. Gerald leverages these very principles to give your business the edge needed to succeed in a highly competitive workplace. He is the author of Culture Is The Bass: 7 Principles for Developing A Culture That Works and the upcoming book, Workplace Jazz: How to IMPROVISE – 9 Steps to a Successful Agile Project Team Transformation. He is the CEO of Principles of Execution (PofE), a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Strategic Project Portfolio Management and Culture Change consulting and coaching practice with over 20+ years experiencing working with large Federal and State Governments and Multi-National Corporations 

Great interviewing Gerald J Leonard, President & CEO of Principles of Execution, LLC on the Marketing That Clicks podcast! Gerald J. Leonard PMP, PfMP, is the author of "Culture Is The Bass: 7 Principles for Developing A Culture That Works," and is the President and CEO of Principles of Execution, a Certified Minority Business Enterprise, Strategic Project Portfolio Management and Culture Change consulting practice with over 20+ years’ experience working with large Federal and State Governments and Multi-National Corporations. Gerald provides an insightful and unique way of combining his experience and expertise as a professional bassist and a certified Portfolio Management Professional consultant. You can learn more about Gerald here: https://geraldjleonard.com/ You can learn more about Gerald's latest project, Billion Dollar Beat, here: http://billiondollarbeat.com/

Culture what is it, does your business have one? Gerald J. Leonard understands the challenges that business owners face as they struggle with culture confusion, too many number one priorities, lacking consensus among key leaders and misalignment of their mission, vision, and values.  He is an international expert on the topics of Developing a Culture That Works, Strategy Implementation, and Project Portfolio Management and is also a professional bassist. He is the author of Culture Is The Bass: 7 Principles for Developing A Culture That Works and has an upcoming book, Symphonic Culture: Unify, Strategize, and Execute Collectively for Optimum Results Culture is the intangible and almost emotional connection that people have with a company or family or organization. Gerald thinks culture is the foundation of the place where you get great music baselines. It creates a framework of the bass and it’s like the physical bond that all other women who have similar cultures. It has different cultures that propelled people away from each other. Each influences our perspective and it also causes the characters of the organization. VISSION: Every business, every organization, every family and every individual has created. Has some form a culture of how they are living. It really boils down to their overall vision for their life. VALUES: This is how they live now and they are made here which creates this culture. A culture that is pleasant, exciting, fun, and serving helpful art that can be one that’s very toxic but everyone has. And sometimes, people are not sure how they develop them. MISSION: If people have a business, they should want to have an organization that they want to grow. Having people that will be loyal to them consistently. Meaning having a positive attitude of employees which relates to the culture of the company. The key learning here is discipline. People need to have a clear vision or a clear track of where they want to go. They need to look those three things. People have to step back and visualize “What do we want our culture to be?”.  One way to do that has the business owners ask their customers since they know their clients and what they want. These questions will be your core values which are going to help business owners implement into their system, whether it’s integrity whether it’s customer service first, whether it’s excellence in each branch certifications, these are the things that customers admire and what business owners will have to live for. At times it does call for some challenging times where business owners have people on their team that doesn’t realize they don’t live according to these, sadly they would need part ways with these set of people in order to maintain the vision, values, and mission that they have for their company.  Critical decisions are made because everything needs to be aligned to really make a difference. A good company culture takes work to build an anchor for a long-term sustainable business. In terms of hiring, a company needs to be able to hire people that  fit into their culture. Meaning they could already see that the person is able to transform after developing the skills they have and understanding the story behind the company. They understand the vision, the values that the owner has for the company. It doesn’t have to be complicated, each of them should be able to share their best practices.  The proper mindset to be able to do the job. Because companies want to be set by people who can tough it out but at the same time will always have the same mentality in understanding the main vision and values of the company. And that is their accountability. It’s very important for each person to be able to hold the core values and criteria of the company because then they truly understand the culture of whom they are working for and what the company can do for them in return. And that’s what a good business is. You may visit this website for more details about Gerald J. Leonard: http://geraldjleonard.com/ AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Gerald-J.-Leonard/e/B01IQW616A   There are so many ways to do almost free marketing you just have to think about it or you could just go to the website and pick up the free download.  4 Hot Marketing Strategies That Can Flood Your Business with Customers  If you have a story to tell and would like to be a guest on this podcast email my assistant Shell at Shell@contractorssecretweapon.com   and she will send you our guest sheet.  Our sponsors     Would you like your phone to ring more with qualified buyers people looking to buy now? Then let’s make that happen. Best Home Services Leads is dedicated to making your phone ring with qualified buyers wanting to buy now. 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Gerald J. Leonard has over 20 years of experience as an IT Project Management consultant and has earned many IT certifications. He has also acquired certifications in Project Management and Business Intelligence from the University of California, Berkeley, as well as an Executive Leadership Certification from Cornell University.

What is your business culture? It is time to "Develop a Culture That Works". I am pleased to have Gerald J. Leonard on the show this Friday. Creating a culture that works is a multi-step process. But with the right process framework organizations can achieve balance, harmony and a unified vision.Learn the 7 principles of an effective business culture, and the 11 most common culture mistakes that business owners make.This show is broadcast live on Friday's at 12PM ET on W4CY Radio – (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (http://www.talk4radio.com/) on the Talk 4 Media Network (http://www.talk4media.com/).