Productivity Gladiator

Productivity Gladiator
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Sharing knowledge, hacks, and ideas on work-life balance and personal productivity, and talking to knowledgeable people in those areas.

  1. 2025-11-04

    Should I Quit Social Media? A Digital Marketing Expert’s Answer(You’ll Be Surprised) - Corey Perlman

    Should I quit social media? A debate with a social media & digital marketing expert - With Corey Perlman What if the secret to winning at social media is barely being on it at all? Brian debates social media expert Corey Perlman, who runs a digital marketing agency but doesn't even have Instagram on his phone—and that contradiction is exactly the point. Turns out the productivity drain isn't social media itself; it's the doom scrolling that's stealing 40 minutes of your day while you pretend you're "networking." Corey drops the truth bomb that influencer metrics and business metrics are completely different games, yet most professionals are playing by Instagram rules and wondering why they feel like failures when seven people like their post. This conversation gets practical fast: discover the "rented land vs. owned land" framework that'll save you from platform catastrophe, learn why your LinkedIn company page isn't dead (just neglected), and find out exactly how to be authentically present online without pressing a single button yourself. Brian and Corey tackle the hypocrite's dilemma head-on—can you tell people to quit social while still posting yourself?—and land on a game-changing distinction that lets you have your cake and eat it too. You'll get the app blocker that nukes newsfeeds while keeping connections alive, the 15-minute commenting strategy that builds real relationships without the scroll spiral, and the truth about which platforms actually matter for your business (hint: stop chasing TikTok if you're selling B2B). If you're trapped between FOMO and burnout, convinced you need social media but hate what it's doing to your brain, this episode hands you the escape hatch. The show notes include all the tools to take back control starting today. References In This Episode Corey Perlman – Impact Social Media – Corey's LinkedIn profile and Impact Social Media website Key Resources: Authentically Social – Corey's book on being authentic on social media for business Corey's Instagram – @CoreyPerlmanSpeaks CoreyPerlman.com – Corey's main website Brian's Resources: Social Media Addiction with Tech Hacks to Fix It – Brian's blog post with tools to combat social media time waste Should I Quit Social Media? A Debate With A Focus Expert - Penny Zenker – The primer discussion before this debate Brian's TEDx Talk on Time Management – His signature presentation on productivity Tools & Techniques: Block It App – Safari browser extension that blocks social media newsfeeds while keeping notifications visible 15-Minute Social Media Blocks – Corey's time-blocking strategy: 15 minutes for OPP (Other People's Posts), 15 minutes for connection requests Content Creation vs. Posting Separation – Strategy of texting content to someone else to post on your behalf Concepts & Frameworks: Rented Land vs. Owned Land – Understanding which digital properties you control (website, email list) versus platforms you don't (social media) Influencer Marketing vs. Business Marketing – Critical distinction between vanity metrics and conversion metrics Quality Audience Over Large Audience – Business success doesn't require thousands of followers "You Can Be On Social Media Without Being On Social Media" – Chapter from Corey's book on maintaining presence without constant engagement The New Rich Concept – From Tim Ferriss's The 4-Hour Work Week about $10K/month in perpetuity vs. chasing millions Hiring & Outsourcing Options: Fiverr – Entry-level social media help Upwork – Platform for hiring freelance social media managers College interns – Another cost-effective option mentioned Subscribe to Brian’s email list Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Debate on Social Media 06:42 The Duality of Social Media: Good and Bad 08:24 Navigating Social Media Without Being Overwhelmed 12:02 The Importance of Early Social Media Engagement 16:49 Influencer Marketing vs. Business Marketing 22:20 Staying Unforgettable in a Digital World 31:55 Categorizing Social Media Platforms 32:52 Navigating Social Media for Business 37:53 The Role of LinkedIn in Professional Networking 43:49 Balancing Personal and Business Presence 46:39 Prioritizing Social Media in Marketing Strategies 48:43 Managing Time on Social Media 59:28 Taking Control of Social Media Usage Today’s Guest Corey Perlman Founder & Digital Marketing Expert, Impact Social Media Corey Perlman is a social media and digital marketing expert with 15 years of experience helping businesses navigate online presence without losing their focus. As both a keynote speaker and agency owner, he bridges strategy and execution—his team runs social media for about 50 companies while he speaks to audiences about the bigger picture. His book, Authentically Social, challenges one-size-fits-all tactics and pushes for genuine storytelling over billboard-style posting. Corey specializes in helping professionals separate influencer marketing (chasing likes and followers) from business marketing (quality audiences and conversions)—a shift that changes how people show up online. What sets Corey apart is his perspective: he grew up with MySpace and early Facebook, but he’s old enough to remember life before social dominated everything. He sees both the strategic value of social and the real mental-health costs of constant engagement. He uses Instagram sparingly (about once a week) and delegates posting, and he’s removed Facebook from his phone to protect his attention. Corey’s philosophy is simple: you can be fully present on social without living on the platforms. Create authentic content; let someone else press the buttons. And never forget the difference between rented land (social platforms that can change the rules) and owned land (your website and email list). As a father of a teenage daughter and an 11-year-old son, Corey thinks deeply about social’s impact on the next generation, making his expertise both professional and personal. His north star: be strategic, intentional, and authentic online—while protecting your time, attention, and well-being. Connect with Corey: LinkedIn: Corey Perlman Instagram: @CoreyPerlmanSpeaks Website: CoreyPerlman.com Agency: ImpactSocialMedia.com

    1h 4m

  2. 2025-09-30

    The Bad Productivity Habits That Drive Away Your Best Employees - With Cara Silletto

    Think your productivity systems are helping your team? They might be driving your best people straight out the door. Brian sits down with retention expert Cara Silletto, who's spent 13 years figuring out why good employees quit, and the answers will make you rethink everything about your management style. Turns out that one-size-fits-all approach you're so proud of? It's treating orchids like cacti, and your team is withering because of it. Cara reveals the generational blind spots that have leaders scratching their heads while talent walks away, plus the uncomfortable truth about why your "common sense" expectations are anything but common. This conversation gets tactical fast: discover the ChatGPT trick that instantly exposes whether you're a delegation disaster, learn why your meeting style might be silencing half your team, and find out how your follow-through failures are quietly destroying trust. Brian and Cara dive deep into the spectrum of leadership styles, from micromanagement hell to delegate-and-abandon disasters, showing you exactly where that sweet spot lives. You'll walk away with the houseplant framework for understanding your team's needs, a system for operationalizing check-ins that actually matter, and the communication preference conversation that stops mind-reading madness before it starts. Plus, they reveal why those productive latchkey Gen Xers are clashing with collaborative millennials and Gen Z workers who need different kinds of support. If you're hemorrhaging talent, confused why good people keep leaving, or ready to stop accidentally sabotaging your own team's success, this episode maps out the leadership moves that keep your best people around. Ready to become the boss people actually want to work for? The show notes are packed with tools and templates to get started. References In This Episode Cara Silletto – Magnet Culture – Cara's LinkedIn profile and Magnet Culture website Key Resources: Magnet Vault – Cara's collection of downloadable tools and templates for managers Get to Know You Sheet – Template for understanding team members' communication and praise preferences (available in Magnet Vault) Staying Power: Why Your Employees Leave and How to Keep Them Longer – Cara's 2018 book on employee retention Brian's Resources: Team Communication Protocol – Blog post and template for establishing clear communication channels and preferences "This Meeting Could Have Been an Email" – Brian's signature conference session on effective meeting management Tools & Techniques: ChatGPT Delegation Test – Use the prompt "ask me questions one at a time until you have everything you need" to evaluate your delegation clarity Calendar Color-Coding System – Cara's method using purple blocks for non-meeting tasks One-on-One Agenda Framework – Structure for regular check-ins with team members Concepts & Frameworks: Employee Retention Ecosystem – Cara's systematic approach to retention strategy Houseplant Spectrum – Management framework from high-maintenance "orchids" to low-maintenance "cacti" employees Latchkey Generation Theory – Understanding generational differences in independence and problem-solving approaches Communication Preferences Mapping – Systematic approach to understanding how each team member prefers to receive information and feedback Subscribe to Brian’s email list Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Productivity and Employee Retention 01:37 Understanding Generational Gaps in the Workforce 03:06 The Impact of Leadership Habits on Employee Retention 06:48 Balancing Processes and People in Leadership 10:28 Identifying Employee Needs: The Houseplant Analogy 13:13 Communication: The Key to Effective Leadership 17:20 Unwritten Expectations and Their Impact on Workplace Culture 19:34 The Importance of Clear Communication in Delegation 23:42 Finding the Balance in Delegation and Empowerment 25:28 Empowering Employees to Find Answers 28:10 The Spectrum of Leadership Styles 30:24 Generational Differences in Critical Thinking 32:36 Time Management and Meeting Effectiveness 37:24 Reliability and Accountability in Leadership 43:07 Making Productivity Skills Contagious 46:21 Operationalizing Check-Ins for Better Communication Today’s Guest Cara Silletto President & Chief Retention Officer, Magnet Culture Cara Silletto is a workplace retention expert who has spent 13 years helping leaders keep their best people longer by understanding today's multigenerational workforce. Born in 1981 as one of the oldest millennials, she launched her career bridging generational gaps after recognizing that communication breakdowns between managers and employees were driving costly turnover. Her book, Staying Power: Why Your Employees Leave and How to Keep Them Longer (2018), established her as a leading voice in retention strategy before it became a mainstream business priority. Cara specializes in translating generational differences into actionable management practices, helping leaders adapt their communication and leadership styles to engage everyone from exhausted Gen Xers to collaborative Gen Z workers. What sets Cara apart is her systematic, process-driven approach to the "softer side" of leadership. Despite being deeply people-focused, she operates like an industrial engineer, creating frameworks and systems that make individualized employee care scalable. Her signature "Employee Retention Ecosystem" and "houseplant spectrum" management model help leaders balance productivity with personalized attention. Cara's speaking and training programs combine generational insights with practical tools, always asking "who is today's new workforce?" Her team includes Gen Z trainers who help keep her content current as workplace expectations continue evolving. She believes retention isn't just about understanding young employees—it's about recognizing that every generation has shifted their relationship with work over the past decade. Currently running Magnet Culture as a fully remote team, Cara practices what she preaches about flexible, individualized management while maintaining rigorous operational systems. Connect with Cara: LinkedIn: Cara Silletto Website: magnetculture.com

    53 min

  3. 2025-08-28

    The Productivity Skills That Will Fast-Track Your Promotions - With Kendall Berg

    Ever wonder why some high performers skyrocket while others stay stuck in middle management hell? Brian teams up with career coach Kendall Berg, who cracked the code after getting promoted five times in six years—and it wasn't by working harder. This conversation gets uncomfortably real about workplace politics, invisible performance reviews, and why your boss probably has zero clue about your actual contributions. Kendall opens up about her journey from being "too direct, too stubborn, too emotional" to mastering the unspoken rules that actually drive promotions, while Brian shares his AI trick that instantly reveals whether you're delegating like a pro or driving your team crazy. You'll walk away with immediately usable tactics: the magic of investing 20% of your time in relationships, how to handle "urgent" requests without becoming a pushover, and the email structure that makes people think you're incredibly thoughtful. Plus, they pull back the curtain on what really happens in those executive rooms where promotion decisions get made—and why knowing your boss's peers might be more important than impressing your boss. If you're exhausted from working endless hours without advancement, confused by office politics, or ready to stop waiting for someone to notice your hard work, this episode reveals the strategic moves that separate the promoted from the passed-over. Ready to level up? Dive into the resources and links waiting in the show notes! References In This Episode Kendall Berg – “That Career Coach” – Kendall’s website and LinkedIn profile Books Mentioned: Secrets of the Career Game – Kendall’s book with 36 strategies to help high performers move up in their careers. The Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers into Great Leaders– book by John Zenger and Joseph Folkman, recommended during the episode. Concepts & Frameworks: Nine Box performance evaluation system Cross calibrations/Performance calibrations meetings 3-2-1 backup strategy (mentioned in context) CORE delegation framework (Context, Oversight, Resources, Expectation) ARS email template (Acknowledge, Restate, Solve) Subscribe to Brian’s email list Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Productivity Skills for Promotions 02:59 Kendall's Unique Approach to Career Coaching 05:25 The Gap Between High Performers and Stagnation 08:28 Understanding Performance Reviews and Visibility 10:55 Navigating Urgency and Productivity 13:17 Effective Networking and Relationship Building 16:16 Planning and Structuring Your Work Week 18:56 The Importance of Strategy in Career Advancement 30:23 The Importance of Automation and Goal Setting 32:37 Effective Communication in Management 35:52 Delegation and AI: A New Era of Productivity 41:00 Communication Habits for Career Advancement 54:36 Navigating the Career Game: Insights from Kendall's Book Today’s Guest Kendall Berg Career Coach, Leadership Development Expert, Corporate Strategy Consultant Kendall Berg is a career strategist and executive coach who transforms high-performing professionals into promotion-ready leaders. After struggling with workplace politics early in her career—being "too direct, too stubborn, too emotional"—she developed tactical systems that propelled her through five promotions in six years, culminating in a CFO offer before age 30. Her book, Secrets of the Career Game: 36 Strategies to Get Ahead in Your Career, serves as a no-nonsense tactical guide for navigating corporate realities. Kendall specializes in helping middle managers break through to executive levels by mastering the unspoken rules of workplace advancement, relationship building, and strategic communication. Known for her refreshingly honest approach, Kendall doesn't sugarcoat corporate life or pretend workplaces are meritocracies. Instead, she equips clients with concrete templates, scripts, and frameworks to advocate for themselves effectively while staying authentic. She believes career success isn't about working harder—it's about working strategically and building the right relationships. Currently balancing her coaching practice with a corporate role (because her boss "refuses to let her go"), Kendall brings real-world credibility to her advice. She's the coach for professionals tired of playing games they don't understand. Connect with Kendall: LinkedIn: Kendall Berg Website: thatcareercoach.net Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares separate hacks, tips, and actionable learning exclusively for his email subscribers. Sign up so you don’t miss out! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a leader at all levels, I now train Productivity Gladiators to level up their careers. Graduates wield superpowers in time management, practical leadership, communication, & productivity. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! “Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.”

    1 hr

  4. 2025-07-31

    Digital Organization Mistakes That Kill Productivity - With Judith Guertin

    Digital Organization Mistakes That Kill Productivity - With Judith Guertin What happens when two organizing experts get real about wrangling life’s digital chaos? In this episode, Brian sits down with digital-organization veteran Judith Guertin, and the conversation quickly gets refreshingly honest. They share their recent experiences—Brian’s panic over scattered note-taking apps and Judith’s frustration with app clutter and forgotten downloads. Expect laughter, self-confessions, and real-world examples that hit home: Brian reveals he’s guilty of never clearing his downloads folder, while Judith confesses she’s hopped between platforms chasing the “next best thing.” They dive into actionable strategies you can start using today—like sticking with one note-taking system, voice-dictating your thoughts, naming files with consistent conventions, and relying on proven backup methods (like the 3–2–1 strategy). You’ll also discover how AI tools like Gemini, Magi.ai, and Microsoft Loop are reshaping the way we organize digital lives—balancing excitement with critical thinking. Whether you're weary of tool fatigue, lost in folders, or curious how AI can support (not sabotage) your productivity, this episode delivers clarity—and a few laughs along the way. Want to go deeper? Check out the show notes and reference links below! References In This Episode Judith Guertin - Judith’s professional Linkedin Profile Beyond the Estate Plan Guide – Judith’s book to organize vital personal and digital information. All Ways Organized – Judith’s professional organizing & digital consulting firm. AppSumo – referenced during discussion on "bright shiny object" syndrome and tool overload. Mem.ai – example of an AI note-taking platform and risks of using emerging tools. Google Gemini in Drive – Brian’s preferred tool for querying notes within Google Docs. Microsoft Loop – discussed as a live, collaborative component across Microsoft apps. Magai.co – Judith’s centralized AI tool for managing multiple chat systems. Communication Protocol Episode – Brian’s prior episode on team communication strategies. Brian’s TEDx Talk – “Reimagining the Actual Value of Your Time.” Addiction To Social Media & Free Hacks To Fix It – tips aligned with our episode’s app overload and habit-reset themes. Calculate The Specific '$/Hr' Value Of Your Time – linked to our discussion on tool cost vs. value of time. How Many Hours Do You Spend On Social Media? – adds context to Brian’s point about time spent. Subscribe to Brian’s email list Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Organization 02:12 Understanding Your Digital Life 05:01 Strategies for Effective Digital Organization 08:10 The Role of AI in Digital Organization 10:53 Common Mistakes in Digital Organization 13:56 Overcoming Bright Shiny Object Syndrome 16:28 The Importance of Writing Things Down 19:34 Navigating Fear of Missing Out 21:30 Choosing the Right Tools for Organization 24:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 28:20 The Importance of Integrated Tools 28:40 Avoiding App Overload and Subscription Mistakes 30:23 Evaluating the Value of Paid Tools 32:37 Mastering Content Management 34:46 Tackling Digital Clutter 35:44 AI's Impact on Productivity 43:17 Creating an Effective Digital Organization Plan 46:45 Establishing a Naming Convention 48:32 Documenting Important Information for the Future Today’s Guest Judith Guertin Professional Organizer, Digital Estate Specialist, Productivity Consultant Judith Guertin is a certified professional organizer, author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience helping individuals, families, and organizations bring order to their digital and physical worlds. Known for her calm, clear approach, Judith specializes in decluttering overwhelmed systems—whether that’s your inbox, cloud drives, or the vital documents your family may one day need. Her book, Beyond the Estate Plan Guide, equips readers to capture and share essential information so nothing gets lost in life transitions. As the founder of All Ways Organized, Judith guides clients in creating sustainable strategies that keep their digital lives accessible, secure, and easy to maintain. Judith blends deep expertise in productivity tools and estate preparedness with a practical, down-to-earth mindset. She believes that organized systems aren’t just about efficiency—they’re about peace of mind and leaving a legacy of clarity. Connect with Judith: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judithguertin Website: allwaysorganizedmass.com

    51 min

  5. 2025-06-30

    Should I Quit Social Media? A Debate With A Focus Expert - Penny Zenker

    What happens when a productivity expert and a focus coach talk honestly about the role social media plays in our lives? In this episode, Brian sits down with Penny Zenker to have a real conversation about how platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook affect our attention, stress levels, and time. They don’t hold back. Penny admits she’s been thinking about walking away from it altogether. Brian shares his frustration with AI-generated content and the constant noise in his feed. They explore how social media can be both helpful and harmful, and what it means to use it with intention. Penny shares her Reset Mindset framework and talks about how to refocus when life and technology pull you in every direction. They also get into the difference between attention and focus—and why that distinction really matters. You’ll hear laughter, honest disagreement, and some ideas that might just change how you interact with your phone. Want to go deeper? Check out the show notes and resources linked in the episode! References In This Episode Penny Zenker – pennyskeynote.com(Main website for Penny’s keynotes, workshops, Reset Mindset framework, and booking info) The Reset Mindset Book – Learn MorePenny’s award-winning book that shares practical strategies to help people reset, realign, and refocus in high-stress, high-distraction environments. Penny Zenker’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyzenker Brian’s TEDx Talk – “The Value of Your Time” – Watch on YouTube Brian talks about time as our most precious resource, and why being intentional matters more than being busy. Taja.ai – taja.aiThe AI tool that sparked this episode’s debate. It repurposes YouTube videos into social media content—helpful for productivity, but also raises questions about authenticity and noise. Duolingo – duolingo.comMentioned as a smarter way to spend a few minutes on your phone compared to endless scrolling. A reminder that learning something new can be a great way to reset your habits. Screen Time Tools – Apple iOS Screen Time Digital Wellbeing on AndroidCheck how much time you’re spending on social apps—and decide if that aligns with what matters to you. Productivity Gladiator Blog Post - How Many Hours Do You Spend On Social Media? Productivity Gladiator Blog Post - Addiction To Social Media: Fix It With Apps and Tech Hacks Productivity Gladiator Blog Post - Addiction to Social Media & Free Hacks To Fix It Subscribe to Brian’s email list Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Debate on Social Media 04:45 The Impact of Social Media on Productivity 07:31 AI's Influence on Social Media Perspectives 14:17 Personal Use of Social Media: Should You Quit? 25:17 Professional Use of Social Media: The Business Perspective 29:40 The Power of Focused Efforts 31:34 Building Meaningful Connections 36:29 Referrals and Customer Relationships 41:08 Assessing Social Media's Value 45:17 Recognizing Productivity Killers 47:22 Taking Action for Change 54:48 The Reset Mindset and Future Directions Today’s Guest Penny Zenker Keynote Speaker, Focus Expert, Productivity Strategist Penny Zenker is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of the Reset Mindset—a practical framework that helps people regain control of their time, energy, and attention. Known as The Focusologist, Penny teaches leaders and teams how to eliminate distractions, reduce stress, and stay aligned with what matters most. With a background as a successful tech entrepreneur and strategic business coach, Penny blends big-picture thinking with tactical insight. Her talks and trainings challenge conventional ideas about productivity and help people shift from busy to intentional. Her TEDx talk, featured by Success Magazine, highlights the power of choice in driving performance. Penny has been featured on major media outlets including NBC News, Forbes, and Inc. She works with global brands, fast-moving teams, and purpose-driven individuals who want to create more focus and less friction in their work and life. Connect with Penny:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pennyzenker Website: pennyskeynote.com

    1 hr

  6. 2025-05-28

    How Hidden Beliefs Are Wrecking Your Productivity - with Rachel Druckenmiller

    In this eye-opening episode, Brian Nelson-Palmer sits down with Rachel Druckenmiller—keynote speaker, singer-songwriter, and founder of Unmuted—to expose a hidden productivity killer: the quiet, limiting beliefs that shape how we work. Drawing on her own experience with burnout and recovery, Rachel shares how phrases like “I’m not the kind of person who…” silently sabotage high performers—and how reframing identity-based self-talk can shift everything. Listeners will walk away with powerful mindset tools, including Rachel’s go-to reframe question—“What kind of person do I want to be?”—and a deeper understanding of how imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and internal narratives impact productivity. Want to go deeper? Check out the show notes and resources linked in the episode! References In This Episode Rachel Druckenmiller – racheldruckenmiller.com (Main website for speaking, coaching, music, and blog content) Rachel’s Music on Spotify – Spotify Artist Profile (Listen to original songs like Somebody and her upcoming jazz cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”) Brian’s 1st Album with his band FellowcraftThe first song, The West Texas Blues, is his favorite. Brian’s 2nd Album with FellowcraftThe first song, Hold The Line, won the Wammie award for best rock song in 2018. The fifth song, Bartenders & Bourbon, is an epic collaboration if you’re a blues fan! Rachel Druckenmiller on LinkedIn – LinkedIn Profile Rachel’s Social Media Instagram: @UnmutedLife Facebook: Unmuted with Rachel Druckenmiller YouTube: Rachel Druckenmiller – Official Channel Books and Concepts Referenced: Atomic Habits by James Clear (Referenced for how identity drives habits) Immunity to Change by Lisa Lahey & Robert Kegan (The coaching framework that helped Rachel rewire self-sabotaging beliefs) Dunning-Kruger Effect (Discussed in the episode as it relates to confidence and competence) Subscribe to Brian’s email list Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hidden Beliefs and Self-Talk 02:33 Understanding Hidden Beliefs and Their Impact 04:48 The Power of Identity Statements 07:15 Self-Sabotage and Productivity 09:36 Fear and Its Role in Productivity 11:53 The Importance of Saying No 14:26 Recognizing Mindset vs. Skills Issues 16:37 Procrastination as a Mindset Indicator 18:57 Rewiring Unhelpful Beliefs 21:44 Conclusion and Personal Reflections 22:36 The Power of Questions Over Statements 24:01 Rediscovering Childhood Wonder and Capability 24:48 The Dunning-Kruger Effect and Self-Perception 26:15 Embracing New Identities Through Action 28:32 The Journey to Becoming a Singer-Songwriter 33:10 Claiming Your Identity and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 37:59 Transforming Self-Talk and Identity Questions 42:45 Future Aspirations: Music and Authorship Today’s Guest Rachel Druckenmiller Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker, Leadership Trainer, Singer-SongwriterFounder of Unmuted Rachel Druckenmiller is a keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and the founder of Unmuted, a leadership and learning consultancy that helps people tap into greater clarity, confidence, and courage. With nearly two decades of experience, Rachel works with organizations, associations, and teams to amplify purpose, strengths, and impact—starting from the inside out. She’s been recognized by Forbes as a Next1000 honoree, named a “40 Under 40 Game Changer” by Workforce Magazine, and selected by Smart Meetings as a “Best of the Stage” speaker. Whether she’s leading a training or delivering a keynote, Rachel brings a refreshing blend of vulnerability, energy, and practical insight that helps people rethink burnout, rebuild self-belief, and re-engage with work in meaningful ways. Outside of speaking, Rachel is a singer-songwriter with original music streaming on all major platforms and a debut book launching in Fall 2026. She's also a fan of fresh air, unfiltered conversations, and singing Disney songs with full confidence—even in the cereal aisle. Connect with her at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheldruckenmiller Website: racheldruckenmiller.com

    47 min

  7. 2025-04-28

    Conversations That Matter: The Hidden Productivity Killer You're Ignoring - with Jess Pettitt

    In this lively episode, Brian Nelson-Palmer sits down with Jess Pettitt—speaker, author, and founder of Good Enough Now—to uncover the hidden productivity killer most teams overlook: the conversations they’re avoiding. Drawing on years of experience with organizations nationwide, Jess explains how curiosity, vulnerability, and a willingness to get uncomfortable can unlock real productivity and stronger teams. Listeners will walk away with practical tools—like Jess’s three-part conversation framework—and fresh perspective on handling feedback, workplace disagreements, and team communication. Want to go deeper? Check out the show notes and resources linked in the episode! —— Links & References In This Episode Good Enough Now – goodenoughnow.com (Jess’s main website and resource hub) JessPettitt.com (Personal/professional speaking and author site) Jess Pettitt’s LinkedIn Profile – LinkedIn Profile Jess’s Social Media Twitter/X: @JessPettitt Instagram: @goodenoughnow Facebook: Good Enough Now Books and Concepts Referenced: Almost Doing Good by Jess Pettitt (on how organizations can prepare for disruption and uncertainty) Good Enough Now by Jess Pettitt (practical guide to authenticity and real conversations) Jess’s Three-Part Framework (Prepare, Recognize, Respond) – overview and speaking resources —— Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conversations That Matter 02:08 The Importance of Humor in Difficult Conversations 04:42 Perfectionism and Productivity 07:09 Curiosity Over Judgment 09:24 The Role of Questions in Communication 11:49 Navigating Differences in Opinions 16:00 Real-Life Impact of Difficult Conversations 23:07 Framework for Taking Responsibility in Conversations 26:47 Understanding Patterns in Human Behavior 29:18 Navigating Difficult Conversations 32:17 The Complexity of Language and Identity 34:15 The Art of Giving Feedback 41:14 Embracing Imperfection in Communication 42:25 The Current Landscape of DEI Work —— Today’s Guest: Jess Pettitt Jess Pettitt is a sought-after speaker, author, and the founder of Good Enough Now, a consultancy dedicated to helping teams and organizations spark authentic conversations that drive real results. With a unique blend of humor and insight, Jess draws from years of experience as a standup comic and diversity educator, making even the toughest topics accessible and actionable for audiences nationwide. Over the past two decades, Jess has delivered keynotes, workshops, and leadership training for organizations in higher education, business, government, and non-profit sectors. Known for her “safe different” approach, she equips teams with the tools to move past perfectionism, embrace curiosity, and have the conversations that truly matter—boosting both productivity and workplace connection. Beyond her professional work, Jess is a proud dog mom, cheese enthusiast, and a self-described nerd who loves everything from codebreaking biographies to local Nerd Nite meetups. Whether she’s on stage or sharing stories over queso, Jess is passionate about helping people do the best they can with what they’ve got—some of the time. Connect with her at: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesspettitt Website: goodenoughnow.com

    48 min

  8. 2025-03-17

    Your Communication Protocol Can Make or Break Your Team’s Productivity - With Theresa M. Ward

    In this engaging episode, Brian Nelson-Palmer interviews Theresa Ward, founder of Fiery Feather, who reveals how communication protocols can transform team productivity and effectiveness. As a team effectiveness coach with experience across multiple industries, Theresa shares how structured systems combined with emotional intelligence create thriving workplaces. The conversation explores practical steps for crafting a situational communication guide, addressing common workplace frustrations like unclear expectations, delayed responses, and unnecessary meetings—making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline communication and boost team efficiency. For more information, or a template to copy, visit the blog post on this topic! References In This Episode Fiery Feather Website – fieryfeather.com (Theresa Ward’s consultancy on team effectiveness) Theresa Ward’s LinkedIn Profile – LinkedIn Profile Calendly (For scheduling without back-and-forth emails) Books and Concepts Referenced: The One-Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson (on leadership and productivity) The Waterline Concept, from the book 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer (on decision-making in organizations) Patrick Lencioni’s Work (on leadership and team communication) Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross And The Five Stages of Grief® David Allen's work (Getting Things Done methodology) Related Podcast Episode: Breaking Your Team’s Success Barrier with Maura Thomas Full Episode Digest - Read it on the episode’s page at www.ProductivityGladiator.com/the-show Chapters 03:45 Understanding Communication Protocols 07:45 The Importance of Communication Protocols 11:45 Asynchronous vs Synchronous Communication 15:51 Establishing Personal Communication Protocols 19:27 Emergency Communication Protocols 25:38 Empowering Communication in Crisis 26:25 Understanding the Waterline Concept 28:41 Communication Protocols with External Partners 29:28 Organizing Communication Protocols 30:14 Managing Non-Compliance with Protocols 32:57 The Importance of Praise and Criticism 36:32 Personal Communication Pet Peeves 40:51 The Purpose Behind Communication Protocols Today’s Guest Theresa m. WarD Team Effectiveness Coach & Founder of Fiery Feather Theresa M. Ward is the founder of Fiery Feather, a consultancy focused on helping teams improve communication, collaboration, and overall effectiveness. With a background spanning multiple industries—including fintech, media, healthcare, and government—Theresa brings a unique, cross-industry perspective to solving workplace challenges. Her expertise lies in combining structured systems (like standard operating procedures and project management frameworks) with interpersonal skills (like emotional intelligence and team dynamics). She has worked with organizations to develop onboarding processes, communication protocols, and operational strategies that enhance both efficiency and team cohesion. A passionate advocate for experiential learning and adult education, Theresa draws from psychology, leadership training, and real-world experience to help teams thrive. She has been a trusted consultant for businesses looking to improve productivity through clearer communication, better collaboration, and smarter systems. Connect with her at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-m-ward/Website: fieryfeather.com Why Subscribe To The Email List: Brian shares separate hacks, tips, and actionable learning exclusively for his email subscribers. Sign up so you don’t miss out! About The Creator/Host: I’m Brian. At age 4, I was diagnosed with insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes and told that my life was going to be 10-20 years shorter than everyone else. As a kid I took time for granted, but now as an adult, time is the most precious thing that I have. After spending a career hands-on in the trenches as a leader at all levels, I now train Productivity Gladiators to level up their careers. Graduates wield superpowers in time management, practical leadership, communication, & productivity. If what you’ve seen here intrigues you, reach out, let’s chat! “Time is the currency of your life, spend it wisely.”

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Sharing knowledge, hacks, and ideas on work-life balance and personal productivity, and talking to knowledgeable people in those areas.

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