Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life

Rebecca Shaddix
  • 5.0 (23)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Time Billionaires is the podcast for high-performing professionals who know they could be getting more out of life. Whether you're busy doing the things you think you have to do while longing for the things you actually want to do, or simply seeking more intention and groundedness in how you spend your time, this show is for you. If you expect to live another 31 years, you have over a billion seconds left. Hosted by Rebecca Shaddix, Time Billionaires teaches you how to spend that time like the billionaire you already are by transforming those overlooked 90-second to 15-minute "micromoments" throughout your day into purposeful opportunities for more intentional, grounded living. Each 7-15-minute episode combines science-backed insights with practical strategies that busy executives, entrepreneurs, and overwhelmed parents can implement immediately. Through engaging conversations with accomplished professionals, neuroscientists, and behavioral experts, you'll discover how small, intentional choices in your existing micromoments create a compounding effect that transforms how productive, connected, and alive you feel. Because when you spend your micromoments intentionally, you don't just get more done – you get more out of life. For more insights on turning hidden minutes into your greatest asset, connect with Rebecca and follow the podcast on LinkedIn!  Time Billionaires on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/time-billionaires-pod Rebecca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccashaddix/   Subscribe to follow the show.

  1. Deep Work Habits and Better Breaks with Jake Kennington of Actively Human

    11H AGO

    Deep Work Habits and Better Breaks with Jake Kennington of Actively Human

    In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca sits down with Jake Kennington, founder of Actively Human, to explore how deep work, intentional breaks, and clearer boundaries can help professionals reclaim their time, and their sense of fulfillment. Jake, a former licensed structural engineer, husband, father of four, and executive coach, shares how he helps mid-career professionals overcome burnout, break free from society’s default definition of success, and design a life aligned with their values rather than a “full calendar that leads to an empty life.” Together, Rebecca and Jake unpack: Why deep work habits matter more than working longer hours How setting clear boundaries between work and personal time improves focus and satisfaction The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) and why it works Research shows that breaks are most restorative when they’re different from your main task, including simple resets like standing up, stepping outside, or getting sunlight Jake also shares a memorable story involving NBA champion Dwyane Wade to illustrate what it looks like to take proactive ownership of your role—on a team, in your career, and in your life. Toward the end of the conversation, Jake explains why so many high-achieving professionals feel unfulfilled: they’re chasing someone else’s version of success. Drawing on the idea that “no one ever steps in the same river twice,” he walks through the importance of redefining success, realigning daily routines, and reconnecting with the people and work that matter most as life evolves. Jake closes by revealing the surprising numbers behind his own journey, 25 homes, 14 cities, and 22 jobs, as a reminder that intentional choices around time, focus, and purpose are the real currency of long-term fulfillment. Timestamps Setting boundaries and managing your calendar (“full calendar, empty life”) - 00:58  Using the Pomodoro technique and micro-breaks for deep focus - 05:07  Defining your own success instead of chasing others’ metrics - 08:08  Opting into an intentional life versus the unwitting status quo - 11:09  The REDAC framework (Redefine, Realign, Reconnect) and why engagement & relationships matter - 14:43 Connect with Jake Kennington! Website:https://activelyhuman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakekennington/ For simple daily mindset tips, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.  And if you enjoy the show, please rate it and subscribe to follow it. Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Make More Money in a Short Time(00:00:57) - Time Billionaires: Jake Kennington(00:01:58) - Setting Boundaries for Your Calendar(00:09:03) - Why So Many People Are Unful(00:14:47) - Reclaiming Your Time

    17 min
  2. How to Build Unshakeable Confidence: Holly Mandel's Improv Approach — Part 2

    JAN 28

    How to Build Unshakeable Confidence: Holly Mandel's Improv Approach — Part 2

    Why do capable, experienced people still hesitate to speak up — even when they know what they’re saying is right? In Part 2 of this conversation on Time Billionaires, Rebecca Shaddix and Groundlings improv alum Holly Mandel explore how real confidence is built not through more preparation, perfection, or credentials, but through learning how to take up space before you feel ready. Using principles drawn from improv (but not acting for the sake of performance), this episode breaks down why overthinking is often a stress response, how fear of “getting it wrong” quietly erodes confidence at work, and why waiting to feel confident first almost never works. Instead, Rebecca and Holly unpack how confidence grows through action, presence, and small moments of courage that compound over time. You’ll hear practical, relatable ideas anyone can apply, whether you’re leading a team, contributing in meetings, navigating feedback conversations, or simply trying to trust yourself more in high-pressure moments: Why confidence isn’t a personality trait, it’s a practiced response How “taking up space” changes how others perceive your authority Why low-stakes discomfort builds resilience faster than over-preparing How small mindset shifts can reduce overthinking and improve communication at work This episode reframes confidence as something you practice, not something you wait for, and shows how everyday micromoments can quietly rewire how you show up, speak up, and lead. This episode is especially relevant for anyone interested in confidence at work, leadership development, communication skills, and overcoming overthinking. Timestamps Elasticity of Comfort Zones & Practicing Discomfort – 00:00:00  Brain Science of Stress, Creativity, and Collaboration – 00:02:04  The “Five Whys” Technique to Unpack and Overcome Fear – 00:07:30  Five-Minute Improv Practices for Creativity – 00:10:17  Confidence Without a Script: Using Uncertainty as a Strength – 00:11:41 Connect with Holly  Website: https://www.hollymandel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-mandel/ For simple daily mindset tips, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.  And if you enjoy the show, please rate it and subscribe to follow it. Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Live a More Productive Life(00:06:01) - In the Elevator With An Acting Class(00:11:36) - Own Your Accomplishments(00:16:33) - How to Give Yourself a Voice(00:21:15) - How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions(00:21:52) - Rebecca Shattucks: Reclaim Your Time

    23 min
  3. “Yes, And”: Improv Principles for Creative Breakthroughs with Holly Mandel — Part 1

    JAN 21

    “Yes, And”: Improv Principles for Creative Breakthroughs with Holly Mandel — Part 1

    In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca Shaddix explores how improv training builds better leaders, more creative teams, and faster collaboration with Holly Mandel, an improv professor and corporate trainer who has worked with PwC, IBM, and Pfizer to bring improv principles into their team dynamics. Trained at Los Angeles’s Groundlings Theater, Holly explains why the core improv principle “Yes, And” isn’t about agreement, but about creating momentum and collaboration by acknowledging someone else’s version of reality. Together, Rebecca and Holly unpack how improvisers build trust, interrupt cycles overthinking, and easy ways to unlock creativity, confidence, and adaptability with easy improv warm-ups anyone can do in 5 minutes.  This conversation goes beyond “being present.” You’ll learn how: Swapping “but” for “and” subtly rewires trust in meetings and feedback Taking up space before you feel ready builds confidence faster than preparation Low-stakes discomfort (like improv) strengthens decision-making under pressure Five-minute micromoment exercises inspired by improv can improve team collaboration and everyday communication skills They also dive into the neuroscience behind improv, explaining how shifting out of a fight-or-flight brainwave can reduce stress, spark fresh insights, and rewire your default mindset toward openness and innovation. By the end of this conversation, you’ll understand why improvisers don’t fear not knowing the next step, because they realize they already have all the tools they need to use uncertainty to create something entirely new.   Timestamps Why Improv Builds Better Thinking, Communication, and Leadership–00:00   Overthinking at Work: Breaking Rumination Spirals with Improv Principles–01:21  “Yes, And” vs “Yes, But”: Communication Skills That Build Trust–03:11  Taking Up Space: Confidence, Authority, and Creative Leadership–10:35  Connect with Holly  Website: https://www.hollymandel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-mandel/ For simple daily mindset tips, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn.  And if you enjoy the show, please rate it and subscribe to follow it. Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Become a Billionaire in 30 Seconds(00:00:52) - Why Holly Mandel Is One of Time Billionaires(00:01:35) - In the Elevator With an Improviser(00:03:39) - The Importance of Improvisation for Business(00:05:12) - The Importance of Yes anders in Improvisation(00:11:43) - Do You Have to Do "It All"?(00:14:23) - Being Fully Present in the Moment(00:18:05) - Why Improvisation Is Important for Your Brain

    25 min
  4. Breaking the Anxiety Spiral: When Your Brain Won't Stop Problem-Solving with Naomi Midanik — Part 2

    JAN 14

    Breaking the Anxiety Spiral: When Your Brain Won't Stop Problem-Solving with Naomi Midanik — Part 2

    In Part 2 of this Time Billionaires conversation, Rebecca continues her discussion with Naomi Midanik, cancer survivor and Founder at Bright Balance Psychotherapy. This episode dives deeper into the misconceptions around workplace burnout and why it's become the "most socially acceptable way to talk about mental health at work." Naomi clarifies the true definition of burnout - emotional exhaustion, cynicism about work, and reduced effectiveness - and explains the critical test: if rest from work doesn't help your symptoms, it's likely not burnout. The conversation explores how high-achieving professionals often misdiagnose themselves, missing underlying factors like hormonal changes, unprocessed trauma, or other mental health conditions that require different treatment approaches. The episode also tackles the trap of overthinking decisions and how our brains try to "outthink" anxiety through endless pros-and-cons lists. Naomi shares the story of Rebecca's coaching breakthrough, where 50 minutes of analysis was solved by 15 seconds of intuitive knowing. She introduces practical grounding techniques, including the proper way to do the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise and simple mindfulness practices that don't require meditation. Timestamps: Recap and opening about emotional numbness vs. burnout – 0:00 The true definition of burnout and the rest test – 2:29 Understanding depersonalization in workplace context – 4:41 The coaching story: analysis paralysis vs. intuitive knowing – 4:57 Why our brains can't outthink anxiety – 6:45 Breaking the worry and rumination cycles – 7:56 The importance of self-awareness and body attunement – 8:44 The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise (done properly) – 9:59 Mindfulness without meditation: washing hands mindfully – 12:32 The "notice something new" approach to mindfulness – 13:49 Connect with Naomi:  Bright Balance Psychotherapy: https://www.brightbalancetherapy.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/naomimidanik For more insights on turning hidden minutes into your greatest asset, connect with Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn! And if you love the show, subscribe to follow it. Shout-out to Graham Duncan from East Rock Capital for the "Time Billionaires" concept that inspired our show name - originally shared on The Tim Ferriss Show. Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Realize Your Time Billionaires(00:01:13) - What to Do About Burnout in the Workplace(00:09:03) - How to Break a Pattern of Anxiety

    15 min
  5. How to Stop Hating Your Job (Even When You Can't Quit Yet) with Naomi Midanik — Part 1

    JAN 7

    How to Stop Hating Your Job (Even When You Can't Quit Yet) with Naomi Midanik — Part 1

    In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Naomi Midanik, a cancer survivor and Founder at Bright Balance Psychotherapy. As a registered psychotherapist practicing in Ontario, Canada, Naomi brings a unique perspective, having spent 17 years in corporate marketing before transitioning to therapy. Her specialty focuses on professionals, entrepreneurs, and working moms navigating career challenges and workplace burnout. The conversation explores the reality many face: being stuck in a job they hate without the immediate option to quit. Naomi introduces the concept of radical acceptance from dialectical behavior therapy, explaining how to validate your negative feelings about work while simultaneously focusing energy on what you can actually control. She shares practical strategies for making the best of difficult situations, from reframing your commute to managing difficult boss relationships. Timestamps: Opening question about hating your job but making the best of it – 0:00 Introduction to Naomi and her background – 0:26 Why people feel trapped in jobs they hate – 1:28 What radical acceptance actually means and how to practice it – 2:39 The "good" reframe vs. radical acceptance for different situations – 4:40 Personal example: cancer diagnosis and appropriate responses – 5:32 Toxic positivity vs. genuine acceptance in career situations – 7:42 Understanding emotional numbness as an early burnout signal – 9:14 Signs to watch for when going through the motions – 10:39 Connect with Naomi:  Bright Balance Psychotherapy: https://www.brightbalancetherapy.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/naomimidanik For more insights on turning hidden minutes into your greatest asset, connect with Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn! And if you love the show, subscribe to follow it. Shout-out to Graham Duncan from East Rock Capital for the "Time Billionaires" concept that inspired our show name - originally shared on The Tim Ferriss Show. Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Make a Living from Your Job(00:00:46) - What Radical Acceptance Can You Do For Your Job?(00:07:43) - How to Get Over a Hating Your Job(00:09:25) - The Signs That You're Starting to Burnout

    12 min
  6. Why Reasonable People Talk Past Each Other

    12/18/2025

    Why Reasonable People Talk Past Each Other

    Have you ever walked away from a discussion—about work, politics, parenting, or even something small—wondering how two reasonable people could hear the same words and leave with completely different conclusions? After years studying how people interpret ideas, first in public policy, then in marketing, and eventually in her own family, Rebecca noticed a pattern: it’s often not what we’re saying that derails conversations, but the invisible opposite our words quietly introduce. Whether you’re trying to advocate for something you care about, explain a decision at work, or stay connected with people who see the world differently, this episode offers an easy mental shift that can keep the people you’re interacting with engaged, curious, and willing to keep talking. What you'll learn: Different brains naturally scan for different priorities (change vs. stability) How introducing the wrong frame can lose someone before the conversation starts The "Opposite Test": a simple way to strengthen your arguments before you make them Why repetition subtly legitimizes ideas, even wrong ones The connection between effective framing and building meaningful relationships For more insights on turning small moments into your greatest asset, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn! And if you love the show, subscribe to follow it. Chapters (00:00:01) - How to Become a Billionaire in 31 Years(00:00:34) - The Only Way to Win a Political Argument(00:06:39) - The Micro-moment Exercise

    10 min
  7. How To Switch Out of Fight-or-Flight When You Need to Perform with Oren Shai — Part 2

    12/10/2025

    How To Switch Out of Fight-or-Flight When You Need to Perform with Oren Shai — Part 2

    In Part 2 of this Time Billionaires episode, Rebecca continues her conversation with Oren Shai, Co-Founder of Feeling School, exploring the deeper connections between nervous system regulation, success, and emotional well-being. Oren explains the difference between parasympathetic (rest and digest) and sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system states, offering practical techniques like elevating legs above the heart to quickly access parasympathetic responses. The conversation takes a turn as they discuss how most people misunderstand success, operating from what Oren calls the "coffee and trauma" model, constantly medicating themselves with stimulants while chasing achievements that they believe will finally make them feel complete. Instead, he advocates for redefining success as living authentically, contributing meaningfully, and connecting with others.  Timestamps: Understanding parasympathetic vs sympathetic nervous system states – 0:42 Contextual approaches to nervous system regulation – 2:30 The importance of experimenting with what works for you – 4:23 Why most careers are "fueled by coffee and trauma" – 6:33 Redefining success beyond achievement metrics – 7:47 Childhood conditioning and earning love patterns – 12:25 Moving beyond protective patterns without blame – 13:36 Final thoughts: The way you want to feel is on the other side of what you're not feeling – 14:40 If you'd like to connect with Oren, you can find Oren on LinkedIn and learn more about Feeling School here. For more insights on turning hidden minutes into your greatest asset, connect with Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn! And if you love the show, subscribe to follow it. Shout-out to Graham Duncan from East Rock Capital for the "Time Billionaires" concept that inspired our show name - originally shared on The Tim Ferriss Show. Chapters (00:00:00) - An Exercise for Connecting to Parasympathetic(00:06:13) - What Most People Don't Understand About Success(00:14:35) - How to Feel the Way You Want to Feel

    17 min
  8. What’s Actually Going On in Your Body When You ‘Lose Focus’? with Oren Shai — Part 1

    12/03/2025

    What’s Actually Going On in Your Body When You ‘Lose Focus’? with Oren Shai — Part 1

    In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Oren Shai, an organizational psychologist, neuroscience-based executive coach, and Co-Founder of Feeling School. Oren teaches his signature methodology to high-achieving leaders, integrating cutting-edge neuroscience with depth and humanity to help them step into their most connected, alive expression of leadership at work and in life. The conversation explores why we fight our natural energy fluctuations instead of working with them. Oren introduces his concept of the "human wave",  the natural cycles of energy that everyone experiences throughout the day, week, and seasons. He explains how fighting these cycles creates tension and shame spirals, while recognizing and supporting ourselves through them leads to better performance and well-being. Oren also shares practical somatic tools for resetting during busy workdays, including visual system resets, pattern interrupting techniques, and the importance of giving our nervous systems intentional breaks from the constant vigilance required in urban environments. Timestamps: Introduction to the "human wave" concept and energy cycles – 0:41 Why we shame ourselves for natural energy fluctuations – 1:45 Understanding that everyone operates in natural cycles – 3:35 The importance of intention when using grounding tools – 4:30 Pattern interrupting vs. forcing focus – 5:23 Creating somatic-friendly office cultures – 6:45 Simple tools for 3-minute breaks and visual system resets – 10:03 Deep belly breathing and parasympathetic activation – 13:45 If you'd like to connect with Oren, you can find Oren on LinkedIn and learn more about Feeling School here. For more insights on turning hidden minutes into your greatest asset, connect with Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn! And if you love the show, subscribe to follow it. Shout-out to Graham Duncan from East Rock Capital for the "Time Billionaires" concept that inspired our show name - originally shared on The Tim Ferriss Show. Chapters (00:00:00) - Executive Coach Oren Shy on Life's Natural Cycles(00:04:05) - How to Get More Present in Your Life(00:05:19) - Practice of Slow Down(00:06:57) - How to Get Out of the Office(00:10:09) - What is the somatic practice?(00:10:48) - How to Lower Your Body's Stress Cycle

    14 min
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About

Time Billionaires is the podcast for high-performing professionals who know they could be getting more out of life. Whether you're busy doing the things you think you have to do while longing for the things you actually want to do, or simply seeking more intention and groundedness in how you spend your time, this show is for you. If you expect to live another 31 years, you have over a billion seconds left. Hosted by Rebecca Shaddix, Time Billionaires teaches you how to spend that time like the billionaire you already are by transforming those overlooked 90-second to 15-minute "micromoments" throughout your day into purposeful opportunities for more intentional, grounded living. Each 7-15-minute episode combines science-backed insights with practical strategies that busy executives, entrepreneurs, and overwhelmed parents can implement immediately. Through engaging conversations with accomplished professionals, neuroscientists, and behavioral experts, you'll discover how small, intentional choices in your existing micromoments create a compounding effect that transforms how productive, connected, and alive you feel. Because when you spend your micromoments intentionally, you don't just get more done – you get more out of life. For more insights on turning hidden minutes into your greatest asset, connect with Rebecca and follow the podcast on LinkedIn!  Time Billionaires on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/time-billionaires-pod Rebecca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccashaddix/   Subscribe to follow the show.

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