Productivity Mastery

Stoyan Yankov

What if you had one place where you can listen to the untold stories of some of the most accomplished and inspiring leaders in the world? In this podcast, productivity & performance coach, Stoyan Yankov, welcomes: 🎙 Unicorn founders & entrepreneurs 🎙 Top-level executives from leading companies 🎙 Best-selling authors & experts 🎙 And many other extraordinary individuals! You will learn their best habits, strategies & mindsets and hear compelling conversations around #performance, #leadership, #entrepreneurship, #PersonalDevelopment & #TeamCulture. Tune in and enjoy the journey!

  1. 12/02/2025

    Build the life you were meant to lead | Productivity Mastery #231 with Josh Kosnick

    🚀 In episode #231, we welcomed Josh Kosnick, Author of The Kairos Code. Josh Kosnick is a Bridge Builder, a leader forged through fire and guided by faith. As the founder of Kairos Coaching & Consulting, an EOS Implementer, and the USA Today & Barnes & Noble Best-Selling Author of The Kairos Code, he helps leaders move from drifting to leading with clarity, alignment, and lasting impact. For more than two decades, Josh has built, scaled, and exited successful businesses. His leadership journey is marked by resilience, transformation, and the belief that adversity can become a leader’s greatest advantage. Through his Five Bridges of Kairos framework, he equips high performers to confront resistance, reclaim purpose, and build lives and organizations that thrive beyond the scoreboard. Get to work with Josh: https://linktr.ee/joshkosnick ______ Listen to this episode and learn: 💡 Why is character the most important factor when hiring someone? 💡 What does it really mean that the only way out of difficult times is through them? 💡 How can journaling help us process emotions during tough seasons? 💡 Why do we often tie our identity to our profession, and how does that limit us? 💡 What does it mean to leave a legacy in others rather than behind you? And many more... Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:50 Career Journey and Challenges 05:56 Leadership Lessons and Hiring Insights 08:53 Navigating Difficult Times 11:53 The Role of Ego in Success 14:57 Tactical Tips for Overcoming Adversity 18:11 The Importance of Work-Life Integration 21:05 Entrepreneurship vs. Intrapreneurship 23:54 Coaching Entrepreneurs and Building Relationships 27:10 Overview of 'The Careless Girl' and Its Lessons 33:30 Identity Beyond Profession 35:26 Understanding Legacy 37:35 Spiritual Bridge and Personal Growth 42:52 Finding Freedom Through Faith 49:39 Prioritizing Life's Complexities 54:46 The Power of Intentional Scheduling 01:00:30 Navigating People-Pleasing 01:03:25 Resources for Transformation Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

    1h 6m
  2. 11/18/2025

    Negotiators who Changed the World | Productivity Mastery #230 with Remigiusz Smolinski

    🚀 In episode #230, we welcomed Remigiusz Smolinski, a negotiation professor and advisor. Remi has trained and coached managers and executives across industries, helping them master negotiation skills that create real monetary value. As a negotiation consultant, he has guided clients through complex, high-stakes negotiations totaling billions of euros, resolving critical disputes and improving strategic outcomes. Get to work with Remi: https://remigiuszsmolinski.com/ ______ Listen to this episode and learn: 💡 Why are most people naturally poor negotiators? 💡 What makes good negotiation so counterintuitive? 💡 Why is “meeting in the middle” a misconception in effective negotiation? 💡 How can going to extremes lead to wiser negotiation outcomes? 💡 In what ways do cultural norms shape our instincts during negotiation? And many more... Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Negotiation and Its Importance 02:41 The Impact of Negotiation on Economic Well-Being 06:19 Creating Value in Negotiation 11:28 Strategies for Effective Negotiation 16:06 Common Pitfalls in Negotiation 20:44 Training for Better Negotiation Skills 25:54 The Journey of Writing a Book on Negotiation 26:26 Exploring Historical Negotiators 33:02 Lessons from Great Negotiators 43:56 The Power of Networks in Negotiation 47:25 Lessons from the Cuban Missile Crisis 53:35 Angela Merkel: A Modern Negotiation Role Model 01:01:09 Business Negotiation Insights from Ratan Tata 01:04:15 Servant Leadership and Negotiation Tactics of Jesus Christ 01:09:28 The Complexity of Modern Diplomacy: The Ukraine Conflict 01:18:22 Negotiation Tactics of the Trump Administration Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289 Website: https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

    1h 26m
  3. 10/28/2025

    Develop Your Leadership Voice to Assure, Unite, and Influence People | Productivity Mastery #228 with Cynthia Zhai

    🚀 In episode #228, we welcomed Cynthia Zhai, international voice coach, keynote speaker, and author. With over 15 years of experience working with professionals from 52 countries across 5 continents, Cynthia has helped leaders unlock the power of their authentic voice to communicate with confidence and inspire trust. From overcoming early skepticism about her path to becoming a globally recognized expert, Cynthia’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, self-belief, and leadership through presence. 💡 How does voice help command attention and respect in leadership? 💡 Why is calmness in a leader’s voice so important during chaotic times? 💡 In what ways does emotion in the voice drive action and connection? 💡 How does gravitas in one’s voice build trust and authority? 💡 What role does self-awareness play in understanding how we sound to others? Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:49 The Importance of Voice in Leadership 05:39 Key Qualities of a Leader's Voice 08:45 The Role of Gravitas in Leadership 11:55 Assessing and Improving Your Voice 14:37 Developing Gravitas and Presence 17:21 The Concept of Space in Communication 20:16 Cultural Differences in Communication 23:12 Engaging Different Audiences 26:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 34:47 Cultural Awareness in Speaking 38:05 Building Presence and Engagement 40:19 The Connection Between Voice and Well-Being 42:38 The Power of Emphasis in Communication 47:56 Daily Practices for Voice Development 49:22 The Timeframe for Voice Change 51:06 Voice as a Tool for Self-Development 51:58 The Impact of Voice on Perception 52:40 Developing a Deeper Voice 57:40 Words that Convey Empathy and Emotion 01:02:14 Key Takeaways for Effective Communication Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289 Website: https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

    1h 10m
  4. 10/22/2025

    The Blindish Latina on Disability Inclusion & The Future of Work | PM #227 w Catarina Rivera

    🚀 In episode #227, we welcomed Catarina Rivera, a public speaker and consultant. Catarina Rivera is a dynamic public speaker, trainer, and DEIA consultant dedicated to smashing disability stigmas and advancing inclusion. As someone who is hard of hearing and has a vision disability, she brings powerful personal insight to her work, raising awareness and driving change across organizations. With over 14 years of experience in the nonprofit and education sectors, Catarina helps companies build inclusive cultures that enhance accessibility, boost productivity, and spark innovation. A passionate advocate for social justice and intersectionality, she blends expertise with lived experience to inspire lasting impact. Listen to this episode and learn: 💡 How has Catarina’s journey with Usher syndrome shaped her identity? 💡 What does disability pride truly mean in embracing one’s unique identity? 💡 Why must organizations go beyond legal compliance to achieve real inclusion? 💡 How can recruitment processes become more accessible and inclusive? 💡 What role does public speaking play in driving disability advocacy? And many more... Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Catarina Rivera 01:45 Catarina's Journey with Disabilities 06:55 Embracing Disability Pride 13:19 The Birth of Blindish Latina 16:52 Challenging Stigmas and Misunderstandings 25:08 Engaging Content and Community Building 31:07 Public Speaking and Accessibility 32:31 The Excitement of Virtual Speaking 33:28 Understanding Accessibility Beyond Physical Spaces 35:49 Innovative Solutions for Accessible Events 36:43 The Importance of Listening in Disability Inclusion 37:49 Challenges in Organizational Inclusion 43:15 Recruitment and Retention of Disabled Employees 51:31 The Future of Work and Disability Inclusion 57:10 Productivity Strategies for Entrepreneurs Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

    1h 4m
  5. 10/14/2025

    Successful Against All Odds | Productivity Mastery #226 with Joshua Tate

    🚀 In episode #226, we welcomed Joshua Tate, a transformational youth speaker, entrepreneur, and devoted family man. Joshua Tate shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker. He discusses the importance of mindset, resilience, and personal growth, emphasizing how overcoming adversity has shaped his life. Joshua offers valuable insights for young leaders on navigating challenges, setting goals, and believing in oneself. His story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the impact of positive influences in achieving success. Listen to this episode and learn: 💡 Why is mindset so crucial when overcoming challenges? 💡 How does personal growth emerge from moments of adversity? 💡 What role does resilience play in achieving lasting success? 💡 How can surrounding yourself with positive influences shape your path? 💡 Why is self-belief the foundation of all achievement? And many more... Joshua Tate is a motivational speaker and entrepreneur on a mission to help 100,000 students realize they were made for more, make powerful decisions, and rise above adversity. Through dynamic keynotes, real-life storytelling, and practical frameworks, Joshua connects with middle and high school students in a way that’s authentic, relatable, and life-shifting. Whether he’s speaking at school assemblies, youth conferences, or leadership events, Joshua empowers students to believe in themselves, take ownership of their choices, and unlock the potential within. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:58 Childhood Struggles and Insecurities 09:55 Overcoming Adversity and Personal Growth 14:37 Transition to Adulthood and Family Responsibilities 19:55 Lessons Learned and Advice for Young Leaders 27:19 Overcoming Hopelessness and Taking Action 30:01 Strengthening Faith Through Personal Struggles 33:11 Identifying Purpose and Identity in Youth 35:41 The Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception 39:00 Commitment to Personal Development 40:57 The Power of Discipline and Consistency 43:52 Making Choices and Building Good Habits 48:44 Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences 52:12 The Impact of Self-Talk on Success 57:21 Practical Affirmations for Positive Mindset 01:01:29 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 01:08:57 Mindset: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289 Website: https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

    1h 16m
  6. 09/26/2025

    Teams that Thrive | Productivity Mastery #225 with Maria Sundström

    🚀 In episode #225, we welcomed Maria Sundström, Senior People Growth Partner at Mentimeter. Maria Sundström shared her journey from Estonia to Sweden and her experiences in various roles, particularly in HR at Mentimeter. She discussed the importance of organizational values, the role of fun in the workplace, and the significance of effective onboarding. Maria emphasized the need for situational leadership and the continuous effort required to maintain high-performing teams. Listen to this episode and learn:   💡 What experiences defined Maria's beliefs as an HR professional and a leader 💡 What makes the culture of Mentimeter a unique blend of peak performance and fun 💡 Practical ideas to make your team thrive at work 💡 How to apply situational leadership to be effective in the workplace And many more...  Maria Sundström is a People Growth Catalyst with more than a decade of experience shaping cultures and supporting leaders across global tech, consulting, and corporate environments. She has built her career on a simple belief: when people feel safe, seen, and inspired, they can achieve extraordinary things. Today, Maria works at Mentimeter, where she partners with leaders and teams to accelerate performance, strengthen well-being, and foster psychological safety. She has led initiatives in leadership capability building, onboarding design, inclusion, and organizational growth - always with a focus on creating workplaces where people can truly belong and flourish. Her professional journey includes roles at Avanade, Mercer, and Coca-Cola Enterprises, where she supported leaders through transformation, built onboarding programs, and drove global HR initiatives that improved engagement and retention. With experience spanning start-ups to large corporates, she combines strategic HR expertise with curiosity and empathy - enabling people and organizations to grow in sustainable, human-centered ways. Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 02:32 Career Journey and Early Experiences 05:45 Cultural Insights from Living Abroad 08:36 Company Culture at Mentimeter 11:50 Values and High-Performance Teams 14:35 Recruitment Process and Cultural Fit 17:38 Onboarding Best Practices 34:28 Exploring Values in Onboarding 41:50 Navigating Organizational Values and Hypocrisy 49:51 Leadership Styles and Situational Adaptability 57:17 The Importance of Mistakes in Leadership 01:06:38 Balancing Fun and Productivity in the Workplace Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

    1h 9m
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

What if you had one place where you can listen to the untold stories of some of the most accomplished and inspiring leaders in the world? In this podcast, productivity & performance coach, Stoyan Yankov, welcomes: 🎙 Unicorn founders & entrepreneurs 🎙 Top-level executives from leading companies 🎙 Best-selling authors & experts 🎙 And many other extraordinary individuals! You will learn their best habits, strategies & mindsets and hear compelling conversations around #performance, #leadership, #entrepreneurship, #PersonalDevelopment & #TeamCulture. Tune in and enjoy the journey!