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Beyond the To-Do List – Productivity for Work and Life

Beyond the To-Do List is a productivity podcast hosted by Erik Fisher. Each week, Erik sits down with experts, authors, and creatives to explore time management, habits, focus, deep work, work-life balance, mindset, and what it actually means to live and work well.

The show has featured guests like David Allen, James Clear, Cal Newport, Gretchen Rubin, Seth Godin, and Daniel Pink — covering everything from getting things done and morning routines to burnout, procrastination, creativity, digital minimalism, goal setting, and intentional living.

The premise is simple: productivity isn’t the point. It’s the means to a whole life.

Copyright: © 2023 Erik Fisher

Latest Episodes:

Energy Management: How to Manage Personal Energy for Business Success with Josefine Campbell Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

This week I was excited to speak with Josefine Campbell about her new book, Power Barometer: How to Manage Personal Energy for Business Success. Josefine is the founder of Campbell Co, a top leadership consulting firm for multinational companies. Campbell inspires and coaches leaders, teams, and talents in large organizations such as McDonald's, Deloitte, Maersk, Novo Nordisk, and Carlsberg Group. Her approach combines the practical and the pragmatic. A four-time jiu-jitsu champion, she is particularly interested in developing personal leadership in difficult circumstances, such as is often the case in modern work life.

Throughout this episode we delve into several key topics, including the innovative "Power Parameter" check-in, the normalization of energy awareness in the workplace, and the practical application of the "awareness matrix" for effective energy management. This conversation promises to offer expert insights, actionable strategies, and tools to revolutionize your approach to productivity through personalized energy management.

This time of year can be particularly challenging when it comes to managing our energy levels! Josefine and her book offer an array of insights on how we can not only be more aware of our personal energy management load but also how leaders can design and implement more energy efficient meetings and workplaces to both increase productivity and balance work loads. This is the perfect episode for anyone who is struggling to get their energy levels balanced while also looking for tips and strategies for developing a healthier and more transparent workplace both in the office and remotely.

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Music and Leadership: How Sound Can Transform Your Leadership with Susan Drumm Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

This week it was my privilege to welcome Susan Drumm for a conversation about her new book, The Leader’s Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life. In this episode Susan unveils the groundbreaking process that outlines how our childhood wounds show up in our ability to lead others and how music can heal those wounds. Maybe you’re having a hard time retaining or engaging your people, or perhaps you’re feeling burnout or can’t delegate or trust your team to deliver. These problems and other leadership challenges can be addressed by shifting how you show up as a leader, and music is the catalyst.

Susan also shares her incredible insights on the powerful connection between music, neuroscience, leadership, and personal development. She has mastered the art of pattern recognition and has developed a unique process that harnesses the transformative power of music to help leaders break free from unproductive patterns and thrive in their businesses.

In addition Susan reveals how music primes the brain for change, the impact of music on emotions and thought patterns, and even shares her personal journey of using music to shift her own mindset. Susan takes us through step-by-step instructions on creating an empowered playlist and offers valuable tips for leaders looking to ignite positive change within themselves and their teams. Join us as we dive deep into the world of music and its untapped potential to create profound change.

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Leadership Quiz

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Erik’s Guest Appearance on the Enhance Your Life With Music Podcast

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Mindfulness at Work: Clarity, Compassionate Accountability, and Leading Better with Marc Lesser Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

This week I was excited to speak with Marc Lesser. Marc is a renowned speaker, facilitator, workshop leader, and executive coach. He specializes in integrating mindfulness and emotional intelligence into his presentations and training sessions. Marc is the author of five books, including his latest Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and Meaningful Lives. He serves as the CEO of ZBA Associates, a firm focused on executive development and leadership consulting. His podcast, Zen Bones: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times, offers insightful interviews and mindfulness practices aimed at personal development and organizational influence.

Marc is here to share his wisdom and insights on the power of communication, compassion, and accountability in our lives and work. He challenges us to question our assumptions, engage in difficult conversations, and create both a work and personal culture that fosters both compassion and truth. From his experience in running a Zen monastery kitchen to working with Google engineers, Marc has a unique perspective on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of listening.

This was a really insightful conversation about how to both reclaim agency in the workplace and how we can begin asking the hard questions of ourselves and our employers. If you or anyone you know has been struggling with finding a degree of clarity and accountability at work or in your personal life this episode offers immense insights and reflections on how you can begin to start that process and start feeling more empowered while finding deeper meaning and agency in your life.

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Leadership Habits: The 12 Things That Separate Great Leaders from the Rest with William Vanderbloemen Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

This week I’m excited to bring you a conversation I had with William Vanerbloemen. William is the CEO and founder of Vanerbloemen a leading executive search firm that serves teams with a greater purpose by aligning their people solutions for growth through executive search, compensation, succession, and diversity consulting. William is also the author of Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest.

In this conversation he unveils the surprising and learnable skills that make individuals shine. These habits form a roadmap for developing the sought-after abilities that are consistent among the most talented individuals. "Be the Unicorn" symbolizes the unique and standout qualities discussed in the book, offering a field guide for those looking to level up. In addition William sheds light on the importance of self-awareness as the starting point in the journey of personal development while stressing the ongoing nature of self-awareness and its relevance in job interviews, productivity mastery, and personal development.

We also touch on the impact of AI on the job market, emphasizing how human skills will continue to be crucial, outlasting any innovations or technology on the horizon. William highlights the enduring value of human touch in the workplace, making a compelling case for the learning and nurturing of soft skills. Whether you're navigating a job interview, striving for personal growth, or aiming to stand out from the crowd, this episode offers invaluable wisdom for your journey.

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Networking: How Small Gatherings Can Build Big Relationships with Nick Gray Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

This week I was excited to welcome Nick Gray for a really fun conversation about how hosting small parties and gatherings can open the doors for so many networking and business relationships in fun and unexpected ways. Nick is the author of the new book The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings. Nick is a renowned party host and the mastermind behind countless successful gatherings. He believes that hosting parties is a powerful way to bring people together from different backgrounds and foster networking opportunities. In our conversation Nick shares his expertise on structuring events, organizing icebreaker activities, and encouraging networking.

Nick also reveals the formula and structure he employs to attract diverse attendees and create an environment for engaging conversations. Many people feel the need to have a specific purpose for hosting a party, but Gray asserts that the act of hosting itself is reason enough. And you might be surprised by just how many people are excited to attend! By following his comprehensive N.I.C.K. Party system you'll gain the confidence to engage and participate effectively.

In addition Nick challenges the notion that you need to venture outside your home to reap the benefits of networking and socializing. Whether you identify as an introvert or an extrovert, he stresses the importance of human connection and networking for personal and career growth. So let’s explore different types of parties as a starting point for meaningful possibilities and conversations. From casual meetups to more specialized themed events, discover how hosting can open doors and lead to unexpected opportunities.

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Connect with Nick:

Helpful Tips for Your Party:

How to Introduce Two People via Email: Sample Scripts

9 Career Day Speech and Presentation Ideas

Party Times: Start, End, & Best Times

Icebreaker Name Tags: Examples and How to Do It RIGHT

How to Host an Event: Parties & Networking

Where to Throw a Party? Ideas and Venues for 2023

Icebreaker Activities for Your Next Event

Friendship Recession Website

7 Small Trade Show Booth Ideas for 2023

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Employee Retention: The Simple Path to Never Losing a Great Employee with Joey Coleman Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

This week I’m excited to share my conversation with Joey Coleman. Joey is a renowned customer experience expert who has spent over 20 years in the field, helping organizations create remarkable customer and employee experiences. He is the author of the new book, Never Lose An Employee Again: The Simple Path to Remarkable Retention. In addition Joey is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Never Lose a Customer Again. An award-winning speaker at national and international conferences, Joey specializes in creating unique, attention-grabbing experiences. His First 100 Days methodology helps fuel the successful employee and customer experiences he delivers clients around the world.

In this episode, Joey and I dive deep into the crucial first 100 days of a new job, exploring the importance of making a positive first impression, aligning the employee journey with his eight crucial phases, and the impact of remote work on the onboarding process. We also explore how organizations can avoid information overload and excessive speed in the onboarding process, the interconnectedness of customer and employee experiences, and why it's crucial for organizations to prioritize both.

In conclusion Joey shares some key strategies and techniques to create meaningful remote onboarding experiences, ensuring that new employees feel affirmed and connected even when they're not physically present in the office. This is a great episode for both employees and employers alike as it addresses many of the key friction points that arise within that dynamic and how to address them quickly and compassionately within your business or organization.

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Writing Clearly: Why Most Writing Misses the Mark and How to Fix It with Todd Rogers Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

This week I was excited to speak with Todd Rogers about the new book that he co-authored with Jessica Lasky, Writing for Busy Readers: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World. Todd is a professor of public policy at Harvard University, where he has won teaching awards for the past seven consecutive years. He is a behavioral scientist and cofounder of the Analyst Institute and EveryDay Labs. His opinion pieces have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and Politico, among others.

In this conversation, we delve into the importance of making writing more accessible and reader-friendly in our fast-paced and busy lives. Todd illustrates the six scientific and common sense principles behind more effective, concise, and readable writing. Drawing inspiration from user design thinking, Todd also challenges the traditional notion that it's solely the reader's responsibility to extract information from the text. Instead, he emphasizes the writer's role in making content accessible and reader-friendly, shifting the burden away from the audience.

The principle of "less is more" takes center stage in this chat as we explore how using fewer words and simplifying content can lead to more effective communication. We also address the vital importance of editing with the purpose of making writing easier for the reader, more effective, kinder, and more accessible. In closing Todd addresses the ways that we can use tools such as ChatGPT and AI software to become better editors and content creators.

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Grab Todd and Jessica’s Book

Writing For Busy Readers AI Tool

The Reading Ease Calculator

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Music and Productivity: How Sound Enhances Focus, Mood, and Life with Mindy Peterson and Erik Fisher Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

This week I’m excited to share with you a conversation I had with Mindy Peterson on her podcast Enhance Life with Music. Mindy is a kindred spirit who examines and explores the power of music in our everyday lives. She is passionate about exploring how music impacts our psychology, productivity, and well-being. Whether you consider yourself a musician or just a music fan, the fact remains that music is all around us and most of us have deep and dare I say spiritual connections with the magic of Rock, Pop, Rap, Classical Music, Jazz, Country, or any of the infinite genres of music.

This episode is clearly personal for me as music has been, and continues to be an incredibly powerful part of my life. Mindy and I dive into the transformative power of songs, bands, and the joyful ways that in its many incarnations, music has enriched our lives in ways that are both productive and stress-reducing. We discuss how different styles of music can impact our brain activity, productivity, stress management, and creativity.

Throughout our conversation, Mindy also unpacks the importance of self-awareness in selecting the right type of music based on mood, motivation, and setting, and how it can reset our minds and help us accomplish tasks more effectively and efficiently.

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Automation: An Automation-First Mindset to Do Less and Achieve More with Aytekin Tank Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

This week it was my privilege to speak with Aytekin Tank about his new book Automate Your Busywork: Do Less, Achieve More, and Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff. Aytekin is the founder and CEO of JotForm, a leading online form builder platform that helps millions of users streamline their workflow and increase productivity. In this conversation, Aytekin emphasizes the importance of clarifying priorities. By asking yourself the questions, "What should I spend my time on?" and "What shouldn't I spend my time on?" you can gain clarity and focus on tasks that energize and excite you. As Aytekin explains, automating the draining, time-consuming tasks can help prevent burnout and improve overall efficiency. In addition, Aytekin unpacks the principles behind time-boxing, where you set aside dedicated blocks of time to investigate and refine ideas that can streamline your processes. By prioritizing what is urgent and important, you can effectively allocate your time and concentrate on tasks that truly require your attention.

During the episode, Aytekin also highlights the importance of refining and iterating systems to find the perfect solution for your specific needs. It's a journey that requires exploring automation tools, learning from others, and embracing new technologies like AI. Aytekin also emphasizes that AI is the next revolution in automation, with its ability to learn, adapt, and perform tasks that were once only possible manually. The possibilities are truly beginning to become endless.

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Body Language and Communication: Open, Compassionate, and Effective with Kasia Wezowski Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

This week it was my privilege to speak with Kasia Wezowski about body language, leadership, and communication. Kasia, along with her husband Patryk Wezowski, are founders of The Center for Body Language, the world's number one body language training company for business people. In this conversation Kasia guides us through her new book, Language That Leads: Communication Strategies that Inspire and Engage a compelling and insightful book that combines her cutting-edge research with Marshall Goldsmith’s leadership development methodology into a practical and timely resource for leaders to bring out the best in each team member. Wezowski breaks down the ten core qualities of leadership, providing easy-to-follow implementation steps to express, observe and project these qualities effectively through verbal and nonverbal communication.

In this episode, Kasia dives deep into the importance of trust in leadership and how it can transform your team's performance. Recognizing the value of trusting employees to manage their time and work responsibilities while discussing how this approach boosts overall results. Drawing interesting parallels between leadership and parenting, Kasia also shares how giving individuals space and autonomy can lead to enhanced productivity, creativity, and engagement.

This episode also highlights the leadership style of former Ford CEO, Alan Mulally, who prioritized connecting others with skills rather than trying to possess all the expertise himself. Kasia uses Mulally’s leadership style to stress the vital role of effective communication in leadership and the importance of creating a supportive environment where everyone can share their opinions. In conclusion, understanding body language and emotional cues is also addressed as a valuable tool for any leader seeking to cultivate well-being and engagement within their team.

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