Productivity Smarts

Latest Episodes:

Productivity Smarts 060 - The Oxcart Technique with Terry L Fossum Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Get ready to be inspired by an incredible story of triumph over adversity in this episode of Productivity Smarts. Host Gerald J. Leonard dives into the remarkable journey of Terry L. Fossum, a true testament to the power of determination and resilience.

Terry's journey to success started in one of the most challenging cities in the United States. His life was filled with heart-wrenching setbacks and moments of overcoming tremendous hardships. Despite facing bleak predictions about his future, Terry defied the odds and went on to become a highly esteemed captain in the United States Air Force, as well as a successful international businessman, author, speaker, builder, and trainer.

In this engaging conversation, Terry introduces the groundbreaking Oxcart technique, a powerful tool he created to ignite passion and motivation. Through gripping personal stories and examples of individuals who have conquered formidable challenges, Terry vividly demonstrates the incredible transformative power of passion.

By tuning in to this episode, you'll gain valuable wisdom on how to harness passion and motivation in pursuit of your own goals. It's an episode you won't want to miss.

What We Discuss

[02:01] Introduction to Terry L Fossum
[04:25] Challenges in goal setting
[05:55] Overcoming failures
[07:29] The role of passion in success
[13:50] Embracing failure and Oxcart technique
[15:11] Harnessing pain and Oxcart technique
[17:40] Structured approach and real-life example
[20:05] Visualizing success and failure
[22:12] The parable of the Oxcart
[24:39] Research and scientific validation
[26:14] Neuroscience and personal growth
[28:06] Steps for changing your life
[30:15] Daily review and personal growth

Notable Quotes

[04:27] "Most of what we've been taught about goal setting is either incomplete or completely wrong." - Terry
[05:58] "We all have failures. We talk about embracing failure and the future. I learned everything I could about positive visualization and goal setting." - Terry

[28:19] "You can say money doesn't buy happiness, but poverty hurts and it does not help out." - Terry

Resources

Terry L. Fossum

Website - terrylfossum.com
LinkedIn - Terry L. Fossum
Book: The Oxcart Technique: Blueprint for Success

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Mentioned

Book: Soul Surfer
Movie: Soul Surfer

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

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Productivity Smarts 059 - Journey Forward with Nathaniel Turner Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Did you know that the simple act of journaling can be a powerful tool for shaping your reality? It's not just about jotting down the events of your day; it's about something much deeper.

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard delves into the power of journaling and its impact on personal success. He interviews Nathaniel A. Turner, an author, TEDx speaker, and humanitarian propulsion engineer, who shares his insights on journaling and productivity. Nathaniel emphasizes how journaling has significantly impacted his personal success. The discussion covers techniques like journaling forward, prioritizing activities, and using affirmations and vision boards to manifest desired outcomes, offering practical advice on enhancing productivity and achieving goals.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to revolutionize your life through the transformative force of journaling.

What We Discuss

[02:01] Introduction to Nathaniel A. Turner
[04:10] The misunderstood aspects of journaling
[09:26] The impact of journaling on Nathaniel
[12:52] Manifestation of goals through journaling
[16:43] Techniques for prioritizing activities and goals
[20:26] The neuroscience of writing
[26:58] Strategies for maintaining consistency in journaling
[31:05] Journaling as the starting point for efficient time management

Notable Quotes

[03:24] "You're only as good as you are on the new day. So yesterday, my mind doesn't matter." - Nathaniel
[21:58] "I feel a little bit like what happens with journaling is similar to a GPS where you program where you want to go." - Nathaniel

[25:42] "I try to focus less on the outcome and more on the process." - Nathaniel

[31:10] "If I don't start with journaling, then my day doesn't feel like I've started correctly." - Nathaniel

Resources

Nathaniel A. Turner

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Mentioned

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Productivity Smarts 058 - The Son I Knew Too Late with Sally Raymond Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

What if I told you that behind every smile, every success, lies a hidden battle – a struggle against the relentless tide of trauma, grief, and loss? How do we reconcile the paradox of achieving great feats while battling the demons of our own minds? And amidst the chaos, how do we find the courage to prioritize our emotional well-being and embrace the transformative power of self-care?

In a compelling conversation, host Gerald J. Leonard delves into the profound impact of trauma and grief on emotional well-being with author Sally Raymond, who shares her personal journey following her son's tragic death. Together, they emphasize the importance of self-care and integrating traumatic experiences to maintain mental and emotional health.

Tune in to this powerful episode to gain invaluable insights on navigating through grief and trauma, and learn practical strategies for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.

What We Discuss

[02:01] Sally Raymond's story
[05:13] Misunderstandings in psychotherapy
[07:49] The brain's response to trauma
[16:18] Strategies for coping with grief and loss
[22:33] The importance of self-care
[24:01] The impact of trauma on mental health and productivity
[25:29] Maintaining balance during difficult times
[34:27] Tips for setting realistic goals during challenging periods
[40:42] Finding new purpose after loss and advice for discovering a new direction

Notable Quotes

[04:06] "There is a place for no. The place for no is to say yes to something better." - Sally
[14:06] "If you focus on the worst case, you're going to overreact. You're going to be filled with fear and you're going to do something silly that isn't going to be appropriate for the situation."- Sally
[16:19] "Grief and loss take an enormous amount of energy, but it's a natural process. Don't fight it; allow yourself to feel because it's essential that you allow it full expression." - Sally
[24:39] "Your well-being is absolutely integral to the functioning, consistency, and competence of every other member of your galaxy." - Sally
[43:19] "Everything is not to take us out; it is the same thing—learn from it, don't demonize it, don't authorize it, look at what's the gift." - Sally

Resources

Sally Raymond

Website - https://sallyaraymond.com/
Book: The Son I Knew Too Late: A Guide to Help You Survive and Thrive

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

Website - https://productivitysmarts.com/
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Mentioned

Book: Whole Brain Living by Jill Bolte Taylor

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Productivity Smarts 057 - Parents on a Mission with Richard R. Ramos Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

How many times have you considered the impact of being a parent on your work productivity? The answer reveals a fascinating intersection of two vital roles in our lives. Regardless of your title or the heights you've reached in your career, the responsibilities and joys of parenting inevitably shape your daily life and, consequently, your productivity at work.

This episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast delves into how parenting can influence productivity.

Host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by guest Richard R. Ramos, founder of the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership (LCL). The LCL is a beacon of hope for high-risk families and youths, providing support and guidance to those in need. Richard's dedication to promoting stronger communities through emotional maturity, purpose, and values is clearly demonstrated in his advocacy work.

During the conversation, Richard sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of parenting on productivity. He shares his personal journey and insights into the importance of emotional maturity, purpose, and values in family life to enhance productivity.

Don't miss out on transforming your approach to parenting and boosting productivity - it's all about making the right choices and embracing forgiveness.

What We Discuss

[02:07] Introduction to Richard Ramos
[03:07] The impact of parenting on productivity
[06:55] Richard's journey to becoming a parent advocate
[13:40] Strategies for effective parenting
[19:21] Instilling purpose and values within the family
[22:27] Negative impact of technology on family interactions
[28:16] Three parenting styles and their effects
[32:03] Fostering resilience and adaptability in children
[35:41] Influence of parents on community building
[40:13] Conclusion and call to action

Notable Quotes

[05:45] "We grow old automatically, but we do not grow up automatically." - Richard

[14:43] "The first thing to do to gain emotional maturity, I suggest to parents is, you got to find a time to slow down." - Richard

[23:55] "Facebook is taking away 'face time', and you can't let that happen." - Richard

[27:59] "Children are being influenced by influencers. I want to be the main influence in my life, for my children's life." - Richard

[32:03] "One of the things I like to encourage parents in is I talk about preparation for separation and infiltration, not isolation." - Richard

Resources

Richard R. Ramos

Website - https://parentsonamission.org/
Book: Parents on a Mission by Richard Ramos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-ramos-067ba018/

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

Website - https://productivitysmarts.com/
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Productivity Smarts 056 - Self-Made Success with Dr. Shaan Patel Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever found yourself captivated by tales of individuals who seem to defy all odds, rising from humble beginnings to achieve remarkable success?

This episode of Productivity Smarts dives into the world of efficiency and success. Host Gerald J. Leonard talks with Dr. Shaan Patel, founder of Prep Expert. Dr. Patel is a man whose journey from a budget motel in Las Vegas to the pinnacle of educational success embodies the very essence of determination and efficiency.

Dr. Patel shares his journey through his SAT triumph, his appearance on Shark Tank, and his insights on productivity and internal motivation. Emphasizing the importance of practice and present-moment focus, the episode delves into strategies for enhancing efficiency and the role of internal drive in achieving goals. The discussion also underscores the value of mindfulness in boosting productivity and maintaining emotional stability.

Tune in and learn from Dr. Shaan Patel's remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into how mindfulness and determination can propel you toward success.

What We Discuss

[02:01] - Introduction to Dr. Shaan Patel
[06:43] - Overcoming challenges and achieving success
[08:21] - Misconceptions about productivity
[11:05] - Impact of upbringing on motivation
[14:46] - Principles of productivity and motivation
[18:31] - Internal motivation and its importance
[20:20] - The power of now
[21:55] - The misconception of productivity
[28:26] - Practicing the law of attraction
[34:30] - The morning power hour and the Dundee philosophy

Notable Quotes

[15:30] "I realized that if I wanted to live more of a balanced life where I could have some social life still while working and achieving goals, I would have to get really good at productivity." - Dr. Shaan Patel
[20:20] "The more you can focus on the present and the present moment, I think that the happier you can be and the more productive you can be because you can only take action in the present." - Dr. Shaan Patel
[23:18] "80% of your results come from 20% of the effort, so it's really about figuring out what tasks are going to be the most valuable." - Dr. Shaan Patel
[30:22] "You have to really feel, visualize, and have it vibrate through your body whatever you want to happen, and it's got to be a daily practice." - Dr. Shaan Patel

Resources

Dr. Shaan Patel

Website - https://prepexpert.com/
Book: Self-Made Success: 48 Secret Strategies To Live Happier, Healthier, And Wealthier by Dr. Shaan Patel
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shaan-patel

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

Website - https://productivitysmarts.com/
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Productivity Smarts 055 - The Untold Story with Michael Vasquez Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

In the face of the ongoing opioid crisis, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and business leaders are burdened with a pressing question: Are we losing the battle? Workplaces have emerged as a critical frontier in the fight against this epidemic, as its devastating effects reverberate across communities. In this digital age, where artificial intelligence (AI) permeates various aspects of our lives, could AI offer a glimmer of hope in combating the crisis's profound impact on workplace productivity?

This episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast delves into the intersection of entrepreneurship, healthcare, and AI technology in a thought-provoking conversation. Host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Michael Vasquez, a trailblazing entrepreneur whose companies have created significant impacts across diverse industries.

Michael's journey from software developer to influential business founder is a testament to the transformative power of communication and lifelong learning. He shares insights from his book, The Untold Story of the Opioid Crisis in American Healthcare, providing a compelling narrative of how his company's AI algorithms are actively combating the epidemic's effects on workplace productivity.

This episode offers valuable insights on enhancing productivity, addressing health crises in business, and the pivotal role of AI in healthcare. Don't miss out on Michael's compelling insights—tune in now.

What We Discuss

[02:01] - Introducing Michael Vasquez
[11:36] - Leveraging AI for opioid crisis solution
[15:34] - AI Predictive Analysis for Opioid Management
[20:24] - Employer Response to Opioid Crisis Solution
[21:14] - Retrospective Review in Project Management
[22:04] - Identifying Physicians for Opioid Crisis
[23:37] - Challenges in Getting Doctors to Change
[26:36] - Addressing Limiting Beliefs
[29:18] - Michael's Book on Opioid Crisis
[30:13] - Embracing Technology for Intervention

Notable Quotes

[05:33] "Communication is so key. Without being able to communicate, you can't be productive." - Michael Vasquez
[22:14] "We decided that probably the physicians are where we should look for the heart of the problem." - Michael Vasquez
[29:56] "Without the AI tools, we couldn't get to the people where I think the heart of it is, which is the physician." - Michael Vasquez

Resources

Michael Vasquez

Website - https://opioidcm.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikevasquezopcm/
Book: The Untold Story of the Opioid Crisis in American Healthcare

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Productivity Smarts 054 - Future-Proof with Philip Blackett May 29, 2024

Show notes

Are you losing sleep over the looming presence of artificial intelligence in your profession? Are you eager to equip yourself with the necessary tools to outpace the ever-evolving job market? Instead of fearing the impact of artificial intelligence, imagine harnessing its power to enhance your capabilities and become indispensable to employers. But the burning question remains: how can you navigate this transformative landscape to secure your career?

This episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast unravels the essence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), going beyond the buzz to illuminate its transformative potential. It delves into why AI is not merely a buzzword but a game changer.

Host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with the incredible Philip Blackett, an Amazon bestselling author and a powerhouse in the world of productivity. Philip shares insights from his groundbreaking book "Future Proof: How to Adopt and Master Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to Secure Your Job and Career," discussing how embracing AI can enhance productivity. He reflects on his upbringing and the value of education and hard work instilled by his grandparents. Philip encourages listeners to view AI as an opportunity to delegate routine tasks, focus on expertise areas, and pursue continuous learning to become valuable organizational assets.

Philip's story is one of inspiration, rooted in the values instilled by his grandparents. The emphasis on education and hard work has been the cornerstone of his success. It's a reminder to all of us about the importance of a solid foundation and the willingness to embrace new opportunities.

By tuning in to this episode, you'll come away with a fresh perspective on AI, productivity, and how to future-proof your work and life.

What We Discuss

[02:01] - Introducing Philip Blackett
[05:15] - Misunderstandings about AI and productivity
[08:19] - Influence of upbringing on career choices
[10:42] - Discussion of Philip's book, "Future Proof"
[12:00] - Strategies for enhancing productivity with AI
[20:45] - The impact of AI on coding
[22:43] - Misconceptions about AI
[24:29] - AI's relevance across fields
[33:36] - Creating balance for ethical AI integration
[40:15] - Continuous learning with AI

Notable Quotes

[00:02:50] "One of the biggest lessons I've learned in my first half of my life is you have to be open to flexibility, you have to be able to adapt, you have to be resilient." - Philip Blackett

[00:05:19] "We fear what we don't understand, and I think that's a similar stance here with AI." - Philip Blackett

[00:12:00] "The first thing I would say is you look at AI as an opportunity, not a threat." - Philip Blackett

Resources

Philip Blackett

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Productivity Smarts 053 - American Grit with John Suzuki May 21, 2024

Show notes

Ease is a greater enemy to progress than hardship. These powerful words from Denzel Washington highlight a fundamental truth: real growth comes from embracing challenges, not avoiding them. By confronting obstacles head-on, we unlock our true capabilities and potential for growth. Embracing life's difficulties leads to continuous improvement, personal evolution, and ultimately, success and fulfillment.

This episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast offers a refreshing and deeply insightful take on what it truly means to be resilient. Host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by John Suzuki, author of American Grit: From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American War Hero. Through engaging conversations and inspiring anecdotes, they explore the power of resilience, grit, and having a clear vision for success in today's world.

John Suzuki's journey, marked by desire, discipline, and goal orientation, illuminates resilience as not just an admirable quality but a necessary trait for achieving productivity and success. His narrative, coupled with Gerald's philosophy, demonstrates that even small acts, when driven by compassion and vision, can create ripples of significant change.

Tune in to this episode for a refreshing take on resilience and discover how embracing challenges can lead to unparalleled personal and professional growth.

What We Discuss

[00:02:01] Introducing John Suzuki
[00:06:17] The story behind American Grit
[00:13:00] Overcoming productivity challenges from an individual and book perspective
[00:18:04] The dynamics when dealing with leadership for productivity
[00:20:38] Leadership lessons from Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
[00:22:15] The role of resilience in overcoming challenges and personal growth
[00:30:57] Learning from the past and preventing history from repeating
[00:33:36] The power of determination and vision

Notable Quotes

[00:08:53] "We have the ability to make the decision of the direction we want our lives to go irregardless of what society or the all the chaos that's out there." - Gerald J. Leonard
[00:07:08] "It's okay to be different. It's okay to disagree. It's okay to want more for yourself. It's okay to not go with the flow." - John Suzuki
[00:24:34] "Failure leads to success. It's okay to keep going." - John Suzuki
[00:25:26] "If you want things to be easy, it's not going to challenge you to become your best." - Gerald J. Leonard
[00:28:41] "One of the top three character traits that is really important is the ability to persevere." - John Suzuki

Resources

John Suzuki

Website - johnsuzuki.com
Book: American Grit: From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American War Hero

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Productivity Smarts 052 - CONNECTIPLOMACY with Marjorie Hope May 01, 2024

Show notes

Marjorie Hope is the author of CONNECTIPLOMACY: Using Our Differences to Connect, and she graduated from Salisbury University and obtained postgraduate certifications from the London School of Economics and Harvard University. She owned and operated a large gymnastics school as a competitive gymnast, embracing the synergy between mind, body, and spirit while incorporating the importance of being "fit for life" and that "more is possible." In 2016, she founded America Connected, an international non-profit and non-partisan organization teaching people worldwide how to connect through cultural diplomacy.

Connecting through Respect and YES, we can find common ground.

From the dawn of civilization to the modern era, the practice of diplomacy has woven an intricate weave of harmony, understanding, and mutual respect. Great kingdoms engaged in diplomacy, exemplified by the brilliance of the Amarna system, where clay tablets etched with wisdom and eloquence crisscrossed the region, paving the way for peace, trade, and cultural exchange. Great Kings recognized that "cooperation," not conflict, reigned supreme—a lesson echoing through the corridors of time.

I can teach people how to connect through our differences, develop mutual respect, and alleviate anxiety through diplomacy. Diplomacy demands a careful understanding of the positions and interests of all parties involved, highlighting the possibility of finding common ground even in conflict. It emphasizes maintaining cordial and respectful relationships with foreign leaders, even during times of tension. I firmly believe in the importance of civility and courtesy in international relations, emphasizing the need for patience, persistence, and mutual respect in achieving diplomatic goals, especially in our everyday world. My experiences include stories of diplomacy with a sheik in Dubai, a Japanese Prime Minister, and the balconies in Italy!

https://americaconnected.org/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Productivity Smarts 051 - Journey Into Peace with Michael Starr Apr 20, 2024

Show notes

Our guest is Michael Starr who is an adventurer at heart. He loves exploring and "going where few have gone." While studying at Carnegie Mellon University, he and a friend canoed fifty-four days from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. The next year, he hitchhiked and bused for four months through the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala, living on $3 per day.

https://www.executivecoachingservices.net/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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