Productivity Smarts

Latest Episodes:

Episode 119 - The Hidden Heist with Bill Cates Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Hall of Fame speaker, podcast host, and author Bill Cates to uncover how your mindset can either rob you of success or unlock lasting wealth.

Bill takes us behind the scenes of his new book, The Hidden Heist, a parable filled with suspense, humor, and unforgettable lessons about money. Together, Gerald and Bill explore why beliefs are the foundation of every decision you make, how to maintain composure and clarity when life gets stressful, and why mastering your inner dialogue is the secret to real productivity.

You'll also learn how compounding interest can change your future, why many people sabotage their own financial potential, and how finding the right financial advisor can protect and grow your wealth.

If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still falling short, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach, rewrite your limiting stories, and start building a life of abundance and purpose.

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Bill Cates
[05:00] Hidden Heist: concept, plot, structure and lessons
[12:49] Character spotlight: Elden, handling pressure and decision-making
[14:55] Identifying and replacing unproductive money beliefs in daily life and work
[22:02] Beliefs as the foundation for problem-solving
[23:39] Aligning yourself with a trusted financial professional
[25:54] Bill's financial habits and mindset shifts that boosted his productivity
[28:09] Where to find The Hidden Heist and connect with Bill Cates

Notable Quotes

[05:27] "When someone says they sold a business, maybe they made money, maybe they didn't. I experienced both." – Bill Cates
[13:22] "Composure comes from clarity. Composure comes from clarity of purpose. It comes from mastering your inner dialogue, what you're saying to yourself." – Bill Cates
[14:03] "Wisdom is knowledge that is kilned in the fire of experience." – Bill Cates
[15:15] "Every human has stuff around money. I have met wealthy individuals that have fear around money when you don't think they should." – Bill Cates
[17:17] "Most Americans couldn't handle an 800 car repair bill without selling something or borrowing money. What's wrong with that picture?" – Bill Cates
[20:06] "Some are, most aren't. So whenever we think about generalizations like rich people are greedy... there's usually these stereotypes and these generalizations." – Bill Cates
[22:40] "If we believe it's not fixable, then it's not fixable. If we're in a marriage and we believe the marriage isn't fixable, then it's not fixable." – Bill Cates
[26:11] "Those who understand it earn it, those who don't pay it." – Bill Cates[26:51] "Some of my self worth was tied up in money. And so, you know, I bought a Lexus when I could have bought a Toyota." – Bill Cates

Resources

Bill Cates

Website - https://referralcoach.com/the-hidden-heist/
LinkedIn: Bill Cates
Book: The Hidden Heist

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.

Episode 118 - Is It IBS or Your Diet? with Mohammad Farivar MD Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In this enlightening episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Mohammad Farivar, a board-certified gastroenterologist and author of "Is It IBS or Your Diet?". With more than 55 years of medical experience, Dr. Farivar brings deep insights into the connection between gut health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Many people struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a condition that can drastically impact daily life, work performance, and even mental clarity. Dr. Farivar reveals how diet, stress, and gut health play pivotal roles in both IBS symptoms and productivity and why traditional treatments often miss the mark.

Through real-life patient stories and science-backed strategies, you'll discover how small dietary shifts, the right testing, and an informed approach to gut health can make a world of difference.

Whether you or someone you know is battling digestive health issues, this conversation will equip you with practical steps to regain control and unlock your full potential.

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Dr. Mohammad Farivar
[05:47] Impact of IBS on patients' lives
[09:12] Motivation to write the book
[12:19] Proper approach to IBS diagnosis
[15:12] IBS and productivity loss
[17:21] Stress and its effects on IBS
[22:54] Critique of probiotic industry
[27:16] FODMAP diet explained
[30:44] Complementary and alternative medicine for IBS
[32:44] Hydrogen breath test for IBS
[37:19] Where to find the book and final advice

Notable Quotes

[05:03] "We are all born with a mission. Even as a child, I knew I wanted to be a doctor." – Dr. Farivar

[06:39] "In my practice, I was able to find the cause of IBS in more than 90% of cases — most of the time, it was diet-related." – Dr. Farivar

[15:12] "IBS is the second most common cause of lost productivity after colds and infections." – Dr. Farivar

[22:59] "Forget probiotics. A spoonful of yogurt gives you more than any pill." – Dr. Farivar

Resources

Dr. Mohammad Farivar

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.

Episode 117 - Train Your Head & Your Body Will Follow with Sandy Joy Weston, M.Ed. Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Sandy Joy Weston, M.Ed., author, podcaster, fitness entrepreneur, and unapologetic powerhouse of positivity. Sandy has dedicated her career to helping people connect their mindset and movement to create lasting joy, resilience, and success.

From her early days training stars like Patti LaBelle to working with professional athletes and corporations, Sandy has seen firsthand how simple mindset shifts can unlock both personal and professional breakthroughs. Her book, Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow, distills decades of wisdom into a practical framework for rewiring habits, resetting focus, and building a joyful foundation for productivity.

During this conversation, Sandy shares how growing up in challenging circumstances shaped her mission to spread joy, why rituals and micro-habits matter more than marathon routines, and how anyone can reset their mind and body in as little as one to three minutes a day.

If you've ever felt like stress, negativity, or "decision fatigue" were holding you back, this episode will give you the tools and the inspiration to take charge of your mornings and your mindset.

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Sandy Joy Weston
[04:30] The story behind training Patti LaBelle and other high-profile clients
[06:40] Turning obstacles into opportunities through joy and mindset
[11:52] Sandy's "one-word" morning routine to jumpstart productivity
[15:49] Why movement and laughter are key to shifting state
[19:42] Lessons learned from working with professional athletes
[23:00] Rituals, visualization, and positive self-talk as performance tools
[25:17] The impact of reading 5,000+ books on health, mindset, and fitness
[33:12] The value of mentors and "tour guides" in accelerating growth
[34:44] Managing stress and negativity in a chaotic world
[40:35] Gratitude, journaling, and power statements as daily anchors
[46:03] Resources for adults and children, including Sandy's books and journals
[47:35] Closing reflections and takeaways

Notable Quotes

[04:40] "I always believed my mission was to spread joy. I didn't know how, but I knew that no matter the vehicle, that was the purpose of my life." – Sandy
[07:42] "I wasn't impressed with who people were. Whether it was Patti LaBelle or a neighbor down the street, I treated everyone the same. I just wanted to help." – Sandy
[11:52] "Before I get out of bed, I ask: what word do I want to embody today? If I just do that consistently, everything changes." – Sandy
[23:00] "There was nothing more important for athletes than how they chose to show up—whether it was one minute, three minutes, or two hours. The ritual mattered." – Sandy
[35:03] "I want to feel the emotion and then move it off quickly. I always ask myself, does this thought serve me well?" – Sandy
[40:35] "Every day, I write down five things I'm grateful for and five people I send peace, love, and joy to—even if they get on my nerves." – Sandy

Our Guest

Sandy Joy Weston, M.Ed. is an international speaker, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur dedicated to spreading joy and helping people create simple, science-backed routines to live healthier, happier lives. She is the author of Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow, Your 30-Day Reset Journal, and Recess to Reset for kids. Sandy's work bridges fitness, psychology, and mindset training, making positivity practical and accessible for all.

Resources

Sandy Joy Weston

Website: https://www.sandyjoyweston.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sandyjoyweston
Books: https://www.sandyjoyweston.com/books
Podcast: https://www.sandyjoyweston.com/podcast

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.

Episode 116 - The Last Book Written by a Human with Jeff Burningham Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

What does it really mean to be human in a world where machines are learning faster than we are? As AI continues to evolve, are we at risk of losing touch with the very things that make us deeply human?

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down to delve into these big questions with Jeff Burningham, an entrepreneur, author, and the mind behind The Last Book Written by a Human. Jeff shares his journey from building startups to running for governor, and how those experiences led him to rethink success. He talks about the shift from being a "human doing" to a "human being," and why slowing down, being present, and reconnecting with what really matters is more urgent than ever.

They explore the power of daily reflection, the grounding effect of nature, and a touching story about Jeff's daughter that highlights the emotional cost of chasing success. Jeff also offers his take on AI, describing it as a kind of cosmic mirror that reflects both our strengths and our blind spots and how it might be nudging us toward a more meaningful path, guided by love, wisdom, and connection.

If you're craving more purpose in the midst of rapid change, this conversation is one to tune into.

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Jeff Burningham
[03:31] Vision and the power of seeing around corners
[06:17] Thriving in disruption and building in downturns
[08:10] From human doing to human being: redefining productivity
[10:52] Presence over performance: lessons from fatherhood
[12:28] Balancing high performance with presence and awareness
[17:45] Turning failure into transformation after a gubernatorial loss
[21:56] What your body knows before you do: the cost of overwork
[25:31] The 4-part framework of Jeff's book: Disruption, Reflection, Transformation, Evolution
[26:51] How AI is nudging us into a "new game" of authenticity and karma
[36:27] Jeff's daily spiritual practices for staying grounded and creative
[39:11] How to connect with Jeff and grab his new book

Notable Quotes

[06:17] "When people are irrational, you know, there's always opportunity for businesses. I'm speaking specifically within disruption. There's always opportunity." – Jeff Burningham
[06:43] "In the age of AI, there's a gift, there's a little-known gift. It's called skip thinking. Some of us can kind of skip ahead and almost kind of have a sense." – Jeff Burningham
[28:55] "I think AI will push us this way to pivot to what I call a new game. A new game where karma is the currency, where authenticity is the real power and motivation." – Jeff Burningham

[33:57] "AI is just the data that we've fed it. It's all of human data that it has. It looks for patterns. And by the way, it's able to see patterns better than maybe we ever could." – Jeff Burningham

[36:29] "The most powerful ideas are often the most simple. So therefore the most neglected, the simple basics that I come back to, and I'm not perfect at this, but I try to do these three things every day." – Jeff Burningham

[38:18] "Get into nature, spend as much time in nature as you absolutely can. That's another one of our universal teachers."– Jeff Burningham

Our Guest

Jeff Burningham is a visionary entrepreneur, early-stage tech investor, and author of The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI. Over his diverse career, Jeff has founded and scaled billion-dollar ventures, led institutional real estate funds, and even ran for governor of Utah. His mission now? Helping people and society move from fear to wisdom in the age of intelligent machines.

Resources

Jeff Burningham

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-burningham-15a01a7b/
Website: https://www.jeffburningham.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffburningham/?hl=en
Book: https://www.jeffburningham.com/book/

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.

Episode 115 - Letters To Mom with Don Eggspuehler Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard dives into an engaging conversation with Don Eggspuehler, author of Letters to Mom: Marine Corps – Boot Camp – Flight School – Vietnam. They explore Don's journey from a Marine Corp fighter pilot to a successful software executive and writer. The discussion highlights the transformative power of journaling, storytelling, and resilience in navigating life's challenges. Don shares the profound impact of military discipline on his productivity and personal balance, and offers invaluable advice for leaders striving to maintain equilibrium between high-stake responsibilities and personal well-being. The episode also shines a light on Don's latest book, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the poignant letters he wrote to his mother during his service, which have become a source of inspiration and healing for many.

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Don Eggspuehler
[04:54] The Power of Letter Writing and Storytelling
[10:57] Balancing Life and Work
[21:26] Reflections and Final Thoughts
[29:18] Conclusion and Call to Action

Notable Quotes

[06:08] " Writing letters is kind of a lost art. Most people don't write letters anymore, and it's so important." – Don Eggspuehler
[13:10] " As you're going through life, sometimes a lot of stuff happens that we have no control over, but it's not what happens, it's how we deal with what happens now." – Gerald J. Leonard
[15:09] " Be persistent and don't get too upset over things. Keep things even keel and go with the flow a little bit, 'cause in life you're gonna have a lot of situations that are big surprises, and you really don't have any control over that. It's how you react." – Don Eggspuehler
[22:41] " We have the freedom and the ability to have experiences with our loved ones that we care about." – Gerald J. Leonard
[24:57] " Life doesn't always go the way you want it to, no matter what you do. It throws you into some situations that you really weren't seeing coming." – Don Eggspuehler

Our Guest

Don Eggspuehler is a retired Marine Corps officer, author, and former computer software executive. Originally from Iowa Falls, Iowa, he served in Vietnam as a combat pilot flying A-6A jets. After a 23-year marriage to Linda Combs, who passed away from a brain tumor, Don had a successful 30-year career in software sales and consulting. Now retired and married to Lynda Lou Sherman, Don has authored five books, including Letters to Mom: Marine Corps – Boot Camp – Flight School – Vietnam and Life Lessons Learned in Grade School.

Resources

Don Eggspuehler

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-eggspuehler-54b71227b
Website: https://www.lifelessonsbooks.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doneggspuehler/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Mom-Marine-Flight-Vietnam/dp/B0DKXT5KP3

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.

Episode 114 - Building a Sustainable Business with Alexis Normand Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Alexis Normand, co-founder of Greenly, a leading carbon accounting platform that's helping companies around the world cut their emissions and boost performance at the same time.

Alexis started out in digital health, where he learned how short‑term incentives can drive long‑term results. That insight eventually led him to launch Greenly, which began as a personal carbon tracking app and has since evolved into one of the world's most trusted tools for businesses serious about sustainability.

During the conversation, Alexis shares how starting small, moving fast, and learning from customers turned Greenly into a platform that makes carbon accounting simple, actionable, and even profitable. You'll also hear how AI and automation are making it easier than ever for businesses to cut through decision fatigue, meet compliance standards, and focus on the projects that really move the needle.

If you've ever thought sustainability was just a nice‑to‑have, this episode will change your mind. Get ready to see why climate action is one of the smartest business moves you can make.

What We Discuss

[02:01] Introduction to Alexis Normand
[07:10] Lessons from early iterations and pivoting to business solutions
[11:34] Habits and systems Alexis uses to stay productive
[15:00] Tackling decision fatigue in carbon reporting
[20:40] How AI and automation streamline sustainability efforts
[28:14] Meeting compliance frameworks across regions
[31:12] Why sustainability is good business strategy
[33:51] First steps for companies beginning their carbon tracking journey
[37:15] How global supply chains drive climate accountability
[38:27] Closing reflections and takeaways

Notable Quotes

[03:56] "I guess relative to other players, we're now one of the biggest carbon accounting platforms in the world." – Alexis
[04:36] "You could essentially create short term incentives for people to change their behavior today, although the long term benefits are years away." – Alexis
[04:51] "The way we need to approach climate change is very much the same. All of the efforts we do today will have real long-term benefits, probably for our kids or our grandkids." – Alexis
[06:10] "We kind of need to create the need and educate people and we're never going to have 10 million people on this app in the short term to build a business." – Alexis
[15:19] "Carbon data is complex, right when you look at the process of calculating a carbon based footprint and all of the different acronyms out there, whether it's science based targets, SCRD, CDP, all these things that are related to carbon accounting and sustainability" – Gerald
[34:17] "You don't have to oppose climate and growth. There are more and more businesses, in fact, I think a majority of businesses today, who will have a stronger growth trajectory if they align themselves with the net zero trajectory." – Alexis
[37:59] "If you are ambitious about your company, then somewhere down the line you're going to have to be ambitious about climate." – Alexis

Our Guest

Alexis Normand is the co-founder of Greenly, a carbon accounting platform helping companies measure and reduce their emissions with clarity and precision. Drawing on his experience in digital health and innovation, Alexis is passionate about integrating sustainability into everyday business operations and using technology to make climate action accessible for all.

Resources

Alexis Normand

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisnormand
Greenly website: https://greenly.earth/en-us
Greenly App: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/

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.

Episode 113 - From Prison to Possibilities with Kim Nugent Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Kim Nugent, a transformational leader, author, and mentorship expert who is changing lives behind bars.

With three master's degrees, a PhD, and executive coaching credentials from Marshall Goldsmith, Dr. Nugent shares how her career in hospitality, higher education, and corporate leadership led to her purpose-driven work in prisons across the country. She explains how structured peer mentorship, behavior change, and emotional intelligence can unlock a better future, not only for the incarcerated, but for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

Dr. Nugent also discusses her groundbreaking book From Prison to Possibilities: Paving Your Path, a structured mentoring program designed to reduce recidivism and prepare incarcerated individuals for productive lives post-release.

Together, Gerald and Kim explore how prison isn't always physical; it can be a mindset. Through her alphabetized 26-topic program (A-Z), Dr. Nugent empowers returning citizens with tools to discover purpose, build resilience, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Her curriculum is now inspiring transformation in maximum-security facilities with zero rule violations among participants.

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Dr. Kim Nugent
[4:11] Career journey from hospitality to higher education to prison reform
[13:03] The birth of the book From Prison to Possibilities
[21:05] Structure, behavior change, and the six-month model
[28:19] Emotional intelligence and attitude shifts
[31:57] Lifers and legacy: Purpose inside prison
[36:42] Peer-led mentorship and accountability
[41:00] PTSD, fixed mindset, and redefining success
[45:28] Promotion Protocol: Career growth beyond incarceration
[50:12] The power of saying "yes"—and learning from "no"
[55:00] Advice for anyone stuck in a personal "prison"
[59:35] Where to find Dr. Kim Nugent

Notable Quotes

[6:56] "When you know better, you do better." – Dr. Kim Nugent
[12:31] "Even in a no, there's an opportunity." – Dr. Kim Nugent
[13:42] " Prison doesn't have to mean you're behind bars. You could be in prison mentally." – Dr. Kim Nugent
[25:41] "We've had zero rule violations from participants across all prisons involved in the program." – Dr. Kim Nugent
[38:49] "If you think you can or think you can't, you're right." – Dr. Kim Nugent

Our Guest

Dr. Kim Nugent is a leading mentorship expert, executive coach, and author of From Prison to Possibilities and Promotion Protocol: Unlock the Secrets to Promotability and Career Success. Her structured peer-led mentorship model is being adopted in maximum-security prisons across the U.S., where she works to help inmates rediscover purpose and live more productive lives. Her methodology blends education, coaching, neuroscience, and real-world experience into an empowering curriculum based on 26 foundational topics from A to Z. With deep expertise in leadership, mentoring, and curriculum design, Dr. Nugent is on a mission to create lasting transformation, inside and outside prison walls.

Resources

Dr. Kim Nugent

Website: https://www.drnugentspeaks.com
Book: From Prison to Possibilities
Book: Promotion Protocol: Unlock the Secrets to Promotability and Career 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: Deep Work by Cal Newport

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.

Episode 112 - Making Remote Work Healthy and Productive with Steven Puri Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with Steven Puri, a former Hollywood studio executive turned entrepreneur. Steven has worked on blockbuster films like Independence Day and Transformers, but today he's focused on helping remote workers stay productive, happy, and focused through his company, Sukha.

Steven shares his personal journey and what led him to rethink productivity. Instead of chasing long hours and constant hustle, he now believes in working with intention and finding flow. He talks about how our environment, like having a creative workspace, can really boost performance. Drawing from his Hollywood background, he explains how the same creative principles can apply to remote work.

The conversation also dives into Sukha, an AI-powered tool he created to help people manage overwhelm. It helps users stay focused by organizing tasks, using music to encourage deep work, and creating simple, structured workflows.

Throughout the episode, you'll hear plenty of practical tips, like how to mentally "commute" to your home office, how to work in sync with your body's natural energy patterns (your chronotype), and how to use AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for creativity.

What We Discuss

[02:01] Introduction to Steven Puri
[05:49] Evolution of productivity: Then vs. now
[09:22] Steven's film industry background
[11:24] Legacy and meaningful work
[12:47] Flow state: Hollywood lessons for remote work
[16:48] Environmental triggers and productivity barriers
[19:44] Morning routines and focus
[21:54] Leadership lessons from film for remote teams
[28:30] Chronotypes and personal productivity rhythms
[30:20] Maintaining boundaries in remote work
[33:35] AI and the future of remote productivity
[36:44] How to connect with Steven

Notable Quotes

[07:40] "Now, I really measure my productivity by the effect, not by how many hours I work." – Steven Puri

[08:39] "I was just burning the candle at both ends and being really productive, but after I recovered, I realized I was more productive by being mindful and intentional." – Gerald J. Leonard

[21:47] "You talk a lot about purpose and intention. These are powerful. When you apply them, powerful things happen." – Steven Puri

[24:28] "It's always about the other thing. The part of your mind that does the cool, 'ooh, peanut butter and chocolate' — that can only function when you have something else to focus on." – Steven Puri

[35:33] "It's not AI that's replacing you. It's people who know how to use AI. Because someone who really understands how to use it can do the work of 10 to 20 people." – Steven Puri

Our Guest

Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of‬ people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life.‬ Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the‬ ‭DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J.‬ Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film‬ ‭production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including‬ Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects.‬ Steven's first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he‬ eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28.‬ Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce‬ live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die‬ Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci‬ Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more.‬

Resources

Steven Puri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri
Email: steven@sukha.co
The Sukha Company: https://www.thesukha.co/
APP: https://app.thesukha.co/landing (Try free for 7 days)

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 111 - The Psychology of Leadership with Sebastien Page Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Sebastien Page, bestselling author of The Psychology of Leadership, to explore how sports psychology, mindset, and positive habits can elevate leadership and productivity.

Together, they unpack powerful concepts like the PERMA model from positive psychology, the Yerkes-Dodson curve on optimal stress levels, and the importance of core beliefs in shaping our perception and performance. Sebastien shares how conversations create brain chemistry that either enhances connection or sparks stress, and how communication and flow are critical to effective teamwork. They also examine the surprising science behind social synchronization, strategic patience in decision-making, and how reframing stress can lead to peak performance. Through personal stories and practical insights, Sebastien reveals why leadership is more about managing mindset than chasing perfection, and how athletes and leaders alike thrive not by avoiding pressure, but by harnessing it.

Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode offers science-backed strategies and real-world advice for performing at your best. Don't forget to check out Sebastian's book and subscribe for more productivity wisdom every week!

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Sebastien Page
[04:32] The underrated power of communication
[05:38] Conversational intelligence and brain chemistry
[07:07] Writing the book after hitting a wall with stress
[08:45] Sports psychology and redefining success
[15:53] Seligman's PERMA model and leadership application
[18:13] Driving meaning, engagement, and relationships at work
[22:54] Flow state: what it is and how leaders can spark it
[29:04] Core beliefs, team alignment, and upgrading your mindset
[33:44] The reticular activating system and what we choose to see
[35:56] Understanding the Yerkes-Dodson curve and stress optimization
[43:15] Control theory, decision-making, and strategic patience
[48:19] Where to find Sebastien and get the book
[49:27] Closing and call to action

Notable Quotes

[04:32] "I just came across a study, Gerald, about how much IQ matters to your lifetime earnings... it shows that after controlling for factors like personality and grit, your IQ accounts for 1 to 2% of your lifelong earnings. Just think about that." – Sebastien Page
[05:14] "Business is a team sport. No matter how good you are, if you can't pass the ball, you're not going to be welcome on the team and you're not going to contribute." – Sebastien Page
[11:17] "Sports psychology is not about winning, it's about losing." – Sebastien Page
[12:26] "The myth of effortless excellence is just that, it's a myth." – Sebastien Page

[36:30] "Optimal performance does not occur at a stress level of zero, which means that stress activation can increase performance up to a point." – Sebastien Page
[45:04] "Strategic patience is an unbelievably underrated leadership skill. The ability to not make a decision and wait it out and see what happens." – Sebastian Page

Our Guest

Sebastien Page is a bestselling author, leadership thinker, and head of a $500 billion investment business. In his book The Psychology of Leadership, Sebastien blends neuroscience, sports psychology, and behavioral science to help individuals and teams unlock their full potential. He's also recognized as a Top Voice on LinkedIn, where he shares practical, research-backed insights on leadership and self-improvement.

Resources

Sebastien Page

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-page/
Book: The Psychology of Leadership

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 110 - Lessons for Living Large with Barbara Stone Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with leadership coach and author Barbara Stone about her book So Much to Drool About, which uses stories of her Great Danes to teach life lessons on productivity, resilience, and living with purpose. Barbara shares how aligning with personal values and embracing a growth mindset can transform both personal and professional life. She highlights the importance of gratitude, morning routines, and perspective-shifting techniques to overcome challenges.

The conversation delves into overcoming limiting beliefs, with Barbara emphasizing the power of dreaming and stepping out of "crates" (comfort zones) to achieve growth. She also discusses her leadership model, which focuses on self-awareness, partnership, and coaching. Listeners will gain practical tips, such as reframing mistakes as learning opportunities and building resilience through alignment with workplace values.

Barbara's infectious energy and wisdom remind us that life is "to be drooled over"—full of potential for those willing to embrace courage and clarity. Tune in for inspiration to unlock your productivity and live large!

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Barbara Stone
[02:44] Book introduction: So Much to Drool About
[08:51] Living large and leading with values
[10:37] Book inspiration and wisdom statements
[11:24] Positive thinking and brain science
[15:53] Coaching clients through stuckness
[21:15] Overcoming limiting beliefs and growth mindset
[25:43] Dreaming, affirmations, and quantum flirts
[29:04] Building a morning routine filled with gratitude and inspiration
[34:16] Life lessons from the book
[37:50] Where to find the author and closing remarks

Notable Quotes

[06:22] "I want people to pick up this book to be inspired and to drool over life, because life is amazing." – Barbara Stone
[09:47] "I truly believe that it's our right to live into our values and live into our purpose. The Danes live large. They be who they need to be, and they show up as they need." – Barbara Stone
[22:20] "If you could start thinking about, well, what if, and start searching for what might be possible, you start growing." – Barbara Stone
[32:40] "We literally have the ability to program how we're going to see the world." – Gerald J. Leonard
[35:04] "Amidst tempting choices, choose wisely. The path to satisfaction lies in the decision that nourishes both your body and soul." – Barbara Stone
[35:46] "I give myself the grace to make mistakes. They're often fuel for growth and canvas for learning." – Barbara Stone

Our Guest

Barbara Stone is a leadership development coach, author, speaker, and founder of BarbStone.com. With a passion for emotional intelligence, personal growth, and helping others lead with purpose, Barbara draws from both her professional expertise and personal experiences—including life with her four Great Danes—to inspire transformation in others.

Her book, So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large, blends storytelling, self-reflection, and leadership insights through the eyes of her beloved dogs. Barbara is also a TEDx speaker, social-emotional learning advocate, and an enthusiastic supporter of personal alignment and purposeful living.

Resources

Barbara Stone

Website: https://barbstone.me/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-stone
Book: So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected