Productivity Smarts

Latest Episodes:

Productivity Smarts 100 - The Power of Connection with Dr. Dianne Olvera May 06, 2025

Show notes

Did you know the way you make eye contact could determine your next promotion—or prevent a team meltdown?

In this paradigm-shifting episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard uncovers the hidden mechanics of workplace success with Dr. Dianne Olvera, a clinical psychologist and former diplomat whose espionage experience revealed surprising truths about human connection. With dual doctorates in bilingual education and cultural neuroscience, Dr. Olvera proves that real productivity isn't about doing more, it's about connecting better.

From her accidental dental disaster as a TWA stewardess to surviving Argentina's political turmoil, Dr. Olvera's extraordinary journey reveals how connection fuels resilience in business and life. This isn't just another soft skills lecture. It's an operational manual for the most overlooked productivity tool you have: your ability to truly see others.

Tune in to discover how mindful communication and authentic connection can transform your team dynamics, fuel inclusivity, and unlock lasting productivity.

What We Discuss

[02:01] Introduction to Dr. Dianne Olvera's extraordinary career
[05:07] A hilarious (and revealing) story about knocking out a passenger's tooth mid-flight
[08:05] How language shapes culture—lessons from Latin America's "open conversations"
[13:29] The science of eye contact: Why being "felt" boosts productivity
[17:36] Spy tactics for workplace dynamics: Using eyes to set boundaries
[19:17] How electrical energy in our eyes rebuilds broken relationships
[23:31] The dark side of jokes: How negative speech patterns poison teams
[26:21] Neurodiversity in the workplace: Creating safety for divergent thinkers
[32:15] The "Ask Don't Tell" philosophy to empower self-leadership and intrinsic motivation
[32:53] Naming behaviours in the book
[38:40] Where to connect with Dr. Olvera

Notable Quotes

[05:01] "I knocked a man's tooth out with my hip as we were getting ready to land at the Indianapolis 500. This is when they still had real forks." — Dr. Dianne Olvera

[08:05] "I spent 12 years in graduate school going for my first doctorate in bilingual special education, and then my second one was in cultural differences because I wanted to know what is the impact of language on people." — Dr. Dianne Olvera

[09:59] "In Latin America, people would come up, hug me, and tell me to my face what they thought of me. At first, you want to crawl into a hole, but then you realize they really care about me." — Dr. Dianne Olvera

[13:29] "When you broaden your awareness, you actually notice when somebody looks at you, and you also notice when they don't look at you. And so you don't feel." — Dr. Dianne Olvera

[19:17] "Our eyes are of the electrical system of our body. You can literally turn negative relationships or relationships that have gone cold within a week by just learning how to use your eyes." — Dr. Dianne Olvera

[23:31] "Negative speech patterns usually start out as a joke. But then that little negative gesture permeates the whole group." — Dr. Dianne Olvera

[33:44] "So it's the words you don't use that are the words that get you into trouble."— Dr. Dianne Olvera

Our Guest

Dr. Dianne Olvera is a lively and compassionate educator, former diplomat, and intelligence officer whose groundbreaking work has transformed classrooms and workplaces around the world. Holding doctorates in bilingual special education and cultural neuroscience, she brings a rare blend of academic insight and real-world experience. Her research into how language and nonverbal cues shape the brain has helped teams and individuals communicate more effectively, resolve conflict, and foster genuine connection. In her acclaimed book, The Power of Connection, Dr. Olvera reveals how subtle shifts in speech patterns and body language can unlock empowerment, collaboration, and lasting change.

Resources

Dianne Olvera

Website - https://www.drdianneolvera.com/
Book - The Power of Connection

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

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

Mentioned Book

Conversational Intelligence

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 099 - 20 Years of Internet Humor with Bill Williams Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

What If the Secret to Productivity… Is laughter? What do you do when your career disappears overnight? When GPS kills your bestselling book? Or when your team is drowning in stress and silence? For award-winning journalist and humorist Bill Williams, the answer wasn't hustle—it was humor.

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Bill Williams—award-winning journalist, former trombonist, and the brilliant mind behind 20 Years of Internet Humor, Volume One. For over two decades, Bill has delivered daily doses of joy through his "Thought of the Day" emails, and now he's sharing how laughter can transform not just your mood—but your productivity.

Bill dives into his incredible journey from film and finance to publishing and performance, showing how humor helped him lead teams, overcome major life transitions (including two bankruptcies), and adapt to everything from the death of film photography to the rise of GPS. You'll discover how a funny email boosted his sales team's performance, why "nobody ever bought something from a grouch," and how one book is helping readers around the world start their day with a smile.

If you've ever needed a reminder that joy and success can go hand in hand, this conversation is for you.

What We Discuss

[00:00:05] Introduction to Bill Williams
[00:06:27] Adapting to change in careers
[00:09:33] Impact of humor on productivity
[00:12:28] Organizing content for the book
[00:15:10] The role of humor in sales
[00:17:35] Using humor to navigate transitions
[00:19:29] Staying focused in a digital age
[00:20:21] Discussion on negativity in media
[00:22:49] Productivity lessons from career transitions
[00:26:19] Adapting to challenges in journalism
[00:27:28] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

[06:27] "One of the biggest things that I can say I have had and what I advise anybody to do is be adaptable, because things change. And when things change, you need to change with them." — Bill Williams
[15:10] "Nobody ever bought something from a grouch. If you're not smiling, if you're not ready to have a joke with somebody and, you know, have them smile, you're not going to be a very good salesman." — Bill Williams
[17:35] "I don't want to be a grump, okay? And nobody ever was a good manager when they were always grumpy, you know, and so, hey, if I can use humor, which is something I've always tried to do, things work out better." — Bill Williams
[26:26] "You have to change with the situation. We put the disaster information on grocery bags so that they could get the information." — Bill Williams

Resources

Bill Williams

Website: https://www.billwilliamscomedy.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@billwilliamscomedy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-williams-2488b0b
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billwilliamscomedy
Book: 20 Years of Internet Humor

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 098 - The Empowered Heart with Agnes Chau Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

What if your brain's "operating system" is running on outdated software? In this transformative episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Agnes Chau—award-winning transformational coach, aerospace engineer, and founder of the nonprofit Empowered Heart—to explore how neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, and heart-mind alignment can unlock unparalleled productivity and fulfillment.

From sound healing with gamma waves (backed by MIT research on Alzheimer's prevention) to muscle testing and Psych-K techniques, Agnes reveals actionable strategies to bridge the gap between conscious goals and subconscious blocks. Discover why 95% of behaviors are subconscious, how to "cancel" limiting beliefs in real time, and why stress relief isn't just self-care—it's a non-negotiable for peak performance.

Packed with metaphors (think "Dead Sea vs. Mediterranean" for energy flow) and Gerald's personal vertigo comeback story, this episode is a masterclass in rewiring your mind, elevating resilience, and leading a life of purpose. Let's get into it!

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Agnes
[07:26] The importance of understanding subconscious behaviors and beliefs
[08:28] The role of the subconscious
[11:31] Upgrading the human operating system
[18:28] The importance of achieving inner peace for positive life changes
[21:04] The size of conscious vs. subconscious
[22:22] Team alignment: football analogy
[23:24] Heart and brain coherence
[26:57] Practical application of alignment
[30:06] The Empowered Heart nonprofit organization
[35:04] Stress impacts on physical and mental health
[41:20] The Dead Sea vs. Mediterranean Sea analogy
[45:08] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

[10:42] "The subconscious is like that high speed train, whereas your conscious mind is like riding a bicycle. Well, if that high speed train is pointed in the wrong direction, you may get there faster." — Agnes Chau

[11:49] "To upgrade your human operating system, you can tap into the powerhouse which is your brain, and align it with your divine heart, which is your intuition, your higher self, the holy spirit within the superconscious, and also tapping into and harmonizing the heart, the mind, and the body intelligence to create that life that you want." — Agnes Chau

[32:26] "I'm not proposing that it's just all positive thinking. I'm proposing balanced thinking. And the challenge is that we have too much negativity and that's why there's this whole push towards more positivity to balance ourselves out. But at the end of the day, what you want is accurate thinking." — Agnes Chau

[35:27] "If we're not constantly rinsing and washing out our brain with positivity through meditation and taking care of ourselves, then over time, stress will create a physical issue." — Gerald J. Leonard

[39:25] "The importance of learning is about neuroplasticity. And it's always important to learn something new, whether it's physical or mental." — Agnes Chau

Resources

Agnes Chau

Empowered Heart Website: https://www.empowered-heart.org/about-5
Website: https://www.agneschau.com/agnes-background
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnes-chau-llc

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 097 - BE THE WEIGHT BEHIND THE SPEAR with Dr. Josh McConkey Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Leadership isn't built in boardrooms—it's forged in the ER, on combat missions, and in the quiet moments when no one's watching.

In this high-impact episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Josh McConkey—emergency physician, U.S. Army Colonel, and author of Be the Weight Behind the Spear. Drawing from 23 years of military leadership and frontline medicine, Dr. McConkey reveals how his "weight behind the spear" philosophy can transform passive contributors into high-performance leaders, even in chaotic environments.

From harrowing Iraq war stories to the ER's opioid crisis frontline, Dr. McConkey shares riveting lessons on accountability, resilience, and adaptive leadership. Discover why NASA's 26-year-old mission controller succeeded (and what today's leaders can learn from it), how to replace micromanagement with ownership, and why "complacency kills" in business and life. Packed with raw anecdotes and actionable frameworks, this episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose—whether you're steering a team, a family, or your own career.

What We Discuss

[00:05] Introduction to Dr. Josh McConkey
[07:00] Leadership ethos explained
[09:03] Productivity mindset shift
[10:41] Youth confidence and leadership
[11:45] The space race analogy
[13:14] The story of Stephen Bales
[18:04] Mental health crisis and impact of drug addiction
[20:22] Hidden productivity killers
[23:08] Focus on solutions
[25:51] Adapting to change
[27:32] AI in medicine
[29:01] Learning more about Dr. McConkey

Notable Quotes

[4:58] "If you're not making a difference, then you're wasting your time." — Dr. Josh McConkey

[7:00] "Be the Weight behind the Spear. That's my personal leadership ethos... That tip of the spear means nothing if you don't have a significant weight in those people behind you." — Dr. Josh McConkey

[16:58] "Standards, not rules. I give my intent, this is what I need to happen for us to be successful... If you're having to micromanage somebody, then you probably make another decision." — Dr. Josh McConkey

[25:51] "Complacency kills. It kills in business. It kills on the battlefield... You have to find a way to adapt and overcome." — Dr. Colonel Joshua McConkey

Resources

Dr. Josh McConkey

Website: https://www.joshmcconkey.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSQ7OpDAy4hr3doGNtqwtcA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mcconkey-md/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshMcConkeyForCongress
Book: Be The Weight Behind The Spear

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 096 - The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis with Dr. Lisa Zaretsky Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

What if you could access a powerful tool to reprogram your mind, overcome self-doubt, and break free from the invisible barriers holding you back?

In this episode of Productivity Smarts , host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes back a familiar voice—Dr. Lisa Zaretsky, a returning guest from Episode 69 and a renowned expert in hypnotherapy. This time, Dr. Lisa joins Gerald to discuss her new book, The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis, which unlocks the transformative power of self-hypnosis for personal and professional growth.

Dr. Lisa shares insights from her groundbreaking Hypnotherapy Coaching Program, which boasts an impressive 95% success rate in helping individuals overcome challenges ranging from limiting beliefs and career obstacles to emotional blocks and financial struggles. Her book dives into practical tools and techniques, empowering listeners to take control of their subconscious mind and rewire it for success.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Lisa explains how self-hypnosis can help address deep-seated beliefs formed early in life, offering a three-part framework: induction, reframing, and transition. She emphasizes the importance of intention setting, consistency, and crafting personalized scripts to create lasting change. Listeners will also discover how small daily practices—even just five minutes a day—can lead to profound transformations in productivity, mindset, and overall well-being.

This episode is packed with real-world applications and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for anyone ready to take control of their subconscious mind and elevate their potential. Tune in now to discover how self-hypnosis can help you break free from self-imposed limitations and achieve your goals with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Dr. Lisa Zaretsky
[03:39] Overview of Dr. Lisa's book
[04:48] Hypnotherapy Coaching Program
[06:05] Addressing subconscious beliefs
[09:27] Self-hypnosis techniques
[11:43] Three-part framework of self-hypnosis
[12:46] Induction process explained
[13:55] Setting intentions
[19:12] Recording self-hypnosis scripts
[20:35] Understanding limiting beliefs
[21:49] Understanding subconscious beliefs
[22:31] Conscious awareness and addressing beliefs
[22:50] Self-hypnosis vs. regression
[23:41] Personal goal setting experience
[25:08] The beauty of continuous growth
[25:19] Impact of self-hypnosis on resilience
[26:02] Recording self-reflections
[27:07] Bypassing conscious resistance
[27:25] Setting intentions for follow-through
[28:11] Reframing beliefs with affirmations
[29:35] Letting go of outcome attachment
[37:12] Conclusion and final thoughts

Notable Quotes

[00:06:05] "Your subconscious is 95% of your operating system, and we think that we're operating from our conscious mind, but it's only 5%." – Dr. Lisa Zaretsky
[00:14:46] "When you set your intentions, you have to be intentional and mindful, but you also want that stream of consciousness to come out as well because that's going to tell you where you truly, authentically want to go." – Dr. Lisa Zaretsky
[00:23:41] "I feel like I can't start my day unless I write down one of the five things I'm grateful for." – Gerald J. Leonard

Resources

Mentioned Episode 69

Dr. Lisa Zaretsky

Website: https://www.drlisazaretsky.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisazaretsky/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.zaretsky.7?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisazaretsky/
Book: The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis

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 095 - Bragg and Increase Your Productivity with Dr. Winifred Bragg Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like you're running in circles—busy but not truly productive? Or maybe that nagging voice in your head whispers, "You're not good enough," no matter how much you achieve?

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald talks with Dr. Winifred Bragg—a nationally recognized speaker, board-certified physician, and creator of The Bragg Factor—to tackle these challenges head-on.

Dr. Bragg shares her transformative approach to productivity, starting with her signature Bragg Factor model. She breaks down how to rewire your brain (using tools like the reticular activating system) to focus on what truly matters, plus practical ways to ditch stress and imposter syndrome for good. And don't miss her genius hack: the Brag Book, a simple but powerful tool to track your wins and finally give yourself the credit you deserve.

But this isn't just about checklists and hustle. Dr. Bragg opens up about the deeper stuff—like why mentorship and resilience are non-negotiables for success, and how volunteering (yes, even when you're swamped) can unexpectedly fuel your growth. Whether you're craving more productivity, joy, or just proof that you're already crushing it, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies to help you thrive.

Tune in and discover how small shifts can lead to big, life-changing results.

What We Discuss

[00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Winifred Bragg
[00:04:31] The importance of goals and mentorship
[00:06:41] Creating a brag book
[00:07:43] The reticular activating system
[00:09:13] Imposter syndrome and self-doubt
[00:10:16] Brain training for positive outcomes
[00:14:41] Practical steps for using a brag book
[00:16:46] The value of volunteering
[00:19:11] Addressing overwhelm and stress
[00:20:59] The essence of productivity
[00:21:25] Gratitude and goal setting
[00:21:39] Strategic productivity tools
[00:22:51] Understanding the BRAG framework
[00:24:07] The importance of team recognition
[00:27:07] Where to find Dr. Bragg
[00:29:21] Closing thoughts

Notable Quotes

[00:03:30] "I like to bring happiness to people who are dealing with pain, and when I'm speaking, people come to me sometimes because they are going through a pain of loss of a career or finances or whatever." – Dr. Winifred Bragg

[00:07:48] "When you write down your accomplishments, you remind yourself, 'I did that, I can do this,' and the book is an action step book that allows you to be active and write that down so you are reminded of the good about you." – Dr. Winifred Bragg

[00:19:11] "The burnout and all that is real, and what I tell people is to develop something that makes them happy. Think about something that brings you joy and spend some time with your family or friends to bring you joy." – Dr. Winifred Bragggg

[00:21:25] "What I've found in my own life is that by writing out my goals and writing out what I'm grateful for every day, it programs me to bring into my life the things that I'm looking for and things that I want." – Gerald J. Leonard

[00:24:07] "People are burned out and so many people get criticism but never get compliments. Just saying something good about them will give you so much mileage." – Dr. Winifred Bragg

Resources

Dr. Winifred Bragg

Website: https://thebraggfactor.com/
Books https://thebraggfactor.com/books/

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 094 - Lies I Taught in Medical School with Robert Lufkin MD Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

What if everything you thought you knew about health was wrong?

In this eye-opening episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Robert Lufkin—renowned metabolic health and longevity expert—to challenge some of the most deeply held beliefs in Western medicine. Drawing from his provocative book The Lies I Taught in Medical School, Dr. Lufkin shares how curiosity, courage, and a willingness to question the status quo have shaped his transformative journey.

Together, they uncover surprising truths about the power of lifestyle choices, from the hidden dangers of everyday mouthwash to the life-changing potential of the ketogenic diet. Dr. Lufkin reveals why metabolic health is the foundation for longevity, how small early interventions can prevent chronic disease, and what practical steps you can take to boost performance, energy, and well-being.

Whether you're optimizing your productivity or rethinking your approach to health, this episode offers a fresh perspective—and actionable insights—you won't want to miss.

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Dr. Robert Lufkin
[04:26] The Lies Taught in Medical School
[08:20] Simple Lifestyle Changes to Reverse Chronic Diseases
[17:03] The Obesity Lie and Metabolic Health
[22:04] The Queen Metaphor
[22:58] Ketogenic Diet and Mental Health
[28:01] Hypertension and Modern Stress
[35:13] The Truth About Cardiovascular Disease
[38:28] Longevity and Chronic Diseases
[43:06] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Notable Quotes

[00:07:55] " The world as we see it is constantly changing, at least our perspective of it and having that open mind, that learner's mind, that beginner's mind, as the zen people say is really a powerful tool." – Robert

[00:14:41] " Even though I'm a doctor, I realize, doctors don't make me healthy. I go to a doctor to become less sick. If I wanna become healthy, that's on me. And that's with lifestyle. And lifestyle is something no doctor can do for me." – Robert

[00:21:28] " Just a little bit of the right knowledge will kind of help change your motivation." – Gerald

Resources

Robert Lufkin, MD

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 093 - Sonny's Piano Yoga with Sonny Strancarone Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Music could be your ultimate stress-relief tool, creativity booster, and productivity hack—all rolled into one. And no, this isn't about becoming the next concert pianist or mastering complex sonatas. It's about something simpler, more accessible, and honestly, way more fun: Piano Yoga.

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Sonny Strancarone, CEO of Sonny's Piano and author of Sonny's Piano Yoga. Together, they dive into the fascinating intersection of music, mindfulness, and productivity.

You'll learn about the transformative power of music—not just as an art form, but as a tool for personal and professional growth. Sonny introduces his "20-minute rule" for achieving a meditative state through music practice and explores the unique emotional connections that human creativity fosters, especially in contrast to artificial intelligence. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced musician, Sonny offers practical resources and a refreshingly joyful approach to learning music.

Listen now and start your Piano Yoga journey!

What We Discuss

[00:00] Introduction to Sonny
[08:38] Mindfulness in music
[11:02] Musical learning vs. theory
[12:02] Sonny's teaching method
[15:04] Non-traditional music education
[18:08] The art of the muse
[20:15] Flow state in music
[23:47] The importance of arts in education
[25:06] Creativity as a biological function
[27:04] Historical figures and creativity
[28:43] Art and productivity connection
[29:47] The 20 minute rule
[31:26] Human creativity vs. AI
[32:37] Lessons from Sonny and embracing joy in playing
[36:08] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

[00:04:24] "I thought this was a jazz room, and improvisation is what jazz is about." – Sonny
[00:07:32] "There is no such thing as a mistake, only a new opportunity to play the song differently." – Sonny
[00:08:38] "Music has such a big role, and I think that's why I was encouraged by your book because it really teaches adults how to embrace an instrument and fall in love with playing music." – Gerald J. Leonard
[00:20:15] "As a musician, learning to practice and get into a flow state when I'm playing transitions into my professional life. It helps me harness that flow state in business, meditation, and yoga." – Sonny
[00:23:47] "I think it's a crime that schools remove the arts and music when they have budget cuts. They take away a level of thought process and development that children and adults really need." – Sonny
[00:29:15] "As soon as you sit down at the instrument, you step out of your world of stress. You start to absorb your brain, get into dopamine, and elevate your energy level." – Sonny

Resources

Sonny Strancarone

Website: https://www.sonnyspianoyoga.com/
Book: Sonny's Piano Yoga

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 092 - Remembering Marian Anderson with Emile Henwood Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Emile Henwood, a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson, the Lady from Philadelphia. Together, they dive into the extraordinary life of Marian Anderson, a trailblazing singer and civil rights icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Marian Anderson's story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. From her iconic 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial, which inspired a young Martin Luther King Jr., to her groundbreaking role in integrating the arts and civil rights, Anderson's life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on the world. Through this conversation, you'll discover how her principles and approach to overcoming adversity can help you navigate your own challenges, boost your productivity, and find deeper meaning in your personal and professional life. Let's dive in!

What We Discuss

(00:02:01) Introduction to Emile Henwood
(00:06:37) Impact of Marian Anderson's life
(00:07:38) Emile's son's perspective
(00:11:31) Marian Anderson's financial success
(00:12:23) Influence on Martin Luther King Jr.
(00:13:35) Jackie Robinson's integration
(00:15:32) Marian's principles and resilience
(00:21:41) Marian's devotion
(00:26:03) Historical figures in business
(00:27:14) Importance of the arts
(00:29:00) Reflections on the book

Notable Quotes

[00:03:58] "I felt an unmistakable nudge from the Lord to dive deeper into the life of Marian Anderson right at that point." – Emile Henwood
[00:09:05] "Without prayer and faith, she would have no voice and she would have never had a career like she had." – Emile Henwood
[00:21:41] "I'm telling my Catholic friends, you don't own the franchise on sainthood designations because here is a Protestant who was a saint." – Emile Henwood
[00:22:51] "Rather than sending a thousand missionaries, they chose to send one saint, and they sent Marian Anderson by herself with only her piano accompanist." – Emile Henwood

Resources

Emile Henwood

Website: https://www.emilehenwood.com/
Book: Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson

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 091 - 6 Steps To Fewer Days That Suck with Deborah Mallow Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Are you truly making the most of your time, or just keeping yourself busy?

Be honest—how often do you end the day feeling exhausted, yet unsure if you actually got anything meaningful done? Burnout sneaks up before you even realize it. Procrastination convinces you there's always tomorrow. And just when you start making progress, imposter syndrome whispers, Are you even good enough?

But what if the issue isn't just your workload? What if it's how you approach it? Imagine a version of productivity that isn't about grinding harder but working smarter—one that embraces motivation, self-care, and a mindset shift that turns obstacles into opportunities.

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard chats with Deborah Mallow, self-improvement expert and author of Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck. Together, they dive into the psychology of productivity, breaking free from negativity bias, and the power of reframing mistakes as growth opportunities. In this episode you will walk away with practical strategies to boost your efficiency and well-being—because success shouldn't come at the cost of your sanity.

What We Discuss

[02:01] Introduction to Deborah Mallow
[06:26] Overcoming burnout
[08:32] The journey to self-discovery
[11:21] Writing as healing
[15:15] Understanding procrastination
[17:26] Rewards and accomplishments
[19:40] Productivity and happiness
[21:27] Negativity bias and its origins
[22:35] Overcoming negative biases
[24:40] Understanding imposter syndrome
[25:45] Reframing failure as growth
[28:19] Embracing the journey of becoming

Notable Quotes

[00:10:18] "I was overwhelmed, I was exhausted, I was just feeling beside myself. I didn't know what to do, and somehow divine intervention, a voice said to me, my inner voice said to me, my intuition, if you don't stop and you don't make a change, nothing's going to happen, and this is going to be your life, and you will die." – Deborah
[00:12:42] "Even if we know what we should do, we don't always do it. We don't honor our dignity, value our self-worth, value ourselves. We need to value ourselves and treat ourselves with care and with love." – Deborah
[00:24:52] "Everybody struggles with imposter syndrome. Once you realize that, you just have to give it up." – Deborah
[00:27:00] "Imposter syndrome might be there, but we have to slowly work through it. Just make your mistakes and see them as opportunities." – Deborah
[00:29:37] "The most important thing is self-pride. When you feel that rush of adrenaline because you did it and accomplished it, that's such a good feeling." – Deborah

Deborah Mallow

Productivity Smarts Podcast

Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

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

Mentioned

Becoming by Michelle Obama

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.

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