A Productive Conversation – Détails, épisodes et analyse

It was a real treat to welcome Keith Ferrazzi back to the show—especially to discuss his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship. Keith’s work has long pushed beyond traditional leadership models, and this conversation builds on that legacy with his fresh concept of “teamship.”

We dig into how the book is structured like a workbook, intentionally concise but rich with practices, diagnostics, and stories from leaders who’ve made the shift. Keith shares not only what teamship is, but why it matters more than ever—especially in a world that’s still grappling with how work actually works.

Six Discussion Points

• Why the term “teamship” matters and how it reframes traditional leadership models
• The power of practices like “stress testing” and “candor breaks” in elevating team dynamics
• How the book is structured for flexibility and immediate application—like a toolkit, not a textbook
• Why teams should redefine who is on their “team” beyond the org chart
• The myth of efficiency and how true growth emerges through inclusive co-creation
• Why engineers—more than MBAs—are driving the future of how we collaborate

Three Connection Points

• KeithFerrazzi.com
• Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship
• Episode 306: Leading Without Authority with Keith Ferrazzi

This conversation reminded me why Keith’s work continues to influence how I think about leadership, collaboration, and the future of work. Never Lead Alone isn’t just a book title—it’s a call to action for all of us to stop putting the weight of progress on a single set of shoulders. The path forward is teamship. I hope this conversation sparks that shift for you, too.

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I go deep on foundational elements of productiveness. And for this one—our 600th episode, no less—we dive into a topic that touches everything from our to-do lists to our dinner prep: focus.

What does it really mean to focus? And more importantly, how do we hold onto it when the world (and our brains) are pulling us in a million directions? Patrick and I get personal, philosophical, and practical in this candid conversation about the mechanics, challenges, and beauty of attention.

Six Discussion Points

• Why clarity is essential for cultivating focus
• How poor planning can derail your ability to be present (and how to get back on track)
• The four spheres of attention: Noticing, Awareness, Focus, and Concentration
• How setting an intention—before a task or even a class—can sharpen your results
• The role of tools, routines, and even AI in maintaining (or stealing) our attention
• Why focus is as much about space as it is about time

3 Connection Points

• Patrick's blog
• Ted Lasso's "Be Curious" Scene
• The Center Must Hold (but can it?)

Focus isn’t just about removing distractions—it’s about choosing what matters and committing to it with clarity and care. Whether we’re talking about planning meals or choosing how to use AI, what Patrick and I come back to again and again is this: the quality of your attention determines the quality of your experience. And we hope this conversation helps you experience more of what really matters.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter to explore the themes of their book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide for Designing a Thriving Future. As leaders at Stanford's d.school—Scott as Creative Director and Carissa as Academic Director—they've spent years shaping design education and innovation.

Our discussion goes beyond traditional design thinking and into the complexities of decision-making, efficiency, and the balance between logic and emotion. We also explore the concept of Runaway Design, how the speed of technological change is shaping our world, and why embracing imperfection is essential for building a better future.

Key Discussion Points

• What Runaway Design is and why we need to "unmake" it to build a better future.
• The importance of balancing emotion and logic when making decisions.
• Why uncertainty is inevitable—and how to design with it rather than against it.
• The role of pausing and curiosity in responding to challenges rather than reacting.
• How to find harmony in work, life, and productivity instead of seeking rigid balance.
• Why meaningful work should be measured by quality rather than quantity.
• The impact of AI, synthetic biology, and other evolving technologies on how we design the future.

Scott and Carissa’s insights offer a thought-provoking look at how we navigate complexity, make better decisions, and create a world that is both innovative and intentional.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Scott: Website | LinkedIn
• Connect with Carissa: Website | LinkedIn
• Get the book we discussed: Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future
• Get Scott's book: Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration
• Get Carissa's book: The Secret Language of Maps: How to Tell Visual Stories with Data
• Related Conversation: Episode 191: Designing Your Mindset with Andy Murphy
• Related Blog Post: Designs on Life

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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In this enlightening episode of the podcast, I had the privilege of hosting Brian Johnson, a thinker and writer who delves deep into the art of living a productive life. Brian, the author of "Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential", shares his unique insights into how we can bridge the gap between our potential and our current selves. His ideas are not just philosophical musings; they are practical tools for transforming our daily lives.

My conversation with Brian was an exploration of the true essence of productivity, not just in terms of what we do, but more importantly, who we are. From discussing the importance of aligning our actions with our true values to mastering the fundamentals of a successful life, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to live their best life.

Key Discussion Points

• Brian Johnson's interpretation of "areté" as a guide for living a great life.
• The significance of closing the gap between our potential and actual selves.
• Living life based on one's own terms, emphasizing virtues and excellence.
• The importance of fundamentals like eating, moving, sleeping, and focusing.
• The concept of "soul force" and its role in finding purpose and personal power.
• Discussing productive habits and emotional resilience for a fulfilling life.
• Insights on prioritization, self-awareness, and continual personal growth.

This discussion with Brian was a profound journey into understanding life's ultimate game. His insights provide a clear path for anyone looking to elevate their existence by focusing on what truly matters. If you're seeking to activate your heroic potential and live a life of purpose and excellence, this episode is an indispensable guide.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Brian: X | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
• Get The Book: Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential
• What is Heroic? Check out the platform here
• Listen to Brian's Podcast: Heroic with Brian Johnson
• John Wooden's Pyramid of Success: Get The Book
• The Fundamentals with David Robinson(s): Listen here
• Steven Pressfield's Latest Book: The Daily Pressfield (Note: This book is on my wish list for sure! - MV)
• Related Conversation: Episode 446: How to Fight a Hydra with Josh Kaufman
• Related Blog Post: The Quest for “Just Right”

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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In episode 500 of our podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the productivity guru David Allen in Lisbon at Running Remote. We dove deep into the evolution of Allen's revolutionary Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology and its profound impact on the ever-changing landscape of work culture. From the foundations laid down in its early days to the current dynamics of remote work, we unpack how the principles of GTD have stood the test of time and technology.

This special episode peels back the layers on not just productivity techniques but also the human aspects of working remotely. David Allen's insights into self-management, coupled with the challenges and opportunities presented by a digital world, provided a robust discourse on staying productive amidst a sea of distractions.

Key Discussion Points

• The origins and evolution of David Allen's GTD methodology and its widespread influence since its inception
• Transitioning to remote work: how David Allen's company adapted by scaling down and partnering with Vital Learning.
• The critical role of self-management over time management in a remote work setting.
• Strategies for enhancing team productivity and communication in a remote environment, including the concept of "channel creep."
• The development of work culture and productivity norms within remote teams, emphasizing the need for clear communication protocols.
• The intersection of AI technology and productivity practices, discussing the potential and limits of AI in implementing GTD.
• Practical advice on implementing productivity and self-management practices in non-traditional work structures, such as holacracy.

Wrapping up, this milestone episode with David Allen has been nothing short of enlightening. His time-tested advice, from clearing your head to modeling self-management, resonates profoundly in our modern, flexible work environments. For anyone looking to navigate the complexities of productivity in the remote work era, this conversation is a goldmine. Remember, it's not just about managing time; it's about managing yourself.

Links Worth Exploring

• Learn More About GTD: Website
• Running Remote: Explore The Conference
• Get The Book: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
• Check Out The Video Of Our Chat: Watch Now
• Explore Vital Learning: Website
• Holacracy: Learn More
• Related Conversation: Episode 290: Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves [Recorded LIVE at The BIG Ready]
• Related Blog Post: The Concept of “Efforting”

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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In this episode we delve deep with Milos Belcevic as he shares his enlightening perspective on applying product management principles to foster personal growth. Milos navigates us through a transformative conversation, exploring the boundaries of traditional product management and its profound implications in our daily lives.

We journey through Milos’ book, "Build Your Way: Applying Project Management To Life," and discuss how treating life like a product to be managed can lead to astonishing breakthroughs. The speakers emphasize the significance of interactions, value prioritization, and a robust framework of principles like Agile and Lean in both personal and professional realms.

Key Discussion Points

• Why the application of business principles in personal life works
• Importance of interactions in product management and maximizing value through conscious choices
• Simplifying life through exploration and problem-solving to foster innovation and growth.
• Utilizing Agile and Lean frameworks for optimization and improved efficiency in various life aspects
• Application of KPIs in personal areas such as health, finance, work, and social life for holistic improvement
• Insights into using project management tools like Kanban to prioritize tasks and foster personal development

This episode offers a novel perspective on intertwining product management principles with aspects of personal life. Milos, along with our esteemed guests, provides a compass to navigate life’s complexities with a product manager's precision and foresight.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Milos: Website | LinkedIn
• Milos’s Digital Garden: Check It Out
• Get The Book: Build Your Way: Applying Project Management To Life
• Related Conversation: Episode 63: Project Management and You with Cesar Abeid
• Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish)

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally aired in March 2016, this episode features the incredibly talented Aaron Mahnke, creator of the renowned podcast, Lore, and the mastermind behind Grim & Mild Entertainment.

Aaron candidly shares his freelancing journey, highlighting the transition phases, learning curves, and the importance of setting definitive boundaries. We delve deeper into his development and adaptation of productivity habits and tools that were instrumental in his success. The conversation also illuminates the challenges encountered in podcasting and the strategic approaches adopted by Aaron to continually prioritize and manage myriad tasks and projects effectively. This episode offers a plethora of learnings and actionable insights for our listeners, especially those maneuvering through freelancing careers, podcasting, or juggling diverse projects and commitments.

Be sure to listen all the way through as Aaron shares not only the challenges he has faced but also the pivotal moments that have defined his success in the podcasting realm.

Key Discussion Points

1. Entrepreneurial Journey and Lore’s Creation: Aaron shares the inception and journey of Lore, from its humble beginnings to being an overnight success after years of hard work, illustrating his commitment and the meticulous process behind each episode.
2. Freelancing & Setting Boundaries: With nearly a decade in freelancing, Aaron delves into the evolution of his career, highlighting the growth and changes in his income sources and the necessity of setting boundaries to balance work and life effectively.
3. Development of Productivity Habits: Aaron reflects on his unconventional route to success and the development of productivity habits and tools essential in keeping up with client demands and contributing significantly to his endeavors, including his renowned podcast Lore.
4. Adapting Systems for Productivity: We discuss the importance of laying foundational knowledge before tweaking systems for optimal productivity. Learning and mastering the basics of any tool or system is essential before customizing it to fit individual needs and styles.
5. Podcasting Challenges & Success: Aaron offers insight into the challenging aspects of creating and maintaining a successful podcast, including decision-making processes that contribute to the podcast's ongoing success and popularity.
6. Prioritizing Amidst Demands: We talk about the challenges of managing various tasks and responsibilities, with Aaron sharing his strategies for effectively prioritizing projects and tasks amidst a multitude of demands, providing valuable insights for listeners juggling multiple commitments.

Reflect on Aaron’s journey and the strategies and tools he shared in managing his successful career and various projects. Consider how you might implement some of these insights into your work and life, and think about the boundaries you've set for yourself. Take this opportunity to reevaluate and possibly readjust them to better serve your personal and professional growth.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Aaron: Website | Threads | Instagram
• Subscribe to Lore: Website
• Subscribe To Aaron's Newsletter: Get Campfire Here
• Related Conversation: Episode 317: The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon
• Related Blog Post: The Fight

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be in conversation with Josh Fonger, a distinguished consultant, coach, speaker, and the CEO of WTS Enterprises. With his expertise in Business Performance Architecture, Josh has been a beacon of transformation for stressed entrepreneurs, guiding them from working “in” their business to strategically working “on” their business. Through the use of effective systems, he’s enabled consistent profit and freedom for numerous businesses.

With Josh’s wealth of experience and actionable insights, the discussion offers a roadmap to entrepreneurs seeking not only profitability but also freedom through the power of effective systems. Whether you’re struggling with productivity, efficiency, or strategic planning, this episode promises valuable takeaways for every entrepreneur.

Key Discussion Points

1. From ‘Work the System’ to WTS Enterprises: We kick off by discussing Josh’s journey from being inspired by Sam Carpenter's book "Work the System" to eventually founding his own consulting company centered around the Work the System (WTS) method.
2. Embracing a Systems Mindset: Delving into the challenges and necessities of adopting a systems mindset in business, our conversation highlights the shift from reactive to strategic business planning and operations.
3. Strategic Objectives for Success: Josh and I emphasize the importance of defining strategic objectives and aligning your day-to-day operations with these goals to sculpt your ideal business and life.
4. Productivity Quantification: We explore the value of quantifying productivity by evaluating the worth of systems or processes, underscoring the importance of not just focusing on progress qualitatively but also appreciating the quantitative aspects.
5. Efficiency through Delegation: Sharing practical examples, we discuss how codifying and delegating systems can lead to significant time and financial savings while ensuring that business goals are uncompromised.
6. Systemizing for Efficiency: Closing the discussion points, we touch upon real-life case studies where implementing systems notably increased efficiency and profitability while reducing working hours and stress for business owners.

Reflecting on our engaging conversation, consider how a systems mindset can revolutionize the way you approach your business. How can implementing strategic, well-defined systems relieve you of stress and afford you more freedom and profitability? Ponder over these insights and practical examples shared by Josh in our dialogue, and you might find the key to transforming not only your business but also your life. Let this episode be the catalyst for a change towards a more systematic, efficient, and successful entrepreneurial journey.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Josh: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn
• Subscribe to Josh's Podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
• Get The Book: Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less (4th Edition)
• Get The Book Summary (for FREE): Click Here
• Related Conversation: Episode 121: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber
• Related Blog Post: The Process

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m excited to bring James Swanwick into our conversation for this episode of the podcast. As an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor, James has worn many hats. He’s the mind behind the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Project 90, initiatives that have been pivotal for individuals reassessing their relationship with alcohol. Additionally, as the creator of Swannies by Swanwick Sleep, he’s contributed significantly to improving people’s sleep.

In our enriching conversation, James and I dissect essential elements like the quality of sleep, the subtle impacts of blue light, and the intricacies of our morning routines, casting a special spotlight on caffeine consumption. Further, the dialogue ventures into the realm of conscious living, addressing societal shifts in perceptions about alcohol, the allure of non-alcoholic alternatives, and the journey towards intentional sobriety. With each topic, we aim to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your productivity and overall well-being.

Key Discussion Points

1. Optimizing Sleep for Night Owls: James and I delve deep into the nuances of sleep and productivity, especially for those who find their energy spiking when the sun sets.
2. The Impact of Blue Light: We discuss the effects of artificial light, with James highlighting how blue light blocking glasses can be a game-changer for a good night’s sleep.
3. Morning Routines & Decaf Deliberations: Our conversation takes a turn towards morning routines, the benefits of sunlight, and why I’ve personally made a switch to decaf coffee.
4. Coffee, Sleep & Weight: James provides insights on how your morning cup of joe not only influences your sleep but also has a say in your weight management journey.
5. Rethinking Alcohol Consumption: We reflect on societal shifts in alcohol consumption, the increasing acceptance of non-alcoholic alternatives, and the challenge of disassociating joy with alcohol consumption.
6. Sobriety and Lifestyle Choices: With a spotlight on sobriety and lifestyle, we glance at the emergence of alternative choices like marijuana and the marketing narrative around them.

As you listen to our conversation, I urge you to reflect: How do your sleep patterns affect your productivity? Are your lifestyle choices supporting or hindering your sleep? Is it time to reassess your relationship with alcohol or caffeine? Contemplating these questions might just be the first step towards a more conscious, healthy, and productive life.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with James: Website | Facebook | X (née Twitter) | YouTube
• James's Project 90: Check It Out
• What Are "Swannies" All About?: Find Out Here
• Related Conversation: Episode 105: The One Year No Beer Challenge
• Related Blog Post: Your Body Clock and You: When a Miracle Morning Should Be an Amazing Afternoon (or Excellent Evening)

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest for this episode, Erik Fisher, is the voice behind the "Beyond the To-Do List" – a podcast that has been going strong since 2012. Erik and I delve into the adventure of keeping a podcast rolling consistently, witnessing the shifts in productivity dialogues, and our ambitions to include topics like generative AI in our future conversations.

We talk about podcasting, productivity nuances, and finding a sweet balance between work and personal life. Whether you're a podcast lover or someone seeking productivity wisdom, this episode has something for everyone. Enjoy!

Key Discussion Points

1. Maintaining Podcast Consistency: Erik reflects on delivering over 500 episodes and the learning curve involved in keeping the podcast fresh and engaging for the past decade.
2. Beyond Productivity: We ponder on the evolving significance of "Beyond the To-Do List", transforming from a straightforward productivity show to a platform discussing broader life and work themes.
3. Adapting to Change: Together, we envisage widening the scope of our productivity discussions, aiming to incorporate new perspectives and insights into the ever-changing productivity landscape.
4. Burnout... Quality vs. Quantity: A deep-dive into the constant battle between maintaining quality and chasing quantity, and the inevitable risk of burnout when the scales tip.
5. Parenting and Work-Life Balance: Parenting brings its own set of challenges and rewards. We share personal anecdotes about juggling parental responsibilities while navigating through a sea of endless tasks and commitments.
6. Expanding Podcast Horizons: Erik shares thoughts on potential expansion plans for his podcast, considering additional features like newsletters and community engagement to enhance the listener experience.

As you reflect on our dialogue during this episode, ask yourself: How can you maintain consistency in your pursuits? Are you balancing the scales of quality and quantity effectively? And most crucially, how are you evolving in your understanding and approach towards productivity? Your journey towards a more productive and balanced life might just start with pondering these vital questions.

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with Erik: Website | X (née Twitter)
• Subscribe to Erik's Podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
• Erik co-wrote a book: Ready Aim Fire!: A Practical Guide to Setting And Achieving Goals
• Related Conversation: Episode 113: Erik Fisher Returns!
• Related Blog Post: How To Keep Doing It Right (More Often Than Not)

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices