Explore every episode of the podcast Time to Reset

We’re more connected than ever. We have followers, downloads, views, emails, messages, and endless ways to reach one another.

But are those connections actually meaningful?

In this solo episode of Take Back Time: Time to Reset, Penny Zenker reflects on a question she’s been asking herself about the podcast: Is it still creating the kind of connection and value she wants it to create?

It’s a question that goes far beyond podcasting.

Sometimes we get so focused on doing the work, producing the content, checking the boxes, and watching the numbers that we lose sight of the people on the other side. We forget to ask: Who am I doing this for? Is it creating value? And does it still feel meaningful?

Penny explores why connection matters, how easily we can lose sight of the bigger picture, and why sometimes the reset isn’t about stopping what we’re doing. It’s about stepping back and reconsidering how we’re doing it.

And this episode comes with an invitation: reach out.

If Time to Reset has sparked an aha, helped you see something differently, or given you a reset when you needed one, Penny wants to hear from you. What do you value? What do you want more of? What keeps you listening?

Because meaningful connection isn’t measured by a download. It happens when we actually engage with one another.

Maybe it’s time for all of us to ask: Where could I reach out, reconnect, and make the work I’m doing more meaningful?

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Your team can be productive, efficient, and incredibly busy—and still be focused on the wrong things.

In this episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker sits down with John J. Murphy, global authority on change mastery, operational excellence, and leadership, to explore why leadership alignment is essential for sustainable business performance.

John explains why many organizations mistake symptoms for root causes, how individual departments can become highly efficient while the overall business remains inefficient, and why leaders need to stop measuring activity and start examining the entire value stream. As John puts it, a leadership team is like an orchestra: everyone may know how to play their own instrument, but that doesn’t mean they know how to play together.

Penny and John unpack lean leadership principles, operational excellence, root cause analysis, customer value, organizational alignment, and the hidden “white space” where time and resources are often wasted. They also explore why standardization can actually create greater flexibility and how the same principle of controlling your inputs applies to today’s use of AI.

You’ll discover:

• Why executive alignment has to come before organizational change
• How to distinguish symptoms from the real root cause of a problem
• Why being busy doesn’t necessarily mean you’re creating value
• How departmental efficiency can actually hurt overall performance
• Why leaders need humility to recognize what isn’t working
• How lean thinking helps organizations eliminate waste and improve flow
• Why controlling inputs can produce better outputs in business and AI
• How to refocus your organization on what creates real value for the customer

John also shares a striking real-world example of executives discovering that a process taking 184 days contained surprisingly little actual value-added activity—revealing just how much opportunity can exist in the space between the work.

If your organization is working harder but not necessarily moving faster, this conversation will challenge you to rethink focus, efficiency, alignment, and what “productive” really means.

It may be time to stop asking, “How can we do this faster?” and start asking, “Should we be doing this at all?”

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Why is it so hard to simply accept a compliment?

Someone tells you that you did a great job, that you look great, or that they appreciate you, and suddenly you're explaining it away, minimizing it, or deflecting the attention.

In this short episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker explores why learning to receive can be just as important as learning to give.

A compliment is a gift. When we immediately deflect it, we may be missing an opportunity to receive appreciation, recognition, support, and connection. And as leaders, parents, colleagues, and partners, the way we receive also sets an example for the people around us.

Penny shares a simple story about accepting compliments that recently came full circle with her own mother, along with a powerful reminder: sometimes the best response really is just “thank you.”

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why we instinctively deflect or minimize compliments
• How receiving appreciation can strengthen connection
• Why the way leaders receive matters
• How accepting support, recognition, and even difficult emotions can shift your mindset
• A simple reset to help you become a better receiver
• 
  

The next time someone offers you a compliment, recognition, gratitude, or support, notice what happens. Instead of explaining it away, practice receiving the gift.

Just say thank you.

It might be a much bigger reset than you think.

#TimeToReset #PennyZenker #ResetMindset #LeadershipMindset #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment

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What separates exceptional leaders from everyone else?

It's not talent.

It's not intelligence.

And it's not working harder.

In this episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker sits down with Sébastien Page, Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and author of The Psychology of Leadership, to explore the mental habits that help leaders thrive under pressure.

Together they unpack why the most successful leaders focus on mastery over ego, why resilience is built through setbacks—not avoiding them—and how a psychology-first approach creates stronger teams, better decisions, and long-term success.

You'll also discover why leaders need more than measurable goals, how AI changes what leaders should prioritize, and why meaning—not metrics alone—is the key to engagement.

In this episode:

• The difference between mastery goals and performance goals
• Why resilience starts with your mindset—not your circumstances
• How positive psychology differs from toxic positivity
• The leadership psychology behind high-performing teams
• Why focusing on process leads to better results
• How AI is changing effective leadership
• The hidden danger of goal-induced blindness
• Why meaning drives motivation more than metrics

Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, or simply trying to become a better decision-maker, this conversation will help you build the mindset needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing world.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Time to Reset for more conversations on leadership, focus, productivity, communication, and navigating change with clarity.

Connect with Sébastien Page

📘 The Psychology of Leadership

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Scripts can help you prepare for a presentation, sales conversation, negotiation, or difficult conversation. But when you become too dependent on getting every word right, you can lose the one thing that matters most: connection.

In this solo episode of Time to Reset Penny Zenker explores how to prepare for important conversations without sounding rehearsed or losing your ability to listen and respond in the moment.

Penny breaks down why scripts should be used as a framework rather than something you have to follow word for word, how over-preparing can interfere with authentic communication, and why presence matters in leadership, sales, presentations, and difficult conversations.

She also shares how to use AI as a role-play partner to practice conversations, anticipate objections, switch perspectives, and test how your message might be received before a high-stakes interaction.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to prepare for difficult conversations without sounding scripted
• Why relying too heavily on a script can hurt connection
• How to stay present and listen during high-stakes conversations
• How leaders can prepare for objections and unexpected responses
• How to use AI to role-play conversations and improve communication
• Why your objective matters more than finding the perfect words
• 
  

Preparation gives you confidence. Presence gives you connection. The reset is knowing when you've prepared enough to let go of the script and engage with the person in front of you.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

What if the biggest threat to your team isn't resistance to change—it's apathy?

In this episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker sits down with keynote speaker, improv expert, and bestselling author Avish Parashar to explore how the simple phrase "Yes, And" can transform leadership, communication, innovation, and workplace culture.

Drawing lessons from the world of improv comedy, Avish reveals why the best leaders don't shut down ideas—they build on them. Together, Penny and Avish discuss how curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence help leaders navigate uncertainty, inspire engagement, and create teams that are willing to think, contribute, and grow.

Whether you're leading through AI disruption, organizational change, or simply trying to create a more engaged workplace, this conversation offers practical strategies you can apply immediately.

In this episode you'll learn: 

• Why "Yes, And" is a powerful leadership mindset
• How leaders unintentionally create employee disengagement
• The surprising connection between improv and business success
• How curiosity builds trust and innovation
• Why apathy—not resistance—is the biggest workplace challenge
• Practical ways to increase creativity and collaboration
• How to lead through uncertainty with confidence and flexibility
• Why asking better questions creates better teams

If you're a leader, manager, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to improve communication, decision-making, and adaptability, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

 📖 Learn more about Avish Parashar and his book "Say 'Yes, And!' to Change."

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

How do great leaders make employees feel valued?

What increases employee engagement without spending more money?

How can leaders create stronger workplace culture through everyday interactions?

In this episode of Time to Reset, productivity expert and leadership strategist Penny Zenker explores why the most memorable leaders aren't necessarily the loudest or the busiest. They're the ones who intentionally create moments that matter.

Using a personal story about planning a milestone birthday celebration, Penny reveals how the same principles can transform team meetings, customer experiences, employee engagement, and even family relationships. The lesson is simple: meaningful leadership isn't built through grand gestures. It's built through consistent, thoughtful actions that help people feel seen, appreciated, and connected.

• How to make employees feel valued at work
• Simple leadership habits that increase employee engagement
• Why meaningful workplace culture is built through small moments
• Ways to create more engaging meetings and stronger team connections
• How thoughtful follow-up builds trust after employee surveys
• Practical leadership strategies to improve communication and retention
• 
  

If you're a leader, manager, business owner, or anyone looking to build stronger relationships at work and at home, this episode offers practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Keywords: leadership, employee engagement, workplace culture, leadership communication, management skills, employee experience, leadership development, team engagement, company culture, trust in leadership, meaningful leadership, customer experience, workplace relationships, communication skills, productivity, Penny Zenker, Time to Reset

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Most companies measure financial performance with precision—but struggle to measure the true value of their people.

In this episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker sits down with entrepreneur and former Wall Street investment banker Jacob D. Chase, founder of The INFIN, to explore a new approach to measuring human capital, employee contribution, and organizational value.

As AI transforms the workplace and top performers create exponentially more value, traditional performance reviews and compensation models are becoming outdated. Jacob explains why annual reviews often miss the employees making the biggest impact—and how organizations can use collective feedback to build a more accurate, fair, and motivating system.

In this conversation you'll learn:

• Why traditional performance reviews fail
• How to measure employee contribution beyond job titles
• The connection between culture, performance, and business results
• How AI is widening the gap between average and exceptional performers
• Why crowdsourced feedback creates fairer compensation decisions
• How to identify hidden high performers before they leave
• A new way to think about meritocracy, employee engagement, and leadership

Whether you're a CEO, HR leader, manager, entrepreneur, or team leader, this conversation offers practical insights into creating a workplace where people are recognized for the value they actually create.

If you're ready to rethink performance management, employee recognition, and modern leadership, this episode is for you.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

AI can write, code, brainstorm, organize, and solve problems faster than ever—but that doesn't mean it's always right.

In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker shares hard-earned lessons from building real AI-powered projects using Claude and ChatGPT. She explains why treating AI like a brilliant teammate—not an infallible expert—can dramatically improve your results while preventing costly mistakes.

You'll learn:

• Why AI makes assumptions—even when you tell it not to
• How long conversations can reduce the quality of AI responses
• Why documenting your project is essential for consistent results
• How version control can save hours of frustration
• The importance of auditing AI instead of accepting confident answers
• When to use multiple AI tools for better outcomes
• How a Reset Mindset helps you work smarter with artificial intelligence

Whether you're using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, or another large language model, these practical strategies will help you build better workflows, avoid hidden pitfalls, and collaborate with AI more effectively.

In this episode: AI best practices, ChatGPT tips, Claude AI, prompt engineering, AI productivity, artificial intelligence, AI coding, version control, documentation, leadership, problem solving, decision making, and the Reset Mindset.

If you've been experimenting with AI, we'd love to hear from you. What has worked well? What mistakes have you learned from? Share your experience in the comments so others can learn faster, too.

#ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #ClaudeAI #AIProductivity #Leadership #Productivity #PromptEngineering #BusinessAI #Innovation #TimeToReset

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

In this episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker sits down with addiction expert Amber Hollingsworth, founder of Put the Shovel Down, to discuss functional alcoholism, denial, and the communication strategies that actually help someone change.

Rather than relying on confrontation, blame, or emotional reactions, Amber explains why influence—not force—is the key to supporting someone struggling with alcohol addiction. Together, they explore how emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and understanding human psychology can create meaningful change in relationships, leadership, parenting, and recovery.

Whether you're supporting a spouse, family member, friend, or simply want to become a better communicator, this conversation offers practical insights that extend far beyond addiction.

In this episode you'll learn:

• What functional alcoholism really looks like
• Why people stay in denial about alcohol addiction
• The biggest mistakes families make when trying to help
• How empathy creates more influence than criticism
• Why natural consequences are more effective than punishment
• Communication techniques that reduce defensiveness
• How beliefs shape addictive behaviors
• Leadership and parenting lessons that apply to every relationship

If you've ever wondered how to help someone with alcohol addiction—or how to influence positive change without creating resistance—this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Time to Reset for conversations that help you gain clarity, reset your mindset, and lead with greater intention.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Why do smart people make poor decisions?

Often, it's not because they lack intelligence. It's because they're only seeing one version of the problem.

In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Focusologist Penny Zenker explores how our experiences, assumptions, beliefs, and pressure shape what we notice—and what we completely miss. Through one powerful leadership exercise and practical coaching questions, you'll discover how expanding your perspective leads to better decisions, greater creativity, and stronger leadership.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why we often solve the wrong problem without realizing it

• How assumptions quietly limit your choices

• Simple questions that expand perspective and improve decision making

• Why great leaders create better answers instead of providing all the answers

• How intentional reset moments help you think more clearly under pressure

If you've ever felt stuck between two choices, overwhelmed by a decision, or frustrated that every solution seems incomplete, this episode will help you uncover the options you didn't know you had.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

What separates breakthrough leaders from everyone else? In this episode of the Time to Reset Podcast, Penny Zenker sits down with renowned leadership expert and motivational speaker Brian Biro, known as America's Breakthrough Speaker, to explore the mindset shifts that create extraordinary results in leadership, business, and life.

Brian shares his powerful framework for controlling the controllables, revealing the three essential elements of breakthrough leadership:

✅ Vision: Focus on what you want to create, not what you fear

✅ Energy: How purpose, movement, and gratitude fuel performance

✅ Presence: The leadership skill that builds trust, connection, and impact

Together, Penny and Brian discuss why so many people operate on autopilot, how technology and AI can increase distraction, and why being fully present may be the most valuable leadership advantage in today's world.

Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, manager, coach, or anyone seeking personal growth, this conversation offers practical tools to improve focus, strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and create meaningful breakthroughs.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• What breakthrough leadership really means
• The power of controlling your controllables
• Why focus determines your future
• How to create and sustain high energy
• The connection between gratitude and purpose
• How presence builds trust and influence
• The hidden cost of distraction and autopilot thinking
• Leadership lessons for the AI era

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances—it's where your attention is?

In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker shares one of her most memorable keynote moments, revealing how our focus shapes our emotions, behaviors, and results. Through a simple audience exercise, she demonstrates just how quickly we can change our cravings, our fears, and even our confidence by changing the meaning we assign to what we're experiencing.

This isn't really about chocolate, cinnamon rolls, or potato chips. It's about leadership, resilience, emotional regulation, and reclaiming control when life feels overwhelming.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why focus drives behavior more than circumstances
• How your brain creates emotional responses based on perception
• The connection between attention, stress, confidence, and resilience
• A practical Reset Mindset technique you can use immediately
• How leaders influence the energy of every room simply through their focus
• 
  

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, distracted, anxious, or stuck, this episode will remind you that your greatest source of control is closer than you think.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

What if the answers you’re searching for aren’t found through logic alone? In this episode of the Time to Reset podcast, Penny Zenker sits down with intuitive coach and former engineer Ali Sweeney for a powerful conversation about intuition, alignment, emotional awareness, and the hidden ways our conditioning shapes decision-making.

Ali shares her personal transformation from a data-driven engineering career into the world of intuition, energy work, and spiritual growth after the loss of her brother changed the trajectory of her life. Together, Penny and Ali explore why logic is not always objective, how fear disguises itself as “practical thinking,” and why learning to trust your intuition can lead to greater clarity, peace, and purpose.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why logic can sometimes become a trap
• The difference between intuition, instinct, and fear
• How childhood conditioning influences adult decisions
• Practical ways to access intuition and inner alignment
• How leaders can create calm, grounded energy within teams
• Why emotional awareness is critical for better decision-making
• Simple reset techniques to reduce stress and reconnect with yourself

Ali also shares actionable tools listeners can use immediately, including emotional check-ins, grounding practices, breathwork, meditation, and recognizing the difference between reactive fear and aligned intuition.

If you’ve ever struggled with overthinking, burnout, decision fatigue, or feeling disconnected from yourself, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to reset, reconnect, and move forward with confidence.

Topics covered include intuition vs logic, emotional intelligence, mindset shifts, personal growth, stress reduction, leadership development, energy awareness, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, aligned decision-making, and self-awareness.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Is AI making us smarter—or slowly making us dependent on technology?

In this episode of the Time to Reset Podcast, Penny Zenker explores one of the most important questions facing leaders, professionals, educators, and organizations today: Is AI making us dumb?

After a thought-provoking conversation with executives and HR leaders, Penny dives into both sides of the debate. Some believe AI is reducing creativity, weakening critical thinking, and encouraging people to outsource their judgment. Others see AI as a powerful tool that accelerates learning, boosts productivity, and amplifies human potential.

Drawing on research from Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon, and workplace studies involving thousands of employees, Penny reveals why the real question isn't whether AI is making us smarter or dumber—it's how AI is changing the way we think.

In this episode, you'll discover:

✅ How AI impacts critical thinking and decision-making

✅ The hidden risk of complacency in the age of AI

✅ Why AI can accelerate learning and expertise development

✅ The difference between delegating your thinking and expanding your thinking

✅ How leaders can use AI without sacrificing judgment and discernment

✅ The role of Reset Moments in maintaining clarity and intentional thinking

✅ Why the future belongs to people who know how to think with AI, not just use AI

Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, educator, knowledge worker, or simply curious about the future of artificial intelligence, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and help you develop a healthier relationship with AI.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

What’s broken in customer experience today—and why does it feel harder than ever to get real help?

In this episode of Time to Reset, customer experience expert Barbara Khozam reveals why businesses are losing customers despite better technology, faster systems, and more automation than ever before.

The problem? We’ve optimized for efficiency—but forgotten how to connect as humans.

You’ll learn:

Why “processing customers” is hurting your business

• The critical gap between digital experience and human interaction
• 3 overlooked customer touchpoints that make or break loyalty
• How small details (like greetings and follow-ups) create massive impact
• Why leadership—not employees—is often the root of poor customer service
• How to gather meaningful customer feedback (without annoying people)

If you’re a business owner, leader, or anyone responsible for customer or client experience, this conversation will help you rethink how you show up—and how your customers feel.

Key takeaway:

👉 The best customer experience strategy isn’t more technology—it’s better human connection.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Is inbox zero actually making you more productive… or just more reactive?

In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker challenges one of the biggest productivity myths of the modern workplace: the obsession with clearing your inbox.

Penny breaks down why email has become one of the greatest drains on our time, energy, and focus — and why using your inbox to drive your day keeps you stuck in reaction mode instead of focused on what truly matters.

She also shares:

• Why “inbox zero” is an outdated strategy
• How AI and modern tools are changing productivity
• The mindset shift that creates more clarity and control
• Why your email should never be your task list
• Simple ways to reduce overwhelm and regain focus

Plus, Penny opens up about her experience trying the email tool Superhuman and the surprising lesson it revealed about resistance, flexibility, and adapting to new ways of working.

If you’re tired of feeling buried in email and ready to reclaim your focus, this episode is your permission slip to let go of inbox zero for good.

#Productivity #InboxZero #TimeToReset #PennyZenker #Focus #EmailManagement #AIProductivity #WorkplaceEfficiency #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetShift

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What does purpose at work really mean—and why are so many people getting it wrong?

In this powerful episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker sits down with bestselling author and workplace behavior expert Joshua M. Evans to challenge conventional thinking around purpose, engagement, and fulfillment in today’s workplace.

Together, they unpack why modern work culture has “cheapened” the idea of purpose—and how shallow definitions of success, roles, and productivity are driving disengagement across organizations. With nearly 80% of employees feeling disconnected, this conversation dives deep into what’s missing and how leaders can create meaningful human connection at work.

Joshua shares compelling real-world stories—from an Uber driver driven by a personal mission to the hidden emotional impact behind everyday jobs—to illustrate how any role can become purposeful when viewed through the lens of impact rather than tasks.

You’ll discover:

• Why defining work by roles and KPIs leads to disengagement
• The difference between transactional work and meaningful contribution
• How to create deeper emotional connection within teams and organizations
• Why “human resources” thinking may be hurting company culture
• Practical ways to reconnect with purpose—no matter your job

If you’ve ever wondered how to feel more fulfilled at work, improve employee engagement, or lead with greater impact, this episode offers a powerful reset.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

What if the key to better decisions, stronger relationships, and less stress was learning how to manage your emotional state in the moment?

In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker explores practical techniques for emotional regulation, shifting your energy, and responding calmly under pressure instead of reacting emotionally.

You’ll learn:

• How to shift your state when feeling stressed, triggered, or overwhelmed
• Why awareness is the first step to emotional mastery
• Simple tools to regulate emotions quickly using music, curiosity, reframing, and self-talk
• How high performers, athletes, and leaders stay resourceful in difficult moments
• Why slowing down the moment can help you make better decisions
• Techniques for managing emotional triggers in work and life

Penny also shares relatable examples from everyday life and popular culture, including lessons inspired by Chris Rock and the TV show Ozark, to demonstrate how composure and emotional control can completely change outcomes.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• How do I stop reacting emotionally?
• How can I stay calm under pressure?
• What are the best emotional regulation techniques?
• How do successful people manage stress and triggers?

…this episode is for you.

Listen now and learn how to become the “professional noticer” of your emotions so you can reset your mindset, shift your energy, and show up as your best self.

#EmotionalIntelligence #Mindset #StressManagement #EmotionalRegulation #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #SelfAwareness #MindsetShift #TimeToReset #PennyZenker

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In this episode, we sit down with Alex, co-founder and CEO of Fuel, to explore why traditional learning methods are failing—and what’s replacing them. With information overload at an all-time high, simply consuming knowledge is no longer enough. The real advantage comes from applying what you learn in real time.

We dive into the science behind the “forgetting curve,” why most learning management systems don’t work, and how microlearning, AI, and performance-based platforms are reshaping the way we grow, lead, and succeed. Alex shares how Fuel is helping individuals and organizations move from passive learning to active application through bite-sized lessons, expert guidance, and personalized AI coaching.

If you’re looking to learn faster, retain more, and actually use what you know—this conversation will change how you think about learning forever.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why 70% of what you learn disappears within 24 hours

• The difference between knowledge-based learning vs. performance-based learning
• How microlearning improves retention and real-world application
• The role of AI in personalized, scalable learning
• How to break through skill plateaus with expert feedback
• Why applying knowledge—not memorizing it—is the key to success

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, this episode will help you rethink how you learn—and how you perform.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck in the weeds of your business or life? In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker introduces a powerful concept: The Clarity Compression Effect.

Learn how intentionally limiting your time, energy, or resources can actually create sharper focus, better decisions, and higher productivity. Inspired in part by ideas from Tim Ferriss, Penny shares how constraints can become a catalyst for clarity—not chaos.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why doing more is actually holding you back
• How “time compression” forces better priorities
• A simple exercise to identify what truly moves the needle
• What to delegate, eliminate, or redesign in your workflow
• How to reclaim your time, energy, and focus

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most.

🎯 Key Takeaway: Clarity doesn’t come from more time—it comes from better constraints.

👉 Grab Penny’s free Clarity Compression exercise:

https://clarityfirst.me/compression-effect

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Success in modern entrepreneurship often hinges on your ability to build a "parasocial" bond with your audience, and there is no better medium to achieve this for small businesses than podcasting. Productivity guru and entrepreneur Raymond Sidney-Smith joins the show to share the essential blueprint for launching a show that converts listeners into loyal clients by leveraging the "magic" of audio storytelling. 

Ray shares his background in productivity, organization, and entrepreneurship, explaining how his passion for helping small business owners led him to podcasting. The conversation highlights why he believes every business should consider having a podcast—not just as a marketing channel, but as a way to build trust, connect with audiences, and increase visibility.

Topics discussed:

• The unique power of audio storytelling and how it builds strong audience relationships
• Different podcast formats (solo, interviews, panels) and when to use them
• How podcasting can boost business growth and brand awareness
• The role of AI in streamlining podcast creation and promotion
• Common mistakes business owners make when starting a podcast

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Feeling mentally foggy, overwhelmed, or stretched too thin? You’re not alone—and it’s not a lack of discipline. It’s cognitive overload.

In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker breaks down why constant inputs are draining your energy, slowing your decisions, and leading to burnout. More importantly, she shares a simple but powerful framework: aligning your inputs with your outputs.

Learn how to:

✔ Audit what’s consuming your attention

✔ Reduce “brain fry” and reclaim your focus

✔ Create a reset rhythm that actually works

✔ Simplify complexity by focusing on what’s next

It’s not about doing more—it’s about getting clear on what matters most.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Are you frustrated by the ever-changing LinkedIn algorithm and feeling like your content isn't reaching your connections? Today, Penny Zenker hits LinkedIn sales expert Brynne Tillman, CEO of Social Sales Link and co-author of The LinkedIn Edge, with the hard questions about what's actually working in today's environment.

Brynne breaks down the new rules of the LinkedIn "game" and shares her comprehensive "3 Buckets" framework to turn LinkedIn into a powerful sales tool:

• Profile Optimization: Moving your profile from a resume to a resource that converts.
• Content and Engagement: Mastering the 5-point content strategy to compel action and engagement.
• Prospecting: Implementing a strategic, value-driven process to gain warm market referrals.

Plus, learn about the powerful CRISPY™ framework for leveraging AI in prompt writing for pre-call planning and generating high-quality content that guarantees meaningful conversations.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Are you constantly doing—but not feeling aligned with who you truly are?

In this solo episode, Penny explores the powerful difference between doing and being—and how getting caught in productivity, urgency, and “one more thing” can quietly pull us away from our values, identity, and what matters most.

Through real, vulnerable stories (including moments of misalignment, missed presence, and hard-earned awareness), this episode dives into the hidden cost of overdoing—and why success without intention can leave us feeling disconnected.

You’ll also learn a simple but powerful 3-step reset practice to help you:

• Step back and gain perspective
• Realign with your values and priorities
• Refocus your energy on what truly matters

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the chase, or disconnected from yourself, this episode is your reminder to pause, reset, and return to who you want to be.

🔑 Because it’s not about doing more—it’s about being more intentional.

Share this episode with someone who needs a reset.

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Everyone is talking about AI—but very few are actually using it to drive real results. The truth? AI isn’t a magic button you press for instant success. If you’re treating it like a vending machine, you’re already falling behind.

In this conversation, AI expert James Feldman breaks down how to turn artificial intelligence from overwhelming hype into a practical, revenue-generating advantage. From choosing the right tools to setting clear outcomes, the difference between frustration and efficiency comes down to how you approach AI—not just which platforms you use.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to “keep up” with thousands of new AI tools, this is your reset. Learn how to cut through the noise, build smarter workflows, and use AI as a true assistant that drives productivity, profitability, and competitive edge.

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Why are 79% of employees disengaged at work—and what can leaders actually do about it?

In this solo episode of Time to Reset , Penny Zenker breaks down one of the most overlooked drivers of disengagement: skepticism.

This isn’t about attitude—it’s about attention patterns shaped by past experiences, broken trust, and workplace dynamics. When skepticism takes hold, it limits innovation, slows decision-making, and quietly erodes collaboration.

Penny shares:

• Why skepticism is rising in today’s workplace
• How it impacts trust, performance, and leadership effectiveness
• The neuroscience behind threat, focus, and disengagement
• The connection between skepticism and the “Nitpicker Effect”
• 5 practical leadership strategies to rebuild trust and re-engage your team

If you’re a leader, executive, or team manager navigating disengagement, low trust, or resistance to change—this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework to shift from doubt to possibility.

What creates skepticism for you at work?

What has helped you rebuild trust in a leader or organization?

Trying to control every outcome in life can feel like the safest strategy, but it often leads to more stress, anxiety, and frustration. In this episode, Penny Zenker sits down with Kati Morton, bestselling author and mental health expert, to explore the control trap—the tendency to overmanage our emotions, circumstances, and even other people in an attempt to feel secure. Kati explains why our brains crave control during uncertainty, why anger often masks deeper emotions like hurt or fear, and how tools like the feelings wheel can help us better identify what we’re actually experiencing. She also shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing workplace emotions, and reducing anxiety in a world full of digital distractions—revealing why letting go of unnecessary control can actually create more clarity, resilience, and focus.

In today’s hyper-connected world, we have more ways to communicate than ever before — yet meaningful human connection is becoming increasingly rare.

In this solo episode, Penny Zenker explores what she calls the growing “connection deficit” and why it is one of the biggest challenges facing leaders and organizations today.

Despite constant messaging, video calls, and social media interactions, many teams feel more disconnected than ever. With workplace disengagement reaching record levels, leaders must rethink how they create trust, belonging, and meaningful collaboration.

Penny shares practical examples of how organizations like Shopify, Atlassian, and GitLab intentionally design connection into their cultures — and how leaders can do the same.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why we are experiencing a modern connection deficit

• How shallow communication is impacting employee engagement and leadership

• The key psychological drivers behind real human connection at work

• Why trust and vulnerability accelerate execution and collaboration

• Simple practices leaders can use to design deeper connections in meetings and teams

As technology and AI continue to reshape the workplace, the organizations that succeed will be the ones that intentionally cultivate human connection, trust, and purpose.

Because in a digital world, connection doesn’t happen by accident — it must be designed.

Mastering decision-making under stress is the ultimate productivity hack for high-pressure environments. In this episode, leadership trainer and crisis communication expert Kevin McIntyre joins the show to discuss why the brain struggles to process choices during a crisis and how to override those biological impulses. Drawing from his experience coaching over 6,000 leaders, Kevin explains the "half-life of adrenaline" and shares tactical tools—like combat breathing and power posing—to reset the nervous system in less than two minutes. Whether you are managing a corporate reorganization or a personal emergency, Kevin’s insights into risk aversion and Prospect Theory provide a framework for maintaining executive presence and making optimal choices when the stakes are highest.

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Conferences still matter. But the way we design them must change.

With rising costs, economic pressure, and AI reshaping professional development, association leaders can’t afford events that stop at “great content.”

In this episode, Penny Zenker shares:

• Why information is now a commodity
• What Millennials and Gen Z actually expect from events
• How to use real-time feedback and live polling to increase engagement
• A practical framework for embedding accountability into your conference
• How AI can personalize and extend impact long after the event ends

Because the real ROI of a conference isn’t inspiration.

It’s implementation.

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In today's hyper-complex, information-saturated world, the impulse is often to do more. More tasks, more meetings, more data consumption. But what if the path to true success lies in doing less while achieving more? We sat down with Rich Horwath, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and the leading authority on strategic thinking, to uncover the crucial insights that separate successful leaders from those stuck on the activity treadmill. Horwath, Founder of the Strategic Thinking Institute and author of Strategic: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence, argues that relying on AI to think for us is a critical mistake. Instead, leaders must intentionally carve out time to gain the "fuel insights"—learnings that lead to new value.

In this must-read post, learn how to: 

• Stop reacting and start acting on your own agenda.
• Implement simple, daily "Reset Practices" to capture one valuable insight a day.
• Use strategic reflection to clarify success and double down on what’s working.
• Leverage your time, talent, and attention for maximum strategic advantage.

Discover why doing less leads to more strategic achievement and how you can develop the mindset required to thrive in a complex world.

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In a world of constant change, uncertainty can feel overwhelming—especially for leaders responsible for guiding others through it. In this solo episode, Penny Zenker shares a powerful reframe: certainty isn’t about predicting outcomes—it’s about anchoring yourself internally.

Drawing from real-world leadership challenges, stress neuroscience, and her proven Reset Mindset, Penny explores how leaders can reduce emotional intensity, regain clarity, and take the next right step, even when the future feels unclear. You’ll learn why logic alone can’t solve emotional overload, how to move out of reactive mode, and how a simple three-step practice—step back, get perspective, and realign—can restore calm, focus, and confidence.

This episode is especially relevant for leaders, executives, HR professionals, coaches, and wellness practitioners navigating cognitive overload, market volatility, and emotional fatigue—both in themselves and their teams.

If you’re looking for practical leadership tools that support both performance and well-being, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and lead with intention—no matter what’s happening around you.

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Technical experts are masters of their specific crafts, but they often find themselves dealing with the universal challenges of overwork, burnout, and micromanagement. Penny Zenker sits down with Alistair Gordon, CEO of Expertunity, who shares how he leads the so-called expertship revolution to address this growing problem happening in most workplaces. Alistair sheds light on how experts and specialists are often trapped in their “technical bubbles,” causing them to be extremely underappreciated and typically overwhelmed. Find out how to regain agency, set clear priorities, and push back on unreasonable demands to finally get the recognition you truly deserve.

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What does it mean to choose a word for the year — and actually live it?

In this solo episode, Penny shares why generosity became her word of the year and how it’s shaping the way she moves through each month. Rather than treating generosity as something to do, she explores it as a way of being — one that begins with letting go and unfolds through intentional monthly themes.

This episode walks through the structure behind the practice, offering a grounded, sustainable approach to living generosity with clarity, presence, and purpose throughout the year.

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Stop letting fear of the wrong choice lead to the biggest mistake of all: no decision making at all. Join the conversation as host Penny Zenker sits down with neuroscientist, researcher, and keynote speaker Lorne Epstein, who consults with senior leaders on improving decision making outcomes. They dive into how to navigate today's volatile, uncertain, chaotic, and ambiguous (VUCA) world by identifying unconscious bias, the critical role of cognitive flexibility, and why you need to master your personal 'reset moment' to filter out the noise and find your signal. Lorne also shares insights on his novel psychometric assessment for teams and explains how AI can be a great advisory tool in your decision making process.

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Clarity doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by intention.

In this episode, Penny explores the overlooked moment at the start of every day that determines whether you lead with focus or fall into reaction mode. Learn how clarity creates a filter for your energy, helps you challenge false urgency, and allows you to right-size your effort for what truly matters.

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Are you ready to dive deep into personalizing the sales process in a world saturated with AI? Nikki Rausch, CEO of Sales Maven, author, and podcast host, joins the conversation to explain why people still buy from people and how a "high-tech" world demands an even more "high-touch" approach. Discover her game-changing techniques for fostering authentic connections, including her specific, powerful questions to ask in a sales conversation, the strategic power of replacing "if" with "when" in your language, and why she believes the most important word for a salesperson's presence right now is "generous."

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Expectations quietly shape our experiences—and often steal our joy. In this solo episode, Penny explores how releasing expectations can reduce stress, create more ease, and help you reset as you move forward. A timely reminder that joy grows when we focus on what’s within our control.

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Stop running away from the tough conversations—start cultivating Fruitful Friction® instead. Our guest, Hilary Blair, CEO, CSP Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Group Facilitator, is here to explain why embracing that "messy middle" is essential for true innovation and team co-creation. She unpacks how to move beyond merely being polite, which can act as a wall, to adopt a kindly direct approach that honors relationships and builds trust. Hilary shares practical, actionable methods like "rocking your awkward" and leveraging playfulness to expand the space between "avoid" and "attack," helping you master the art of the proactive reset to elevate your communication, connection, and business results.

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Are you feeling scattered, unfocused, or like something inside you is shifting? You’re not alone. In this reflective solo episode, Penny explores the season of expansion—a powerful transitional phase where clarity hasn’t arrived yet, but transformation is underway.

Drawing from personal experiences—becoming an empty nester, changing homes, reinventing her work, and navigating major life transitions—Penny reveals why feeling “unfocused” isn’t a failure. It’s an evolution. She discusses how the writing of The Reset Mindset unfolded through its own unexpected transformation, and why clarity is not the starting point but the outcome.

Shift

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why periods of uncertainty are often signs of growth
• How to recognize whether you're in a season of narrowing in or zooming out
• Why focus is not attention—and how to expand your lens with intention
• How embracing exploration can lead to deeper alignment in your next chapter
• The mindset shift that frees you from the pressure to “figure it all out right now”

If you’ve been feeling lost, disconnected, or ready for a new direction, this conversation offers grounding, clarity, and permission to evolve at your own pace.

Listen in, breathe, and give yourself space—your next chapter is already working its way in.

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The landscape of career search and hiring is being rapidly redefined by technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence, which, while simplifying the application process, is causing companies to overlook some of the most qualified candidates whose value doesn't translate well onto an automated resume. Mitch McDermott from Talent Ascension Group explains that this challenge requires organizations to look beyond paper credentials and be willing to dig deeper into a candidate's story. Success in the modern workforce also demands that companies move beyond cookie-cutter systems by prioritizing a highly personalized onboarding process and recognizing non-monetary "currencies"—such as impact, fulfillment, freedom, and growth potential—to ensure long-term employee retention and engagement.

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Feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or constantly racing from one meeting to the next?

In this episode, Penny Zenker pulls back the curtain on her newest AI experiments — including her custom-trained AI agent built on her books, exercises, and leadership tools — and reveals how simple, science-backed reset moments can transform your day.

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You’ll learn:

• Why stress isn’t always about your workload — it’s about the lack of recovery between tasks.
• How AI-powered nudges can scan your calendar and remind you to reset exactly when you need it.
• The neuroscience behind real mental clarity, including why closing your eyes reduces up to 80% of sensory input.
• A powerful 60-second breathing technique (“Ninja Breathing”) that brings your executive function back online.
• How micro-rituals — like scent-based reset anchors — instantly calm or energize your nervous system.
• Why back-to-back meetings are sabotaging your focus (and what organizations must change).
• What Penny is building next with AI to help leaders reduce burnout and show up more present.

If you want to think clearer, stress less, and work smarter — this episode gives you practical tools you can use today.

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Market Eminence is more than visibility; it’s the art of earning respect, influence, and recognition by thinking differently. In this energizing conversation with keynote speaker and marketing strategist David Newman, host Penny Zenker explores how leaders can rise above the noise and become the “only” in their space rather than just the best. David reveals why the old “how-to” approach is obsolete and how to instead focus on how to think, what to believe, and how to prepare for what’s next. They discuss the power of storytelling, differentiation, and filtering faster in today’s crowded marketplace. With humor and clarity, David shares how founders, executives, and thought leaders can build market Eminence that attracts ideal clients, strengthens brand trust, and drives unstoppable growth.

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We consume more information in a single day than most people a century ago encountered in their entire lives. No wonder we feel overwhelmed, distracted, and constantly “behind.” In this episode, Penny breaks down why the real challenge today isn’t keeping up — it’s learning how to filter faster.

Penny introduces her framework of Gatekeepers — the personal systems we use (or should use) to protect our time, attention, and energy from the constant flood of news, notifications, expectations, and mental clutter.

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What does it take to turn adversity into your greatest advantage? In this episode of Time to Reset, resilience expert and leadership coach Sara Schulting Kranz shares her powerful journey of rebuilding life after trauma—and how she now helps others do the same. 🌄

As the founder of transformational leadership retreats in the Grand Canyon, Sara has guided executives, athletes, and even a blind para-athlete to record-breaking success. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, she reveals her 5-component framework for resilience, designed to help individuals and organizations navigate change with courage, collaboration, and creativity.

Tune in to learn how to lead through uncertainty, embrace change as growth, and create a culture of resilience—whether in business, leadership, or your own personal reset.

🎙️ Because when life shifts, the way out is always forward.

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In an age where technology keeps us constantly linked yet emotionally apart, connectability has become an essential skill for leaders, teams, and individuals seeking authentic relationships. Business leader and author Fredric Steck shares the principles behind his book Connectability, revealing how empathy, awareness, and genuine presence can transform both personal and professional interactions. Through stories drawn from his decades in finance, philanthropy, and leadership, Fred explores how emotional intelligence and consistent human connection can replace transactional exchanges with trust, collaboration, and meaning in today’s digital world.

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What if letting go isn’t about losing—but about opening up? 🌿 In this solo episode, Penny Zenker dives into one of the most powerful yet overlooked elements of resilience: the art of letting go. Whether it’s releasing old habits, outdated expectations, or people who no longer fit your life, learning to let go creates space for growth, peace, and new opportunities.

Penny shares practical mindset shifts and reflective questions to help you recognize what’s no longer serving you, reduce emotional intensity, and realign with what truly matters. Discover how the Reset Mindset framework—step back, get perspective, and realign—can help you transform frustration into focus and resistance into resilience.

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Overcoming imposter syndrome is a challenge that even high performers secretly face, yet it can also become a hidden advantage when handled with the right mindset. Talent agent, psychology professor, and author Albert Bramante blends performance psychology, hypnosis, NLP and AI strategies to show creators, educators and professionals how to turn self-doubt into a catalyst for growth. Drawing from his work with artists and leaders, he explains why our inner critic exists, how to strip away projections from others, and practical ways to breathe, pause and reframe feedback so you can unlock momentum and your best self.

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Your energy tells the story your words can’t. ⚡ In this solo Time to Reset episode, Penny Zenker reveals why energy is everything when it comes to powerful communication. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting on stage, or inspiring others, your impact doesn’t come from what you say — it comes from how you show up. Discover how to harness your energy to connect deeply, engage authentically, and make your message unforgettable. 🌟

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