Beyond The To-do List

This week it’s my privilege to welcome Dr. Charan Ranganath to the show for a fascinating discussion about his new book, Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters. Charan is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at the University of California at Davis. For over 25 years, he has studied the mechanisms in the brain that allow us to remember past events, using brain imaging techniques, computational modeling and studies of patients with memory disorders.In this episode we uncover the malleability of memory and discuss practical strategies for not just remembering more, but remembering better. Charan guides listeners through the science of memory preservation and the critical role of sleep in processing and retaining our experiences, and more importantly turning the memories of those experiences into Charan also discusses the brain's dopaminergic pathways and how intentional distractions can hamper our performance. In addition, we touch upon

This week it was my pleasure to welcome Richard Medcalf to the show for a discussion about his book, Making Time for Strategy: How to Be Less Busy and More Successful. Richard describes himself as "what you get if you were to put a McKinsey consultant, a slightly unorthodox pastor and an entrepreneur into a blender". He is the founder of Xquadrant, which helps elite leaders reinvent their 'success formula' and multiply their impact. His personal clients include CEOs of billion-dollar corporations, successful serial entrepreneurs, and the founders of tech 'unicorns'. Richard has advised the C-Suite for over 25 years. After a Masters at Oxford University, where he came top in his year, he joined a premier strategy consultancy and later became the youngest-ever Partner. He then spent 11 years at tech giant Cisco in an elite team reporting to the CEO. In this episode, we uncover the power of strategic leadership, time allocation, and the impact of energizing activities on productivity. Richard shares real client

This week I’m excited to welcome my friend Jeff Sieh back to the show for a great chat about harnessing our creative potential while fostering creative gifts for your business. Jeff is an international speaker and visual marketing consultant. He hosts the Social Media News Live show and podcast and is also “Head Beard” at Manly Pinterest Tips. Jeff has worked with and produced a wide range of content for various companies, including Guy Kawasaki, Kim Garst, Social Media Examiner, and Tailwind.In this conversation Jeff shares his insights on defining creativity in the context of business building and creation. He emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity, cultivating diverse inputs, while also seeking input from others to inspire creativity. Jeff also shares his system for capturing and organizing ideas, using tools like Tiago Forte's Building a Second Brain and the PARA system.To help you stay focused and centered, we also discuss creative rituals, including journaling and using tools like the Pomodoro

This week I’m excited to welcome Todd Henry back to the show for a really encouraging and informative conversation about his new book, The Brave Habit: A Guide To Courageous Leadership. Todd has been a guest on the show many times lending his wisdom and insights on everything from creativity to motivation. Todd is the founder of Accidental Creative, a company that helps creative people and teams be prolific, brilliant and healthy. He regularly speaks and consults with companies about how to develop practices that lead to everyday brilliance. He is the author of six other books (The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Louder Than Words, Herding Tigers, The Motivation Code, and Daily Creative), which have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he speaks and consults across dozens of industries on creativity, leadership, and passion for work.In this episode Todd breaks down the unique distinctions between bravery and heroism, the importance of claiming agency, and the application of the brave habit to

This week I’m excited to welcome Dave Delaney back to the show for a great conversation about sobriety, living and thriving with ADHD, and helping others to equip themselves with the tools they need to excel. Dave is a recognized leader, consultant and keynote speaker on digital marketing, social media strategy, and business networking. His book, New Business Networking and his Newsletter The Nice Maker are invaluable tools for marketers and anyone working in the social media space. In this episode Dave openly shares his personal experiences and challenges related to his recent ADHD diagnosis at the age of 50, shedding light on the complexities of acknowledging and understanding the impact of the condition as an adult. The conversation revolves around Dave's journey of realization, coping mechanisms, and the potential comorbidities associated with ADHD. Erik also adds his perspective, having been diagnosed with ADHD in 2005, and discusses the difficulties of accepting the diagnosis as an adult.In addition Dav

This week I’m excited to welcome the show’s producer and editor Todd Bushong for our first ever mailbag episode. I put the call out for questions you the listeners might have about productivity, workflow, or anything Beyond The To-Do List related and you responded. So in this special episode I’m happy to get the chance to dive into your questions and address some of your inquiries about everything from my go-to Ai productivity tool, getting better sleep, knowing when to delegate tasks and so much more. This was a really fun episode for both Todd and I to get the chance to hear from you the listeners about what has been on your mind concerning your productivity and work life. We plan on continuing to feature more mailbags in the near future so if you have any questions you would like to ask simply go to beyondthetodolist.com/contact to submit your questions for a future mailbag episode!Tools and Prior Episodes Mentioned In the Mailbag:CastmagicCastmagic is an AI tool designed to transform audio content into re

To ring in 2024 I’m excited to revisit an incredibly encouraging and human conversation I had with Carlos Whittaker earlier in 2023. More often than not “productivity minded” people can place too much emphasis on the weeks leading up to and the first few weeks of the New Year. I wanted to reverse that trend and focus on a conversation that reminds us of the importance of human connections and deep relationships in creating a life of contentment and true fulfillment.In this conversation Carlos and I talk about his latest book, How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us. Carlos is an author, podcaster, and global speaker who I’ve had the privilege of learning from in live settings and through his podcast Human Hope with Carlos Whittaker. In How to Human, Carlos offers a fresh vision for becoming the best versions of ourselves. We can refuse to let disagreements define us. We can say no to becoming upset, rage-filled humans and say yes to fuller, happier lives. It b

As we wrap up 2023 I wanted to revisit a few conversations over the next two weeks that impacted me most this past year. This week I’m delighted to revisit a really powerful talk with author and podcaster Gretchen Rubin. The Holiday and New Years season can bring with it a good deal of stress and anxiety and this conversation reminds us of the importance of stepping outside our everyday anxieties by truly connecting with nature, our bodies, and the world around us. In this chat we unpack many of the principles contained within her book, Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World. In LIFE IN FIVE SENSES Gretchen’s revelatory journey of self-experimentation, she explores the mysteries and joys of the five senses as a path to a happier, more mindful life. Drawing on cutting-edge science, philosophy, literature, and her own efforts to practice what she learns, she investigates the profound power of tuning into the physical world. From the simple pleasures of appreciatin

This week I was excited to welcome Charlie Gilkey back to the show to talk about his latest book, Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results. Charlie has been on the show before to discuss his previous book Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done. He is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a company that helps professional creatives, leaders, and changemakers take meaningful action on work that matters. He is internationally known as a thought leader on productivity, planning, strategy, and leadership for creative people. Charlie is also the author of The Small Business Life Cycle, and is widely cited in outlets such as Inc., Time, Forbes, the Guardian, Lifehacker, and more. He’s also an Army veteran and near-PhD in philosophy.In this conversation, Charlie shares his insights on the power of teamwork and discusses his new book, presenting a fresh perspective on improving team productivity. We discuss the importance of team dynamics to overcome challenges and mistakes addressing the si

This week I was excited to speak with Gillian Tietz. Gillian is a biochemist, educator, and entrepreneur who, after struggling with alcohol moderation, found productivity and success in sobriety. Gillian is the host of the Sober Powered Podcast and works as a biochemist in the Boston area. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can cause addiction.In this episode, Gillian shares her personal journey of realizing the negative impact of drinking on her productivity and confidence, and how sobriety has led to numerous accomplishments. The conversation explores the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, the importance of self-awareness, and the potential benefits of taking breaks from both alcohol and caffeine. Gillian also shares resources for those interested in exploring sobriety further while breaking down the benefits and drawbacks of the popular “Dry January” craze that has become extremely popular amongst young profes

This week I was excited to speak with Josefine Campbell about her new book, Power Barometer: How to Manage Personal Energy for Business Success. Josefine is the founder of Campbell Co, a top leadership consulting firm for multinational companies. Campbell inspires and coaches leaders, teams, and talents in large organizations such as McDonald's, Deloitte, Maersk, Novo Nordisk, and Carlsberg Group. Her approach combines the practical and the pragmatic. A four-time jiu-jitsu champion, she is particularly interested in developing personal leadership in difficult circumstances, such as is often the case in modern work life.Throughout this episode we delve into several key topics, including the innovative "Power Parameter" check-in, the normalization of energy awareness in the workplace, and the practical application of the "awareness matrix" for effective energy management. This conversation promises to offer expert insights, actionable strategies, and tools to revolutionize your approach to productivity through

This week it was my privilege to welcome Susan Drumm for a conversation about her new book, The Leader’s Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life. In this episode Susan unveils the groundbreaking process that outlines how our childhood wounds show up in our ability to lead others and how music can heal those wounds. Maybe you’re having a hard time retaining or engaging your people, or perhaps you’re feeling burnout or can’t delegate or trust your team to deliver. These problems and other leadership challenges can be addressed by shifting how you show up as a leader, and music is the catalyst.Susan also shares her incredible insights on the powerful connection between music, neuroscience, leadership, and personal development. She has mastered the art of pattern recognition and has developed a unique process that harnesses the transformative power of music to help leaders break free from unproductive patterns and thrive in their businesses. In addition Sus

This week I was excited to speak with Marc Lesser. Marc is a renowned speaker, facilitator, workshop leader, and executive coach. He specializes in integrating mindfulness and emotional intelligence into his presentations and training sessions. Marc is the author of five books, including his latest Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and Meaningful Lives. He serves as the CEO of ZBA Associates, a firm focused on executive development and leadership consulting. His podcast, Zen Bones: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times, offers insightful interviews and mindfulness practices aimed at personal development and organizational influence.Marc is here to share his wisdom and insights on the power of communication, compassion, and accountability in our lives and work. He challenges us to question our assumptions, engage in difficult conversations, and create both a work and personal culture that fosters both compassion and truth. From his experience in runn

This week I’m excited to bring you a conversation I had with William Vanerbloemen. William is the CEO and founder of Vanerbloemen a leading executive search firm that serves teams with a greater purpose by aligning their people solutions for growth through executive search, compensation, succession, and diversity consulting. William is also the author of Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest. In this conversation he unveils the surprising and learnable skills that make individuals shine. These habits form a roadmap for developing the sought-after abilities that are consistent among the most talented individuals. "Be the Unicorn" symbolizes the unique and standout qualities discussed in the book, offering a field guide for those looking to level up. In addition William sheds light on the importance of self-awareness as the starting point in the journey of personal development while stressing the ongoing nature of self-awareness and its relevance in job interviews, p

This week I was excited to welcome Nick Gray for a really fun conversation about how hosting small parties and gatherings can open the doors for so many networking and business relationships in fun and unexpected ways. Nick is the author of the new book The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings. Nick is a renowned party host and the mastermind behind countless successful gatherings. He believes that hosting parties is a powerful way to bring people together from different backgrounds and foster networking opportunities. In our conversation Nick shares his expertise on structuring events, organizing icebreaker activities, and encouraging networking.Nick also reveals the formula and structure he employs to attract diverse attendees and create an environment for engaging conversations. Many people feel the need to have a specific purpose for hosting a party, but Gray asserts that the act of hosting itself is reason enough. And you might be surprised by just how many people a

This week I’m excited to share my conversation with Joey Coleman. Joey is a renowned customer experience expert who has spent over 20 years in the field, helping organizations create remarkable customer and employee experiences. He is the author of the new book, Never Lose An Employee Again: The Simple Path to Remarkable Retention. In addition Joey is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Never Lose a Customer Again. An award-winning speaker at national and international conferences, Joey specializes in creating unique, attention-grabbing experiences. His First 100 Days methodology helps fuel the successful employee and customer experiences he delivers clients around the world.In this episode, Joey and I dive deep into the crucial first 100 days of a new job, exploring the importance of making a positive first impression, aligning the employee journey with his eight crucial phases, and the impact of remote work on the onboarding process. We also explore how organizations can avoid information overload

This week I was excited to speak with Todd Rogers about the new book that he co-authored with Jessica Lasky, Writing for Busy Readers: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World. Todd is a professor of public policy at Harvard University, where he has won teaching awards for the past seven consecutive years. He is a behavioral scientist and cofounder of the Analyst Institute and EveryDay Labs. His opinion pieces have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and Politico, among others. In this conversation, we delve into the importance of making writing more accessible and reader-friendly in our fast-paced and busy lives. Todd illustrates the six scientific and common sense principles behind more effective, concise, and readable writing. Drawing inspiration from user design thinking, Todd also challenges the traditional notion that it's solely the reader's responsibility to extract information from the text. Instead, he emphasizes the writer's role in making content acces

This week I’m excited to share with you a conversation I had with Mindy Peterson on her podcast Enhance Life with Music. Mindy is a kindred spirit who examines and explores the power of music in our everyday lives. She is passionate about exploring how music impacts our psychology, productivity, and well-being. Whether you consider yourself a musician or just a music fan, the fact remains that music is all around us and most of us have deep and dare I say spiritual connections with the magic of Rock, Pop, Rap, Classical Music, Jazz, Country, or any of the infinite genres of music.This episode is clearly personal for me as music has been, and continues to be an incredibly powerful part of my life. Mindy and I dive into the transformative power of songs, bands, and the joyful ways that in its many incarnations, music has enriched our lives in ways that are both productive and stress-reducing. We discuss how different styles of music can impact our brain activity, productivity, stress management, and creativity.

This week it was my privilege to speak with Aytekin Tank about his new book Automate Your Busywork: Do Less, Achieve More, and Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff. Aytekin is the founder and CEO of JotForm, a leading online form builder platform that helps millions of users streamline their workflow and increase productivity. In this conversation, Aytekin emphasizes the importance of clarifying priorities. By asking yourself the questions, "What should I spend my time on?" and "What shouldn't I spend my time on?" you can gain clarity and focus on tasks that energize and excite you. As Aytekin explains, automating the draining, time-consuming tasks can help prevent burnout and improve overall efficiency. In addition, Aytekin unpacks the principles behind time-boxing, where you set aside dedicated blocks of time to investigate and refine ideas that can streamline your processes. By prioritizing what is urgent and important, you can effectively allocate your time and concentrate on tasks that truly require your at

This week it was my privilege to speak with Kasia Wezowski about body language, leadership, and communication. Kasia, along with her husband Patryk Wezowski, are founders of The Center for Body Language, the world's number one body language training company for business people. In this conversation Kasia guides us through her new book, Language That Leads: Communication Strategies that Inspire and Engage a compelling and insightful book that combines her cutting-edge research with Marshall Goldsmith’s leadership development methodology into a practical and timely resource for leaders to bring out the best in each team member. Wezowski breaks down the ten core qualities of leadership, providing easy-to-follow implementation steps to express, observe and project these qualities effectively through verbal and nonverbal communication.In this episode, Kasia dives deep into the importance of trust in leadership and how it can transform your team's performance. Recognizing the value of trusting employees to manage t