Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

• Shira Gill on How Minimalism and Intentionality Can Transform Your Life

  In this episode, Shira Gill, author of Lifestyle: Your Guide to a More Organized and Intentional Life, joins the show to discuss her approach to minimalism and intentional living. Shira, a professional organizer, shares how she applies the principles of minimalism not just to physical possessions but to all aspects of life—helping to create space for what truly matters. In this conversation, we explore: The Meaning of Minimalism: Shira discusses how minimalism is not just about owning less but being radically intentional with your time, energy, and resources, and how it helps to clarify your values and priorities. The Power of Volume, Systems, and Habits: We dive into Shira’s toolkit for simplifying life, which includes managing the volume of commitments, setting up simple systems, and creating sustainable habits that align with your goals. The Volume Problem: Shira explains why many people’s clutter and stress aren’t about disorganization, but about the sheer volume of things they’re trying to manage, and how reducing that volume can be transformative. Creating Simple Systems for Busy Lives: We discuss how simple, intuitive systems (like Shira’s easy filing method) can save time, reduce friction, and maintain order without overwhelming yourself with complexity. The Importance of Saying No: Shira emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to say no to commitments, distractions, and activities that don’t align with your core values, which is critical for maintaining clarity and energy. Shira’s insights provide practical strategies to help you simplify your home, work, and life, creating the space and time needed for what really matters. Learn more about Shira and her work at ShiraGill.com, and find Lifestyle and her other books wherever books are sold. Connect with Erik: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠  Threads ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠ This Podcast is Powered By: ⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠ Make sure to support the show by⁠⁠⁠ checking out the sponsors⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  44:27
• Jim Guinn on Preventing Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone at Work and Home

  In this episode, Jim Guinn, co-author of How to Get Along with Anyone: The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and at Home, joins the show to discuss the art of conflict prevention. Jim, an expert in mediation and conflict resolution, shares practical tools for recognizing and managing conflict before it escalates into full-blown disputes. In this conversation, we explore: Predicting Conflict: Jim discusses how many conflicts can be anticipated and prevented by recognizing common triggers and understanding different conflict styles. The Power of Recognizing Triggers: We talk about how both recognizing your own triggers and understanding the triggers of others can help de-escalate potential conflicts in real-time. Types of Conflict: Jim breaks down three main types of conflict—task-based, process-related, and relational—and how each affects our relationships differently. Conflict Resolution Techniques: We explore effective techniques for handling conflict, including the use of specific strategies based on your conflict style and the person you are dealing with. The Importance of Emotional Regulation: Jim highlights how understanding emotional responses and learning how to regulate them can prevent conflict from escalating to a level where it negatively impacts relationships and productivity. Jim’s insights offer valuable tools for navigating conflict in both personal and professional environments. His approach helps people create stronger connections by proactively managing differences before they turn into bigger problems. Learn more about Jim and his work at TheConflictDocs.com. Connect with Erik: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠  ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠ This Podcast is Powered By: ⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠ Make sure to support the show by⁠⁠ checking out the sponsors⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  39:46
• Baratunde Thurston on Unplugging: How to Reclaim Your Time and Focus (Shortcast)

  In this special Shortcast edition, Baratunde Thurston, shares his experience of unplugging from social media for 25 days—and what he learned about stress, productivity, and the importance of being present. Baratunde reveals how stepping away from constant digital interaction can lead to more meaningful real-world connections and less burnout. In this Shortcast, we explore: The Cost of Constant Connectivity: Baratunde explains how being “always on” took a toll on his mental health, productivity, and relationships, and why unplugging was the antidote. The Value of Presence: By exploring neighborhoods in New York without his phone, Baratunde rediscovered the value of shared experiences, analog socializing, and being grounded in the real world. Social Media as a Second Job: Baratunde highlights how social media transforms everyone into an amateur content creator, adding stress and metrics to everyday life. Challenges of Disconnecting: We discuss why platforms make it difficult to unplug—emotionally and logistically—and how Baratunde navigated the manipulation tactics of social media companies. Reclaiming Leisure and Focus: Baratunde shows how unplugging helped him be more present with others, less distracted, and ultimately more productive. Baratunde’s insights remind us to reflect on our relationship with social media and make conscious choices about how we engage with it. Learn more about Baratunde and his work at Baratunde.com and explore more Shortcasts like this one on ⁠Blinkist⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  12:04
• Melody Wilding on Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from Those in Charge

  In this episode, Melody Wilding, author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from People in Charge, joins the show to discuss the often-overlooked skill of managing up. Melody shares insights on how to communicate more effectively with those in higher positions, ensuring that you get the support and guidance you need for your career while maintaining a positive working relationship. In this conversation, we explore: What “Managing Up” Really Means: Melody explains that managing up isn’t about manipulating your boss, but about clear communication, setting boundaries, and ensuring your needs and expectations are understood. The Importance of Alignment: We discuss how aligning with your manager’s goals and expectations can help you achieve personal success while contributing to the team’s overall objectives. Building Healthy Communication: Melody emphasizes how open and honest communication is key to reducing friction and increasing productivity, especially when you’re managing different working styles. Creating Visibility: We talk about how to make sure your contributions are recognized and how to ensure your value is communicated in a way that aligns with both your goals and your manager’s. Boundaries and Feedback: Melody shares strategies for setting healthy boundaries with your manager, giving constructive feedback, and advocating for yourself in the workplace. Melody’s approach to managing up is a practical guide for anyone looking to improve their relationship with their boss, gain clarity about expectations, and move forward in their career with confidence. Learn more about Melody and her work at ManagingUp.com, and find Managing Up wherever books are sold. Connect with Erik: ⁠LinkedIn⁠  ⁠Facebook⁠  ⁠Bluesky⁠ This Podcast is Powered By: ⁠Descript⁠ ⁠Descript 101⁠ ⁠Castmagic⁠ ⁠Ecamm⁠ ⁠Podpage⁠ ⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠ ⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠ Make sure to support the show by⁠ checking out the sponsors⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  53:08
• Courtney Carver on Gentle Rest: How to Stress Less and Live the Life You Want

  In this episode, Courtney Carver, author of Rest More, Stress Less: How to Live the Life You Actually Want, shares her transformative approach to prioritizing rest and reducing stress. Courtney, a simplicity and decluttering expert, discusses how rest is not just a reward but a necessity for productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. In this conversation, we explore: • The Importance of Rest: Courtney explains why rest should be prioritized, not as a reward, but as an essential part of life and work. She discusses how our productivity and creativity improve when we take time to rest. • The Three Seasons of Gentle: We dive into the book’s three-part structure: Rest, Less, and Rise. Courtney explains why rest is the foundation that allows us to simplify our lives, reduce stress, and ultimately rise into the life we truly want. • Breaking Free from the Busyness Trap: Courtney reveals how our society’s overemphasis on constant productivity can lead to burnout, and how intentionally doing less can lead to more meaningful results. • The Power of Decluttering: We discuss how simplifying our physical environment by letting go of excess stuff can ease mental clutter and reduce decision fatigue, making space for more peace and joy. • Energy Management and Chronic Illness: Courtney shares her personal experience managing multiple sclerosis and how counting “spoons”—a way to measure limited energy—can help in making mindful choices about how we use our time and energy. Courtney’s approach to living with less, embracing rest, and prioritizing what truly matters offers practical solutions for anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Her insights provide a roadmap for living a life with more meaning, purpose, and peace. Learn more about Courtney and her work at bemorewithless.com, and find Rest More, Stress Less wherever books are sold. Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Bluesky This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  55:41

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life: Podcasts in Family