Beyond the To-Do List

In this episode, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, joins the show to discuss her experimental approach to goal-setting and personal growth. Anne-Laure, a neuroscience enthusiast and founder of Ness Labs, explores how shifting from traditional goal-setting to small, iterative experiments can lead to greater fulfillment and personal discovery. In this conversation, we explore: • The Flaws of Traditional Goal Setting: Anne-Laure explains why linear goal-setting, with its rigid outcomes and assumptions, often leads to burnout and disappointment, and how this approach can be replaced with more flexible experimentation. • The Power of Small Experiments: We dive into how small, manageable experiments allow you to explore your curiosity without the pressure of fixed outcomes and why this method encourages learning and growth rather than focusing solely on achieving goals. • Reimagining Success and Failure: Anne-Laure discusses how adopting an experimental mindset allows you to redefine success and embrace failure as a crucial part of the learning process. • Shifting from Kronos to Kairos: Anne-Laure introduces the concept of Kairos, or qualitative time, and how it contrasts with the rigid, quantitative time-focused mindset (Kronos) that often fuels productivity anxiety. • Practical Tips for Conducting Tiny Experiments: We discuss how to start small with experiments—whether it’s trying out new routines or learning new skills—and how to evaluate and adjust based on your results. Anne-Laure’s fresh perspective offers a way to navigate the pressures of a goal-obsessed world with curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Her approach empowers you to live intentionally without the rigid constraints of traditional goal-setting. Learn more about Anne-Laure and her book Tiny Experiments at TinyExperiments.org. 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

In this episode, Madelin Mann, author of Reverse the Search: How to Turn Job Seeking into Job Shopping, joins the show to share her expert advice on transforming the traditional job search process. With years of experience in HR and recruiting, Madelin provides valuable insights into how to stand out in today’s competitive job market by shifting from a job seeker to a job shopper. In this conversation, we explore: • Reversing the Job Search: Madelin explains how to rethink job seeking by focusing on human interactions and leveraging networking rather than relying solely on online applications. • The Problems with Traditional Job Applications: From AI filtering to an overwhelming number of applications, Madelin breaks down why the traditional job application process is broken and how to avoid getting lost in the noise. • The Power of Networking: Madelin shares how building meaningful relationships can lead to unlisted job opportunities and help you land roles before they even hit the job boards. • Interviewing Like a Pro: We discuss how to position yourself as the perfect fit for a role by focusing on both competency and likability during interviews, and why you should approach interviews as collaborations. • Negotiating with Confidence: Madelin offers a fresh perspective on salary and benefits negotiation, emphasizing collaboration rather than competition to secure the best offers. If you’re currently in the job search process or just want to improve your career strategy, Madelin’s approach will help you become the sought-after candidate that companies are eager to hire. Learn more about Madeline and her book Reverse the Search at ReversetheSearch.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

In this episode, Ximena Vengeochea, author of The Life Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Goals and Building the Life You Want, shares her approach to re-evaluating life’s priorities and making intentional changes. Ximena, a former LinkedIn leader, uses her background in user research to help others take a fresh, introspective approach to crafting the life they truly want. In this conversation, we explore: • The Life Audit Concept: Ximena discusses the origins of the Life Audit and how applying the tools from user research can help us examine our own desires, goals, and life direction. • Generative Phase of the Life Audit: We dive into the brainstorming process, where Ximena recommends taking an hour to jot down all your desires—no matter how big or small—and explore how to get started without self-censorship. • Analyzing Your Desires: Ximena shares how grouping and recognizing patterns in your wishes can uncover deeper insights into what’s important to you, and how to let go of societal “shoulds.” • Turning Insights into Action: Ximena explains how to break down big dreams into smaller, actionable goals, and how to prioritize the most meaningful goals for your year ahead. • Creating Space for Self-Reflection: Ximena emphasizes how making space for introspection allows our true desires to emerge amidst the noise of external expectations and pressures. Ximena’s methodical yet flexible approach helps you reconnect with your intuition, allowing you to align your life’s decisions with what truly matters to you. Whether you’re experiencing a career shift, entering a new phase of life, or just need a reset, the Life Audit process is a powerful tool for reflection and transformation. Learn more about Ximena and her work at XimenaVengeochea.com, and find The Life Audit and its companion journal 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

In this episode, Elizabeth Lotardo, author of Leading Yourself: Finding More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have, shares her insights on how to find purpose and fulfillment in your current job. Drawing on her background as an organizational psychologist, Elizabeth explores how shifting your mindset can help you thrive at work, even when facing challenges like imperfect bosses, rigid systems, and high workloads. In this conversation, we dive into: • Defining Purpose at Work: Elizabeth challenges the idea that purpose is reserved for high-profile jobs or noble causes, suggesting that purpose can be found in small moments of impact within any role. • Reframing Workplace Frustrations: We talk about how to manage dissatisfaction by recognizing the value in everyday tasks and reframing negative beliefs about your job. • Overcoming Quiet Quitting: Elizabeth explains why quiet quitting is often a result of self-protection and burnout and how you can engage more meaningfully at work without sacrificing your well-being. • The Power of Perspective: We explore how adjusting your mindset and focusing on what’s in your control can help you navigate difficult workplace changes and thrive in the face of uncertainty. • Setting Input Goals: Instead of relying solely on outcome goals, Elizabeth advocates for focusing on input goals—things you can control— to build long-term success and fulfillment. Elizabeth’s practical advice offers a fresh perspective on how to take charge of your career, find meaning in your work, and manage the challenges that come with any job. Learn more about Elizabeth and her book Leading Yourself at ElizabethLotardo.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

In this episode, Andrew Brodsky, author of Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication, explores how virtual communication can be improved for both productivity and relationship-building. Andrew, a professor at the University of Texas and expert on virtual communication, discusses his research and personal journey in understanding how we interact online. In this conversation, we dive into: • The Importance of Virtual Communication: Andrew shares how his personal experiences, including battling leukemia, sparked his interest in virtual communication, leading him to research and write about it. • The PING Framework: We break down the PING acronym—Perspective Taking, Initiative, Nonverbal Cues, and Goals—and how each element helps improve virtual interactions. • Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication: Understanding the differences between real-time and delayed communication and how each affects our interactions. • Dealing with Zoom Fatigue and Camera Etiquette: Andrew offers advice on when to turn your camera on or off during video calls, balancing engagement and avoiding burnout. • Perspective Taking and Miscommunication: Why it’s crucial to be mindful of how others interpret virtual communication, from tone to response time. • Strategic Use of AI: While AI can be helpful, Andrew cautions against over-relying on it for personal interactions and suggests ways to use it effectively for low-stakes communication. Key and Peele - Texting Confusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF5FWbl1NVk Andrew provides a thoughtful approach to navigating virtual spaces, ensuring we don’t just communicate more efficiently but also build meaningful connections, whether with colleagues, clients, or friends. Learn more about Andrew and his work at PingGroup.org and find Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication 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

In this episode, we welcome Jenny Wood, a former Google executive, founder of Own Your Career, and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. Jenny shares powerful insights into overcoming fear, taking bold risks, and navigating personal and professional growth with courage. In this conversation, we explore: The Courage to Overcome Fear: Jenny opens up about how fear, in various forms, often holds us back from achieving our goals and how Wild Courage provides a practical roadmap to take action despite that fear. Reclaiming "Negative" Traits: Jenny discusses how traditionally negative traits like being "selfish" or "shameless" can actually be powerful tools for personal empowerment when reframed positively. Taking Action Despite Uncertainty: We dive into how fear of failure can paralyze us, and Jenny shares her journey of making bold career decisions, including leaving Google to become a writer and keynote speaker. The Power of Bold Decisions and Risk-Taking: Jenny explains the concept of "reckless courage" and how making decisions quickly and confidently, even when outcomes are uncertain, can lead to powerful growth and learning. Saying "No" and Setting Boundaries: Jenny offers practical advice on how to protect your time, energy, and priorities by saying "no" to small distractions and focusing on what truly matters. Jenny’s insights on courage, fear, and bold action are sure to inspire anyone feeling stuck or uncertain about their next step. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or fear of judgment, this episode provides actionable steps to help you take charge of your life. Learn more about Jenny and her book Wild Courage at JennyWood.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

I’m excited to welcome Oliver Burkeman back to the show to discuss his new book, Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts. You can find his previous conversation on the show here. Oliver is a journalist and author best known for 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. His latest book offers a practical, reflective guide to shifting our mindset about time, control, and productivity through daily meditations. In this conversation, we cover: The Through Line from 4,000 Weeks: How Meditations for Mortals builds on Oliver’s previous work by focusing on action and the gap between knowing and doing. The Illusion of Control vs. Agency: Why we often seek control over our lives and how accepting our limitations can actually increase our capacity for meaningful action. Breaking Free from Productivity Debt: How many of us start each day feeling behind and what we can do to change that mindset. Imperfectionism and Action-Taking: How embracing imperfection can help us get more done and reduce procrastination. Kayaks vs. Super Yachts: A powerful metaphor for navigating life with flexibility rather than expecting smooth, predictable sailing. The Paradox of Productivity Techniques: Why strategies like the Pomodoro Technique can be helpful—when used as tools rather than salvation from feeling overwhelmed. The Value of Small Decisions and Next Steps: How making peace with uncertainty and taking the next available action can lead to lasting change. Oliver’s insights will challenge the way you think about productivity, time management, and how to make space for what truly matters. Learn more about Oliver and his work at oliverburkeman.com, and find Meditations for Mortals 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

I’m excited revisit this conversation with Ximena Vengoechea to the show to discuss her book, Listen Like You Mean It: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection. Ximena is a user researcher, author, and expert in communication and active listening. Her book explores how we can deepen our conversations, overcome common listening mistakes, and foster meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings. In this conversation, we cover: The Art of Listening: Why many of us think we’re listening when we’re actually just waiting for our turn to speak. Levels of Listening: The difference between surface listening and empathetic listening, and why the latter is key to deeper relationships. Hidden Needs in Conversations: How both we and the person we're speaking with bring unspoken expectations into every interaction. The Role of Curiosity, Humility, and Empathy: How these three qualities shape more meaningful and engaged conversations. Avoiding Common Listening Mistakes: Why we often get distracted, how body language impacts connection, and how to stay present. Handling Difficult Conversations: Tips for navigating emotionally charged discussions while maintaining genuine understanding. The Impact of Technology on Communication: How devices can subtly diminish empathy and connection, and what to do about it. Ximena’s insights will help you become a better listener, improve your relationships, and create more meaningful connections in every conversation. Learn more about Ximena and her work at ximenavengoechea.com/listenlikeyoumeanit. 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

I’m excited to welcome Michaela Alexis to the show to discuss her new book, No Fear Networking: A Guide to Building Connections for the Socially Anxious Professional. Michaela is a keynote speaker, LinkedIn expert, and networking coach who helps professionals overcome social anxiety and build meaningful connections in their careers. In this conversation, we cover: Redefining Networking: Michaela breaks down common misconceptions about networking and how to shift from transactional interactions to genuine relationship-building. Overcoming Social Anxiety in Professional Settings: She shares her personal journey with social anxiety and strategies for navigating networking events, conferences, and meetings with confidence. The Power of Small Interactions: Michaela discusses how daily micro-interactions can help build confidence and make networking feel more natural over time. Creating Your Own Networking Style: She explores how introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts can tailor networking approaches to fit their strengths and energy levels. Practical Strategies for Connection: From icebreaker questions to structured networking challenges, Michaela provides actionable steps to make social interactions less intimidating and more rewarding. If you’ve ever felt awkward or anxious about networking, this episode is packed with strategies to help you connect with confidence. Learn more about Michaela and her work at MichaelaAlexis.com, her LinkedIn Profile and find No Fear Networking 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