Productivity Smarts

• Productivity Smarts 089 - The Power of Self-Leadership with Doug Schmidt

  What if the biggest thing holding you back wasn’t external at all—but something within you? What if success wasn’t about grinding harder, but about leading yourself better? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Doug Schmidt, self-leadership expert and author of The Power of Self-Leadership, to unpack the game-changing principles from his book. But this isn’t just about productivity hacks—it’s about reshaping the way you think, work, and lead. Doug’s story is one of transformation, not just achievement. He gets real about the struggles that shaped him, the mentors who pushed him forward, and the powerful realization that self-leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming more. He dives into the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses, mastering your mindset, and developing habits that set high achievers apart. If you’ve ever felt stuck, like you’re capable of more but unsure how to get there, this episode is for you. Get ready to rethink self-leadership, break through barriers, and take control of your future.  What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Doug Schmidt [06:05] The power of mentoring [08:43] Defining self-leadership [15:48] Top habits for productivity [21:46] Mindfulness and meditation [25:50] Neuroscience of meditation [28:29] Overcoming procrastination as a habit [30:56] The Pomodoro technique [35:05] Self-leadership and networking [36:17] The power of gratitude [41:19] The law of reciprocity [42:01] Closing remarks Notable Quotes [05:14] “The number one thing that's helped me the most is developing role models and mentors. Learning is such a critical habit; wherever you are in life, just keep on learning. That’s a superpower we can all do.” – Doug Schmidt [09:16] “If I can't lead myself, if I can't manage myself, I can't lead or manage other people. So, let's start right there. If I'm out of control emotionally, have poor habits, or am a toxic person, that's going to impact how I lead others.” – Doug Schmidt [12:25] “One of the biggest mistakes I've made career-wise is not understanding what my strengths are. I needed someone else to show me what I was really good at, and from that point on, I changed my career direction.” – Doug Schmidt [26:57] “We can do the same thing these great athletes and leaders do. You might not be in history books, but you can improve your leadership skills, mental strength, grit, and resilience. You can do that too.” – Doug Schmidt [35:10] “I send personalized thank you notes. It cost me a dollar and a half, but it shows appreciation and gratitude. It’s a small gesture that can open doors and build connections.”– Doug Schmidt Our Guest Douglas L. Schmidt is a firm believer in the power of self-leadership. He advocates for personal discovery, and the idea that obstacles can be powerful teachers. They form the foundation of Doug’s approach to life and work, driving a passion for helping others unlock their potential. His belief in self-leadership will motivate and will inspire you on your journey of personal and professional growth. With an MBA in Marketing and a BS in Finance, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of personal growth, business, sales, and marketing.    Resources Doug Schmidt Website douglaslschmidt.com LinkedIn: Doug Schmidt Book: The Power of Self-Leadership   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Mentioned Books Do What You Are Inner Excellence Power Communication by Helio Garcia Your Brain at Work by David Rock Resonate by Nancy Duarte   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

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• Productivity Smarts 088 - Unpacking the Attic with Ann Mracek

  What if the things we’ve buried—memories, emotions, even physical clutter—are quietly shaping the way we live and work today? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Ann Mracek, author of Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child. Ann shares how sorting through childhood memories while helping her parents move into assisted living became an unexpected journey of healing. They dive into the emotional weight of the past, the power of storytelling, and why forgiveness isn’t just about letting go—it’s about making space for growth. Ann opens up about how addressing past traumas can actually boost productivity and well-being, and how decluttering your mind (and maybe even your attic) can lead to a more fulfilling life. If you’ve ever felt like old wounds are holding you back, this episode is for you. Tune in, reflect, and take the first step toward healing. Listen now and start your journey to a clearer, more productive mindset! What We Discuss [02:01] - Introduction to Ann Mracek [05:11] - Unpacking the Attic concept [06:59] - The importance of retrospection [10:03] - Creative process of writing [12:34] - Impact of suppressed trauma [13:18] - Success through soul’s purpose [18:12] - Metaphors of unpacking [18:50] - Overcoming stage fright [22:05] - Childhood traumas identified [24:58] - The significance of memories [26:07] - Carrying rejection through life [26:45] - Traveling to China [27:07] - Cultural practices of remembrance [29:54] - Transformation through grief [31:28] - The importance of forgiveness [34:06] - Productivity beyond to-do lists [36:02] - Abundance vs. lack mindset [42:33] - Creating a supportive work environment [45:02] - Growth mindset in organizations [45:43] - Closing remarks Notable Quotes [05:24] "I think our society does not value retrospection nearly enough. Everyone's life has seasons where they're presented with unique opportunities to pause, reflect, and learn from that time spent in reflection." — Ann [08:23] "As each item was brought out of the house, it triggered a cascade of memories associated with that item. Stories I had forgotten, stories I had deliberately suppressed, traumas—it brought to the surface the realization that there were unresolved problems and conflicts between family members that really needed to be addressed." — Ann [21:24] "I finally forgave my piano teacher, and in that forgiveness, I realized that the third-grade child did everything they were capable of. It really wasn't my fault, and I needed to stop replaying that memory. Now, I'm excited to record, and I don't get any of that grabbing in my gut like I used to." — Ann [24:58] "I always have it sitting here by me. This is a reminder for me of the grace of healing. I found Pop's pipe in the attic, and it still smells of cherry wood smoke." — Ann [26:07] "All I ever wanted to do as a toddler was sit on his lap, and it never happened. I carried that rejection with me for decades. My baby self said, 'I am not worthy of being loved.'" — Ann [28:18] "I realized all of a sudden I could back up and separate my adult self from the experiential emotional memory of the child and realize Pop was broken. He was in deep grief in a circumstance that I had no awareness of and couldn't possibly comprehend as a toddler." — Ann [38:27] “I have a true core belief that the music I compose nearly daily is actually being channeled from the loving source of the universe. I feel that if that music is being sent through me, it's not supposed to stop here.”— Ann Our Guest Ann Michelle Mracek is a multifaceted creative professional whose diverse talents span writing, music, dance, and education. As an author, she has penned My Best Friends Live in The Woods: The Adventures of Albert, a mindful and compassionate tale that encourages meaningful discussions through interactive storytelling. Ann extends this narrative into a captivating YouTube series, where she serves as storyteller, illustrator, and composer. Her artistic journey includes directing the Aabla Raqs Belly Dance Company, where she excelled as principal dancer, choreographer, and teacher, creating engaging stage productions like Friendship Flies the Sun: The Ancient Egyptian Legend of Scarab Beetle. Ann's musical talents are further showcased through her performances as a singer and dancer at Six Flags Over Mid America and her role as a vocalist in a popular event band. Since founding Mracek Studio in 1979, she has mentored students in piano, voice, and music composition. Ann holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in music theory composition from the University of Kansas. Her latest literary work, Unpacking the Attic™: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child, offers a compassionate roadmap for self-discovery and healing. Ann Mracek Website https://annmracek.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-mracek-4a099362 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Unpacking-Attic-Healing-Inner-Child/dp/0976648873 Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Mentioned Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten My Best Friends Live in the Woods YouTube Channel for 'My Best Friends Live in the Woods   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

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• Productivity Smarts 087 - Go For No with Andrea Waltz

  In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard speaks  with Andrea Waltz, the co-founder of Courage Crafters Inc. and author of the book "Go for No." Andrea shares her powerful perspective on rejection and how embracing it can actually drive productivity and success. They dive into the challenges entrepreneurs face, from feeling isolated to battling the fear of rejection, and emphasize the importance of building resilience and finding community support. Andrea also introduces the concept of setting "no goals" as a way to encourage proactive outreach and stay focused on progress, not perfection. She shares how reframing failure can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs and highlights the crucial lessons that come from learning through mistakes. This episode is all about shifting your mindset and turning setbacks into stepping stones for greater productivity and long-term success. If you’re ready to embrace rejection and make it work for you, this episode is a must-listen! What We Discuss [00:02:01] - Introducing Andrea Waltz [00:05:52] - Overview of "Go for No" [00:06:32] - Mindset shift for productivity [00:09:22] - Overcoming fear and procrastination [00:12:06] - Examples of reframing failure [00:18:45] - The importance of passion and feedback [00:21:34] - Challenges of entrepreneurship [00:24:22] - The value of community [00:26:02] - Embracing rejection as strategy [00:29:12] - Process goals vs. destination goals   Notable Quotes [00:07:56] "If you want more yeses in your business, career, or life, you've got to be willing to hear the word no. Better to have done it and be told no than to never try and never know at all." — Andrea Waltz   [00:11:19] "It's not about whether you get a yes or a no; it's about having the courage to reach out and make those asks, and reward and celebrate yourself for doing it regardless of the outcome." — Andrea Waltz   [00:16:24] "You have to move through those failures and rejections on the way to success. There's no way to have success and get to the yeses without dealing with some of it." — Andrea Waltz   [00:24:22] "It is a journey, and I think what made it a pleasant journey was that you had your husband with you as you were doing it, and you guys were on the same page, so you could encourage each other through that process." — Andrea Waltz   [00:26:02] "Never think alone because you can sit there at your desk and spin around and around, and your brain will wear itself out. You got to think with somebody else." — Andrea Waltz   [00:27:45] "When we focused on just trying to hear 'no' more often, we had more business than we knew what to do with." — Andrea Waltz   Our Guest Andrea Waltz is the co-founder of Courage Crafters Inc., a company dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to overcome the fear of rejection and embrace failure as a pathway to success. She is best known for co-authoring the influential book "Go for No!", which has garnered acclaim for its unique approach to sales and personal development. The book has been recognized among the top sales books of all time, ranking #18 by ringDNA and listed in "23 Sales Books Every Sales Professional Should Read" by HubSpot.   Beyond her writing, Andrea is a sought-after speaker and trainer, delivering keynotes and workshops that focus on building resilience, embracing rejection, and fostering a growth mindset. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes, Inc., and Success Magazine.   Through her initiatives, Andrea has inspired countless individuals to transform their relationship with rejection, turning it into a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.   Andrea Waltz Website https://www.goforno.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goforno Book: https://shop.goforno.com/   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

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• Productivity Smarts 086 - Sustainability Smarts with Dr. Ona Newton

  In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Ona Newton, CEO and founder of Tobams Group, to dive into the world of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and how businesses can seamlessly integrate them into their strategies.. They kick things off with a new segment, "Sustainability Smarts," where they explore how companies can move beyond checking boxes for compliance and truly embed sustainability into their core practices. Dr. Newton shares insights on the real challenges businesses face—like superficial compliance and a lack of understanding—and offers practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles, from strategic planning to better stakeholder engagement. She emphasizes how sustainability is not just a trend but a crucial factor for long-term success and standing out in a competitive market. However, she also warns against the pitfalls of greenwashing, reminding us that authenticity is key. Want to ensure your business stays ahead in this changing landscape? Tune in now to hear Dr. Newton’s expert advice on making sustainability a real, impactful part of your business strategy. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on how to optimize your productivity and make a lasting impact! What We Discuss [00:02:01] - Introducing Dr. Ona Newton [00:05:46] - Challenges in ESG Integration [00:09:31] - Three-Legged Stool of ESG [00:14:50] - Balancing Profitability and Sustainability [00:17:45] - Technology's Role in ESG [00:21:31] - The Future of Sustainable Businesses [00:23:18] - Measuring Sustainability Progress [00:26:00] - Learning Resources and Publications   Notable Quotes [00:03:46] "I think what sustainability does is it brings everyone together. I don't think anyone is exempted." — Dr. Ona Newton   [00:12:45] "I was so challenged at that point in time because what they're doing is good, but then I was considering my own comfort because I was so hot and I'm not used to this." — Dr. Ona Newton   [00:20:32] "I started writing books on sustainability and encouraging teachers to teach that as extracurricular across the schools in different parts of the world because there's nothing that really is there for children of this age group to really understand what it means." — Dr. Ona Newton   [00:21:31] "The future belongs to sustainable businesses. ESG is no longer just about compliance; it's about staying relevant in a rapidly changing world." — Dr. Ona Newton   [00:23:05] "Companies are going to want to invest and work with you if they know that a part of the profits that they're giving you is going to go back into their community and do some good for people and make a difference." — Gerald J. Leonard   [00:24:28] "As climate change accelerates, I think the most critical action businesses can take is to decarbonize their operations by adopting renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency." — Dr. Ona Newton   Our Guest Dr. Ona Newton is the CEO and founder of Tobams Group, where she champions African talent, development, and global opportunities. A visionary leader, executive coach, and digital transformation strategist, she is dedicated to creating social impact through sustainability. With over 20 years of expertise, Dr. Newton has led initiatives for major global organizations, promoting strategic governance and empowering the next generation of leaders. She has authored influential books and mentors individuals to create lasting, transformative change.   Dr. Ona Newton Website https://tobamsgroup.com/founder LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dr-ona-newton-fbcs-frsa-fsip-8b809926a Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Ona-Newton/author/B0DHRJJ6M7   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com   Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

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• Productivity Smarts 085 - The Secret Language of the Body with Karden Rabin

  In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Karden Rabin, co-author of The Secret Language of the Body. Karden takes us on his journey from massage therapist to exploring the psychological factors behind chronic pain. He introduces powerful somatic practices like the "view-breath" and "cross-crawl" to manage stress and improve productivity. The conversation delves into the science of how physical movement can regulate emotions, enhance cognitive function, and reset our day, especially during stressful times. Gerald shares his personal experience using movement as a tool for boosting brain function, from simple actions like drinking water to doing cross-crawls. Together, they emphasize the importance of body awareness and motor rhythm in managing stress and maintaining a balanced, healthy life. Ready to take control of your stress and improve your productivity? Tune in to this episode and begin your journey toward greater well-being today! What We Discuss [00:02:01] - Introduction to Karden Rabin [00:08:09] - Discovery of healing back pain [00:09:24] - Psychological correlates of pain [00:12:53] - Signs and impact of an unregulated nervous system [00:17:45] - Connection between mind and body [00:21:17] - Amygdala hijack concept [00:23:32] - Kinesiology and movement [00:26:35] - The view-breath technique [00:27:47] - Feeling body energy [00:28:59] - Cross-crawl movement [00:29:32] - The power of cross-crawls [00:30:08] - Emotional and cognitive regulation [00:31:10] - Physical vs. verbal processing [00:33:38] - Book recommendations and resources [00:36:21] - Closing remarks Notable Quotes [00:08:09] "Are you an overachiever? Are you type A? Are you a perfectionist? Do you put everyone's needs before your own? Do you repress most of your feelings? It started with a personality diagnosis, and I'd never seen anything like that before." — Karden Rabin [00:14:15] "Most people learn skills to become more efficient and get more done, but they don't use the benefits of that efficiency to seize back time for themselves. They just use the time to demand more output from themselves, and they are 1000% complicit in their own exploitation." — Karden Rabin [00:21:11] "Regulation gives you the ability to really think clearly and focus on what matters. All of our functional MRI measurements show that under stress or trauma, your higher executive functions start to shut down, and your old lizard survival brain turns on." — Karden Rabin [00:26:35] "When you physically stimulate a nerve, you create electrical activity in that nerve, and it sends good messages." — Karden Rabin Our Guest Karden Rabin is a co-author of The Secret Language of the Body, a guide to connecting with one's body and mind. In collaboration with Jennifer Mann, Karden explores how habitual patterns in response to stress can lead to mental and physical health issues. The book invites readers to experience their body, sensations, and emotions more consciously, offering science-based insights and practical techniques for healing and self-care. Karden’s work emphasizes nurturing a balanced relationship with the organism we inhabit, moving beyond mere survival. Karden Rabin Website - https://www.kardenrabin.com/ Books - The Secret Language of the Body: Regulate Your Nervous System, Heal Your Body, Free Your Mind Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds  

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