A Productive Conversation

On this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Leslie Grandy, author of Creative Velocity: Propelling Breakthrough Ideas in the Age of Generative AI. Leslie is a global product executive turned CEO advisor who helps organizations unlock creative thinking to accelerate growth. Her decades of leadership at Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and T-Mobile give her a unique perspective on how creativity, technology, and le...

I had the chance to sit down with Neil Ghosh, a seasoned executive whose work has spanned the nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and private sectors. He’s also the author of Do More Good: Inspiring Lessons from Extraordinary People, a book filled with stories of leaders, visionaries, and everyday people who embody the power of empathy, courage, and action.

In our conversation, Neil and I dove into the importance of p...

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, and Patrick Rhone and I dive into the idea of connection—what it means, how it shows up in unexpected ways, and why it’s such a powerful force in our lives. From sports teams and fandoms to faith, empathy, and even the role AI can play in everyday decisions, we explore how connection shapes the way we live, work, and relate to the world.

As always, the conversat...

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Chris Ducker—serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and longtime friend—to talk about his latest book, The Long Haul Leader: 10 Strategies to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Achieve Lasting Success. Chris has spent over two decades building, buying, and selling businesses, while mentoring leaders worldwide.

Our conversation goes beyond business tactics. Chris sh...

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I welcome Ben Amos—video strategist, producer, international speaker, and author of Engage: The Definitive Guide to Video Strategy for Business. Ben has helped brands and entrepreneurs around the globe cut through the noise and connect with their audiences through intentional video.

We dig into why strategy must come before tactics, how to identify your ideal audience, and the r...

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Michael Timms—TEDx speaker, leadership consultant, and author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability. This conversation is a part of our ongoing exploration into the habits that drive not just productivity, but the kind of leadership that inspires lasting impact.

Michael unpacks how accountability is often misunderstood and misused—weaponized as blame rath...

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where I’m joined by my friend Patrick Rhone to explore timeless ideas around productivity, creativity, and everything in between. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into what it really means to be creative—especially when you're busy, overwhelmed, or stuck in perfectionism.

We unpack how constraints can fuel creativity, how time and space are both essential a...

Brian Tracy returns to A Productive Conversation to mark the launch of the 4th Edition of Eat That Frog!, the productivity classic that has helped millions worldwide stop procrastinating and get more done. This updated edition includes a new chapter on the Law of Three, enhanced tools, and a built-in discussion and action guide — making it more relevant than ever in a world filled with distractions and overwhelm.

In thi...

In the latest episode, I sit down with Rob Shallenberger—CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership and one of the world’s foremost authorities on productivity and time management. Rob’s background is as dynamic as it is inspiring: from flying F-16s and serving as an Advance Agent for Air Force One to training Fortune 500 companies and governments alike.

We focus on the updated second edition of his bestselling book Do Wha...

In this very special "Ask Mike Anything" edition of the podcast, the tables turn. TimeCrafting Trust Premium member and all-around thoughtful guy Tim O’Hare steps in to host and ask me questions submitted by listeners—and some of his own. From the value of journaling to the nuances of urgency, we explore what it truly means to right the ship when your time management feels off course.

This is a raw and reflective episode, r...

What does it mean to truly listen to your intuition—and why is that more vital than ever in today’s overstimulated world? In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir: Icelandic thought leader, author, and director of the documentary InnSæi: The Power of Intuition. Her new book, InnSæi: Icelandic Wisdom for Turbulent Times, explores the art and science of tapping into your deepest know...

What if “fun” isn’t the opposite of “work”—but the missing ingredient? In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Bree Groff, workplace culture expert and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously). We dig into how play, permission, and presence can transform not only the way we work—but the way we live.

Bree draws on her deep experience guiding Fortune 500 leaders through complex organization...

This episode is the latest in our monthly series, PM Talks, where I’m joined by my friend and fellow thinker, Patrick Rhone. This time around, we dig into something that often gets overshadowed by its louder cousin: sustainability. From routines and rhythms to systems and seasons, we talk about what it really means to sustain—across time, attention, and action.

Patrick and I explore the real difference between consistency a...

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Ben Chelf—co-founder and CEO of Sol, the company behind the innovative Sol Reader. This single-purpose device is designed to help people reclaim focused, meaningful reading time by stripping away digital distractions.

We explore the relationship between attention, technology, and time—and how the Sol Reader aims to improve our pre-sleep routines by reducing s...

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I'm joined by Jenny Wood — author of the book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. Jenny and I dive deep into the nine supposedly “negative” traits she reclaims as powerful tools for getting what you want in work and life.

From her 18-year journey at Google, rising from entry-level to executive, to launching the company’s massive Own Your Career program, Jenny shares...

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I dive into a topic that’s often overlooked when discussing productivity: conflict. But not just any conversation about conflict — this one’s with Dana Caspersen, conflict engagement specialist, TEDx speaker, and author of Conflict Is an Opportunity: 20 Fundamental Decisions for Navigating Difficult Times.

Dana brings a rare combination of deep analytical insight and artisti...

This episode is the latest installment in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I dive deep into ideas that shape how we manage time, energy, and focus. This month, we explored a topic that sneaks into our workflows and sustains our best efforts when used wisely—momentum.

Momentum isn’t just a starting gun. It’s a rhythm, a flow, a throughline. In this episode, we break down what momentum looks like at di...

Light is something we often take for granted. We flip a switch, our rooms brighten, and we move on with our day. But what if the light we’re exposed to is impacting our sleep, health, and overall longevity? Dr. Martin Moore-Ede, a pioneer in circadian science, joins me on A Productive Conversation to discuss the powerful role light plays in our lives. His latest book, The Light Doctor: Using Light to Boost Health, Improve ...

What if rejection wasn’t something to fear—but a skill to build? In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I chat with Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story. Alice has helped clients land interviews on hundreds of top podcasts and is on a mission to demystify the power of rejection, especially for creatives and entrepreneurs.

We explore what it means to navigate self-rejection, build v...