In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun kicks off a two-episode series exploring one of the biggest truths about work today: Much of corporate productivity still runs on systems built for a world that no longer exists.
This conversation isn’t a criticism of corporate America—it’s an honest look at why so many high-capacity people feel exhausted, unfocused, or frustrated despite working hard and caring deeply. And more importantly, what’s actually driving the disconnect.
Chris breaks down why the 40-hour workweek still dominates, why meeting overload and “always-on” culture undermine true productivity, and why time-based performance metrics fall short for modern knowledge workers. You’ll gain clarity, validation, and a more grounded understanding of how to work in healthy, human-centered ways—even inside systems that weren’t designed for today’s reality.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why today’s workplaces still rely on 1938 industrial-era rules
- How “hours worked” became the default measure of value
- The hidden cost of meeting overload and proximity bias
- The difference between appearing productive and being productive
- What hybrid and remote work have revealed about how people actually perform
- How outcome-based metrics shift culture and results
- Why deep work and autonomy matter more than ever
- A practical awareness challenge to help you spot time-based traps this week
This episode helps you dream big, plan smart, and live fully by giving you a clearer lens to evaluate workplace expectations and reclaim how you approach your time and energy.
👉 Listen now to this opening episode in a two-part series on the Wholistic Productivity Podcast—and don’t miss next week’s follow-up exploring what productivity experts often misunderstand about the corporate world.
Show Links
Episode 13 - How Meetings and Email are Wasting Your Time (And What to Do About It) - https://wholisticproductivity.com/37
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
05:08 Historical Context of Productivity Systems
08:46 The Impact of Technology on Work Culture
12:36 The Illusion of Productivity Theater
16:02 Rethinking Work Models for Modern Needs
20:18 Empowering Employees for Greater Output
This episode is sponsored by Efficient.app
Don't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software!
This episode is sponsored by Little Golden Shepherd
If you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.
Free Offer
Get my Sunday Strategy for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter.
Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.