Episodios

  • Episode 114 - Building a Sustainable Business with Alexis Normand

    Episode 114 - Building a Sustainable Business with Alexis Normand
    Aug 12 2025
    In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Alexis Normand, co-founder of Greenly, a leading carbon accounting platform that’s helping companies around the world cut their emissions and boost performance at the same time. Alexis started out in digital health, where he learned how short‑term incentives can drive long‑term results. That insight eventually led him to launch Greenly, which began as a personal carbon tracking app and has since evolved into one of the world’s most trusted tools for businesses serious about sustainability. During the conversation, Alexis shares how starting small, moving fast, and learning from customers turned Greenly into a platform that makes carbon accounting simple, actionable, and even profitable. You’ll also hear how AI and automation are making it easier than ever for businesses to cut through decision fatigue, meet compliance standards, and focus on the projects that really move the needle. If you’ve ever thought sustainability was just a nice‑to‑have, this episode will change your mind. Get ready to see why climate action is one of the smartest business moves you can make. What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Alexis Normand [07:10] Lessons from early iterations and pivoting to business solutions [11:34] Habits and systems Alexis uses to stay productive [15:00] Tackling decision fatigue in carbon reporting [20:40] How AI and automation streamline sustainability efforts [28:14] Meeting compliance frameworks across regions [31:12] Why sustainability is good business strategy [33:51] First steps for companies beginning their carbon tracking journey [37:15] How global supply chains drive climate accountability [38:27] Closing reflections and takeaways Notable Quotes [03:56] "I guess relative to other players, we're now one of the biggest carbon accounting platforms in the world." – Alexis [04:36] “You could essentially create short term incentives for people to change their behavior today, although the long term benefits are years away.” – Alexis [04:51] "The way we need to approach climate change is very much the same. All of the efforts we do today will have real long-term benefits, probably for our kids or our grandkids." – Alexis [06:10] "We kind of need to create the need and educate people and we're never going to have 10 million people on this app in the short term to build a business." – Alexis [15:19] "Carbon data is complex, right when you look at the process of calculating a carbon based footprint and all of the different acronyms out there, whether it's science based targets, SCRD, CDP, all these things that are related to carbon accounting and sustainability” – Gerald [34:17] "You don't have to oppose climate and growth. There are more and more businesses, in fact, I think a majority of businesses today, who will have a stronger growth trajectory if they align themselves with the net zero trajectory." – Alexis [37:59] "If you are ambitious about your company, then somewhere down the line you're going to have to be ambitious about climate." – Alexis Our Guest Alexis Normand is the co-founder of Greenly, a carbon accounting platform helping companies measure and reduce their emissions with clarity and precision. Drawing on his experience in digital health and innovation, Alexis is passionate about integrating sustainability into everyday business operations and using technology to make climate action accessible for all. Resources Alexis Normand LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisnormand Greenly website: https://greenly.earth/en-us Greenly App: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/ 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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    40 m
  • Episode 113 - From Prison to Possibilities with Kim Nugent

    Episode 113 - From Prison to Possibilities with Kim Nugent
    Aug 5 2025
    In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Kim Nugent, a transformational leader, author, and mentorship expert who is changing lives behind bars. With three master’s degrees, a PhD, and executive coaching credentials from Marshall Goldsmith, Dr. Nugent shares how her career in hospitality, higher education, and corporate leadership led to her purpose-driven work in prisons across the country. She explains how structured peer mentorship, behavior change, and emotional intelligence can unlock a better future, not only for the incarcerated, but for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Dr. Nugent also discusses her groundbreaking book From Prison to Possibilities: Paving Your Path, a structured mentoring program designed to reduce recidivism and prepare incarcerated individuals for productive lives post-release. Together, Gerald and Kim explore how prison isn’t always physical; it can be a mindset. Through her alphabetized 26-topic program (A-Z), Dr. Nugent empowers returning citizens with tools to discover purpose, build resilience, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Her curriculum is now inspiring transformation in maximum-security facilities with zero rule violations among participants. What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Kim Nugent [4:11] Career journey from hospitality to higher education to prison reform [13:03] The birth of the book From Prison to Possibilities [21:05] Structure, behavior change, and the six-month model [28:19] Emotional intelligence and attitude shifts [31:57] Lifers and legacy: Purpose inside prison [36:42] Peer-led mentorship and accountability [41:00] PTSD, fixed mindset, and redefining success [45:28] Promotion Protocol: Career growth beyond incarceration [50:12] The power of saying “yes”—and learning from “no” [55:00] Advice for anyone stuck in a personal “prison” [59:35] Where to find Dr. Kim Nugent Notable Quotes [6:56] “When you know better, you do better.” – Dr. Kim Nugent [12:31] “Even in a no, there's an opportunity.” – Dr. Kim Nugent [13:42] “ Prison doesn't have to mean you're behind bars. You could be in prison mentally.” – Dr. Kim Nugent [25:41] “We’ve had zero rule violations from participants across all prisons involved in the program.” – Dr. Kim Nugent [38:49] “If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Dr. Kim Nugent Our Guest Dr. Kim Nugent is a leading mentorship expert, executive coach, and author of From Prison to Possibilities and Promotion Protocol: Unlock the Secrets to Promotability and Career Success. Her structured peer-led mentorship model is being adopted in maximum-security prisons across the U.S., where she works to help inmates rediscover purpose and live more productive lives. Her methodology blends education, coaching, neuroscience, and real-world experience into an empowering curriculum based on 26 foundational topics from A to Z. With deep expertise in leadership, mentoring, and curriculum design, Dr. Nugent is on a mission to create lasting transformation, inside and outside prison walls. Resources Dr. Kim Nugent Website: https://www.drnugentspeaks.com Book: From Prison to Possibilities Book: Promotion Protocol: Unlock the Secrets to Promotability and Career Success Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Mentioned Book: Deep Work by Cal Newport 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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    44 m
  • Episode 112 - Making Remote Work Healthy and Productive with Steven Puri

    Episode 112 - Making Remote Work Healthy and Productive with Steven Puri
    Jul 29 2025
    In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with Steven Puri, a former Hollywood studio executive turned entrepreneur. Steven has worked on blockbuster films like Independence Day and Transformers, but today he’s focused on helping remote workers stay productive, happy, and focused through his company, Sukha. Steven shares his personal journey and what led him to rethink productivity. Instead of chasing long hours and constant hustle, he now believes in working with intention and finding flow. He talks about how our environment, like having a creative workspace, can really boost performance. Drawing from his Hollywood background, he explains how the same creative principles can apply to remote work. The conversation also dives into Sukha, an AI-powered tool he created to help people manage overwhelm. It helps users stay focused by organizing tasks, using music to encourage deep work, and creating simple, structured workflows. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear plenty of practical tips, like how to mentally “commute” to your home office, how to work in sync with your body’s natural energy patterns (your chronotype), and how to use AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for creativity. What We Discuss [02:01] Introduction to Steven Puri [05:49] Evolution of productivity: Then vs. now [09:22] Steven’s film industry background [11:24] Legacy and meaningful work [12:47] Flow state: Hollywood lessons for remote work [16:48] Environmental triggers and productivity barriers [19:44] Morning routines and focus [21:54] Leadership lessons from film for remote teams [28:30] Chronotypes and personal productivity rhythms [30:20] Maintaining boundaries in remote work [33:35] AI and the future of remote productivity [36:44] How to connect with Steven Notable Quotes [07:40] "Now, I really measure my productivity by the effect, not by how many hours I work." – Steven Puri [08:39] "I was just burning the candle at both ends and being really productive, but after I recovered, I realized I was more productive by being mindful and intentional." – Gerald J. Leonard [21:47] "You talk a lot about purpose and intention. These are powerful. When you apply them, powerful things happen." – Steven Puri [24:28] "It's always about the other thing. The part of your mind that does the cool, 'ooh, peanut butter and chocolate' — that can only function when you have something else to focus on." – Steven Puri [35:33] "It's not AI that's replacing you. It's people who know how to use AI. Because someone who really understands how to use it can do the work of 10 to 20 people." – Steven Puri Our Guest Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company with the mission to help millions of‬ people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life.‬ Steven's career started as a newscaster/interviewer for the #1 youth news show in the‬ ‭DC/Baltimore market (on WTTG-TV) and then as a junior software engineer & Thomas J.‬ Watson Scholar at IBM. After attending USC in Los Angeles, he began working in film‬ ‭production and produced computer-generated visual effects for 14 movies including‬ Independence Day which won the Academy Award for Visual Effects.‬ Steven’s first tech company was Centropolis Effects that produced those CGI effects, and he‬ eventually sold it to the German media conglomerate Das Werk when he was 28.‬ Steven then produced some indie films and eventually went studio-side to develop and produce‬ live-action features as a VP of Development & Production at 20th Century Fox (running the Die‬ Hard and Wolverine franchises) and an EVP at DreamWorks Pictures for Kurtzman-Orci‬ Productions where he worked on Star Trek, Transformers and more.‬ Resources Steven Puri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri Email: steven@sukha.co The Sukha Company: https://www.thesukha.co/ APP: https://app.thesukha.co/landing (Try free for 7 days) Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard Mentioned Book: Deep Work by Cal Newport Book: The Net and the Butterfly Film: Independence Day Film: Transformers 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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    39 m
  • Productivity Smarts 111 - The Psychology of Leadership with Sebastien Page

    Productivity Smarts 111 - The Psychology of Leadership with Sebastien Page
    Jul 22 2025
    In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Sebastien Page, bestselling author of The Psychology of Leadership, to explore how sports psychology, mindset, and positive habits can elevate leadership and productivity. Together, they unpack powerful concepts like the PERMA model from positive psychology, the Yerkes-Dodson curve on optimal stress levels, and the importance of core beliefs in shaping our perception and performance. Sebastien shares how conversations create brain chemistry that either enhances connection or sparks stress, and how communication and flow are critical to effective teamwork. They also examine the surprising science behind social synchronization, strategic patience in decision-making, and how reframing stress can lead to peak performance. Through personal stories and practical insights, Sebastien reveals why leadership is more about managing mindset than chasing perfection, and how athletes and leaders alike thrive not by avoiding pressure, but by harnessing it. Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode offers science-backed strategies and real-world advice for performing at your best. Don’t forget to check out Sebastian’s book and subscribe for more productivity wisdom every week! What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Sebastien Page [04:32] The underrated power of communication [05:38] Conversational intelligence and brain chemistry [07:07] Writing the book after hitting a wall with stress [08:45] Sports psychology and redefining success [15:53] Seligman’s PERMA model and leadership application [18:13] Driving meaning, engagement, and relationships at work [22:54] Flow state: what it is and how leaders can spark it [29:04] Core beliefs, team alignment, and upgrading your mindset [33:44] The reticular activating system and what we choose to see [35:56] Understanding the Yerkes-Dodson curve and stress optimization [43:15] Control theory, decision-making, and strategic patience [48:19] Where to find Sebastien and get the book [49:27] Closing and call to action Notable Quotes [04:32] "I just came across a study, Gerald, about how much IQ matters to your lifetime earnings... it shows that after controlling for factors like personality and grit, your IQ accounts for 1 to 2% of your lifelong earnings. Just think about that." – Sebastien Page [05:14] "Business is a team sport. No matter how good you are, if you can't pass the ball, you're not going to be welcome on the team and you're not going to contribute." – Sebastien Page [11:17] "Sports psychology is not about winning, it's about losing." – Sebastien Page [12:26] "The myth of effortless excellence is just that, it's a myth." – Sebastien Page [36:30] "Optimal performance does not occur at a stress level of zero, which means that stress activation can increase performance up to a point." – Sebastien Page [45:04] "Strategic patience is an unbelievably underrated leadership skill. The ability to not make a decision and wait it out and see what happens." – Sebastian Page Our Guest Sebastien Page is a bestselling author, leadership thinker, and head of a $500 billion investment business. In his book The Psychology of Leadership, Sebastien blends neuroscience, sports psychology, and behavioral science to help individuals and teams unlock their full potential. He's also recognized as a Top Voice on LinkedIn, where he shares practical, research-backed insights on leadership and self-improvement. Resources Sebastien Page LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-page/ Book: The Psychology of Leadership 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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    51 m
  • Productivity Smarts 110 - Lessons for Living Large with Barbara Stone

    Productivity Smarts 110 - Lessons for Living Large with Barbara Stone
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with leadership coach and author Barbara Stone about her book So Much to Drool About, which uses stories of her Great Danes to teach life lessons on productivity, resilience, and living with purpose. Barbara shares how aligning with personal values and embracing a growth mindset can transform both personal and professional life. She highlights the importance of gratitude, morning routines, and perspective-shifting techniques to overcome challenges. The conversation delves into overcoming limiting beliefs, with Barbara emphasizing the power of dreaming and stepping out of "crates" (comfort zones) to achieve growth. She also discusses her leadership model, which focuses on self-awareness, partnership, and coaching. Listeners will gain practical tips, such as reframing mistakes as learning opportunities and building resilience through alignment with workplace values. Barbara’s infectious energy and wisdom remind us that life is "to be drooled over"—full of potential for those willing to embrace courage and clarity. Tune in for inspiration to unlock your productivity and live large! What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction to Barbara Stone [02:44] Book introduction: So Much to Drool About [08:51] Living large and leading with values [10:37] Book inspiration and wisdom statements [11:24] Positive thinking and brain science [15:53] Coaching clients through stuckness [21:15] Overcoming limiting beliefs and growth mindset [25:43] Dreaming, affirmations, and quantum flirts [29:04] Building a morning routine filled with gratitude and inspiration [34:16] Life lessons from the book [37:50] Where to find the author and closing remarks Notable Quotes [06:22] “I want people to pick up this book to be inspired and to drool over life, because life is amazing.” – Barbara Stone [09:47] "I truly believe that it's our right to live into our values and live into our purpose. The Danes live large. They be who they need to be, and they show up as they need." – Barbara Stone [22:20] "If you could start thinking about, well, what if, and start searching for what might be possible, you start growing." – Barbara Stone [32:40] "We literally have the ability to program how we're going to see the world." – Gerald J. Leonard [35:04] "Amidst tempting choices, choose wisely. The path to satisfaction lies in the decision that nourishes both your body and soul." – Barbara Stone [35:46] "I give myself the grace to make mistakes. They're often fuel for growth and canvas for learning." – Barbara Stone Our Guest Barbara Stone is a leadership development coach, author, speaker, and founder of BarbStone.com. With a passion for emotional intelligence, personal growth, and helping others lead with purpose, Barbara draws from both her professional expertise and personal experiences—including life with her four Great Danes—to inspire transformation in others. Her book, So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large, blends storytelling, self-reflection, and leadership insights through the eyes of her beloved dogs. Barbara is also a TEDx speaker, social-emotional learning advocate, and an enthusiastic supporter of personal alignment and purposeful living. Resources Barbara Stone Website: https://barbstone.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-stone Book: So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large 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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    40 m
  • Productivity Smarts 109 - Mindset Unlock with Mike Sealy

    Productivity Smarts 109 - Mindset Unlock with Mike Sealy
    Jul 8 2025

    In this thought-provoking episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes inclusive leadership strategist, executive coach, and author Mike Sealy to explore one of the biggest productivity blockers — your mindset. Drawing from his book Mindset Unlocked: How Leaders, Learners, and Dreamers Crush Self-Doubt and Unlock Their Potential, Mike shares actionable strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, reframing failure, and thriving under pressure.

    Gerald and Mike dive into how fear of failure sabotages productivity, why bouncing forward is more powerful than bouncing back, and how resilience, emotional intelligence, and growth mindset transform both personal and professional success. They also reveal how leaders can cultivate confidence, unlock their team’s potential, and adapt to rapid changes—including the AI revolution reshaping business.

    Listeners will walk away with practical tools to stay calm under pressure, embrace discomfort, and turn daily habits into their competitive advantage.

    What We Discuss

    • [00:00] Introduction to Mike Sealy

    • [04:36] Book praise and author’s journey

    • [05:11] Success through stretch goals

    • [07:28] Imposter syndrome and growth zones

    • [10:30] Resilience and bouncing forward

    • [12:59] Psychological barriers to growth mindset

    • [15:18] Staying calm under pressure

    • [17:22] Overcoming freeze mindset

    • [20:08] Box breathing and self-talk techniques

    • [21:39] Adapting in a fast-paced world

    • [22:47] Practice and deliberate repetition

    • [23:56] Learning from mistakes and growth culture

    • [25:17] Emotional intelligence in leadership

    • [27:43] Essential daily practice: don’t fall in love with tradition

    • [28:34] AI, innovation, and future skills

    • [30:39] Where to find Mike Sealy and his book

    Notable Quotes

    • [09:17] "One of the biggest problems of imposter syndrome is fear of failure." – Mike Sealy

    • [12:39] "For every obstacle you come up against or every failure that you find is how you manage through that process. And the best way to manage through it is keep moving forward." – Mike Sealy

    • [13:35] "Failure is not the opposite of success. It’s a prerequisite to success." – Mike Sealy

    • [15:59] "We need to stay calm under pressure, but the pebbling is the habit that we need to develop and make into a routine." – Gerald J. Leonard

    • [27:50] "Don't fall in love with tradition. The world is changing. So, if you get stuck in the status quo of things, you're already being left behind." – Mike Sealy

    Our Guest

    Mike Sealy is an inclusive leadership strategist, executive coach, and co-founder of X-INC GLOBAL. With over 25 years of leadership experience, Mike specializes in helping leaders, learners, and dreamers overcome imposter syndrome, cultivate emotional intelligence, and unlock their full potential. His book Mindset Unlocked distills years of hard-earned wisdom into practical tools for transforming fear into fuel for growth.

    Resources

    Mike Sealy

    • LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sealymike

    • Book: Mindset Unlocked: How Leaders, Learners, and Dreamers Crush Self-Doubt and Unlock Their Potential

    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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    33 m
  • Productivity Smarts 108 - Focus to Fortune with Cindy Baker

    Productivity Smarts 108 - Focus to Fortune with Cindy Baker
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Cindy Baker, productivity coach, speaker, and author of Focus to Fortune: Profitable Time Management for Busy Minds. With a background in education and counseling, and a deep understanding of how ADHD impacts daily life, Cindy helps entrepreneurs cut their work time in half by eliminating distractions and leveraging their neurodiverse strengths for better results in less time. Cindy shares how a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis reshaped her approach to focus, structure, and productivity. Drawing from personal experience and years of coaching, she reveals why traditional productivity hacks often fail for ADHD minds and what to do instead. Gerald and Cindy explore how time audits expose hidden inefficiencies, how to implement 90-minute sprints to access deep focus, and how to use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize work that drives real impact. They also tackle how to set boundaries, say no without guilt, and build lasting habits through simple techniques like habit stacking. Rather than trying to “fix” ADHD, Cindy encourages listeners to reframe it as a competitive advantage; one that, with the right tools and mindset, can fuel purpose, profitability, and balance. If you're overwhelmed by distractions or want a productivity system that works with your brain and not against it, this episode is your starting line. What We Discuss [00:00:00] Introduction to Cindy Baker [00:03:27] Cindy’s ADHD journey & success [00:06:03] The power of gratitude & mindset shifts [00:07:12] Time audit & time blindness [00:10:18] Distraction management & the 90-minute sprint method [00:13:30] Deep work & digital discipline [00:15:05] Matching energy to tasks & circadian rhythms [00:17:54] Prioritization: The Eisenhower Matrix for ADHD minds [00:21:11] Saying no without guilt & qualifying your “yes” [00:24:47] Strategies for building lasting routines that stick [00:28:02] Cindy’s free gift & closing thoughts Notable Quotes [05:40] “I’ve figured out what works with an ADHD brain and what doesn’t, and I think that’s the key. Instead of focusing on what needs fixing, ask what are the strengths, and how can you leverage those?” – Cindy [07:13] "Awareness is the first step. And so if you don't understand where your time is going and how you're wasting time, then you can't fix it.” – Cindy [23:35] "Every time you say yes to one thing, you're saying no to something else; often yourself.” – Cindy [25:24] “Habit stacking is really helpful. For instance, I used to lose my keys all the time, so I started to put my keys in a coffee mug that I keep by the coffee maker, and I always have coffee. I don’t have to think about that the night before.” – Cindy Our Guest Cindy Baker is a productivity coach, speaker, and advertising strategist who helps entrepreneurs maximize profits and performance — especially those managing ADHD. A former teacher and counselor, Cindy blends research, personal experience, and proven frameworks to guide busy minds toward focused, impactful action. Cindy is the author of Focus to Fortune: Profitable Time Management for Busy Minds and leads programs that help clients reduce overwhelm, boost effectiveness, and build lives aligned with their true strengths. Resources Cindy Baker Website - https://cindybakercoaching.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adhdcoachcindybaker/ Book: Focus to Fortune: https://www.amazon.com/Focus-Fortune-Profitable-Management-Minds Beat Procrastination Course – https://waitnomore.net/ 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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    31 m
  • Productivity Smarts 107 - The Business of Relationships with Tom Hagerty

    Productivity Smarts 107 - The Business of Relationships with Tom Hagerty
    Jun 24 2025
    In this compelling episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, Gerald J. Leonard welcomes veteran business strategist and author Tom Hagerty to explore a powerful truth: every productivity issue is ultimately a relationship issue. Drawing on insights from his book The Business of Relationships and over 45 years of executive leadership, Tom discusses how trust, connection, and communication form the backbone of productive teams and thriving organizations. From ghosting in the workplace and quiet quitting to leadership transparency and emotional resilience, Gerald and Tom examine the real-world challenges facing today’s workforce. They unpack why “change before you have to” is more than just a mantra—it’s a survival skill in today’s dynamic business environment. Listeners will learn how to strengthen culture, rebuild trust after conflict, and lead with authenticity. Plus, they’ll hear how legendary quotes from leaders like Walt Disney, Jack Welch, and Sheryl Sandberg tie directly into the art of building high-performing relationships. Whether you're a team leader, executive, or aspiring professional, this episode is packed with timeless lessons and actionable insights for turning strong relationships into your greatest productivity tool. What We Discuss [00:02:01] Introduction to Tom Hagerty [00:06:51] Entrepreneurial mindset for success [00:08:17] Information overload & critical thinking [00:09:30] The power of relationships in business [00:11:38] Workplace trends & ghosting [00:16:14] Transparency & mutual respect in leadership [00:21:05] Leadership styles: the bird analogy [00:24:10] Relationship problems are core problems [00:26:54] Walt Disney on people & dreams [00:29:15] Imperfect leaders & business success [00:36:46] How to connect with Tom Hagerty Notable Quotes [04:18] "Every day that we spend, every day that we waste, every day that we don't achieve what we set out to do, we are literally marching toward death, and every one of us has an expiration date” – Tom [09:30] "I'm not a self-made man. I don't think anyone is. But I know it is because of relationships and the relationships I forged through networking that have allowed me to grow and build and do the things that I'm doing.” – Tom [28:14] "If you don't have somebody to sit on that expensive leather couch with you and watch the big screen, if you don't have somebody next to you in the golf cart, I don't care what club you belong to. It's going to be a lonely 18 holes. You know, it's not fun." – Tom [35:47] “Change the budding addiction, the passive aggressive nature with your wife and kids that is destructive in the family, your financial irresponsibility, before you have to.” – Tom Our Guest Tom Hagerty is a seasoned business strategist, speaker, and author with over 45 years of executive leadership experience across multiple industries. He is the author of The Business of Relationships, a book that distills decades of wisdom into practical strategies for strengthening trust, communication, and collaboration in today’s workplace. Known for his sharp insights, straight talk, and a deep belief in the human side of business, Tom has helped countless organizations improve their performance by focusing on what truly matters: people. From the boardroom to the breakroom, he advocates for leadership that is transparent, participative, and grounded in authentic connection. Resources Tom Hagerty LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomhagerty0126/ Book: The Business of Relationships - Amazon 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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    39 m