Productivity Smarts

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes  Pastor Ray Lane, a 92-year-old veteran, author, and lifelong mentor. Pastor Ray shares the remarkable story of his life, beginning with his challenging upbringing during the Great Depression. Despite the hardships of growing up without running water or electricity, he excelled academically, becoming the valedictor...

Ready to level up your personal and professional life? It's not about working harder—it's about working smarter. Imagine harnessing the power of delayed gratification, pausing before reacting, and setting goals that are both concrete and achievable.  In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Emilio Justo—Cuban refugee, eye surgeon, TEDx speaker,...

Have you ever considered how much financial stress impacts your life? How often does money worry keep you up at night or cause tension in your relationships? Did you know that financial problems are one of the leading causes of divorce? It's a reality that money issues can strain everything—from your career to your personal life. But what if there was a way to ease that pressure? What if having a...

What if the secret to unlocking your highest productivity was as simple as saying one word? Sounds too easy, right? But what if that magic word—HU—holds the key to focusing your energy, calming your mind, and amplifying your performance? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard dives deep into the fascinating world where science and spirituality meet, alongside Dr...

Have you ever reviewed your finances and felt a wave of anxiety? When financial matters are disorganized, the impact can reach every part of life—affecting mood, productivity, and even relationships. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Tina Tehranchian, an award-winning financial advisor at Assante Capital Management, about how financial planning...

Does it ever feel like stress quietly drains your energy and clouds your mind just when you need to focus? Imagine if, instead of feeling overwhelmed, you could access a state of calm that actually fuels productivity. Far from being a mysterious trick, hypnosis is a powerful tool for reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity—helping you think and work at your best.   In this episode of the Prod...

What if the secret to unlocking your productivity lies not in working harder but in creating meaningful connections? Could something as simple as sharing a meal or taking a moment to chat with a colleague transform your work experience? In our fast-paced lives, these small acts of hospitality can recharge us and lead to significant improvements in our effectiveness.   In this thought-provoking epi...

Did you know that 55 million people worldwide live with undiagnosed dementia?    In this enlightening episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Jeanne Severe, a physician assistant and author of Unlocking the Secrets of a Clear Mind. Jeanne draws from her vast experience in internal medicine and the emergency room to discuss the critical importance of mainta...

Public speaking is one of the most common fears, and it can seriously hinder productivity and career growth. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Laura Reid—an international keynote speaker, public speaking coach, and stand-up comedian—who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a stutter and social anxiety to thrive as a speaker.   Laura rev...

Are you ready to redefine what aging means for you? In a world that often views aging as a limitation, what if you could flip the script and see it as a new beginning? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with James Flaherty, an inspiring 89-year-old author and motivational speaker. They dive into how aging impacts productivity and the mindset that can h...

Just like a fire can either warm a home or burn it down, stress can fuel our productivity or consume us whole. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes the inspiring Snowden McFall, owner of Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching, and the author of Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers . Together, they delve into a topic that resonates with ma...

Have you ever wondered why some incredibly talented people seem to struggle while others, who might not appear as gifted, seem to effortlessly thrive? Is it really just luck, or is there a deeper secret behind their success?   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Allen Lycka, a renowned productivity expert a...

Did you know that overcoming significant health challenges can reshape your approach to life? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Lisa Zaretsky, founder of Zaretsky Wellness . A leading authority in STEAM education, Dr. Zaretsky is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in hypnotherapy, coaching, and holistic m...

Life can feel like one curveball after another, and sometimes, just staying in the game feels like a victory. We've all been there. But what if I told you that you could not only survive those tough times but come out stronger on the other side?   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in a compelling conversation with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a corporate ex...

Are you struggling to juggle your work responsibilities with your personal life? Have you ever wondered how saying "no" might actually be the key to maintaining focus and achieving your goals? With the evolving definition of work-life balance, how do you strike the right chord between dedication and burnout? In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard engages in an e...

Are you ready to transform your leadership approach and elevate your impact? Join host Gerald J. Leonard on this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast as he sits down with Mick Spiers, the visionary behind the Leadership Project Movement. The Leadership Project is a vibrant initiative with a vision to inspire all leaders to challenge the status quo. The Leadership Project is dedicated to empo...

Are we truly achieving health equity when patients with sickle cell anemia face a stark lack of family counseling and support in hospitals? How can we claim fairness in healthcare when these basic needs are so often neglected? And what about cultural differences in healthcare? How frequently are these crucial aspects overlooked, perpetuating disparities? Is it any wonder that African-American pati...

Have you ever found yourself unable to focus at work because you're constantly worried about someone you care about? It's undeniably tough, but focusing on gratitude in these challenging times could make a world of difference.   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Delia Chiaramonte, the visionary behind the Integrative Palliative Institute and...

Ever been part of a dysfunctional company? They are like puzzle pieces that don't quite fit, breeding gossip, stifling innovation, and diminishing output quality over time. When faced with such dysfunction, it's easy to point fingers at individuals.   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Joel Dubin, author of " The 7 Habits of Highly Dysfunctional...

In a world increasingly chaotic, how can one make clear decisions and find peace of mind? Amidst the noise of debates and conflicts, it's easy to lose balance.   This episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast is a deep dive into the fascinating concept of deep trade-offs. Host Gerald J. Leonard speaks with Mike Hassell, former General Manager and Co-founder of audio publisher Knowledge Products ....

Feeling overwhelmed or stressed out? You're not alone. In our busy world, it's easy to feel like we're constantly racing against the clock. But guess what? Finding your happy place is doable.   This episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast delves into the intricate relationship between stress, fear, and productivity. Host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Gary Sprouse, a practicing primary ca...

Get ready to be inspired by an incredible story of triumph over adversity in this episode of Productivity Smarts. Host Gerald J. Leonard dives into the remarkable journey of Terry L. Fossum, a true testament to the power of determination and resilience.   Terry's journey to success started in one of the most challenging cities in the United States. His life was filled with heart-wrenching setbacks...

Did you know that the simple act of journaling can be a powerful tool for shaping your reality? It's not just about jotting down the events of your day; it's about something much deeper.   In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard delves into the power of journaling and its impact on personal success. He interviews Nathaniel A. Turner, an author, TEDx speaker, and...

What if I told you that behind every smile, every success, lies a hidden battle – a struggle against the relentless tide of trauma, grief, and loss? How do we reconcile the paradox of achieving great feats while battling the demons of our own minds? And amidst the chaos, how do we find the courage to prioritize our emotional well-being and embrace the transformative power of self-care?   In a comp...

How many times have you considered the impact of being a parent on your work productivity? The answer reveals a fascinating intersection of two vital roles in our lives. Regardless of your title or the heights you've reached in your career, the responsibilities and joys of parenting inevitably shape your daily life and, consequently, your productivity at work.   This episode of the Productivity Sm...