About the Guest:

Laura Martin is the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google and the author of the book, Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing. She started her career at Google, where she taught people how to manage their inbox effectively. This passion grew into a full-time role, and she now works with executives one-on-one and runs the productivity program at Google. Laura is the author of the book.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Greg McKeown interviews Laura Martin, a productivity expert at Google. They discuss the importance of aligning your current self with your future self and making decisions that your future self will thank you for. Laura shares practical tips on how to apply this concept in your daily life, such as reviewing your schedule and making adjustments to prioritize what truly matters. They also delve into the power of defining your top three priorities and aligning your calendar with those priorities. Laura shares insights from her work with executives, including the CEO of Warner Music Group, who successfully implemented this system. The episode concludes with a discussion on the courage to be rubbish and the importance of making strategic trade-offs to focus on what truly matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Aligning your current self with your future self is crucial for living a fulfilling life. Ask yourself, "What will future me wish I had done right now?" to make decisions that prioritize what truly matters.
• Defining your top three priorities and aligning your calendar with those priorities helps you focus on what truly matters. Communicate these priorities to your team and delegate tasks accordingly.
• Use the rule of three to remember and prioritize information. Our brains seek patterns and grouping things in threes helps with memory and focus.
• Saying no is essential to protect your time and energy. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that would happen if I never do this?" and consider if there are alternative ways to accomplish the task or if it can be half-done and moved on from.
• Embrace the courage to be rubbish and make strategic trade-offs. Not everything needs to be perfect or optimized. Focus on what truly matters and let go of non-essential tasks.

Notable Quotes:

• "What will future me wish I had done right now?" - Laura Martin
• "Don't tell me your priorities, show me your calendar." - Laura Martin

Resources:

• Laura Martin's website
• Laura Martin on LinkedIn

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Join me as I continue my enriching dialogue with Emmy Award-winning creator Topaz Adizes. Together, we explore the profound art of meaningful conversation through the lens of Topaz's compelling questions from his card game and book. Discover how to craft questions that not only initiate dialogue but also create a narrative journey, leading to intimacy and understanding in our most significant relationships.

Hone your conversational skills with us as we examine the subtleties of question formulation. I share strategies for asking more impactful questions and offer a framework that can transform the way you approach dialogues. The episode culminates with a heartfelt invitation to reflect on the essence of love and connection by considering the profound questions posed in Topaz's "12 Questions for Love." Tune in to this thought-provoking episode and equip yourself with the tools for fostering deeper relationships and conversations that truly matter.

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Join me and the visionary Topaz Adizes, as we explore the profound influence of intentionality in crafting sacred spaces within our lives. Topaz, an Emmy award-winning expert in experience design, shares his insights on how the spaces we inhabit and the questions we pose can shape our relationships and deepen our connections. Together, we uncover the essence of creating meaningful interactions, emphasizing the necessity of being present and mindful with those who matter most.

In our enlightening discussion, we illuminate the space between individuals through the art of asking transformative questions. By sharing the methodology behind curating these questions, we invite listeners to grasp the power of shared understanding and the lasting change it can bring to our relationships. Tune in to this heartening dialogue, and be inspired to take immediate action, applying the insights gained to enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

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About the Guests:

Noah Kagan is an accomplished entrepreneur, the founder, and CEO of AppSumo, a company aimed at enabling entrepreneurs by providing them with tools and resources to grow their businesses. He's a recognized leader in the field, renowned for his innovative approach to business and entrepreneurship. Noah is the author of the book "Million Dollar Weekend," where he shares insights on launching a successful business promptly.

Taylor Wallace is an employee at AppSumo who brings a unique perspective to the entrepreneurial landscape. Rather than helming his own venture, he thrives within the structure of an established company, contributing his expertise and enjoying the security and dynamics that come with being part of a team.

Episode Summary:

In this "Restate Debate", we unpack the intricate dynamics between entrepreneurship and employment with guests Noah Kagan and Taylor Wallace. The dialogue delves into the compelling narrative of Noah's book "Million Dollar Weekend," an exploration of the initial steps to creating a thriving business and the exhilarating potential of a founding weekend. However, the conversation takes a fascinating twist, questioning not only how to launch a successful business but also the less-often considered – should you?

In a candid and introspective exchange, Noah and Taylor navigate the dichotomies of their experiences within the workforce. They engage in a dialogue format that emphasizes empathy and understanding by having participants articulate each other's viewpoints before defending their own. With Noah advocating for the nuanced benefits of entrepreneurship and Taylor reflecting on the stability and growth opportunities found in employment, the discussion illuminates a spectrum of work and business ideologies.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting a business carries unique creative gratification in manifesting an idea into existence and impacting lives.
• The stability, structure, and outlined expectations in an employee role can be as satisfying as the control and flexibility entrepreneurship affords.
• Personal seasons of life, risk tolerance, and lifestyle preferences play critical roles in one's choice between entrepreneurship and employment.
• Restate debates can foster deeper understanding and empathy by challenging individuals to fully comprehend and articulate opposing viewpoints.
• Entrepreneurship and employment are not binary options but rather points on a continuum of professional fulfillment and personal life choices.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The hardest part about starting a business is doing the work and starting." - Taylor
2. "I like the structure of being an employee... They only owe me mentally till 05:00 p.m." - Noah
3. "If you offered me Noah's salary, I would say yes. But if you offered me Noah's job, I would say no, thank you." - Taylor

Resources:

• "Million Dollar Weekend" book by Noah Kagan
• AppSumo.com - Noah Kagan's platform for entrepreneurs

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About the Guest:

Noah Kagan is the trailblazing entrepreneur and marketing guru best known as the Chief Sumo at AppSumo.com, a platform championing the empowerment of entrepreneurs. His professional journey saw humble beginnings as a "cubicle monkey" at Intel before he became employee number 30 at Facebook and number four at Mint. These early career milestones equipped him with deep insights into business startups, marketing, and personal development. He's also the author of "Million Dollar Weekend," a guide aimed at revolutionizing entrepreneurial thinking and successful business launches.

Episode Summary:

In the latest episode of the Greg McKeown podcast, we're gifted with the presence of Noah Kagan, unveiling the fabric of successful entrepreneurship in a discussion soaked with wisdom and practical advice. The episode transcends the traditional entrepreneurial dialogue, exploring the significance of starting small, embracing failures, and adopting continuous learning as a cornerstone of personal and professional growth.

Noah unpacks his journey through the landscape of high-impact businesses, reflecting on the monumental effects of his formative experiences at Facebook and Mint. The conversation delves into the motivations behind his new book "Million Dollar Weekend," a crystallization of his entrepreneurial philosophy. The pair examine the psychological barriers that aspiring entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them to create businesses capable of reaching the million-dollar mark, emphasizing the importance of taking initial actionable steps. Embracing the ethos of essentialism, they unravel how the courage to start, despite the fear of being subpar, is often the defining trait between successful entrepreneurs and mere dreamers.

Resources:

• "Million Dollar Weekend" book by Noah Kagan
• AppSumo.com - Noah Kogan's platform for entrepreneurs

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Join us as we explore the transformative journey of lifelong learning, where the pursuit of knowledge reshapes our very being. As we discuss, learning is not static; it's an ever-evolving process that requires us to reassess the foundations of our understanding and embrace the idea that our knowledge and beliefs are as malleable as astronauts defining 'down' in space.

In this episode, we dissect the art of inquiry, emphasizing the potency of asking the right questions, whether in scientific seminars or everyday conversations. By understanding the importance of well-crafted questions, we can transform superficial interactions into meaningful exchanges, uncovering the strategic narratives of those around us.

Jeff shares how inspiration from nature led to groundbreaking medical products, exemplifying the importance of maintaining a keen observational eye. Further, we examine how mindfulness and observation can rekindle our innate curiosity, deepen our connection with the environment, and reveal the miraculous in everyday life. So, take a moment to pause, listen, and let yourself be inspired by the wonders that surround us and the infinite possibilities of continued growth and discovery.

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Join me as we welcome the exceptional Jeff Karp, a Harvard Medical School professor and MIT bioengineer, to share his profound insights on harnessing the power of questioning and interdisciplinary thinking. Jeff takes us on a journey through his book "LIT," a manifesto for personal growth and intellectual curiosity, born from his own experiences with learning differences and ADHD. His story is a testament to the life-altering power of a single question and how it sparked a relentless pursuit of knowledge through intentional inquiry. 

This conversation is a heartfelt reflection on the relentless quest for self-improvement and the courage to align our actions with our deepest values, despite the distractions and pressures of daily life. Jeff tackles the complex evolution of self-identity, the journey towards moral maturity, and the importance of adapting to life's constant changes, drawing parallels between the universe's expansion and our own personal growth. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to ignite your mind and inspire a lifelong commitment to learning and self-discovery.

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Join me as I continue my fascinating dialogue with Jeff Wetzler, author of "Ask," where we unravel the art of inquiry and its potential to unlock wisdom from those around us. We venture into the 'ask approach,' a transformative five-step journey that begins with choosing curiosity. Listen in as we tackle the complexities of media influence and the critical need for quality questioning amidst a climate of sensationalism and partisanship. We'll explore how CEOs create spaces for honest dialogue within their companies, and I'll share personal anecdotes that illuminate the power of adjusting our approaches for more meaningful exchanges.

You'll learn strategies for full-spectrum listening that goes beyond words to emotions and actions, setting the stage for profound connection and understanding. The conversation culminates with the 'sift and turn' method for feedback reflection, a process for discerning valuable insights from critique. We'll discuss how results and relationships are the dual pillars of success in both personal and professional realms, and Jeff's expertise shines as we pinpoint the moments when everything aligns, bringing us to those 'exactly moments' where true progress is made. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights that will surely enhance your communication skills and enrich your life.

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Join me on a journey through the landscape of communication, as we explore the transformative power of asking the right questions with Jeff Wetzler, author of "Ask: Tap into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You." Listen in as we uncover why so many crucial insights and feedback go unheard in both professional and personal spheres, with a staggering 85% of employees keeping silent on important matters. This silence can cripple an organization's collective intelligence, leading to poor decision-making and stunted growth. Jeff shares from his experience, revealing how leaders can create an environment that encourages open dialogue and taps into the wisdom of those around them.

By acknowledging and understanding communication barriers, we can pave the way for more meaningful connections. Reflect on these insights and more, as we unpack the complexities of human interaction and the art of asking essential questions..

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Join me as we continue to embrace the concept of 'less but better' with my guest Leidy Klotz, an adept professor and the author of "Subtraction." Together, we tackle the transformative power of subtraction and simplification in leading a more meaningful and efficient lifestyle. Discover the significance of questioning the necessity of additions and the pervasive 'more is better' culture.

This conversation illuminates the need for open communication and collaboration to let go of non-essential tasks and embrace a culture that values simplicity. We'll reflect on the iconic partnership of Jony Ive and Steve Jobs and the power of saying no to maintain focus on our true priorities. By the end of our discussion, you'll be inspired to consider how subtraction can be integrated into your organizational culture and personal life, fostering continuous growth and a higher point of contribution.

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Join me and behavioral science pioneer Leidy Klotz as we uncover the untapped potential of subtraction in our everyday lives. Listen in as we share personal anecdotes and research that reveal our innate tendency to add rather than remove, despite the clear benefits of simplicity. We tackle the intricacies of simplification, not just in our personal habits but extending into complex systems like legislation and workplace practices. We discuss the challenges of recognizing and celebrating the often invisible work of subtraction, despite its crucial role in achieving elegance and efficiency.

The power of simplicity shines through as we examine how master innovators like Anna Keichline and tech titans such as Elon Musk and Steve Jobs have used the art of subtraction to revolutionize industries. From one-click purchasing to hollowed-out bricks, the stories shared in this episode underscore the impact of starting with a 'zero step' mentality. So, if you're looking to refine your approach to problem-solving and innovation, this is your cue to strip away the excess and embrace the elegance of less. Tune in and be inspired to identify areas in your life ripe for simplification and join us on this journey toward clarity and efficiency.

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