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 mental and emotional health. Her expertise in neurodiversity has left a profound impact on countless individuals and communities.

Dr. Zaretsky opens up about her personal journey, sharing how significant health challenges, including surgeries and accidents, have shaped her approach to resilience and personal growth. She underscores the transformative power of self-compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude in overcoming adversity. The discussion also delves into neurodiversity, the importance of workplace accommodations, and the role of mindfulness in daily life.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on enhancing productivity and navigating life's challenges with intention and grace.

What We Discuss

• [02:01] Introduction to Dr. Lisa Zaretsky

• [09:47] Cultivating perseverance

• [12:53] Magic seven principles

• [16:01] The canoe metaphor

• [20:04] Understanding PTSD and isolation

• [22:16] Neuroplasticity and change

• [23:16] Neurodivergence explained

• [34:55] The role of environment in growth

• [37:32] The impact of industrialized education

• [40:27] Creating sustainable work environments

• [42:38] Staying present amidst uncertainty

Notable Quotes

• [13:18] "When I lead with love, everything else falls into place." - Dr. Zaretsky

• [14:39] "Pain is a construct of the mind, and when you get behind the driver’s seat of your mind, you’re steering it with mindfulness and intentionality." - Dr. Zaretsky

• [15:32] "Stay in the present moment mindfully and intentionally, and that’s when actual magic happens." - Dr. Zaretsky

• [21:47] "When you change the belief systems with intensity, frequency, and duration, you create new neural pathways in your brain. It's the concept of neuroplasticity, and it allows you to redirect yourself forward in a new way." - Dr. Zaretsky

• [18:20] "We don't have to be a victim or succumb to trauma. We can get behind the driver's seat of our minds, integrating what needs to be done, and move forward." - Gerald

• [45:42] "Gratitude helps you stay present. The past is just a memory, and the future is a projection. The only thing we truly have is the present moment." - Gerald

Resources

Dr. Lisa Zaretsky

• Website - https://www.drlisazaretsky.com/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisazaretsky/

• Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/drlisazaretsky/

• Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/DrLisaZaretsky?_rdc=1&_rdr

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

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 executive, Emmy Award-winning news anchor, and former U.S. gymnastics team member. They delve into themes of resilience, personal growth, and productivity. Nina shares her journey through life’s challenges, highlighting the crucial role of mindset shifts and positive influences. She also discusses how social media comparisons can erode self-worth and the importance of curating a supportive environment. The episode wraps up with practical strategies to overcome adversity and take control of your narrative, encouraging you to embrace resilience for success in all areas of life.

Ready to transform your setbacks into comebacks? Tune in now and discover how resilience can be your greatest asset.

What We Discuss

• [02:01] Introduction to Nina Sossamon-Pogue

• [08:05] Finding focus in the present

• [17:35] Nina's reflection on job loss

• [20:38] Journaling forward concept

• [25:05] The impact of trauma and navigating life's challenges

• [35:20] The dangers of comparison

• [38:07] Taking control of your life

Notable Quotes

• [03:06] “My success stems from being resilient. Throughout my life, resilience is what helped me thrive and do better.” - Nina

• [11:46] “‘When you're in the frame, you can't see the picture.’ - Willie Jolly” - Gerald

• [27:32] "Whatever this is that you're going through, it's okay to not be okay." - Nina

• [35:20] “Comparison is the thief of joy.” - Nina

• [38:45] “You are in control of your life. If it's not working, it's up to you to fix it.” - Nina

• [39:41] “It's not just about doing a lot of stuff; it's about who you become and how you reinvent yourself as you go through life's challenges.” - Gerald

Resources

Nina Sossamon-Pogue

• Website - https://www.ninasossamonpogue.com/

• LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasossamonpogue/

• Twitter -https://x.com/NinaSossP

• Facebook-https://web.facebook.com/NinaTheAuthor/about

• Book: This is Not the End by Nina Sossamon-Pogue

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

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 enlightening conversation with Corey Poirier, an acclaimed keynote speaker and author. They explore key topics such as productivity, work-life balance, and personal growth. Corey shares his distinctive perspective on work-life balance, stressing the value of truly loving what you do. He also introduces his latest book, The Enlightened Passenger, and highlights the importance of saying no to non-essential tasks. This episode delves into how clarity, focus, and purpose are crucial for productivity and provides actionable strategies for maintaining a productive mindset and leveraging your network for success.

Tune in to hear more from Corey Poirier and gain practical tips to elevate your productivity and well-being.

What We Discuss

• [02:01] - Introduction to Corey Poirier

• [04:37] - The concept of balance

• [09:32] - Clarity in purpose

• [15:00] - Strategies to avoid burnout

• [18:16] - Traits of consistently productive individuals

• [21:35] - Mindset and productivity

• [28:29] - Event + response = outcome

• [31:01] - Continuous learning

• [33:16] - Leveraging networks for productivity

• [41:23] - Blue Talks initiative

Notable Quotes

• [03:39] “For me, when it comes to work-life balance, I threw out that term years ago. Balance to me is the fact that I love what I do all day, every day.” - Corey Poirier

• [07:27] “I grew up as a yes person. My grandfather always told me to do everything, say yes to everything, and then figure out how to juggle it all. But I realized that high achievers say no over and over again to focus on what truly matters.” - Corey Poirier

• [14:03] “I burned out twice in my life, and I don't ever want to burn out again. It took me nine months of feeling exhausted all the time. I don't want anybody to burn out, so I say no to things that drain me and take breaks to recharge.” - Corey Poirier

• [31:01] “Once we stop learning, we stop living.” - Corey Poirier

Resources

Corey Poirier

• Website - https://www.thespeakingprogram.com/

• Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thatspeakerguy/

• Twitter - https://x.com/thatspeakerguy?lang=en

• Book: Quitless with Corey Poirier

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

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 empowering modern leaders through knowledge and emotional intelligence to create meaningful impact.

Gerald and Mick delve into the essence of effective leadership, spotlighting the crucial elements of self-reflection, intentionality, and the hurdles that new leaders encounter. Mick reflects on his personal journey, underscoring the value of drawing lessons from past leadership roles and nurturing a collaborative atmosphere. He presents key strategies, such as being the last to speak and cultivating inclusive work environments. Together, Gerald and Mick emphasize the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and committing to ongoing learning in leadership.

Tune in now to hear Mick Spiers’ invaluable advice and learn how to implement leadership principles from his book, You're a Leader Now What?

What We Discuss

• [01:17] Introduction to Mick Spiers

• [08:48] Mick's journey to leadership

• [12:11] Importance of coaching in leadership

• [14:23] Experiential learning in leadership

• [19:41] Common pitfalls for new leaders

• [20:34] Creating a leadership credo

• [25:03] The shift from “I” to “we”

• [30:55] Building trust and rapport

• [41:18] Creating an inclusive workplace

Notable Quotes

• [9:55] “No one deserves to work in a workplace that they hate; they should all have a workplace that inspires them, where they feel valued, where they feel seen, where they feel heard.” - Mick

• [2:48] “People remember how you make them feel, and whether it’s good or bad, they will remember the emotion much more than what you specifically said to them.” - Gerald

• [4:58] “What gives people pride in the work they do is feeling like they matter.” - Mick

• [41:43] “You don't need to have all the answers, but you surround yourself with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds. This is what is going to enrich our decision-making.” - Mick

• [45:48] “There is a vacuum of leadership in some ways in the world, but also a place where young leaders are looking for resources to help grow themselves.” - Gerald

Resources

Mick Spiers

• Website - https://www.mickspiers.com/

• LinkedIn -linkedin.com/in/mickspiers

• Book: You're A Leader Now What?: The proven path to high performance 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

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 patients often feel undervalued in a system that fails to recognize their humanity?

In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by Dr. Mauvareen Beverley, an executive physician renowned for her expertise in patient engagement and cultural competency. As the author of Nine Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity, Dr. Beverley draws on her extensive experience to explain why cultural competency is essential in healthcare. She shares innovative approaches for improving health outcomes, focusing on African American communities and patients with sickle cell disease. Through personal stories, Dr. Beverley underscores the importance of understanding cultural contexts to enhance patient care and achieve meaningful results.

Don’t miss this episode for Dr. Beverley’s invaluable insights and actionable strategies for advancing equitable healthcare.

What We Discuss

• [02:32] Dr. Beverley's background

• [04:43] The bridge-team concept

• [05:47] Patient story: Sickle cell experience

• [07:41] Understanding patient needs

• [10:39] Sustainability of health equity initiatives

• [12:52] Barriers to health equity

• [14:53] Historical context of health disparities

• [20:24] Cultural competence in healthcare

• [22:34] Curiosity in patient engagement

• [29:04] Workplace health equity strategies

• [36:23] Bridging perceptions and reality

Notable Quotes

• [10:32] “My focus is on sustainability of a process that we're going to put in place to achieve health equity.” - Mauvareen

• [10:49] “If our health is not taken care of and we're not being advocated for or we don't know how to advocate for ourselves, our productivity will be shot.” - Gerald

• [20:24] “Recognize and treat all atrocity survivors the same.” - Mauvareen

• [27:06] “Once accurately diagnosed, there's no human being on planet Earth that can give it that. The millionaire can think, oh, I'll give you $1 million to take the cancer back. Oh, that's not enough. I'll give you 5 million.”- Mauvareen

• [29:07] “Eliminate the word non-adherent or non-compliant without asking implied questions.”- Mauvareen

• [35:26] “If you're designing a system based on perception and not reality, how are we able to solve the problem?”- Mauvareen

Resources

Dr. Mauvareen Beverley

• Website - https://drbeverley.com/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauvareen-beverley-md/

• Book: The Nine Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity

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