Have you ever wondered if the worlds’ leading entrepreneurs, writers, musicians and business people construct their day differently to you? How I Work delves into the working days of some of the world’s most successful innovators. We discuss tactics, rituals and tricks they use to achieve so much more than the average person, despite having the same number of hours in the day.
I burnt out completely last year. This is how I recovered.
In our modern workplaces, is suffering from burn out now simply a matter of when, rather than if? For a slightly different episode, I’m joined by Sabina Read to discuss my own personal experience with burn out and how you can manage it if it hits you. Sabina is a distinguished Australian psychologist who makes regular appearances on Radio 3AW's Afternoons program, works as SEEK's Resident Psychologist and co-hosts the top-rated podcast Human Cogs. This is a dive into the world of burnout so you
Quick Win: Why you should stop bringing your 'whole self' to work
There’s a popular belief today that it’s healthy and empowering to bring your 'whole self' to work. But what if we’ve taken it too far? Shelley Johnson is a renowned leadership coach, columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and the host of top-ranking podcast This Is Work. We sat down to discuss a potentially controversial view on ‘bringing your whole self to work’ and the impact of oversharing. Shelley and I share: - What to do instead of oversharing at work to have a positive i
Transform your response to setbacks using self-compassion, with Prof. Kristin Neff
When you make a mistake, at work do feel ashamed and beat yourself up about it? It turns out that if we applied self-compassion in those moments, not only would we be kinder to ourselves, we’d also handle our work load better as well. Professor Kristin Neff is a pioneer in the study of self-compassion. Her early work in the field and multiple best-selling books on the topic have seen her become recognised as one of the most influential scholars in the field of psychology. In this episode Kris
Quick Win: How Atlassian’s Dom Price makes 'difficult conversations’ easy
Does the idea of having a difficult conversation at work make you want to pack up and go home? Dom Price is the resident Work Futurist at Atlassian and he has a range of tips and ideas on how to make these difficult conversations easier. Dom shares: - 💡 The things you can do to make difficult conversations easier. - 🤔 What are the easiest ‘difficult conversations.’ - ✅ The one thing you should do when entering a tough conversation. - 🚫 One thing many of us do t
Ben Shewry’s secret to ongoing creative success
Some of the world’s most creative people seem to have no trouble staying creative while the rest of us find it a constant challenge. But what if there were simple things you could be doing to lift the load and make being creative fun again? This is why I’ve asked creative powerhouse Ben Shewry to return to the podcast. Ben Shewry is head chef and owner of multi-award winning Melbourne restaurant, Attica. Attica has been featured several times in the The World's 50 Best Restaurants and has been n
Quick Win: How a sense of ‘meaning’ can save you when work gets challenging with Dr Gabriella Rosen Kellerman
Did you know that the best way to ensure happiness and focus is to ensure you have a sense of ‘meaning’ when it comes to your work? But what exactly is meaning and how do you create it? Dr Gabriella Rosen Kellerman is a Harvard trained physician, co-author of the international bestseller Tomorrowmind with Martin Seligman, and Chief Innovation Officer at BetterUp. Gabriella shares: - 🎯 What ‘meaning’ is and why it could help you out when work gets challenging. - ⚠️ What can hap
Want to make time for the things that count? Oliver Burkeman has your time management answers
In an effort to make time for ourselves, many of us fall back on using To Do lists and time blocking. But often these strategies can end up with the same result: getting lost in chasing productivity. So how do we make time for the things that truly count? Oliver Burkeman is a New York Times bestselling author of books such as ‘Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals’ and ‘Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts&rsqu
Quick Win: What all the best meeting leaders have in common
Steven Rogelberg is one of the world’s leading experts on workplace meetings and he knows that one of the biggest deciding factors on whether a meeting is successful or not is the ability of the person leading the meeting. Whether it’s making the meeting all about themselves, or failing to plan in advance, there are plenty of pitfalls that can undo a meeting for a leader. Additionally, there are also some key traits that all successful meeting leaders have in common and Steven is an expert on th
BEST OF: Adam Grant’s advice for me on overcoming burnout – and how he made it through his own burnout experience
**BEST OF**World-renowned organisational psychologist Adam Grant opens up about his personal battle with burnout – and gives me advice on my recent experience with burning out. Listen in as Adam shares: 📚 The intense journey of writing his first book and the unexpected obstacles he faced 🔥 His personal experience with burnout symptoms and how they manifested 💡 The turning point that helped him push through his lowest moments 🛠️ Practical advice on overcoming self-doubt and procrastination �
BEST OF: Ruthless prioritization with Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor, Laura Mae Martin
**BEST OF**Laura Mae Martin has my dream job – she is Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor. Her job is to advise the top folk at Google on how to be more productive. In this chat, we cover: * Ruthless Prioritisation: the importance of saying no to good things to make room for great things.* Sunday Planning Ritual: Laura’s ritual of planning the upcoming week every Sunday, and her exact process for doing this.* List Funnels: a method to manage tasks by categorising and prioritising them to ens
BEST OF: The Art and Science of the One-on-One with Professor Steven Rogelberg
**BEST OF**Imagine walking into a one-on-one meeting with your boss and leaving feeling not just heard, but genuinely empowered. It almost sounds too good to be true, but Professor Steven Rogelberg, a renowned organisational psychologist, insists it’s not only possible but essential. In this episode of How I Work, I sit down with Steven to peel back the layers on what makes for effective one-on-one meetings that inspire and motivate. Did you know that the right questions in these meetings can be
BEST OF: Mel Silva shares leadership lessons from inside Google
**BEST OF**What does it take to lead one of the world’s most creative and innovative companies? Mel Silva’s been with Google for over 16 years, and now as the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, she’s a pivotal part of fostering the company’s world-famous culture. Mel unpacks the key lessons she’s learned in her many roles with the company, including the lessons she’s learned from her coach, and what she’s learned about herself and her leadership style since becoming a mentor for
BEST OF: Have we got work all wrong? Modern work principles with Almanac CEO Adam Nathan
**BEST OF** The way we work has never changed quite as much as it did during the pandemic. Sure, you probably knew a couple of people with home offices or flexible hours, but after lockdowns, remote work went from a rarity to the new normal. When everyone was suddenly forced to stay inside, we all realised we could get by with tools like Google Docs and Zoom. But what if we were wrong? Adam Nathan, the co-founder and CEO of Almanac, worries that where we work has changed, but how we work hasn’t
Quick Win: Matthew Dicks - Stories are about emotion
The greatest stories inspire, terrify, inform and change us. They might change our lives, or simply help us get through the day. But if we know how central stories are to the human experience, why don’t more of us learn how to craft them more effectively? Matthew Dicks has been writing (and teaching writing) for decades now, and he’s seen the craft of storytelling change many lives in many ways. Most of all, he’s seen just how beneficial it is to tell stories to ourselves. Whether your ultimat
Design your best 2025 with Lisa Leong
Do you have a process for reflecting on the year that was - and for setting yourself up for an amazing year to come? Joining me today is successful ABC broadcaster and host of Radio National’s ‘This Working Life’, Lisa Leong. I sat down with Lisa for a chat about her annual tradition of reflecting on the year and setting goals for 2025. Many of us do this, but how many of us are happy with the result? This episode covers a range of strategies you can use to reflect and set goals for a more succe
Quick Win: Kayla Itsines's simple hack to stay mentally strong
Fitness superstar Kayla Itsines reveals the hard-won lessons from her entrepreneurial journey, offering invaluable insights for anyone navigating the choppy waters of business and personal growth. Kayla shares how she learned to silence the noise of critics and focus on what truly matters. Kayla shares: 🛡️ The art of handling backlash and staying true to your vision 🔇 Why catering to the vocal minority can derail your success 🧭 How to maintain your values and sense of self in the face of cri
Is the fear of what others think holding you back? Shelley Johnson shares how to let it go
Most of us worry about what others think of us at some point. But have you ever considered how that might negatively impact your ability to achieve your goals? Shelley Johnson is a renowned leadership coach, columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and the host of top-ranking podcast This Is Work. I sat down with Shelley for a chat around how we let people’s perceptions of us dictate our actions, and in some worst-case scenarios, stifle our growth. In this episode, Shelley and I share:
Quick Win: ConvertKit's Nathan Barry on how flywheels transformed his business
ConvertKit Founder and CEO Nathan Barry reveals how he harnessed the power of flywheels to skyrocket growth.Nathan shares: 🌀 The physics-inspired concept of flywheels and how it applies to business 🚀 Nathan's personal journey from content marketing struggles to sales success 📊 The three laws of flywheels that can supercharge your business strategy 🔍 A step-by-step breakdown of ConvertKit's game-changing sales flywheel 💡 How to turn customer feedback into a powerful growth engine Whether y
Atlassian’s Dom Price says ‘difficult conversations’ can be easy if you know how
Do difficult workplace conversations terrify you? Does the idea of having to tell a colleague something they won’t like make you just want to pack up for the day and go home instead? If that’s the case then returning guest Dom Price might have the mindset flip and strategies you need to approach these conversations with enthusiasm instead of trepidation. Dom is the resident Work Futurist at Atlassian one of the largest software businesses in the world and has responsibilities spanning 7 global R
Quick Win: Kim Scott on why being "nice" is the cruelest thing leaders can do
Kim Scott, author of global bestseller Radical Candour, reveals the leadership mistake that almost cost her everything. Discover how a single conversation changed her entire approach to management and sparked a global movement. Kim shares: 🎯 The two crucial elements of radical candor and why they're essential for success 🧠 A powerful framework for balancing care and challenge in your leadership style 🤔 Why being "nice" can be the cruelest thing you can do as a leader Learn how to revolution
Want to thrive in uncertain times? Dr. Gabriella Rosen Kellerman wrote the book on it.
In the face of uncertainty and change, how do you ensure you don’t feel lost and defeated? More importantly, how do you ensure that doesn’t happen to the team you lead? Dr Gabriella Rosen Kellerman is the Chief Innovation Officer at BetterUp and she sees firsthand their cross discipline research into what can be done to help human flourishing. Professionally she advises Fortune 500 CEOs and CHROs and contributes regularly to Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review and Scientific Ame
Quick Win: Google's Laura Mae Martin on the simplest way to communicate your boundaries
Google's top time management expert Laura Mae Martin shares the secrets of setting clear boundaries at work. Learn how to: 🛑 Set powerful boundaries that stick 💬 Communicate your work preferences effectively ⚖️ Balance passion for work with family priorities Whether you're a busy professional or an aspiring leader, Laura May Martin's insights will revolutionise how you approach your work and life. Connect with Laura on her Instagram or at the Google Keywords blog. Listen to the full Intervie
How to have a meeting that isn't a complete waste of time with Prof Steven Rogelberg
Are the meetings you lead not actually getting enough done? Are you worried that participants are leaving them feeling annoyed? If so, then this episode is for you. Professor Steven Rogelberg is an organisational psychologist, an award-winning author and the world’s leading expert on workplace meetings. He is an award-winning teacher with over 200 publications and has been cited well-over 12,000 times in the academic literature. Steven’s keynotes on meetings span the globe and occur at the world
Quick Win: Kemi Nekvapil reveals the most powerful lesson her coach taught her
World-renowned coach and bestselling author, Kemi Nekvapil, reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to business and life.Kemi shares: 💡 A game-changing piece of advice from her coach that revolutionised her decision-making 🚫 The art of saying 'no' and setting boundaries in professional relationships 🔮 A profound life lesson that will transform how you view expectations from others Kemi's raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom offer invaluable insights for anyone navigating the comp
How to reset your Health Habits with me (!) and Kayla Itsines
Sweat Daily crossover! A few months ago, Sweat co-founder and fitspo star Kayla Itsines invited me on her podcast Sweat Daily to talk all about habits. And Kayla has kindly given me the interview to share with you guys! We discuss how to hack your health habits - through breaking down barriers, habit stacking and a technique called temptation bundling. Check out Sweat Daily wherever you get your podcasts. Looking to smash your fitness goals? Sign up to the Sweat app, or find us on InstagramInsta
Quick Win: Broadway star Andy Karl reveals how he keeps his performances fresh night after night
Ever wondered how Broadway stars maintain their peak performance night after night? In this episode, Tony-nominated musical theatre star Andy Karl pulls back the curtain on his daily rituals and professional secrets that keep him at the top of his game.Andy shares his insider knowledge on: 🎭 The gruelling reality of performing 8 shows a week 🎤 His unique vocal warm-up routine featuring Sinatra, Cubis, and classic show tunes 🧘♂️ The power of yoga and weightlifting in maintaining stage presen
Ex-CEO Tim Duggan works 3 days a week and lives on a beach. This is how he got there.
Discover the secrets to redefining your work-life balance and finding true meaning in your career. In this captivating episode, Tim Duggan, former CEO of Junkee Media and bestselling author, reveals his unconventional approach to work that allowed him to break free from the 9-5 grind and create a life of purpose and fulfilment. Tim shares his journey from burnout to bliss, offering practical insights on: 🛠️ The power of job crafting and how to shape your role for maximum satisfaction ⚖️ Why wor
Quick Win: kikki.K's Kristina Karlsson on the two habits that changed her life
Discover the transformative power of two simple daily habits that revolutionised kikki.K co-founder Kristina Karlsson's life and career. In this episode, we dive into the practices that not only helped her navigate tough times but also fueled her creative and professional success.Whether you're facing challenges or seeking to elevate your daily routine, Kristina's insights offer a blueprint for personal growth and success. Connect with Kristina on Instagram, Dream Life, Virtual Book Club and Ha
Are you suffering from atypical burnout? Dr Aditi Nerurkar Reveals reveals how to recognise the signs
Are you feeling tired? Exhausted? Completely burnt out? If so, this episode is for you. Harvard physician Dr. Aditi Nerurkar reveals the groundbreaking science behind stress management and burnout prevention. Prepare to have your understanding of resilience completely transformed as we delve into practical strategies that can rewire your brain and revolutionise your approach to work and life. Dr. Nerurkar, a renowned expert in stress medicine and bestselling author of ""The 5 Resets"", gives inv
Quick Win: Tom Boyd's counterintuitive approach to making life-altering decisions
Former AFL star Tom Boyd made headlines when he walked away from a multi-million dollar contract at the peak of his career. Tom reveals the story behind his big decision and the life-changing advice that guided him through it.Dive deep into Tom's journey as he shares: 🧠 The counterintuitive approach to making life-altering decisions 🏈➡️📚 How he navigated the transition from professional athlete to author and businessman 🧘♂️🏆 His candid insights on mental health in professional sports ⏳🔄
You're doing rituals all wrong! Harvard Prof Michael Norton exposes the truth
Discover the hidden power of rituals with Harvard professor Michael Norton. In this episode, Norton reveals how simple actions can transform your life, relationships, and work. Forget everything you thought you knew about habits – it's time to harness the profound impact of rituals.In this episode, you'll learn: 🔮 The crucial difference between habits and rituals 🛠️ How to create meaningful rituals in your personal and professional life ❤️ Why rituals are the secret ingredient to strong relat
Quick Win: Lisa Leong's 10-day transformation
ABC presenter Lisa Leong reveals the transformative power of an ancient Chinese practice that pulled her from the depths of burnout and reignited her zest for life. Discover how a serendipitous encounter with a bee in a flower garden signalled her return to joy and mental clarity. Join us as Lisa shares: 😔 The moment she realised she had "lost her joy" and felt trapped in her own mind 🚫 Why conventional methods and biohacking failed to break her out of her mental prison 🧘♀️ How Qigong succe
Adam Grant's advice for me on overcoming burnout - and how he made it through his own burnout experience
World-renowned organisational psychologist Adam Grant opens up about his personal battle with burnout – and gives me advice on my recent experience with burning out.Listen in as Adam shares: 📚 The intense journey of writing his first book and the unexpected obstacles he faced 🔥 His personal experience with burnout symptoms and how they manifested 💡 The turning point that helped him push through his lowest moments 🛠️ Practical advice on overcoming self-doubt and procrastination 🤝 The critic
Quick Win: Dom Price reveals the work-life trick that changed everything
Guilt-free success? Atlassian's work futurist Dom Price reveals the surprising truth about balancing a thriving career with family life. Dom shares his raw, honest journey of conquering work-from-home chaos and travel guilt.Discover how Dom transformed his approach to work-life balance and unlocked a new level of productivity and personal satisfaction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with: ✈️ The guilt of leaving family for work travel 🏠💻 Juggling remote work with parentin
Quick Win: The science of a 5-minute workout, with CAROL CEO Ulrich Dempfle
When you hear how short Ulrich Dempfle’s workouts are, you might think he’s not doing enough… Ulrich is the co-founder and CEO of CAROL, a company that makes AI-powered exercise bikes designed to make you as fit as possible in as little time as possible. And when they say as little time as possible, they’re not joking - their workouts are less than nine minutes long! And somehow, in just five minutes a day, a few days a week, Ulrich has seen his cardiovascular fitness skyrocket him from the 50th
Tiffiny Hall's Daily Rituals for Peak Performance
Ever wondered how a top fitness expert, author, and TV personality manages to stay resilient in the face of adversity? In this episode of How I Health, Tiffiny Hall reveals her powerful strategies for overcoming anxiety, reframing unhelpful thoughts, and building mental resilience. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation packed with actionable insights that can transform your approach to mental health and performance.Join us as we explore: 🌟 Tiffiny's personal journey through anxiety and injur
The Top 3 Cyber Threats Facing Small Businesses (and How to Prevent Them)
Today's episode is sponsored by Cyber Wardens. 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, with an average cost of $46,000 per incident. Yet many owners think they're too small to be at risk. In this episode, discover: The top 3 cyber crimes reported by small businesses Why a "it won't happen to me" mentality leaves you vulnerable 5 critical steps to protect your business Cyber security is like insurance - you hope you never need it, but you're glad you have it. Listen now to safeguard your
Quick Win: How to dumb down your phone with Ryan Shelton
When Ryan Shelton traded in his iPhone for a flip-phone with no internet connectivity, he took to calling it his SmugPhone, because he felt so smug watching the rest of us stare down at our little pocket computers all day every day. He was smug for other reasons, too: the new level of silence allowed for more clarity of thinking, and he quickly noticed he was having more creative ideas more often. He also began to appreciate his in-person interactions more now that he wasn’t entertained by podc
Why hybrid work is broken - and how to fix it (navigating the Future of Work - Part 2)
Are you ready to revolutionise the way you work? In this second part of our special series on the future of work, I sit down with Inventium's Head of Growth and fellow organisational psychologist, Charlotte Rush. Charlotte shares her groundbreaking insights and practical tips that can transform your work life and boost team connection. Tune in to discover: 🌟 The Future of Hybrid Work: Charlotte’s visionary perspective on where hybrid work is heading and how you can stay ahead. 💬 Building Conn
The biggest mistakes leaders make with their teams (navigating the Future of Work - Part 1)
Keen to know what the future of work looks like? Inventium's Head of Growth and fellow organisational psychologist, Charlotte Rush, has the answers. We dive deep into the dramatically changing landscape of employee expectations and reveal the secrets to creating a workplace that truly meets the needs of your team. As the future of work continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, leaders who fail to adapt risk losing their best talent to more progressive organisations. In this episode, you'll discov
Five Simple Habits to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Attacks
Today's episode of How I Work is sponsored by Cyber Wardens As a small business owner, it's easy to think cyber security isn't a priority. But 80% of small businesses have habits that make them vulnerable to cyber crime. In this episode, learn 5 easy things you can do today to keep your business safe. Don't wait until it's too late - a few simple changes can protect your business from costly attacks. Tune in for actionable tips you can implement today. My new book The Health Habit is out now.
BEST OF: Mamamia Out Loud co-hosts Mia, Holly and Jessie on prep routines, reading lists and respectful disagreement
If a mystical wizard with very specific powers and a very strange agenda cast a spell on me, dictating that I could only listen to one podcast for the rest of my life - that podcast would be Mamamia Out Loud. And based on the Apple Podcast homepage charts, I wouldn’t be alone. Mamamia Out Loud is one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, and it’s just one of many incredible woman-led shows in the Mamamia stable, which is the largest female-led podcast network on the planet. Out Loud’s three co-h
BEST OF: Eric Barker on his Five-Hour Rule and deliberate work-life imbalance
It’s the greatest productivity debate of our time: how do we achieve work-life balance? Or maybe the real debate should be: is work-life balance even possible? Eric Barker, the author of Barking Up the Wrong Tree and now Plays Well With Others, doesn’t think work-life balance is truly achievable. At least, not if you want the best possible results in a given field. The problem, he says, is that most of live an unbalanced life by accident. Because of the internet and the rapidly increasing pace o
BEST OF: Embracing Regret: Dan Pink on Learning from Mistakes
There’s a moment in the 2013 comedy movie We’re the Millers that points to how pervasive - and misguided - the “no regrets” life motto has become. A character proudly displays a tattoo that reads, “no rAgrets”, and even more proudly proclaims that he really doesn’t have any regrets. Not even one letter. Bestselling author Dan Pink highlights this scene as a great metaphor for society’s almost comical underappreciation of regret. Dan is an advocate for the transformative power of looking back on
Insider Secrets to Writing and Marketing Hit Books with Scott Young
Want to write a non-fiction book that not only tops the charts but stands the test of time? In this episode, bestselling author Scott Young pulls back the curtain on his writing and publishing process, sharing hard-won insights from his books Ultralearning and Get Better at Anything. Packed with actionable strategies and behind-the-scenes stories, this is a must-listen for any aspiring author. Discover: 💡 How to determine if your idea is truly book-worthy 🔬 The power of research, testing, and
Ramp it up or shut it down: How ConvertKit’s Founder and CEO made his most important business decision
How does an entrepreneur go from being told to shut down their business to building a software company worth over $200 million and serving over 50,000 creators? In this episode of How I Work, Nathan Barry, founder and CEO of ConvertKit, shares his incredible journey and the counterintuitive strategies that propelled his success. In this episode, we discuss: 🤔 Nathan's annual life review ritual: We delve into how he not only assesses business opportunities but also tracks his adventures, home l
Quick Win: The power of a daily ritual with Susan Carland
How well do you know yourself? Pretty well, you’d think, given you spend all day everyday together! But… how much of that time is quality time, and how much of it is swallowed up by distraction? As a practising Muslim, Susan Carland’s been praying five times a day, every day, for decades now. Aside from its religious component, Susan’s fallen in love with the ritualistic element of her daily prayer. As an incredibly busy academic, mother and media personality, her prayer times are often the onl
Radical Candour's Kim Scott Shares the Secret Techniques Top Leaders Use to Give and Receive Feedback
🚨 Warning: This episode contains radical ideas that may change the way you lead forever! In this episode of How I Work, leadership guru and author of global bestseller Radical Candour Kim Scott shares her unconventional approach to leadership and feedback. 💥Join us as we explore the ins and outs of radical candour, the framework that's transformed the way leaders communicate with their teams. Kim dives deep into her personal journey, revealing the hard-learned lessons and "a-ha!" moments that
Quick Win: Why unexpected interruptions to work are bigger problems than you might think, with Almanac CEO Adam Nathan
Almanac CEO Adam Nathan believes in the value of deep work. He’s seen how effective it is, and knows first-hand how satisfying it can be. But in recent years, he’s learned that this doesn’t automatically make shallow work the greatest enemy to productivity or job satisfaction… Instead, he’s discovered that most professionals consider their time well spent if they’re able to check everything off their to-do lists, even if some of that work is shallow. What really matters is simply getting stuff d
Kayla Itsines' non-negotiables for health and wellbeing
If you’re one of the 16 million people who follow Kayla Itsines on Instagram, you probably see her as a beacon of glowing health and positivity. But not only is she a super fit influencer, she is the co-founder of one of the world’s most successful fitness apps, Sweat, which she co-founded in 2015 and has since sold for several hundred million dollars. In this episode, Kayla speaks about: * Her non-negotiables for well-being * Her approach to simplifying fitness and her daily movement routines *
Quick Win: How to be happy when things are falling apart, with musical theatre star Lucy Durack
Think about this: how many times have you been told to "just be happy" in the midst of chaos? Or to "give yourself a break" when everything seems to be falling apart? The idea sounds simple, but living it can be a whole different story. In this Quick Win episode, I sit down with musical theatre star Lucy Durack who shares how a simple piece of advice changed her life and how she pays it forward to others. My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy here. Connect with me on LinkedIn
Ruthless prioritization with Google's Executive Productivity Advisor, Laura Mae Martin
Laura Mae Martin has my dream job - she is Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor. Her job is to advise the top folk at Google on how to be more productive. In this chat, we cover: * Ruthless Prioritisation: the importance of saying no to good things to make room for great things. * Sunday Planning Ritual: Laura’s ritual of planning the upcoming week every Sunday, and her exact process for doing this. * List Funnels: a method to manage tasks by categorising and prioritising them to ensure nothi
Quick Win: Quick Actions for Long-Term Gains with Adam Alter
Unlock the secret to skyrocketing your productivity with a simple, yet powerful approach to managing your daily tasks. In this Quick Win episode, Professor Adam Alter, New York Times bestselling author of Anatomy of a Breakthrough and master of efficiency, reveals his top strategy for preventing small tasks from derailing your big goals. Learn how to transform your workflow, clear your mental clutter, and make room for what truly matters.
My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy
24 Things for 2024: Kemi Nekvapil's approach to crafting a purposeful year
Kemi Nekvapil loves a ritual. And my goodness, she has some good ones. From her 24 things for 2024 through to her annual planning and reflection rituals, Kemi lives a purposeful life. And that’s what I expected from one of Australia’s leading coaches who has been trained personally by Brene Brown, along with being the international best-selling author of Power. So what are Kemi’s secrets to being a stand-out coach? How does she incorporate reflection into every week? And Kemi shares one of the m
Quick Win: Crafting Your Power Phrase with Libby Trickett
How much power can just a few words hold? Turns out: a lot. In this Quick Win episode, Olympian Libby Trickett reveals the invaluable advice that changed her life: the power phrase. Facing the challenges of asthma and bronchitis while competing in the world championships, Libby adopted a mantra that propelled her to victory and later helped her navigate life beyond sports. My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy here.Connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-impro
From Crisis to Clarity: How Kristina Karlsson bounced back from the collapse of kikki.K
In a world where success and connection often feel inseparable from our digital devices, it's rare to hear about someone going to extreme lengths to break free. Yet that's exactly what Kristina Karlsson did. Kristina, best known as the founder of the beloved kikki.K stores, shares her remarkable journey from the highs of global expansion to the lows of having her company put into administration. But instead of giving up, Kristina defied odds and picked herself back up. How did she do it? Kristin
Quick Win: Harnessing the Power of Thinking Days with Google boss Mel Silva
Have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of tasks, feeling like there's never enough time to think deeply about the things that truly matter? Mel Silva, who heads up Google's Australian and NZ business, has been there, and she's found a powerful solution. Thinking Days. And in today's Quick Win episode, you'll learn how to create your own. My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy here. Connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-improving tips, sign up for my w
Broadway star Andy Karl on how to exude star quality even when you lack the confidence
Singing, dancing, and performing eight shows a week, Broadway star Andy Karl is no stranger to the grind of musical theater. Andy reveals the physical and vocal warm-up routines he depends on to bring his A-game to the stage each day. From tackling vocal warm-up hacks to staying healthy during demanding performances, Andy shares insights that are invaluable for anyone with a high-intensity schedule. Andy also opens up about his journey, from landing his dream role to overcoming a major injury ju
Quick Win: The secret to making everything take less time with behaviour change guru Professor Katy Milkman
Are you tired of spending too much time composing emails or writing reports from scratch? Do you wish you had more time to focus on the core of your work rather than the administrative tasks? In today's quick win episode, Wharton Professor Katy Milkman shares her favourite time saving hack - the template. From responding to emails to pursuing goals, Katy has unlocked the power of templates to save time and improve outcomes. Check out the full interview with Katy here. My new book The Health Habi
The Art and Science of the One-on-One with Professor Steven Rogelberg
Imagine walking into a one-on-one meeting with your boss and leaving feeling not just heard, but genuinely empowered. It almost sounds too good to be true, but Professor Steven Rogelberg, a renowned organisational psychologist, insists it's not only possible but essential. In this episode of How I Work, I sit down with Steven to peel back the layers on what makes for effective one-on-one meetings that inspire and motivate. Did you know that the right questions in these meetings can be the key to
This CEO became fitter than ever with 5-minute workouts - here’s how
If you’re anything like me or the guests on How I Work, you want to optimise absolutely everything. But when you’re after the best, sometimes ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough. So what do you do when you know exactly how to optimise something, but the right tool doesn’t exist yet? If you’re Ulrich Dempfle, you build that tool yourself! After learning about REHIT, a very short but very intense exercise protocol with astounding fitness outcomes, Ulrich knew he wanted to give it a go. But doing REHI
What comedian and podcast host Ryan Shelton learned after ditching his smartphone
Smartphones are so ubiquitous today that living without one sounds like something only monks and mountain hermits would be able to do. While many of us crave an extended break from our addictive little pocket-computers, it’s hard to imagine actually making it work. So how did Ryan Shelton pull it off? The comedian, actor and co-host of The Imperfects podcast felt like his phone was beginning to control him, instead of the other way around. He’d tried to reduce his screen time in the past, but c
Why Atlassian’s Dom Price is pursuing health for his whole family
Dom Price’s health journey didn’t start where he expected. In fact, it started in phases… Phase one was a realisation. He’s always lived like a youngster - he’s energetic, excitable, passionate, and incredibly busy. This made him think he was immortal, even if he wasn’t exactly pursuing a healthy lifestyle. But he realised he was mortal the hard way when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer a couple of years ago. He says it shocked him, but not quite enough to change him. Phase two was about acti
Nir Eyal’s Secret: Trading Overwhelm for Clarity
Struggling with the endless cycle of distractions? You're not alone. On this episode of How I Work, I sit down with the wizard of focus, Nir Eyal, who's literally written the book on becoming indistractable. Nir's sharing some top-tier life hacks that go beyond typical self-help fluff. Think about turning every decision into a personal experiment, having actual uninterrupted time with your family, and even carving out sacred moments for your own personal goals. So, whether it's creating your own
Lisa’s Lab: An inside look at the radio legend’s personal health experiments
Lisa Leong discovered the hard way that you can be both fit and unhealthy. While working a high-powered (read: high stress) job that required her to fly around the world, she thought she might need some balance. For some reason, she thought training for an Olympic-distance marathon was the way to do it! Between working marathon hours and training for a literal marathon, she didn’t have time to slow down when she first got a chest infection. Instead, she loaded up on antibiotics and steroids and
Part 2: How I Kicked My Sugar Addiction - For Good
Are you tossing and turning every night, struggling to get the restorative sleep you crave? Or perhaps you find yourself reaching for that comfort bar of chocolate a little too often? I can most definitely relate - or at least I could - before I applied some clever behaviour change strategies that I write about in my new book, The Health Habit :) In today’s episode, I share my own health habits that have transformed how I eat, sleep and move, along with how I successfully kicked a several-decade
Part 1: An Inside Look - How "The Health Habit" Went from Idea to Published Book
Have you ever wondered what goes into getting a book into the world? To celebrate the launch of my new book, I’m taking you behind the scenes of The Health Habit. In this episode, I share how I came up with the idea, the process of pitching it to Penguin Random House (my publisher), how I wrote the manuscript in record time, and everything else involved in getting a book onto shelves. My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Co
Unleashing the Power of Hall Passes: Making New Habits Stick
Hall passes are one of the most powerful strategies we can use when it comes to making new habits stick. I explore the "what the hell" effect, the benefits of flexible routines, and the surprising impact of cheat days. Get ready to learn practical strategies for staying on track with your goals, even when life throws you curveballs. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.
The Secret to Lasting Change: Embracing a New Identity for Sustaining Healthy Habits
Self-identity plays a huge role in shaping our behaviors and decision-making. So it stands to reason that if you want to make a big change to your life, you might need to change your self-identity. I reveal what the research says about self-identity and health habits. I also share some practical steps to help you recreate your own identity and solidify your commitment to new and better habits. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. L
Using Social Media to Improve Your Health
We often hear about how bad social media is for our health. Today, I flip that assumption on its head and explain how you can leverage social media for good. Discover the power of social normative theory, how good habits are contagious, and the influence of social media on our behaviors and expectations. Learn how to strategically curate your social media feed to align with your health goals, whether it's improving sleep, movement, or nutrition. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book Th
The Power of Food Order: How Changing the Sequence Can Boost Your Energy Levels
Did you know that the sequence in which you eat can affect your blood glucose levels? Studies have shown that the order in which you consume vegetables, proteins/fats, and carbohydrates can make a significant difference. By simply changing the order of your meal, you can potentially reduce glucose spikes by up to 75% and experience benefits including increased energy levels and a greater sense of satiety. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January
Debunking the 10,000 Steps Myth: How Many Steps Do You Really Need?
Are you striving for a healthier life? I explore the popular notion of taking 10,000 steps per day for better health. Is this magic number really all it's cracked up to be? Let's uncover the truth by delving into the scientific research behind the ideal number of steps to take per day to reduce the risk of premature death. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-hea
Improve Your Sleep with the Pre-Sleep Task Dump: A Key to Productivity and Well-being
Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep? In today's episode, I explore a fascinating and science-backed strategy called the pre-sleep task dump. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percen
BEST OF: Hugh Van Cuylenburg on how to build rapport quickly
What does it take to make someone give up on their dream? Which straw breaks the camel’s back? For Hugh Van Cuylenburg, a simple but critical mistake in his calendar almost spelt the end of The Resilience Project before it’d truly begun. But it didn’t. Why not? Where did Hugh find the strength to keep pursuing his goals, even after messing up the best opportunity he’d ever had? Hugh’s a master storyteller, with no shortage of material. He shares which moments in his life turned out to be make-
BEST OF: Tim Urban on seeing the bigger picture and beating procrastination
You think you’ve got a procrastination problem? TIm Urban, the man behind the sensationally popular blog Wait But Why reckons he might have you covered. He’s so well-acquainted with procrastination, in fact, that he gave a TED talk on the topic… And finalised it at the last minute. However, for a self-proclaimed master procrastinator, Tim sure gets a lot done. And thankfully, among the many, many articles he’s written are some antidotes for the serial procrastinator. Tim shares his process for
BEST OF: Matthew Dicks teaches you to think and write like a master storyteller
**BEST OF** If there’s anything I don’t miss about my school days, it’s homework - and I’ll bet you feel the same. So when my new favourite book on storytelling told me I needed to do “homework for life,” I wasn’t exactly pumped. That is, until author Matthew Dicks explained the benefits. Matthew’s the bestselling author of a slew of novels and non-fiction books, he’s written a rock opera, multiple musicals and even a handful of comic books. So when I read his new book in the hopes of upping my
BONUS: Have we got work all wrong? Modern work principles with Almanac CEO Adam Nathan
The way we work has never changed quite as much as it did during the pandemic. Sure, you probably knew a couple of people with home offices or flexible hours, but after lockdowns, remote work went from a rarity to the new normal. When everyone was suddenly forced to stay inside, we all realised we could get by with tools like Google Docs and Zoom. But what if we were wrong? Adam Nathan, the co-founder and CEO of Almanac, worries that where we work has changed, but how we work hasn’t caught up y
Why Adam Alter’s to-do list system is so simple
Adam Alter might just have the simplest productivity system of anyone I’ve interviewed. He uses a to-do list app, but it’s barely more advanced than a piece of paper. He values deep work, but he doesn’t build his life around it. So if he’s supposedly doing so little, how’s he getting so much done? And trust me, he’s getting a lot done: Adam’s a Professor of Marketing at NYU’s Stern School of Business and the Robert Stansky Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow. He’s also the author of multiple bes
What if you turned into a different person overnight? Interviewing my dad, Martin Imber
Despite living in Australia for his entire life, my dad speaks with a Polish accent. But that’s not all that’s different about him since he suffered a stroke in 2009… Martin Imber always considered himself a logical, “right-brained” person - he was a computer programmer, after all. But since his stroke, he believes he’s become more empathetic, more compassionate. Martin shares what he’s learned about life, love, family and himself since his stroke, as well as the lessons he learned from his ow
Susan Carland on simplicity, discipline and the power of play
If you’re into productivity or life-hacking, you’ve probably come across some pretty unusual tips and tools recently: we’re talking automatic ice baths, full-scale saunas, magic mushroom teas, and a whole lot of multi-hour morning routines. While I love a wild idea as much as the next productivity nerd, I also have a budget! Thankfully, Susan Carland’s favourite time-savers and life-upgraders are as accessible as they come. As long as she’s got a piping hot cup of coffee in her hand when she ge
Tom Boyd on life after AFL, making better decisions and working for a purpose
No two careers will ever look exactly the same, but few of them look anything like a professional sporting career. Former AFL player Tom Boyd is the prime example: he’d worked towards the same goal since his early childhood, and after reaching the pinnacle of his game, he retired at the ripe old age of 23. So, what do you do when your career ends before you’re even halfway through your twenties? Tom reflects on his sporting career and shares its most impactful lessons, covering everything from
Katy Milkman wants to leave things better than she found them
What matters most when pursuing a goal? Discipline? Routine? Accountability? All of those are important, sure, but how come nobody ever mentions fun? Economist and Wharton professor Katy Milkman wants to change that: according to research out of the Univeristy of Chicago and Cornell University, people persist in goal pursuit for longer if they can find a way to make the process more enjoyable. Katy gives this advice to her students, but it’s also the guiding force in her own career. Academia i
My Favourite Tip: Matthew Dicks - How to craft a great story
The greatest stories inspire, terrify, inform and change us. They might change our lives, or simply help us get through the day. But if we know how central stories are to the human experience, why don’t more of us learn how to craft them more effectively? Matthew Dicks has been writing (and teaching writing) for decades now, and he’s seen the craft of storytelling change many lives in many ways. Most of all, he’s seen just how beneficial it is to tell stories to ourselves. Whether your ultimat
My Favourite Tip: Nigel Marsh - Identity after 60
When he reached 60, Nigel Marsh realised his most ‘conventionally’ successful days might be behind him… But what does that actually mean? After a long and lucrative career in the commercial sector, Nigel knew the day would come when he’d no longer be able to keep pace with his younger colleagues. He’s had to accept that there comes a time in all of our lives when we need to step back and slow down. But he’s also learning that slowing down is far from a bad thing. Nigel’s gone from running mult
My Favourite Tip: Wil Anderson - What separates the professionals from the hobbyists
Wil Anderson knows you think your mates are funnier than him, but that doesn’t bother him. After more than two decades dominating the Australian comedy scene, Wil’s learned that his job isn’t just to be funny: his job is to be funny when the red light comes on. Wil recognises that life is hard more often than it’s easy, and nobody performs at their best when things are truly tough. However, what separates the professionals from the hobbyists, he says, is the ability to perform even (and especia
My Favourite Tip: Tim Urban - Does a picture really speak a thousand words?
On his enormously popular blog, Wait But Why, Tim Urban writes about some pretty heavy topics. He’s covered North Korea, the state of American politics and culture, and Elon Musk’s rise to fame, to name just a few. So you might be surprised when you click onto the blog for the first time and see it’s overrun with… stick figure drawings? Tim’s writing style is playful and personable, but his unique illustrations do a lot of the heavy lifting to make his work so eye-catching and so memorable. Whe
My Favourite Tip: Nick McKenzie - An unusual ice breaker
Among great thinkers, the long walk or run is nothing new. Philosophers, artists, novelists and world leaders have long espoused the value of solitude for working through thorny problems. Award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie is no different. Whether he’s stuck in a tough patch of writing, or trying to figure out his next move in a delicate investigation, running alone often leads to the solution. But Nick doesn’t always run alone. In fact, he’s turned running into one of his fa
My Favourite Tip: Matthew Dicks - The most critical ingredient of a great story
Matthew Dicks is a master storyteller, and he’s just as committed to understanding great stories as he is to crafting them himself. The author, school teacher and writing coach has spent years studying stories, trying to figure out why they impact us so deeply, and searching for the principles that underpin the very best of them. His most important finding: stories are about change over time. Whether it’s an historical epic like War and Peace or the recounting of a single conversation, all gre
Mel Silva shares leadership lessons from inside Google
What does it take to lead one of the world’s most creative and innovative companies? Mel Silva’s been with Google for over 16 years, and now as the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, she’s a pivotal part of fostering the company’s world-famous culture. Mel unpacks the key lessons she’s learned in her many roles with the company, including the lessons she’s learned from her coach, and what she’s learned about herself and her leadership style since becoming a mentor for up-and-comi
My Favourite Tip: Ann Handley - Train your writing muscles every day
You’ve heard it a million times - improving your writing will make you better at just about any job you can think of. But how do you actually improve? How do you hone the craft? Marketing expert and bestselling author Ann Handley dedicates much of her own writing to teaching the craft, and she says the most important component of effective writing is the unique voice of the author. Especially today, when everyone with a social media account is a defacto marketer, and AI writing tools are impr
My Favourite Tip: Melissa Doyle - We are all vital
“We’re all cogs in a wheel,” Melissa Doyle tells her kids. “But we’re all vital…” As one of Australia’s favourite TV presenters, you won’t be surprised to learn Melissa fields a lot of requests for career advice. But at the beginning of her own career, she just wanted to become like the women she admired. She imitated their voices and studied their styles, but quickly realised - she would never truly be like her heroes, because she would always be herself. When she first cried on camera, she wa
My Favourite Tip: Nigel Marsh - Great coaches ask great questions
Nigel Marsh doesn’t suffer fools - even when they pay him! After an enormously successful career in the commercial sector, Nigel’s now a bestselling author, and the host of the hit podcast, Five of My Life, and a highly sought-after executive coach. But his coaching isn’t a walk in the park… The cornerstone of Nigel’s coaching practice is his unique line of questioning: he’s discovered over the course of his career that most people already know what they need to do, whether it’s in their work or
HAPPY FAMILIES CROSSOVER: Practical ways to instantly remove stress from your life
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Happy Families crossover series you’ll learn some low-effort and high-impact ways to remove reoccurring stressors in your life. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. Y
My Favourite Tip: Elise McCann - A different kind of perfect pitch
Workers in the modern age are already changing careers far more frequently than previous generations - but that doesn’t make transitioning any easier, especially when you’re moving into an entirely different field. Elise McCann can confirm: the actor, singer and dancer is one of Australia’s most celebrated performers, but at the height of the pandemic, she decided to try something (very) different. In an effort to make meditation an easier and more accessible practice for everyone, Elise and fe
HAPPY FAMILIES CROSSOVER: Easy ways to make exercise fit into your busy life
Staying healthy doesn’t need to be a pain. In this episode of the Happy Families crossover series you’ll hear some tips and tricks to get exercise into your life in a meaningful way – no matter how busy your home and work schedules are. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting rese
BONUS: How does the Four Day Week actually work? Ask Me Anything
If you’ve listened to How I Work for a while, you’ve definitely heard me talk about the Four Day Week, and how much we love it at Inventium. But if you want to implement the practice at your own organisation, you probably have a lot of questions… Doesn’t a four day week just mean longer working days? Should everyone take the same day off, or is it better to stagger? And of course, how do you know if the practice is suited to your business? In a recent virtual Ask-Me-Anything, I sat down with In
HAPPY FAMILIES CROSSOVER: How to achieve the elusive work-life balance
In this episode of the Happy Families crossover series we cover all things work life balance. Is it even possible in 2023? Yes, but you have to set some strong guidelines and keep them enforced. You’ll get actionable tips to help demarcate your family time starting from today. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work
Mason Cox isn’t your average athlete, and he doesn’t want to be
In case you weren’t already aware - artificial intelligence is well and truly everywhere now. Even professional athletes are speeding up their online interactions with the help of ChatGPT! Or maybe that’s just American-Australian AFL player Mason Cox, who calls himself a mechanical engineer at heart, and who’s always looking for ways to get things done more efficiently. Now that he’s also a podcast host and a passionate advocate for Aussie Rules in the U.S., he needs all the help he can get wit
HAPPY FAMILIES CROSSOVER: How to get a great night's sleep
Who doesn’t love a collaboration? This is the first episode in a four-week crossover series with the popular podcast Happy Families all about how to improve health and wellbeing in your home life. In this episode we talk about why you need to stop treating sleep like a luxury item. We go through why it matters and how to get more of it. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that co
Do therapists take their own advice? Interviewing my mum, Doris Brett
We psychologists tend to lean more on science and statistics when thinking about how best to live our lives… but sometimes numbers and statistics don’t give us the whole, human picture. Sometimes, even the professionals need a good old-fashioned chat with their mums - and that’s exactly what I’ve decided to do! My mum is Doris Imber, a clinical psychologist, award-winning poet, memoirist and children’s author. As fellow psychologists, we dig into some of the advice Doris shares with her patients
Lucy Durack won’t wait for happiness to just happen
Lucy Durack is on the edge of a nervous breakdown… Or at least, that’s how it can sometimes feel on opening night of a new play or musical. If she lets her focus lie on all the production notes, line changes and new stage directions, she’ll collapse into an anxious wreck. But of course, those are all important parts of a performer’s job - so how does she play her part, without falling apart? Over the course of her career, Lucy’s received a wealth of wise advice from the stars who came before h
Mel Schilling shares the advice that changed her career forever
When the smash-hit reality TV show Married At First Sight started airing in Australia, Mel Schilling wasn’t one of its relationship experts - but she was one of its biggest fans. Her husband noticed, and understood why: it was right up her alley as a therapist and dating coach. He told her she should be on the show, and reminded her: if you don’t ask, you don’t get. This piece of advice has stayed with Mel, and it’s still something she shares with clients regularly. Some of her advice is a litt
Christian O’Connell’s mission is to live in the moment
After more than twenty years dominating the radio waves in both the UK and Australia, Christian O’Connell has talked to just about everyone, and they’ve covered just about everything. In order to keep his show exciting and engaging after so many years, Christian himself needs to remain excited and engaged. One way he keeps himself engaged at work is by following in the footsteps of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, who would only ever prepare 75% of a recording, leaving space for the magic o
Writer and podcaster Jessie Stephens is learning how to switch off
If you’ve been anywhere near the internet in the last few years, you’ve almost definitely come across something made by Jessie Stephens. If you’re a podcast junkie, you’ll have heard her on Mamamia Out Loud, or Cancelled. If you’re more of a reader, you’ll find Jessie writing articles about everything from Married At First Sight to the proliferation of gambling ads for Mamamia, for whom she’s also the Executive Editor. Oh, and she’s now a best-selling author, having released her debut book, Hea
My Favourite Tip: Leo Babauta - Write like a software engineer
As the founder of the hugely popular blog, Zen Habits, Leo Babauta’s built a reputation for seeking simplicity in work and in life. So it might be surprising to hear that he often looks to the tech world for inspiration… After looking into the “agile software development” process, Leo realised he didn’t need to hide his creative work from the world until it was completely finished. Watching tech companies release software while it was still in development and then constantly updating it live, Le
Libby Trickett applies the athlete’s mindset to life after the Olympics
It’s hard to imagine a more disciplined and demanding lifestyle than that of a professional athlete. Whether it’s the countless hours of training, the highly regimented eating, or the mounting mental pressure of upcoming competitions, athletes leave little to chance. But what happens when an athlete retires? Which elements of the spartan lifestyle serve them well beyond the area, and which ones are they happy to leave behind? Figuring out this balance has defined much of Libby Trickett’s perso
My Favourite Tip: Patrick Lightbody - Insider tips for mastering your calendar
If you want something done right, do it yourself. Or at least, that’s the approach Patrick Lightbody takes. After years of wrestling with different physical planners and calendar apps, Patrick decided to make his own. So how does someone who designs calendar apps actually use it himself? Well, it begins with the past… Patrick believes that he can’t possibly be oriented towards what matters to him if he’s only looking forwards. Instead, he needs to periodically look back on what he’s already don
My Favourite Tip: Wil Anderson - How to make anything funny
There’s an old story about an aspiring comedian meeting Jerry Seinfeld, and asking his advice on success in the entertainment industry. Seinfeld told the budding comic that great comedy is nothing more than great jokes, so the aim is to get as good as possible at writing jokes - and to get good at anything, you have to do it every day. Australian comedy legend Wil Anderson concurs - and he’s spent a good chunk of time thinking about the creative process behind comedy himself. Wil shares how he
My Favourite Tip: Matt Jones - Design frameworks to foster better decision-making
Why would Four Pillars Gin turn down the opportunity to open another distillery? That’s an important question, because the answer isn’t necessarily obvious. After all, more must be better, right? That depends, and to avoid falling into a never-ending cycle of discussing what it depends on, Four Pillars co-founder Matt Jones and his team have developed a series of frameworks to aid their decision-making. Opening another distillery might service some of some of the company’s goals, but is it the
My Favourite Tip: Hugh Van Cuylenburg - Vulnerability is a speed-boost for connecting with others
Hugh Van Cuylenburg was not having a great time, to say the least. He was already unpopular with his then-pregnant wife for being out of town while she and their children all had COVID (and fair enough, he says!), when a previously minor medical problem unexpectedly became very serious. After some painful injections, he managed to get on stage for a speaking engagement, only to finish his presentation suddenly feeling ill. So, when he finally sat down for a podcast interview with someone he bar
My Favourite Tip: Leo Babauta - Simplicity is a process, not a goal
We all want to simplify our lives, and especially our work lives, and that’s hardly surprising: the modern age is defined by distraction and excess. But Leo Babauta, the founder of Zen Habits, worries that our culture’s desire for simplicity might inadvertently be sending us down the wrong path. Simplicity, Leo says, isn’t about deprivation. When you imagine the simple life, you might picture a monk, or a writer living in a cabin in the woods, but this isn’t the whole picture. Instead, simplici
My Favourite Tip: Sarah Wilson - Harness the magic of hiking for mental clarity
Since publishing her beloved book about anxiety, Sarah Wilson’s been bombarded with questions about its opposite: calm. And her answer is almost always the same - go for a hike! The combination of sustained but not too intense physical activity and the exposure to nature make hiking a uniquely powerful practice. When hiking for at least an hour, you enter an elevated, almost euphoric mental state, which is perfect for creative problem-solving. As Sarah puts it, this state allows the right ideas
My Favourite Tip: Daniel Flynn - Make time for blue-sky thinking
“What the? Thirty companies? I can barely run one!” Daniel Flynn couldn’t believe what he was hearing. As co-founder and managing director of thankyou, Daniel was struggling to keep a cool head, and asked a mentor for some advice. That mentor ran 30 companies, and his advice was that Daniel should clear his calendar for one day a week, every week, and use that day for thinking. Initially, it sounded impossible. How do you remove yourself from the day-to-day work of your company a fifth of the
My Favourite Tip: Tim Urban - Beat procrastination for good, not just for now
Are you actually solving your procrastination problem, or are you just putting duct-tape over it and hoping you’ll stay afloat? Tim Urban, the writer behind the hugely popular blog, Wait But Why, is a self-described master procrastinator. He even delivered a Ted Talk on the topic, and most of the speech was about how long he procrastinated writing the speech! But as a master procrastinator, Tim has a lot of experience beating procrastination. And now his focus is on beating his bad habits for g
My Favourite Tip: The Listies - Better decision-making for business partners
How do you break stalemate with your business partner? If you work alone, everything’s up to you, and if you’ve got three people at the helm, there’s always a decisive vote. But if it’s just you and one other person, how do you deal with a split decision? Comedy duo Rich Higgins and Matt Kelly (better known as The Listies) have realised the only reliable solution to this problem is to introduce a “third voice” in some form. Sometimes, that means a third person - a trusted mutual friend or colle
My Favourite Tip: Patrick Lightbody - How the calendar experts manage their time
You’ve probably heard the old adage, “what gets measured gets managed”, and when it comes to your time, it absolutely holds true. Knowing this, Patrick Lightbody co-founded Reclaim.ai to regain control over his own time, and to help others do the same. Patrick shares some of the most useful calendar hacks he’s come across throughout his career, and they’re all features on the freely available Google Calendar (and most similar calendar apps, too). But before you go and colour-code your calendar
My Favourite Tip: Ada Nicodemou - Switching off is serious work
Ada Nicodemou has just wrapped filming for the day on Home & Away, and she’s feeling anything but relaxed as she gets in the car to drive home. After crying her eyes out in front of her colleagues over and over and over again, her nerves are fried, and her emotions are all over the place. That’s the day-to-day business of being an actor, but Ada’s learned that it doesn’t mesh well with her home life. Whether she needs to re-focus in order to get everyone fed and out the door for soccer prac
Charlotte Rush breaks down Inventium’s culture experiments
Have you heard of the Hybrid Paradox? Since the pandemic, a huge portion of knowledge workers have moved to some form of hybrid working arrangement, whether it’s working from home one day a week, or almost all the time. And there’s been a tonne of benefits: setting our own schedules, working to our bodies’ natural rhythms, greater control of our environment… But do you ever just really, really miss seeing your team every day? That’s the Hybrid Paradox. And at my consultancy, Inventium, we’re l
My Favourite Tip: Eddie Perfect - Build procrastination into the process
I have some bad news: no matter what you’re working on, you’re going to procrastinate at some point. Even if it’s a passion project, nobody can work without breaks forever. So… why not build procrastination into the process right from the start? Singer, songwriter and actor Eddie Perfect has been writing for more than two decades now, and over the years he’s discovered the wisdom behind an odd little tip from one musical theatre’s true titans. Stephen Sondheim advised writers to always work on
Award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie on death threats, confirmation bias and the power of insecurity
What if your insecurity was actually your superpower? While confidence is critical in almost any career, it can be a secret killer for journalists. Nick McKenzie is Australia’s most decorated journalist, and he’s adamant that his natural insecurities are a big part of his success. When so much of his reputation and his competence relies on constant fact-checking and corroboration, there’s no such thing as being too nervous. Nick breaks down his strategies for avoiding confirmation bias, which
My Favourite Tip: Richard Wiseman - What are you giving your audience when you perform?
Why doesn’t psychologist and magician Richard Wiseman perform magic tricks for his friends? Richard says the ‘social contract’ he has with his live audiences is different to the one he has with his friends. A healthy dose of deception is integral to magic, but doesn’t go down so well in a friendship. Thinking this way, considering which ‘social contract’ still applies when Richard’s performing, though. While he’s happy to trick audiences (it’s what they’re paying for!) he also knows the differe
Matthew Dicks teaches you to think and write like a master storyteller
If there’s anything I don’t miss about my school days, it’s homework - and I’ll bet you feel the same. So when my new favourite book on storytelling told me I needed to do “homework for life,” I wasn’t exactly pumped. That is, until author Matthew Dicks explained the benefits. Matthew’s the bestselling author of a slew of novels and non-fiction books, he’s written a rock opera, multiple musicals and even a handful of comic books. So when I read his new book in the hopes of upping my own storyte
My Favourite Tip: Sam Wood - You don’t have to think about it if you do it every day
You’re tackling a huge project - something that’ll take you multiple months, if not years. Maybe you’re writing a book, learning a new skill, or trying to build a workout routine. How often should you work on it? Common sense might suggest you take it easy, space out your sessions, make sure you don’t get burned out. But what if the opposite is true? Exercising every single day sounds like playing the game of fitness on the hardest mode, but health and fitness expert Sam Wood says the ‘every s
Marketing pioneer Ann Handley shares tools, tactics and attitudes that will make you a better writer
When marketing expert and author Ann Handley says everyone should improve their writing skills, she doesn’t mean we should all be turning our email exchanges into florid prose or epic tomes - while better writing absolutely makes for better emails, Ann’s real goal when working on her writing is actually to improve her thinking. After her college professor told her that being a better writer would make her more successful in any field, she put her head down and committed to learning her craft. A
My Favourite Tip: Matt Jones - Don’t underestimate aesthetics
At Four Pillars Gin, they have a mantra: they’re ‘makers, not marketers’. Ironically, they have some of the best marketing in the world! But it’s all about function, according to Co-Founder and Brand Director Matt Jones. If being ‘makers’ is such a big part of the Four Pillars appeal, customers need to get as close to that making process as they can. That’s what aesthetics is all about. Whether you hire people with a great eye for design, or you seek out the best creative partners, you can onl
BEST OF: “Quirkology” Professor Richard Wiseman on using magic to up your public speaking game
**BEST OF 2022** If you know anything about magic, you know a true magician never reveals his secrets. While psychologist and author Richard Wiseman might not share the secrets behind his favourite magic tricks, he’s more than happy to share how magic has made him a better thinker, a better psychologist, and a better public speaker. Richard also shares how focusing more intently on listening has led to some of his most successful outings as an author, and describes his unconventional - and frig
My Favourite Tip: Hugh van Cuylenburg - It all comes back to ‘why’
Hugh van Cuylenburg hangs up the phone - he’s been speaking to his (very) pregnant wife, who’s struggling at home without him. He’s exhausted too, after days and days of back-to-back presentations. Oh, and the AC’s not working. Needless to say, Hugh’s not feeling his best going into this presentation. But a couple of minutes into his speech, he spots a boy in the middle of the audience, and something clicks. Hugh doesn’t know why this particular kid stood out, or if he even really stood out, b
BEST OF: Eric Barker on his Five-Four Rule and deliberate work-life imbalance
**BEST OF 2022** It’s the greatest productivity debate of our time: how do we achieve work-life balance? Or maybe the real debate should be: is work-life balance even possible? Eric Barker, the author of Barking Up the Wrong Tree and now Plays Well With Others, doesn’t think work-life balance is truly achievable. At least, not if you want the best possible results in a given field. The problem, he says, is that most of live an unbalanced life by accident. Because of the internet and the rapidl
My Favourite Tip - Dom Price: Just do one thing
Atlassian’s Dom Price is just like anyone else - some days, he just doesn’t want to get out of bed. The difference is: he stays in bed. After decades of working at breakneck speed, Dom’s learning to listen to the signals his body sends him, and it’s working wonders. But what about when it’s something beyond a bad day? What about when he’s feeling truly burnt out? Dom’s theory is that part of what causes burnout is ‘information obesity’, and one of the best ways to overcome it is with action.
BEST OF: Learning on the job - how Brian Koppelman turned his first movie into a DIY film school
**BEST OF 2022** For productivity geeks like us, the professional writer can become a bit of a mystic figure. When we fantasise about finally perfecting our morning routines, finally clearing out enough time for a fruitful Deep Work session, setting up the ideal workstation - we’re often thinking about a writer. There’s something idyllic about the idea of being a writer: it’s just you, your thoughts, and the blank page. It’s the platonic ideal of knowledge work! But… it’s not that simple. Take B
My Favourite Tip - Catriona Wallace: Avoid bad money
How much is a million-dollar investment worth? If that feels like a trick question, maybe you haven’t come across ‘bad money’ the way Dr Catriona Wallace has. When she was the CEO of Flamingo AI, Catriona received a million-dollar investment offer, but there was a catch: the investors would only hand over the cash if Cat promised to stop wearing a nose ring in public. She said no. Why? Why would you turn down so much money for something seemingly so small? Well, in Cat’s eyes, the money from
BEST OF: Meetup CEO David Siegel teaches you to make better, faster, more purposeful decisions
**BEST OF 2022** David Siegel’s in his third CEO role, and if all his years of experience as a leader have taught him anything, it’s that most people take too long to make a decision. The clearest example: company strategy. When David joined Meetup, he drafted the new company strategy as quickly as possible. At first, that sounds like a pretty irresponsible treatment of such a huge part of the business… but David’s underlying reasoning reveals why we should all speed up a little bit! David teach
My Favourite Tip: Justin Coulson - A three-step plan for powerful presentations
A good presentation can almost feel like alchemy; it requires deep and fascinating subject matter, delivered with confidence and style, and it needs to impart some kind of message. That’s a lot of boxes to check! But therein lies the key: parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson sees just how much audiences need to get out of a keynote, so he puts just as much in. Justin breaks down how evidence, stories and messages work together to create impactful presentations. Connect with Justin at the Happy F
BEST OF: Dan Pink on how the “no regrets” life philosophy misses the point
**BEST OF 2022** There’s a moment in the 2013 comedy movie We’re the Millers that points to how pervasive - and misguided - the “no regrets” life motto has become. A character proudly displays a tattoo that reads, “no rAgrets”, and even more proudly proclaims that he really doesn’t have any regrets. Not even one letter. Bestselling author Dan Pink highlights this scene as a great metaphor for society’s almost comical underappreciation of regret. Dan is an advocate for the transformative power o
My Favourite Tip - Frances Frei and Anne Morriss: Are devices eroding your empathy?
How would you feel if we were in the middle of a conversation and I suddenly started talking to someone else from across the room? Well, that’s exactly what we’re doing whenever we let our phones or laptops drag us down the multi-tasking rabbit hole. Leadership experts Frances Frei and Anne Morriss are hyper-vigilant of their device usage. This makes sense for two people who are devoted to productivity, but that’s not the end of the story. Frances and Anne are also devoted to connections. They
BEST OF: Productivity expert Laura Mae Martin helps you "spring clean" your work habits before returning to the office
**BEST OF 2022** If your job title is “Executive Productivity Advisor for Google,” you probably need a pretty refined definition of productivity, right? And Laura Mae Martin certainly does. But she says it’s equally important that every individual has their own, unique definition of productivity. It’s all too easy to fall into “busy language”, she says. Back-to-back meetings and a three-page to-do-list might make you feel productive, but if you’re not making time for your most important work (an
My Favourite Tip - Dom Price: Are you working on the right time horizon?
Whatever happened to that huge, game-changing project you started working on last year? Or the idea you had a couple of months ago? If you’ve got an ever-lengthening list of unfinished and abandoned pursuits, it’s probably because you’re not prioritising the correct ‘time horizons’, as Atlassian’s Dom Price calls them. The first horizon is the short-term: answering emails, making sales calls, delivering final products - anything that gives you a sense of immediate gratification. And while wins
My Favourite Tip - Dom Price: Are you working on the right time horizon?
Whatever happened to that huge, game-changing project you started working on last year? Or the idea you had a couple of months ago?
If you’ve got an ever-lengthening list of unfinished and abandoned pursuits, it’s probably because you’re not prioritising the correct ‘time horizons’, as Atlassian’s Dom Price calls them. The first horizon is the short-term: answering emails, making sales calls, delivering final products - anything that gives you a sense of immediate gratification.
And while wins
My Favourite Tip - Catriona Wallace: Leading with empathy
Picture this: you’ve just finished an incredibly important presentation. It was dense with crucial information… And you absolutely nailed it.
At the end, one of your colleagues wants to give you some feedback. You thrive on constructive criticism, and welcome the chance to learn. But all he says is: your outfit is too distracting. Your dress is so sparkly it made it difficult to concentrate.
How do you react?
Most of us would blow a gasket - to hear something so overtly sexist and inappropria
Melissa Doyle shares stories of bravery, and practical tips for a purpose-driven career
Melissa Doyle is a picture of professionalism. She’s adamant that even when she had young children, and felt like she hadn’t slept for weeks on end, she never had good cause to complain about her 4am call times as a news presenter. After all, she’d dreamed of being on the news since she was a little girl, and now it was a reality. Plus, she was working with a fiercely focused purpose. Melissa shares how this purpose-drive philosophy helped her through tougher moments in her presenting career, li
My Favourite Tip - Catriona Wallace: Leading with empathy
Picture this: you’ve just finished an incredibly important presentation. It was dense with crucial information… And you absolutely nailed it. At the end, one of your colleagues wants to give you some feedback. You thrive on constructive criticism, and welcome the chance to learn. But all he says is: your outfit is too distracting. Your dress is so sparkly it made it difficult to concentrate. How do you react? Most of us would blow a gasket - to hear something so overtly sexist and inappropriate
My Favourite Tip - Catriona Wallace: Leading with empathy
Picture this: you’ve just finished an incredibly important presentation. It was dense with crucial information… And you absolutely nailed it. At the end, one of your colleagues wants to give you some feedback. You thrive on constructive criticism, and welcome the chance to learn. But all he says is: your outfit is too distracting. Your dress is so sparkly it made it difficult to concentrate. How do you react? Most of us would blow a gasket - to hear something so overtly sexist and inappropriate
Clarity, alignment and momentum with Nigel Marsh
What does success really mean? And more importantly, what does it mean to you? These are big questions, questions that author and executive coach Nigel Marsh says we can’t ignore. In fact, he believes that we can’t reliably achieve anything meaningful if we don’t first answer these questions. Nigel’s mantra is “clarity, alignment, momentum”, and he seeks each in that order. Without clarity and alignment, he says, momentum isn’t just useless - it can actually be destructive. After all, being ever
Clarity, alignment and momentum with Nigel Marsh
What does success really mean? And more importantly, what does it mean to you? These are big questions, questions that author and executive coach Nigel Marsh says we can’t ignore. In fact, he believes that we can’t reliably achieve anything meaningful if we don’t first answer these questions. Nigel’s mantra is “clarity, alignment, momentum”, and he seeks each in that order. Without clarity and alignment, he says, momentum isn’t just useless - it can actually be destructive. After all, being ever
My Favourite Tip: Eric Barker - How the “Book of Me” stops you from fooling yourself
When it comes to productivity, you are your own worst enemy. Nobody knows how to trick you into procrastinating or cutting corners quite like you do. You know all of your own strengths, weaknesses and thought patterns. But if you know yourself better than anyone else does, that also means you are your own best resource for productivity tools, hacks, tips and tactics. Writer Eric Barker knows how important specificity is, especially when it comes to productivity. So while he loves poring over pro
My Favourite Tip: Eric Barker - How the “Book of Me” stops you from fooling yourself
When it comes to productivity, you are your own worst enemy. Nobody knows how to trick you into procrastinating or cutting corners quite like you do. You know all of your own strengths, weaknesses and thought patterns. But if you know yourself better than anyone else does, that also means you are your own best resource for productivity tools, hacks, tips and tactics. Writer Eric Barker knows how important specificity is, especially when it comes to productivity. So while he loves poring over pro
Theatre star Elise McCann on auditioning, time management and founding a tech company
Not long ago, Australian theatre star Elise McCann was struggling. Like everyone else in the entertainment industry, her work ground to a screeching halt early in the pandemic, and she turned to mindfulness and meditation for help. But unfortunately, it wasn’t that easy. Elise’s good friend and fellow actor Lucy Durack was struggling, too. In fact, she felt like she couldn’t even get meditation right: she was listening to guided meditations while changing her baby’s nappies in an effort to fit t
Theatre star Elise McCann on auditioning, time management and founding a tech company
Not long ago, Australian theatre star Elise McCann was struggling. Like everyone else in the entertainment industry, her work ground to a screeching halt early in the pandemic, and she turned to mindfulness and meditation for help. But unfortunately, it wasn’t that easy. Elise’s good friend and fellow actor Lucy Durack was struggling, too. In fact, she felt like she couldn’t even get meditation right: she was listening to guided meditations while changing her baby’s nappies in an effort to fit t
My Favourite Tip: Richard Wiseman - Add a bit of magic to your presentations
Richard Wiseman’s love of magic has improved his work as a psychologist in some unexpected ways. Of course, it’s helpful when he’s conducting experiments or research into the psychology of magic and illusions; but the lessons magic teaches about performance and holding an audience’s attention have been just as valuable. For one thing, Richard never gives away “the answer” too early. If you open your presentation with your findings or big ideas, you have nowhere else to go. Richard instead teases
My Favourite Tip: Richard Wiseman - Add a bit of magic to your presentations
Richard Wiseman’s love of magic has improved his work as a psychologist in some unexpected ways. Of course, it’s helpful when he’s conducting experiments or research into the psychology of magic and illusions; but the lessons magic teaches about performance and holding an audience’s attention have been just as valuable. For one thing, Richard never gives away “the answer” too early. If you open your presentation with your findings or big ideas, you have nowhere else to go. Richard instead teases
Wil Anderson’s on-the-fly creative process
Creation of any kind is so complex - even when we do it ourselves, we sometimes wonder how it even happened. So if creation is so tricky, where do we even start with re-creation? For comedy legend Wil Anderson, the re-creation process is almost the more important one. After all, he only needs to write a show from scratch once, but he needs to recreate that show every single time he steps onto stage. Wil shares how his processes have evolved since his career began 25 years ago, and breaks down wh
Wil Anderson’s on-the-fly creative process
Creation of any kind is so complex - even when we do it ourselves, we sometimes wonder how it even happened. So if creation is so tricky, where do we even start with re-creation? For comedy legend Wil Anderson, the re-creation process is almost the more important one. After all, he only needs to write a show from scratch once, but he needs to recreate that show every single time he steps onto stage. Wil shares how his processes have evolved since his career began 25 years ago, and breaks down wh
My Favourite Tip: Brian Scudamore - Paint a picture of your future
What’s the difference between goals and dreams? For O2E Brands founder and CEO Brian Scudamore, there isn’t one. After entering the hyper-competitive world of entrepreneurship, Brian was disillusioned - he couldn’t help but compare himself to his new peers, who had bigger, more successful businesses. Struggling to stay motivated or excited about the future, Brian turned to his imagination.Debating whether or not to just pack it in and give up, Brian started painting a picture - he wrote feverish
My Favourite Tip: Brian Scudamore - Paint a picture of your future
What’s the difference between goals and dreams? For O2E Brands founder and CEO Brian Scudamore, there isn’t one. After entering the hyper-competitive world of entrepreneurship, Brian was disillusioned - he couldn’t help but compare himself to his new peers, who had bigger, more successful businesses. Struggling to stay motivated or excited about the future, Brian turned to his imagination.Debating whether or not to just pack it in and give up, Brian started painting a picture - he wrote feverish
Leo Babauta teaches you the Zen Habits of simplicity and self-awareness
Is your life too complicated? Sure, work’s always a bit hectic and keeping family life running smoothly is as challenging as ever - but have you noticed that even the ‘good’ stuff can get a bit overwhelming sometimes? Was picking a movie to watch after work on a Friday night always this difficult? Was your closet always so stuffed with items you can’t even remember buying? This is part of what Leo Babauta calls the cycle of expanding and narrowing our focus. When we develop new interests or hobb
Leo Babauta teaches you the Zen Habits of simplicity and self-awareness
Is your life too complicated? Sure, work’s always a bit hectic and keeping family life running smoothly is as challenging as ever - but have you noticed that even the ‘good’ stuff can get a bit overwhelming sometimes? Was picking a movie to watch after work on a Friday night always this difficult? Was your closet always so stuffed with items you can’t even remember buying? This is part of what Leo Babauta calls the cycle of expanding and narrowing our focus. When we develop new interests or hobb
My Favourite Tip - Frances Frei and Anne Morriss: How to build discipline and self-confidence
Want to improve the quality of your thinking? Well, then you need to improve the quality of your writing…Need proof? Look no further than Frances Frei, an author, TED speaker and Professor of Technology and Informations Management at Harvard Business School. Clearly an excellent thinker - but it doesn’t happen by accident. Frances believes writing is the key to unlocking and improving our thinking, and she takes it seriously. She writes draft after draft after draft, continuously shedding flabby
My Favourite Tip - Frances Frei and Anne Morriss: How to build discipline and self-confidence
Want to improve the quality of your thinking? Well, then you need to improve the quality of your writing…Need proof? Look no further than Frances Frei, an author, TED speaker and Professor of Technology and Informations Management at Harvard Business School. Clearly an excellent thinker - but it doesn’t happen by accident. Frances believes writing is the key to unlocking and improving our thinking, and she takes it seriously. She writes draft after draft after draft, continuously shedding flabby
Sarah Wilson wants you to make the beast beautiful - how to turn anxiety into a superpower
Sarah Wilson’s work gives new meaning to the word ‘holistic’. She’s widely known for founding the I Quit Sugar movement, but is also an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, philanthropist and climate change advisor. And somehow - every job’s connected. One of the threads linking everything Sarah does is anxiety. Whether it’s nixing sugar from her diet to promote better mental health, or advocating for more walking, Sarah’s constantly exploring methods for living (and thriving) with anxiety. She s
Sarah Wilson wants you to make the beast beautiful - how to turn anxiety into a superpower
Sarah Wilson’s work gives new meaning to the word ‘holistic’. She’s widely known for founding the I Quit Sugar movement, but is also an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, philanthropist and climate change advisor. And somehow - every job’s connected. One of the threads linking everything Sarah does is anxiety. Whether it’s nixing sugar from her diet to promote better mental health, or advocating for more walking, Sarah’s constantly exploring methods for living (and thriving) with anxiety. She s
My Favourite Tip - Laura Mae Martin: Zero-based calendaring
Do you need to reset? Whether you’re starting at a new company, starting a new position, or just starting a new season in your work-life, an effective reset is the key to hitting the ground running at a new, more efficient pace. For the execs at Google, this is absolutely critical - that’s why they listen to Laura Mae Martin, Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor. Step one: don’t just do what you did last time!When it’s time to reset her calendar, Laura employs a “zero-based” approach, one tha
My Favourite Tip - Laura Mae Martin: Zero-based calendaring
Do you need to reset? Whether you’re starting at a new company, starting a new position, or just starting a new season in your work-life, an effective reset is the key to hitting the ground running at a new, more efficient pace. For the execs at Google, this is absolutely critical - that’s why they listen to Laura Mae Martin, Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor. Step one: don’t just do what you did last time!When it’s time to reset her calendar, Laura employs a “zero-based” approach, one tha
thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn on big ideas, mentorship and purpose-driven culture
You’ve got big ideas… Big dreams for your company… Maybe even for the world! But how do you keep those big dreams and ideas alive on a day-to-day basis? Daniel Flynn knows a thing or two about keeping big ideas alive. He founded thankyou with hopes of ending poverty, and they’re still making moves on this front, more than a decade on. And Daniel says the key is to make time and space for big-picture thinking, even when it feels like your workload wants you to do otherwise. Daniel sets aside one
thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn on big ideas, mentorship and purpose-driven culture
You’ve got big ideas… Big dreams for your company… Maybe even for the world! But how do you keep those big dreams and ideas alive on a day-to-day basis? Daniel Flynn knows a thing or two about keeping big ideas alive. He founded thankyou with hopes of ending poverty, and they’re still making moves on this front, more than a decade on. And Daniel says the key is to make time and space for big-picture thinking, even when it feels like your workload wants you to do otherwise. Daniel sets aside one
My Favourite Tip: Anthony Zaccaria - Start your workweek in a flow state
What do your Mondays look like? Or more importantly, what do they feel like? You might be demolishing your to-do list and running meeting after meeting, but do you feel energised? Do you feel enthusiastic about what you’re doing? If you don’t, it probably doesn’t matter how many items get ticked off your list, because you’re going to run out of steam before you get the meaningful work done. So, what’s the solution? Anthony Zaccaria’s Mondays are sacred - he’s wary of “busy work”, and sets aside
My Favourite Tip: Anthony Zaccaria - Start your workweek in a flow state
What do your Mondays look like? Or more importantly, what do they feel like? You might be demolishing your to-do list and running meeting after meeting, but do you feel energised? Do you feel enthusiastic about what you’re doing? If you don’t, it probably doesn’t matter how many items get ticked off your list, because you’re going to run out of steam before you get the meaningful work done. So, what’s the solution? Anthony Zaccaria’s Mondays are sacred - he’s wary of “busy work”, and sets aside
Tim Urban on seeing the bigger picture and beating procrastination
You think you’ve got a procrastination problem? TIm Urban, the man behind the sensationally popular blog Wait But Why reckons he might have you covered. He’s so well-acquainted with procrastination, in fact, that he gave a TED talk on the topic… And finalised it at the last minute. However, for a self-proclaimed master procrastinator, Tim sure gets a lot done. And thankfully, among the many, many articles he’s written are some antidotes for the serial procrastinator. Tim shares his process for r
Tim Urban on seeing the bigger picture and beating procrastination
You think you’ve got a procrastination problem? TIm Urban, the man behind the sensationally popular blog Wait But Why reckons he might have you covered. He’s so well-acquainted with procrastination, in fact, that he gave a TED talk on the topic… And finalised it at the last minute. However, for a self-proclaimed master procrastinator, Tim sure gets a lot done. And thankfully, among the many, many articles he’s written are some antidotes for the serial procrastinator. Tim shares his process for r
My Favourite Tip: Katy Milkman - Copy and paste what your most productive mates do
We all have that ONE friend - that friend who somehow manages to get into the gym every morning, crush her workday, hang out with her family, and read the kinds of books you’ve had on your “to-read” list for years. All without breaking a sweat. How do they do it? Well, that’s exactly the question author, economist and Wharton professor Katy Milkman wants you to ask. Research shows that when we tackle the same projects or goals alongside a friend or colleague, we’re more likely to succeed. And if
My Favourite Tip: Katy Milkman - Copy and paste what your most productive mates do
We all have that ONE friend - that friend who somehow manages to get into the gym every morning, crush her workday, hang out with her family, and read the kinds of books you’ve had on your “to-read” list for years. All without breaking a sweat. How do they do it? Well, that’s exactly the question author, economist and Wharton professor Katy Milkman wants you to ask. Research shows that when we tackle the same projects or goals alongside a friend or colleague, we’re more likely to succeed. And if
Respecting your craft and your audience with kids comedy duo The Listies
Imagine trying to hold the attention of a child for a full, uninterrupted hour. Now imagine trying to hold the attention of a whole theatre full of them!If it seems impossible, comedy duo Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly (AKA The Listies) have proven the opposite. And they’ve managed to do it while keeping adults equally entertained. Rich and Matt share their process for bringing a full show to life, from inception to performance, as well as their philosophy for making art for kids.They also recou
Respecting your craft and your audience with kids comedy duo The Listies
Imagine trying to hold the attention of a child for a full, uninterrupted hour. Now imagine trying to hold the attention of a whole theatre full of them!If it seems impossible, comedy duo Richard Higgins and Matt Kelly (AKA The Listies) have proven the opposite. And they’ve managed to do it while keeping adults equally entertained. Rich and Matt share their process for bringing a full show to life, from inception to performance, as well as their philosophy for making art for kids.They also recou
My Favourite Tip: Mamamia Out Loud - If you can help it, don’t get cancelled!
How do you talk about big issues, on the internet, without getting cancelled? In our modern information age, most of our most heated and important debates happen online, whether it’s through blogs, comment sections, YouTube videos or podcasts. While this unprecedented level of access to almost anyone’s opinions might’ve sounded like a dream to the tech-heads of yesteryear… Well, you probably know it’s not quite the dream we thought it might be. Sadly, all that access has a downside. Whether it’s
My Favourite Tip: Mamamia Out Loud - If you can help it, don’t get cancelled!
How do you talk about big issues, on the internet, without getting cancelled? In our modern information age, most of our most heated and important debates happen online, whether it’s through blogs, comment sections, YouTube videos or podcasts. While this unprecedented level of access to almost anyone’s opinions might’ve sounded like a dream to the tech-heads of yesteryear… Well, you probably know it’s not quite the dream we thought it might be. Sadly, all that access has a downside. Whether it’s
Turn your calendar into a virtual assistant with Reclaim co-founder Patrick Lightbody
Most people who can hire EA’s or personal assistants struggle with the decision - especially if you’ve never had one before, it can feel like a luxury more than a necessity. That is, until you take the plunge, and see how much more you can get done with the right assistant on your team!But what if you’re not in a position to hire someone? Well, it turns out you don’t have to miss out on the productivity boost - you just need to learn the lesser-known features of your digital calendar, and make t
Turn your calendar into a virtual assistant with Reclaim co-founder Patrick Lightbody
Most people who can hire EA’s or personal assistants struggle with the decision - especially if you’ve never had one before, it can feel like a luxury more than a necessity. That is, until you take the plunge, and see how much more you can get done with the right assistant on your team!But what if you’re not in a position to hire someone? Well, it turns out you don’t have to miss out on the productivity boost - you just need to learn the lesser-known features of your digital calendar, and make t
My Favourite Tip - Eric Barker: How to use the five-hour timer
How much deep work do you get done on the average work day? And I mean DEEP work - completely focused, distraction-free work… An hour? Two?Author Eric Barker does five. Yep, five - every single day. But how does he know for sure? Eric uses a simple countdown timer every day to track his most important work: the kind of work that doesn’t allow for a quick email check or a scroll through Instagram.When he gets up to go to the bathroom, he pauses the timer. When he needs to check email, he pauses t
My Favourite Tip - Eric Barker: How to use the five-hour timer
How much deep work do you get done on the average work day? And I mean DEEP work - completely focused, distraction-free work… An hour? Two?Author Eric Barker does five. Yep, five - every single day. But how does he know for sure? Eric uses a simple countdown timer every day to track his most important work: the kind of work that doesn’t allow for a quick email check or a scroll through Instagram.When he gets up to go to the bathroom, he pauses the timer. When he needs to check email, he pauses t
Home & Away star Ada Nicodemou gives you a sneak peek into the life of a working actor
Stability might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the priorities of a working actor. But for Ada Nicodemou, she’s sought out and found exactly that in Home & Away. As a mother, the stereotypically chaotic and categorically unstable life of an actor has never been the right fit for Ada. Thankfully, though, her now two-decade tenure on Home & Away has provided her with a sense of security and routine almost impossible to find elsewhere in the industry.So what does that ro
Home & Away star Ada Nicodemou gives you a sneak peek into the life of a working actor
Stability might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the priorities of a working actor. But for Ada Nicodemou, she’s sought out and found exactly that in Home & Away. As a mother, the stereotypically chaotic and categorically unstable life of an actor has never been the right fit for Ada. Thankfully, though, her now two-decade tenure on Home & Away has provided her with a sense of security and routine almost impossible to find elsewhere in the industry.So what does
My Favourite Tip: Brian Koppelman - Morning pages and other ways to kickstart your workday
You’ve heard it a million times by now: you need to start meditating. Maybe you’ve tried, like I have, but it just won’t stick. Maybe you can’t sit still for longer than five minutes, or maybe the whole thing feels a bit too woo-woo. If the latter is true, “Morning Pages” might sound like more of the same. But listening to Brian Koppelman break down his morning rituals, “woo-woo” definitely doesn’t come to mind. After beginning his career in the music industry before becoming an enormously succe
My Favourite Tip: Brian Koppelman - Morning pages and other ways to kickstart your workday
You’ve heard it a million times by now: you need to start meditating. Maybe you’ve tried, like I have, but it just won’t stick. Maybe you can’t sit still for longer than five minutes, or maybe the whole thing feels a bit too woo-woo. If the latter is true, “Morning Pages” might sound like more of the same. But listening to Brian Koppelman break down his morning rituals, “woo-woo” definitely doesn’t come to mind. After beginning his career in the music industry before becoming an enormously succe
Eddie Perfect breaks down his songwriting process
Picture this: you’ve been invited to pop icon Bjork’s Big Day Out afterparty. You rock up to her trailer and dance music’s pumping. You step inside and everyone’s having a grand old time, including Bjork herself, who’s posted up behind a set of turntables, grooving to the music. You figure you should congratulate her on a great set, but when you get closer, you notice… She’s got black gaff tape across her mouth?It’s a bit weird, sure, but according to one of Australia’s most successful music exp
Eddie Perfect breaks down his songwriting process
Picture this: you’ve been invited to pop icon Bjork’s Big Day Out afterparty. You rock up to her trailer and dance music’s pumping. You step inside and everyone’s having a grand old time, including Bjork herself, who’s posted up behind a set of turntables, grooving to the music. You figure you should congratulate her on a great set, but when you get closer, you notice… She’s got black gaff tape across her mouth?It’s a bit weird, sure, but according to one of Australia’s most successful music exp
My Favourite Tip: David Siegel - Great decision making starts with great people
What’s the first question you ask yourself or your team when you need to make a big decision? Do you double-check your processes, weigh out the pros and cons? Meetup CEO David Siegel wants you to ask one question before any others when it comes to important decisions: ask yourself, ‘is this a trapdoor decision?’Trapdoor decisions are irreversible - once you’ve made the call, it can’t be unmade. Scary stuff! But David believes trapdoor decisions are far, far less common than most of us realise. H
My Favourite Tip: David Siegel - Great decision making starts with great people
What’s the first question you ask yourself or your team when you need to make a big decision? Do you double-check your processes, weigh out the pros and cons? Meetup CEO David Siegel wants you to ask one question before any others when it comes to important decisions: ask yourself, ‘is this a trapdoor decision?’Trapdoor decisions are irreversible - once you’ve made the call, it can’t be unmade. Scary stuff! But David believes trapdoor decisions are far, far less common than most of us realise. H
BEST OF: Fresh starts, commitment devices and collaboration – changing for the better with Katy Milkman
You know what it’s like when you move house – you’re tripping over boxes for weeks, eating takeout on the floor while you wait for that new dining table to arrive, and lamenting that the rest of the world – including work – doesn’t take a pause while you get your life in order. We’ve all been there, but have you ever used that moment of chaos as the trigger to start writing a book?It sounds insane – and as someone who’s been working on a new book for some time now, I feel certified to call it th
BEST OF: Fresh starts, commitment devices and collaboration – changing for the better with Katy Milkman
You know what it’s like when you move house – you’re tripping over boxes for weeks, eating takeout on the floor while you wait for that new dining table to arrive, and lamenting that the rest of the world – including work – doesn’t take a pause while you get your life in order. We’ve all been there, but have you ever used that moment of chaos as the trigger to start writing a book?It sounds insane – and as someone who’s been working on a new book for some time now, I feel certified to call it th
My Favourite Tip: Janice Lintz - The ‘rule of fours’ for contacting people you admire
You value your time pretty highly, right? That’s part of why you listen to How I Work - you’re trying to get the most out of what precious time you have, whether it’s a matter of getting more done when you’re in the office, or freeing yourself from distraction when you’re with your family. So you’d hope others value your time just as much - and therefore, you need to show others how much you value their time, especially if you’re hoping to use some of it. This is the underlying principle in all
My Favourite Tip: Janice Lintz - The ‘rule of fours’ for contacting people you admire
You value your time pretty highly, right? That’s part of why you listen to How I Work - you’re trying to get the most out of what precious time you have, whether it’s a matter of getting more done when you’re in the office, or freeing yourself from distraction when you’re with your family. So you’d hope others value your time just as much - and therefore, you need to show others how much you value their time, especially if you’re hoping to use some of it. This is the underlying principle in all
Fitness expert Sam Wood on evening routines, the “every day” rule, and his hours of power
Exercising every single day sounds like playing the game of fitness on the hardest mode, doesn’t it? It sounds like the kind of regime only the ultra-disciplined, shredded-to-the-teeth among us can ever truly achieve. But… what if it was actually the easier option? Sam Wood, founder of Australia’s number-one home fitness program, 28, exercises every day. But it’s not because he’s some kind of workout robot - it’s because it’s the simple approach: it’s the decision that eliminates a thousand deci
Fitness expert Sam Wood on evening routines, the “every day” rule, and his hours of power
Exercising every single day sounds like playing the game of fitness on the hardest mode, doesn’t it? It sounds like the kind of regime only the ultra-disciplined, shredded-to-the-teeth among us can ever truly achieve. But… what if it was actually the easier option? Sam Wood, founder of Australia’s number-one home fitness program, 28, exercises every day. But it’s not because he’s some kind of workout robot - it’s because it’s the simple approach: it’s the decision that eliminates a thousand deci
My Favourite Tip: Dan Pink - The unexpected secret to great storytelling
Whether you’re pitching to your close-knit project team over Zoom, presenting as a keynote speaker to a packed conference hall, or writing an entire book, great stories are at the heart of any effective communication. And no modern non-fiction author spins a better yarn than Dan Pink, the man behind bestsellers like When: The Scientific Secrets of Timing and more recently, The Power of Regret. The psychology of regret and its many incarnations might sound like dense reading, but Dan proves it do
My Favourite Tip: Dan Pink - The unexpected secret to great storytelling
Whether you’re pitching to your close-knit project team over Zoom, presenting as a keynote speaker to a packed conference hall, or writing an entire book, great stories are at the heart of any effective communication. And no modern non-fiction author spins a better yarn than Dan Pink, the man behind bestsellers like When: The Scientific Secrets of Timing and more recently, The Power of Regret. The psychology of regret and its many incarnations might sound like dense reading, but Dan proves it do
Parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson says there’s more to life than “reaching our potential”
What do you actually want from life? It seems like a pretty simple question, but if it’s not properly understood, it could lead you and your family down a very complicated path. When parenting expert Justin Coulson asks this question of clients, readers and audiences, he’s always met with the same response. First, he gets blank faces - most of the time, we’re too busy trying to keep the household afloat to sit and ponder our ideals. But when Justin frames the question around parenting specifical
Parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson says there’s more to life than “reaching our potential”
What do you actually want from life? It seems like a pretty simple question, but if it’s not properly understood, it could lead you and your family down a very complicated path. When parenting expert Justin Coulson asks this question of clients, readers and audiences, he’s always met with the same response. First, he gets blank faces - most of the time, we’re too busy trying to keep the household afloat to sit and ponder our ideals. But when Justin frames the question around parenting specifical
My Favourite Tip: Darius Foroux - Invert the question and figure out what not to do
We all want to be successful, and as a How I Work listener, you’re actively looking for tools, tips and tricks that’ll get you there. You’re seeking out the best modern minds and trying to understand what’s made them successful. Good on you! But before you celebrate, you might need to consider the complete opposite approach…Darius Foroux writes books, articles and blog posts for people who want to keep growing wiser and wealthier - so he’s spent a lot of time thinking, reading and writing about
My Favourite Tip: Darius Foroux - Invert the question and figure out what not to do
We all want to be successful, and as a How I Work listener, you’re actively looking for tools, tips and tricks that’ll get you there. You’re seeking out the best modern minds and trying to understand what’s made them successful. Good on you! But before you celebrate, you might need to consider the complete opposite approach…Darius Foroux writes books, articles and blog posts for people who want to keep growing wiser and wealthier - so he’s spent a lot of time thinking, reading and writing about
Just the right amount of mirror-time with Those Two Girls, Lise Carlaw & Sarah Wills
If you were anything like me as a kid, you had your fair share of idols, and the majority of them spoke to you through the covers of magazines. If you were a little girl, most of those idols were probably fashion models. Beautiful, immaculately dressed and impossibly cool, we’ve all wished at one point or another that we could be just like those models.Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills, otherwise known as Those Two Girls, or the hosts of the Forty podcast, lived that dream. The only thing is… it wasn’
Just the right amount of mirror-time with Those Two Girls, Lise Carlaw & Sarah Wills
If you were anything like me as a kid, you had your fair share of idols, and the majority of them spoke to you through the covers of magazines. If you were a little girl, most of those idols were probably fashion models. Beautiful, immaculately dressed and impossibly cool, we’ve all wished at one point or another that we could be just like those models.Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills, otherwise known as Those Two Girls, or the hosts of the Forty podcast, lived that dream. The only thing is… it wasn’
My Favourite Tip: Katy Milkman - Join or start your own “No Club”
In the internet era, there’s an infinite number of opportunities, information, activities and events we could get involved with, which is great… But there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and when you say “yes” to anything, you’re also saying “no” to something else.So how do you decide what to say “no” to, and just as crucially, how do you say “no” when it’s really hard? Whether you’re a people-pleaser or you just want to do a bit of everything, turning down an opportunity - even when you know y
My Favourite Tip: Katy Milkman - Join or start your own “No Club”
In the internet era, there’s an infinite number of opportunities, information, activities and events we could get involved with, which is great… But there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and when you say “yes” to anything, you’re also saying “no” to something else.So how do you decide what to say “no” to, and just as crucially, how do you say “no” when it’s really hard? Whether you’re a people-pleaser or you just want to do a bit of everything, turning down an opportunity - even when you know y
Four Pillars Gin Co-Founder Matt Jones wants you to obsess over aesthetics
Three men walk into a bar, and see a huge gap in the market - while wine, whiskey and beer were all receiving the craft treatment, gin was largely being ignored. And even better, these three men lived in Australia, and knew the land down under was the perfect place to create not just great gin, but the world’s best gin. Matt Jones, one of the three co-founders of Four Pillars Gin, is also the Brand Director, and brought to the new company decades of experience in marketing and branding. Matt sha
Four Pillars Gin Co-Founder Matt Jones wants you to obsess over aesthetics
Three men walk into a bar, and see a huge gap in the market - while wine, whiskey and beer were all receiving the craft treatment, gin was largely being ignored. And even better, these three men lived in Australia, and knew the land down under was the perfect place to create not just great gin, but the world’s best gin. Matt Jones, one of the three co-founders of Four Pillars Gin, is also the Brand Director, and brought to the new company decades of experience in marketing and branding. Matt sha
My Favourite Tip: Zoe Chance - How asking one magic question can lead to positive change
What makes a great question? Well, it depends on what you’re trying to figure out. Are you interviewing someone for a job, or on TV? Are you asking someone on a date? Are you trying to learn something? Whatever it is, you probably have an answer, a solution or a direction in mind when you ask a question. That’s great, but it’s not always the path to the best outcome. Zoe Chance, author of Influence is Your Superpower and a professor at the Yale School of Management, prefers to ask a question tha
My Favourite Tip: Zoe Chance - How asking one magic question can lead to positive change
What makes a great question? Well, it depends on what you’re trying to figure out. Are you interviewing someone for a job, or on TV? Are you asking someone on a date? Are you trying to learn something? Whatever it is, you probably have an answer, a solution or a direction in mind when you ask a question. That’s great, but it’s not always the path to the best outcome. Zoe Chance, author of Influence is Your Superpower and a professor at the Yale School of Management, prefers to ask a question tha
Hugh Van Cuylenburg demonstrates how a strong purpose fuels strong actions
What does it take to make someone give up on their dream? Which straw breaks the camel’s back? For Hugh Van Cuylenburg, a simple but critical mistake in his calendar almost spelt the end of The Resilience Project before it’d truly begun. But it didn’t. Why not? Where did Hugh find the strength to keep pursuing his goals, even after messing up the best opportunity he’d ever had? Hugh’s a master storyteller, with no shortage of material. He shares which moments in his life turned out to be make-or
Hugh Van Cuylenburg demonstrates how a strong purpose fuels strong actions
What does it take to make someone give up on their dream? Which straw breaks the camel’s back? For Hugh Van Cuylenburg, a simple but critical mistake in his calendar almost spelt the end of The Resilience Project before it’d truly begun. But it didn’t. Why not? Where did Hugh find the strength to keep pursuing his goals, even after messing up the best opportunity he’d ever had? Hugh’s a master storyteller, with no shortage of material. He shares which moments in his life turned out to be make-or
My Favourite Tip: Ruth Gotian - The delicate art of finding a mentor
Where do you go when you need career guidance? Maybe the right book or video or article can help, but what about when your questions are more specific? What about when you’re in a truly unique situation, and you just can’t figure out the next step - the right direction for you?Well, maybe it’s time to find a mentor! But before you go cold-emailing all the top thinkers in your industry, you might need to check some of your assumptions about mentorship… Enter Dr. Ruth Gotian, leadership expert, au
My Favourite Tip: Ruth Gotian - The delicate art of finding a mentor
Where do you go when you need career guidance? Maybe the right book or video or article can help, but what about when your questions are more specific? What about when you’re in a truly unique situation, and you just can’t figure out the next step - the right direction for you?Well, maybe it’s time to find a mentor! But before you go cold-emailing all the top thinkers in your industry, you might need to check some of your assumptions about mentorship… Enter Dr. Ruth Gotian, leadership expert, au
Atlassian’s Dom Price wants you to up your communication game by designing a “working agreement”
Have you heard praise showered on the concept of being a “lifelong learner”? You might’ve missed it in school, but our kids’ generation are reminded everyday that learning should continue far beyond the classroom. And if you didn’t hear it in school or in parent-teacher conferences, you’ve surely heard it at work by now. But what does it actually mean, and how do you become a lifelong learner yourself? Enter Dom Price, Atlassian’s Work Futurist and a celebrated keynote speaker. Given his title,
Atlassian’s Dom Price wants you to up your communication game by designing a “working agreement”
Have you heard praise showered on the concept of being a “lifelong learner”? You might’ve missed it in school, but our kids’ generation are reminded everyday that learning should continue far beyond the classroom. And if you didn’t hear it in school or in parent-teacher conferences, you’ve surely heard it at work by now. But what does it actually mean, and how do you become a lifelong learner yourself? Enter Dom Price, Atlassian’s Work Futurist and a celebrated keynote speaker. Given his title,
My Favourite Tip: Jordan Calhoun - Make your devices work for you, not against you
Trying to call Jordan Calhoun, Editor in Chief at Lifehacker, isn’t easy. Trust me - I’ve tried!Jordan simply doesn’t take chances when it comes to his attention and his productivity. While it might be slightly tedious to have to pre-organise every phone call ahead of time, it’s more than worth it when it means your attention is entirely under your control. Jordan shares his step-by-step process for ensuring his phone and computer only command his attention when he wants them to, and breaks down
My Favourite Tip: Jordan Calhoun - Make your devices work for you, not against you
Trying to call Jordan Calhoun, Editor in Chief at Lifehacker, isn’t easy. Trust me - I’ve tried!Jordan simply doesn’t take chances when it comes to his attention and his productivity. While it might be slightly tedious to have to pre-organise every phone call ahead of time, it’s more than worth it when it means your attention is entirely under your control. Jordan shares his step-by-step process for ensuring his phone and computer only command his attention when he wants them to, and breaks down
Dr Catriona Wallace’s million-dollar nose ring and what it taught her about running a business
Would you say no to a million dollars? Imagine if your business was minutes away from securing a huge investment boost, only for the founder to turn it down. What could possibly make her say no to such a big payday? A nose ring. Dr Catriona Wallace founded Flamingo AI, which became only the second women-led company to list on the ASX, and she takes money seriously. She explains how some investors inject “bad money” into your business, and teases out the most important lessons she’s learned about
Dr Catriona Wallace’s million-dollar nose ring and what it taught her about running a business
Would you say no to a million dollars? Imagine if your business was minutes away from securing a huge investment boost, only for the founder to turn it down. What could possibly make her say no to such a big payday? A nose ring. Dr Catriona Wallace founded Flamingo AI, which became only the second women-led company to list on the ASX, and she takes money seriously. She explains how some investors inject “bad money” into your business, and teases out the most important lessons she’s learned about
My Favourite Tip: Evernote Founder Phil Libin - The difference between ‘difficult’ and ‘uncomfortable’ decisions
When you get right down to it, being a leader is ultimately all about being a decision-maker. Everything from hiring a team to devising a business strategy is built on your ability to make all kinds of decisions. So if you’re a leader, and you want to be a better one, you need to learn how to make better decisions. For Phil Libin, cofounder of Evernote and mmhmm, this process began with introspection - in particular, Phil wanted to understand what a “difficult” decision actually is, and in the
My Favourite Tip: Evernote Founder Phil Libin - The difference between ‘difficult’ and ‘uncomfortable’ decisions
When you get right down to it, being a leader is ultimately all about being a decision-maker. Everything from hiring a team to devising a business strategy is built on your ability to make all kinds of decisions. So if you’re a leader, and you want to be a better one, you need to learn how to make better decisions. For Phil Libin, cofounder of Evernote and mmhmm, this process began with introspection - in particular, Phil wanted to understand what a “difficult” decision actually is, and in the
This is how I wrote Time Wise
If you’re a frequent How I Work listener, you’ve probably noticed how frequently I’ve been asking guests for specific advice on tackling big projects, developing focus, and writing. And it’s because writing a book, no matter how many times you do it, is really difficult! But thanks to this show, I have first-hand access to some of the sharpest minds of our day, and I want to share that access with you. I talk to Charlotte Rush, Inventium’s Head of New Product Development, about the process of wr
This is how I wrote Time Wise
If you’re a frequent How I Work listener, you’ve probably noticed how frequently I’ve been asking guests for specific advice on tackling big projects, developing focus, and writing. And it’s because writing a book, no matter how many times you do it, is really difficult! But thanks to this show, I have first-hand access to some of the sharpest minds of our day, and I want to share that access with you. I talk to Charlotte Rush, Inventium’s Head of New Product Development, about the process of wr
My Favourite Tip: Michael Bungay Stanier - How to build an ‘operating manual’ for collaboration
Collaboration can be a pretty volatile part of work… working alongside great people can make even the most mind-numbingly boring tasks feel like pure play - but when you don’t gel with a particular team, even a passion project can become a drag. So how do you make sure you’re collaborating with the right people? And collaborating the right way? Author and coaching expert Michael Bungay Stanier wants you to have these conversations before you even start working with a new collaborator. Before any
My Favourite Tip: Michael Bungay Stanier - How to build an ‘operating manual’ for collaboration
Collaboration can be a pretty volatile part of work… working alongside great people can make even the most mind-numbingly boring tasks feel like pure play - but when you don’t gel with a particular team, even a passion project can become a drag. So how do you make sure you’re collaborating with the right people? And collaborating the right way? Author and coaching expert Michael Bungay Stanier wants you to have these conversations before you even start working with a new collaborator. Before any
“Quirkology” Professor Richard Wiseman on using magic to up your public speaking game
If you know anything about magic, you know a true magician never reveals his secrets. While psychologist and author Richard Wiseman might not share the secrets behind his favourite magic tricks, he’s more than happy to share how magic has made him a better thinker, a better psychologist, and a better public speaker. Richard also shares how focusing more intently on listening has led to some of his most successful outings as an author, and describes his unconventional - and frightening - method f
“Quirkology” Professor Richard Wiseman on using magic to up your public speaking game
If you know anything about magic, you know a true magician never reveals his secrets. While psychologist and author Richard Wiseman might not share the secrets behind his favourite magic tricks, he’s more than happy to share how magic has made him a better thinker, a better psychologist, and a better public speaker. Richard also shares how focusing more intently on listening has led to some of his most successful outings as an author, and describes his unconventional - and frightening - method f
My Favourite Tip: Taylor Jacobson - Use technology to find an accountability partner
Did you ever have a great study buddy? Someone in high school or university who made those long sessions on the books a little less punishing? What did that person actually do? Were they giving you tips? Or was it enough to just have them… there? I know I work with a whole lot more concentration and energy when my teammates are around. And Taylor Jacobson does too - he had such a great study buddy in college that he turned the experience into a company. Taylor explains how Focusmate works, and c
My Favourite Tip: Taylor Jacobson - Use technology to find an accountability partner
Did you ever have a great study buddy? Someone in high school or university who made those long sessions on the books a little less punishing? What did that person actually do? Were they giving you tips? Or was it enough to just have them… there? I know I work with a whole lot more concentration and energy when my teammates are around. And Taylor Jacobson does too - he had such a great study buddy in college that he turned the experience into a company. Taylor explains how Focusmate works, and c
Anything you can imagine: how 1800-GOT-JUNK CEO Brian Scudamore turns visions into reality
All entrepreneurs get things wrong; it comes with the territory. But great entrepreneurs love getting things wrong, because it means they’re learning. Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of O2E (which includes brands such as 1800-GOT-JUNK and Shack Shine), is no different, and as tough as the pandemic was, he still sees it as an invaluable learning opportunity. One of O2E’s iconic practices is its enormous, company-wide “huddle”, in which all employees gather in one giant room for seven minutes eve
Anything you can imagine: how 1800-GOT-JUNK CEO Brian Scudamore turns visions into reality
All entrepreneurs get things wrong; it comes with the territory. But great entrepreneurs love getting things wrong, because it means they’re learning. Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of O2E (which includes brands such as 1800-GOT-JUNK and Shack Shine), is no different, and as tough as the pandemic was, he still sees it as an invaluable learning opportunity. One of O2E’s iconic practices is its enormous, company-wide “huddle”, in which all employees gather in one giant room for seven minutes eve
Transform fear into excitement with this simple question
Think back to something… scary. Intimidating. Something you signed up for and thought was a great idea in the moment, but that grew more and more unnerving as it grew closer. Maybe it was an athletic endeavour, an overseas adventure, or a serious stretch goal at work. If you asked friends for advice as the big day crept ever closer, they probably asked you the classic question: “What’s the worst that could happen?” And for a second, you might’ve calmed down. You might’ve remembered the big event
Transform fear into excitement with this simple question
Think back to something… scary. Intimidating. Something you signed up for and thought was a great idea in the moment, but that grew more and more unnerving as it grew closer. Maybe it was an athletic endeavour, an overseas adventure, or a serious stretch goal at work. If you asked friends for advice as the big day crept ever closer, they probably asked you the classic question: “What’s the worst that could happen?” And for a second, you might’ve calmed down. You might’ve remembered the big event
Penguin Random House’s Izzy Yates on taking a book from concept to shelves
Taking on a long-term project can be incredibly daunting, and writing Time Wise was no different! Thankfully, I had Izzy Yates by my side every step of the way to make sure my book would not only cross the finish line, but do so in better shape than I could’ve ever expected. Izzy’s the Head of the Penguin Publishing Lab at Penguin Random House Australia & New Zealand, assessing and overseeing a tonne of books every year, including mine. She breaks down what makes a great book proposal stand out,
Penguin Random House’s Izzy Yates on taking a book from concept to shelves
Taking on a long-term project can be incredibly daunting, and writing Time Wise was no different! Thankfully, I had Izzy Yates by my side every step of the way to make sure my book would not only cross the finish line, but do so in better shape than I could’ve ever expected. Izzy’s the Head of the Penguin Publishing Lab at Penguin Random House Australia & New Zealand, assessing and overseeing a tonne of books every year, including mine. She breaks down what makes a great book proposal stand
A simple numbers trick to make networking easier
If you’re anything like me, networking feels like a necessary evil at best, and an overwhelming nightmare more often than not! But it doesn’t have to be that way. In an extract from my new book, Time Wise, I share a simple trick I learned from Marissa King that’s helped me return to in-person events with a newfound confidence - even when I don’t know a single other person when I arrive. Marissa’s a Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Yale School of Management and has spent fifteen years res
A simple numbers trick to make networking easier
If you’re anything like me, networking feels like a necessary evil at best, and an overwhelming nightmare more often than not! But it doesn’t have to be that way. In an extract from my new book, Time Wise, I share a simple trick I learned from Marissa King that’s helped me return to in-person events with a newfound confidence - even when I don’t know a single other person when I arrive. Marissa’s a Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Yale School of Management and has spent fifteen years res
Your Favourite Tip: Katy Milkman - You don’t need to go it alone to say “no”
In the final installment of this listeners’ choice series, we go back to one of the toughest challenges facing knowledge workers today: saying no. In the internet era, there’s an infinite number of opportunities, information, activities and events we could get involved with, which is great… But there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and when you say “yes” to anything, you’re also saying “no” to something else. So how do you decide what to say “no” to, and just as crucially, how do you say “no” w
Your Favourite Tip: Katy Milkman - You don’t need to go it alone to say “no”
In the final installment of this listeners’ choice series, we go back to one of the toughest challenges facing knowledge workers today: saying no. In the internet era, there’s an infinite number of opportunities, information, activities and events we could get involved with, which is great… But there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and when you say “yes” to anything, you’re also saying “no” to something else. So how do you decide what to say “no” to, and just as crucially, how do you say “no” w
Your Favourite Tip: Cal Newport - A great to-do list is nothing without great execution
I’m calling it: the to-do list is the most misunderstood concept in our working lives, and in productivity in general. Of course, they’re super important - in fact, they’re so central to our work today that even if you don’t physically or digitally write one down, you’ve still got some version of a to-do list knocking around your noggin.So what do we all get wrong about them? Well, most of us are pretty good at knowing what we need to do, but if that was the whole game, no one would need a show
Your Favourite Tip: Cal Newport - A great to-do list is nothing without great execution
I’m calling it: the to-do list is the most misunderstood concept in our working lives, and in productivity in general. Of course, they’re super important - in fact, they’re so central to our work today that even if you don’t physically or digitally write one down, you’ve still got some version of a to-do list knocking around your noggin.So what do we all get wrong about them? Well, most of us are pretty good at knowing what we need to do, but if that was the whole game, no one would need a show
Your Favourite Tip: Turia Pitt - How changing one word can motivate you to do anything
“If you love your work, you’ll never work a day in your life.” A nice sentiment, but unfortunately, completely false. My source? Me! As someone who loves my work, I can tell you that I’m not skipping through the office with a cheesy grin on my face all day, every day. So how do you learn to enjoy more of what you do? Whether you’re in a job you love but you have to endure some pretty tedious admin, or you’re working in a place you don’t really gel with, there’s gotta be a way to lean in and lear
Your Favourite Tip: Turia Pitt - How changing one word can motivate you to do anything
“If you love your work, you’ll never work a day in your life.” A nice sentiment, but unfortunately, completely false. My source? Me! As someone who loves my work, I can tell you that I’m not skipping through the office with a cheesy grin on my face all day, every day. So how do you learn to enjoy more of what you do? Whether you’re in a job you love but you have to endure some pretty tedious admin, or you’re working in a place you don’t really gel with, there’s gotta be a way to lean in and lear
Your Favourite Tip: Norman Swan - Everyone’s a storyteller, here’s how to be the best
Sending an email to a colleague? You’re telling them a story. Talking to your boss during your performance review? You’re crafting a narrative? Pitching to a prospective client? Yep, you’re spinning a yarn. Whenever you communicate with someone else, you’re telling a story. And given how often we need to communicate with others to do modern knowledge work, we’d all better learn how to be more engaging and effective storytellers. For How I Work listener Dee, there’s no better teacher for that tha
Your Favourite Tip: Norman Swan - Everyone’s a storyteller, here’s how to be the best
Sending an email to a colleague? You’re telling them a story. Talking to your boss during your performance review? You’re crafting a narrative? Pitching to a prospective client? Yep, you’re spinning a yarn. Whenever you communicate with someone else, you’re telling a story. And given how often we need to communicate with others to do modern knowledge work, we’d all better learn how to be more engaging and effective storytellers. For How I Work listener Dee, there’s no better teacher for that tha
Your Favourite Tip: Justin Coulson - speed up your family’s mornings and make time for connection
Building your own productivity practice can feel like a mammoth effort - so if you’re also trying to do it for your whole family, you need all the help you can get! Thankfully for How I Work listener Tracey, parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson has just the trick, and it’s broken up into four rules to follow every single day. =Whether you’re working on making sure you and your little ones are getting the right nutrition in before the day kicks off, or you’re just trying to get everyone out of bed
Your Favourite Tip: Justin Coulson - speed up your family’s mornings and make time for connection
Building your own productivity practice can feel like a mammoth effort - so if you’re also trying to do it for your whole family, you need all the help you can get! Thankfully for How I Work listener Tracey, parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson has just the trick, and it’s broken up into four rules to follow every single day. =Whether you’re working on making sure you and your little ones are getting the right nutrition in before the day kicks off, or you’re just trying to get everyone out of bed
Your Favourite Tip: Laura Mae Martin - A great day starts the night before
The perfect day starts with the perfect morning routine, right? Or is that too late? How I Work listener Jason was struggling to juggle his workload as he transitioned from primary to secondary school teaching. A new system, new spaces, and constant COVID-induced interruptions to the status quo were making it all but impossible to always be in the right place at the right time. That is, until he heard that Laura Mae Martin, Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor, doesn’t make a plan of attack e
Your Favourite Tip: Laura Mae Martin - A great day starts the night before
The perfect day starts with the perfect morning routine, right? Or is that too late? How I Work listener Jason was struggling to juggle his workload as he transitioned from primary to secondary school teaching. A new system, new spaces, and constant COVID-induced interruptions to the status quo were making it all but impossible to always be in the right place at the right time. That is, until he heard that Laura Mae Martin, Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor, doesn’t make a plan of attack e
Your Favourite Tip: Oliver Burkeman - Cut yourself some slack, write down what you’ve done
Do you have a cheerleader? Someone who’ll congratulate on the little wins, who’ll remind you that you’re doing well, encourage you to keep going? I hope so!And even if you do… I’ll bet it’s still sometimes not quite enough. After all, we’re usually our own toughest critics, and even the completely legitimate kind words of the people closest to us can’t overpower that little voice in the back of our minds: the one that says “you’re not doing enough.” How I Work listener Melissa knows this voice a
Your Favourite Tip: Oliver Burkeman - Cut yourself some slack, write down what you’ve done
Do you have a cheerleader? Someone who’ll congratulate on the little wins, who’ll remind you that you’re doing well, encourage you to keep going? I hope so!And even if you do… I’ll bet it’s still sometimes not quite enough. After all, we’re usually our own toughest critics, and even the completely legitimate kind words of the people closest to us can’t overpower that little voice in the back of our minds: the one that says “you’re not doing enough.” How I Work listener Melissa knows this voice a
Your Favourite Tip: Dan Pink - Plan your day according to your chronotype
If you’re into productivity, you’ve probably tried to become a “morning person”. Maybe you’ve tried it a couple of times. You set your alarm for 5am and go to sleep dreaming of pre-dawn yoga sessions and meditation, followed by some journaling and a bit of deep work before the office even opens. And maybe it worked! But maybe it didn’t - no matter how many times you tried. If you’ve tried waking up early over and over again, and felt like a zombie over and over again, you might actually be a squ
Your Favourite Tip: Dan Pink - Plan your day according to your chronotype
If you’re into productivity, you’ve probably tried to become a “morning person”. Maybe you’ve tried it a couple of times. You set your alarm for 5am and go to sleep dreaming of pre-dawn yoga sessions and meditation, followed by some journaling and a bit of deep work before the office even opens. And maybe it worked! But maybe it didn’t - no matter how many times you tried. If you’ve tried waking up early over and over again, and felt like a zombie over and over again, you might actually be a squ
Your Favourite Tip: Sally Hepworth - Protect your time and energy with a “No List”
Working from home seemed like a pipe dream not so long ago - something for only the luckiest, wealthiest or most eccentric employees and entrepreneurs. But after the pandemic fast-tracked a worldwide shift in workplace flexibility, we’ve all been able to benefit from this revolutionary model. Or have we?How I Work listener Dia wonders if it’s all as peachy as it seems: without real, physical boundaries between our workspaces and our homes, how do we set the appropriate boundaries around our time
Your Favourite Tip: Sally Hepworth - Protect your time and energy with a “No List”
Working from home seemed like a pipe dream not so long ago - something for only the luckiest, wealthiest or most eccentric employees and entrepreneurs. But after the pandemic fast-tracked a worldwide shift in workplace flexibility, we’ve all been able to benefit from this revolutionary model. Or have we?How I Work listener Dia wonders if it’s all as peachy as it seems: without real, physical boundaries between our workspaces and our homes, how do we set the appropriate boundaries around our time
Your Favourite Tip: Cal Newport - How keeping a “to discuss” list can save you hours wasted in your inbox
In the first episode of this new mini-series, How I Work listener Ruth writes in to share what she’s learned from bestselling author and computer science professor, Cal Newport. Cal’s “To Discuss” List is his method of saving countless hours of unnecessary, unscheduled back-and-forth emailing. While it might feel easier to quickly dash off an email when you need something from a colleague, Cal implores you to think long-term, and to save the discussion for when you next meet face-to-face.Connect
Your Favourite Tip: Cal Newport - How keeping a “to discuss” list can save you hours wasted in your inbox
In the first episode of this new mini-series, How I Work listener Ruth writes in to share what she’s learned from bestselling author and computer science professor, Cal Newport. Cal’s “To Discuss” List is his method of saving countless hours of unnecessary, unscheduled back-and-forth emailing. While it might feel easier to quickly dash off an email when you need something from a colleague, Cal implores you to think long-term, and to save the discussion for when you next meet face-to-face.Connect
Trust, leadership and taking a break from technology with Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
We’re often told not to take advice blindly, and this is especially true for productivity advice. The rise-and-grind schedule might work for a Lark, but it’s a recipe for a disaster if you’re a Night Owl. Sourcing ideas from people you admire is a great start, but you need to run your own experiments to figure out which ideas actually work for you. That is, unless your partner is a chronic experimenter! Frances Frei, a professor at Harvard Business School, doesn’t run experiments because she doe
Trust, leadership and taking a break from technology with Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
We’re often told not to take advice blindly, and this is especially true for productivity advice. The rise-and-grind schedule might work for a Lark, but it’s a recipe for a disaster if you’re a Night Owl. Sourcing ideas from people you admire is a great start, but you need to run your own experiments to figure out which ideas actually work for you. That is, unless your partner is a chronic experimenter! Frances Frei, a professor at Harvard Business School, doesn’t run experiments because she doe
My Favourite Tip: Mia Northrop & Dinah Rowe-Roberts - Transform your smartphone from distraction to digital assistant
Most guests on How I Work will tell you to turn off your phone if you want to get work done. They’ll probably tell you to leave it out of the bedroom when it’s time to sleep, and to keep it out of reach when you’re meant to be spending quality time with friends and family. It’s easy to forget sometimes just how useful that little super computer in your pocket can be - and that applies to life admin, too! Life Admin Hacks authors Mia Northrop and Dinah Rowe-Roberts put me onto the untapped power
My Favourite Tip: Mia Northrop & Dinah Rowe-Roberts - Transform your smartphone from distraction to digital assistant
Most guests on How I Work will tell you to turn off your phone if you want to get work done. They’ll probably tell you to leave it out of the bedroom when it’s time to sleep, and to keep it out of reach when you’re meant to be spending quality time with friends and family. It’s easy to forget sometimes just how useful that little super computer in your pocket can be - and that applies to life admin, too! Life Admin Hacks authors Mia Northrop and Dinah Rowe-Roberts put me onto the untapped power
Productivity expert Laura Mae Martin helps you “spring clean” your work habits before returning to the office
**Pre-order your copy of Time Wise at amantha.com**If your job title is “Executive Productivity Advisor for Google,” you probably need a pretty refined definition of productivity, right? And Laura Mae Martin certainly does. But she says it’s equally important that every individual has their own, unique definition of productivity. It’s all too easy to fall into “busy language”, she says. Back-to-back meetings and a three-page to-do-list might make you feel productive, but if you’re not making tim
Productivity expert Laura Mae Martin helps you “spring clean” your work habits before returning to the office
**Pre-order your copy of Time Wise at amantha.com**If your job title is “Executive Productivity Advisor for Google,” you probably need a pretty refined definition of productivity, right? And Laura Mae Martin certainly does. But she says it’s equally important that every individual has their own, unique definition of productivity. It’s all too easy to fall into “busy language”, she says. Back-to-back meetings and a three-page to-do-list might make you feel productive, but if you’re not making tim
My Favourite Tip: Lisa Leong - How a colour-coded calendar can help you both on and off the clock
You might not be surprised to find out Lisa Leong has a colour-coded calendar. She’s the host of hit ABC podcast This Working Life, after all. But what might surprise you is how her attention to diaristic detail helps her when she’s not at work.Her ABC work is orange, and the sessions working on her new book were red. But she also blocks out her e-bike commutes and social activities. Why? For one thing, it ensures nobody schedules her into a meeting when she’s meant to be out for dinner. But per
My Favourite Tip: Lisa Leong - How a colour-coded calendar can help you both on and off the clock
You might not be surprised to find out Lisa Leong has a colour-coded calendar. She’s the host of hit ABC podcast This Working Life, after all. But what might surprise you is how her attention to diaristic detail helps her when she’s not at work.Her ABC work is orange, and the sessions working on her new book were red. But she also blocks out her e-bike commutes and social activities. Why? For one thing, it ensures nobody schedules her into a meeting when she’s meant to be out for dinner. But per
Linktree co-founder Anthony Zaccaria on unicorn status, managing growth and conscious parenting
**Pre-order your copy of Time Wise at amantha.com**It’s 5am, and Linktree co-founder Anthony Zaccaria’s already up. But this isn’t some productivity-robot morning routine he’s lifted from another tech leader’s biography. He’s up because he’s got twin toddlers, and when they’re up, he’s up. Linktree’s a global company, so any number of emails, messages and project updates have probably come through already, but Anthony’s not checking his phone. It’s his kids’ best time of the day - the only time
Linktree co-founder Anthony Zaccaria on unicorn status, managing growth and conscious parenting
**Pre-order your copy of Time Wise at amantha.com**It’s 5am, and Linktree co-founder Anthony Zaccaria’s already up. But this isn’t some productivity-robot morning routine he’s lifted from another tech leader’s biography. He’s up because he’s got twin toddlers, and when they’re up, he’s up. Linktree’s a global company, so any number of emails, messages and project updates have probably come through already, but Anthony’s not checking his phone. It’s his kids’ best time of the day - the only time
My Favourite Tip: Michael Mosley - The best predictor of longevity
Do you even lift? Oh, you do? Great! But do you train for endurance too? Your heart health is super important. Oh, you do that too, amazing! How long can you stand on one leg? Yep, you should really test how long you can stand on one leg - it’s an important measure of your fitness, which in turn is an important indicator of your health more broadly. Author, television journalist and former doctor Michael Mosley is tired of all the conversations around resistance training and cardio, because they
My Favourite Tip: Michael Mosley - The best predictor of longevity
Do you even lift? Oh, you do? Great! But do you train for endurance too? Your heart health is super important. Oh, you do that too, amazing! How long can you stand on one leg? Yep, you should really test how long you can stand on one leg - it’s an important measure of your fitness, which in turn is an important indicator of your health more broadly. Author, television journalist and former doctor Michael Mosley is tired of all the conversations around resistance training and cardio, because they
Mamamia Out Loud co-hosts Mia, Holly and Jessie on prep routines, reading lists and respectful disagreement
If a mystical wizard with very specific powers and a very strange agenda cast a spell on me, dictating that I could only listen to one podcast for the rest of my life - that podcast would be Mamamia Out Loud. And based on the Apple Podcast homepage charts, I wouldn’t be alone.Mamamia Out Loud is one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, and it’s just one of many incredible woman-led shows in the Mamamia stable, which is the largest female-led podcast network on the planet. Out Loud’s three co-ho
Mamamia Out Loud co-hosts Mia, Holly and Jessie on prep routines, reading lists and respectful disagreement
If a mystical wizard with very specific powers and a very strange agenda cast a spell on me, dictating that I could only listen to one podcast for the rest of my life - that podcast would be Mamamia Out Loud. And based on the Apple Podcast homepage charts, I wouldn’t be alone.Mamamia Out Loud is one of Australia’s most popular podcasts, and it’s just one of many incredible woman-led shows in the Mamamia stable, which is the largest female-led podcast network on the planet. Out Loud’s three co-ho
My Favourite Tip: Chris Oliver-Taylor - Why you need to smarten up
The modern office dress code is a pretty nebulous thing nowadays. Most industries have been slowly moving away from strict “business attire” for decades now. The full suit and tie gave way to the business shirt, before modern tech entrepreneurs popularised the image of a t-shirt and jeans as the uniform of the workaholic disruptor. And that’s all before we started working from our couches! But Chris Oliver-Taylor, the Director of Production for Netflix Australia & New Zealand, doesn’t want to ha
My Favourite Tip: Chris Oliver-Taylor - Why you need to smarten up
The modern office dress code is a pretty nebulous thing nowadays. Most industries have been slowly moving away from strict “business attire” for decades now. The full suit and tie gave way to the business shirt, before modern tech entrepreneurs popularised the image of a t-shirt and jeans as the uniform of the workaholic disruptor. And that’s all before we started working from our couches! But Chris Oliver-Taylor, the Director of Production for Netflix Australia & New Zealand, doesn’t want t
Eric Barker on his Five-Hour Rule and deliberate work-life imbalance
**Pre-order your copy of Time Wise at amantha.com**It’s the greatest productivity debate of our time: how do we achieve work-life balance? Or maybe the real debate should be: is work-life balance even possible? Eric Barker, the author of Barking Up the Wrong Tree and now Plays Well With Others, doesn’t think work-life balance is truly achievable. At least, not if you want the best possible results in a given field. The problem, he says, is that most of live an unbalanced life by accident. Becaus
Eric Barker on his Five-Hour Rule and deliberate work-life imbalance
**Pre-order your copy of Time Wise at amantha.com**It’s the greatest productivity debate of our time: how do we achieve work-life balance? Or maybe the real debate should be: is work-life balance even possible? Eric Barker, the author of Barking Up the Wrong Tree and now Plays Well With Others, doesn’t think work-life balance is truly achievable. At least, not if you want the best possible results in a given field. The problem, he says, is that most of live an unbalanced life by accident. Becaus
My Favourite Tip: David Williamson - The price of success in the arts
David had it pretty good. He was working in a great university. His students loved him. His peers loved him. He had plenty of friends who loved him. And then he became a successful playwright. Life couldn’t get any better!Except reaching the dizzying heights David reached in the theatre world didn’t come cheap. For most of his life, he was like anyone else. You might have the occasional tiff with a co-worker or acquaintance, but generally, you’re well-liked by the people you care about. And all
My Favourite Tip: David Williamson - The price of success in the arts
David had it pretty good. He was working in a great university. His students loved him. His peers loved him. He had plenty of friends who loved him. And then he became a successful playwright. Life couldn’t get any better!Except reaching the dizzying heights David reached in the theatre world didn’t come cheap. For most of his life, he was like anyone else. You might have the occasional tiff with a co-worker or acquaintance, but generally, you’re well-liked by the people you care about. And all
Learning on the job - how Brian Koppelman turned his first movie into a DIY film school
**Pre-order your copy of Time Wise at amantha.com**For productivity geeks like us, the professional writer can become a bit of a mystic figure. When we fantasise about finally perfecting our morning routines, finally clearing out enough time for a fruitful Deep Work session, setting up the ideal workstation - we’re often thinking about a writer. There’s something idyllic about the idea of being a writer: it’s just you, your thoughts, and the blank page. It’s the platonic ideal of knowledge work!
Learning on the job - how Brian Koppelman turned his first movie into a DIY film school
**Pre-order your copy of Time Wise at amantha.com**For productivity geeks like us, the professional writer can become a bit of a mystic figure. When we fantasise about finally perfecting our morning routines, finally clearing out enough time for a fruitful Deep Work session, setting up the ideal workstation - we’re often thinking about a writer. There’s something idyllic about the idea of being a writer: it’s just you, your thoughts, and the blank page. It’s the platonic ideal of knowledge work!
My Favourite Tip: Sally Hepworth - Set boundaries to protect your time
Sally Hepworth loves her fans. She loves hearing how they think about her work, and like anyone, she’s partial to a bit of praise every now and then! However, as her following has grown over the years, the amount of people seeking pockets of her time has become overwhelming. And as a writer, Sally knows that the only way she can continue to produce great work is to protect that writing time as diligently as she can. It takes discipline, and it can be hard to turn down a conversation with a reade
My Favourite Tip: Sally Hepworth - Set boundaries to protect your time
Sally Hepworth loves her fans. She loves hearing how they think about her work, and like anyone, she’s partial to a bit of praise every now and then! However, as her following has grown over the years, the amount of people seeking pockets of her time has become overwhelming. And as a writer, Sally knows that the only way she can continue to produce great work is to protect that writing time as diligently as she can. It takes discipline, and it can be hard to turn down a conversation with a reade
Meetup CEO David Siegel teaches you to make better, faster, more purposeful decisions
David Siegel’s in his third CEO role, and if all his years of experience as a leader have taught him anything, it’s that most people take too long to make a decision. The clearest example: company strategy. When David joined Meetup, he drafted the new company strategy as quickly as possible. At first, that sounds like a pretty irresponsible treatment of such a huge part of the business… but David’s underlying reasoning reveals why we should all speed up a little bit!David teaches you to make bet
Meetup CEO David Siegel teaches you to make better, faster, more purposeful decisions
David Siegel’s in his third CEO role, and if all his years of experience as a leader have taught him anything, it’s that most people take too long to make a decision. The clearest example: company strategy. When David joined Meetup, he drafted the new company strategy as quickly as possible. At first, that sounds like a pretty irresponsible treatment of such a huge part of the business… but David’s underlying reasoning reveals why we should all speed up a little bit!David teaches you to make bet
My Favourite Tip: Liane Moriarty - How simple tech tools can influence your mindset
A productivity tip that’s hard to swallow for people who like productivity tips: nothing except doing the work will get the work done. You can have the cleanest calendar, the emptiest inbox and the tightest morning routine, but if you’re not sitting down and putting in the work, your “hacks” serve as little more than decoration. Unless those tips and tricks steer you towards the right kind of deep work? Liane Moriarty, the incredibly prolific author of Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers and
My Favourite Tip: Liane Moriarty - How simple tech tools can influence your mindset
A productivity tip that’s hard to swallow for people who like productivity tips: nothing except doing the work will get the work done. You can have the cleanest calendar, the emptiest inbox and the tightest morning routine, but if you’re not sitting down and putting in the work, your “hacks” serve as little more than decoration. Unless those tips and tricks steer you towards the right kind of deep work? Liane Moriarty, the incredibly prolific author of Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers and
BEST OF: Evernote co-founder Phil Libin on the key to making better decisions at work
**BEST OF**It’s 9:30, and you’ve got just under an hour before your next Zoom meeting. There’s already just a bit too much caffeine buzzing around your brain, and your eyes are half-crossed from the last video call. So how do you recharge and show up refreshed for that next one? If you’re Evernote and mmhmm co-founder Phil Libin, you swim laps. Thanks to the “distributed” nature of mmhmm’s workforce, he can punctuate his work days with distinctly not-work activities. Some days, it’s laps between
BEST OF: Evernote co-founder Phil Libin on the key to making better decisions at work
**BEST OF**It’s 9:30, and you’ve got just under an hour before your next Zoom meeting. There’s already just a bit too much caffeine buzzing around your brain, and your eyes are half-crossed from the last video call. So how do you recharge and show up refreshed for that next one? If you’re Evernote and mmhmm co-founder Phil Libin, you swim laps. Thanks to the “distributed” nature of mmhmm’s workforce, he can punctuate his work days with distinctly not-work activities. Some days, it’s laps between
BEST OF: Make mornings magic with parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson
**BEST OF**You need to be in the office at nine, and if you want to be performing at your best, you’ll need to get in a quick workout and a nutritious breakfast. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for trying to pull an outfit together, so you’ll also need to sort that out the night before. Oh, and you need to make sure your kids have eaten a healthy breakfast, put their school uniforms on, brushed their teeth, packed their bags, and not started an all-out war with one another before getting in the
BEST OF: Make mornings magic with parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson
**BEST OF**You need to be in the office at nine, and if you want to be performing at your best, you’ll need to get in a quick workout and a nutritious breakfast. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for trying to pull an outfit together, so you’ll also need to sort that out the night before. Oh, and you need to make sure your kids have eaten a healthy breakfast, put their school uniforms on, brushed their teeth, packed their bags, and not started an all-out war with one another before getting in the
BEST OF: Michael Bungay Stanier teaches you how to begin
**BEST OF**It wouldn’t work to try to tell the Michael Bungay Stanier story - if anyone’s a collection of stories, it’s MBS. He finished law school being sued for defamation by his professor, he was a Rhodes Scholar in his early 20s, and he’s coached Brene Brown on her own podcast. A life and career with so many twists, turns and new directions brings with it an equally eclectic and overflowing bag of tips, tricks and mindset shifts, and Michael shares them generously. Michael covers everything
BEST OF: Michael Bungay Stanier teaches you how to begin
**BEST OF**It wouldn’t work to try to tell the Michael Bungay Stanier story - if anyone’s a collection of stories, it’s MBS. He finished law school being sued for defamation by his professor, he was a Rhodes Scholar in his early 20s, and he’s coached Brene Brown on her own podcast. A life and career with so many twists, turns and new directions brings with it an equally eclectic and overflowing bag of tips, tricks and mindset shifts, and Michael shares them generously. Michael covers everything
BEST OF: Fall in love with falling short - why you need to write a Failure Resume
**BEST OF**I was a competitive kid, and some classroom rivalries pushed me to better grades than I might have achieved otherwise. However, I was also a perfectionist, and any “A”s that came without a “+” beside them started to feel less like an almost-perfect achievement and more like a glaring signal that I’d missed the mark. I hated failing, and when you combine that with believing anything less than the top spot is a loss, you have a recipe for disaster. I hid my failures, refusing to talk ab
BEST OF: Fall in love with falling short - why you need to write a Failure Resume
**BEST OF**I was a competitive kid, and some classroom rivalries pushed me to better grades than I might have achieved otherwise. However, I was also a perfectionist, and any “A”s that came without a “+” beside them started to feel less like an almost-perfect achievement and more like a glaring signal that I’d missed the mark. I hated failing, and when you combine that with believing anything less than the top spot is a loss, you have a recipe for disaster. I hid my failures, refusing to talk ab
Janice Lintz teaches you how to be heard by people who don’t want to listen
Nobody hears from Janice Lintz just once. Whether she’s chasing down information on her phone bill or chasing down the Queen of England, Janice doesn’t stop until she gets what she needs, and she believes others can benefit from that kind of tenacity. It’s reflected in a lesson Janice learned from the great civil rights activist, Vernon Jordan - don’t answer the phone until someone calls you the fourth time. If it’s not worth their time, it’s certainly not worth yours. So Janice calls again. And
Janice Lintz teaches you how to be heard by people who don’t want to listen
Nobody hears from Janice Lintz just once. Whether she’s chasing down information on her phone bill or chasing down the Queen of England, Janice doesn’t stop until she gets what she needs, and she believes others can benefit from that kind of tenacity. It’s reflected in a lesson Janice learned from the great civil rights activist, Vernon Jordan - don’t answer the phone until someone calls you the fourth time. If it’s not worth their time, it’s certainly not worth yours. So Janice calls again. And
My Favourite Tip: Josh Piterman - Extreme rest makes for extreme recovery
If you’re trying to talk to Josh Piterman after a show… good luck. The second he’s said his farewells to his fellow castmates and crew members, he won’t utter a word until he returns to the theatre the following day. Josh knows there’s no short-cutting recovery, and like everything else, his approach to rest is both holistic and spiritual. A healthy voice is part of a healthy body, and a healthy body needs a healthy mind and a healthy soul. When it comes to recovery, the trick is actually what n
My Favourite Tip: Josh Piterman - Extreme rest makes for extreme recovery
If you’re trying to talk to Josh Piterman after a show… good luck. The second he’s said his farewells to his fellow castmates and crew members, he won’t utter a word until he returns to the theatre the following day. Josh knows there’s no short-cutting recovery, and like everything else, his approach to rest is both holistic and spiritual. A healthy voice is part of a healthy body, and a healthy body needs a healthy mind and a healthy soul. When it comes to recovery, the trick is actually what n
Bestselling author Dan Pink believes in regret - and believes that having “no regrets” really means you’re missing out on the chance to learn from not only your own mistakes, but the mistakes others have made, that you don’t have to.
There’s a moment in the 2013 comedy movie We’re the Millers that points to how pervasive - and misguided - the “no regrets” life motto has become. A character proudly displays a tattoo that reads, “no rAgrets”, and even more proudly proclaims that he really doesn’t have any regrets. Not even one letter. Bestselling author Dan Pink highlights this scene as a great metaphor for society’s almost comical underappreciation of regret. Dan is an advocate for the transformative power of looking back on
Bestselling author Dan Pink believes in regret - and believes that having “no regrets” really means you’re missing out on the chance to learn from not only your own mistakes, but the mistakes others have made, that you don’t have to.
There’s a moment in the 2013 comedy movie We’re the Millers that points to how pervasive - and misguided - the “no regrets” life motto has become. A character proudly displays a tattoo that reads, “no rAgrets”, and even more proudly proclaims that he really doesn’t have any regrets. Not even one letter. Bestselling author Dan Pink highlights this scene as a great metaphor for society’s almost comical underappreciation of regret. Dan is an advocate for the transformative power of looking back on
My Favourite Tip: Jamila Rizvi - Gain trust by showing vulnerability
Asking someone else for anything is a delicate enough task, but when you’re asking them to be vulnerable, it’s something else entirely. How do you make people comfortable sharing something that is, by definition, uncomfortable? Jamila Rizvi, the bestselling author, public speaker, podcast presenter and interviewer, is no stranger to this tricky task. She’s spoken to everyone from Bill Gates to Kim Kardashian, and many of her interviews unearth incredibly touching moments. The key? Don’t ask for
My Favourite Tip: Jamila Rizvi - Gain trust by showing vulnerability
Asking someone else for anything is a delicate enough task, but when you’re asking them to be vulnerable, it’s something else entirely. How do you make people comfortable sharing something that is, by definition, uncomfortable? Jamila Rizvi, the bestselling author, public speaker, podcast presenter and interviewer, is no stranger to this tricky task. She’s spoken to everyone from Bill Gates to Kim Kardashian, and many of her interviews unearth incredibly touching moments. The key? Don’t ask for
Darius Foroux on writing, investing and living like a Stoic
How I Work is a product of the modern world - it’s a podcast, a format which didn’t even exist at the turn of the century, and a lot of the productivity tools and hacks are geared towards knowledge work for the digital age. So it’s surprising to hear that Darius Foroux, himself an entrepreneur and writer taking advantage of the digital space, lives and works by the ancient philosophy of Stoicism.But Darious isn’t dogmatic - he’s equally inspired by Eastern Philosophy and employs Zen practices li
Darius Foroux on writing, investing and living like a Stoic
How I Work is a product of the modern world - it’s a podcast, a format which didn’t even exist at the turn of the century, and a lot of the productivity tools and hacks are geared towards knowledge work for the digital age. So it’s surprising to hear that Darius Foroux, himself an entrepreneur and writer taking advantage of the digital space, lives and works by the ancient philosophy of Stoicism.But Darious isn’t dogmatic - he’s equally inspired by Eastern Philosophy and employs Zen practices li
My Favourite Tip: Norman Swan - You’re not on a mission to explain
Thanks to social media, everyone’s a storyteller now. Whether you’re guiding your work to the right audience, developing your personal brand or keeping the public up-to-date on the COVID-19 situation, your job is to tell a story. If people don’t understand you, or don’t tune in, then everything else is for nought. So how do you get better at communicating? Norman Swan, a physician, journalist, broadcaster and the host of ABC’s Coronacast, has decades of experience not just in storytelling itself
My Favourite Tip: Norman Swan - You’re not on a mission to explain
Thanks to social media, everyone’s a storyteller now. Whether you’re guiding your work to the right audience, developing your personal brand or keeping the public up-to-date on the COVID-19 situation, your job is to tell a story. If people don’t understand you, or don’t tune in, then everything else is for nought. So how do you get better at communicating? Norman Swan, a physician, journalist, broadcaster and the host of ABC’s Coronacast, has decades of experience not just in storytelling itself
Persuasion, not manipulation: Zoe Chance on how to influence for good
You’ve reached the end of yet another long Zoom call with your team when you realise… you didn’t say a word! You’re smart, you have good ideas, and you’ve put in the work. Plus, your team and your clients respect you… So how did this happen? According to Zoe Chance, Yale School of Management professor and author of Influence is Your Superpower, it’s because you didn’t speak up early enough. If you’re not one of the first three people to speak up in a virtual meeting, you’re unlikely to speak up
Persuasion, not manipulation: Zoe Chance on how to influence for good
You’ve reached the end of yet another long Zoom call with your team when you realise… you didn’t say a word! You’re smart, you have good ideas, and you’ve put in the work. Plus, your team and your clients respect you… So how did this happen? According to Zoe Chance, Yale School of Management professor and author of Influence is Your Superpower, it’s because you didn’t speak up early enough. If you’re not one of the first three people to speak up in a virtual meeting, you’re unlikely to speak up
My Favourite Tip: Ronni Kahn - Save your leftovers to save the planet
Ronni Kahn does not like to hear about people throwing away their lettuce. If you compost lettuce, it takes about two weeks to decompose. If you throw it in the book, you can bump that number up to twenty-five. Sorry, twenty-five years, that is. As the founder of food rescue charity OzHarvest, Ronni’s an expert on preventing food waste on a massive scale. But what about on the small scale? Yep, she can help with that too. Ronni teaches you how to salvage soggy lettuce with a hearty soup, cooking
My Favourite Tip: Ronni Kahn - Save your leftovers to save the planet
Ronni Kahn does not like to hear about people throwing away their lettuce. If you compost lettuce, it takes about two weeks to decompose. If you throw it in the book, you can bump that number up to twenty-five. Sorry, twenty-five years, that is. As the founder of food rescue charity OzHarvest, Ronni’s an expert on preventing food waste on a massive scale. But what about on the small scale? Yep, she can help with that too. Ronni teaches you how to salvage soggy lettuce with a hearty soup, cooking
Ruth Gotian on studying the habits and mindsets of the world’s most successful people
How did the world’s most successful people get to the top? Is it genetics? Nepotism? Grit? Can we even know for sure? Dr. Ruth Gotian believes we can, and she’s on a mission to figure it out and share it with the world. Ruth studies top performers from all walks of life, including Olympic medallists, NASA Astronauts and top academics. She’s uncovered four key traits that all high achievers share, and worked to apply them in her own life. Ruth shares how she approaches everything from goal-settin
Ruth Gotian on studying the habits and mindsets of the world’s most successful people
How did the world’s most successful people get to the top? Is it genetics? Nepotism? Grit? Can we even know for sure? Dr. Ruth Gotian believes we can, and she’s on a mission to figure it out and share it with the world. Ruth studies top performers from all walks of life, including Olympic medallists, NASA Astronauts and top academics. She’s uncovered four key traits that all high achievers share, and worked to apply them in her own life. Ruth shares how she approaches everything from goal-settin
My Favourite Tip - Dom Price: Why Atlassian killed meetings and how they built their own tools as replacements
2022 is well underway and… yeah. We’re still doing a lot of virtual meetings. While there’s great optimism in the air around the new level of flexibility most companies are offering their workers now, virtual meetings are still pretty… average. But let’s not blame Zoom straight away: meetings as a work practice have gone unexamined for far longer than they’ve been online. Atlassian’s Dom Price saw this, and sought a better way. He and his team did a deep dive into what a meeting is for, and what
My Favourite Tip - Dom Price: Why Atlassian killed meetings and how they built their own tools as replacements
2022 is well underway and… yeah. We’re still doing a lot of virtual meetings. While there’s great optimism in the air around the new level of flexibility most companies are offering their workers now, virtual meetings are still pretty… average. But let’s not blame Zoom straight away: meetings as a work practice have gone unexamined for far longer than they’ve been online. Atlassian’s Dom Price saw this, and sought a better way. He and his team did a deep dive into what a meeting is for, and what
Focus! Why Taylor Jacobson founded Focusmate to force himself to concentrate
Have you worked with someone whose abilities were so awe-inspiring that they started to rub off on you? We’ve all had bosses, co-workers, friends or study mates whose discipline we’ve tried to tap into before. And Taylor Jacobson founded Focusmate so he could do that forever! After excelling in college because of his carefully selected study mates, Taylor realised his tactics could be used by anyone, and for any kind of work. He details how and why a Focusmate session works, how he uses them him
Focus! Why Taylor Jacobson founded Focusmate to force himself to concentrate
Have you worked with someone whose abilities were so awe-inspiring that they started to rub off on you? We’ve all had bosses, co-workers, friends or study mates whose discipline we’ve tried to tap into before. And Taylor Jacobson founded Focusmate so he could do that forever! After excelling in college because of his carefully selected study mates, Taylor realised his tactics could be used by anyone, and for any kind of work. He details how and why a Focusmate session works, how he uses them him
My Favourite Tip: Nicky Sparshott - Colour me productive! Why you should be colour-coding your calendar
It’s 3pm and Nicky Sparshott is ducking out of the office to go watch her kids perform at their school’s exhibition. Sweet, right? But shouldn’t it be impossible? Nicky’s the CEO of Unilever Australia & New Zealand, and at the time of recording, was also the global CEO of T2 - how can she possibly have time in the middle of the work day for a school show? Well, it’s the positive side she’s discovered in having an absolutely hectic work schedule. As a global CEO, she’s sometimes on virtual me
My Favourite Tip: Nicky Sparshott - Colour me productive! Why you should be colour-coding your calendar
It’s 3pm and Nicky Sparshott is ducking out of the office to go watch her kids perform at their school’s exhibition. Sweet, right? But shouldn’t it be impossible? Nicky’s the CEO of Unilever Australia & New Zealand, and at the time of recording, was also the global CEO of T2 - how can she possibly have time in the middle of the work day for a school show? Well, it’s the positive side she’s discovered in having an absolutely hectic work schedule. As a global CEO, she’s sometimes on virtual meetin
Fresh starts, commitment devices and collaboration - changing for the better with Katy Milkman
You know what it’s like when you move house - you’re tripping over boxes for weeks, eating takeout on the floor while you wait for that new dining table to arrive, and lamenting that the rest of the world - including work - doesn’t take a pause while you get your life in order. We’ve all been there, but have you ever used that moment of chaos as the trigger to start writing a book? It sounds insane - and as someone who’s been working on a new book for some time now, I feel certified to call it t
Fresh starts, commitment devices and collaboration - changing for the better with Katy Milkman
You know what it’s like when you move house - you’re tripping over boxes for weeks, eating takeout on the floor while you wait for that new dining table to arrive, and lamenting that the rest of the world - including work - doesn’t take a pause while you get your life in order. We’ve all been there, but have you ever used that moment of chaos as the trigger to start writing a book? It sounds insane - and as someone who’s been working on a new book for some time now, I feel certified to call it t
My Favourite Tip: Maggie Beer - The art of the perfect roast chook
You wouldn’t think of roasting a chicken as a poignant metaphor for life, but when Maggie Beer talks cooking, you get words to live by. Starting with sourcing the perfect chicken, Maggie teaches you why it’s so important to do a little research before you buy anything, and from there, gives you a step-by-step walkthrough on the whole process. Yep, you’re getting a free masterclass from the master herself. And a damn good dinner, too. Connect with Maggie on Twitter or InstagramYou can find the fu
My Favourite Tip: Maggie Beer - The art of the perfect roast chook
You wouldn’t think of roasting a chicken as a poignant metaphor for life, but when Maggie Beer talks cooking, you get words to live by. Starting with sourcing the perfect chicken, Maggie teaches you why it’s so important to do a little research before you buy anything, and from there, gives you a step-by-step walkthrough on the whole process. Yep, you’re getting a free masterclass from the master herself. And a damn good dinner, too. Connect with Maggie on Twitter or InstagramYou can find the fu
Weaponising accountability with Lifehacker editor-in-chief Jordan Calhoun
If anything immediately strikes me as a pretty bad idea, it’s an adult learning to ride a skateboard. Without the years of experience built up over a childhood spent cruising on the asphalt, stepping on a skateboard almost promises to put you on your butt. And as an adult, a skateboarding injury could have a pretty disastrous effect on your daily life. Kids bounce back pretty easily, but I know if I had to miss six weeks of workouts or couldn’t write or type for a few months, I’d be in strife. S
Weaponising accountability with Lifehacker editor-in-chief Jordan Calhoun
If anything immediately strikes me as a pretty bad idea, it’s an adult learning to ride a skateboard. Without the years of experience built up over a childhood spent cruising on the asphalt, stepping on a skateboard almost promises to put you on your butt. And as an adult, a skateboarding injury could have a pretty disastrous effect on your daily life. Kids bounce back pretty easily, but I know if I had to miss six weeks of workouts or couldn’t write or type for a few months, I’d be in strife. S
My Favourite Tip: Meshel Laurie - Let others go first
Running late is… stressful. You worry that you’re going to get in trouble, let someone down or miss something important. Your heart rate rises, adrenaline courses through your body - and then someone wants to get in front of you on the road. Oh. My. God. But what if it wasn’t stressful? Sounds too good to be true, right? What if it’s all in your head? Meshel Laurie, a podcaster and author, believes it is all in your head, and that - actually - that’s a good thing. Because if it’s in your head, i
My Favourite Tip: Meshel Laurie - Let others go first
Running late is… stressful. You worry that you’re going to get in trouble, let someone down or miss something important. Your heart rate rises, adrenaline courses through your body - and then someone wants to get in front of you on the road. Oh. My. God. But what if it wasn’t stressful? Sounds too good to be true, right? What if it’s all in your head? Meshel Laurie, a podcaster and author, believes it is all in your head, and that - actually - that’s a good thing. Because if it’s in your head, i
Get professional about your personal life with Life Admin legends Mia Northrop and Dinah Rowe-Roberts
Life Admin. That phrase probably makes you nervous - I know it does for me. It makes me think about all the stuff I have to keep on top of: I need to remember to pay my car rego, to RSVP to that parent-teacher conference, and to book my next doctor’s appointment. But when you think about all the things you have to get done at the office in 2022, you’re probably pretty confident, right? There’s heaps to do, but you’re a professional! You have systems and processes in place to make sure you don’t
Get professional about your personal life with Life Admin legends Mia Northrop and Dinah Rowe-Roberts
Life Admin. That phrase probably makes you nervous - I know it does for me. It makes me think about all the stuff I have to keep on top of: I need to remember to pay my car rego, to RSVP to that parent-teacher conference, and to book my next doctor’s appointment. But when you think about all the things you have to get done at the office in 2022, you’re probably pretty confident, right? There’s heaps to do, but you’re a professional! You have systems and processes in place to make sure you don’t
My Favourite Tip: Emily Oster - Why you should send emails to your kids
If you’re a bit of a productivity buff, you probably have some clever hacks for reducing time spent reading or sending emails. Maybe you use Superhuman, like I do, or maybe you’re a big proponent of Inbox Zero. Either way, you’re probably not looking for, say, a How I Work episode that suggests you spend more time on email! But this is different… The goal of true productivity, after all, is to get more meaningful work done in less time. So, what if using some work tools at home could enable you
My Favourite Tip: Emily Oster - Why you should send emails to your kids
If you’re a bit of a productivity buff, you probably have some clever hacks for reducing time spent reading or sending emails. Maybe you use Superhuman, like I do, or maybe you’re a big proponent of Inbox Zero. Either way, you’re probably not looking for, say, a How I Work episode that suggests you spend more time on email! But this is different… The goal of true productivity, after all, is to get more meaningful work done in less time. So, what if using some work tools at home could enable you
Get a handle on your health with Michael Mosley
Sometimes you have to put yourself on the line to test your assumptions. How better to know if something will work for you than to do it yourself? Michael Mosley takes this one step further than your average person, though… Like when he willingly infested his body with worms. Seriously. TV producer, presenter, journalist, author and former doctor Michael Mosley has done all manner of weird and wonderful self-experiments in the name of science - mainly so you don’t have to!He gives his top tips f
Get a handle on your health with Michael Mosley
Sometimes you have to put yourself on the line to test your assumptions. How better to know if something will work for you than to do it yourself? Michael Mosley takes this one step further than your average person, though… Like when he willingly infested his body with worms. Seriously. TV producer, presenter, journalist, author and former doctor Michael Mosley has done all manner of weird and wonderful self-experiments in the name of science - mainly so you don’t have to!He gives his top tips f
My Favourite Tip: Oliver Burkeman - Don’t start your day in productivity debt
You and I are finite beings, my friend. That’s a pretty abstract concept until you think about just how much stuff we need to get done every day. Oliver Burkeman, a journalist and author, says the amount of things we could potentially do every day is, by definition, infinite. And a finite being with an infinitely long to-do list is not a happy being. This causes most of us to start our days feeling like we’re in “productivity debt”, and our to-do list is our ticket back to zero, back to a clean
My Favourite Tip: Oliver Burkeman - Don’t start your day in productivity debt
You and I are finite beings, my friend. That’s a pretty abstract concept until you think about just how much stuff we need to get done every day. Oliver Burkeman, a journalist and author, says the amount of things we could potentially do every day is, by definition, infinite. And a finite being with an infinitely long to-do list is not a happy being. This causes most of us to start our days feeling like we’re in “productivity debt”, and our to-do list is our ticket back to zero, back to a clean
Lisa Leong wants you to forget work-life balance and cultivate work-life cohesion instead
You’ve tried it all. You’ve joined the 5AM club, done the morning HIIT workouts, tried the pomodoro technique, downloaded Headspace and worked at a standing desk. But… you haven’t quite figured it out yet. Lisa Leong, host of the hit ABC radio show, This Working Life, says that’s the point. Every day is “lab day”, and the experimenting should never end. Lisa’s job is to examine… well, jobs. She’s on a mission to understand the modern working world and how we can all make our working lives more e
Lisa Leong wants you to forget work-life balance and cultivate work-life cohesion instead
You’ve tried it all. You’ve joined the 5AM club, done the morning HIIT workouts, tried the pomodoro technique, downloaded Headspace and worked at a standing desk. But… you haven’t quite figured it out yet. Lisa Leong, host of the hit ABC radio show, This Working Life, says that’s the point. Every day is “lab day”, and the experimenting should never end. Lisa’s job is to examine… well, jobs. She’s on a mission to understand the modern working world and how we can all make our working lives more e
My Favourite Tip: Holly Ransom - Everything starts with your energy
It’s 3:30 in the afternoon and you’re pumping Red Bulls. You’ve just had a long, very cerebral meeting, and now you’ve gotta back it up with some pretty intellectually demanding writing work. But you’re exhausted. Holly Ransom, Fulbright Scholar and author of The Leading Edge, wants you to find a different way to perk up when you’re running low on energy. The Red Bulls, the half-litre cups of coffee and the sugary snacks might feel like they’re working, but they’re really just numbing the signal
My Favourite Tip: Holly Ransom - Everything starts with your energy
It’s 3:30 in the afternoon and you’re pumping Red Bulls. You’ve just had a long, very cerebral meeting, and now you’ve gotta back it up with some pretty intellectually demanding writing work. But you’re exhausted. Holly Ransom, Fulbright Scholar and author of The Leading Edge, wants you to find a different way to perk up when you’re running low on energy. The Red Bulls, the half-litre cups of coffee and the sugary snacks might feel like they’re working, but they’re really just numbing the signal
BEST OF: Bigger is better, and other misconceptions about networks with Marissa King
**BEST OF 2021**Before you click ‘add’ on another vaguely familiar face on LinkedIn - not so fast! But the larger your social or professional network, the larger your influence, right?Organisational psychologist Marissa King says… not always.A professor of organisational behaviour at the Yale School of Management, Marissa has studied social networks, social influence and team dynamics for the past fifteen years. She’s developed a deep understanding of how they evolve and why it’s so important to
BEST OF: Bigger is better, and other misconceptions about networks with Marissa King
**BEST OF 2021**Before you click ‘add’ on another vaguely familiar face on LinkedIn - not so fast! But the larger your social or professional network, the larger your influence, right?Organisational psychologist Marissa King says… not always.A professor of organisational behaviour at the Yale School of Management, Marissa has studied social networks, social influence and team dynamics for the past fifteen years. She’s developed a deep understanding of how they evolve and why it’s so important to
BEST OF: Career advice from the world's most successful leaders
**BEST OF 2021**What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? A great piece of advice can be life changing. It can set you on a whole new trajectory, land you a new job, or even prompt you to make a big career change.Group Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil, and self-described overachiever Alison Watkins shares how to make sure the advice you receive is right for you. Global leader in innovation Scott D Anthony wants you to flirt with possible career moves through advice and curiosity. Organis
BEST OF: Career advice from the world's most successful leaders
**BEST OF 2021**What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? A great piece of advice can be life changing. It can set you on a whole new trajectory, land you a new job, or even prompt you to make a big career change.Group Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil, and self-described overachiever Alison Watkins shares how to make sure the advice you receive is right for you. Global leader in innovation Scott D Anthony wants you to flirt with possible career moves through advice and curiosity. Organis
BEST OF: Radio legend Christian O’Connell on coping strategies that beat red wine
**BEST OF 2021**It’s 4:27AM. That’s right. Not 4:25, not 4:30, but exactly 4:27. When you’re a veteran breakfast radio host like Christian O’Connell, you calculate your latest possible wakeup time to the second. Once he’s out the door, it’s a 20 to 30-minute commute, but it’s one he really enjoys. It’s the only time in a pretty hectic workday he has completely to himself. After that, it’s 15 minutes of solitude and total silence in the studio so Christian can focus on the one word that’s going t
BEST OF: Radio legend Christian O’Connell on coping strategies that beat red wine
**BEST OF 2021**It’s 4:27AM. That’s right. Not 4:25, not 4:30, but exactly 4:27. When you’re a veteran breakfast radio host like Christian O’Connell, you calculate your latest possible wakeup time to the second. Once he’s out the door, it’s a 20 to 30-minute commute, but it’s one he really enjoys. It’s the only time in a pretty hectic workday he has completely to himself. After that, it’s 15 minutes of solitude and total silence in the studio so Christian can focus on the one word that’s going t
BEST OF: Cool tools for time management
**BEST OF 2021**Are you looking for ways to save time?There are plenty of tools out there to help streamline your work processes, but how do you know which ones work best?Find out what websites are causing you too many minutes of distraction, and learn how to batch check your emails rather than becoming a slave to the inbox. Website time tracker Rooster, time calculator Erik Rood, and email client Tempo are the three tools that help me get more out of my week. I’ll explain how I use them and how
BEST OF: Cool tools for time management
**BEST OF 2021**Are you looking for ways to save time?There are plenty of tools out there to help streamline your work processes, but how do you know which ones work best?Find out what websites are causing you too many minutes of distraction, and learn how to batch check your emails rather than becoming a slave to the inbox. Website time tracker Rooster, time calculator Erik Rood, and email client Tempo are the three tools that help me get more out of my week. I’ll explain how I use them and how
BEST OF: Work less, achieve more, with Greg McKeown
**BEST OF 2021**A tip just for you - you’re doing too much, friend.You’re probably conditioned to think the harder you work, the better the results... And you might have even hit burnout once or twice along the way. Leadership and business strategist Greg McKeown wants you to fight against that conditioning. Instead of wondering “How can I work harder to get more done?”, Greg wants you to ask yourself “How can I make this easier AND get the best results?”.But can you genuinely take fewer steps a
BEST OF: Work less, achieve more, with Greg McKeown
**BEST OF 2021**A tip just for you - you’re doing too much, friend.You’re probably conditioned to think the harder you work, the better the results... And you might have even hit burnout once or twice along the way. Leadership and business strategist Greg McKeown wants you to fight against that conditioning. Instead of wondering “How can I work harder to get more done?”, Greg wants you to ask yourself “How can I make this easier AND get the best results?”.But can you genuinely take fewer steps a
BEST OF: Cool tools for better writing
**BEST OF 2021**Do you want to improve your writing?Writing is one of the fundamental ways we persuade people to take up our ideas, meet with us, or buy the thing we are selling. Want a snappier headline or to make sure you are communicating to the right audience. Want to find those pesky grammatical errors before you send your email? What if you see a nice font you like, but don’t know how to find out which one it is?Text analyser Hemingway, writing assistant Grammarly, headline improver CoSche
BEST OF: Cool tools for better writing
**BEST OF 2021**Do you want to improve your writing?Writing is one of the fundamental ways we persuade people to take up our ideas, meet with us, or buy the thing we are selling. Want a snappier headline or to make sure you are communicating to the right audience. Want to find those pesky grammatical errors before you send your email? What if you see a nice font you like, but don’t know how to find out which one it is?Text analyser Hemingway, writing assistant Grammarly, headline improver CoSche
BEST OF: Creating happiness through habit with Gretchen Rubin
**BEST OF 2021**Gretchen Rubin has dedicated the last ten years to researching and exploring how to be happier.And she’s discovered just how debilitating distraction can be - for both productivity and joy. Gretchen has self-tested every habit under the sun, and shares which practices to incorporate into your workflow to bolster that joy… and crucially, gives insight into which ones don’t work for her.She also shares how we can help our kids create better habits. She’s also created her own Twelve
BEST OF: Creating happiness through habit with Gretchen Rubin
**BEST OF 2021**Gretchen Rubin has dedicated the last ten years to researching and exploring how to be happier.And she’s discovered just how debilitating distraction can be - for both productivity and joy. Gretchen has self-tested every habit under the sun, and shares which practices to incorporate into your workflow to bolster that joy… and crucially, gives insight into which ones don’t work for her.She also shares how we can help our kids create better habits. She’s also created her own Twelve
BEST OF: Cool tools for health
**BEST OF 2021**I place a huge value on my health. It’s my number one priority. If you’re not healthy, chances are you’re less productive.Using these tools helps me incorporate physical activity into my day, understand my health patterns so I know where I can make improvements, and trains my brain. I use the Apple Smart Rope to count reps when I’m skipping. The rope connects to an app on my phone and lets me know when I have reached my goal. Smart Rope: https://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/HL6M
BEST OF: Cool tools for health
**BEST OF 2021**I place a huge value on my health. It’s my number one priority. If you’re not healthy, chances are you’re less productive.Using these tools helps me incorporate physical activity into my day, understand my health patterns so I know where I can make improvements, and trains my brain. I use the Apple Smart Rope to count reps when I’m skipping. The rope connects to an app on my phone and lets me know when I have reached my goal. Smart Rope: https://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/HL6M
BEST OF: Get your priorities straight with Oliver Burkeman
**BEST OF 2021**Hear me out - what if you stopped trying so hard to be productive? Most of us only get a total of four thousand weeks on this earth. Do you really want to spend them answering emails?Oliver Burkeman is a “recovering productivity geek” and he wants you to make peace with the reality that you'll never get everything done. He says once you’ve accepted that hard truth, you’ll finally be free to focus on what’s truly important.Oliver Burkeman is a journalist and the author of The Anti
BEST OF: Get your priorities straight with Oliver Burkeman
**BEST OF 2021**Hear me out - what if you stopped trying so hard to be productive? Most of us only get a total of four thousand weeks on this earth. Do you really want to spend them answering emails?Oliver Burkeman is a “recovering productivity geek” and he wants you to make peace with the reality that you'll never get everything done. He says once you’ve accepted that hard truth, you’ll finally be free to focus on what’s truly important.Oliver Burkeman is a journalist and the author of The Anti
BEST OF: Two strategies to get rid of the ‘shoulds’ in your life
**BEST OF 2021**‘Should’ is one of the most problematic words when it comes to self-talk. I should go to the gym. I should accept this event invitation. I should call this friend and see how she's going, I should spend less time on social media.Shoulds are very unhelpful. They have the double whammy of making us feel guilty AND they don’t actually help us change our behaviour.I’m going to give you two alternative words or phrases to replace the shoulds in your life.This will help you make better
BEST OF: Two strategies to get rid of the ‘shoulds’ in your life
**BEST OF 2021**‘Should’ is one of the most problematic words when it comes to self-talk. I should go to the gym. I should accept this event invitation. I should call this friend and see how she's going, I should spend less time on social media.Shoulds are very unhelpful. They have the double whammy of making us feel guilty AND they don’t actually help us change our behaviour.I’m going to give you two alternative words or phrases to replace the shoulds in your life.This will help you make better
BEST OF: Cal Newport on how to eliminate 80% of emails in your organisation
**BEST OF 2021**Do you hate email? Are you sick of being a slave to your inbox? Are you like the “average” knowledge worker and check your email or chat messages every six minutes? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, I think you will love today’s show.Cal Newport is a Computer Science Professor at Georgetown University and also the bestselling author of Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, and most recently, A World Without Email. And Cal has been thinking a lot about how to overcome what
BEST OF: Cal Newport on how to eliminate 80% of emails in your organisation
**BEST OF 2021**Do you hate email? Are you sick of being a slave to your inbox? Are you like the “average” knowledge worker and check your email or chat messages every six minutes? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, I think you will love today’s show.Cal Newport is a Computer Science Professor at Georgetown University and also the bestselling author of Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, and most recently, A World Without Email. And Cal has been thinking a lot about how to overcome what
BEST OF: A weekly ritual to get off your devices
**BEST OF 2021**How are you coping with this whole global pandemic thing? I feel like I'm more reliant on my devices than ever before - it's like a window to the outside world. But I have a feeling that checking ABC news 10 times a day isn't very good for my mental health. So in today's show, I have an alternative to share.Try out Amantha's favourite calendar software here: usemotion.ioCheck out Lisa Leong's ABC podcast This Working Life.Connect with Lisa Leong on LinkedinConnect with me on the
BEST OF: A weekly ritual to get off your devices
**BEST OF 2021**How are you coping with this whole global pandemic thing? I feel like I'm more reliant on my devices than ever before - it's like a window to the outside world. But I have a feeling that checking ABC news 10 times a day isn't very good for my mental health. So in today's show, I have an alternative to share.Try out Amantha's favourite calendar software here: usemotion.ioCheck out Lisa Leong's ABC podcast This Working Life.Connect with Lisa Leong on LinkedinConnect with me on the
The art of the pitch with media executive Chris Oliver-Taylor
Even after a long day at work, or at the end of a tough week, when you pop the TV on and hear that familiar “BA-DUNK” as the big red N flashes onto your screen… do you feel a little guilty? Even when I know I don’t need to be working, it’s hard to shake the feeling that TV somehow isn’t as ‘worthwhile’ as other activities - like reading, for example. But media executive Chris Oliver-Taylor disagrees. It’s the age of prestige TV, and the format has been elevated to an art form. But what do you wa
The art of the pitch with media executive Chris Oliver-Taylor
Even after a long day at work, or at the end of a tough week, when you pop the TV on and hear that familiar “BA-DUNK” as the big red N flashes onto your screen… do you feel a little guilty? Even when I know I don’t need to be working, it’s hard to shake the feeling that TV somehow isn’t as ‘worthwhile’ as other activities - like reading, for example. But media executive Chris Oliver-Taylor disagrees. It’s the age of prestige TV, and the format has been elevated to an art form. But what do you wa
My Favourite Tip: Greg McKeown - Start with zero
It’s the year 2000, and Steve Jobs wants Apple computers to be able to burn DVDs, but there’s a problem. A big problem. At the time, DVD burners cost tens of thousands of dollars, and they’re incredibly difficult to use. Neither of those features fit the Apple MO. Jobs’ solution was revolutionary, but not just for the world of computing, or even the world of business. Author Greg McKeown uses the lesson in this illustrative anecdote to radically simplify his work and his life, and it all starts
My Favourite Tip: Greg McKeown - Start with zero
It’s the year 2000, and Steve Jobs wants Apple computers to be able to burn DVDs, but there’s a problem. A big problem. At the time, DVD burners cost tens of thousands of dollars, and they’re incredibly difficult to use. Neither of those features fit the Apple MO. Jobs’ solution was revolutionary, but not just for the world of computing, or even the world of business. Author Greg McKeown uses the lesson in this illustrative anecdote to radically simplify his work and his life, and it all starts
Playwright David Williamson on negativity, perfectionism and the myth of writer’s block
When I was in my early twenties, I won an award for a scriptwriting competition run by the Fellowship of Australian Writers, and involved in that process was one of my favourite playwrights - David Williamson. I wrote David a fan letter, and to my great surprise, he replied! That was my first taste of how deeply David respects his audience, and our interview was no different. As the most produced playwright in Australian Theatre’s history, David is extremely productive. Part of this, he says, is
Playwright David Williamson on negativity, perfectionism and the myth of writer’s block
When I was in my early twenties, I won an award for a scriptwriting competition run by the Fellowship of Australian Writers, and involved in that process was one of my favourite playwrights - David Williamson. I wrote David a fan letter, and to my great surprise, he replied! That was my first taste of how deeply David respects his audience, and our interview was no different. As the most produced playwright in Australian Theatre’s history, David is extremely productive. Part of this, he says, is
My Favourite Tip: Victoria Devine on budgeting with an abundance mindset
Budgeting is… boring, right? It’s all spreadsheets, hard maths, and a hundred reasons you shouldn’t go out for brunch anymore. Try telling that to She’s on the Money founder Victoria Devine! Victoria wants you to let go of the idea that budgets are purely a “restriction” tool. Instead, she treats budgeting as an extension of her personality: if you can align your values with your income and your spending, your budget starts to become a pretty important, creative tool. That also means you need to
My Favourite Tip: Victoria Devine on budgeting with an abundance mindset
Budgeting is… boring, right? It’s all spreadsheets, hard maths, and a hundred reasons you shouldn’t go out for brunch anymore. Try telling that to She’s on the Money founder Victoria Devine! Victoria wants you to let go of the idea that budgets are purely a “restriction” tool. Instead, she treats budgeting as an extension of her personality: if you can align your values with your income and your spending, your budget starts to become a pretty important, creative tool. That also means you need to
Michael Bungay Stanier teaches you how to begin
It wouldn’t work to try to tell the Michael Bungay Stanier story - if anyone’s a collection of stories, it’s MBS. He finished law school being sued for defamation by his professor, he was a Rhodes Scholar in his early 20s, and he’s coached Brene Brown on her own podcast. A life and career with so many twists, turns and new directions brings with it an equally eclectic and overflowing bag of tips, tricks and mindset shifts, and Michael shares them generously. Michael covers everything from how to
Michael Bungay Stanier teaches you how to begin
It wouldn’t work to try to tell the Michael Bungay Stanier story - if anyone’s a collection of stories, it’s MBS. He finished law school being sued for defamation by his professor, he was a Rhodes Scholar in his early 20s, and he’s coached Brene Brown on her own podcast. A life and career with so many twists, turns and new directions brings with it an equally eclectic and overflowing bag of tips, tricks and mindset shifts, and Michael shares them generously. Michael covers everything from how to
Speak your mind - be more efficient, nail your tone and deepen connections with audio messages
At Inventium, we default to asynchronous communication, and it’s been really effective. But… it’s not without some drawbacks. The time saved cutting back on in-person or virtual meetings can sometimes get pushed into writing detailed, thoughtful emails, and you end up back at square one. I’ve tried to combat that by sending shorter, straight-to-the-point messages, but they can occasionally come across as abrupt, or even cold. My solution has been to send audio messages instead. I can get a messa
Speak your mind - be more efficient, nail your tone and deepen connections with audio messages
At Inventium, we default to asynchronous communication, and it’s been really effective. But… it’s not without some drawbacks. The time saved cutting back on in-person or virtual meetings can sometimes get pushed into writing detailed, thoughtful emails, and you end up back at square one. I’ve tried to combat that by sending shorter, straight-to-the-point messages, but they can occasionally come across as abrupt, or even cold. My solution has been to send audio messages instead. I can get a messa
Sally Hepworth on her No List, Brain Walks, and the Nifty Three Fifty rule
Sally Hepworth is not your typical reclusive writer. She may prefer to stay indoors (even on beautiful, sunny days), but she doesn’t work at a typewriter, and she’s pretty darn happy most of the time. Even so, the strict boundaries she sets to protect both her time and her personal space are integral to her success as a novelist. She might work from home, but she’s well aware that she’s still at work - which means no lunches or coffee meetings during the weekdays. Sally lets you in on her other
Sally Hepworth on her No List, Brain Walks, and the Nifty Three Fifty rule
Sally Hepworth is not your typical reclusive writer. She may prefer to stay indoors (even on beautiful, sunny days), but she doesn’t work at a typewriter, and she’s pretty darn happy most of the time. Even so, the strict boundaries she sets to protect both her time and her personal space are integral to her success as a novelist. She might work from home, but she’s well aware that she’s still at work - which means no lunches or coffee meetings during the weekdays. Sally lets you in on her other
My Favourite Tip - Marissa King on how to make networking suck a bit less
If you ask Marissa King how she’s doing today, she’ll tell you the truth - the good, the bad and the ugly. And her research shows that when she does, you’ll be much more likely to reciprocate that honestly. All of a sudden, you’ve made quite the connection. Marissa calls this “mutually reciprocal self-disclosure”. For those of us who aren’t the professor of Organizational Behavior at the Yale School of Management, that’s a fancy way of saying: people tend to meet you where you are. That’s why Ma
My Favourite Tip - Marissa King on how to make networking suck a bit less
If you ask Marissa King how she’s doing today, she’ll tell you the truth - the good, the bad and the ugly. And her research shows that when she does, you’ll be much more likely to reciprocate that honestly. All of a sudden, you’ve made quite the connection. Marissa calls this “mutually reciprocal self-disclosure”. For those of us who aren’t the professor of Organizational Behavior at the Yale School of Management, that’s a fancy way of saying: people tend to meet you where you are. That’s why Ma
Evernote co-founder Phil Libin on the key to making better decisions at work
It’s 9:30, and you’ve got just under an hour before your next Zoom meeting. There’s already just a bit too much caffeine buzzing around your brain, and your eyes are half-crossed from the last video call. So how do you recharge and show up refreshed for that next one? If you’re Evernote and mmhmm co-founder Phil Libin, you swim laps. Thanks to the “distributed” nature of mmhmm’s workforce, he can punctuate his work days with distinctly not-work activities. Some days, it’s laps between meetings,
Evernote co-founder Phil Libin on the key to making better decisions at work
It’s 9:30, and you’ve got just under an hour before your next Zoom meeting. There’s already just a bit too much caffeine buzzing around your brain, and your eyes are half-crossed from the last video call. So how do you recharge and show up refreshed for that next one? If you’re Evernote and mmhmm co-founder Phil Libin, you swim laps. Thanks to the “distributed” nature of mmhmm’s workforce, he can punctuate his work days with distinctly not-work activities. Some days, it’s laps between meetings,
My Favourite Tip - Gretchen Rubin: “Choose the Bigger Life” and other decision-making hacks
Bestselling author and happiness guru Gretchen Rubin isn’t Type A. She’s Type A+, so she knows her way around a well-ordered pros and cons list. But when she and her family were deciding whether or not get a dog, that kind of hyperlogical thinking didn’t feel quite right, and ultimately had her going around in circles. Instead, she asked herself, ‘What’s the bigger life?’When it comes to major life decisions, breaking things down into tiny details doesn’t reflect the bigness of the decision. So
My Favourite Tip - Gretchen Rubin: “Choose the Bigger Life” and other decision-making hacks
Bestselling author and happiness guru Gretchen Rubin isn’t Type A. She’s Type A+, so she knows her way around a well-ordered pros and cons list. But when she and her family were deciding whether or not get a dog, that kind of hyperlogical thinking didn’t feel quite right, and ultimately had her going around in circles. Instead, she asked herself, ‘What’s the bigger life?’When it comes to major life decisions, breaking things down into tiny details doesn’t reflect the bigness of the decision. So
Give up the work-life balance illusion with Jamila Rizvi
It doesn’t matter if you’re not a professional writer - as a professional anything, you’re going to need to do a lot of writing. According to best-selling author Jamila Rizvi, this is a good thing, because your writing skills are like a muscle and therefore need constant training. She teaches you how to improve your writing no matter what field you’re in, and shares some tips for building momentum and staying focused during lockdown. Jamila also gives tips on how to edit your own work if you don
Give up the work-life balance illusion with Jamila Rizvi
It doesn’t matter if you’re not a professional writer - as a professional anything, you’re going to need to do a lot of writing. According to best-selling author Jamila Rizvi, this is a good thing, because your writing skills are like a muscle and therefore need constant training. She teaches you how to improve your writing no matter what field you’re in, and shares some tips for building momentum and staying focused during lockdown. Jamila also gives tips on how to edit your own work if you don
My Favourite Tip: Gary Mehigan and the One-Page Reset
Gary Mehigan had just opened his first restaurant, and was confident that he’d mastered the art of cooking. However, he’d soon realise he was yet to master the business of cooking. So, he hired a business coach, and everything changed. The most important thing Gary learned from that coach? The one-page “reset.” Every night, over a cup of tea, Gary writes one page of reflections, questions and goals, and he swears by the process. He believes that whenever he lets this practice slide for too long,
My Favourite Tip: Gary Mehigan and the One-Page Reset
Gary Mehigan had just opened his first restaurant, and was confident that he’d mastered the art of cooking. However, he’d soon realise he was yet to master the business of cooking. So, he hired a business coach, and everything changed. The most important thing Gary learned from that coach? The one-page “reset.” Every night, over a cup of tea, Gary writes one page of reflections, questions and goals, and he swears by the process. He believes that whenever he lets this practice slide for too long,
Numbers don’t lie - how Peakon CEO Phil Chambers uses data to build a more passionate team
You’ve crushed it in a meeting - everyone seems to be listening intently, excited about your ideas, and when you ask for feedback at the end, you get nothing but praise. So why then, two weeks down the line, do you find out that a few people didn’t agree with a word you said, and there’s a slew of things you could’ve done better? Peakon CEO and co-founder Phil Chambers says it might be because data’s a lot more honest than the people it comes from. Phil shares what he learned from starting a com
Numbers don’t lie - how Peakon CEO Phil Chambers uses data to build a more passionate team
You’ve crushed it in a meeting - everyone seems to be listening intently, excited about your ideas, and when you ask for feedback at the end, you get nothing but praise. So why then, two weeks down the line, do you find out that a few people didn’t agree with a word you said, and there’s a slew of things you could’ve done better? Peakon CEO and co-founder Phil Chambers says it might be because data’s a lot more honest than the people it comes from. Phil shares what he learned from starting a com
Make mornings magic with parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson
You need to be in the office at nine, and if you want to be performing at your best, you’ll need to get in a quick workout and a nutritious breakfast. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for trying to pull an outfit together, so you’ll also need to sort that out the night before. Oh, and you need to make sure your kids have eaten a healthy breakfast, put their school uniforms on, brushed their teeth, packed their bags, and not started an all-out war with one another before getting in the car for d
Make mornings magic with parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson
You need to be in the office at nine, and if you want to be performing at your best, you’ll need to get in a quick workout and a nutritious breakfast. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for trying to pull an outfit together, so you’ll also need to sort that out the night before. Oh, and you need to make sure your kids have eaten a healthy breakfast, put their school uniforms on, brushed their teeth, packed their bags, and not started an all-out war with one another before getting in the car for d
Ex-Swisse CEO Radek Sali on DNA tests, meditation coaches, and the gift of giving back
Radek Sali’s working in a cinema - his first job out of school - when he realises that encouraging his team to up-sell popcorn and make more choc-tops might be more valuable than what he’s learning at university. It’s then that Radek decides to treat his career like that of a professional athlete: he accepts that it will be a long, tiring journey full of sacrifice, but worth it for a life of passion and excitement. It’s safe to say Radek made the right call - since then, he’s been a leading figu
Ex-Swisse CEO Radek Sali on DNA tests, meditation coaches, and the gift of giving back
Radek Sali’s working in a cinema - his first job out of school - when he realises that encouraging his team to up-sell popcorn and make more choc-tops might be more valuable than what he’s learning at university. It’s then that Radek decides to treat his career like that of a professional athlete: he accepts that it will be a long, tiring journey full of sacrifice, but worth it for a life of passion and excitement. It’s safe to say Radek made the right call - since then, he’s been a leading figu
Fall in love with falling short - why you need to write a Failure Resume
I was a competitive kid, and some classroom rivalries pushed me to better grades than I might have achieved otherwise. However, I was also a perfectionist, and any “A”s that came without a “+” beside them started to feel less like an almost-perfect achievement and more like a glaring signal that I’d missed the mark. I hated failing, and when you combine that with believing anything less than the top spot is a loss, you have a recipe for disaster. I hid my failures, refusing to talk about them, t
Fall in love with falling short - why you need to write a Failure Resume
I was a competitive kid, and some classroom rivalries pushed me to better grades than I might have achieved otherwise. However, I was also a perfectionist, and any “A”s that came without a “+” beside them started to feel less like an almost-perfect achievement and more like a glaring signal that I’d missed the mark. I hated failing, and when you combine that with believing anything less than the top spot is a loss, you have a recipe for disaster. I hid my failures, refusing to talk about them, t
Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty on writing, self-talk, and what she’s learned from Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon
Yes, even Liane Moriarty, author of smash-hit novels like Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers is prone to “doom-scrolling” from time to time. Liane was the first Australian writer to ever debut a novel at #1 on the New York Times’ bestsellers list. The HBO adaptation of Big Little Lies, starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, was nominated for an astonishing 21 Emmys and won eight. And yet, just like the rest of us, she still struggles with distractions, negative self-talk, and find
Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty on writing, self-talk, and what she’s learned from Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon
Yes, even Liane Moriarty, author of smash-hit novels like Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers is prone to “doom-scrolling” from time to time. Liane was the first Australian writer to ever debut a novel at #1 on the New York Times’ bestsellers list. The HBO adaptation of Big Little Lies, starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, was nominated for an astonishing 21 Emmys and won eight. And yet, just like the rest of us, she still struggles with distractions, negative self-talk, and find
Want to be more persuasive, have better recall, and think more creatively? You need to laugh more!
Working can be hard work… obviously. But that doesn’t mean it should only be hard work. Studies show we laugh and smile less as we enter our 20s - which is when most of us enter the full-time workforce. Given how much of our lives we spend at work, we all want to make it a bit more fun. But the good news for the boss is - laughing more often at work makes us better at our jobs! So the question is: how do we become funnier? Naomi Bagdonas teaches humour at Stanford University (yes, that’s a rea
Want to be more persuasive, have better recall, and think more creatively? You need to laugh more!
Working can be hard work… obviously. But that doesn’t mean it should only be hard work. Studies show we laugh and smile less as we enter our 20s - which is when most of us enter the full-time workforce. Given how much of our lives we spend at work, we all want to make it a bit more fun. But the good news for the boss is - laughing more often at work makes us better at our jobs! So the question is: how do we become funnier? Naomi Bagdonas teaches humour at Stanford University (yes, that’s a rea
Radio legend Christian O’Connell on coping strategies that beat red wine
It’s 4:27AM. That’s right. Not 4:25, not 4:30, but exactly 4:27. When you’re a veteran breakfast radio host like Christian O’Connell, you calculate your latest possible wakeup time to the second. Once he’s out the door, it’s a 20 to 30-minute commute, but it’s one he really enjoys. It’s the only time in a pretty hectic workday he has completely to himself. After that, it’s 15 minutes of solitude and total silence in the studio so Christian can focus on the one word that’s going to guide this mor
Radio legend Christian O’Connell on coping strategies that beat red wine
It’s 4:27AM. That’s right. Not 4:25, not 4:30, but exactly 4:27. When you’re a veteran breakfast radio host like Christian O’Connell, you calculate your latest possible wakeup time to the second. Once he’s out the door, it’s a 20 to 30-minute commute, but it’s one he really enjoys. It’s the only time in a pretty hectic workday he has completely to himself. After that, it’s 15 minutes of solitude and total silence in the studio so Christian can focus on the one word that’s going to guide this mor
All about aesthetics - Lucy Feagins gives your home office a makeover
Working from home used to sound like the dream, didn’t it? If you work from home, you’re always at home! But I think we’re all starting to realise the flip-side of the WFH movement - if you work from home, you’re also always at work. And for most people, the move to working from home has been quite sudden, and you likely don’t have the space for a designated office. A lot of us are working from our dining room tables, but according to Lucy Feagins, editor of The Design Files, that doesn’t mean y
All about aesthetics - Lucy Feagins gives your home office a makeover
Working from home used to sound like the dream, didn’t it? If you work from home, you’re always at home! But I think we’re all starting to realise the flip-side of the WFH movement - if you work from home, you’re also always at work. And for most people, the move to working from home has been quite sudden, and you likely don’t have the space for a designated office. A lot of us are working from our dining room tables, but according to Lucy Feagins, editor of The Design Files, that doesn’t mean y
Shape your own identity with Phantom of the Opera’s Josh Piterman
As the Phantom of the Opera, Josh Piterman’s story is already pre-written for him. But as an actor and a person, Josh writes that narrative himself. Josh shares how repeating the same esoteric ritual before every show helps him enter a flow state. For him, focusing on being present ensures that every performance feels like a brand new show. He also breaks down how journaling and teaching meditation make him a more generous and grateful person, and how working with a world-famous mindset coach ha
Shape your own identity with Phantom of the Opera’s Josh Piterman
As the Phantom of the Opera, Josh Piterman’s story is already pre-written for him. But as an actor and a person, Josh writes that narrative himself. Josh shares how repeating the same esoteric ritual before every show helps him enter a flow state. For him, focusing on being present ensures that every performance feels like a brand new show. He also breaks down how journaling and teaching meditation make him a more generous and grateful person, and how working with a world-famous mindset coach ha
A simple phrase to motivate yourself to do things you don't want to do
What do you have to do today? A long, detailed report? A whole slew of meetings? Make dinner, do laundry, somehow squeeze in a workout? I feel you! Between work, family, friendships and looking after our health, there’s a lot we feel like we have to do. But therein lies the problem… Thinking that we have to do something automatically makes it feel like a burden. Your self-talk is really powerful, but thankfully, it works both ways. Turia Pitt, the bestselling author, two-time Ironman and surv
BONUS: Nespresso’s Jean-Marc Dragoli teaches you to make a great brew and learn a new language
Today's show is brought to you by Nespresso Professional.In previous episodes of How I Work, we’ve talked about the value of “micro-breaks” for maintaining energy over a long day at the office. Nespresso’s Jean-Marc Dragoli takes this to a new level, stealing away for a “coffee moment” seven to ten times a day! He teaches you how a cup of coffee can facilitate anything from quiet reflection to a sense of connection with farmers on the other side of the globe. He also gives you the low-down on ca
BEST OF: How to bring more comedy into your next stand-up meeting, with Naomi Bagdonas
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***Does business really need to be so serious? Stanford Business School humour lecturer Naomi Bagdonas believes there’s always room for humour, even when you’re trying to accomplish very serious things. She’s found utilising humour can boost innovation, foster creativity, and bolster resilience through hard times. Naomi says bringing levity into your day-to-day exchanges can diffuse tension and help your colleagues understand you on a deeper level. She shares tips from he
My Favourite Tip: Sam Corcos - Plan a “think week” so you don’t miss the forest for the trees
Levels CEO and digital nomad Sam Corcos teaches you how to get a bird’s-eye view of your company with a quarterly “think week.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BEST OF: Why Adam Grant wants you to schedule a regular life check-up
When his past students complained of being stuck in jobs they hated, organisational psychologist and best-selling author Adam Grant decided he needed to find a remedy. He says we should all be scheduling regular life check-ups. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My Favourite Tip: Kara Swisher - Imposter syndrome is an illusion
Kara Swisher doesn’t have imposter syndrome… And for good reason. She’s a celebrated journalist, opinion columnist for The New York Times, the host of the Sway podcast, and the co-host of Pivot. Kara teaches you how to be practical in your self-evaluation, which often means you need to give yourself some praise. She reflects on how society’s views on her sexuality and gender have forced her to advocate for herself when no one else would. That’s given her an unbreakable self-confidence over the
The maths of mentoring: Holly Ransom on the equation of getting help by giving it
Do your knees shake at the thought of public speaking? Are you intimidated before a big interview? Do you worry about finding the right mentor? Holly Ransom, Fulbright Scholar and author of The Leading Edge, says it’s because you’re thinking about yourself. All those nerves will fall away if you re-frame and focus instead on the value you can bring to others. And if you’re hoping to find a great mentor, you have to be willing to pay it forward. Holly also shares how you can better manage your d
My Favourite Tip - Cal Newport: How to take advantage of scheduling software and “office hours”
Cal Newport gets a lot done. He’s a computer science professor at Georgetown University, he’s written several bestsellers on productivity, and he now hosts the popular Deep Questions podcast. He shares the secrets to getting more done in less time by eliminating the bottle-necks in your organisation. Back-and-forth messages to organise meetings and unstructured chat in the office can pile up fast - and before you know it, you’ve run out of time for the truly important work. Cal suggests you us
More naps, less coffee: Norman Swan’s tips for the good life
Yep, a lot of Australians are still in lockdown. But Dr Norman Swan, physician, journalist and presenter of The Health Report and Coronacast, is here to help you get through it. Norman is the author of So You Think You Know What’s Good For You?, a book that dispels common myths and half-truths about health. He tells you how he managed to stay sane during 2020 lockdowns, and how he hopes to do it again. He’ll teach you the power of great story-telling, how to get the most out of your exercise ro
My Favourite Tip: Business Chicks' Emma Isaacs - How to work a room
Networking can sometimes feel like a dirty word… It’s like the evil twin sister of making friends. But according to Business Chicks founder and Global CEO Emma Isaacs, networking and making friends are really the same thing. Emma teaches you how to shed that icky feeling so you can embrace the fun of meeting new people. She gives tips on active listening, soothing that “new people” anxiety, and some tasteful ways to exit a conversation. You can find the full episode here: Business Chicks Founder
Manifesting purpose and profit with OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn
How do you know you’re hiring the best possible people for your organisation? How can you wake up with gratitude every single day? And how do you make sure you never have to throw out an old loaf of bread ever again? Believe it or not, there’s one woman who can answer every one of those questions. Ronni Kahn is the founder and CEO of OzHarvest, a food rescue organisation that’s partnered with some of the most recognisable names in the world, from the Duchess of Cornwall to Woolworths and BP.
My Favourite Tip: Booktopia CEO Tony Nash on how to make learning automatic
Do you want to get more out of everything you read? Well, join the club! Or, you could join Booktopia CEO Tony Nash and start listening to more audiobooks instead. Tony shares why he doesn’t stress about taking notes while he’s listening, and instead prefers to absorb the information into hismental “DataBank”. He says it improves his ability to act quickly and automatically when it matters most. He also reveals the two heated moments that sparked his commitment to remaining calm in the face of
Ten surprising ways to make lockdown suck a little bit less, with Atlassian's Dom Price
Last week marked a very special kind of anniversary for me: being a Melbournian, I have now clocked up over 200 days in lockdown. For most of those 200 days, I feel like I've coped pretty well.But last week, things felt really hard. I didn't feel like myself and people close to me were struggling too. And I was just sick of hearing the same old advice for how to cope. So I reached out to someone I knew would be thinking differently - Dom Price, head of R&D and resident Work Futurist at Atlas
A weekly ritual to get off your devices (especially during lockdown)
How are you coping with this whole global pandemic thing? I'm in Melbourne in lockdown 6.0 and it's pretty tough going. I feel like I'm more reliant on my devices than ever before - it's like a window to the outside world. But I have a feeling that checking ABC news 10 times a day isn't very good for my mental health. So in today's show, I have an alternative to share.Try out Amantha's favourite calendar software here:usemotion.ioCheck out Lisa's ABC podcast This Working Life.Connect with Lisa o
Analogue productivity in a digital age with Unilever CEO Nicky Sparshott
Being a CEO is tough… Being CEO of two companies? That’s a whole different game. For Nicky Sparshott, CEO of Unilever ANZ and Global CEO of T2, the trick to staying on top of everything is sometimes as simple as a post-it note. She shares how she filters her priorities from a five-year horizon all the way down through yearly, quarterly, monthly and daily to-do lists. She also highlights the importance of blocking out time for deep thinking, the unexpected benefits of working with a global team
My Favourite Tip: Carsales CEO Cameron McIntyre - Don’t send that email just yet!
You’ve got a huge decision to make - the common advice would be to ‘sleep on it’. Carsales CEO Cameron McIntyre says even if ‘sleeping on it’ actually looks more like lying awake in bed thinking about it all night, taking 24 hours before you make a crucial decision, or reply to a frustrating email, is worth it. According to Cameron, leaders don’t get the benefit of throwing their hands up in defeat - that kind of behaviour can be contagious in an organisation. He shares how you can remain calm
Get your priorities straight with Oliver Burkeman
Hear me out - what if you stopped trying so hard to be productive? Most of us only get a total of four thousand weeks on this earth. Do you really want to spend them answering emails? Oliver Burkeman is a “recovering productivity geek” and he wants you to make peace with the reality that you'll never get everything done. He says once you’ve accepted that hard truth, you’ll finally be free to focus on what’s truly important.Oliver Burkeman is a journalist and the author of The Antidote: Happiness
My Favourite Tip: Sammy J on how to use criticism and find your voice
Yep, harsh feedback can sting like a rotten tomato right to the face, so how can you tell which criticism is ripe for the picking? Sam McMillan is a musical comedian, satirist, writer and radio presenter who performs under the stage name Sammy J. Sammy knows that not all feedback is created equal. He shares why he takes on every bit of feedback from his team at ABC Radio, and why he’s more selective about what to take seriously when it comes to audiences and social media. Connect with Sammy on
Win friends and stop trying to be an influencer with Meshel Laurie
What if you’re sabotaging yourself without even realising it? You know that feeling, when you’ve got the skills, the reputation and the experience, but you just can’t land that top job? Just three letters could be standing in your way. According to comedian, writer, podcast and radio host, and self-described “probably pretty bad” Buddhist Meshel Laurie, it’s time to say “YES.” You ARE interviewing, you ARE looking at new people, and you ARE taking applications for new friends and new opportuni
My Favourite Tip: Naomi Bagdonas - how to make anything funny
How can you inject a bit of humour into your work day? And why does the work feel so much better when you’re able to share a few laughs with your colleagues? Naomi Bagdonas teaches humour as part of a purpose and leadership course at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. She also coaches top executives in the art of comedy. She shares some comedy one-on-one that will give you a simple framework to start bringing more humour into the workplace and more comedy into your next presentation. Con
Economist Emily Oster on how to make better decisions at work and in life
How do you make big decisions - especially when the outcome affects the people you love? When it falls on you to make a really big choice - should you take that new job, what school should your kids go to - I bet you’ve wished there was some kind of decision-making framework you could apply. And it’s so much easier to weigh up the pros and cons when you actually have some information to hand. When economist Emily Oster decided to become a parent, she was immediately confronted with so many deci
My Favourite Tip: Stop, remote collaborate and listen with Adam Grant
“You’re on mute, Dave!” How are you supposed to build chemistry and work effectively with colleagues when you’re rarely in the same room anymore?Organisational psychologist Adam Grant says it is possible to make your time with them energetic and bursting with ideas that move the work forward effectively.“I don't think there's anything about human psychology that leaves me convinced that we have to be physically in the same room to trust each other and collaborate effectively.”So how does he achi
Maggie Beer on why mastering the basics is the best way to up your game
Since opening a small pheasant farm and restaurant with her husband back in the 70s, Maggie Beer has become the master of making the most out of every opportunity. She’s no stranger to creating new and hugely popular new food products from excess harvest, and shares how to look for inspiration in something that can, at first, appear to be a problem. Maggie has been helping us up our game in the kitchen for years. She says the best way to drastically improve your cooking is to master the basics.
My Favourite Tip: Don’t scramble your chances of a productive day - Attica’s Ben Shewry shares the right way to start the day
If deciding what to have for breakfast each morning does your head in, why not outsource the decision to the best - top Melbourne restaurant owner, Ben Shewry?The Attica chef says, “It takes just as long to make a bad breakfast as it does to make a good one.” So what are Ben’s top tips for making a great breakfast? Omelette, poached or scrambled… No matter how you take your eggs, Ben Shewry is about to help you take them to the next level. Connect with Ben on Instagram or TwitterYou can find the
Work less, achieve more, with Greg McKeown
A tip just for you - you’re doing too much, friend. You’re probably conditioned to think the harder you work, the better the results... And you might have even hit burnout once or twice along the way. Leadership and business strategist Greg McKeown wants you to fight against that conditioning. Instead of wondering “How can I work harder to get more done?”, Greg wants you to ask yourself “How can I make this easier AND get the best results?”. But can you genuinely take fewer steps and still ge
My Favourite Tip: Adore Beauty co-founder Kate Morris on ‘The best thing I ever did’
How does someone as busy as Adore Beauty co-founder Kate Morris nail her unique and polished look at every event? Spoiler - it’s not by pulling everything out of the cupboard! As the leader of a publicly listed e-commerce beauty empire, the pressure is ON when Kate steps out of the house. Kate shares her secret, which she says is “the best thing I ever did” and a total shortcut for always wearing the best version of herself. Connect with Kate on Linkedin You can find the full interview here:
BEST OF: Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor, Laura May Martin, on how she dramatically reduced the amount of time she spends in her inbox
On today's BEST OF episode, my guest is Laura Mae Martin. Laura is the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google. So how did this happen?Laura Mae Martin started at Google almost 10 years ago in the Ann Arbor office. Shortly after joining she started a 20% project and developed an internal training on how to manage your inbox effectively. Her continued passion for productivity has developed into a full-time role working 1:1 with Executives at Google and running the Productivity@Google program for
My Favourite Tip: Being in the business of delight with Simon Griffiths
When Simon Griffiths chose to cover your toilet paper stack with a cheeky sense of fun and delight, the Who Gives a Crap founder cracked open a whole new world of creative possibilities for the business. For Simon, that meant delivering something unexpected to his customers and creating a culture of quirky fun in the workplace, all while delivering decoration to your dunny.That sense of humour has even filtered through to the company’s recruitment process. Connect with Simon on Twitter or Linke
BEST OF: Rahul Vohra on why the key to productivity is to stop touching your mouse
In today's BEST OF episode, my guest is Rahul Vohra. Rahul is the founder and CEO of Superhuman, the fastest email experience in the world. Users get through their inbox twice as fast — and many see Inbox Zero for the first time in years! Previously, he founded Rapportive, the first Gmail plugin to scale to millions of users. Rapportive was acquired by LinkedIn.In our chat, we cover: Rahul’s approach to becoming as efficient as possible with the software he uses Rahul’s email workflow How Rahul
A simple strategy to make better decisions + meet me at the Melbourne Podcast Festival
***Complete the 2021 How I Work Listener survey to go into the draw for a $100 Visa gift card and a spot in Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, valued at over $500: https://bit.ly/3fEMiAG. ***Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Connect with me on the socials:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimberTwitter: https://twitter.com/amanthaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanthai/ Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au If you are looking for more
Why She’s On The Money’s Victoria Devine doesn’t do long-term career goal setting
***Complete the 2021 How I Work Listener survey to go into the draw for a $100 Visa gift card and a spot in Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, valued at over $500: https://bit.ly/3fEMiAG. *** How did Victoria Devine convince hundreds of thousands of millenials, mostly women, to stop hitting snooze on their finances? The award-winning financial advisor and Founder of She’s on the Money shares her no-nonsense tips for building a secure financial future. In Victoria’s case, that quest to wake
My Favourite Tip: eBay's Tim McKinnon on striking a balance between having authority and being approachable
***Complete the 2021 How I Work Listener survey to go into the draw for a $100 Visa gift card and a spot in Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, valued at over $500: https://bit.ly/3fEMiAG. *** Do you struggle to speak up in a meeting and share your ideas? Developing your authority as a leader while still remaining approachable can be super tricky. Ebay Australia's Managing Director Tim MacKinnon says when you’re trying to strike that perfect balance, traits like vulnerability, authenticity
Bigger is better, and other misconceptions about networks with Marissa King
***Complete the 2021 How I Work Listener survey to go into the draw for a $100 Visa gift card and a spot in Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, valued at over $500: https://bit.ly/3fEMiAG. *** Before you click ‘add’ on another vaguely familiar face on LinkedIn - not so fast! But the larger your social or professional network, the larger your influence, right? Organisational psychologist Marissa King says… not always. A professor of organisational behaviour at the Yale School of Management,
My Favourite Tip: Job Van Der Voort on why it's not enough for organisations to be remote-friendly
***Complete the 2021 How I Work Listener survey to go into the draw for a $100 Visa gift card and a spot in Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, valued at over $500: https://bit.ly/3fEMiAG. *** Now everyone has had time working from home, is it time to return to ‘normal’? Remote.com’s Founder and CEO Job van der Voort says now we've tasted the freedom of remote work, companies are going to have a tough time getting staff back in the office. Working for a remote-first company allows staff to
The habits of happiness with Gretchen Rubin
***Complete the 2021 How I Work Listener survey to go into the draw for a $100 Visa gift card and a spot in Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, valued at over $500: https://bit.ly/3fEMiAG. *** What are the routines and habits of a happiness guru? Gretchen Rubin has spent the last ten years dedicated to researching and exploring how to be happier. She’s the host of popular weekly podcast, Happier with Gretchen Ruben, and the author of several books including The Happiness Project, Outer Ord
My Favourite Tip: Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly on how he decides who to work with
My guest today is Kevin Kelly. Kevin is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor for its first seven years. His most recent book is The Inevitable, which is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He co-founded the Hackers’ Conference and also the Quantified Self movement. He writes one of my favourite newsletters, Recomendo, hosts the Cool Tools podcast, and also founded the very popular Cool Tools website back in 2003, in w
Mastering the business of cooking with chef Gary Mehigan
***Complete the 2021 How I Work Listener survey to go into the draw for a $100 Visa gift card and a spot in Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, valued at over $500: https://bit.ly/3fEMiAG. ***When Gary Mehigan opened his first restaurant he couldn’t understand why all that effort in the kitchen wasn’t cooking up good business.So the chef engaged a business coach who helped him work smarter instead of harder. He learned how to be more accountable to his business, including a daily reflection
My Favourite Tip: Perry Marshall on how to do more $10,000 per hour tasks and less $10 per hour tasks
***Complete the 2021 How I Work Listener survey to go into the draw for a $100 Visa gift card and a spot in Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, valued at over $500: https://bit.ly/3fEMiAG. ***Have you ever thought about breaking down your day into what are the most valuable tasks that you do and the least valuable? If you're like most people, you've probably broken down your annual salary into an hourly rate. Or if you're a business owner or freelancer, perhaps you've divided annual revenue
Digital nomad and CEO: Working efficiently from anywhere with Sam Corcos
Have you ever considered packing up your life and working on the road? Co-founder and CEO at Levels, Sam Corcos, has been a digital nomad for more than 10 years. All while running a global company. Sam is a fellow productivity nerd and thinks deeply about his personal productivity. In today's show, he shares a tonne of really practical tips, from his email processing strategies and how he organises his calendar as a hyper busy CEO, through to how he manages to read two books every week and his
Two strategies to get rid of the "shoulds" in your life
“Should” is one of the most problematic words when it comes to self-talk. I should go to the gym. I should accept this event invitation. I should call this friend and see how she's going, I should spend less time on social media.Shoulds are very, very unhelpful. They have the double whammy of making us feel guilty AND they don’t actually help us change our behaviour.So today I want to share with you two alternative words or phrases to replace the shoulds in your life.Visit amanthaimber.com/podca
Why NYT journalist Kara Swisher has never had imposter syndrome
Kara Swisher is a no-nonsense journalist with a reputation as both the most feared and the most respected journalist to cover Silicon Valley. When she interviews the biggest names in tech, including Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla’s Elon Musk, they’re usually visually nervous and on their toes. She's been covering the industry since the early 90s and knew many giants in the tech world when they were just starting up. Kara is widely connected, well-read and always prepared for an interview.
It’s time to challenge your rituals and routines
Are your routines still serving you? Maybe they were when you first made them, but are you still getting the same results as when you started?I’ve recently been revising my own rituals and routines in my day, week, and month. I’ve discovered that by mixing up some of my routines, such as my workout and weekly psychologist appointment, I’ve been more energised and productive. So I’m challenging you to take a look at your own routines and ask yourself if there’s a better way to achieve the outcome
Master your tasks with Todoist’s Amir Salihefendić
Do you ever finish your day with your inbox and task list complete? Amir Salihefendić is a CEO who prides himself on an empty calendar and empty inbox at the end of each day. In 2007 he created the to-do list app, Doist, from his college dorm room. Today it’s one of the world’s most popular task management apps with more than 25 million users. He’s set his remote-first company up to work asynchronously. This means everyone in his company works remotely and doc
Research shows that time management equals happiness
Can you become happier in your job simply by managing your time better? At Inventium, our Workday Reinvention Program is one of our most popular programs with clients. The program increases productivity by teaching people to prioritise deep work over shallow work. This can lead to 20% more productivity and a huge increase in job satisfaction. A recent study published in PLOS One looked at the outcomes of better time management. I was surprised to find out that time management was also linked to
Cal Newport on how to eliminate 80% of emails in your organisation
Do you hate email? Are you sick of being a slave to your inbox? Are you like the "average" knowledge worker and check your email or chat messages every six minutes? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, I think you will love today's show. Cal Newport is a Computer Science Professor at Georgetown University and also the bestselling author of Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, and most recently, A World Without Email. And Cal has been thinking a lot about how to overcome what he calls the "
Four pieces of career advice from the world's most successful leaders
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? A great piece of advice can be life-changing. It can set you on a whole new trajectory, land you a new job, or even prompt you to make a big career change. Group Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil, and self-described overachiever Alison Watkins shares how to make sure the advice you receive is right for you. Global leader in innovation Scott D Anthony wants you to flirt with possible career moves through advice and curiosity. Organisational psyc
Business Chicks Emma Isaacs on how to get better at networking (even if you hate it)
Hate networking but know you need to get better at it? Career entrepreneur Emma Isaacs has built her professional network of people - including Richard Brandson, Nicole Kidman, and Arianna Huffington - from the ground up. She bought her first business at the age of 18 and has never looked back. Today Business Chicks is a global social networking group with over 44,000 members, hosting events across Australia and the US. Emma now runs her company from the US, where she lives with her family, in
Five cool tools to improve your health
I place a huge value on my health. It’s my number one priority. If you’re not healthy, chances are you’re less productive.Using these tools helps me incorporate physical activity into my day, understand my health patterns so I know where I can make improvements, and trains my brain. I use the Apple Smart Rope to count reps when I’m skipping. The rope connects to an app on my phone and lets me know when I have reached my goal. Smart Rope: https://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/HL6M2ZM/A/tangram-f
Why Booktopia’s CEO Tony Nash is excited when people resign
If you left your job, could your company go on without you? Booktopia’s CEO Tony Nash believes a company should be more robust than the people working for it. When someone walks into his office to resign, they don’t get the reaction they expect. Instead of alarm, Tony feels excitement when someone decides it’s time to move on. Before starting Booktopia in 2004, Tony ran his own online recruitment company, Best People International, and still enjoys the process of recruitment, even from the top.
The ultimate home office set-up
Welcome to my home office. Since Inventium officially became a remote-first organisation, I’ve been making improvements to my set up with the help of my dad, who’s very tech savvy.By using a semi-professional camera as a webcam, I get amazing clear images for online meetings and presentations. I can control the lighting and make sure I look great, without lights shining in my eyes. I’ve turned my office into a mini-recording studio for podcast and presentation recordings. I’ve even started to ex
Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly on how you can make a career from just 1000 true fans
If you're anything like me, your inbox is cluttered with e-newsletters that you don't read. But there are a handful I actually look forward to reading. One of them is called Recomendo, co-written by Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly. As you would expect from someone who founded arguably the most influential tech magazine on the planet, Kevin epitomises the phrase "finger on the pulse".I interviewed Kevin last year and he has kindly offered to come back on again. If you're interested in Kevin's favour
Three cool tools for better virtual meetings and presentations
Do you want to nail engaging virtual meetings?Make presentations feel more like they do in real life. The mmhmm app helps you to configure your screen for more effective presentations. By appearing next to your slides instead of being replaced by them, you’ll enhance human connection and communicate more naturally. Increase interaction with your audience with fun polls and live voting. The Slido app integrates seamlessly with Google Slides and even displays live results - adding that little som
Carsales’ CEO Cameron McIntyre on how to remember names and influence people
If you have a meeting with Cameron McIntyre there are a few things about him that might surprise you. The first one is he will remember your name and the second is that he’s always present, prepared, and not easily shaken. But how does he manage to do this? What is his trick for recalling names in a meeting full of people he’s never met before? Cameron shares his hacks for always being composed, never sending an email you may regret, and making a good impression. Cameron’s favourite books:L
Four cool tools to improve your writing
Do you want to improve your writing?Writing is one of the fundamental ways we persuade people to take up our ideas, meet with us, or buy the thing we are selling. Want a snappier headline or to make sure you are communicating to the right audience. Want to find those pesky grammatical errors before you send your email? What if you see a nice font you like, but don’t know how to find out which one it is?Text analyser Hemingway, writing assistant Grammarly, headline improver CoSchedule and font fi
Getting creative with a time limit - the new life of ABC Radio breakfast host Sammy J
Can you be creative when you have a time limit? A new life for ABC breakfast radio presenter, TV writer and comedian Sammy J means more demands on his time. Gone are the days of creatively exploring ideas all day before performing at night. Sammy J has to organise his home and work life precisely to keep up with the demands of several jobs and his new role as a father. How has he learned to manage his creativity to deliver within strict time limits? Sammy J also shares his personal check-list
INTRODUCING — Curveball, a leadership podcast on how to thrive in challenging times
If there’s one thing leaders and entrepreneurs know, it’s that business is a rollercoaster. And sometimes you’re hit by something you couldn’t even see coming. There’s extreme highs and some devastating lows, and yet somehow you have to keep going. You need to adapt, pivot, and keeping moving. If you love How I Work, chances are you’ll enjoy Curveball. In revealing, personal conversations with leaders, host Kellie Riordan asks them how they tackle life’s toughest moments — and come out on top
Bring more comedy into your next stand-up meeting, with Naomi Bagdonas
Does business really need to be so serious? Stanford Business School humour lecturer Naomi Bagdonas believes there’s always room for humour, even when you’re trying to accomplish very serious things. She’s found utilising humour can boost innovation, foster creativity, and bolster resilience through hard times. Naomi says bringing levity into your day-to-day exchanges can diffuse tension and help your colleagues understand you on a deeper level. She shares tips from her book Humor, Seriously,
Cool tools for time management
Are you looking for ways to save time? There are plenty of tools out there to help streamline your work processes, but how do you know which ones work best?Find out what websites are causing you too many minutes of distraction, and learn how to batch check your emails rather than becoming a slave to the inbox. Website time tracker Rooster, time calculator Erik Rood, and email client Tempo are the three tools that help me get more out of my week. I’ll explain how I use them and how you can incorp
Why Adam Grant wants you to schedule a regular life check-up
How often do you stop and check-in about how you’re tracking with your career and the job you are in? How do you know you're not blindly following a career path you’re going to regret years down the track? Organisational psychologist and best-selling author Adam Grant says we should all be scheduling life check-ups. A life check-up is just like scheduling an appointment with a doctor, even if you don’t suspect anything is wrong. By putting a reminder in your calendar twice a year to review wher
My Favourite Tip: Free yourself from meetings with Gitlab’s Darren Murph
Do you have Zoom fatigue? What if you could cut your meetings down by 50%?Gitlab’s head of Remote, Darren Murph, believes time spent face-to-face is precious and should be reserved for informal communication and team bonding. So he’s created a four-step barrier to scheduling a meeting that means only the most important meetings make it onto his calendar. By preferencing documentation over meetings Murph has made his virtual meetings dramatically more effective. You can find the full interview he
Keep calm and make good eggs with Attica’s Ben Shewry
On March 15, 2020 Ben Shewry woke up knowing his business was going to collapse. It was his birthday and also the worst day of his life. Melbourne was going into lockdown, forcing him to close the doors of his restaurant Attica, and to cancel thousands of bookings for his $300 a head tasting menu. But instead of giving up, Shewry decided to make a commitment to his 40 full-time staff to keep going. Now, not only is Attica still open, but Ben is about to open another restaurant in the Yarra Valle
My Favourite Tip: Inventium's CEO Michelle Le Poidevin on why we fired all the managers
Do you want more time for creative and strategic work? Inventium’s CEO Michelle Le Poidevin says removing the idea of ‘managers’ from a team structure is one of the best things she’s done for the company. When looking into the holacracy structure, Michelle realised the most senior people in the company were spending most of their time managing people, instead of doing the work that really mattered. By changing the work culture and building a founder-like mindset, her staff were able to focus m
Turn self-doubt into a strength - not a weakness
Have you ever felt like an imposter? Of course you have! Because 82% of people have experienced it at some point. Imposter syndrome is the persistent thought we are undeserving of our achievements. People fear they might be ‘found out’ or that they ‘don’t know what they are doing’. How can you rethink or reframe these thoughts so they don’t have so much power over you? How I Work guests share their experiences with feeling like an imposter and how to use it to your advantage. Envato co-Founde
My Favourite Tip: Tech journalist Peter Wells on how anyone can use software to automate their job
My favourite tip from my chat with tech journalist Peter Wells was on how anyone can use software to automate their job.You can find the full interview here: Tech journalist Peter Wells on how to automate your jobConnect with Peter:
Twittercom/peterwells
Meta podcast
The Helpdesk podcast
Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have d
Cosmetics queen Kate Morris on why you need to manage energy, not time
With just $12,000 borrowed from her boyfriend’s father, Adore Beauty founder Kate Morris started Australia’s first beauty e-commerce site in 1999.Adore Beauty has expanded its offer to more than 200 brands and 13,000 products, earning Kate the Business Innovation Award for Victoria at the Telstra Business Women’s Awards in 2014, and an induction into the Australian Businesswomen’s Network Hall of Fame in 2015.Adore Beauty floated on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2020 for a reputed $600 millio
My Favourite Tip: Global innovation thought leader Scott D Anthony on his new rituals for Deep and Shallow work
My favourite tip from my chat with global innovation thought leader Scott D Anthony was on his new rituals for Deep and Shallow work.This extract is from my second time having Scott on the show - you can check out the full interview here.And check out my first interview with Scott here.Get your copy of Scott’s latest book Eat, Sleep Innovate and check out the book's companion website here. Check out Scott’s firm Innosight. And connect with Scott on LinkedIn and Twitter.Subscribe to my new podcas
Remote.com Founder Job van der Voort on the ultimate home office set up
Even before we fled our workplaces amid the Covid pandemic to set up at home, Job van der Voort was convinced that remote working was the future.He’s the CEO of Remote (and the former VP of Product for GitLab), which assists other companies to set their employees up, which he says allows them to live a better life. But it’s not as easy as just letting some of your employees work from home. Job says the key to running a remote team is to intentionally create moments for connection and bonding.Rem
My Favourite Tip: Sunsama's Ashutosh Priyadarshy on using artificial time constraints to force productivity
Want to complete tasks quicker and fit more into your day?Productivity nerd Ashutosh Priyadarshy says effective and productive behaviour comes from setting a goal for your time. He’s the founder of productivity software company Sunsama, the makers of a daily planner tool that helps you plan out a focused work day by pulling together your tasks from all of your tools.During the early days building Sunsama software, Ashutosh set a 1.5-day turn around from demo to delivery. This forced the team to
Who Gives A Crap’s Simon Griffiths on driving a team through greater purpose
In March 2020, Simon Griffiths was watching as toilet paper sold out across Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. Even as the CEO of toilet paper innovators Who Gives A Crap, he never imagined the same thing was about to happen in Australia, UK and the US. But on March 4th, things took a dramatic turn. As the great toilet paper wars broke out across supermarket aisles, sales rose by 30-40%. Who Gives A Crap sold out, with half a million buyers on their waitlist. The challenge excited Simon Griffiths
My Favourite Tip: Turia Pitt's simple yet impactful gratitude practice
Want to transform your day by creating a more resilient and positive mindset? Engineer, athlete and burns survivor Turia Pitt has quick gratitude techniques that offer an easy way to take control so you’re not at the mercy of a bad mood. In the morning, think of three things you are grateful for. It’s that simple.For Turia, she likes to think about her son, or how nicely her new surfboard rides. You can find the full interview here: Turia Pitt’s Next Tuesday rule, hacks for dramatically improvi
Making the Four Day Week work for your organisation - a CEO's perspective (Part 2)
What would you do if your boss suggested that you cut your working hours down to just four normal length days but said to you, I'll still pay you for five? Would you pinch yourself to check you weren't dreaming? Well this is what happened last April at Inventium. Our CEO, Michelle Le Poidevin, suggested to the team that we should try out the Four Day week. This lead to us running a six-month experiment where the team all worked four days per week and had Friday off. As a participant in this expe
My Favourite Tip: Coca-Cola Amatil's Managing Director Alison Watkins on how to receive negative feedback
My favourite tip from my chat with Coca-Cola Amatil's Managing Director Alison Watkins was on how to receive negative feedback.You can find the full interview here: Coca-Cola Amatil’s Group Managing Director Alison Watkins on why doing great work isn’t enough to get ahead in your careerConnect with Alison on LinkedIn.Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains t
Making the Four Day Week work for your organisation (Part 1)
Imagine it's 6am on a Friday morning. You wake up, about to get ready for work, but then you remember - you don't have to go to work. Instead, you have a blissful three day weekend ahead. Now imagine that you get to experience this feeling every single Friday morning. Yet, you're still on a full-time salary.This is what life is now like at my consultancy Inventium. Back in July last year, we ran an experiment to see if we could improve our productivity and fit our work into four normal, eight-ho
My Favourite Tip: SEEK's Managing Director, Kendra Banks, on how her executive team make their biggest decisions
My favourite tip from my chat with SEEK's Managing Director, Kendra Banks, was on how her executive team make their biggest decisions.You can find the full interview here: Managing Director of SEEK, Kendra Banks, on how her leadership team make their most important decisionsConnect with Kendra at kbanks@seek.com.au and on Linkedin.Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter t
BEST OF: GitLab's Head of Remote, Darren Murph, on how to create corporate culture when no one works from the office
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!My guest today is Darren Murph who is GitLab’s Head of Remote. If you have never heard of GitLab, it's the world’s largest all-remote company, with over 1,300 team members in 67+ countries with no company-owned offices. Darren has spent his career leading remote teams an
My Favourite Tip: Rice University Professor Scott Sonenshein on how to dramatically improve meetings
My favourite tip from my chat with Rice University Professor Scott Sonenshein was on to dramatically improve meetings.You can find the full interview here: Rice University Professor Scott Sonenshein on how to clean up your meetings, decisions and inboxLearn more about Scott right here.Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have disc
BEST OF: Cal Newport on why you need to change your workflow, not your habits, when it comes to boosting productivity
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!My guest today is Cal Newport. Cal is a computer science professor at Georgetown University. Cal is the author of six books, including, most recently, the New York Times bestseller, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. Cal’s work has been publish
My Favourite Tip: Shameless' Michelle and Zara on how they make tough business decisions
My favourite tip from my chat with Shameless' Michelle and Zara was on how they make tough business decisions.You can find the full interview here: Shameless' Michelle and Zara on their process for making one of the most popular podcasts in AustraliaGrab your copy of Michelle and Zara’s book The Space In-between, follow Shameless on Instagram, join the Shameless Book Club, and listen to the Shameless podcast on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.I
BEST OF: Dan Pink on coming up with great titles for projects, how he structures his working days, and why he doesn’t believe in willpower
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!My guest today is Dan Pink. Dan is the author of six bestselling books, including Drive, A Whole New Mind, and his latest book "When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing", which has spent four months on the New York Times bestseller list. You might also be familiar
My Favourite Tip: Rachel Botsman's strategies for creating a brilliant start to virtual presentations
My favourite tip from my chat with Rachel Botsman was on her strategies for creating a brilliant start to virtual presentations.This extract is from my second time having Rachel on the show - you can check out the full interview here.And check out my first interview with Rachel here.Follow Rachel on Linkedin to get her biweekly newsletter Rethink.Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short mont
BEST OF: Envato co-Founder Cyan Ta'eed on spending just 15 minutes a day on her phone
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!My guest today is Cyan Ta’eed. Cy is one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, having co-founded Envato in 2006 and growing it to being valued at over $1 billion. Last year she tried her hand at chocolate (why not?!) and Hey Tiger is now one of Australia’s fastes
My Favourite Tip: Dr Jason Fox's 7-day rhythm for work and life
My favourite tip from my chat with Dr Jason Fox was his 7-day rhythm for work and life.This extract is from my second time having Jase on the show - you can check out the full interview here.And check out my first interview with Jase here.Connect with Jason at fox.substack.comSubscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered th
BEST OF: Rachel Botsman's tips for saying no, making a productive start to the day, and her one-minute mindfulness routine.
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!Rachel Botsman is a world renowned expert on technology and trust, and the author of bestselling books “Who Can You Trust?” and “What’s Mine Is Yours". Rachel is a Trust Fellow at Oxford University and has been recognised as one of the “Most Creative People in Business”
My Favourite Tip: Rice University Professor Scott Sonenshein on to make better decisions
My favourite tip from my chat with Rice University Professor Scott Sonenshein was on to dramatically improve meetings.You can find the full interview here: Rice University Professor Scott Sonenshein on how to clean up your meetings, decisions and inboxLearn more about Scott right here.Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have disc
BEST OF: Adam Grant on how to turbo-charge productivity and motivation
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!On today’s show, I speak to organizational psychologist, best-selling author and Wharton’s highest-rated professor, Adam Grant. His books Give and Take, Originals, and Option B have sold over one million copies and have been translated into 35 languages. Adam has been re
My Favourite Tip: Atlassian's Dom Price on making virtual meetings not suck
My favourite tip from my chat with Atlassian's Dom Price was on making virtual meetings not suck.This extract is from my second time having Dom on the show - you can check out the full interview here.And check out my first interview with Dom here.Connect with Dom: Twitter Linkedin Atlassianteamplaybook.com Atlassian.com/remote Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that
Perry Marshall on how to do more $10,000 per hour tasks and less $10 per hour tasks
Perry Marshall is one of the most expensive business strategists in the world. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs use his 80/20 Curve as a productivity tool. His reinvention of the Pareto Principle is published in Harvard Business Review. He founded the $10 million Evolution 2.0 Prize, with judges from Harvard, Oxford and MIT, it is the world’s largest science research award. And his book the Ultimate Guide to Google Ads is the world’s best selling book on internet advertising. Perry’s latest book is ca
My Favourite Tip: Jake Knapp on winning the battle against email (and why it's so addictive)
My favourite tip from my chat with Jake Knapp was on winning the battle against email (and why it's so addictive) .This extract is from my second time having Jake on the show - you can check out the full interview here.And check out my first interview with Jake here.Find out more about Jake here: Running remote Sprints The Jake and Jonathon podcast Jake’s website Jake’s books Sprint and Make Time Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more t
eBay Australia's Managing Director Tim MacKinnon on how to actually be an authentic leader
My guest today is Tim MacKinnon. Tim is the Managing Director and Vice President for eBay Australia, a role that he has had for the last three years. At eBay, Tim’s purpose is to help Australian retailers grow and take advantage of opportunities in online, mobile, local and global commerce. Enabling businesses and entrepreneurs has been the connecting thread in his career at eBay, Intuit in Silicon Valley, and before that Advising the Minister responsible for IT industry and as a corporate lawye
My Favourite Tip: Mia Freedman on how to get a quick read on staff's mental wellbeing
My favourite tip from my chat with Mia Freedman was on how to get a quick read on staff's mental wellbeing.This extract is from my second time having Mia on the show - you can check out the full interview here.And check out my first interview with Mia here.Check out: Mia on Instagram Mia’s podcasts: No Filter, Mamamia Outloud, and Lady Startup. And on her website. Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I
Superhuman Founder Rahul Vohra on why the key to productivity is to stop touching your mouse
My guest today is Rahul Vohra. Rahul is the founder and CEO of Superhuman, the fastest email experience in the world. Users get through their inbox twice as fast — and many see Inbox Zero for the first time in years. Previously, Rahul founded Rapportive, the first Gmail plugin to scale to millions of users. Rapportive was acquired by LinkedIn.In our chat, we cover: Rahul’s approach to becoming as efficient as possible with the software he uses Rahul’s email workflow How Rahul divides his inbox i
Strategies to help you have a tough conversation with your boss
This episode answers a listener question about how to have a tough conversation with your boss.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at
Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly on embracing interruptions, getting into flow, and what makes a great question
My guest today is Kevin Kelly. Kevin is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor for its first seven years. His most recent book is The Inevitable, which is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He co-founded the Hackers’ Conference and also the Quantified Self movement. He writes one of my favourite newsletters, Recomendo, hosts the Cool Tools podcast, and also founded the very popular Cool Tools website back in 2003, in w
Uncover your chronotype and use it to turbo-charge productivity.
This episode answers a listener question about how to uncover your chronotype and using it to boost productivity.Uncover your chronotype here: https://inventium.typeform.com/to/E8Kp7jVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from i
Tech journalist Peter Wells on how to automate your job
My guest today is Peter Wells. Peter is a technology journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald, where he writes about tech and podcasts. Peter is also the host of two podcasts which are Meta (a podcast about podcasts) and The Helpdesk (a daily tech podcast).In this chat, we cover: Peter’s favourite gadgets How to get the most out of voice-activated assistants Peter’s favourite productivity software How Peter uses time tracking software to improve his productivity How Peter uses automation to save
Three ways to avoid virtual meeting fatigue
This episode looks at three simple strategies to avoid virtual meeting fatigue.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork
Ashutosh Priyadarshy on how he deliberately removes bulls@*t from his diary
My guest today is Ashutosh Priyadarshy. Ashutosh is the founder of Sunsama (YC W19). Sunsama is a daily planner for elite professionals that helps you plan out a focused work day by pulling together your tasks from all of your tools. Ashutosh has spent most of the last decade building and launching productivity hardware and software. His goal is to build products that help us navigate our work and life mindfully and intentionally. We cover: Ashutosh’s daily productivity rituals Ashutosh’s approa
Four ways to replace serendipitous conversations in the virtual world
This episode looks at four simple strategies to replace serendipitous conversations in the virtual world.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up f
Behind the scenes of How I Work with Dr Amantha Imber
Today's show is an interview I did for the podcast Meta with Peter Wells. With Peter, we go behind the scenes of How I Work and my own productivity routines and hacks. I talk about why and how I started How I Work, some of my favourite productivity software, and other geeky productivity hacks.Check out the Meta podcast.Subscribe to my new podcast How To Date in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inven
What does the future of work look like post-COVID?
This episode looks at three ways that work might change thanks to COVID-19.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coS
Global innovation thought leader Scott D Anthony on his daily creativity ritual
My guest today is Scott D Anthony. Scott is global authority on innovation and the former managing partner of Innosight, the innovation and strategy consulting firm co-founded by Clayton Christensen. Scott has written several bestselling books and writes regularly for Harvard Business Review. Scott has been awarded the Thinkers50 Innovation Award, which recognises the world’s leading thinkers on innovation. This is my second time having Scott on the show. I was keen to have him back to check in
Organise your inbox, documents, photos, articles and other digital assets.
This episode looks at several strategies to organise your inbox, documents, photos, articles and other digital assets.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You
Turia Pitt’s Next Tuesday rule, hacks for dramatically improving self-talk, and how to be useful when someone is going through a rough time
My guest today is Turia Pitt. Caught in a grassfire while competing in a 100 km ultramarathon in 2011, Turia suffered full thickness burns to 65 per cent of her body. But surviving is the least of her achievements. As one of Australia’s most admired and widely recognised people, Turia has gone on to become a bestselling author, a two-time Ironman and a humanitarian - raising well over a million dollars for not-for-profit Interplast. Through her online presence, books and online programs, Turia h
Strategies to create boundaries between work and life when you love what you do for work
This episode looks at how to create boundaries between work and life when you love what you do for work.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up fo
Ask Me Anything with Dr Amantha Imber: motivation, productivity, procrastination, collaboration, innovation and more.
My guest today is...me! We had hundreds of questions come in for this Ask Me Anything, which is based around how to work from home efficiently and productively. With the help of organisational psychologist Charlotte Rush, we answer your questions around workplace creativity, innovation, energy, productivity, wellbeing, motivation and more. This is especially relevant to lockdown or work from home setups, which many people are still adapting to. You’ll walk away from today with a few tips of thin
My Favourite Tip: Michelle Poler on the key question she asks herself to conquer her fears
My favourite tip from my chat with Michelle Poler was on the key question she asks herself to conquer her fears.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for f
Introducing my new show: How To Date
Introducing my latest podcast, How To Date!How to Date is a show about to master the messy, complex, and downright bizarre world of dating, when you really didn't think you'd be back here again. Your hosts Dr Amantha Imber and Monique Robin speak to psychologists, dating coaches, professors, data crunchers at Bumble, and even sex workers to learn how to get better at dating.You’ll learn about how to improve your chances of finding love online, how to date during a pandemic, and the latest scienc
Coca-Cola Amatil's Group Managing Director Alison Watkins on why doing great work isn't enough to get ahead in your career
My guest today is Alison Watkins. Alison joined Coca-Cola Amatil as Group Managing Director in March 2014. Prior to joining Coca-Cola Amatil Alison was the CEO of agribusiness GrainCorp and of Berri, the market leader in Australian juice, and she was also the Managing Director of Regional Banking at ANZ. Alison also spent 10 years at McKinsey & Company and became a partner of the firm before moving to ANZ as Group General Manager Strategy. Alison has been a non-executive director of ANZ, W
Why you need to stop asking for feedback and instead, ask for advice.
This episode looks at why you need to stop asking for feedback, and instead, ask for advice.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at ht
GitLab's Head of Remote, Darren Murph, on how to create corporate culture when no one works from the office
My guest today is Darren Murph who is GitLab’s Head of Remote. If you have never heard of GitLab, it's the world’s largest all-remote company, with over 1,300 team members in 67+ countries with no company-owned offices. Darren has spent his career leading remote teams and charting remote transformations and authored GitLab’s Remote Playbook. Darren also holds a Guinness World Record as the planet's most prolific professional blogger, having published 10 million words.In this chat, we cover: How
My Favourite Tip: Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor Laura May Martin on how she manages her inbox
My favourite tip from my chat with Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor Laura May Martin was on how she manages her inbox.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/
Shameless' Michelle and Zara on their process for making one of the most popular podcasts in Australia
My guests on today’s show are Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald. Michelle and Zara are Melbourne-based journalists and broadcasters, aged 26. They met working as writers for Mama Mia, and in March 2018 launched Australia’s top pop-culture podcast Shameless, ‘for smart women who like dumb stuff.’ They now run Shameless Media and are the producers of three other highly popular podcasts.Shameless has been downloaded over 10 million times and was crowned Australia’s Most Popular Podcast of 2019 at
My Favourite Tip: Finder.com co-founder Fred Schebesta identifying top talent
My favourite tip from my chat with Finder.com co-founder Fred Schebesta was on how he identifies top talent.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full
BEST OF: Dan Health on curing himself from procrastination, solving problems before they happen, and the ideal time to seek feedback.
In today's BEST OF episode, my guest is Dan Heath. Dan is the co-author, along with his brother Chip, of four New York Times bestsellers: Decisive, Switch, Made to Stick, and The Power of Moments. The Heath Brothers’ books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 33 languages.Dan is a Senior Fellow at Duke University’s CASE center, which supports social entrepreneurs. I am a HUGE fan of Dan's work and we cover a lot of ground in this interview, including: The importance
The three letter word that will dramatically improve your day
This episode looks at a simple word that will dramatically improve your day. Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork
BEST OF: Amazon executive Paul Migliorini on banning PowerPoint decks, using frugalilty to drive innovation, and trying to always say yes.
In today's BEST OF episode, my guest is Paul Migliorini. Paul leads the Amazon Web Services business across Australia and New Zealand - a role that he has been in for the last four years. Prior to joining AWS Paul held leadership roles in Asia and Australia with BT, Motorola, Regus and Ernst & Young, most recently as the CEO for Regus ANZ and Regional Managing Director for South Asia at BT.I was keen to speak to Paul because I have heard a lot of things about Amazon’s culture and ways of wor
My Favourite Tip: Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner on scheduling time for spontaneity
My favourite tip from my chat with Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner was on scheduling time for spontaneity.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full sh
SEEK's Managing Director, Kendra Banks, on how her leadership team make their most important decisions
My guest today is Kendra Banks, the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at SEEK. If you live in Australia, you have probably used SEEK at some point in your career, and for overseas listeners, SEEK is Australia's number one employment marketplace.Kendra has had an amazing career and has worked in senior marketing roles at Coles where she was General Manager, Customer Insight & Coles Brand and also in London at Tesco. Kendra holds a Masters in European Politics at the College of E
Kick your procrastination habit while working from home
This episode looks at three simple strategies to kick your procrastination habit while working from home.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up f
Inventium's CEO Michelle Le Poidevin on our secret weapon for recruitment, being a remote CEO, and working a four day week
Today's guest is Michelle (Mish) Le Poidevin. Mish has been the CEO of leading behavioural science and innovation consultancy, Inventium (the consultancy I founded and still work in) since May 2019. Mish is passionate about creating the environment and structures for people to do their best work. She has led (and learnt from!) many of Inventium's pioneering people practices such as the move to a holocracy structure, unlimited annual leave, and most recently, the four day work week and the compil
My Favourite Tip: Four Day Week pioneer Andrew Barnes on how to spend less time in meetings
My favourite tip from my chat with Four Day Week pioneer Andrew Barnes was on how to spend less time in meetings.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for
Rice University Professor Scott Sonenshein on how to clean up your meetings, decisions and inbox
My guest today is Scott Sonenshein. Scott is a New York Times Best-Selling Author and Professor of Management at Rice University. I came across Scott’s work a few months ago when I read his second book, Joy at Work. Scott wrote Joy At Work with bestselling author and Netflix star Marie Kondo, whose cleaning methods I’ve used in my own home over the years. In Joy At Work, Scott and Marie offer stories, studies, and strategies to help you eliminate clutter and make space for work that really matte
My Favourite Tip: Bloom creator Glen Dolman’s on how to inject creativity into a writers' room
My favourite tip from my chat with Glen Dolman was about his strategies for injecting creativity into a room full of writers.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/
Things are pretty sh*t right now in Melbourne. Here are a few strategies that might help.
In today's episode, I cover 10 science-backed strategies to boost mental health. And here is a link to Worry Time (as mentioned on the show).Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to ga
My Favourite Tip: Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman on how to stop procrastinating and get in flow
My favourite tip from my chat with Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman was on how to stop procrastinating and get in flow.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podc
Rachel Botsman on obsessing over the first few minutes of virtual presentations
My guest today is Rachel Bostman. Rachel is a world-renowned expert on technology and trust, and author of two bestselling books. Her first book was called "What’s Mine is Yours” which was all about collaborative consumption, and her second book, Who can you trust, explores how technology is transforming trust and what this means for life, work and how we do business. Rachel is a Trust Fellow at Oxford University and has been recognised as one of the “Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Co
Turbo-charge team collaboration in the remote working world
This episode looks at three simple strategies to improve collaboration in the remote working world.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for tha
Amantha Imber on doing a hard reset on her work habits
My guest today is…me! For the second time in the history of this show, I thought I’d turn the tables and share with you how I run my own workday. It's changed quite a bit in light of some very big changes in my life in 2019. The delightful and wise Dr Jason Fox joins me on the show to sit in the interviewer chair.We cover all sorts of ground, including:* The huge changes I have experienced in my work and life over the last year and how that has impacted my productivity* Why I prefer smaller team
My Favourite Tip: Ex-Google Ventures designer John Zeratsky on the calendar template he uses to plan his ideal day
My favourite tip from my chat with ex-Google Ventures designer John Zeratsky was on the calendar template he uses to plan his ideal day.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanth
Dr Jason Fox on trialling a 7-day rhythm for work and life
My guest today is Dr Jason Fox. I’ve known Jason for the best part of a decade. Like me, he is a scientist at heart and has a bias for strategies that are grounded in research. Jason travels the world helping leaders from companies such as Microsoft, Salesforce, McDonalds, and Toyota in the area of motivation design.Jason is also the bestselling author of The Game Changer and How to Lead a Quest, and in 2016 was awarded Keynote Speaker of the Year.Check out the first time I had Jason on the show
My Favourite Tip: Auctioneer-extraordinaire Phillip Kingston on how to fast track getting to know someone
My favourite tip from my chat with Auctioneer-extraordinaire Phillip Kingston was on how to fast track getting to know someone.You can find the full interview here.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research
Atlassian's Dom Price on dramatically improving virtual meetings
My guest today is Dom Price. Dom is the Head of Research & Development and also the resident Work Futurist at Atlassian, one of the world’s biggest and fastest growing tech companies. Dom has responsibilities spanning 5 global R&D centres, and is the in house “Team Doctor” who helps Atlassian scale by being ruthlessly effective, all while keeping one eye on the future.This is my second time having Dom on the show. I was keen to have him back to check in with how he has adapted the way he
My Favourite Tip: Dan Health on removing recurring irritants from your life
My favourite tip from my chat with Dan Health was on removing recurring irritants from your life.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes
My Favourite Tip: Stanford behaviour change expert BJ Fogg on making habits stick
My favourite tip from my chat with Stanford behaviour change expert BJ Fogg was on making habits stick.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show
My Favourite Tip: Amazon executive Paul Migliorini on banning PowerPoint decks
My favourite tip from my chat with Amazon executive Paul Migliorini was on banning PowerPoint decks.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show not
Part 2: Jake Knapp on sharing "news duty", avoiding video calls, and being a better listener
This is part 2 of my chat with Jake Knapp. If you didn’t listen to last week’s episode, Jake spent the last 10 years at Google and Google Ventures where he created the Design Sprint, which is a method for building and testing a prototype in five days. He then went on and wrote a book about the process, called Sprint, which was a New York Times bestseller. He recently wrote another book called Make Time, which I mentioned on a previous episode. I personally loved Make Time, which is all about str
My Favourite Tip: Columbia Professor Rita McGrath on how she decides what projects to take on
My favourite tip from my chat with Columbia Professor Rita McGrath was on how she decides what projects to take on.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast fo
Part 1: Jake Knapp on why email is so addictive and how he is winning the battle against his inbox
My guest today is Jake Knapp. Jake spent the last 10 years at Google and Google Ventures where he created the Design Sprint, which is a method for building and testing a prototype in five days. He then went on and wrote a book about the process, called Sprint, which was a New York Times bestseller. He recently wrote another book called Make Time, which I mentioned on a previous episode. I personally loved Make Time, which is all about strategies to help make time for doing your most important wo
My Favourite Tip: Sandra Sully on how to conduct a great interview
My favourite tip from my chat with Sandra Sully was on how to conduct a great interview.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all
Mia Freedman on transitioning back to the office, new work rituals developed during lockdown, and the most challenging thing about running a media company during COVID.
My guest today is Mia Freedman. Mia is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of the Mamamia Women’s Media Company in Australia. Mamamia has an audience of more than five million women each month and includes the largest women’s podcast network in the world with over 67 million listens and 28 different shows. As many Australian listeners would know, Mia was the youngest editor of Australian Cosmo at 24 years old back in the mid 90s. And because I was one of many loyal Cosmo readers as a teena
My Favourite Tip: Dropbox executive Dean Swan on finding the ideal structure for his day
My favourite tip from my chat with Dropbox executive Dean Swan was on finding the ideal structure for his day.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for ful
My Favourite Tip: CommBank board director Wendy Stops on the best career advice she has received
My favourite tip from my chat with CommBank board director Wendy Stops was on the best career advice she has received.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast
My Favourite Tip: Ultralearner Scott Young on the best ways to give and respond to feedback
My favourite tip from my chat with Scott Young was on the best ways to give and respond to feedback.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show not
Finder.com co-founder Fred Schebesta on sleeping in segments, reminding himself he will die, and his go-to recruitment strategies
My guest today is Fred Schebesta. Fred is an award-winning business leader, best known for co-founding one of the world’s leading comparison websites, Finder.com. Finder.com was born out of a simple concept: to educate people and directly compare student credit cards. Over the years, it expanded and evolved to compare a range of products across different industries. Today, Finder.com compares virtually everything from cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets, credit cards and insurance to savings, t
My Favourite Tip: Consumer Psychologist Adam Ferrier on how to build your own personal brand
My favourite tip from my chat with Adam Ferrier was about how he has built his own personal brand.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes
Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner on the most challenging thing about interviewing Trump
My guest today is Harris Faulkner. Harris is a multiple Emmy award-winning newscaster, anchor, and trailblazer in her field. Harris currently leads two daily programs on Fox News - Outnumbered Overtime with Harris Faulkner (weekdays, 1-2PM/ET) and she serves as the co-host of Outnumbered (weekdays, 12-1PM/ET). Harris joined the Fox News Channel in 2005.Throughout her career, Harris has interviewed many notable figures, including President Trump, Senator John McCain, and Bill Clinton, to name a f
My Favourite Tip: The Australian Financial Review's Editor-in-Chief Michael Stutchbury on how to conduct a great interview
My favourite tip from my chat with Michael Stutchbury was about how to conduct a great interview.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes
Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor, Laura Mae Martin, on how she dramatically reduced the amount of time she spends in her inbox
My guest today is Laura Mae Martin. Laura is the Executive Productivity Advisor at Google. So how did this happen?Laura Mae Martin started at Google almost 10 years ago in the Ann Arbor office. Shortly after joining she started a 20% project and developed an internal training on how to manage your inbox effectively. Her continued passion for productivity has developed into a full-time role working 1:1 with Executives at Google and running the Productivity@Google program for all employees.We cove
My Favourite Tip: David Koch on his morning and evening routines
My favourite tip from my chat with David "Kochie" Koch was about his morning and evening routines.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes
Michelle Poler on how she overcame 100 fears and the key question she asked to help conquer them
My guest today is Michelle Poler. While doing her Masters in Branding back in 2015, Michelle started a project where she would conquer 100 fears in 100 days. This Masters project turned into a global movement that impacted millions of people and received coverage on The NBC Today Show, Fox News, CBS, CNN, to name a few.Since that project, Michelle now travels the world speaking to people at companies such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Netflix, Microsoft, P&G, Toyota, Coca-Cola, and many mor
Three surprising ways to foster social connections in virtual meetings
In today's mini-episode, I explore three science-backed ways to foster social connections in virtual meetings.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign
Ask Me Anything with Dr Amantha Imber: Working From Home
My guest today...is me! A week ago, my team mate Charlotte Rush and I hosted an Ask me Anything webinar on the topic of Working From Home. We had over 700 people join us and submit questions and we tried to get through as many as possible. This is a recording of the live event and we cover all sorts of tips for working from home, such as: the ideal home office set up how to stay connected with co-workers how to run better virtual meetings how to maintain motivation during this challenging time h
My Favourite Tip: Envato co-Founder Cyan Ta'eed on overcoming imposter syndrome
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!My guest today is Cyan Ta’eed. Cy is one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, having co-founded Envato in 2006 and growing it to being valued at over $1 billion. Last year she tried her hand at chocolate (why not?!) and Hey Tiger is now one of Australia’s fastes
Andrew Barnes on the productivity tips that make condensing a five day week into a four day week possible
My guest today is entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrew Barnes. What you might know Andrew for is the person behind creating the Four Day Work Week, where as the founder of Perpetual Guardian, he trialled having his 200+ staff do a four day work week - that is, fit five days worth of work into four. Andrew now consults to companies around the world, helping them do what he did at Perpetual Guardian.Andrew also wrote a book about his experience with implementing the four day work week, called, T
My Favourite Tip: Cal Newport on why changing your workflow, not your habits, is the key to boosting productivity
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!My guest today is Cal Newport. Cal is a computer science professor at Georgetown University. Cal is the author of six books, including, most recently, the New York Times bestseller, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. Cal’s work has been publish
Bloom creator Glen Dolman’s unusual strategies for helping to get unstuck and produce great ideas
My guest today is Glen Dolman. Glen is one of Australia’s most sought-after screenwriters. Glen most recently wrapped on the second season of his supernatural series for Stan, Bloom, which he created and executive produced. The first season was nominated for an AACTA for Best New Drama Series and the second season kicks off on April 9.Glen has written for a variety of different shows including Britain’s longest running crime drama, The Bill (ITV). He also wrote the highly acclaimed telemovie Haw
(How I Work) From Home: Six apps to manage distractions when working from home
***Ask Me Anything: Working From Home***On Tuesday April 21, at 10am, I’ll be hosting an Ask Me Anything Webinar dedicated solely to the topic of working from home. I’ll be drawing on my two decades of experience as an Organisational Psychologist, tips and tricks I have picked up from my guests on the How I Work podcast, and the thousands of scientific journal articles and books I have read on productivity, connectedness, and motivation. All I need are questions to answer!I imagine we will cover
Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman on overcoming procrastination and how to trick yourself into a flow state
Oliver Burkeman is a Guardian writer based in New York. He writes the weekly psychology-based column This Column Will Change Your Life. He is also the author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking.In this interview, we cover: Oliver’s tips for parenting in the age of COVID Oliver’s personal method for time management How Oliver decides which projects to prioritise Oliver’s personal Kanban system to planning his time How to overcome procrastination using self-talk
How I Work From Home: How to Shut Down your workday
In this How I Work From Home episode, I explore the science behind how to Shut Down your work day.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that
My Favourite Tip: David Koch on his morning and evening routines
In this How I Work From Home episode, I explore the science behind how to Shut Down your work day.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that
How I Work From Home: The secret to structuring your day when working from home
***Book in for Inventium's Thriving at Home program***Our most recent cohort achieved the following results in just six weeks: 21% increase in productivity 20% increase in job satisfaction 28% increase in energy levels Overall, the program delivered productivity increases to the value of $10,250 per participant, which represents 20x ROI on the $495 per person investment.If you are struggling with working from home and feeling your productivity plummet - or worse - that of your team - get yoursel
Ex-Google Ventures designer John Zeratsky on structuring your day around a highlight, his daily reflection ritual, and the pro-human smartphone.
My guest today is John Zeratsky, otherwise known as JZ. JZ is a veteran technology designer, keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of Sprint and Make Time.JZ has worked with more than 200 of the world’s most important and innovative organizations, including Google, Harvard University, Slack, IDEO, and Netflix.For nearly 15 years, JZ was a designer for technology companies. At Google Ventures, he helped develop the Design Sprint and worked with startups like Uber, 23andMe, Flatiron Health,
How I Work From Home: Get some greenery
In this How I Work From Home episode, I explore the impact of greenery in your home office.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at htt
My Favourite Tip: FrankBody co-founder Jess Hatzis on getting over her fear of feedback
My favourite tip from my chat with FrankBody co-founder Jess Hatzis was on how she overcame her fear of feedback.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for
My Favourite Tip: Nir Eyal on putting every single activity he does in his calendar
My favourite tip from my chat with Nir Eyal was about why and how he puts every single activity he does in his calendar.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podca
Auctioneer-extraordinaire Phillip Kingston on building rapport quickly, creating urgency in the sales process, and giving yourself the best chance of success on auction day.
My guest today is Phillip Kingston. Phillip is the co-founder of one of the most successful real estate agencies in Australia, Gary Peer. I first became aware of Phillip about 15 years ago when I randomly encountered an auction he was running. And it was the most entertaining 20 minutes of my week. Phillip is hands down the best auctioneer I have ever seen - it’s like going to outdoor theatre. Over the years, Phillip has sold properties for me and I also recently bought one from him too.I wanted
My Favourite Tip: Nigel Marsh on why he responds to every single email
My favourite tip from my chat with Nigel Marsh was about why he responds to every single email he receives.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full s
Dan Heath on curing himself from procrastination, solving problems before they happen, and the ideal time to seek feedback.
My guest today is Dan Heath. Dan is the co-author, along with his brother Chip, of four New York Times bestsellers: Decisive, Switch, Made to Stick, and The Power of Moments. The Heath Brothers’ books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 33 languages.Dan is a Senior Fellow at Duke University’s CASE center, which supports social entrepreneurs. I am a HUGE fan of Dan's work and we cover a lot of ground in this interview, including: The importance of trying to solve pr
Experiment 3: Minor Acts of Kindness
I am running a year-long experiment called My Year of Better. It’s my attempt to test out some science-backed strategies in my own life to become happier, more productive, more creative, and less stressed. If you would like to play along at home, join my pack of 1000+ lab rats at: https://amantha.substack.com/On today’s show, I describe Experiment 3: Minor Acts of Kindness, which has been shown to be a very effective strategy to boost happiness and relationship satisfaction. Visit https://www.am
My Favourite Tip: Nir Eyal on putting every single activity he does in his calendar
My favourite tip from my chat with Nir Eyal was about why and how he puts every single activity he does in his calendar.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podca
My Favourite Tip: Why Adam Alter doesn’t set goals, and what he does instead
My favourite tip from my chat with NYU Marketing Professor Adam Alter was on why he doesn't believe in goal setting - and what he does instead.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www
Stanford behaviour change expert, BJ Fogg, on how he decides which habits to form in his own life and how he makes them stick.
My favourite tip from my chat with Stanford behaviour change expert BJ Fogg was on making habits stick.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show
Experiment 2: Failure Resume
I am running a year-long experiment called My Year of Better. It’s my attempt to test out some science-backed strategies in my own life to become happier, more productive, more creative, and less stressed. If you would like to partake in the fun, join my pack of 1000+ lab rats at: https://amantha.substack.com/On today’s show, I describe Experiment 2: Failure Resume, which has been shown to be a very effective strategy to boost resilience. If you are playing along at home, complete the pre-experi
Columbia Professor Rita McGrath on having a personal board of directors
My guest today is Rita McGrath. Rita is a world-renowned professor at Columbia Business School, where she directs the popular Leading Strategic Growth and Change program. She is widely recognized as a premier expert on leading innovation and growth during times of uncertainty. She has received the #1 achievement award for strategy from the prestigious Thinkers50 and has been consistently named one of the world’s top ten management thinkers in its bi-annual ranking.Rita is the author of the best-
Experiment 1: Worry Time
I am running a year-long experiment called My Year of Better. It’s my attempt to test out some science-backed strategies in my own life to become happier, more productive, more creative, and less stressed. If you would like to play along at home, join my pack of 1000+ lab rats at: https://amantha.substack.com/On today’s show, I describe Experiment 1: Worry Time, which has been shown to be a very effective strategy to significantly reduce stress. Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for ful
Amazon executive Paul Migliorini on banning PowerPoint decks, using frugality to drive innovation, and trying to always say yes.
My guest today is Paul Migliorini. Paul leads the Amazon Web Services business across Australia and New Zealand - a role that he has been in for the last four years. Prior to joining AWS Paul held leadership roles in Asia and Australia with BT, Motorola, Regus and Ernst & Young, most recently as the CEO for Regus ANZ and Regional Managing Director for South Asia at BT.I was keen to speak to Paul because I have heard a lot of things about Amazon’s culture and ways of working that fascinated m
2020 is my year of better. And I’d love you to join me.
Today's mini-episode describes a brand new project I am launching - My Year of Better. I'd love you to be a part of it.Sign up here (it's free!).Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through t
BEST OF: Daniel Pink on coming up with great titles for projects, how he structures his working days, and why he doesn’t believe in willpower.
**BEST OF 2019**My guest today is Dan Pink. Dan is the author of six bestselling books, including Drive, A Whole New Mind, and his latest book "When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing", which has spent four months on the New York Times bestseller list. You might also be familiar with Dan through his TED talk about the surprising science of motivation, which has been viewed over 20 million times.I am a big Dan Pink fan so I was very excited to be able to chat with him. I think he has such
BEST OF: Marcus Buckingham on the four questions he asks himself every week
**BEST OF 2019**My guest today is Marcus Buckingham. Marcus is the author of a stack of best-selling books, including First, Break All the Rules, Now, Discover Your Strengths, The One Thing You Need to Know, and Stand Out, to name a few. His latest book, Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World (Harvard Business Publishing, 2019) takes an in-depth look at the lies that pervade our workplaces and the core truths that will help us change it for the better.Marcus has ap
BEST OF: Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson on productive procrastination, imposter syndrome, and how a dog changed her headspace.
**BEST OF 2019**My guest today is Abbi Jacobson. Abbi is a co-creator, writer, director, executive producer and star of the critically-acclaimed Comedy Central show Broad City, with Ilana Glazer. And that’s how I first became familiar with her work. I am a hard core fan of Broad City and would go so far to say I think it’s the funniest show on TV right now (although it recently wrapped it’s fifth and final season). Seriously, if you have not watched Broad City or have no idea what I am talking a
BEST OF: Envato co-Founder Cyan Ta'eed on spending just 15 minutes a day on her phone
***BEST OF HOW I WORK***I'm currently taking a few weeks off, so today's episode is a Best Of episode. I've gone back through the archives of the last 2.5 years of hosting How I Work and picked out my absolute favourite episodes!My guest today is Cyan Ta’eed. Cy is one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, having co-founded Envato in 2006 and growing it to being valued at over $1 billion. Last year she tried her hand at chocolate (why not?!) and Hey Tiger is now one of Australia’s fastes
My Favourite Tip: Chris Guillebeau on how perfectionism gets in the way of success.
My favourite tip from my chat with Chris Guillebeau was on how perfectionism gets in the way of success.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show
My Favourite Tip: Award-winning magician Simon Coronel on paying people to criticise him
My favourite tip from my chat with award-winning magician Simon Coronel was on how he pays people to give him negative feedback.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.c
Dropbox executive Dean Swan on why the modern way of working is broken
My guest on today’s show is Dean Swan. Dean is the Country Manager of Dropbox, where he oversees Dropbox's business operations across Australia and New Zealand. And in case you haven’t heard of Dropbox, it’s one of Silicon Valley’s unicorns, which is a company valued at over $1 billion. Dropbox provides file hosting and I’ve been a customer of Dropbox for many years.I got connected with Dean as Dropbox Australia have been experimenting with how they work and challenging a lot of the working norm
My Favourite Tip: Marcus Buckingham on why work-life balance is a useless concept
My favourite tip from my chat with Marcus Buckingham was about why work-life balance is a useless concept - and how we should think about it instead.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https
CommBank board director Wendy Stops on the biggest challenges of sitting on high profile boards
My guest today is Wendy Stops. Wendy is a Non Executive Director at the Commonwealth Bank (Australia’s largest bank), Coles Group, and Fitted for Work. Prior to her board career, she spent sixteen years with Accenture, most recently as the Senior Managing Director for Technology in Asia-Pacific.I was really keen to have Wendy on the show to understand more about what it’s like to have such high profile board positions. If you have ever wondered what it’s like to be a board director, or perhaps y
My Favourite Tip: Clinical Psychologist Dr Doris Brett on how stories can help us reframe failure
My favourite tip from my chat with Clinical Psychologist Dr Doris Brett was on how stories can help us deal with failure.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podc
Ultralearner Scott Young on how to dramatically improve the way you learn
My guest today is Scott Young. Scott is a writer who undertakes interesting self-education projects, such as attempting to learn MIT's four-year computer science curriculum in twelve months and learning four languages in one year. Both of which he did successfully.Scott is a fascinating person who has basically dedicated his adult life to hacking learning and challenging a lot of the assumptions and beliefs that are held about how best to learn something. Scott is a science nerd like me and one
My Favourite Tip: Abbi Jacobson on why imposter syndrome can be a good thing
My favourite tip from my chat with Broad City co-creator and star Abbi Jacobson was on why imposter syndrome can be a good thing.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.
Sandra Sully on being an efficiency nerd, her cure for insomnia, and the hardest thing about reading the news
My guest today is Sandra Sully. Sandra is one of the most recognised and respected faces on Australian television. A journalist, senior editor and presenter with Ten Eyewitness News First at Five, she has been part of the TEN News team since 1990. Since 2018, she has also been the Managing News editor at ten daily. And she recently launched a podcast called Short Black through Network Ten, where she chats to various women who have something interesting to say.We cover: How Sandra manages her cal
My Favourite Tip: New York Times editor Tim Herrera on breaking through procrastination
My favourite tip from my chat with New York Times editor Tim Herrera was on his strategies for beating procrastination.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcas
Consumer Psychologist Adam Ferrier on how to get clear on your own personal brand
Today’s show was recorded live in Melbourne in October at Inventium’s HQ in Melbourne. And it was with Adam Ferrier, someone who I have known for over a decade and I was very excited to have on the show. Adam is a consumer psychologist and the co-founder of Thinkerbell - an agency that fuses together marketing sciences and hard-core creativity – or as they like to put it – ‘Measured Magic’. Thinkerbell also happens to be the current 2018 Adnews' Creative Agency of the Year.Adam is also the autho
My Favourite Tip: Elizabeth Dunn on using money to buy time (and happiness)
My favourite tip from my chat with Psychology Professor Elizabeth Dunn was on her strategies for using money to buy time (and happiness).You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amant
David "Kochie" Koch on Tuesday being the most overrated day of the week, what goes on behind the scenes of Sunrise, and staying off social media
David "Kochie" Koch is one of Australia’s most recognised faces, because he is on TV every morning as the co-host of Seven Network's Sunrise, a job he has had for the last 17 years. And for most of those 17 years, Sunrise has been Australia’s number one rating breakfast show. Kochie is also the Chairman of Port Adelaide and is the director of Pinstripe Media. And a Reader’s Digest survey found that Kochie is one of the top 25 most trusted people in Australia.I was keen to have Kochie on the show
Ask Me Anything with Amantha Imber
A few weeks ago, I hosted my very first Ask Me Anything webinar where I invited a whole bunch of people to ask me any question they want. Today’s episode is a recording of this session. I cover a whole range of topics, ranging from how to become unstuck, how to create a best place to work culture, looking at my own personal working rhythms, through how to start a podcast, and how I transitioned from being a manager to a maker. Enjoy!02:00 - What skills or characteristics do you look for most whe
My Favourite Tip: Jerry Dischler on identifying top talent for Google
My favourite tip from my chat with Google VP Jerry Dischler was on his tips for identifying top talent.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show
Nir Eyal on how to become indistractable.
My guest today is Nir Eyal. Nir is an international bestselling author, former Stanford lecturer, successful tech investor, and behavioral design expert. Five years ago, Nir wrote what is widely considered to be Silicon Valley’s handbook for making technology habit-forming - a book called Hooked. This week, his latest book Indistractible is coming out, which reveals the hidden psychology driving us to distraction. He describes why solving the problem is not as simple as swearing off our devices.
My Favourite Tip: Ella Bache's CEO Pippa Hallas on how to make meetings not suck
My favourite tip from my chat with Ella Bache CEO Pippa Hallas was her strategy for turbo-charging meeting effectiveness.You can find the full interview here:If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podc
Photographer and Creative Live CEO Chase Jarvis on overcoming creative blocks, becoming a better photographer, and morning routines.
My guest today is Chase Jarvis. Chase is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential photographers of the past decade. He has created campaigns for Apple, Nike, Red Bull and others, was a contributor to the Pulitzer-winning New York Times story Snowfall, and earned an Emmy nomination for his documentary Portrait of a City. He also created Best Camera–the first photo app to share images to social networks, and is the Founder of CreativeLive, where more than 10 million s
My Favourite Tip: Time Management expert Laura Vanderkam on tracking her time for the last four years
My favourite tip from my chat with time management expert Laura Vanderkam was on how she has tracked her time for four years - and what she learnt from it.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit
BEST OF: Jake Knapp on having a distraction-free phone for six years
***Book yourself in for Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, kicking off on October 21. Enter HOWIWORK at checkout to save $75***My guest today is Jake Knapp. Jake spent the last 10 years at Google and Google Ventures where he created the Design Sprint, which is a method for building and testing a prototype in five days. He then went on and wrote a book about the process, called Sprint, which was a New York Times bestseller. He recently wrote another book called Make Time, which I mentioned
My Favourite Tip: The Chaser's Julian Morrow on how to write a joke
My favourite tip from my chat with The Chaser's Julian Morrow is on how to write a joke.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all
BEST OF: Dr Catriona Wallace on life as the Founder and CEO of an ASX-listed company, why she taught herself to be extraverted, and her unconventional approach to parenting.
***Book yourself in for Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, kicking off on October 21. Enter HOWIWORK at checkout to save $75***My guest today is Dr Catriona Wallace, who is the Founder and CEO of high-profile FinTech and ASX Listed company Flamingo. Flamingo provides a Cognitive Virtual Assistant (Artificial Intelligence) called ‘ROSIE’ that helps Financial Services companies across the world improve online sales conversion rates and the better servicing of customers.Based between NYC and
BEST OF: Cal Newport on why you need to change your workflow, not your habits, when it comes to boosting productivity
***Book yourself in for Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, kicking off on October 21. Enter HOWIWORK at checkout to save $75***My guest today is Cal Newport. Cal is a computer science professor at Georgetown University. Cal is the author of six books, including, most recently, the New York Times bestseller, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. Cal’s work has been published in over 20 languages and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New Yo
My Favourite Tip: Priya Parker on the role of language in meetings
***Book yourself in for Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, kicking off on October 21. Enter HOWIWORK at checkout to save $75***My favourite tip from my chat with Priya Parker was the way she analyses language in meetings.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to
My Favourite Tip: Kevin Rose on how to thrive at events when you feel socially awkward
*** Book in for How I Work LIVE with Adam Ferrier on October 8 in Melbourne:http://bit.ly/howiworkadam ***My favourite tip from my chat with Kevin Rose were his strategies for thriving at conferences, despite being socially awkward.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings throug
My Favourite Tip: 1800-GOT-JUNK CEO Brian Scudamore's extreme method for staying off email
*** Book in for How I Work LIVE with Adam Ferrier on October 8 in Melbourne: http://bit.ly/howiworkadam ***My favourite tip from my chat with 1800-GOT-JUNK CEO Brian Scudamore was his extreme method for staying off email and social media during holidays.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting re
The Australian Financial Review's Editor-in-Chief Michael Stutchbury on staying on top of the news
My guest today is Michael Stutchbury. Michael - or Stutch as he is known as - has been writing and editing on business, economics and politics for national newspapers in Australia for the past three decades, working out of Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Washington DC. Since October 2011, he has been Editor-in-Chief of The Australian Financial Review. So Stutch is basically the guy the sits at the top of the most powerful business newspaper in Australia.My firm Inventium has had a long relations
How the world's most successful people switch up their work location to improve performance
***Book in for my first Ask Me Anything webinar***Join me on September 19 at 12PM where I will spend 45 minutes answering all of your questions! For free :)Nothing is off limits! And here are some example topics that I might cover: Creating an innovation culture Trying to create the world’s best workplace Unlimited leave - and how to do it well My daily habits and rituals to improve performance And much, much moreBook in here (https://amanthaimber.lpages.co/ama-with-amantha/).***This episode loo
FrankBody co-founder Jess Hatzis on quitting social media for several months, overcoming her fear of feedback, and getting a sleep divorce.
My guest today is Jess Hatzis. In 2013, Jess co-founded Frank Body, which six years later has become a $20 million dollar global beauty brand, distributed through retailers like Sephora and Ulta and is sold in 141 countries. Jess was named one of Forbes magazine’s “30 under 30” and was named Woman of the Year by Cosmopolitan in 2017.Jess’s role at FrankBody now is as the Chief Marketing Officer, and as well as her role at FrankBody, she is also the co-founder of communications agency Willow and
Five ways to overhaul your meetings like the world's most successful leaders do
***Book in for my first Ask Me Anything webinar***Join me on September 19 at 12PM where I will spend 45 minutes answering all of your questions! For free :)Nothing is off limits! And here are some example topics that I might cover: Creating an innovation culture Trying to create the world’s best workplace Unlimited leave - and how to do it well My daily habits and rituals to improve performance And much, much moreBook in here.***This episode looks at five simple strategies to have more productiv
Award-winning magician Simon Coronel on paying people to give him negative feedback
My guest today is Simon Coronel. Simon was originally an IT consultant working at Accenture in Melbourne. But he quit his day job several years ago to become a full-time magician. Simon is now based in Los Angeles and is the winner of more than a dozen international awards, including two separate prizes at the FISM World Championships of Magic and Illusion (which is like the Olympics of Magic) and has appeared on Penn & Teller's TV show Fool Us, where he did in fact manage to fool Penn &
My Favourite Tip: Naomi Simson's daily and weekly rituals
My favourite tip from my chat with Red Balloon founder and Shark Tank shark Naomi Simson is on her daily and weekly rituals.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/p
Envato co-Founder Cyan Ta'eed on spending just 15 minutes a day on her phone
My guest today is Cyan Ta’eed. Cy is one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, having co-founded Envato in 2006 and growing it to being valued at over $1 billion. Last year she tried her hand at chocolate (why not?!) and Hey Tiger is now one of Australia’s fastest growing purpose-driven brands. Oh, and in her spare time, she recently launched Milkshake.app, which allows users to make a free website for their Instagram profile all on their phone, instantly.In this chat, we cover: How Cy w
My Favourite Tip: New York Times journalist Nellie Bowles' tips for being a better writer
My favourite tip from my chat with New York Times journalist Nellie Bowles is on her strategies for becoming a better writer.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/
Nigel Marsh on why you shouldn't take his advice - or anyone else's.
My guest today is Nigel Marsh. Nigel is the host of the internationally acclaimed podcast Five of My Life, the author of three books – Fat, Forty and Fired, Overworked and Underlaid and Fit, Fifty and Fired-Up and he is also the co-founder of Earth Hour and the founder of the Sydney Skinny. His TED speech on work/life balance remains the most viewed ever given outside of America with well over four million hits.And outside of all that, Nigel spent many years in some very senior corporate roles.
My Favourite Tip: Catriona Wallace on how to build connections quickly
My favourite tip from my chat with Dr Catriona Wallace, Founder and CEO of high-profile FinTech and ASX Listed company Flamingo, is on her strategies for building connections quickly.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for tha
Dr Doris Brett on being on the other side of the therapist's couch, asking great questions, and constructing great stories.
My guest today is Doris Brett, also known as Doris Imber - my mum! As well as being my mum, Doris Brett has practised as a clinical psychologist for nearly four decades, and is also a multi-award-winning poet and critically acclaimed memoirist and writer. Her books range through various genres, including therapeutic stories for children, fiction, memoir and poetry. She even wrote a bread baking book back in the 80s.Doris' latest book is The Sunday Story Club, co-written with Kerry Cue, about con
My Favourite Tip: Jake Knapp on the magic word that will give you more control over your work schedule
My favourite tip from my chat with Jake Knapp was on the magic word he uses to get more control over his schedule.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for
Chris Guillebeau on why perfectionism gets in the way of success
My guest today is Chris Guillebeau. Chris is a New York Times bestselling author and modern-day explorer, having visited every country in the world (193 in total) before his 35th birthday. You might have come across Chris’s work into side hustles because he is the author of The $100 Startup, Side Hustle and most recently, 100 Side Hustles. And his daily podcast Side Hustle School is downloaded more than 2 million times a month.In this chat, we cover:* Why Chris starts his day with email* Why Chr
My Favourite Tip: Carolyn Creswell on her annual self-improvement routine
My favourite tip from my chat with Carman's Museli founder Carolyn Creswell was her annual self-improvement routine.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast f
Marcus Buckingham on the four questions he asks himself every week
My guest today is Marcus Buckingham. Marcus is the author of a stack of best-selling books, including First, Break All the Rules, Now, Discover Your Strengths, The One Thing You Need to Know, and Stand Out, to name a few. His latest book, Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World (Harvard Business Publishing, 2019) takes an in-depth look at the lies that pervade our workplaces and the core truths that will help us change it for the better.Marcus has appeared on “Larry
The best types of breaks to take at work (that improve your health)
**Book your ticket for How I Work LIVE with Cyan Ta'eed on July 31, Melbourne**This episode looks at the best types of breaks to take at work, according to science.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research
How to make unlimited paid leave work
**Book yourself in for Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, kicking off on July 22. Enter HOWIWORK at checkout to save $100**This episode looks at unlimited paid leave - and how to make it work for your business.To assess your Chronotype, check out the Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthl
A simple hack that will make all other productivity advice work better
**Book yourself in for Inventium's Workday Reinvention program, kicking off on July 22. Enter HOWIWORK at checkout to save $100**This episode looks at a simple hack for making all productivity advice work better.To assess your Chronotype, check out the Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire.Visit https://www.amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly ne
My Favourite Tip: Nancy Duarte on her process for creating and delivering presentations
My favourite tip from my chat with global authority on storytelling and presentations, Nancy Duarte, on her own process for creating and delivering presentations.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.
My Favourite Tip: Eddie Perfect on how to cope with negative feedback
My favourite tip from my chat with singer/actor/writer Eddie Perfect was his strategies for coping with negative feedback.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www.amanthaimber.com/pod
Broad City's Abbi Jacobson on productive procrastination, imposter syndrome, and how a dog changed her headspace.
My guest today is Abbi Jacobson. Abbi is a co-creator, writer, director, executive producer and star of the critically-acclaimed Comedy Central show Broad City, with Ilana Glazer. And that’s how I first became familiar with her work. I am a hard core fan of Broad City and would go so far to say I think it’s the funniest show on TV right now (although it recently wrapped it’s fifth and final season). Seriously, if you have not watched Broad City or have no idea what I am talking about check it ou
My Favourite Tip: Ex-Pinterest President Tim Kendall on using your clothing as a communication tool
My favourite tip from my chat with ex-President of Pinterest (and now CEO of Moment) Tim Kendall on using your clothes as a communication tool.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit https://www
Adam Alter on how to kick mobile phone addiction, how to overcome stuck points, and why he doesn't set goals.
My guest today is Adam Alter. Adam is an Associate Professor of Marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business.Adam is the New York Times bestselling author of two books: Irresistible, which considers why so many people today are addicted to so many behaviors, from incessant smart phone and internet use to video game playing and online shopping, and Drunk Tank Pink, which investigates how hidden forces in the world around us shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.Adam has also
How to have better conversations - and why it matters.
***Book in for the Workday Reinvention program here (http://bit.ly/howiworkprogram). The program starts on July 22 and is accessible from anywhere in the world. Enter code HOWIWORK at checkout to get $100 off.***This episode looks at how to have deep conversations, why this matters, and a book, The Sunday Book Club, that will help.Here are some discussion questions to try out yourself:What people, events or things in your life have you been certain about, only to be proved wrong? What impact has
How Tim Herrera went from dreading writing to being a writer and editor for the New York Times
My guest today is Tim Herrera. Tim is the founding editor of Smarter Living for the New York Times, where he edits and reports stories about living a better, more fulfilling life. Before coming to The Times, he was a reporter and editor at The Washington Post, where he wrote about digital culture.I am a regular subscriber to Smarter Living and I thought that surely the person editing this section of the times must have some awesome practices in his own life for living smarter. And Tim totally di
My Favourite Tip: Mia Freedman on overcoming procrastination
My favourite tip from my chat with Mamamia co-founder Mia Freedman are her strategies for overcoming procrastination.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full sho
TED2019 Interview Series: Goodreads co-founder Elizabeth Khuri Chandler on how she plans for unstructured time and spontaneity
My guest today is Elizabeth Khuri Chandler. Elizabeth is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Goodreads, a website that helps people find and share books they love. Goodreads has over 90 million members and was acquired by Amazon in 2013.Elizabeth is also the host of the podcast Books of Your Life with Elizabeth, in which she interviews some of the most creative people in the world about books that have had an impact on their life.In this interview, we cover: How Elizabeth uses calendars to org
How to turn your FOMO into JOMO (the joy of missing out)
This episode looks at four science-backed strategies for turning your FOMO into JOMO - the joy of missing out.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that
Happiness Professor Elizabeth Dunn on how to buy happiness
My guest today is Dr. Elizabeth Dunn. Elizabeth is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Elizabeth’s research looks at how time, money, and technology shape human happiness. She is the co-author of “Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending” with Dr. Michael Norton. Her research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets around the world, including The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, The London Times, Maclean’s, Time, and CNN.I connected wi
My Favourite Tip: Rachel Botsman on how she prepares for a presentation
Rachel Botsman is a world renowned expert on technology and trust, and the author of bestselling books “Who Can You Trust?” and “What’s Mine Is Yours”. Rachel also happens to have delivered a couple of TED talks that have been viewed by literally millions of people.In this My Favourite Tip episode, I ask Rachel about how she goes about preparing for a talk.Listen to the full interview with Rachel here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newslette
TED2019 Interview Series: Kevin Rose on managing social awkwardness at conferences, kicking technology addiction, and getting a great night's sleep.
My guest today is Kevin Rose. Kevin founded the social news site Digg, and was a General Partner at Google Ventures, where he invested in companies like Ripple, Blue Bottle, Medium, and NextDoor. Prior to that, Kevin began his investing career as an Angel investor in Twitter, Facebook, and Square.Kevin also hosts the podcast The Kevin Rose Show where he dissects how high performers like Tony Robbins, Tim Ferris, and Elon Musk have achieved such great performance.In this interview, we cover: Why
My Favourite Tip: Dan Pink on how he structures his work day
My favourite tip from my chat with best-selling author Dan Pink on his science-backed strategy for structuring his workdays.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit amanthaimber.com/podcast for f
TED2019 Interview Series: 1800-GOT-JUNK Founder/CEO Brian Scudamore's extreme method for avoiding email on weekends and holidays
My guest today is Brian Scudamore. Brian is the founder and CEO of O2E Brands (a $400 million business) which is the umbrella company for 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, You Move Me, and Shack Shine.Brian's companies have been featured on ABC Nightline, Good Morning America, Dr. Phil, CNN, The Today Show, Oprah, and CNBC. Brian’s story has been featured in Fortune Magazine, The New York Times, Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and he contributes regularly to Forbes, among other publ
Three science-backed strategies to get a great night's sleep
This episode looks at three science-backed strategies for having a great night’s sleep.If you are a Sydney or Melbourne listener, sign up for our Workday Reinvention Program. Register for the Sydney program here and Melbourne here. Enter the code HOWIWORK at checkout.Are you the parent of a little person? Check out my sleep school blog here.Grab yourself an Oura ring to track your sleep.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auI
TED2019 Interview Series: Penguin Random House's Adrian Zackheim on how he decides what to publish
Have you ever wanted to write a book and get it published? Or maybe you have already done so? If you have any interest in this field, I think you’ll like today’s interview which is with Adrian Zackheim. Adrian is the founder and publisher of Portfolio, a business book imprint at Penguin Random House.At Portfolio, Adrian has published bestselling books, such as Purple Cow by Seth Godin, Start With Why by Simon Sinek, and The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind. More recen
My Favourite Tip: Pamela Meyer's Index Card solution for planning the day
My favourite tip from my interview with lie-spotting expert Pamela Meyer was her strategy for organising her day on index cards.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit amanthaimber.com/podcast f
TED2019 interview series: Google VP Jerry Dischler on balancing Maker and Manager time, identifying top talent, and using OKRs in his family life.
My guest today is Jerry Dischler. Jerry is the VP of Product Management at Google, where he leads the product team for Google's search ads business, the product and engineering teams for YouTube advertising, and the product and engineering teams for Google's home-grown sales and support tools.We cover a lot of ground in this interview, including: How Jerry balances Maker and Manager time Where Jerry’s best ideas come from Jerry’s approach to managing his inbox Jerry’s morning ritual What Jerry’s
Seven lesser-known apps that make me more productive at work
In this episode, I talk about seven (lesser-known) apps that make me more productive at work. Check them out at:SuperhumanWovenPocketSend from GmailFreedomOvercastContactOutVisit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research fi
TED2019 interview series: Priya Parker on how to create amazing gatherings
I recently attended TED2019 in Vancouver and recorded a bunch of interviews with some very inspiring speakers and attendees while I was over there.My first interview in this series is with Priya Parker.Priya Parker teaches people to gather better at home, work, school and in our communities. She is the bestselling author of The Art of Gathering and is also a strategic facilitator with a background in conflict-resolution. Her company Thrive Labs has worked with organisations as varied as MoMA, th
Three ways to make behaviour change easy - no willpower required
This episode looks at three strategies for effortlessly changing your behaviour - no willpower required.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at ht
My Favourite Tip: Dr Jason Fox on how to identify fulfilment factors
My favourite tip from my interview with Dr Jason Fox was on how he identifies fulfilment factors - critical things that need to be present in our lives for us to feel happy, energised and fulfilled.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can
My Favourite Tip: Baratunde Thurston on Sunday afternoon reflections
My favourite tip from my interview with comedian/writer/performer/producer Baratunde Thurston was hearing about his Sunday reflection ritual.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit amanthaimber.
My Favourite Tip: Jocelyn K Glei on how she tamed her inbox
Jocelyn literally wrote the book on good email habits - it’s called Unsubscribe. So my favourite tip from this interview was hearing about Jocelyn’s own email habits, especially after writing that book.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You
Cal Newport on why you need to change your workflow, not your habits, when it comes to boosting productivity
My guest today is Cal Newport. Cal is a computer science professor at Georgetown University. Cal is the author of six books, including, most recently, the New York Times bestseller, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. Cal’s work has been published in over 20 languages and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New Yorker, Washington Post, and the Economist.It’s probably an understatement to say I was excited for this chat because I am a complete a
My Favourite Tip: Writer/Director Natasha Pincus on using location and wardrobe to delineate her day
My favourite tip from my chat with award-winning writer/director Natasha Pincus, in which she talks about how she uses location and clothing to delineate the different parts of her day and get in the “zone".You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving.
Time Management expert Laura Vanderkam on how to use your time wisely
My guest today is Laura Vanderkam. Laura is a global expert on time management, and helps people spend more time on what matters, and less on what doesn’t. She is the author of a bunch of bestselling books, ranging from Off the Clock, 168 Hours, What the Most Successful People do Before Breakfast, and her latest book, Juliet’s School of Possibilities.Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fortune, and Fast Company. And her TED talk, “How to gain control
How to create change: three magic words that will help
This episode looks at three very simple words that psychologists have found create huge change.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howi
Ella Bache's CEO Pippa Hallas on how to find a great mentor, overcoming imposter syndrome, and making meetings not suck
My guest today is Pippa Hallas. Pippa was just 33 when she became the CEO of Ella Bache. Ella Bache is one of the leading skincare brands in Australia, has over 150 salons. When Pippa is not busy being CEO, she is the mum of two young boys aged 3 and 6 and has also just released her first book called "Bold Moves: How to stand up, step out and make your next bold move".I first met Pippa maybe 7 or 8 years ago when my company Inventium worked with Ella Bache on an innovation project. We talk about
My favourite tip: Netflix's Patty McCord on how to be radically honest at work
My favourite tip from my chat with Netflix’s ex Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord was her advice about how to be radically honest at work and why this is so critical.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiw
The Chaser's Julian Morrow on how to write comedy
My guest today is Julian Morrow. Julian is co-founder of The Chaser and Giant Dwarf. He has been the executive producer, writer and performer on various shows including The Chaser's War on Everything, Hamster Wheel, and the The Checkout.I was keen to have Jules on the podcast to unpack his approach to writing comedy. Jules is a master of this and we talk about a number of different topics in this episode. We spend the first little bit talking about what The Chaser are probably most well known fo
My Favourite Tip: Scott D Anthony on finding and killing zombies at work
My favourite tip from my chat with innovation guru Scott D Anthony was his advice around finding and killing zombies at work.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.coVisit amanthaimber.com/podcast for
Naomi Simson on why she unpublished 500 of her blog posts
My guest today is Naomi Simson. Naomi is one of Australia’s most well known entrepreneurs. She is the founder of RedBalloon and co-founder of the Big Red Group, which turns over more than $100m. Naomi is also the shark that wears red on Shark Tank, and happens to be the most followed Australian on LinkedIn, with over 2.7 million followers.I caught up with Naomi at her office in Sydney to chat about her approach to work, which she clearly has thought a lot about. One of the things that I loved ab
My favourite tip: Adam Grant on how meetings kill productivity - and what to do about it
My favourite tip from my chat with Adam Grant came about when I asked him what was his favourite research study into productivity. Turns out it’s one to do with meetings, and how to improve them.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sig
My Favourite Tip: How WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg tunes out digital distractions
My favourite tip from my chat with Matt Mullenweg where he talks about some really practical strategies for tuning out digital distractions and creating healthy tech habits.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http:
Why New York Times reporter Nellie Bowles doesn't write her stories at a desk
My guest today is journalist Nellie Bowles. Nellie covers tech and internet culture for The New York Times. Before joining The Times, she was a correspondent for “VICE News Tonight.” She has written for Recode, The Guardian, and started her writing career at the San Francisco Chronicle.I met Nellie because she interviewed me for a story a couple of months ago and I thought it would be fascinating to hear about how a NYT journalist actually spends their days. We cover lots of topics in this inter
Why we need to redesign our workdays
This episode looks at challenging the standard 9-5 default that most businesses run by, and instead, using neuroscience to guide how we structure our workdays.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through
Dr Catriona Wallace on life as the Founder and CEO of an ASX-listed company, why she taught herself to be extraverted, and her unconventional approach to parenting.
My guest today is Dr Catriona Wallace, who is the Founder and CEO of high-profile FinTech and ASX Listed company Flamingo. Flamingo provides a Cognitive Virtual Assistant (Artificial Intelligence) called ‘ROSIE’ that helps Financial Services companies across the world improve online sales conversion rates and the better servicing of customers.Based between NYC and Sydney, Dr Catriona Wallace is one of the world’s most cited experts on the Future of Customer Experience, Artificial Intelligence an
Why it's more important for staff to review their own performance
This episode looks at performance reviews, and why it’s more important to have your team review their own performance.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up
Daniel Pink on coming up with great titles for projects, how he structures his working days, and why he doesn't believe in willpower.
My guest today is Dan Pink. Dan is the author of six bestselling books, including Drive, A Whole New Mind, and his latest book "When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing", which has spent four months on the New York Times bestseller list. You might also be familiar with Dan through his TED talk about the surprising science of motivation, which has been viewed over 20 million times.I am a big Dan Pink fan so I was very excited to be able to chat with him. I think he has such a knack for diss
My Favourite Tip: Janine Allis on how she structures her work week
My favourite tip from my chat with Janine Allis was how she structures her working week with some very interesting rules.You can find the full interview here: https://www.amanthaimber.com/blog/janine-allis-on-her-rules-for-the-work-week-her-trick-for-making-emailIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to g
Dr Jason Fox on daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly rituals
My guest today is Dr Jason Fox. I’ve known Jason for the best part of a decade. Like me, he is a scientist at heart and has a bias for strategies that are grounded in research. Jason travels the world helping leaders from companies such as Microsoft, Salesforce, McDonalds, and Toyota in the area of motivation design. Jason is also the bestselling author of The Game Changer and How to Lead a Quest, and in 2016 was awarded Keynote Speaker of the Year.Something I really like about how Jason organis
My favourite tip: Amanda Palmer on her three check-in rituals
My favourite tip from my chat with Amanda Palmer was how she has three basic benchmarks or rituals that she uses to check in with herself about how she is going.You can find the full interview here.If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.c
Microproductivity - how leaders can make small changes to create huge leaps in performance
This episode looks at three simple changes managers can make to help their team’s productivity skyrocket.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at h
Jake Knapp on having a distraction-free phone for six years
My guest today is Jake Knapp. Jake spent the last 10 years at Google and Google Ventures where he created the Design Sprint, which is a method for building and testing a prototype in five days. He then went on and wrote a book about the process, called Sprint, which was a New York Times bestseller. He recently wrote another book called Make Time, which I mentioned on a previous episode. I personally loved Make Time, which is all about strategies to help make time for doing your most important wo
My favourite tip: Atlassian's Dom Price on how he dramatically reduced the number of meetings in his diary
My favourite tip from my chat with Dom Price was the strategy he used to eliminate a tonne of meetings from his diary.You can find the full interview here: https://www.amanthaimber.com/blog/atlassian-s-dom-price-on-how-he-uses-imposter-syndrome-to-his-advantageIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a short monthly newsletter that contains three cool things that I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gad
Why you need to change your "out of office" auto-responder immediately
This mini-episode will help you re-think the seemingly innocuous "out of office" auto-responder and make yours be impactful and memorable.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eddie Perfect - behind the scenes of writing two broadway musicals at the same time
My guest today is Eddie Perfect. Eddie is a singer-songwriter, an actor, a comedian, and currently has not one, but two shows on Broadway - King Kong and Beetlejuice. Australian listeners might know Eddie from playing Mick Holland in Offspring, and theatre-goers might be familiar with some of Eddie’s work such as Shane Warne the Musical and Vivid White.When Eddie and I spoke, King Kong had literally just launched on Broadway and he was deep in re-writes for Beetlejuice. This interview really dee
The quickest way to boost your mood and productivity at work
In the first mini-episode for 2019, I talk about the absolute quickest way to boost your mood and productivity at work (it will only take you 40 seconds!)Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BEST OF: Carolyn Creswell's annual self-reflection ritual, her favourite productivity hacks, and why she never eats lunch at her desk.
How I Work: Summer SeriesMy guest today is Carolyn Creswell. As Australian listeners probably know, Carolyn is the founder of Carman’s muesli, which is in pretty much every supermarket in Australia and is exported to 32 countries around the world. Over the last 25 years, Carolyn has built Carman’s into a $100 million dollar business.But there is so much more to Carolyn that just delicious tasting muesli. She has given so much thought to the way she works and this interview is full of really prac
BEST OF: Rachel Botsman's tips for saying no, making a productive start to the day, and her one-minute mindfulness routine.
How I Work: Summer SeriesRachel Botsman is a world renowned expert on technology and trust, and the author of bestselling books “Who Can You Trust?” and “What’s Mine Is Yours”.Rachel is a lecturer at Oxford University and has been recognised as one of the “Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company and as one of the 50 most influential management thinkers in the world.We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, including: Why Rachel never sleeps near her phone “Big stride days” and how
BEST OF: Mia Freedman on how she overcomes procrastination, her daily rituals for keeping mentally fit, and why her productivity peaks after 9pm
How I Work: Summer SeriesMia Freedman is the co-founder and creative director of the Mamamia Women’s Network, Australia’s largest digital women’s media company. They reach 4 million women per month and also have the world’s largest women’s podcast network, with eight shows that reach millions of women.As many Australian listeners would know, Mia was the youngest editor of Australian Cosmo at 24 years old back in the mid 90s. And because I was one of many loyal Cosmo readers as a teenager, I feel
Adam Grant on how to turbo-charge productivity and motivation
How I Work: Summer SeriesOn today’s show, I speak to organizational psychologist, best-selling author and Wharton’s highest-rated professor, Adam Grant.His books Give and Take, Originals, and Option B have sold over one million copies and have been translated into 35 languages. Adam has been recognized as one of the world's 10 most influential management thinkers, was named one of Fortune’s 40 under 40, and he also happens to be the host of one of my favourite podcasts, WorkLife which is a TED o
Jocelyn K Glei on how to refresh your mind, not letting email take over your life, and finding sparks of creativity
Jocelyn K. Glei is a writer who is obsessed with how we can find more creativity and meaning in our daily work. She is the author of several books and was formerly the editor in chief of 99U. She also hosts the podcast Hurry Slowly, which is about how you can be more productive, creative, and resilient through the simple act of slowing down.Not surprisingly, Jocelyn thinks very deeply about how she works. And she is very deliberate about how she structures her day.In this episode, we cover:* Joc
Dr Amantha Imber on deliberately designing your work day
My guest today is…me! I thought I’d turn the tables and share with you how I run my own workday. The delightful and wise Dr Jason Fox joins me on the show to sit in the interviewer chair. We cover all sorts of ground, including: My morning routine My system for to-do lists How I try to minimise morning decisions How I fit both Deep Work and Shallow work in my life My Deep Work “rituals" Why I left Facebook and Instagram My favourite go-to productivity and time management apps How I transition fr
Five psychology hacks to help you stick to your new year's resolutions
Are you planning on setting new year's resolutions for 2019? If you are, this episode will give you the best chance of success.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adam Grant, Rachel Botsman, Matt Mullenweg and others on how they get focused work done in a world of digital distractions.
Staying focused on work that matters and resisting digital distractions can be a big challenge for the best of us. In this mix-tape episode, you’ll get to hear several guests’ strategies for how they maintain focus in a world full of digital temptations.This episode covers:* Why bestselling author and Wharton Professor Adam Grant doesn’t recommend going cold turkey on social media and other “distractions"* Adam Grant’s “rules" for checking social media* Why Rachel Botsman, the world’s leading au
Four science-backed ways to make better decisions
Are you planning on making any decisions today? Listen to this episode first.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Janine Allis on her "rules" for the work week, her trick for making email fun, and why she doesn't come into the office before 11am.
My guest today is Janine Allis. Janine is the founder of Boost Juice, which now has over 500 stores globally. You might also know Janine as an investor on the TV show Shark Tank. Janine has received a tonne of awards including the Telstra Business Women of the Year. She is also a mother of four kids. Needless to say, she is a very busy person.We cover a heap of different topics in this chat, including: How Janine structures her week to maximise productivity Why Janine doesn’t believe in work-lif
The only three items you need on your bedside table to create the perfect start to your day
Do you currently use your mobile phone as your alarm clock? If so, you might rethink that after listening to today’s mini episode.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How the former president of Pinterest, Tim Kendall, tamed unhealthy mobile phone habits
Today’s guest is Tim Kendall. Tim is the former President of Pinterest, where he led global sales, marketing and product development. Prior to Pinterest, Tim was Facebook’s Director of Monetization, where he led the development of Facebook’s advertising business.During his last year at Pinterest, Tim began noticing his own “bad” phone habits, not to mention the poor habits of everyone around him. Tim is now the CEO of Moment, a mobile app that helps you to use your phone in a healthy way, giving
Why a shorter Christmas break will make you happier than a long one
With Christmas holidays nearly upon us, this mini-episode reveals five science-backed (and counterintuitive) ways to create the perfect break.Warning: after listening to this episode, you might want to change your Christmas holidays plans.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Netflix's ex Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord on how to be radically honest at work.
My guest today is Patty McCord. Patty McCord served as chief talent officer of Netflix for 14 years and helped create the Netflix Culture Deck, which has been viewed on Slideshare over 15 million times (Sheryl Sandberg has referred to this deck as “ the most important document ever to come out of the Valley.”). She is also the author of "Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility". In this episode, we talk about: How Patty uses her time on planes How her life is different post-Ne
Four surprising science-backed ways to access your creative genius.
If you need to get your creative juices flowing this week, I cover four incredibly simple-to-apply tips to instantly boost your creativity on today's show. All backed by science.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Five ways to make time for what matters
I thought I’d try something different this week and share some cool stuff I learnt from a book I just read this weekend. It’s called "Make Time” (https://maketimebook.com/) by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. These are the guys that wrote Spring and used to work at Google Ventures.The book was awesome and has inspired me to try a bunch of experiments to improve my own working days. I outline five of those experiments in this episode.One of those experiments involves Freedom - so here is the link if
How Adam Grant, Mia Freedman, Rachel Botsman, and others decide what to say no to.
How do you decide what to say "yes" to and what to say “no" to? And how do you say “no" in a way that doesn’t offend?Guests on the How I Work podcast struggle with like the rest of us. They literally get hundreds of requests on their time and can’t possibly say yes to everyone. So they develop methods to make the decision-making process easier, and have specific strategies for saying no nicely.This episode covers the following: Adam Grant’s strategy for prioritising requests The two types of req
Why splitting your to-do list into four separate lists will turbo charge productivity
I love to-do lists. But the problem with most to-do lists is that they don’t discriminate between the type of thinking different tasks require and the fact that our brain is suited to different types of thinking depending on the time of day. This episode will teach you how to re-think your to-do list.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BEST OF: WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg On How Small Changes To Behaviour Can Create Big Differences
Today's episode is a blast from the past (and by that, we mean one from a few months ago because Amantha is on holidays right now!).This episode features Matt Mullenweg. Matt is kind of like internet royalty because he is a founding developer of WordPress, which is the Open Source software used by over 31% of the web. He also founded Automattic which now employs around 700 people. Matt has been named one of PC World's Top 50 People on the Web and Business Week's 25 Most Influential People on the
The best time of day to check your email
Email gets a bad rap. People complain that email is the biggest drain on their productivity. But it’s only bad because of the mindless way most people approach their inbox. Instead of checking email willy-nilly throughout the day, there is actually an optimal time of the day to be dipping into your inbox.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BEST OF: Amanda Palmer On How She Writes Songs, Created Her World-Famous TED Talk, And More.
Today's episode is a blast from the past (and by that, we mean one from a few months ago because Amantha is on holidays right now!).Amanda Palmer is a singer-songwriter, rule-breaker, disruptor, and all round rockstar.You might know Amanda from being one half of the Dresden Dolls. Or you might know her, as I did, through her TED talk "The art of asking" which has been viewed by over 10 million people. Amanda is a total innovator in the world of music, and raised $1.2 million on a kickstarter cam
Why eating the same thing for breakfast everyday will help you make better decisions.
How much time did you spend this morning making decisions about what to eat, what to wear and how to get to work? While these may seem like small and inconsequential decisions, it turns out they could be doing damage to the rest of your day.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Natasha Pincus on how she created Gotye's Somebody That I Used to Know video clip
My guest today is Natasha Pincus. Natasha is a Writer and Director who is probably most well known for her very distinctive music videos that she has created for artists including Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, and Powderfinger. Where you are probably most familiar with her work though is through her video for Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know”, which has been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube and was awarded the first of Natasha’s back-to-back ARIAs for Best Music Video, and nominated for
The four tasks you need to do to create the perfect end to your workday
Most of us don’t think very much about how we end our workday. We simply close our laptop, run to catch our train, go home and have some dinner, and often, re-open our laptop again while watching Netflix. By not having a proper “end” to our day, we are missing out on a big opportunity to boost our happiness and engagement in our work. This mini-episode describes four quick tasks that you can do to finish your workday on a high.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at am
Scott D Anthony on how he removed 70% of recurring meetings from his diary, balancing manager time with maker time, and his go-to locations for doing focused work.
My guest today is Scott D Anthony. Scott is global authority on innovation and the former managing partner of Innosight, the innovation and strategy consulting firm co-founded by Clayton Christensen. Scott has written several bestselling books and writes regularly for Harvard Business Review. Last year, Scott was awarded the Thinkers50 Innovation Award, which recognises the world’s leading thinkers on innovation.I’ve known Scott for a little while now because our innovation consultancies are sta
Why meetings are killing innovation
I am yet to meet a person who loves attending meetings. Most people hate them, yet they are seen as a necessarily evil of corporate life. But while meetings may often be dull and sometimes yield few tangible results, they may be causing more harm than you think.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Atlassian's Dom Price on how he uses Imposter Syndrome to his advantage
My guest today is Dom Price. Dom is the Head of Research & Development and also the resident Work Futurist at Atlassian, one of the world’s biggest and fastest growing tech companies. Dom has responsibilities spanning 5 global R&D centres, and is the in house “Team Doctor” who helps Atlassian scale by being ruthlessly effective, all while keeping one eye on the future.I’ve known Dom for a few years now and one of the things I like most about Dom is that he is so contrarian in his views a
Why you need to stop taking notes on your laptop
Do you take notes in meetings and presentations on your laptop or in a notepad? I definitely fell into the former category until I discovered research that made me want to go out and buy a Moleskin. This mini-episode might convince you to do the same thing.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HBR's Executive Editor Sarah Green Carmichael on how to be a better writer
My guest today is Sarah Green Carmichael. Sarah is an executive editor at Harvard Business Review where she works out what to publish on the site and edits the articles that you may have read there. Sarah is also the host of HBR’s IdeaCast podcast which gets over one million downloads every month.I was very excited to speak to Sarah as I am a voracious HBR reader and given the amount of ideas and tips she is exposed to on a daily basis given her role, I was very keen to explore what she had appl
How to kick your email habit
Are you addicted to email? Are you guilty of doing a “just check” of your inbox every 10-15 minutes? Is checking email getting in the way of you doing deep, focused work? This mini-episode gives you three research-backed strategies for kicking your email habit for good.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carolyn Creswell's annual self-reflection ritual, her favourite productivity hacks, and why she never eats lunch at her desk.
My guest today is Carolyn Creswell. As Australian listeners probably know, Carolyn is the founder of Carman’s muesli, which is in pretty much every supermarket in Australia and is exported to 32 countries around the world. Over the last 25 years, Carolyn has built Carman’s into a $100 million dollar business.But there is so much more to Carolyn that just delicious tasting muesli. She has given so much thought to the way she works and this interview is full of really practical gems. We talk about
Why the open plan office is killing your productivity
Do you work in an open plan office? It turns out they are not all fun and games and collaboration. This episode reveals research into the dark side of the open plan office and why it might be killing your productivity.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Baratunde Thurston on the most difficult performance role he has ever taken on.
My guest today is Baratunde Thurston. Baratunde is a particularly hilarious comedian, he wrote the bestselling book How to be Black as well as many feature articles for places like Fast Company and Medium. He helped to re-launch the Daily Show with Trevor Noah through building the digital expansion team. And he used to write for the Onion and has been nominated for an Emmy award.This conversation is a little different in that we deep dive into a very specific work project of Baratunde’s and it w
How to Go From an 8-hour to a 5-hour Workday by Changing Just One Thing
How would you like to leave work at 2.30pm today having achieved a full day’s output? This mini-episode explains a very simple change you can make to the way you work that will allow you to do just that.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pamela Meyer's counter-intuitive strategy for time management
My guest today is Pamela Meyer. You might know Pamela from her very famous TED talk about How To Spot a Liar, which has been viewed by 20 million people. She also wrote the bestselling book Liespotting: Proven techniques to detect deception. Pamela is also the founder and CEO of Calibrate, a leading training company that teaches people how to spot lies.Pamela is someone who thinks a lot about how to get the most out of each day, and I particularly liked hearing about her rather counter intuitive
Why You Are Losing 10 IQ Points Every Time This Happens
Almost every one of us has experienced a 10 point drop in IQ from something that happens many times a day. And if you are wondering: is 10 IQ points a lot to lose? The answer is most definitely yes - it’s the equivalent of losing a night’s sleep. This mini-episode explains how to never experience this drop in IQ again.Visit amanthaimber.com/podcast for full show notes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mia Freedman on how she overcomes procrastination, her daily rituals for keeping mentally fit, and why her productivity peaks after 9pm
Mia Freedman is the co-founder and creative director of the Mamamia Women’s Network, Australia’s largest digital women’s media company. They reach 4 million women per month and also have the world’s largest women’s podcast network, with eight shows that reach millions of women.As many Australian listeners would know, Mia was the youngest editor of Australian Cosmo at 24 years old back in the mid 90s. And because I was one of many loyal Cosmo readers as a teenager, I feel like I grew up with Mia.
Extend Your Year by 30 Days by Making One Simple Change
How would you like to add 30 extra days to your year? Imagine all the things you can achieve. Today’s mini-episode shows you how to do just that. All it takes is one simple change.Click here for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nancy Duarte, global expert on presentations, on how she prepares for her own presentations.
Nancy Duarte is the world expert on designing and delivering presentations. Nancy’s firm Duarte, is the largest design firm in Silicon Valley. They help very big and famous companies and people, from Apple through to Al Gore, design and deliver great presentations.Nancy has also written several books about storytelling and presentations, including the Harvard Business Review guide to creating persuasive presentations.I’ve been a fan of Nancy’s work for a long time so I was very excited to chat w
The Magic Word: Adding this one word to your vocab doubles your chance of breaking a bad habit.
Do you have a behaviour (or maybe several) that you are trying hard to change? Today’s mini-sode will reveal some fascinating research on a single word that you can use that doubles the chance of creating real behaviour change.Check out the research study cited in this episode right here.For comprehensive show notes and a transcript of this episode, click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Botsman's tips for saying no, making a productive start to the day, and her one-minute mindfulness routine.
Rachel Botsman is a world renowned expert on technology and trust, and the author of bestselling books “Who Can You Trust?” and “What’s Mine Is Yours".Rachel is a lecturer at Oxford University and has been recognised as one of the “Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company and as one of the 50 most influential management thinkers in the world.We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, including: Why Rachel never sleeps near her phone “Big stride days” and how to have one How the weat
Amanda Palmer On How She Writes Songs, Created Her TED Talk, And More.
Amanda Palmer is a singer-songwriter, rule-breaker, disruptor, and all round rockstar.You might know Amanda from being one half of the Dresden Dolls. Or you might know her, as I did, through her TED talk "The art of asking" which has been viewed by over 10 million people. Amanda is a total innovator in the world of music, and raised $1.2 million on a kickstarter campaign several years ago to be able to produce her own solo album, independent from a record label.One of the things I loved most abo
WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg On How Small Changes To Behaviour Can Create Big Differences
On today's show, I speak to Matt Mullenweg. I feel like Matt is kind of like internet royalty because he is a founding developer of WordPress, which is the Open Source software used by over 31% of the web. He also founded Automattic which now employs around 700 people. Matt has been named one of PC World's Top 50 People on the Web and Business Week's 25 Most Influential People on the Web.In this conversation, we cover a whole bunch of topics such as: Matt's innovative approach to consuming books
Adam Grant On How To Turbo-charge Productivity And Motivation
On today's show, I speak to organizational psychologist, best-selling author and Wharton's highest-rated professor, Adam Grant.His books Give and Take, Originals, and Option B have sold over one million copies and have been translated into 35 languages. Adam has been recognized as one of the world's 10 most influential management thinkers, was named one of Fortune's 40 under 40, and he also happens to be the host of one of my favourite podcasts, WorkLife which is a TED original podcast.In this c
A Sneak Peek At How I Work
Welcome to a sneak peek of How I Work, a show about the tactics used by leading innovators to get so much out of their day. It's hosted by Dr Amantha Imber, who is an organisational psychologist, contributor to HBR, Entrepreneur and Fast Company, and is the CEO of Inventium. Guests include Adam Grant, Amanda Palmer, Matt Mullenweg, Nancy Duarte, Rachel Botsman and many others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.