logo
episode-header-image
May 2021
26m 10s

The Essentials: Being Productive

Harvard Business Review
About this episode
Alice Boyes, a writer and former clinical psychologist, shares the principles and practices that keep her creative and productive, but not busy. She gives Emily and a social worker guidance on where to focus their energy, as well as paring down their (and your) to-dos to what’s feasible? and actually worth doing. 
Up next
Jul 7
That’s Our Show
This episode marks the end of a show that’s meant so much to us. Amy Bernstein and Amy Gallo say goodbye, answer two last Ask the Amys questions, and reminisce with founding producer Amanda Kersey. HBR’s Maureen Hoch, who came up with the original idea for the podcast, joins to s ... Show More
33m 36s
Jun 30
Ask the Amys: Sabotaging Bosses, Irritating Employees, and More
What if your boss turns against you the minute you ask for a promotion? Or you struggle with strategic thinking and keep getting feedback that you’re “too in the weeds”? Or the person dragging down your team is doing just enough to stay out of trouble? The Amys give advice for de ... Show More
30m 24s
Jun 16
Let Go of the Beliefs That Limit How You Lead
Many of us have internal beliefs—I need it done now, I know I’m right, I need to be involved—that feel like truth but actually hold us back as leaders. Executive coach Muriel Wilkins calls these counterproductive beliefs “hidden blockers,” and she talks the Amys through the proce ... Show More
34m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2020
Working While Distancing
Are you suddenly working from home? Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Tsedal Neeley, a professor at Harvard Business School. They talk through how to be productive at home whether you’re alone or distracted by children, how to care for your newly remote team a ... Show More
27m 23s
Nov 2019
Perfect Timing (Live)
Is the right career move coming at the wrong time? Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Daniel Pink, the author of “When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.” In front of a live audience, they talk through what to do when you’re poised for a better role but ... Show More
44m 40s
Feb 2018
First-time Bosses
What should you do when you become the boss? Co-hosts Alison Beard and Dan McGinn answer your questions with the help of Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks, an expert on behavioral insights. They talk through what to do when your direct reports are older than yo ... Show More
36m 14s
Aug 2023
1556: Essential Skills for Real World Success We Fail to Teach Kids
Guest Ana Homayoun is the author of the new book Erasing the Finish Line:  The New Blueprint for Student Success Beyond Grades and College Admission. In it she highlights the essential skills students need to move beyond a prescribed path and truly thrive in school and life. Refl ... Show More
36m 47s
May 2019
Unwanted Roles
Is your job turning into something you don't want? Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School. They talk through what to do when your boss gives you duties you dislike, your company is grooming you for roles you ca ... Show More
33m 30s
Dec 2018
Bored and Disengaged
Have you checked out at work? Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Dan Cable, a professor at London Business School. They talk through what to do when you aren't excited about your organization, new assignments don’t hold your interest, or all the best projects g ... Show More
29m 57s
Apr 2023
How Managing Your Anxiety Can Make You a Better Leader
The business world has increasingly begun to recognize the importance of mental health, but we still have a long way to go in openly acknowledging our challenges with it. Writer, entrepreneur, and podcast host Morra Aarons-Mele says that when we take the time and energy to better ... Show More
29m 15s
May 2023
Emily Lark, Founder Of Back To Life, On The Mistakes That Turned Out To Be Her Greatest Lessons & How Her Gratitude Practice Transformed Her Business
It’s easy to look at someone’s success and believe that it happened overnight, but Emily Lark is here to remind us that that’s rarely the case. She’s the founder of Back to Life, the number-one selling back pain relief program in the world, but it took years of honing in her nich ... Show More
1h 2m
Dec 2021
Best of IdeaCast: What Sets Successful People Apart
Heidi Grant, a motivational psychologist, has studied successful people and what makes them tick. In this classic episode, she and former host Sarah Green Carmichael discuss the behaviors of high achievers and how to incorporate them into your own life and work. Grant is the auth ... Show More
19m 21s
Aug 2024
BUSINESS INTERVIEW: Productivity
BUSINESS INTERVIEW: Productivity Introducing Carson Tate Carson Tate is todays guest on the Steve Jobs inspired Join Up Dots business podcast. She is the founder and managing partner of Working Simply, Inc., a business consulting firm that partners with organizations, business le ... Show More
51m 21s