A Productive Conversation

There are moments when a conversation slows you down in the best possible way. My discussion with Brad Farris was one of those moments—a reminder that growth isn’t just about doing more, faster, or harder, but about becoming the kind of leader who can sustain momentum without burning everything down in the process.Brad has spent decades working alongside agency and expert-firm owners, helping them move past the $1M–$2M ceiling and into healthier, more durable growth. What stood out to me wasn’t just his experience—it was his insistence that the real work happens internally. The biggest constraint to progress, he argues, isn’t strategy or systems. It’s what’s happening between your ears.Six Discussion PointsWhy agency growth stalls at the $1M–$2M mark—and why effort alone won’t fix itThe hidden cost of hurry, speed, and “getting through the list”Why leadership is about choosing, not clearingHow inbox habits reveal whether you’re managing or leadingThe role of presence, energy, and reflection in better decision-makingWhy leading yourself is the first step to leading othersThree Connection PointsAnchor Advisors – Brad’s home base and advisory workBrad Farris on LinkedInHow To Transform A Single Daily Theme Into An Everyday FocusBrad’s perspective reinforces something I’ve seen repeatedly: sustainable growth isn’t about squeezing more output from yourself or your team. It’s about creating the conditions where clarity, rest, and intention can do their work. This conversation is an invitation to slow down just enough to lead better.

This episode is the first installment of Season 3 in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I slow things down to explore the ideas that quietly shape how we live and work. This time, we start with an act of honesty right out of the gate—being transparent about when the episode was recorded—and let that openness set the tone for everything that follows.From there, the conversation unfolds into something deeper. We talk about honesty not as a moral stance, but as a practical one—especially when it comes to time, commitments, and the stories we tell ourselves about why things don’t happen. January has a way of inviting big intentions, and this discussion is a timely reminder that clarity begins with truth.Six Discussion PointsWhy the hardest lies to spot are the ones we tell ourselvesThe difference between urgency and immediacy—and why it matters“I don’t have time” as a story, not a factHow calendars can act as commitments, not constraintsHonesty about capacity, energy, and personal rhythmsWhy knowing who you are (and aren’t) changes everythingThree Connection PointsPatrick's websiteThe Year Compass (mentioned as a reflection tool)Mike’s upcoming book, Productiveness.Honesty isn’t about being harsher with ourselves—it’s about being clearer. This conversation is an invitation to pause, notice, and tell better stories about what we can actually do with the time and energy we have.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down once again with author and researcher Chris Bailey to explore what it really means to live—and work—intentionally. This conversation centers on his latest book, Intentional: How to Finish What You Start, and the decade of curiosity that led him there.We dig into why goals often fail us, how culture shapes our relationship with productivity, and why values—not habits, hacks, or willpower—sit at the core of meaningful progress. This isn’t a surface-level productivity chat. It’s a thoughtful examination of why we do what we do, and how to align our days with who we actually are.Six Discussion PointsWhy values—not goals—are the true drivers of intentional actionThe “intention stack” and how daily actions connect to lifelong directionWhy SMART goals aren’t as smart as we’ve been led to believeCultural differences in how productivity and calm are valuedNight owls, morning routines, and the danger of “sepia-toned” goalsThe role of reflection in escaping default behavior and finishing what mattersThree Connection PointsBuy the bookCheck out Chris's websiteListen to Chris's first appearance the podcast (from October 2014!)This episode is a reminder that productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what fits. If you’ve ever felt friction between your goals and your values, or wondered why “good habits” still leave you unsatisfied, this conversation will give you plenty to reflect on—and return to.

This is a reflective, solo episode where I share twelve essential TimeCrafting tips—not as rules or resolutions, but as orienting ideas you can return to whenever your days feel scattered or misaligned. Think of this as a pause at the edge of the calendar year, and an invitation to relate to time differently. These tips are meant to be lived with, not completed. You don’t need all twelve. One idea is often enough to begin again. Whether you’re closing out a year or simply noticing that your relationship with time feels off, this episode offers a grounded way to reset without pressure.These twelve tips aren’t meant to be applied all at once—or perfectly. They’re ideas to return to when you notice drift, friction, or fatigue creeping in. Progress doesn’t require dramatic restarts. It asks for awareness, honesty, and the willingness to come back. Wherever you are in your year—or your life—I hope this episode helps you take a gentle step toward what matters.You don’t have to absorb all of this at once—just stay with it, and let one idea meet you where you are.During the episode, I mention both The 12 Days of TimeCrafting (which is a limited time offering) and my membership community. If you become a member, you'll have access to The 12 Days of TimeCrafting beyond its limited-time release period... and so much more. You can learn more about this community here.

In December 2024, Erik Fisher and I sit down to explore the alphabet of productivity — a tradition that started as a one-off idea and has now become an annual ritual. This year, we dove back in to see how our thinking has shifted, sharpened, or completely transformed. Turns out, a lot can change in a year… especially when life, work, and expectations rearrange themselves without asking permission.In this special episode of A Productive Conversation, Erik joins me to unpack the first half of our A-to-Z list – the second part is featured on Eriks' podcast, Beyond the to-Do List. It’s a rich mix of practice, philosophy, and the very human realities that shape how we show up to our work. If you’re craving a more grounded, nuanced approach to productivity, this conversation is an invitation to rethink your rhythms.Exploring productivity through the alphabet isn’t about clever wordplay — it’s about noticing how our relationship with work evolves year after year. Erik and I always walk away from these conversations reminded that productivity isn’t fixed; it’s lived. And in that spirit, we’ll pick up with N to Z on his show next. I hope you’ll join us there.