Productivity Smarts Gerald J. Leonard

Are you losing sleep over the looming presence of artificial intelligence in your profession? Are you eager to equip yourself with the necessary tools to outpace the ever-evolving job market? Instead of fearing the impact of artificial intelligence, imagine harnessing its power to enhance your capabilities and become indispensable to employers. But the burning question remains: how can you navigate this transformative landscape to secure your career?
 
This episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast unravels the essence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), going beyond the buzz to illuminate its transformative potential. It delves into why AI is not merely a buzzword but a game changer.
 
Host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with the incredible Philip Blackett, an Amazon bestselling author and a powerhouse in the world of productivity. Philip shares insights from his groundbreaking book “Future Proof: How to Adopt and Master Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to Secure Your Job and Career,” discussing how embracing AI can enhance productivity. He reflects on his upbringing and the value of education and hard work instilled by his grandparents. Philip encourages listeners to view AI as an opportunity to delegate routine tasks, focus on expertise areas, and pursue continuous learning to become valuable organizational assets.
 
Philip's story is one of inspiration, rooted in the values instilled by his grandparents. The emphasis on education and hard work has been the cornerstone of his success. It's a reminder to all of us about the importance of a solid foundation and the willingness to embrace new opportunities.
 
By tuning in to this episode, you'll come away with a fresh perspective on AI, productivity, and how to future-proof your work and life.
 
What We Discuss
[02:01] - Introducing Philip Blackett
[05:15] - Misunderstandings about AI and productivity
[08:19] - Influence of upbringing on career choices
[10:42] - Discussion of Philip’s book, “Future Proof”
[12:00] - Strategies for enhancing productivity with AI
[20:45] - The impact of AI on coding 
[22:43] - Misconceptions about AI
[24:29] - AI's relevance across fields
[33:36] - Creating balance for ethical AI integration
[40:15] - Continuous learning with AI
 
Notable Quotes
[00:02:50] “One of the biggest lessons I've learned in my first half of my life is you have to be open to flexibility, you have to be able to adapt, you have to be resilient.” - Philip Blackett
 
[00:05:19] “We fear what we don't understand, and I think that's a similar stance here with AI.” - Philip Blackett
 
[00:12:00] “The first thing I would say is you look at AI as an opportunity, not a threat.” - Philip Blackett
 
Resources
Philip Blackett
Website - https://www.philipblackett.com/
Book: Future-Proof: How to Adopt and Master Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to Secure Your Job and Career
 
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
 
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
 
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
 

Ease is a greater enemy to progress than hardship. These powerful words from Denzel Washington highlight a fundamental truth: real growth comes from embracing challenges, not avoiding them. By confronting obstacles head-on, we unlock our true capabilities and potential for growth. Embracing life's difficulties leads to continuous improvement, personal evolution, and ultimately, success and fulfillment.
 
This episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast offers a refreshing and deeply insightful take on what it truly means to be resilient. Host Gerald J. Leonard is joined by John Suzuki, author of American Grit: From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American War Hero. Through engaging conversations and inspiring anecdotes, they explore the power of resilience, grit, and having a clear vision for success in today's world. 
 
John Suzuki’s journey, marked by desire, discipline, and goal orientation, illuminates resilience as not just an admirable quality but a necessary trait for achieving productivity and success. His narrative, coupled with Gerald’s philosophy, demonstrates that even small acts, when driven by compassion and vision, can create ripples of significant change.
 
Tune in to this episode for a refreshing take on resilience and discover how embracing challenges can lead to unparalleled personal and professional growth.
 
What We Discuss
[00:02:01] Introducing John Suzuki
[00:06:17] The story behind American Grit
[00:13:00] Overcoming productivity challenges from an individual and book perspective
[00:18:04] The dynamics when dealing with leadership for productivity
[00:20:38] Leadership lessons from Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
[00:22:15] The role of resilience in overcoming challenges and personal growth
[00:30:57] Learning from the past and preventing history from repeating
[00:33:36] The power of determination and vision
 
Notable Quotes
[00:08:53] “We have the ability to make the decision of the direction we want our lives to go irregardless of what society or the all the chaos that's out there.” - Gerald J. Leonard
[00:07:08] “It's okay to be different. It's okay to disagree. It's okay to want more for yourself. It's okay to not go with the flow.” - John Suzuki
[00:24:34] “Failure leads to success. It's okay to keep going.” - John Suzuki
[00:25:26] “If you want things to be easy, it's not going to challenge you to become your best.” - Gerald J. Leonard
[00:28:41] “One of the top three character traits that is really important is the ability to persevere.” - John Suzuki
 
Resources
John Suzuki
Website - johnsuzuki.com
Book: American Grit: From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American War Hero
 
Productivity Smarts Podcast
Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com
 
Gerald J. Leonard
Website - geraldjleonard.com
Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com
Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard
 
Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds
 

Marjorie Hope is the author of CONNECTIPLOMACY: Using Our Differences to Connect, and she graduated from Salisbury University and obtained postgraduate certifications from the London School of Economics and Harvard University. She owned and operated a large gymnastics school as a competitive gymnast, embracing the synergy between mind, body, and spirit while incorporating the importance of being “fit for life” and that “more is possible.” In 2016, she founded America Connected, an international non-profit and non-partisan organization teaching people worldwide how to connect through cultural diplomacy.
 
Connecting through Respect and YES, we can find common ground.
 
From the dawn of civilization to the modern era, the practice of diplomacy has woven an intricate weave of harmony, understanding, and mutual respect. Great kingdoms engaged in diplomacy, exemplified by the brilliance of the Amarna system, where clay tablets etched with wisdom and eloquence crisscrossed the region, paving the way for peace, trade, and cultural exchange. Great Kings recognized that "cooperation," not conflict, reigned supreme—a lesson echoing through the corridors of time.
 
 
 
I can teach people how to connect through our differences, develop mutual respect, and alleviate anxiety through diplomacy. Diplomacy demands a careful understanding of the positions and interests of all parties involved, highlighting the possibility of finding common ground even in conflict. It emphasizes maintaining cordial and respectful relationships with foreign leaders, even during times of tension. I firmly believe in the importance of civility and courtesy in international relations, emphasizing the need for patience, persistence, and mutual respect in achieving diplomatic goals, especially in our everyday world.  My experiences include stories of diplomacy with a sheik in Dubai, a Japanese Prime Minister, and the balconies in Italy!
 
https://americaconnected.org/ 

Our guest is Michael Starr who is an adventurer at heart. He loves exploring and “going where few have gone.” While studying at Carnegie Mellon University, he and a friend canoed fifty-four days from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. The next year, he hitchhiked and bused for four months through the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala, living on $3 per day.
 
https://www.executivecoachingservices.net/ 

Creative Thinking and Goal-Setting Strategies for Maximum Productivity
 
Today's topic is "Think Outside the Box: Creative Thinking and Goal Setting Strategies for Maximum Productivity."
 
The central concept here is empowerment through strategies that go beyond the ordinary, igniting a transformative journey.
 
I promise to deliver actionable insights that, when implemented, lead to tangible improvements in productivity, goal-setting, and overall well-being.
 
Ever feel like you are juggling too much and struggling to keep it all together? If you are nodding along, you are not alone.
 
Many professionals are in the same boat, wondering how to strike a balance. But fear not; we have strategies to help you regain control.
 
Let me ask you this: Have you ever experienced stress, fearing that you might overlook crucial aspects of your job?
 
It happens to the best of us, especially professionals aspiring to be strong team leaders.
One of the key ideas I learned is called SCAMPER; which helps you to Think Outside the Box and get a load of ideas instantly.
Check out the book: 
Think Out of The Box: Generate Ideas on Demand, Improve Problem-Solving, Make Better Decisions, and Start Thinking Your Way to the Top (Power-Up Your Brain Book 2) https://amzn.to/3VfoZCz
 
Free Gifts at: www.productivitysmartspodcast.com

Today, we are speaking with Dr. Jennifer Nash, Founder & CEO of Jennifer Nash Coaching & Consulting, a leadership consultant and executive advisor. Specializing in prioritizing people for power performance, her firm provides executive coaching, leadership development, and strategic advisory. Select clients include Google, Ford, Exxon Mobil, JP Morgan, IBM, The Boeing Company, Deloitte, The University of Michigan, and Verizon. Dr. Nash is also the award-winning author of "Be Human, Lead Human," sharing insights on fostering connections for exceptional results.
 
Jennifer’s resume includes serving in executive and leadership roles at Deloitte Consulting and Ford Motor Company. She served as adjunct professor at the University of Michigan, where she earned her MBA, and taught hundreds of rising leaders at Deloitte University. Jennifer earned her PhD in management from Case Western Reserve University—during which she conducted multiyear empirical research on coaching and leadership as a research fellow at the Weatherhead School of Business. She is also a Harvard/McLean Institute of Coaching Fellow.
 
Jennifer contributes leadership perspectives to Harvard Business Review and select academic journals, and has presented her groundbreaking leadership and coaching research at Harvard/McLean Institute of Coaching and Columbia University. A sought after speaker, she regularly presents to groups and organizations on topics related to the human element of business. She or her work have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Inc., LinkedIN, Investor’s Business Daily, BBC Online, Deloitte, and other notable media outlets. 
 
Learn more about Jennifer at www.drjennifernash.com/media
 
https://drjennifernash.com/