Productivity Nerd

Hiring a VA isn't just for fancy people with private jets and personal chefs. It's for normal, busy humans who are drowning in emails, double-booking meetings, and Googling “how to add hours to the day.”In this episode, Kathy is joined by two brilliant minds from the virtual assistant world — Amanda Johnson (VA trainer extraordinaire) and Gwen Backhouse (head of the Society of Virtual Assistants, no less) — to bust myths, share war stories, and explain how to actually work well with a VA.We talk about:– Why expecting one VA to be a social media guru and your diary ninja is… optimistic– What makes a dream client (hint: it’s not mind-reading)– How to hire and onboard properly without the dreaded “LinkedIn free-for-all”– Red flags to watch for on both sides– And the future of VA support in a world full of AI and overwhelmed humansIf your to-do list is giving you mild hives, this one's for you.👀 Grab Kathy’s book: How to Work with a Virtual Assistant: Outsource Everything but Your Brilliance🔗 Find Amanda at the VA Training Academy🔗 Find Gwen at the Society of Virtual AssistantsAnd remember: emails, like nettles, grow back the second you turn your back. You don’t have to deal with them alone.

Ever sat down to relax only to be ambushed by a mental to-do list you didn’t ask for? That’s the Zeigarnik Effect in action and in this mini episode, Kathy gets into it.Named after psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, this psychological quirk explains why your brain keeps circling back to things you haven’t finished (like that half-written proposal… or the dentist form from three weeks ago).In this short and sweet episode, Kathy explores:Why your brain holds onto open tasks like it’s running its own internal tab managerHow writing things down can calm your mindThe surprisingly motivating power of starting just a littleAnd the joy of telling your brain “shutdown complete”If you’re feeling a bit scattered or find yourself thinking about emails at 2AM, this one’s for you.

In this episode Kathy steps away from the serious work books and into something a little more… fluffy. But in a good way. Think less hustle culture, more cleaning your bathroom while your hair mask sets.Joined by Claire Ennion, Kathy chats about Getting Sht Done: Conquer the Chaos, One Small Habit at a Time* by Roo Day — aka @homewithroo on Instagram — a book for people who hate cleaning but enjoy living in a clean-ish house. It’s funny, feminist, full of “bare minimum” tips (feed yourself, water the dog, maybe wipe a surface), and gently life-improving.They talk tiny habits, the mental load of home life, why perfection is overrated, and whether a one-hour speed-clean is the answer to everything (spoiler: sometimes it is). Kathy shares her favourite hacks (hi, shower scrubber) and Claire confesses what might hold her back from reading this kind of book.So if your to-do list includes “get life together” but you're not quite sure where to start, pop the kettle on and join us.Because productivity isn't just for the office — and you don't need to be a domestic goddess to conquer the chaos.

In this mini episode Kathy talks about what happens when you can’t be productive. Because sometimes, life lobs a spanner (or an entire toolbox) into your well-oiled workflow.Whether its illness, caregiving, emotional overload - the sort of stuff that doesn’t fit neatly into a planner. Kathy shares her own tale of working through a slipped disc (spoiler: pomodoros + painkillers = unlikely productivity strategy), and reflecting on what real progress looks like when you’re not firing on all cylinders.You’ll also hear:– Why resting is productive (Stephen Covey would agree)– What David Allen says about feeling good about what you’re not doing– Tiny tools to keep you going when everything feels too much (hello, minimum viable productivity and the “I’m a human” list)If today all you’ve managed is listening to this? Write it down. That’s a win.

This week on Productivity Nerd, Kathy’s voice is croaky (thanks UK germs), but spirits are high because she's talking about a long-time bookshelf survivor: How to Have a Good Day by Caroline Webb.Joined by Helen Taylor — operations oracle and podcast wrangler — they unpack how behavioural science, psychology, and a surprising gorilla can help us have better days at work (and not just on spa retreats or public holidays).Expect:– Why your inbox might feel like a tiger– The sandwich framework of a good day– Tiny shifts that actually do make a difference (no monkhood required)– And why your evening Netflix binge might need a strategic upgradePlus: some heartfelt rants, handy diagrams, and a reminder that your brain is filtering more than you think (including literal gorillas).No magic bullets. Just smart, human stuff to make life feel a bit less like wading through treacle.Stay nerdy. Stay kind. And remember: it’s probably just an email.

In this episode of Productivity Nerd, host Kathy Soulsby explores what it really takes to stay productive when your entire life – and business – moves across borders.Her guest is Vicki Doudelle, a Virtual Assistant who traded UK suburbia for the French countryside, complete with a husband, kids, and a crash course in French bureaucracy. Together, they unpack the real challenges of remote working from another country – from navigating local laws and unreliable WiFi, to maintaining client trust and managing time zones.But this isn’t just an expat story. It’s a conversation about the emotional and practical side of staying focused, motivated, and efficient when everything around you is new – including the lunch breaks.They talk tech tools, cultural curveballs, and how to build work-life rhythms that actually work when you’re far from familiar routines. Whether you’re dreaming of working abroad or just trying to work better from wherever you are, this episode is full of smart tips and gentle honesty about what it takes to build a life and business you actually enjoy.Because productivity isn’t always about squeezing more in. Sometimes, it’s about longer lunches and stronger boundaries.

Can music actually make you more productive? Or will Adele just make you cry into your inbox?In this mini episode of Productivity Nerd, Kathy explores the surprising science (and personal quirks) behind music and focus...from thrash metal novelists to upbeat groovy tunes that allegedly boost brainpower.Whether you’re team silence, lyrics, or Vitamin String Quartet covers of the Spice Girls, this one’s for you.Press play, pick a playlist, and see what happens.

In this episode of Productivity Nerd, Kathy is joined by the brilliant Paul McGee, author of SUMO: Shut Up, Move On, speaker to over a million people, and master of mind management with a sense of humour.They explore the real meaning behind SUMO (it’s not just “pull yourself together”), the psychology of habits, and why giving yourself a bit of “Hippo Time” might be the most productive thing you do today. Expect bath sulks, beachball metaphors, and a good dose of practical advice wrapped in northern wit.It’s a conversation about resilience, mindset, and why your inner narrative might need a wardrobe change.https://www.thesumoguy.com/

In this mini-episode, Kathy dives into the twice-yearly chaos of the clock change; why we do it, how it messes with our brains (and pets), and what Coldplay has to do with any of it.You'll hear:– Why gaining an hour feels great but doesn’t always work out that way– How our bodies ignore official time and follow the sun instead– A few surprising facts (including grumpy judges and Spanish dinner times)Plus, a gentle nudge for anyone who struggles with SAD: now’s the moment to dust off that daylight lamp.It’s short, nerdy, and just the right amount of useful.

What if the secret to better productivity wasn't time blocking or fancy planners, but working with your brain, not against it?In this episode of Productivity Nerd, Kathy is joined by the fabulous Claire Ennion to unpack the surprisingly brilliant ideas in Mind Management, Not Time Management by David Kadavy.Together, they explore how to boost creativity and focus by tuning into your mental state rather than watching the clock. Expect a fun, grounded discussion of:🧠 Clock Time vs. Event Time - and why ideas don’t show up on schedule🌀 The seven mental states (like Ignite, Administrate and Recharge) and how to work with them💡 The four classic stages of creativity...rest is one of them!📍 Why your environment - from lighting to ceiling height -affects your thinking✍️ Slippy vs. Grippy tools (this will make sense, we promise)⏰ And the “First-Hour Rule” that could transform how you start your dayWhether you're a writer, founder, or just someone with a million tabs open (mentally or literally), this episode is full of lightbulb moments. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing better, and feeling better while you’re at it.

What do baby pandas, fake commutes, and clapping for yourself have in common? Apparently, they're all (very loosely) linked to boosting productivity.In this delightfully odd minipod, Kathy shares the surprising science behind watching cute animals (spoiler: it really can help you focus), and dives into a grab-bag of weird and wonderful productivity hacks from the internet rabbit hole.We’re talking:– 🐼 Why the Wolong Grove Panda Cam might be your new favourite focus tool– 👟 How wearing shoes indoors could switch your brain into work mode– 🎙️ The bizarre magic of narrating your tasks like a cooking show– 🕺 Why doing a celebratory dance after sending an email is totally legit– 🎧 And whether playing one song on repeat is a genius move or pure chaosIf your to-do list feels like a Hydra (cut one head off, three more grow back), this one’s for you. It’s a celebration of small tricks, gentle nudges, and embracing the slightly ridiculous in the name of getting stuff done.Because let’s face it — productivity doesn’t always have to be spreadsheets and time blocks. Sometimes, it’s just baby pandas.Links Mentioned:🔗 Wolong Grove Panda Cam

In this episode of Productivity Nerd, host Kathy is joined by executive coach and seasoned boardroom whisperer Claire Stibbon to talk all things meeting prep. Because let’s be honest most meetings are more “calendar clutter” than “conversations that count”.Together, they dive into the practical (and often overlooked) steps that turn chaotic catch-ups into focused, effective sessions. From clarifying the purpose to knowing who really needs to be there, it’s a goldmine of prep tips for anyone who’s ever thought, “Why am I in this meeting?”Learn:How to spot a meeting that should really be an emailWhat to send in advance (and how to get people to read it)How to show up as a calm, clear-headed contributor—not a flustered, multitasking messWhy time-blocking and energy checks are non-negotiableHow kindness and culture shape better meetingsPlus: some home truths about Zoom backgrounds, rogue underwear, and whether a filter and lipstick can fix a bad connection (spoiler: they can’t, but it helps)A practical, funny, and very human episode for anyone who wants to make meetings suck less...and maybe even enjoy them.http://www.conversationsthatcount.org.uk

In this bite-sized episode of Productivity Nerd, Kathy gets into the surprisingly sneaky impact of unfinished tasks...or as she calls them, “pesky little loops.” If you’ve ever ended your day with a foggy head and a vague sense of dread, this one’s for you.Drawing on ideas from productivity legends David Allen and Cal Newport, Kathy explores how vague to-dos (like “LinkedIn” or “Mum”) quietly eat away at your focus, drain your brain juice, and sabotage your ability to rest. And yes, there’s a reason you feel overwhelmed before you’ve even started.Listeners will learn:Why your brain hates unresolved tasksHow to turn fuzzy thoughts into actionable stepsWhy writing things down isn’t just helpful — it’s essentialSimple rituals to help you close loops and end the day with a clear headWhether your task list looks more like a mind map of chaos or you’re just tired of thinking about the same thing on repeat, this mini-episode is a gentle but practical nudge to stop holding everything in your head.Because sometimes, the smartest thing you can do for your productivity is to write it down and walk away.

Ever set a KPI and then instantly regretted it? You're not alone. This week on Productivity Nerd, Kathy gets cosy with KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) — those tricky little metrics that promise focus and progress, but sometimes deliver burnout and box-ticking.She is joined by Angela Peden from HJP Chartered Accountants, who knows her way around business goals, bonus schemes, and how to design a KPI that actually works (rather than one that ruins your weekend).They dig into:What KPIs really are — and how they impact productivity, motivation, and moraleThe biggest mistakes businesses make when setting targetsWhether tying KPIs to pay is genius… or just asking for troubleHow to spot (and ditch) the KPIs that are quietly doing more harm than goodPersonal productivity KPIs — are they helpful, or just another to-do list in disguise?If you’ve ever wondered whether your KPIs are working for you - or you’re just using them to look busy while quietly spiralling - this one’s for you.https://www.linkedin.com/company/hjpcharteredhttps://www.instagram.com/hjpaccountants/ https://www.facebook.com/HJPACCOUNTANTS

Ever heard the word “sprint” thrown around in meetings and nodded like you knew what it meant? Same.In this bite-sized episode of Productivity Nerd, Kathy finally got to grips with what a sprint actually is — where it came from (hello, Agile and Scrum), how it works, and why it’s such a powerful tool for focused productivity.Whether you’re a techie, a founder, a freelancer, or just trying to finish something this century, this episode breaks down:✅ What sprints are and where they started✅ How Google Ventures runs a 5-day Design Sprint✅ The pros (focus! momentum! clarity!)✅ And the cons (burnout, anyone?)Plus, some thoughts on when to sprint… and when to slow the heck down.📚 Mentioned: Sprint by Jake Knapp – worth a read if you like structure and speed.Learn how to use sprints for writing, marketing, project work, and beyond — even if you’ve never coded a thing in your life.#SprintsExplained #DesignSprint #AgileProductivity #WorkSmarter #ProductivityPodcast #TimeBoxing #FocusWork #ScrumMethodology #GVDesignSprint #SprintProductivity #PersonallyVirtual #ProductivityNerd #ExecutiveAssistantSupport

Welcome to Productivity Nerd! In this episode, Kathy is joined by the fabulous Helen Taylor - podcast editor, ops wizard, and go-to productivity sidekick - to geek out over one of the greats in the self-improvement world: Atomic Habits by James Clear.They’re breaking down the key ideas: identity-based habits, the power of small tweaks, and why your systems matter more than your goals. Plus, real-life examples (dog cuddles, misplaced sweet treats, and very honest streak-breaking confessions). They cover:-The 4 Laws of Behaviour Change (make it obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying)-Habit stacking (aka the ‘after I brush my teeth, I’ll rule the world’ method)-The infamous Valley of Disappointment (where motivation goes to sulk)-How to not panic when you break a habit streakThis one’s part pep talk, part practical guide, and full of stories you’ll nod along to - especially if your planner is pristine but your habits are more... aspirational.Whether you’ve read the book 12 times or have just Googled “how to be more productive”, you’ll find something here to take away - probably in two-minute form (because yes, they talk about that too).🔔 Subscribe for more episodes where we explore time, energy, and the myth of getting it all done.#AtomicHabits #JamesClear #ProductivityPodcast #HabitBuilding #SmallHabitsBigResults #ProductivityNerd #HelenTaylor #PodcastForBusinessOwners #TimeManagement #SelfImprovement #MindsetShift #PersonallyVirtual

Ever stood in front of your wardrobe like it was a multiple-choice exam you weren’t prepared for? You’re not alone.In this bite-sized episode, Kathy dives into the brain-frazzling world of decision fatigue - the reason you can smash a work presentation at 10am but can’t decide what to have for dinner by 6. From Steve Jobs’ black turtlenecks to Barack Obama’s suit strategy, it’s all about saving your mental energy for the stuff that matters.There’s some light science, some light swearing, and a noble attempt to routinify her weekly petrol top-ups. Whether it’s breakfast choices or wardrobe edits, this episode is a gentle nudge to simplify the small stuff...and maybe reclaim a bit of brainspace in the process.Perfect for anyone who’s ever got decision-paralysis over lunch. (So, all of us.)

What if work actually worked for you?In this episode, Kathy is joined by Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst-founders of Hoxby and authors of Workstyle: A Revolution for Wellbeing, Productivity and Society. Their mission? To flip the script on how, when, and where we work, so life comes first and work fits around it (yes, even if that means getting your nails done at 9:30 on a Monday).They talk about the “Triangle of Opportunity” that started their movement, why productivity can increase when you work to your own rhythm, and why work needs a total rebrand - from “toil” to something you might actually enjoy. They share their SPR framework, their three golden rules, and how autonomy doesn’t have to descend into anarchy (even when Slack is your office).Expect cocktail references, practical tips, and plenty of examples of how Workstyle is helping people, from freelancers to corporate teams, ditch the 9-5 straitjacket and find a way of working that really works.Links & Resources:– Workstyle book: www.workstyle.org.uk– Hoxby: www.hoxby.com

In this bite-sized episode of Productivity Nerd, Kathy walks (well, limps) us through the inbox gauntlet. If you didn’t have a VA lovingly wrangle your email while you were sipping cocktails, fear not — she’s got a plan. Spoiler: it involves paper, triage, and the quiet dignity of starting from the bottom.You’ll learn:– How to time-block like a boss (or at least like someone who deserves a lunch break)– Why starting with the oldest email makes you a productivity archaeologist– What Bacn is, and why it needs a folder of its own– How to channel your inner inbox ER nurse — triage first, surgery laterGrab a cuppa, hide from Slack, and prepare to become a triage wizard. Inbox zero might still be a myth, but feeling 90% less overwhelmed? That’s within reach.

Ever wondered why you reach for a biscuit at 3:30pm… or how a minty toothpaste habit took over America? In this episode, Kathy is joined once again by the wonderful Helen Taylor to dissect The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, a bestseller packed with psychology, marketing genius, and yes, a surprising number of skunks.They explore how habits form (spoiler: it’s all about cue, routine, reward), why changing just one part of the loop can transform your behaviour, and what Febreze, loyalty cards, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott all have in common.Expect brain science, relatable examples (hello, scroll hole), and plenty of warm, witty chat. Whether you’re battling your biscuit urges or dreaming of becoming a person who actually flosses, this one’s for you.