Productivity Smarts

What if the biggest thing standing between you and the life you want is the way you think and speak about what is possible?In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes back Dr. Kim Nugent, an award-winning leadership expert, Dream Builder Master Coach, best-selling author, and advocate for personal transformation.Dr. Nugent explains why so many adults live on autopilot, putting work, family, and responsibilities ahead of their own dreams. She breaks down common limiting beliefs such as “I can’t because” and “I don’t have enough time,” and shows how thoughts shape emotions, actions, and ultimately results.Gerald and Kim explore how to notice your internal language, shift from a judging mindset to a learning mindset, and use your body as an early warning system when stress or fear takes over. Kim also shares practical Dream Builder tools, including imagining your life three years from now, getting specific about what you truly want, and acting from the identity of the person who has already achieved it.They also discuss why fear often appears when you move beyond your comfort zone, how setbacks can be reframed as feedback, and why meaningful change can begin with one small daily step.If you have been waiting for “someday,” this episode will challenge you to get clear, raise your internal thermostat, and start building a life you would absolutely love.What We Discuss:● [02:00] Meet Dr. Kim Nugent● [05:00] Why adults stop dreaming and start living on autopilot● [08:00] Limiting beliefs: “I can’t because” and “I don’t have enough time”● [10:00] How language directs attention and shapes your reality● [12:00] Thoughts, emotions, actions, and results● [15:00] Why mindset is the starting point for resilience and change● [16:00] Using your body to interrupt reactive patterns● [18:00] The four life domains in Dream Builder coaching● [19:00] The three-year “time machine” exercise● [23:00] Getting specific about what you truly want● [25:00] Moving from dissatisfaction to a compelling vision● [30:00] Why age does not have to limit your dreams● [31:00] Recognizing fear disguised as preparation or timing● [35:00] Raising your internal thermostat and getting comfortable with growth● [36:00] Reframing setbacks as feedback● [37:00] One meaningful step to take over the next 90 daysNotable Quotes● [08:23] “The first one would be, I can’t because.” – Dr. Kim Nugent● [12:03] “We have emotions around that thought, and then we have actions that we take, and we have the results that we have.” – Dr. Kim Nugent● [12:58] “Comfortable’s nice, but it doesn’t get you to the great life that you would absolutely love.” – Dr. Kim Nugent● [20:03] “The words that we use can either propel us forward or keep us stuck.” – Dr. Kim Nugent● [31:27] “Fear is normal. You know, you’re not gonna ever stop the fear. It’s what do you do with the fear?” – Dr. Kim Nugent● [37:47] “What is one step, just one step I can take today towards that?” – Dr. Kim NugentResource and LinksDr. Kim Nugent● Website - drnugentspeaks.comProductivity Smarts Podcast● Website - productivitysmartspodcast.comGerald J. Leonard● Website - geraldjleonard.com● Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com● Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonardKiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide.https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopmindsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What would you sacrifice to care for a daughter facing Alzheimer's at just 51?What if you moved from your retirement community, lost your wife eighteen months later, and then faced your own cancer diagnosis?And what if, through it all, love refused to let go?In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. James S. Russell and Carol Hosler, authors, educators, management consultants, and Alzheimer's caregivers, to talk about Best Dad in the Galaxy: She Said It. The book is a candid account of Dr. Russell caring for his daughter, Lynne, through Alzheimer's, and a practical guide to building a compassionate community of care.Dr. Russell explains how he found the book he wanted to write, and Gerald shares his own story of his mother's dementia and how music could bring her back. The conversation turns to headphones, playlists, and how music kept Lynne calm, active, and connected. The guests introduce their "love team" approach and the four pillars of care, prepare, share, and repair.They also discuss how Dr. Russell's background as a management consultant and community college dean helped him work with care staff, why one email is never enough to change an organization, and how redefining productivity around what matters most frees up time for the people you love. They close with how hope shifts over the course of a diagnosis, why "the only failed visit is the visit that doesn't happen," and what it meant when Lynne called her dad by name three weeks before she died.If you're caring for someone with dementia, worried about a parent, or trying to do it all alone, this episode will show you how to build your team before you need it.What We Discuss[02:01] Meet Dr. James S. Russell and Carol Hosler[05:49] Why Dr. Russell wrote the book[07:04] What readers should take away: the capacity we miss in our loved ones[08:07] Why you can't caregive solo: the "love team"[12:11] Headphones, playlists, and how music affects movement and mood[15:35] The four pillars: care, prepare, share, and repair[18:32] Redefining productivity for the sandwich generation[21:25] Telling stories instead of asking "Do you remember?"[23:14] Leadership lessons from management consulting: the double-portions story[26:47] Why organizational communication takes repetition, not one email[28:24] Building relationships before you need them[29:02] Choosing hope after a catastrophic diagnosis: Micah 6:8[31:18] Why hope shifts, and why the only failed visit is the one that doesn't happen[34:00] Arming visitors with stories: the 19 names[36:39] What Lynne taught them about love and resilience[38:56] Where to find Best Dad in the Galaxy Notable Quotes[06:33] “I have written 5 books about it. I had to throw out the first 4 because it took me so long to figure out what I really wanted to say.” – Dr. James S. Russell[08:17] “I’m solo. You can’t do it solo.” – Carol Hosler[09:13] “So we call that love team. It’s so much more than a support system.” – Carol Hosler[10:25] “People talk about a lot of things, but the minute that you realize she's diagnosed, the highest priority is to build a system of people who really care for her because they're there.” – Dr. James S. Russell[20:59] “It’s not only that it cares for the people better… the impact makes the organization more profitable.” – Dr. James S. Russell[29:30] “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. And that’s the basis that I built it on over the years.” – Dr. James S. Russell[31:49] “I think it’s also important not to set too high expectations for yourself… The only failed visit is the visit that doesn’t happen.” – Carol Hosler[36:45] “My daughter told me that I was the best dad in the galaxy. She said it.” – Dr. James S. RussellResource and LinksCarol Hosler  Book Website: bestdadinthegalaxy.comBook: Best Dad in the Galaxy: She Said ItJames S. RussellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-s-russell-46b32438/Productivity Smarts PodcastWebsite - productivitysmartspodcast.comGerald J. LeonardWebsite - geraldjleonard.comTurnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.comScheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonardKiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopmindsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does a lifelong scientist reconcile her love of data with her fascination with ancient myths that defy explanation? And what does it take to turn a retired grandmother into a solo traveler crossing six continents in just 42 days?In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Imogene Drakes, author of Around the World in 42 Days, for a fascinating conversation about curiosity, courage, planning, and the power of seeing the world with your own eyes.Dr. Drakes  shares the story behind her extraordinary journey, which began not with a detailed plan, but with a lifelong fascination with ancient stories, mythology, and science. A Sunday sermon quoting Psalm 82 was the final push she needed to start planning. Within weeks, she had mapped out a whirlwind tour of iconic sites across the globe, from Machu Picchu to Easter Island, from Stonehenge to Mohenjo-daro in Pakistan.But this journey was not without its obstacles. Dr. Drakes  opens up about the challenges she faced, including a visa with an incorrect passport number, canceled flights, and the disappointment of missing the glass-bottom boat tour in Japan. Yet through quick thinking, persistence, and a little bit of luck, she turned each setback into an opportunity.Gerald and Dr. Drakes  explore why age is irrelevant when pursuing meaningful goals, the importance of writing down your dreams, and how building flexibility into your plans, both in time and budget, can save you when things go wrong. They also discuss the deeper lessons from her journey, including the power of humility, the importance of connecting with people across cultures, and her ongoing mission to explore the common threads between science, mythology, and religion.If you've ever dreamed of doing something extraordinary but told yourself it's too late, this episode will inspire you to put your birth certificate away and start planning.What We Discuss[02:02] Meet Imogene Drakes   and Around the World in 42 Days[04:16] The inspiration behind her journey[05:51] Planning a 42-day adventure around the world[08:01] Why experiencing places firsthand matters[09:06] Discoveries in Australia and Japan[13:25] Navigating unexpected travel challenges[15:07] What the journey taught her about herself[16:59] Mohenjo-daro and the journey’s defining moment[18:20] Finding common ground across cultures[20:35] Why it’s never too late to pursue a dream[22:51] Journaling, reflection, and finding purpose[25:19] Turning a dream into a practical first step[27:28] Creating a roadmap for others[29:15] Where to find Around the World in 42 DaysNotable Quotes[07:19] "I didn't say anything to anyone until it was all planned." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  [08:26] "I wouldn't be satisfied if I wrote a book and actually didn't go to the places to see what they look like." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  [09:06] "It's really important that you don't take anyone's word for important things you need to do." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  [13:25] "It's always good to build in some space in whatever you're doing, especially if you're going very far." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  [14:00] "First of all, I had to stop, and I had to breathe. Then I had to think." – Imogene Drakes  [15:07] "I can think on my feet." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  [15:31] "I really didn't give up. I'm not somebody who gives up easily." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  [20:58] "Put your birth certificate very far away. It has nothing to do with your ability." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  [21:19] "I find that since I'm retired, I am busier than ever because I'm so happy with what I'm doing." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  [25:47] "Write down your dream. And then write down what your first step will be." – Dr. Imogene Drakes  Resource and LinksImogene Drakes  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ImogeneaDrakes/61591723627710/Book: Around the World in 42 DaysUpcoming book: The Top of the GlobeProductivity Smarts PodcastWebsite - productivitysmartspodcast.comGerald J. LeonardWebsite - geraldjleonard.comTurnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.comScheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonardKiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopmindsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you ever look at those "30 Under 30" lists and feel that little pang of regret, that sinking feeling that whispers, "I should have made my mark by now. Maybe I missed my window?" But the truth is, some of the people who make the biggest impact in the world don't do it in their 20s, 30s, or even their 40s. They find their stride after 50 and 60. Why?In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Chad Betz, author of An Authentic Success, for a powerful conversation about redefining success, breaking free from the "sunk cost fallacy," and building a life aligned with your true purpose.With over thirty years of leadership and financial services experience, Chad shares his personal journey from a high-powered but unfulfilling career to one built on intention and meaning. He opens up about his "parking lot moment": a low point in a parking garage where he realized he was helping others achieve their goals at the expense of his own. That realization sparked a transformation that ultimately became the foundation for his book and his coaching practice.Gerald and Chad explore why smart, capable people often stay stuck in careers that no longer fit them, the psychological barriers that keep us clinging to the wrong paths, and how to make "slow pivots" rather than reckless leaps. Chad introduces practical frameworks like the 20 Goals Exercise and the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) to help listeners gain clarity, build momentum, and take intentional action.They also tackle the difference between being busy and being truly productive, the importance of coaches and mentors, and the power of journaling to capture the "whispers" that often hold life-changing ideas.If you've ever felt like you're running hard but heading in the wrong direction, this episode offers a guide for pausing, reflecting, and realigning with what truly matters.What We Discuss[02:01] Meet Chad Betz[03:51] The inspiration behind An Authentic Success[05:23] Parking garage wake up[06:37] Why smart people stay stuck[08:17] Reinventing after 50[10:10] Lifelong learning and turning experience into an advantage[12:55] Learning from people who have already walked the path[14:20] What happens when you're productive in the wrong direction[15:18] The 20 Goals Exercise and discovering your passion[16:05] Making slow pivots instead of starting over[18:10] Keeping your goals simmering when life gets in the way[20:10] Persistence, resistance, and staying focused[21:08] Why coaches and mentors can help you break through[24:45] Success versus activity[25:05] Why being busy doesn't necessarily mean you're succeeding[27:02] The OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act[28:39 Journaling for clarity and direction[32:09] Finding valuable ideas in the whispers[33:33] Where to find Chad and his workNotable Quotes[04:32] "I was really helping other people achieve their goals at the expense of my own." – Chad Betz[06:01] "I really did feel like a failure even though from the outside I had a good job and things were going well." – Chad Betz[07:32] "We invest so much time, so much effort, so much education, and then we say, 'We can't change.'" – Chad Betz[15:4]7 "The last piece of it, it's the most important piece, you have to take action." – Chad Betz[16:05] "You don't have to quit your job and run off into the sunset, chase your passions." – Chad Betz[19:25] "Just because life gets in the way doesn't mean you have to give up on your goals." – Chad Betz[24:54] "There's a difference between being successful and seeing results compared to just seeing activity and being busy." – Chad Betz [32:13] "Those life-changing ideas aren't screaming at you. They're in the whispers in the background." – Chad BetzResource and LinksChad Betz Website: https://www.anauthenticsuccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadcbetz/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chadcbetzBook: An Authentic SuccessProductivity Smarts PodcastWebsite - productivitysmartspodcast.comGerald J. LeonardWebsite - geraldjleonard.comTurnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.comScheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonardKiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopmindsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you turn a life shaped by adversity into a legacy of courage, service, and impact? And what can we learn from the people who choose to become better rather than bitter when life gets difficult?In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Sylvia Alvarez, housing advocate, educator, author, and entrepreneur, for a powerful conversation about resilience, family, housing, and standing up for what is right.Sylvia shares the remarkable story of her mother, Cielo, who survived extreme hardship in Cuba, fled to New York with almost nothing, and eventually became a successful entrepreneur and real estate developer. From her mother, Sylvia learned five principles represented by the name Cello: courage, hope, endurance, love, and overcoming.Those lessons shaped Sylvia's own journey. Her connection to housing began when she was just nine years old, translating for her parents as they purchased their first home in Tampa. Years later, she raised $163 million in down payment assistance, helping nearly 13,000 families purchase homes.Sylvia also opens up about the darkest chapter of her career: the 2008 foreclosure crisis. After her agency lost its funding, she made the painful decision to close its doors. Instead, all 14 employees volunteered to stay and help families facing foreclosure. Over eight and a half years without pay, the team helped more than 14,000 Tampa Bay families.The experience eventually led Sylvia to co-author The American Nightmare and speak before government officials at the White House. She explains why speaking truth to power matters and how difficult experiences can build the grit and conviction needed to create change.Gerald and Sylvia also discuss Home Track Online, a HUD-certified housing education program designed to help people understand homeownership, credit, budgeting, and the realities of buying a first home.If you're navigating a difficult season or looking for a reminder that adversity can become a source of purpose, this episode offers a simple message worth carrying with you: Don't be bitter. Be better.What We Discuss[05:00] The extraordinary story of Sylvia's mother, Cielo[06:18] Five principles: courage, hope, endurance, love, and overcoming[09:12] Choosing to become better, not bitter[11:41] Sylvia's journey into housing at age nine[12:48] Helping nearly 13,000 families become homeowners[14:42] The 2008 foreclosure crisis and closing the agency[15:55] Eight and a half years without pay[19:23] Writing The American Nightmare[19:25] Sylvia's invitation to the White House[22:02] Speaking truth to power[22:17] How adversity builds grit and conviction[23:44] Don't be bitter, be better[24:14] Cielo's entrepreneurial determination[26:50] A childhood lesson about fighting injustice[30:50] Continuing her mother's legacy through housing advocacy[31:43] Home Track Online and preventing foreclosure[33:26] Preparing first-time buyers for reality[34:56] Building a legacy that outlives you[36:20] Where to find Sylvia and her resources[36:45] Final thoughtsNotable Quotes[06:18] "C is for courage. She said you have to have courage every day because every day is not going to be an easy day." – Sylvia Alvarez[06:45] "No matter what the problem is, you have to outlive it." – Sylvia Alvarez[09:12] "Instead of getting better, they tend to get bitter. She did the opposite." – Gerald J. Leonard[11:12] "A diamond doesn't shine and sparkle unless it's got friction and polish." – Sylvia Alvarez[15:55] "We helped over 14,000 Tampa Bay area families with our free foreclosure prevention programs." – Sylvia Alvarez[22:02] "When you speak truth to power." – Sylvia Alvarez[23:44] "Don't be bitter. Be better." – Sylvia Alvarez[31:43] "People who work with a HUD certified housing counselor and take a HUD certified class were 35 percent less likely to become a victim of foreclosure." – Sylvia Alvarez[34:19] "You are your mother's child." – Gerald J. LeonardResource and LinksSylvia AlvarezInstagram: Sylvia AlvarezBook: The American Nightmare: Strategies for Preventing, Surviving, and Overcoming ForeclosureHome Track Online: hometrackonline.orgHousing Education Alliance USA: hea-usa.orgProductivity Smarts PodcastWebsite - productivitysmartspodcast.comGerald J. LeonardWebsite - geraldjleonard.comTurnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.comScheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonardKiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopmindsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.