Just like a fire can either warm a home or burn it down, stress can fuel our productivity or consume us whole. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard welcomes the inspiring Snowden McFall, owner of Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching, and the author of Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers. Together, they delve into a topic that resonates with many: the impact of stress on our productivity. Snowden offers a refreshing viewpoint, encouraging us to see stress not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for getting things done.

Their conversation covers practical self-care practices, strategies for maintaining focus, and the influence of workplace culture on our stress levels. Snowden also shares valuable leadership insights and highlights the importance of open communication. 

Packed with actionable tools to enhance your productivity and well-being, this episode invites you to unwind and discover how to transform stress into your greatest ally.

What We Discuss

• [02:01 ] Introduction to Snowden McFall  

• [03:36 ] The dartboard exercise  

• [06:05 ] The power of music

• [09:08 ] Natural ways to relieve stress  

• [09:43 ] How stress dramatically lowers productivity 

• [11:38 ] Effective stress relief techniques  

• [16:04 ] Chronic stress and decision making  

• [21:46 ] Transforming stress mindset  

• [28:22 ] Closing remarks and book recommendation 

Notable Quotes

• [08:46 ] “I think there are natural and healthy ways to relieve depression, and music is one of those.” - Snowden McFall

• [22:21 ] “If you look at stress as a wake-up call, I think that's really powerful because it usually shows up in health issues. It’s a wake-up call to let you look at your life and see where you are.” - Snowden McFall

• [23:55 ] “You have to give yourself time limits, and even when you're doing exactly what you love, you’ve got to take care of yourself first so that then you can take care of others.” - Snowden McFall

• [25:03 ] “What you focus on magnifies. You want to be crystal clear about what you want in your life and focus on that. When you shift into gratitude, you expand.” - Snowden McFall

Guest Bio

Snowden McFall, professional speaker, author and coach, is a 30 year entrepreneur & owner of Brightwork and Fired Up Professional Speaking and Coaching. A business expert who speaks on motivation, stress management, P, Snowden has authored and co-authored 6books, including Fired Up!, which has now sold over 65,500 copies. Her newest book is Stress Express: 15 Instant Stress Relievers.

Snowden received her BA from Vassar College and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Brown University.

As co- founder of the non-profit group “Success for Women Entrepreneurs” in NH, Snowden's volunteer work led to national media attention. The Small Business Administration named her National Women in Business Advocate of the Year which led to a White House ceremony & Congressional luncheon in her honor.

Inc. Magazine later chose Snowden as finalist for “New England Entrepreneur of the Year.” Snowden has appeared on 366 radio shows, CNN Financial News, The Home Shopping Networkand Bloomberg Television. Recently featured in Success Magazine, Investors Business Daily and Foxnews.com as an expert on burnout, Snowden has been speaking for 27 years and has addressed several thousand professionals at companies like Pepsico, Fidelity National Financial, Allstate and Johnson and Johnson Vision.

She was voted 2021 Small Business Leader of the Year by the ProfessionalWomens Council and is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville,Fl, Class of 2010. A JBJ Woman of Influence, she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award during President Obama’s administration. Most recently, she named the Top Public Speaking Coach of the Year for 2024.
You can find her at www.firedupnow.com

Resources

Snowden McFall

• Website - https://firedupnow.com/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snowdenmcfall/

• Instagram  -https://www.instagram.com/snowdenmcfall/

• Book - Stress Express!: 15 Instant Stress Relievers

Productivity Smarts Podcast

• Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

• Website - geraldjleonard.com

• Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

• Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

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