In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard chats with leadership coach and author Barbara Stone about her book So Much to Drool About, which uses stories of her Great Danes to teach life lessons on productivity, resilience, and living with purpose. Barbara shares how aligning with personal values and embracing a growth mindset can transform both personal and professional life. She highlights the importance of gratitude, morning routines, and perspective-shifting techniques to overcome challenges.

The conversation delves into overcoming limiting beliefs, with Barbara emphasizing the power of dreaming and stepping out of "crates" (comfort zones) to achieve growth. She also discusses her leadership model, which focuses on self-awareness, partnership, and coaching. Listeners will gain practical tips, such as reframing mistakes as learning opportunities and building resilience through alignment with workplace values.

Barbara’s infectious energy and wisdom remind us that life is "to be drooled over"—full of potential for those willing to embrace courage and clarity. Tune in for inspiration to unlock your productivity and live large!

What We Discuss

• [00:00 ] Introduction to Barbara Stone

• [02:44 ] Book introduction: So Much to Drool About

• [08:51 ] Living large and leading with values

• [10:37 ] Book inspiration and wisdom statements

• [11:24 ] Positive thinking and brain science

• [15:53 ] Coaching clients through stuckness

• [21:15 ] Overcoming limiting beliefs and growth mindset

• [25:43 ] Dreaming, affirmations, and quantum flirts

• [29:04 ] Building a morning routine filled with gratitude and inspiration

• [34:16 ] Life lessons from the book

• [37:50 ] Where to find the author and closing remarks

Notable Quotes

• [06:22 ] “I want people to pick up this book to be inspired and to drool over life, because life is amazing.” – Barbara Stone

• [09:47 ] "I truly believe that it's our right to live into our values and live into our purpose. The Danes live large. They be who they need to be, and they show up as they need." – Barbara Stone

• [22:20 ] "If you could start thinking about, well, what if, and start searching for what might be possible, you start growing." – Barbara Stone

• [32:40 ] "We literally have the ability to program how we're going to see the world." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [35:04 ] "Amidst tempting choices, choose wisely. The path to satisfaction lies in the decision that nourishes both your body and soul." – Barbara Stone

• [35:46 ] "I give myself the grace to make mistakes. They're often fuel for growth and canvas for learning." – Barbara Stone

Our Guest

Barbara Stone is a leadership development coach, author, speaker, and founder of BarbStone.com. With a passion for emotional intelligence, personal growth, and helping others lead with purpose, Barbara draws from both her professional expertise and personal experiences—including life with her four Great Danes—to inspire transformation in others.

Her book, So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large, blends storytelling, self-reflection, and leadership insights through the eyes of her beloved dogs. Barbara is also a TEDx speaker, social-emotional learning advocate, and an enthusiastic supporter of personal alignment and purposeful living.

Resources

Barbara Stone

• Website: https://barbstone.me/

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-stone

• Book: So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large

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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