The Productive Woman

Speaking with Confidence, with Mary Cheyne – TPW314

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Mary Cheyne and I talk about finding your voice, speaking with confidence, and how to bypass your inner critic. Even if you have no interes...

Preparing for Emergencies – TPW313

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No one likes to think about an emergency occurring, but it's important to be prepared. Since September is National Preparedness Month, I thought I’d...

That Project You’ve Been Avoiding – TPW312

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a project you've been avoiding because you're overwhelmed, don't have time, or aren't sure how to get started, or a dream you haven't take...

Practicing Gratitude, with Autumn McKay – TPW311

09 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Early childhood education profession, mom, and author Autumn McKay talks with me about mom guilt, practicing gratitude, and keeping kids engaged and h...

A Life Well Lived – TPW310

02 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Productivity is more than just crossing things off a to-do list. How would you define a life well lived? It’s easy to get absorbed in our days and ...

Keep Calm and Carry On – TPW309

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

"Keep calm" is easy to say but sometimes harder to do. The week we're looking at ways to cope productively with anxiety and stress during tough times....

The Paper Solution, with Lisa Woodruff – TPW308

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Professional organizer Lisa Woodruff returns to the podcast to talk with me about how we can increase our productivity and happiness by conquering pap...

All or Nothing – TPW307

12 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Having an overachieving "do it all, all the time" mindset can lead to burnout, discouragement, and missing out on what's really important. This week w...

How to Have a Good Week – TPW306

05 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re talking about how to have a good, productive week, and how to make kindness and gratitude a part of every day.

Intentional Priorities, with Elizabeth Benton – TPW305

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To achieve a goal, we have to keep saying yes to that priority when we want to say no. This week Elizabeth Benton and I talk about setting, and living...

Using Free Time Well – TPW304

22 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When normal activities are suspended, whether during a pandemic or due to some other change in circumstances, we might find ourselves with unexpected ...

Mid-Year Reflection – TPW303

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

2020 has been an unusual year. How have the first six months of 2020 gone for you? What do you want the next 6 months to look like? Mid-year is a good...

Reclaiming Your Creativity, with Majo Molfino – TPW302

08 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Majo Molfino and I talk about the 5 Good Girl Myths, reclaiming your creativity, and finding your purpose.

Favorite Productivity Tips & Tools – TPW301

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we celebrate 6 years (!!) of The Productive Woman podcast, here are a few productivity tips and tools from the TPW community and from me!

Meaningful Productivity – TPW300

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's not enough to just get lots of stuff done. We want to make lives that matter--we want our productivity to be meaningful. In this milestone episod...

Using Your Voice, with Eva Jannotta – TPW299

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Eva Jannotta and I chat about being the most productive version of yourself and boldly using your voice to advocate for what you want.

Getting Back On Track – TPW298

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Even those of us who usually practice productive habits get off track sometimes. What do you do to get back on track when everything gets away from yo...

What I Do to Make Time – TPW297

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With all the hats we wear and our never-ending to-do lists, it's important to use our time wisely so we can focus on the things that truly matter. Thi...

Deconstructing Wellness, with Kris Rice – TPW296

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kris Rice and I chat about how she prioritizes wellness and tends to her most important priorities. (And don't miss the freebie she's offering TPW lis...

Productive Reading: A Few Recommendations – TPW295

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Good books can be a source of entertainment, education, and inspiration, helping us make meaningfully productive lives. Here are a few of my favorites...

Things I Know For Sure – TPW294

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What do you know for sure? The older I get, the less certain I am about many things, but there are a few things I know for sure about productivity and...

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome, with Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin – TPW293

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologist, executive coach, and author Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin has focused her career on helping women (and men) overcome Impostor Syndrome and make ...

Trauma and Productivity – TPW292

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How can you be productive during, or in the aftermath of, trauma?

Favorite Tips from Professional Organizers – TPW291

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a longtime organization nerd, I've gathered some great tips from professional organizers whose books, YouTube videos, podcasts, and articles I've l...

Incremental Steps to your Goal, with Merrily Orsini – TPW290

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Healthcare executive Merrily Orsini is an advocate for home healthcare--and for taking small incremental steps to achieve your most cherished goals.

Friends, Mentors, and a Life that Matters – TPW289

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Meaningful productivity is about making a life that matters. For me, a life that matters centers on people that matter. Aside from family, friends and...

Adjusting to Working from Home – TPW288

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Working from home can be great, but if the decision to do so was made for you by outside circumstances and with little time to prepare, it comes with ...

Life During a Crisis – TPW287

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm sharing a few thoughts about life and productivity during a time of crisis, including a few suggestions for adjusting to a new reality.

11 Time Wasters to Eliminate – TPW286

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What time wasters can we eliminate to make more time for what matters most? We're talking about a few of them in this week's episode.

Setting Goals that Matter – TPW285

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Setting goals that matter starts with knowing what's most important to you. This week we're reviewing some principles of setting meaningful goals.

Thoughts About Work-Life Balance – TPW284

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is work-life balance really a thing? Some thoughts about what it means (and what it doesn't mean) on this week's episode.

Presence and Productivity, with Mayda Poc – TPW283

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode features my conversation with former investment banking professional Mayda Poc about how she intentionally incorporates being pres...

Healthy Eating When You Don’t Have Time – TPW282

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode features tips from women in the TPW community on how they fit healthy eating into their busy lives.

The Power of What We Can Control – TPW281

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to making a meaningfully productive life, there is incredible power in focusing on the things we can control.

Capitalizing Optimal Hours of Productivity, with Min Choi – TPW280

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode of The Productive Woman podcast features my conversation with professor, wife, and mom Min Choi about how she identified her optim...

Getting Stuff Done – TPW279

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What gets in the way of getting stuff done, and how can we overcome those obstacles and accomplish what matters to us?

11 Ways to Keep Your New Year Motivation Going – TPW278

22 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Achieving our goals this year requires consistent action. What do you do if your motivation to act starts to fade as the year continues?

10 Things to Declutter – TPW277

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The beginning of a new year is a great time to declutter your space. This week's episode offers some ideas and inspiration to get you started.

Good Morning, Good Life, with Amy Landino – TPW276

08 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amy Landino is on a mission to help you go after the life you want, starting with a morning routine that launches and grounds productive days.

5 Small Things to Do Every Day This Year – TPW275

01 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Big changes are impressive, but great progress can be achieved by taking small actions consistently. Consider 5 small things to do every day for a mor...

Holiday Wishes and Year-end Reminders – TPW274

25 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This brief episode looks at four productive choices we can make during the holidays--and every day.

Choosing (and Using) a Planner – TPW 273

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Now's a great time to think about a new planner for the coming year. In this week's episode we look at some things to consider in choosing (and using)...

Fill Up Your Cup, with Dallas Heath – TPW272

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm talking with nutrition and wellness coach Dallas Heath about how intentional self-care helps her (and us) be more productive.

Productive Reading: Attention Management by Maura Thomas – TPW271

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Attention management is a key productivity skill--and the subject of Maura Thomas's book, Attention Management.

Gratitude – TPW270

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Cultivating gratitude helps us be happier and more productive. Hear about a few more benefits of gratitude in this week's quick holiday-week episode.

Boundaries, with Helen Wright – TPW269

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

London-based banking professional Helen Wright sets intentional boundaries between work, personal, and family commitments. We talk about what that mea...

Productivity Tools – TPW268

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What are your favorite productivity tools? I'm sharing 10 of mine on this week's episode.

Heart to Heart – TPW267

06 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel disappointed in your own productivity? Me too. This week I'm sharing a few thoughts from my heart about productivity, disappointed ex...

Simplicity and Flexibility, with Natalie Rodriguez – TPW266

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode features my conversation with law school dean and mom Natalie Rodriguez about how she structures her life for simplicity and flexi...

Partner Productivity – TPW265

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How can we influence our spouses, and others close to us, to be more productive, and why would we want to?

Taking the Lead (Women & Leadership) – TPW264

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to be an effective, productive leader?

Get Organized Head First, with Claire Kellems – TPW263

09 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Working mom Claire Kellems' search for order in her chaotic life has led to a blog, a business, and more peace of mind. How she got organized (and how...

Giving Grace – TPW262

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to extend grace, and what does grace have to do with productivity? A conversation about grace and compassion on this week's episode ...

Isolation – TPW261

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do isolation or loneliness affect your productivity?

Career Clarity, with Jamie Lieberman – TPW260

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Using experience to find clarity on what matters to her has helped attorney, entrepreneur, wife, and mom Jamie Lieberman build a career and life she l...

Getting Ready to Move – TPW259

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Getting ready to move to a new home is a project that can be made easier with a little thought and planning.

Workplace Productivity – TPW258

04 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What can we do to maximize our productivity at work, wherever our workplace might be?

Taking the Next Move, with Jana Arellano – TPW257

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jana Arellano has made more than one big move in her life, and she's learned from every one. Her next move is helping other women develop the confiden...

Making Difficult Decisions – TPW256

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We can't make a life that matters without making decisions, but some decisions are harder than others. How can we make decision-making a little less s...

Hormones and Productivity – TPW255

14 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're discussing how hormonal changes, and the symptoms caused by those changes, affect our productivity during pregnancy, postpartum, and p...

Beating Overwhelm, with Mridu Parikh – TPW254

07 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm chatting with speaker, author, wife, and mom Mridu Parikh about how she minimizes overwhelm by simplifying where she can and by ordering...

When You Want to Do It All – TPW253

31 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you want to focus on one thing at a time or simultaneously pursue multiple goals, make sure you like the life you're creating.

How I Get Work Done – TPW252

24 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes when we're looking for ways to get work done, it helps to hear about tools and techniques that have been effective for other people. This we...

Structure & Empowerment for Lasting Impact, with Jill Valdez – TPW 251

17 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm talking with Jill Valdez about how intentional structure in her multi-faceted life helps her create impact, and how she's encouraging ma...

Productive Reading: Free To Focus by Michael Hyatt – TPW250

10 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for a worthwhile summer read? I recommend Michael Hyatt's book, Free to Focus. Hear my key takeaways in this episode, the latest installment i...

5 Years of The Productive Woman – TPW249

03 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Productive Woman podcast is 5 years old! In this episode I'm sharing productivity lessons learned, dreams for the future, and 5 questions for you.

Making Room for the Things That Matter to You, with Susan Comiskey – TPW248

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode features my conversation with Australia native (but current Singapore resident) Susan Comiskey about how she makes time for speaki...

Remember This: 10 Productivity Principles – TPW247

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Some productivity principles are worth being reminded of from time to time. Here are a few that I think are important.

Why We Do What We Do – TPW246

12 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding why we do what we do is key to taking intentional actions that serve us--and can also help us be more compassionate toward others. If yo...

Structuring Your Days with Intention, with Nina Means – TPW245

05 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For fashion designer, "Fashion Incubator" director, and new mom Nina Means, structuring her days with intention is key to making time for what matters...

Summer Fun & Safety – TPW244

29 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Summer's upon us (at least those of us in the northern hemisphere)! With a little bit of forethought, summer can be both fun and safe. In this week's ...

Dealing with Distraction – TPW243

22 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Does distraction interfere with your productivity and keep you from accomplishing all you want to? In episode 243 of The Productive Woman we look at s...

Redefining Modern Motherhood, with Joanna Parker – TPW242

15 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Working out a solution to a daily parenting challenge inspired one mom to launch a business committed to helping other moms. This episode features my ...

Motherhood & a Life That Matters – TPW241

08 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Does having children interfere with productivity or does it motivate us to be productive? This episode offers some thoughts on motherhood and making a...

Making Good Use of Your Evenings – TPW240

01 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When evening (or other "off work" time) comes, do you use it well or let it fritter away? What are some ways to make good use of your time off?

Lessons from a Multi-faceted Life, with Jennifer (Eunchim) Choi – TPW239

24 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 239 of The Productive Woman podcast features my conversation with humanitarian aid & community development consultant (and wife and mom) Jenni...

There’s Nothing Wrong with You – TPW238

17 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Making a life that matters has its challenges--for all of us. Can I encourage you to believe there's nothing wrong with you if you struggle sometimes ...

Essential Productivity Tools – TPW237

10 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What tools do you think are most important for being productive and making a life that matters? I share my list in this episode--and a couple of them ...

Consumption, Creation, and Contribution – TPW236

03 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Consuming content and learning new things is valuable, but to achieve our goals and make a life that matters, we have to do something with what we le...

Clutter, Minimalism, & Convenience – TPW235

27 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Decluttering is a hot topic these days. For some, the logical outcome of decluttering is minimalism. But who we are matters more than what (or how muc...

Productivity Across Borders, with Christiane Kenny – TPW234

20 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Canadian native Christiane Kenny has moved cross-border (cross-oceans!) more than once. Hear her tips for international living in this week's episode.

How to Figure Out What Matters Most – TPW233

13 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

To make a life that matters, we have to know what matters most. How do we decide among all the opportunities and commitments to figure out what matter...

Making a Life That Matters, YOUR Way – TPW232

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Productivity systems and resources are just tools. They're a means to an end, not the end itself. The end is a life that matters, as you define it. Th...

Lagom (Just Enough), with Jane Andersson – TPW231

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Swedish journalist Jane Andersson recommends the Swedish concept of lagom (loosely translated as "just enough") as a key to making a meaningfully prod...

Productive Reading: Atomic Habits by James Clear – TPW230

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this latest episode of our recurring Productive Reading series, I share my key takeaways from James Clear's outstanding book, Atomic Habits, a boo...

How to Make a Bad Day Better – TPW229

13 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We might not be able to stop bad days from coming, but there are things we can do to make a bad day better.

Making a Difference, with Karina Hayat – TPW228

06 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Canadian executive and philanthropist Karina Hayat shares how she makes time for making a difference through focusing on her professional and personal...

How to Renew Your Motivation – TPW227

30 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Are you making progress on your goals for this year, or has progress slowed because you're not consistently taking action? This episode offers ideas o...

Habits to Consider for this Year – TPW226

23 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're considering how our habits affect productivity and some suggestions for habits to develop this year.

Mindset Management, with Natalie Eckdahl – TPW225

16 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Entrepreneur, business coach, and author Natalie Eckdahl talks about the importance of managing our mindset, and shares how the support of an intenti...

7 Things to Stop Doing This Year – TPW224

09 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we talked about resolutions and goals--things we plan to start doing this year. This week, let's consider some things to stop doing (and wha...

Resolutions & Goals – TPW223

02 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As the new year begins, are you making resolutions, setting goals, or both? What's the difference, and how can they work together to create the result...

One Last Thing (What Matters Most) -TPW222

26 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What matters most to you, and how will you make room for it in your life in the coming year? In this last episode of the year, I share some thoughts I...

Thoughts for the Disappointed – TPW221

19 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Disappointed with your progress toward the goals you set for yourself this year? Let's talk about things you can do to start down a more productive pa...

Creating a Centralized Productivity System, with Vicky Volvovski – TPW 220

12 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Tech executive, award-winning food blogger, wife, and mom Vicky Volvovski shares thoughts on managing a busy life with a centralized system, and on br...

Making Time to Plan – TPW219

05 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Planning ahead is a key to living intentionally rather than reactively. But how do we make time to plan when our days are already full?

Today, Tomorrow, & a Year from Now – TPW218

28 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Some of us (raising my hand) tend to focus so much on the future that we forget to be present today. On the other hand, it's easy to get so wrapped up...

Being Intentional with Time, with Laura Vanderkam – TPW217

21 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

"Time keeps passing whether or not you think about where it's going." Laura Vanderkam, author of Off the Clock & other books about productivity and ti...

Habits That Help – TPW216

14 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A few simple habits can make a big difference in our day-to-day productivity and help us accomplish more with less effort. In this episode I share a f...

Task Management 101 – TPW215

07 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Is your to-do list getting the better of you? Let's review some task management basics that will help you get your list under control and make real pr...