Time to Reset

Ever wonder why some speakers land top speaking engagements and captivate an audience from the first word, while others struggle to keep attention? TEDx speaker and five-time bestselling author Sara Connell says it's all about storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Sara reveals the surprising neuroscience behind why stories are 80% more memorable than facts and data, and how mastering this skill can not only elevate your message but also open doors to lucrative, 5-figure speaking engagements. Get ready to move your audience from their heads to their hearts and make an unforgettable impact. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Open loops = mental clutter. In this episode, Penny Zenker shares how to reduce overwhelm and reclaim focus with simple reset rhythms that help you finish what you start—daily, weekly, and even in transitions. Close the loop. Clear your mind. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Limiting beliefs are huge dream killers, but they are usually self-imposed. By unlocking the power of belief that you can do anything, you can overcome all of your fears and doubts. Belief architect and inspirational keynote speaker Ken Hartley joins Penny Zenker to discuss how to undergo a total reset and create a clear path toward success. He breaks down the power of investing in yourself, the impact of in-depth communication, and what it takes to live a truly fulfilling life. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Penny talks about how AI can transform our work lives by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing us to focus on more meaningful and creative activities. She acknowledges that while some people feel important doing busy work, it's more beneficial to concentrate on what truly matters. Drawing from her own experiences with AI tools, Penny admits initial resistance but highlights the long-term benefits of improved efficiency and productivity. She recommends regularly reviewing your tasks to see where AI can help reduce distractions, save time, and lower stress. Instead of replacing us, AI can reposition us to enhance our judgment, creativity, and connections. The key takeaway is to see AI as a collaborator that helps us add more value and make a bigger impact. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

“Yes, And” is a fundamental principle in improv performance, usually for collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Improv master Avish Parashar has mastered how to apply this framework not just on-stage but even beyond. He joins Penny Zenker to discuss how to use the “Yes, And” concept in unlocking your creative genius, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and navigating changes in both personal and professional lives. Avish also talks about the importance of embracing messiness to build the most authentic version of yourself and create a more grounded and fulfilling journey. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Many people, particularly women, often wait for the perfect timing before taking the leap and embracing change. But for Cara Moeller Poppitt, this does not need waiting – the right time is always right now. She joins Penny Zenker in this insightful conversation about her book, “Big Freakin’ Change,” and how to overcome the fear of not feeling ready. Cara talks about her six-step process for getting out of being stuck and taking full control of the life you want to live. She also discusses why women often seek eternal permission and what it takes for them to start taking courageous action.

Feeling like something's missing? Craving more purpose and fulfillment? Today, we're joined by Rick Walker, a successful entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and author of the upcoming book, Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning. Rick believes that universal truths whisper to us from all corners of life – from ancient texts to modern physics. He shares how to find these profound insights, revealing what he calls "the arbitrage of masterful ideas." Discover why concepts like "indestructibility" are key to lasting relevance, and learn practical steps to infuse more joy and beauty into your everyday life. If you're ready to hit the reset button on your life's meaning, tune in. Rick will even share his unique personal reset practices, including an instant energy boost you won't want to miss! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

What is perception bias, and why does it matter, and how does hyper-personalization stop bias? Perception bias is our tendency to interpret people and behaviors based on our own filters—whether that’s age, gender, role, or past experience. We don’t mean to do it. But we all do. It’s fast, automatic, and often subconscious. Here’s the catch: Bias doesn’t just hurt inclusion—it kills engagement. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Human Capital Trends report, 71% of employees expect personalized experiences at work, but only 23% of organizations are delivering them effectively. That gap? It’s where bias thrives. When people feel misunderstood or misjudged, they check out. And burnout? It’s not always caused by workload. It’s often caused by people feeling unseen, unheard, and undervalued. That’s perception bias in action. Neuroscience backs this up. The brain’s anterior cingulate cortex—the region tied to pain and conflict—lights up when we feel socially excluded, similar to physical pain. Feeling like a number isn’t just demotivating—it’s neurologically distressing. How hyper-personalization flips the script So what’s the reset? It’s personal. Literally. Hyper-personalization uses real-time data, AI, and behavioral insights to create tailored experiences that meet employees where they are. Think learning styles, communication preferences, reward motivators, even snack and feedback preferences. When leaders co-create profiles with their teams—knowing what energizes them, how they like to receive feedback, what stresses them out—you close the assumption gap. And when people feel seen, they show up differently. 📈 Stats that prove it: Adobe30%Salesforce11% higher engagementDomino’s3,500% over a decade. Let’s talk results Hyper-personalization isn’t about coddling. It’s about performance. McKinsey found that organizations that personalize the employee experience see up to 15% increases in productivity and 20% higher retention. But it only works when personalization is embedded—not just in onboarding—but in daily rhythms: personrole When employees don’t have to mask or mold themselves to fit a generic mold, they focus more, collaborate better, and stay longer. That’s not a soft benefit. That’s ROI. Your Reset. Try it. See the difference it makes. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Many organizations find it difficult to execute and keep up with various changes in their culture or processes, especially if longstanding traditions are already set in stone. Change management specialist Barb Grant is here to discuss how to make lasting change stick and encourage everyone not to revert to their old ways. Joining Penny Zenker, Barb presents key points in understanding how people change through connection, addressing their fears and uncertainties along the way. She also explains the importance of giving yourself the permission to change, the right way to manage ego at work, and how to keep your values aligned with the team’s vision and everyone else’s goals.

It is often said that our gut has the ability to tell us all kinds of things, especially when it comes to improving our health. To live our best lives, we must learn to understand the undeniable connection between gut health and our overall performance. Penny Zenker sits down with Dr. Tracy Gapin, an expert in men’s health optimization and longevity, to discuss how to keep an eye on our hormonal levels and stay away from environmental toxins we are using every single day. He emphasizes the importance of blood testing, sleep quality, and making health a top priority. Dr. Tracy also laments the shortcomings of the healthcare system and his advocacy for a more proactive, holistic, and patient-centered approach.

Transform your daily life from chaotic to controlled as we delve into the powerful practice of prioritizing what truly matters. In this episode, we sit down with Rob Shallenberger, CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership and former F-16 pilot, to unpack his groundbreaking strategies from "Do What Matters Most." Rob shares how developing a clear personal vision, identifying key life roles, setting intentional goals, and implementing weekly pre-planning can revolutionize your time management. Discover how to break free from the tyranny of to-do lists and align your daily actions with your deepest values, leading to a more peaceful and productive life. Get ready to reset your approach to time and start living with purpose. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Creating genuine employee engagement and quality leadership in today's evolving workplace demands more than just lip service; it requires a fundamental shift in how we perceive and interact with our teams. In this episode, Penny Zenker dives deep into the heart of fostering buy-in and dismantling the barriers that prevent true engagement with Dave Garrison, CEO and author of "The Buy-In Advantage." Together, they unpack the persistent challenges of low engagement, the failures of past strategies, and how leaders can prioritize people over tasks to inspire their teams to give their all. Discover practical steps for creating psychological safety, leveraging feedback, and rethinking meeting dynamics to cultivate a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Tune in to learn how to transform your leadership approach and unlock the full potential of your workforce by shifting from "human doings" to "human beings." Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Going "all in" on your goals is the key to unlocking what's truly possible in life. In this episode, we dive into that very concept with Drew Berman, an international speaker, bestselling author, and Peak Performance strategist, exploring the transformative power of full commitment. With three decades of experience empowering professionals, Drew shares insights from his new book, "Go All In: Your Blueprint for Wealth, Legacy, and Financial Freedom," discussing how to dismantle limiting beliefs, silence self-doubt, and fully embrace your potential in finance, relationships, and personal growth. Discover the significance of focused energy, learn to establish essential boundaries, and understand the importance of aligning your actions with your deepest aspirations as Drew recounts his journey from sales and marketing to mastering financial education. Prepare for actionable strategies that will inspire you to reset and uncover what becomes possible when you decide to go "all in."

Micromanagement can feel like you're doing the right thing, but often it's a hidden form of self-sabotage that stifles growth and drains your energy. In this episode, we're diving deep into the pitfalls of micromanagement with Mickie Kennedy, Founder and President of eReleases, a leader in press release distribution with 26 years of experience helping small businesses boost their visibility and credibility. Mickie candidly shares his journey from a "recovering micromanager" to a leader who empowers his team, revealing how stepping back and trusting his employees not only transformed his company culture but also significantly fueled its growth. Get ready for valuable insights and practical tips on how to recognize micromanaging tendencies and shift towards a more effective and empowering leadership style. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Why do we hold onto habits, relationships, and beliefs that no longer serve us? Penny Zenker talks about the brain, emotional attachment, cognitive biases, and habits - this episode challenges you to unsubscribe to create more space for what matters Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Recognizing your value is just the beginning—owning it while honing it is where real growth happens. In this episode, host Penny Zenker sits down with Robyn Hatcher, communication expert, keynote speaker, and former soap opera writer, to discuss how personal and professional growth come from fully embracing your strengths. Robyn shares how drama—both in our heads and in the workplace—can hold us back, and how shifting our mindset can help us step into our true potential. She also reveals strategies to gain clarity on your strengths, eliminate self-doubt, and continuously refine the way you show up in the world. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

The Gen Z workforce is an extremely unique and complicated group of people. They have grown up in an age where access to information is almost unlimited, have a vastly different idea of loyalty, and yet possess an ardent desire to understand their purpose in life. Generational expert Steven Robertson joins Penny Zenker to talk about the right way to lead and manage Generation Z in today’s workplace. They discuss how older people should guide younger individuals in cultivating their “muscles” on perseverance, communication, problem-solving, and gratitude. Steven also explains why Gen Zs value data access over ownership in this digital age and how they should be taught about the correct application of the plethora of knowledge they already have. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

This show will be changing its name to Time to Reset-Stay tuned. Connect with me to go deeper into this topic of connection as this months theme accross my newsletters and other posts. Read and Subscribe here https://pennyzenker.substack.com/ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/