The Tech Less Podcast with your host April Rust helps you feel less stressed and more focused to calm the chaos of consulting.
Season 1: Through interviews with technology and well-being leaders, we uncover insights and tips to increase influence on project success, while doing less and living more in an industry obsessed with constant optimization.
Season 2: Live More, Earn More. This series is all about giving you the systems to enjoy your life more by wrangling your workload and improving your work-life balance (ie integration because what really is balance anyway?!).
Here are three ways I can help:
April's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilerust/
In this episode, I answer the question "should I stay or should I go" referring to your current job. At the crux of the answer is understanding deep-down the kind of role and environment you need to feel supported and to feel good/thrive. You will leave this episode with a framework to take that decision into your own hands - with confidence!
In this episode I share my two favorite resources that have been incredibly healing in learning about managing my own energy to live more peaceful days. I also take you through an audit of where you spend your time so you can identify what is draining versus energizing, and what to do about it. If you're on the hamster wheel of life and sensing there has to be another way, this is for you. Resources : Learn more about Kate Northrup and her book Do Less at https://katenorthrup.com/book/ Learn mor...
In this episode of Season 2, we unpack the four core limiting beliefs that hold us back from reaching out goals. Key Takeaways Our mindsets and beliefs have immense power to lead us towards our goals or derail us The 4 core mindset limiting beliefs are: overwhelm, perfectionism, not feeling enough, and comfort/busyness Use the ABC (Activating event, Belief, Consequence) model to understand how beliefs influence emotions/behaviors The key is recognizing limiting beliefs, pausing before reacting, ...
Key Takeaways Identify personal values and envision your ideal life to gain clarity on priorities Let go of limiting beliefs and self-doubt holding you back Take small daily actions to reclaim your spirit and feel more alive Topics Guided Visualization Exercise Imagine your ideal life 3 years from now Envision your dream job/work situation that aligns with your values Reflect on what you love most about this vision and what's different from current reality Consider what you need to let go of to ...
After years struggling to maintain an enjoyable work-life balance (aka integrating life and work), in 2021 I learned the systems to get back my identity and time, and improve my life satisfaction from a D- to an A. Now I want to help other underpaid and overworked tech professionals shorten the learning curve to living and earning more. In this Mini-Series, I unpack the reasons why we struggle to have a healthy workload (that are within our control) and give you systems to help you identify what...
Michael Brandwein of Artichoke Consulting discusses how prioritizing end user enablement throughout the project lifecycle leads to happier clients and higher success rates. Learning Outcomes : Discover Artichoke Consulting's methodology for keeping end users at the heart of implementation projects. Learn strategies for setting clear expectations with stakeholders upfront to avoid issues down the line. Get tips for involving end users consistently through discovery, prototyping, and adoption trac...
This episode explores how to embrace your multifaceted self through meaningful career development. Guest Cee Reel shares lessons from their non-linear career path and how to value diverse experiences. Listeners will learn tools to craft a fulfilling career aligned with their authentic self. Cee Reel is a design generalist and authenticity coach who helps both brands and leaders tell their stories in a genuine and playful way. In a business world where authenticity and true human connection are r...
Michael Burton shares how vulnerability and authenticity have helped him build successful teams and trusted relationships. He discusses the importance of storytelling for consultants and emphasizes gradual progress through consistency and small wins. April and Michael also explore building confidence through preparation, goal-setting, and embracing challenges both professionally and personally. Michael is an entrepreneur with a passion for building and scaling professional services businesses. H...
In this episode, April Rust interviews Bradley Rice, founder of Talent Stacker, about his journey in the Salesforce ecosystem and lessons learned in building a successful career and business. Bradley discusses overcoming self-doubt, lifestyle design principles, and how to align your work with your values for long-term success and fulfillment. Key Learnings : Tough decisions lead to an easier life through compounding benefits over time in areas like health, finances, relationships, and career suc...
In this episode, April Rust and guest Alec Dorner explore the concept that what drains your cup might also be able to fill it. We explore using mindset tips and tools to set healthy boundaries with your work. Alec is a proud husband and father of a one and a half year old (and new baby boy on the way!) He's also the creator of Flow Analyzer, a Salesforce AppExchange product that scans flows for violations of best practices. He’s also the founder of Force for Change, a 100% pro-bono consulting fi...
In Episode 13 with guest Charles Ackerman, we explore consulting project challenges, identity with work, working modalities, and more. Key Learnings: Learn about a common challenge in consulting: misalignment between the client + consulting partner, and what to do about it We also explore the value of deep work and how to set expectations with your teams and clients to get back time for creative thinking and brainstorming during your work day Charles Ackerman has made a career figuring out what ...
In this episode we hear from Brigette Sjoboen (B) on how she prioritizes projects for her technical team, and her experience navigating stakeholder management. We also get to hear her journey from reframing her identity and relationship with work. About Brigette Sjoboen (B): B has been in the tech space for enough years to age her (direct quote haha). Currently managing/coaching technical teams to build out scalable GTM tech and reduce risk of redundancy and spend. Most importantly she is a prou...
In this episode, guest Alanna Steffens (Managing Director, Attain Partners) and host April Rust, discuss the challenges of implementing CRM solutions (and solutions!). We also take a closer look at how to up-skill consultants who may be great at configuration, but need help learning how to navigate the consulting business. Lastly, we wrap up with Alanna's personal journey of work-life integration. Key learnings: setting up a project for success by getting the pre-sales cycle right identifying an...
Learn lifestyle design practical tips to build a system of healthy + positive structure that becomes your default. Meet our guest: Alex currently serves as the Director of Operations for the Salesforce Career Development Program by Talent Stacker where she actively trains and supports individuals in changing their lives through Salesforce Careers. When "Tech-ing Less"" you can most often find Alex traveling to a new country, hiking or rock climbing, or eating good food. Learn more about Alex at:...
In this episode, host April Rust sits down with Scrum Master and business analyst Anita Smith to discuss how she helps teams work more effectively through optimized Scrum processes. Three Key Learnings: 1. How Anita Smith created templates and lessons in her " Scrum in a Box " course to help new Scrum Masters get started. 2. Best practices for implementing Scrum frameworks like daily standups and adapting for larger distributed teams. 3. Insights into challenges of blending agile with profession...
Anna Shaffer is passionate about two things: leveraging technology to make insurance more fun, and fostering a supportive community for women in tech. Tune in to learn practical strategies on holding space for each other to support not just women in tech, but all humans. Learn more about Anna Shaffer on Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-shaffer-b414043a/...
Darius Tracy shares his inspiring story of transitioning from a career in manufacturing to the Salesforce ecosystem. Tune in to learn more about the power of building genuine friendships in your industry, inspiration for consistency, and practical tips on finding some peace during your day. Learn more about Darius Tracy on his Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/darius-tracy-406385249/ Learn more about the Talent Stacker 5-Day Challenge to kick-start your career here (free!): https://talentst...
Kelly Sandstrom has over fifteen years of experience in project management, IT and operations in the consulting and tech industries, and currently serves as the Project Portfolio Management Office Director at the State of Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Tune in to hear her transition from ambitious professional striving to succeed at all costs, to new momma prioritizing her family and personal life and setting boundaries at work. Learn more about Kelly on Linkedin : https://www.link...
Are you ready for real, vulnerable talk on (un)healthy ways we cope with the chaos of life in tech, imposter syndrome, and misaligned priorities? Tune in with your host April Rust, and special guest Justin Jackson, as they share their personal stories of coping, reprioritizing what matters, and what cyclical growth looks like for them. Listeners can expect to learn about : The challenges of work-life balance in the tech industry and the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being Exp...
This episode explores how strategic narrative and narrative power can help overcome organizational challenges like misalignment and silos. Guest Guillaume Wiatr shares his experience using his methodologies to connect teams and achieve success on technology implementation projects. Guillaume also introduces the idea that integrating our personal and work lives can lead to increased fulfillment and flow. Listeners can expect to learn : - How strategic narrative and narrative power methodologies c...
Dive into the riveting world of Salesforce consulting with expert advice on overcoming project challenges and excelling in the industry. Join host April Rust and her guest Roz Burton-Torres as they explore the tools and techniques for steering clear of the common pitfalls in tech projects and building a thriving career. Tune in for invaluable insights and practical wisdom! Key Topics : • Successful projects need planning • Communication is key in tech projects • Minimum viable product (MVP) appr...
April Rust, your host of the Tech Less podcast, explores the idea that we are allowed a life outside of work, no matter our age, marital status, parental status, gender, race, etc. The idea is based on research that indicates happier people lead to better business results, meaning this is not just good for individuals, but also organizations. In this episode we unpack beliefs holding us back from leveraging work as a means to an end: finding fulfillment in leading a meaningful life....
People in tech, we're speaking to you! Alli had a 15 year career in sales at companies like Salesforce before leaving the corporate world in 2021, to start her own coaching business as an Imposter Syndrome Coach. Over the last 3 years, she has created her own freedom to travel extensively while building a growing coaching business. She has helped tech sales professionals overcome their imposter syndrome so that they can feel clear and confident about themselves and their career and now is coachi...
