“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 buil...
Jul 25, 2025•30 min
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...
Jul 11, 2025•35 min
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 ...
Jun 27, 2025•28 min
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 experie...
Jun 20, 2025•33 min
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 ...
Jun 13, 2025•25 min
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 impo...
May 30, 2025•21 min
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 managemen...
May 23, 2025•28 min
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 strateg...
May 16, 2025•29 min
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 belief...
May 09, 2025•28 min
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 emp...
May 02, 2025•23 min
In a world obsessed with constant activity, true productivity often gets lost in the chaos of busyness. This episode features Peggy Sullivan , a keynote speaker, author, consultant, and trusted researcher, who joins us to unravel the myth that "busy equals successful" and dives deep into the concept of "time poverty." Peggy, author of Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less , shares her insights on why chronic busyness is detrimental to our health, happiness, and success. She outlines...
Apr 25, 2025•28 min
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/
Apr 18, 2025•6 min
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 strate...
Mar 21, 2025•33 min
Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/
Feb 28, 2025•13 min
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 ...
Feb 21, 2025•31 min
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/
Feb 14, 2025•17 min
Want to build a company culture that fosters trust, innovation, and growth? Join Penny Zenker and Scott Springer , President of Chelwood Consulting Group , as they explore the key elements of a thriving workplace culture. Discover how to define your core values, ensure they are lived every day, and create an environment where employees feel valued and empowered. Plus, learn how to implement the "reset mindset" to adapt and thrive in today's ever-changing business landscape. Love the show? Subscr...
Feb 07, 2025•27 min
Is the urgency fallacy stealing your dreams? Do not let it gain power over you! Join Penny Zenker and three-time Emmy award-winning broadcaster, keynote speaker, and author Anne Marie Anderson as they explore how to break free from the tyranny of urgency. Anne Marie, author of Cultivating Audacity – Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win , shares powerful strategies for overcoming the four barriers holding you back from performing at your best: fear, time (including that pesky urgency fallacy), mo...
Jan 31, 2025•25 min
Despite the many unfair limitations society, you must never succumb to them and become just another average person. Do whatever you can to not be invisible but instead become truly invincible at any age. Join Penny Zenker for an inspiring conversation with Fiona Lambert , author of Invincible Not Invisible: Change Your Body And Your Mindset in 90 Days and living proof that age is just a number. Fiona, a seasoned fashion industry leader, reveals her unique approach to fitness and wellness, drawin...
Jan 17, 2025•25 min
In order to survive the most trying and uncertain times in your life, you must learn how to embrace a growth mindset to unlock new ways to approach every obstacle along your path. In this episode, high-growth strategy specialist Dr. Rebecca Homkes joins Penny Zenker for a dynamic discussion on how leaders should embrace change, challenge assumptions, and adapt strategies for them to continue thriving even in the most volatile environments. She also shares valuable insights from her book Survive,...
Jan 10, 2025•27 min
The joy-success cycle is a powerful concept that will allow you to approach life and work in a more positive and purposeful way. In this episode, Penny Zenker sits down with Kevin Surace , Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, and the father of the Virtual Assistant, to explore how joy and success are interconnected. He offers practical tips on how to rewire your brain for positivity, get rid of things that suck the joy out of you, and achieve extraordinary results that lead to personal...
Dec 27, 2024•27 min
If you feel your life is revolving solely on your work, you are doomed to experience burnout and lose sight of your true purpose. Tim Duggan is here to discuss how you can work backwards and gain a more positive perception of your career. Joining Penny Zenker, he shares how to evaluate your MAP – meaning, anchors, and priorities – to enrich your career and make your work more fulfilling. He talks about the right way to navigate the ever-evolving nature of work, particularly in this post-pandemic...
Dec 13, 2024•35 min
Apprenticeship is a game-changing approach to cultivating the next generation of leaders within your organization. Join Penny Zenker and CEO coach Robert Hargrove as they discuss building a strong leadership team through mentorship and apprenticeship. As founder/CEO of Masterful Coaching and co-director of the Harvard Leadership Research Project, Robert offers valuable insights on identifying and empowering top talent for exceptional results. Learn actionable strategies for effective delegation,...
Dec 06, 2024•22 min
Time management is essential for lawyers seeking to regain control of their professional and personal lives. In this episode, Penny Zenker welcomes Dina Cataldo , a coach specializing in helping lawyers, to discuss how they can find peace through effective time management strategies. Dina shares how lawyers, often overwhelmed by their demanding careers, can reconnect with their emotions and break free from cycles of stress and anxiety. She emphasizes that achieving peace is the key desire for ma...
Nov 29, 2024•27 min
Changing mindsets is essential for driving progress in any organization. Without setting aside something that does not serve you anymore, you cannot achieve real impact. Diving deep into this topic with Penny Zenker is Lisa Madrone, Chief Transformation Officer for Prince William County . Together, they discuss how mindset shifts can lead to profound innovation and enhance customer service. Lisa discusses how their organization experienced growth by adapting to new challenges dynamically and enc...
Nov 22, 2024•21 min
Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. In this episode, Marcey Rader , award-winning productivity expert and author of Reclaim Your Workday , joins us to reveal her top tips for taking back control over your work life. From handling endless emails to setting healthy work boundaries, Marcey shares strategies that empower individuals and organizations alike. Tune in to learn how to work smarter, avoid burnout, and create space for what truly brings you joy and fulf...
Nov 15, 2024•25 min
Unlock the power of radical prioritization with Gia Lacqua as she empowers high-achieving working moms to overcome overwhelm and redefine success. In this episode, Penny Zenker engages Gia, a renowned trauma-informed empowerment coach and motivational speaker, in a candid discussion about the pressures faced by women juggling career, family, and personal fulfillment. Gia shares practical tips and strategies to help you prioritize what truly matters, reduce stress, and boost your productivity. Tu...
Nov 08, 2024•25 min
If you think your life is going nowhere, your goals are a bit unclear, or your mind is full of limiting beliefs, perhaps undergoing quantum energy sessions would be helpful. This method guides you on reprogramming your mindset, tapping into your inner soul, and getting awareness of what it takes to take aligned action at all times. Exploring this concept even deeper with Penny Zenker is Jocelyn Sandstrom , an expert on neuro-linguistic programming and neurological repatterning. Together, they di...
Oct 25, 2024•30 min
In the fast-paced world of business, where tangible assets are often overvalued, true wealth lies in the strength of relationships. In this episode, Penny Zenker dives into a compelling discussion with Chuck Hogan , managing partner at Your Best Life , on why business relationships are essential for success. Chuck explores the notion that relationships serve as the ultimate currency in business. He shares insights on how understanding human needs and effective communication can profoundly impact...
Oct 18, 2024•25 min
It’s time to recharge your energy and ignite your passion! Your Positive Energy Toolkit is your ultimate guide to unlocking your inner potential and harnessing the power of positive energy. Join Penny Zenker and Paul Hoyt , the Author of Surprises on the Road to Enlightenment and The Practice of Awakening II , to explain the simple yet powerful strategy to unlock your full potential, Mind Sequencing. Paul and Penny emphasize the need for individuals to allow themselves time to relax and recharge...
Oct 11, 2024•24 min
