Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Michael Brecht to talk about The Productivity Book: 30 Professionals Talk About Time Management (21 October 2015, Doodle AG, 205 pages), a Non-Fiction Time Management book.
At Doodle, we know that productivity isn’t how much you’re doing; it’s how much you get done. So, we spoke with 30 professionals to figure out just how they do it. The result: The Doodle Productivity Book!
It can’t make more hours in the day. But it will give you a valuable insight into the minds of the productivity and time management experts who have overcome the hurdles we face on a daily basis. So, you can work smarter, and not harder.
Filled with useful tips, personal histories and sound advice, this book is a fresh examination of the habits that shape us, and how others have managed to break free of them.
Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops
A very warm welcome to Michael Brecht, CEO of Doodle; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter.
What was the inspiration for The Productivity Book?
Why should we read The Productivity Book and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?
"Graham Allcott is the founder of Think Productive. He is also a bestselling author, speaker, and social entrepreneur."
"Helene Segura delivers time-management and productivity workshops to associations, conferences and businesses. She is the author of two Amazon bestsellers and has made over 100 TV appearances on varies networks."
"Heather Morgan Shott is the Editorial Director of momtastic.com. Prior to this she was the site director of The Nest and was founding editor of the social network mixingbowl.com"
"Claire Burge is the CEO and founder of This Is Productivity, which provides eLearning, leadership programs, talks and training to companies. She is also the author of Spin: Taking Your Creativity to the Nth Degree."
"Cathy Sexton is the founder of The Productivity Experts. With a focus on productivity and profitability, she helps business owners navigate the daily challenges business owners face."
"Audrey Thomas is the President of Organized Audrey. With more than 20 years’ experience as a keynotes speaker and training expert, she is also a published author and productivity consultant."
"Andrea Feinberg is the President of Coaching Insight. She’s committed to helping businesses focus on their long-term goals, and finding ways to achieve them."
"Whitney Hassan uses her experience as licensed CPA to deliver productivity consulting to firms, as well as presenting on productivity topics."
"Tara Rodden Robinson is an author and executive coach specializing in productivity and time management. In addition to coaching, she is also a blogger and was a speaker at TEDx Fort Wayne."
"Suzi Dafnis is the CEO of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network, which provides training and coaching for over 20,000 businesswomen. She is also a podcast and webinar host, online marketer and productivity blogger."
"For over 15 years Sheila Hawkins has been helping female entrepreneurs to organize their space and time through her holistic approach to productivity."
"Shari McGuire is a consultant, published author, and motivational speaker. Dedicated to showing people how to balance their professional success with their personal life, she helps individuals and small businesses to reach their goals."
"Sarah Prout is a bestselling author and award-winning entrepreneur. She is a self-proclaimed life-long student of metaphysics and blogger."
"With a focus on attention and productivity, Neen James is a leadership expert and motivational keynote speaker. In addition to providing one-on-one coaching, she is also the author of eight books."
"Natalie M. Houston is a personal productivity coach, blogger, and university lecturer. With a focus on action-oriented coaching for academics and professionals, she helps her clients achieve more joy and balance in their lives."
"Mike Vardy is a writer, speaker, and productivity strategist. He has served as Managing Editor for Lifehack.org, and as a contributor to the Huffington Post, Lifehacker, The Next Web and SUCCESS Magazine. In addition to this, he was a guest speaker at TEDxVictoria."
"Mick Hawes is a bestselling author and performance coach. He guides individuals and businesses towards increased productivity and profitability."
"Michael Sliwinski is the founder of the productivity app Nozbe. He is also the author of #iPadOnly and It’s all about Passion! In addition to this, he is also the editor of Productive! Magazine and well as a podcast host."
"Marissa Brassfield is the CEO of Ridiculously Efficient. By focusing on key team members, Marissa helps entrepreneurs to scale their business. She is also the founder of REBEL (the Ridiculously Efficient Big Efficiency Library), a training community for assistants and project managers."
"Mandy McEwen is the founder of Mod Girl Marketing, a full-service boutique digital marketing firm. Her company helps businesses optimize their online presence to achieve their goals."
"Lori Vande Krol is the owner and founder of Life Made Simple. Using a unique 5 step process, Lori helps businesses with a stress-free approach to office productivity."
"Lois Kennedy is a productivity consultant and the founder and CEO of 3 Step Results. Her focus is on providing simple and effective productivity solutions for businesses, and she is the author of the book When in a hurry MOVE SLOWLY! Simple, Effective Productivity Tips for the Workplace."
"Laura Stack is the CEO of The Productivity Pro. She is an award-winning keynote speaker and bestselling author. With nearly 25 years’ experience, she is one of the most sought-after productivity experts in world."
"Laura Leist is the founder of Eliminate Chaos, a productivity oriented company that operates across three distinct divisions—residential, business, and speaking. In addition to this, she is also the author of 8 books and has delivered over 500 seminars, keynotes, and speeches."
"Kathryn McKinnon is a time management expert, bestselling author, speaker, radio show host and the CEO of McKinnon & Company."
"Justine Santaniello is an on-air spokesperson, lifestyle expert, and segment producer. She has featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Day New York, CBS’s The Couch, FOX Business and PIX Morning News. Her aim is to share real information and easy tips."
"Joshua Zerkel is the founder of Custom Living Solutions. He is a professional organizer and the Vice President of the National Association of Professional Organizers San Francisco Bay Area chapter."
"Jon Petz is a motivational speaker known for his engaging, fast-paced presentations. He is the founder of the idea lad, Bore No More, and is the author of the top-selling book Boring Meetings Suck."
"Jill Duffy is a writer and blogger with a focus on productivity apps and software, as well as gadgets for health and fitness. She is also a published author, and was a speaker at TED@250."
"Jason Womack is the co-founder and head coach of Get Momentum, a highly-personalized monthly online coaching program. In addition to this, he also works with business leaders so they can spend less time in the office, and more time with their families."
What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?
What is your writing process?
What is in store next?
And a little confession... all of our animals are named after alcoholic drinks, alas only one was named after a grape - Shiraz.
Thank you again so much for taking the time to be with us today, Michael. I hope you have a great tour and we wish you all the best with your endevours.
The Productivity Book
What was the inspiration for The Productivity Book?
"I am constantly in talks with productivity experts who help busy people manage their time more efficiently. These experts shared a lot of their secrets with me over the years, hence I started to write down these findings to make them available to a wider audience."How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?
"Firstly, The Productivity Book is about the advice these experts share with us. I myself wrote the afterword, which summarizes the major findings, so if you are too busy to read the whole book, you should at least read the afterword. In there, you’ll find quite a few insights from myself too."The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for The Productivity Book - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.
"Our agency helped with the cover, it reflects the various means an effective lifestyle is relying on illustrated by a more technical visual."
Why should we read The Productivity Book and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?"Our book is unique as it provides real value through input from 30 time management experts and my own advice. It is practical, and helps in a very concrete way to reflect on your daily habits.Can you tell us something quirky about The Productivity Book?
The feedback we have received so far is tremendous with many readers thanking us for all these recommendations."
"Well, I have to admit that the various authors themselves are unusual, each one has a certain quirkiness. As we provide real advice for your own personal schedule, this book is written in a very personal style."Who would you recommend The Productivity Book to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?
"The 30 productivity experts have given their personal recommendations hence this is about how to improve your daily time management. No warnings needed, findings from this book can be applied in your business and in your private life."If you could / wished to turn The Productivity Book into a documentary, who would be your dream team?
"I guess the 30 productivity experts themselves. They would best be acting as testimonials for their own advice given."
"Graham Allcott is the founder of Think Productive. He is also a bestselling author, speaker, and social entrepreneur."
"Helene Segura delivers time-management and productivity workshops to associations, conferences and businesses. She is the author of two Amazon bestsellers and has made over 100 TV appearances on varies networks."
"Heather Morgan Shott is the Editorial Director of momtastic.com. Prior to this she was the site director of The Nest and was founding editor of the social network mixingbowl.com"
"Claire Burge is the CEO and founder of This Is Productivity, which provides eLearning, leadership programs, talks and training to companies. She is also the author of Spin: Taking Your Creativity to the Nth Degree."
"Cathy Sexton is the founder of The Productivity Experts. With a focus on productivity and profitability, she helps business owners navigate the daily challenges business owners face."
"Audrey Thomas is the President of Organized Audrey. With more than 20 years’ experience as a keynotes speaker and training expert, she is also a published author and productivity consultant."
"Andrea Feinberg is the President of Coaching Insight. She’s committed to helping businesses focus on their long-term goals, and finding ways to achieve them."
"Whitney Hassan uses her experience as licensed CPA to deliver productivity consulting to firms, as well as presenting on productivity topics."
"Tara Rodden Robinson is an author and executive coach specializing in productivity and time management. In addition to coaching, she is also a blogger and was a speaker at TEDx Fort Wayne."
"Suzi Dafnis is the CEO of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network, which provides training and coaching for over 20,000 businesswomen. She is also a podcast and webinar host, online marketer and productivity blogger."
"For over 15 years Sheila Hawkins has been helping female entrepreneurs to organize their space and time through her holistic approach to productivity."
"Shari McGuire is a consultant, published author, and motivational speaker. Dedicated to showing people how to balance their professional success with their personal life, she helps individuals and small businesses to reach their goals."
"Sarah Prout is a bestselling author and award-winning entrepreneur. She is a self-proclaimed life-long student of metaphysics and blogger."
"With a focus on attention and productivity, Neen James is a leadership expert and motivational keynote speaker. In addition to providing one-on-one coaching, she is also the author of eight books."
"Natalie M. Houston is a personal productivity coach, blogger, and university lecturer. With a focus on action-oriented coaching for academics and professionals, she helps her clients achieve more joy and balance in their lives."
"Mike Vardy is a writer, speaker, and productivity strategist. He has served as Managing Editor for Lifehack.org, and as a contributor to the Huffington Post, Lifehacker, The Next Web and SUCCESS Magazine. In addition to this, he was a guest speaker at TEDxVictoria."
"Mick Hawes is a bestselling author and performance coach. He guides individuals and businesses towards increased productivity and profitability."
"Michael Sliwinski is the founder of the productivity app Nozbe. He is also the author of #iPadOnly and It’s all about Passion! In addition to this, he is also the editor of Productive! Magazine and well as a podcast host."
"Marissa Brassfield is the CEO of Ridiculously Efficient. By focusing on key team members, Marissa helps entrepreneurs to scale their business. She is also the founder of REBEL (the Ridiculously Efficient Big Efficiency Library), a training community for assistants and project managers."
"Mandy McEwen is the founder of Mod Girl Marketing, a full-service boutique digital marketing firm. Her company helps businesses optimize their online presence to achieve their goals."
"Lori Vande Krol is the owner and founder of Life Made Simple. Using a unique 5 step process, Lori helps businesses with a stress-free approach to office productivity."
"Lois Kennedy is a productivity consultant and the founder and CEO of 3 Step Results. Her focus is on providing simple and effective productivity solutions for businesses, and she is the author of the book When in a hurry MOVE SLOWLY! Simple, Effective Productivity Tips for the Workplace."
"Laura Stack is the CEO of The Productivity Pro. She is an award-winning keynote speaker and bestselling author. With nearly 25 years’ experience, she is one of the most sought-after productivity experts in world."
"Laura Leist is the founder of Eliminate Chaos, a productivity oriented company that operates across three distinct divisions—residential, business, and speaking. In addition to this, she is also the author of 8 books and has delivered over 500 seminars, keynotes, and speeches."
"Kathryn McKinnon is a time management expert, bestselling author, speaker, radio show host and the CEO of McKinnon & Company."
"Justine Santaniello is an on-air spokesperson, lifestyle expert, and segment producer. She has featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Day New York, CBS’s The Couch, FOX Business and PIX Morning News. Her aim is to share real information and easy tips."
"Joshua Zerkel is the founder of Custom Living Solutions. He is a professional organizer and the Vice President of the National Association of Professional Organizers San Francisco Bay Area chapter."
"Jon Petz is a motivational speaker known for his engaging, fast-paced presentations. He is the founder of the idea lad, Bore No More, and is the author of the top-selling book Boring Meetings Suck."
"Jill Duffy is a writer and blogger with a focus on productivity apps and software, as well as gadgets for health and fitness. She is also a published author, and was a speaker at TED@250."
"Jason Womack is the co-founder and head coach of Get Momentum, a highly-personalized monthly online coaching program. In addition to this, he also works with business leaders so they can spend less time in the office, and more time with their families."
What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?"The Productivity Book is about managing your business and personal time more effectively; here I aim to contribute to everybody’s productivity and time management.I love the wine blog... except it is in German hence I will have to rely on Google Translate... :-P
I also write a blog about these topics called www.michaelbrecht.com - here I write about productivity topics but also about the many events where I speak to either business people, students etc.
Thirdly, I have been running a wine blog for almost 10 years now called www.downunderwines.net where I write about my personal hobby, the great wines, vineyards and winemakers of this world."
What is your writing process?
"I write as I speak - no hidden facts, all very much blog style. This is when I am best."
What is in store next?"While working as the CEO of Doodle, the world’s favorite scheduling app, I continue to meet highly interesting people, from productivity sectors as much as while speaking to groups of business people or university students.And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?
Who knows, there might be a book out there in one of these fields."
"Yes, we do have a pet – it is an Australian Labradoodle, no joke! And her name is: Pinot, following the name of my favorite grape. I’ll see whether I can find a pic of her and send it to you in the coming days.":-D Please do send us a picture of Pinot, we would love to see her!
And a little confession... all of our animals are named after alcoholic drinks, alas only one was named after a grape - Shiraz.
Thank you again so much for taking the time to be with us today, Michael. I hope you have a great tour and we wish you all the best with your endevours.
The Productivity Book
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