Uncluttered Office with Catherine Avery

Denslow is the leader and quite possibly the pillar of coaching for organizers. Denslow realized that while she could help people get organized, if they haven’t learned the habits to maintain it, they just end up frustrated and disorganized again. Coaching filled this gap. Real change comes from the opportunity behind the thought of I need to get organized.  So many of our organizing and productivity clients have ADHD or are incredibly stressed.   Denslow and I talk about women and ADHD – how it shows up differently and how girls get lost because they don’t cause as many problems in the classroom. ADHD may be showing up as anxiety in your teen girl.  You won’t want to miss Denslow’s take on the newest research from Russell Barkley on ADHD and life expectancy.  Denslow Brown, CPO, CPO-CD, ICD Master Trainer, MCC  After 20 years as a professional organizer (working on-site in homes, home offices and businesses), Denslow went on a search for a method to support the belief and behavior changes her

ADHD in adulthood is about figuring out how to do the right thing at the right time. We find it hard to manage the details of daily life and we are very in the moment. Add in the stress of this insta-life we live now and you can imagine what it’s like for the bright, shiny object syndrome brain. The power is in the pause. And that’s very hard for the ADHD brain. But if we can build in that brief pause to consider our next right step, our work and life would be much easier. That’s response inhibition. We need to start by stopping. Tune in for ways we can place this pause in to our day so that we can work more efficiently and harness the superpowers of our differently wired brains. To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery:   Productivity by Design   Facebook Page and   LinkedIn    To connect with Catherine: Schedule a Call   *We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Am

In this short and sweet episode, I share the story of how my chemo brain revealed my ADHD. It’s ADHD Awareness Month and it was my 6 year cancerfreeversary Oct 6th. The episodes this month will be focused on ADHD, executive function, and the brain. I reveal those old school report cards that screamed ADHD but nobody knew to look for it because I was born in the dinosaur age. Just kidding… Tune in for why I believe my cancer journey and my ADHD are a gift. And how you can make your challenges a gift too. To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery:   Productivity by Design   Facebook Page and   LinkedIn    To connect with Catherine: Schedule a Call   *We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I asked Dan Berman to share a story from his time in ad sales at Oprah Winfrey Network. He was influenced by her leadership. So we kick off our interview with the importance of authenticity in leadership. We then discuss sales and how there is no selling in sales. It’s all about the connection and the mutual win. It’s not about what you sell and it’s all about who you are. Find out why the key to coaching comes from the Eagles: “So often times it happens that we live our life in chains. And we never even know we have the key.” Bottom line whether it’s sales or leadership or coaching, it’s all about listening and caring about others. About Dan Berman Helping others become better versions of themselves has always been a passion of mine. In my coaching practice, I utilize intuition, empathetic listening, insight and humor to effectively build trusting relationships and bring about actionable solutions for my clients – both individuals and executives within organizations especially during periods of challengi

Jen Liddy left her high school teaching career to avoid a life doomed by grading crappy 9th grade essays. In 2013, she made a terrifying leap into entrepreneurship & learned everything the hard way!  Now, as a Content Creation Specialist, she helps people harness their voice & improve their writing  - without ever having to read another tortured Romeo & Juliet essay! Jen helps personal brands get out of content marketing hell by teaching strategies that ease-ify , simplify, and actually make content FUN! As one client said, “Jen takes the ‘ugh’ out of content creation.” Free Offer: https://www.jenliddy.com/plan Website: https://www.jenliddy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I tell my chemo brain and ADHD story. The why of learning everything I could about differently wired brains.  I explain ADHD coaching – what it is, what the benefits are, and how it’s different from therapy or consulting. I wrap up with why I’m passionate about helping other people who have 50 tabs open in their brain at any given time get the focus they need to succeed in business and in life. To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery:  Productivity by Design  Facebook Page and LinkedIn  To connect with Catherine: Schedule a Call  *We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today, Dave Quinn, and I start with why he’s super and the importance of how we show up in the world each day.  We talk about how Dave has designed his life as an entrepreneur to be able to drive his kids to school.   Dave explains how he and his partners work together with their network to bring great projects to Texas. He also explains that what he’s really connecting are people not just projects, businesses, buildings. He highlights the people of Texas on his two podcasts.  You won’t want to miss this because Dave really IS super!  Bio  "Super" Dave Quinn, CEcD, is the managing partner of Day One Experts and the Texas Economic Development Connection founder.    He and his team are now on a mission to help reduce the cost and stress business owners face when relocating or expanding into Texas.   By connecting business owners with professional economic developers from across the state, the Texas EDConnecton gives business owners access to the resources needed to help minimize th

Carlyn Marron explains space clearing and emotional clearing and how she can help you get unstuck by clearing the stuff in your home (or office). Clutter holds energy. The longer it sits, the harder it is to move it.  We talk about the mindset shift around letting things go and sending them to new homes.  Carlyn describes the shift she made to including organization as a group program. She wraps up all of her knowledge of clearing into this. If there’s something going on outside of you then there’s something going on inside of you.  Tune in to hear about how the why is mission critical to actually getting organized and creating new habits.  About   Carlyn Marron is an energy and sound healer, space clearer and clutter coach.   She has had an energy practice in Des Moines, Iowa since 2013 helping people release the energetic, emotional, mental and physical blockages that are preventing them from living their best lives.   Her innovative clutter coaching programs combine decluttering advice

In my first ever ask me anything podcast, I answer 4 questions. First, I talk about how you manage being a super busy person whether you have ADHD or not. I explain executive function and the words you can find in your childhood report cards to get a sense of if you have  ADHD or other brain based challenges. Second, I help you with a few skills to help you finish a project without getting sidetracked. I also explain intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation. Third, I explain how digital clutter can be even more challenging than paper clutter and when it’s best to use a scanner to keep your paper files. Finally, I explain why it’s important to take a break. In this case, I’m taking the month of August off from the podcast. Can’t wait to see all of you again in September! To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery:  Productivity by Design  Facebook Page and  LinkedIn  To connect with Catherine: Schedule a Call *We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising p

Leah explains how her background in teaching influences her leadership. Leah does theatre in her free time. We talk about how we can become better leaders because of our variety of experiences. The starting point of difficult conversations is about being in our story. Maybe we felt we didn’t get the validation we needed as kids either at home or in our education. We need to address the deep roots of the other person’s story so they can feel heard. That’s where the real connection happens. Leah contends that when we gently have those difficult conversations, our connections can grow even stronger. Rest is part of productivity. I agree and Leah will tell us why it works for her. Tune in because it’s possible that Leah even breaks out into song.   About Leah Zimmerman Leah Zimmerman started paying attention to how people communicate when she was as a child, and as an adult has continuously sought to be the adult she had wanted for herself and to help others to grow into themselves as well. She blends a back

Kevin starts with how asking the questions and simplifying the complex helps the brand experience. He goes deep to what your client cares most about not just the cursory pat ad promises.  We talk about music and sound’s impact on people’s feelings. And about the neuroscience study, Kevin co-created about people’s behavior around a variety of sounds.   We discuss how companies have the opportunity to create brand experiences that are based on emotional insight. Kevin explains how limbic sparks are the moment when emotional motivation meets brand desire.  And we wrap with keeping work life balance as a small business owner.  About Kevin Perlmutter  Kevin Perlmutter is brand and customer experience strategist - Chief Strategist & Founder of Limbic Brand Evolution.   Limbic is a brand consultancy specializing in understanding emotional motivations and applying behavioral science.   Kevin helps Brand and Business Leaders answer the question: "Why should people care about your brand?" and turns

I let the 100th episode slip by with little fanfare and opted to celebrate our 101st episode instead. We recorded this on Father’s Day and today is Bill Johnston’s birthday. What’s the connection? Well, he’s my dad.  He’s one of the most productive people I know, even in retirement. Bill will be quick to let you know that he had a corporate secretary that oversaw his work life. And a wife who held down the entire home front. We talk about why having a support team is mission critical to productivity.  No surprise – we discuss the financial markets and the current economy at length. Bill and I reminisce with some fun stories about the NYSE trading floor back in the day.  We wrap up with the many lessons my dad taught me from the importance of education to integrity and the honor system.   About  Bill Johnston was president and chief operating officer of the New York Stock Exchange from 1996 to 2001. Now retired, he is the President of the Resident's Association at Plymouth Harbor and sits on th

In this third of our 3 part mini series on uncluttering your office, Catherine takes you through decluttering the rest of your office.  She mentions clearing out books and permission to give them away. She suggests you get rid of excess office supplies, broken pens, old tech, manuals, and those endless random cords.   She takes you through how to set up stations in our office space – different areas for different types of work. For example, you might have different areas for sorting your mail or client invoicing.  Finally Catherine explains the Magic 6™ and how it can help you get your desk space organized for productive work.  This is our second mini series. The first was in March.  What do you think of mini series? Would you like more? Which subject would you like Catherine to address? Email us at support@productivitybydesign.com  © Productive Environment Institute All Trademarks & Registrations are property of Barbara Hemphill  To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery:   Produ

In this second of our 3 part mini series on uncluttering your office, Catherine starts with the most important questions you should ask as you begin to declutter the papers in your office.  She reveals the difference between filers and pilers.  Finally, she explains how to declutter your paperwork using the File-Act-Toss System™ and The Art of Wastebasketry® (both learned from her training as a Certified Productive Environment Specialist).  © Productive Environment Institute All Trademarks & Registrations are property of Barbara Hemphill  To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery:   Productivity by Design   Facebook Page and   LinkedIn  To connect with Catherine: Schedule a Call   *We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first of a 3 part mini series on uncluttering your office, Catherine explains why we keep stuff and how some items can drain our energy. If you have ADHD or another brain based challenge, you’ll especially appreciate how clutter can mess with our focus.  She takes us through the benefits of decluttering and organizing your office.   And she describes how and why you start with determining your vision before throwing out the first piece of paper. Tune in to find out what is good enough when it comes to an organized office.  To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery:   Productivity by Design   Facebook Page and   LinkedIn  To connect with Catherine: Schedule a Call   *We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who doesn’t want to save the world from death-by-meetings? I’m in. Today’s guest, Josh Little, describes his solutions for in person and Zoom meetings. We talk about the importance of connection particularly that crucial visual component which we can help mitigate with video.  We take a journey through conversation - how we talk to one another, what happens in the pause, and of course using the almighty edit button.  Then make our way back to conversation and meetings from an introvert, extrovert, and ADHD perspective. Tune in to find out why we discuss pickles, which offer an entirely different twist on connection.  About Josh Josh Little is the founder of four tech companies – Maestro, Bloomfire, Qzzr and Volley - that have collectively been used by hundreds of millions of people. His work has been featured in Tech Crunch, Mashable, Entrepreneur Inc, and Forbes. With two successful exits and a third pending, he’s currently on a mission to save the world from death-by-meetings with his fourth cre

In this solo episode, I talk about shifting your language from saying “have to” to “get to” and why this changes everything. I describe how I learned this lesson from cancer. I share how I managed my life at a time when life became unmanageable. And how there were many opportunities for deep gratitude.  I also explain what my official ADHD combined type diagnosis looks like for me.   Finally, tune in as I explain the Productivity Power Hour and the Pomodoro Method and why it works so well for my clients. Accountability is a big part of it.  To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery:   Productivity by Design   Facebook Page and   LinkedIn  To connect with Catherine: Schedule a Call   *We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danielle’s childhood story will rock your world. Despite childhood learning challenges, because of that one teacher, Mrs Donovan, she’s now running multiple businesses.   We talk about the ADHD ability to hyperfocus and how we can use it as our superpower. And about why we often end up as entrepreneurs and how important it is to have accountability.  Danielle gives several examples of Micro Routines which are so much more manageable and won’t suck your creativity dry. She describes how important it is to plan your plan, so you know where your time goes. Tune in for Danielle’s favorite planner and her favorite productivity tricks.  About Danielle Ralston –  Danielle Ralston, is the Rockstar CEO.   She is a neuro-divergent entrepreneur, and partners with other neuro-divergents to uncover their best selves.  Whether you have autism, a brain injury, bipolar disorder, dyslexia, ADHD, or anything else that causes you to experience the world in a different way. You are her tribe. She is the HOW coa

We start with Ben’s how he got here now story. He’s changing the model on traditional roles of theatre. Ben states that improv is a conversation. It doesn’t matter what you say.   Ben recounts a few improv scenarios. And he explains why improv beats traditional role play for helping corporate groups empower their people. It’s all about helping people feel safe to feel their feelings.   You won’t want to miss this incredibly lively conversation as we talk about what it means to have deep connections with one another.   About Benjamin Lloyd –  Benjamin Lloyd is the Executive Director of Bright Invention, which uses improvisation to empower people and organizations to unlock their potential. He created their innovative learning & development program called Creative Corporate Training which uses scenarios performed by actors to help companies solve "people” problems. He is a graduate of Yale College and the Yale School of Drama.  Bright Invention  To learn more about your host, Catherine Avery: 

Meshell is one of the most savvy sales collaborators I know. She shares her gems of wisdom on conscious entrepreneurship. Many entrepreneurs want to do more in their business than just make money.  We talk about the mindset required to sell with trust and Meshell introduces her concept of contagious confidence. And we tackle the ebb and flow of the small business pipeline. How we as entrepreneurs continue to sell when we’re busy serving our clients.   We wrap with the energy of money, integrity and the importance of getting testimonials and how to ask your clients for them.  Link:  Shift/Co  About Meshell Baker –  Meshell Baker is an Award-Winning International Keynote Speaker, Sales Confidence Igniter, Authentic Selling Zealot, and Co-Founder of Shift/Co Global a Business Growth Community for Conscious Entrepreneurs. Meshell along with her team specializes in training conscious business and sales leaders to inspire buyers' emotional connections to their products and offerings.  Meshell i