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How I Work

How I Work

742 episodes — Page 5 of 15

BEST OF: Eric Barker on his Five-Hour Rule and deliberate work-life imbalance

It’s the greatest productivity debate of our time: how do we achieve work-life balance? Or maybe the real debate should be: is work-life balance even possible? Eric Barker, the author of Barking Up the Wrong Tree and now Plays Well With Others, doesn’t think work-life balance is truly achievable. At least, not if you want the best possible results in a given field. The problem, he says, is that most of live an unbalanced life by accident. Because of the internet and the rapidly increasing pace of everything from the news cycle to the way we socialise, we’re all doing too much of something, and not enough of something else. It’s overwhelming, and we’re constantly playing catchup. Eric’s solution is to abandon balance, but to do it on purpose. Decide what you want to be really, really good at it, and accept that you won’t be world-class in your other pursuits. Eric also shares why he sets a five-hour timer at the start of every work day, how he deals with contradictions in his own writing, and how he developed his sense of humour. Connect with Eric on Twitter or Linkedin Pick up a copy of Plays Well With Others *** My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] Credits:Host: Amantha Imberound Engineer: Martin ImberEpisode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 12, 202438 min

BEST OF: Embracing Regret: Dan Pink on Learning from Mistakes

There’s a moment in the 2013 comedy movie We’re the Millers that points to how pervasive - and misguided - the “no regrets” life motto has become. A character proudly displays a tattoo that reads, “no rAgrets”, and even more proudly proclaims that he really doesn’t have any regrets. Not even one letter. Bestselling author Dan Pink highlights this scene as a great metaphor for society’s almost comical underappreciation of regret. Dan is an advocate for the transformative power of looking back on your past actions, processes and routines in order to learn from them, and do better next time. He discusses what’s changed about his working habits since his last appearance on the show, why he was drawn to the concept of regret in the first place, and how compassion changed his whole approach to learning from past mistakes. Connect with Dan on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn Find The Power of Regret book here *** My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] Credits:Host: Amantha ImberSound Engineer: Martin ImberEpisode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 5, 202438 min

Insider Secrets to Writing and Marketing Hit Books with Scott Young

Want to write a non-fiction book that not only tops the charts but stands the test of time? In this episode, bestselling author Scott Young pulls back the curtain on his writing and publishing process, sharing hard-won insights from his books Ultralearning and Get Better at Anything. Packed with actionable strategies and behind-the-scenes stories, this is a must-listen for any aspiring author. Discover: 💡 How to determine if your idea is truly book-worthy 🔬 The power of research, testing, and community feedback to refine your concepts 📝 Crafting a compelling book proposal that gets publishers' attention 🖥️ Cutting-edge tactics to optimise your book for the online world 🤖 Leveraging AI tools to streamline your ideation and research process 🚀 Proven launch and promotion strategies to maximise sales 🏆 The secrets to cultivating a perennial bestseller that sells for years to come Whether you're a first-time writer or a seasoned author, this episode will give you a competitive edge in the world of publishing. Tune in now to learn from one of the best in the business and take your book to the next level. My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] Credits:Host: Amantha ImberSound Engineer: Martin ImberEpisode Producer: Rowena MurraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 29, 202428 min

Ramp it up or shut it down: How ConvertKit’s Founder and CEO made his most important business decision

How does an entrepreneur go from being told to shut down their business to building a software company worth over $200 million and serving over 50,000 creators? In this episode of How I Work, Nathan Barry, founder and CEO of ConvertKit, shares his incredible journey and the counterintuitive strategies that propelled his success. In this episode, we discuss: 🤔 Nathan's annual life review ritual: We delve into how he not only assesses business opportunities but also tracks his adventures, home life updates, fitness endeavours, and personal goals. 🛑 The turning point: Just 18 months into launching ConvertKit, a friend advised him to shut it down. Discover the pivotal questions Nathan asked himself and the framework he used to make that crucial decision. 💬 Nathan shares his transformative experience of writing 1000 words a day for 600 consecutive days and how this habit has evolved over time. 🌀 What on earth are flywheels? We unravel this concept and discuss how Nathan applied it to the sales process at ConvertKit. 👥 The importance of team building and its ripple effects on business success. Tune in to discover more about Nathan's incredible journey, or catch his documentary (which he reluctantly filmed!) on YouTube. Don't forget to visit his website: nathanbarry.com, where you can sign up for his weekly newsletter or tune in to his podcast, "Billion Dollar Creator." 🚀My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes.Get in touch at [email protected] Credits:Host: Amantha ImberSound Engineer: Martin ImberEpisode Producer: Rowena Murray See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 22, 202427 min

Quick Win: The power of a daily ritual with Susan Carland

How well do you know yourself? Pretty well, you’d think, given you spend all day everyday together! But… how much of that time is quality time, and how much of it is swallowed up by distraction? As a practising Muslim, Susan Carland’s been praying five times a day, every day, for decades now. Aside from its religious component, Susan’s fallen in love with the ritualistic element of her daily prayer. As an incredibly busy academic, mother and media personality, her prayer times are often the only peaceful, reflective moments of her day. And that dedicated time for reflection is something she treasures: it’s her most effective means of strengthening her relationship with herself. You can find the full interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/14pcuDAluoEL0PP869dVKF?si=ayEtmoxtSyqDqcUoVNyDCg My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy hereConnect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-improving tips, sign up for my weekly newsletter at howiwork.co. Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]. Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15, 20249 min

Radical Candour's Kim Scott Shares the Secret Techniques Top Leaders Use to Give and Receive Feedback

🚨 Warning: This episode contains radical ideas that may change the way you lead forever! In this episode of How I Work, leadership guru and author of global bestseller Radical Candour Kim Scott shares her unconventional approach to leadership and feedback. 💥Join us as we explore the ins and outs of radical candour, the framework that's transformed the way leaders communicate with their teams. Kim dives deep into her personal journey, revealing the hard-learned lessons and "a-ha!" moments that led her to develop this game-changing approach. In this episode, you'll discover: 😱 The truth about why most managers fail to give effective feedback 🙏 The power of caring personally and challenging directly in leadership 🚫 How to avoid the pitfalls of ruinous empathy and obnoxious aggression 💬 Practical strategies for soliciting criticism and handling feedback like a pro 🎉 The secret to mastering the art of praise and criticism 🌟 Techniques for creating a culture of open communication and respectful debate 📈 Surprising ways radical candour can boost team productivity and foster growth Whether you're a seasoned executive or a first-time manager, this episode is packed with actionable insights and game-changing ideas that will help you take your leadership skills to the next level.Tune in now and discover how embracing radical candour can revolutionise the way you lead and work. 🎧Grab your copy of Kim's new book Radical Respect. Follow Kim on Linkedin.My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai)If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.coVisit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] Credits:Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Rowena MurraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 8, 202424 min

Quick Win: Why unexpected interruptions to work are bigger problems than you might think, with Almanac CEO Adam Nathan

Almanac CEO Adam Nathan believes in the value of deep work. He’s seen how effective it is, and knows first-hand how satisfying it can be. But in recent years, he’s learned that this doesn’t automatically make shallow work the greatest enemy to productivity or job satisfaction… Instead, he’s discovered that most professionals consider their time well spent if they’re able to check everything off their to-do lists, even if some of that work is shallow. What really matters is simply getting stuff done, and the real enemy of getting stuff done is unexpected interruptions. Being prepared for uncertainty isn’t about being able to predict the future, but instead being able to learn from these unexpected interruptions, or ‘fire drills’ as they’re called at Almanac, when they do occur. Adam’s favourite way to approach these problems is with the mantra, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast,” adopted from the U.S. Marines. The problem isn’t that a fire drill occurred, it’s that most companies don’t take a moment afterwards to figure out why it happened, and how best to deal with it if it happens again… Connect with Adam on LinkedIn, read more about The Modern Work Method, or try out Almanac for yourself You can find the full interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30Vyp2xacvdzEv2XsQZEeU?si=4MiyQHUhQ5W4TRd4R-4sQQ My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy hereConnect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-improving tips, sign up for my weekly newsletter at howiwork.co.Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]. Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 1, 20245 min

Kayla Itsines' non-negotiables for health and wellbeing

If you’re one of the 16 million people who follow Kayla Itsines on Instagram, you probably see her as a beacon of glowing health and positivity. But not only is she a super fit influencer, she is the co-founder of one of the world’s most successful fitness apps, Sweat, which she co-founded in 2015 and has since sold for several hundred million dollars. In this episode, Kayla speaks about: * Her non-negotiables for well-being * Her approach to simplifying fitness and her daily movement routines * How Kayla has hacked her sleep routine * The strategies Kayla has tried to cut down on her mobile phone use * How she navigates the balance between online presence and personal privacy * Strategies for focusing on positive feedback and the importance of not letting the minority of negative voices overshadow the majority's support. * And how she leads with authenticity and positivity, even when dealing with personal and professional challenges. Get a copy of Kayla's latest book, Reboot, for anyone looking to restart their fitness journey or seeking inspiration to simplify their path to wellness. My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin InstagramIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.coVisit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Rowena MurraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 24, 202426 min

Quick Win: How to be happy when things are falling apart, with musical theatre star Lucy Durack

Think about this: how many times have you been told to "just be happy" in the midst of chaos? Or to "give yourself a break" when everything seems to be falling apart? The idea sounds simple, but living it can be a whole different story. In this Quick Win episode, I sit down with musical theatre star Lucy Durack who shares how a simple piece of advice changed her life and how she pays it forward to others. My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy here. Connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-improving tips, sign up for my weekly newsletter at howiwork.co. Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]. Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 17, 20247 min

Ruthless prioritization with Google's Executive Productivity Advisor, Laura Mae Martin

Laura Mae Martin has my dream job - she is Google’s Executive Productivity Advisor. Her job is to advise the top folk at Google on how to be more productive. In this chat, we cover: * Ruthless Prioritisation: the importance of saying no to good things to make room for great things. * Sunday Planning Ritual: Laura’s ritual of planning the upcoming week every Sunday, and her exact process for doing this. * List Funnels: a method to manage tasks by categorising and prioritising them to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. * Downtime: the critical role of downtime in productivity, with Laura sharing her practice of "No Tech Tuesday" to disconnect and recharge. * Generative AI in Productivity: how generative AI tools can augment productivity, automating routine tasks and freeing up time for more strategic work. * And much, much more… Get a copy of Laura’s new book Uptime. My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin InstagramIf you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.coVisit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Rowena MurraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 10, 202434 min

Quick Win: Quick Actions for Long-Term Gains with Adam Alter

Unlock the secret to skyrocketing your productivity with a simple, yet powerful approach to managing your daily tasks. In this Quick Win episode, Professor Adam Alter, New York Times bestselling author of Anatomy of a Breakthrough and master of efficiency, reveals his top strategy for preventing small tasks from derailing your big goals. Learn how to transform your workflow, clear your mental clutter, and make room for what truly matters. My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy here. Connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. Sign up for my weekly newsletter for more life-improving tips at howiwork.co. Got questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]. Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 3, 20247 min

24 Things for 2024: Kemi Nekvapil's approach to crafting a purposeful year

Kemi Nekvapil loves a ritual. And my goodness, she has some good ones. From her 24 things for 2024 through to her annual planning and reflection rituals, Kemi lives a purposeful life. And that’s what I expected from one of Australia’s leading coaches who has been trained personally by Brene Brown, along with being the international best-selling author of Power. So what are Kemi’s secrets to being a stand-out coach? How does she incorporate reflection into every week? And Kemi shares one of the most powerful lessons she has learnt and passes on to her clients - that you should never go to the butcher for bread. Connect with Kemi: https://www.keminekvapil.com/ Follow Kemi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keminekvapil/ Get your copy of Power: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/power-9781761045240 My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Rowena MurraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 27, 202432 min

Quick Win: Crafting Your Power Phrase with Libby Trickett

How much power can just a few words hold? Turns out: a lot. In this Quick Win episode, Olympian Libby Trickett reveals the invaluable advice that changed her life: the power phrase. Facing the challenges of asthma and bronchitis while competing in the world championships, Libby adopted a mantra that propelled her to victory and later helped her navigate life beyond sports. My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy here.Connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-improving tips, sign up for my weekly newsletter at howiwork.co. Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]. Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 20, 20245 min

From Crisis to Clarity: How Kristina Karlsson bounced back from the collapse of kikki.K

In a world where success and connection often feel inseparable from our digital devices, it's rare to hear about someone going to extreme lengths to break free. Yet that's exactly what Kristina Karlsson did. Kristina, best known as the founder of the beloved kikki.K stores, shares her remarkable journey from the highs of global expansion to the lows of having her company put into administration. But instead of giving up, Kristina defied odds and picked herself back up. How did she do it? Kristina reveals the most impactful things she did to regain her footing and find success once more. Kristina discusses the power of journaling and daily rituals, such as walking, that helped her navigate through challenging times. She shares her unique approach to planning the year, breaking it down into manageable quarters, and the exciting habit she plans to adopt next. Being part of a habit club, Kristina also reflects on her experiment in eliminating complaining for a month, an adventure that led to some surprising revelations. Discover the empowering journey, the triumphs, and the wisdom of Kristina Karlsson in this episode, and be inspired to cultivate a life filled with intention, resilience, and growth. Connect with Kristina: - Instagram - Dream Life - Virtual Book Club - Habit Club If you are looking for practical and simple tips to improve your life, don't miss out on Amantha’s weekly newsletter, sign up at howiwork.co My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 13, 202432 min

Quick Win: Harnessing the Power of Thinking Days with Google boss Mel Silva

Have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of tasks, feeling like there's never enough time to think deeply about the things that truly matter? Mel Silva, who heads up Google's Australian and NZ business, has been there, and she's found a powerful solution. Thinking Days. And in today's Quick Win episode, you'll learn how to create your own. My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy here. Connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-improving tips, sign up for my weekly newsletter at howiwork.co. Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]. Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 6, 20246 min

Broadway star Andy Karl on how to exude star quality even when you lack the confidence

Singing, dancing, and performing eight shows a week, Broadway star Andy Karl is no stranger to the grind of musical theater. Andy reveals the physical and vocal warm-up routines he depends on to bring his A-game to the stage each day. From tackling vocal warm-up hacks to staying healthy during demanding performances, Andy shares insights that are invaluable for anyone with a high-intensity schedule. Andy also opens up about his journey, from landing his dream role to overcoming a major injury just days before a Broadway opening, providing a glimpse into the dedication and resilience required in the world of theatre. Tune in to hear Andy Karl's strategies for maintaining peak performance and the profound advice he's received over many years of starring roles on Broadway and beyond. Get your tickets to Groundhog Day the musical: https://groundhogday.com.au/ Follow Andy on Instagram. My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Rowena MurraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 28, 202427 min

Quick Win: The secret to making everything take less time with behaviour change guru Professor Katy Milkman

Are you tired of spending too much time composing emails or writing reports from scratch? Do you wish you had more time to focus on the core of your work rather than the administrative tasks? In today's quick win episode, Wharton Professor Katy Milkman shares her favourite time saving hack - the template. From responding to emails to pursuing goals, Katy has unlocked the power of templates to save time and improve outcomes. Check out the full interview with Katy here. My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy here. Connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-improving tips, sign up for my weekly newsletter at howiwork.co. Questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected]. Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 21, 20246 min

The Art and Science of the One-on-One with Professor Steven Rogelberg

Imagine walking into a one-on-one meeting with your boss and leaving feeling not just heard, but genuinely empowered. It almost sounds too good to be true, but Professor Steven Rogelberg, a renowned organisational psychologist, insists it's not only possible but essential. In this episode of How I Work, I sit down with Steven to peel back the layers on what makes for effective one-on-one meetings that inspire and motivate. Did you know that the right questions in these meetings can be the key to unlocking your employees' potential? Steven takes us on a deep dive into the crucial ways to approach one-on-one conversations, from asking powerful questions to the subtle art of listening that can fuel positive change. With the shift to remote work, he also touches on how managers can adapt their strategies to maintain that crucial human connection across the digital divide. Grab a copy of Steven's book Glad We Met: https://www.amazon.com.au/Glad-We-Met-Art-Science/dp/0197641873 After immersing yourself in the art of one-on-ones with Steven, don't forget to check out my new book, The Health Habit. It's available now, and you can order your very own copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Stay connected and join me on my quest to improve how we work and live by following me on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai). For those hungry for weekly nuggets of wisdom, my newsletter is the go-to resource. Practical, concise, and always helpful, sign up for a dose of life-enhancing tips at howiwork.co. Don’t forget to visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for comprehensive show notes from every episode, and if you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, reach out directly at [email protected]. CREDITS This episode is brought to you by Inventium (https://www.inventium.com.au), with your host Amantha Imber, sound engineering by Martin Imber, and episode production by Liam Riordan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 14, 202430 min

This CEO became fitter than ever with 5-minute workouts - here’s how

If you’re anything like me or the guests on How I Work, you want to optimise absolutely everything. But when you’re after the best, sometimes ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough. So what do you do when you know exactly how to optimise something, but the right tool doesn’t exist yet? If you’re Ulrich Dempfle, you build that tool yourself! After learning about REHIT, a very short but very intense exercise protocol with astounding fitness outcomes, Ulrich knew he wanted to give it a go. But doing REHIT correctly can be difficult and even dangerous outside of a lab environment because it requires true maximum effort - the kind of effort that could throw you off a treadmill! So after trying to imitate the practice on a regular exercise bike and getting nowhere, Ulrich decided to… yes, start his own company and create an AI-powered exercise bike specifically for REHIT workouts. Ulrich explains exactly what REHIT is, why it’s so effective, and how the CAROL Bike makes it accessible. Unsurprisingly, Ulrich’s also a biohacker, and he shares some of his favourite tools for measuring and managing his health and fitness. Connect with Ulrich on LinkedIn or find out more about the CAROL Bike Check out the mobility moves here. *** My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 7, 202436 min

What comedian and podcast host Ryan Shelton learned after ditching his smartphone

Smartphones are so ubiquitous today that living without one sounds like something only monks and mountain hermits would be able to do. While many of us crave an extended break from our addictive little pocket-computers, it’s hard to imagine actually making it work. So how did Ryan Shelton pull it off? The comedian, actor and co-host of The Imperfects podcast felt like his phone was beginning to control him, instead of the other way around. He’d tried to reduce his screen time in the past, but couldn’t make it stick. So he went nuclear and traded in his beloved iPhone for an old-school flip-phone. As a born entertainer and the host of a podcast all about vulnerability, Ryan’s been more and more focused on human connection in recent years, and his flip-phone experiment was just one part of that. Ryan shares what did and didn’t work when he switched to the ‘dumb phone’, and breaks down what he’s learned about himself and his mind since starting The Imperfects. He also shares his favourite productivity tools and explains his preferred method for capturing and filing his ideas. Connect with Ryan on Instagram or listen to The Imperfects podcast Watch this video if you want to write a purpose statement like Ryan: How to know your life purpose in five minutes *** My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 202438 min

Why Atlassian’s Dom Price is pursuing health for his whole family

Dom Price’s health journey didn’t start where he expected. In fact, it started in phases… Phase one was a realisation. He’s always lived like a youngster - he’s energetic, excitable, passionate, and incredibly busy. This made him think he was immortal, even if he wasn’t exactly pursuing a healthy lifestyle. But he realised he was mortal the hard way when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer a couple of years ago. He says it shocked him, but not quite enough to change him. Phase two was about actively focusing on his health, and it took a major life change to get to this phase. Now that Dom’s a father, he’s realised what was going on - he was responsible only to himself, and the consequences of inaction would be his own to shoulder. That’s no longer the case, and Dom now pursues health and wellbeing not just for his own sake, but for the sake of his partner and his two young twins. He dives deeper into the moments that changed his approach to health, and shares the main habits and behaviours that he’s finding most beneficial so far. Connect with Dom on Twitter and LinkedIn and at https://domprice.me/ *** My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 202438 min

Nir Eyal’s Secret: Trading Overwhelm for Clarity

Struggling with the endless cycle of distractions? You're not alone. On this episode of How I Work, I sit down with the wizard of focus, Nir Eyal, who's literally written the book on becoming indistractable. Nir's sharing some top-tier life hacks that go beyond typical self-help fluff. Think about turning every decision into a personal experiment, having actual uninterrupted time with your family, and even carving out sacred moments for your own personal goals. So, whether it's creating your own community 'kibbutz' (yep, it's a thing) or reshuffling your day to make room for what really counts, we're diving into it all. And trust me, your to-do list is going to have some serious FOMO once you get time-boxing down to an art. Ready to shake up your life? Tune in, take notes, and get ready to say bye-bye to being pulled in a million directions. Connect with Nir (https://www.nirandfar.com/) and get a copy of Indistractable (https://www.nirandfar.com/indistractable/). While you’re revamping your life, don't forget to check out my new book The Health Habit right here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Follow your curiosity and connect with me: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) For more life hacks that actually work, jump onto my weekly newsletter at howiwork.co The full scoop on this episode and more at https://www.amantha.com/podcast. Questions, thoughts? Fire off a mail to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 17, 202433 min

Lisa’s Lab: An inside look at the radio legend’s personal health experiments

Lisa Leong discovered the hard way that you can be both fit and unhealthy. While working a high-powered (read: high stress) job that required her to fly around the world, she thought she might need some balance. For some reason, she thought training for an Olympic-distance marathon was the way to do it! Between working marathon hours and training for a literal marathon, she didn’t have time to slow down when she first got a chest infection. Instead, she loaded up on antibiotics and steroids and powered through. She did the same when the chest infection reappeared, and soon enough she was reliant on her medication. Shortly after, she was bed-ridden for months, suffering from nerve damage so bad she would cry if a breeze struck her the wrong way. Thus started her lifelong quest for real, life-giving health. And if you’ve listened to Lisa’s ABC show, This Working Life, you know she takes her quests seriously. Her motto is “every day is lab day,” and the same is true outside the office. Lisa shares a wide variety of the personal health experiments she’s currently running, and outlines the long-term thinking that informs her morning routines and other daily health practices. Connect with Lisa on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn *** My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 10, 202434 min

Part 2: How I Kicked My Sugar Addiction - For Good

Are you tossing and turning every night, struggling to get the restorative sleep you crave? Or perhaps you find yourself reaching for that comfort bar of chocolate a little too often? I can most definitely relate - or at least I could - before I applied some clever behaviour change strategies that I write about in my new book, The Health Habit :) In today’s episode, I share my own health habits that have transformed how I eat, sleep and move, along with how I successfully kicked a several-decade-long sugar addiction and cured my chronic insomnia. My new book "The Health Habit" is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium (https://www.inventium.com.au) Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 9, 202434 min

Part 1: An Inside Look - How "The Health Habit" Went from Idea to Published Book

Have you ever wondered what goes into getting a book into the world? To celebrate the launch of my new book, I’m taking you behind the scenes of The Health Habit. In this episode, I share how I came up with the idea, the process of pitching it to Penguin Random House (my publisher), how I wrote the manuscript in record time, and everything else involved in getting a book onto shelves. My new book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium (https://www.inventium.com.au) Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 8, 202427 min

Unleashing the Power of Hall Passes: Making New Habits Stick

Hall passes are one of the most powerful strategies we can use when it comes to making new habits stick. I explore the "what the hell" effect, the benefits of flexible routines, and the surprising impact of cheat days. Get ready to learn practical strategies for staying on track with your goals, even when life throws you curveballs. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 3, 20249 min

The Secret to Lasting Change: Embracing a New Identity for Sustaining Healthy Habits

Self-identity plays a huge role in shaping our behaviors and decision-making. So it stands to reason that if you want to make a big change to your life, you might need to change your self-identity. I reveal what the research says about self-identity and health habits. I also share some practical steps to help you recreate your own identity and solidify your commitment to new and better habits. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 20, 20238 min

Using Social Media to Improve Your Health

We often hear about how bad social media is for our health. Today, I flip that assumption on its head and explain how you can leverage social media for good. Discover the power of social normative theory, how good habits are contagious, and the influence of social media on our behaviors and expectations. Learn how to strategically curate your social media feed to align with your health goals, whether it's improving sleep, movement, or nutrition. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 13, 20236 min

The Power of Food Order: How Changing the Sequence Can Boost Your Energy Levels

Did you know that the sequence in which you eat can affect your blood glucose levels? Studies have shown that the order in which you consume vegetables, proteins/fats, and carbohydrates can make a significant difference. By simply changing the order of your meal, you can potentially reduce glucose spikes by up to 75% and experience benefits including increased energy levels and a greater sense of satiety. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 6, 20235 min

Debunking the 10,000 Steps Myth: How Many Steps Do You Really Need?

Are you striving for a healthier life? I explore the popular notion of taking 10,000 steps per day for better health. Is this magic number really all it's cracked up to be? Let's uncover the truth by delving into the scientific research behind the ideal number of steps to take per day to reduce the risk of premature death. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 29, 20237 min

Improve Your Sleep with the Pre-Sleep Task Dump: A Key to Productivity and Well-being

Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep? In today's episode, I explore a fascinating and science-backed strategy called the pre-sleep task dump. Today’s episode is an extract from my new book The Health Habit, which comes out on January 9, 2024. Learn more about it and pre-order it here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ *** Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter called One Percent Better. You can sign up for that at: howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 22, 202310 min

BEST OF: Hugh Van Cuylenburg on how to build rapport quickly

What does it take to make someone give up on their dream? Which straw breaks the camel’s back? For Hugh Van Cuylenburg, a simple but critical mistake in his calendar almost spelt the end of The Resilience Project before it’d truly begun. But it didn’t. Why not? Where did Hugh find the strength to keep pursuing his goals, even after messing up the best opportunity he’d ever had? Hugh’s a master storyteller, with no shortage of material. He shares which moments in his life turned out to be make-or-break, and what he learned from each one. He also teaches you how to quickly build rapport with new people, and how to improve your business by stepping out of its centre. Connect with Hugh on The Resilience Project’s website or listen to The Imperfects podcast *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Production Support from Deadset Studios Episode Producer: Liam Riordan Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 15, 202357 min

BEST OF: Tim Urban on seeing the bigger picture and beating procrastination

You think you’ve got a procrastination problem? TIm Urban, the man behind the sensationally popular blog Wait But Why reckons he might have you covered. He’s so well-acquainted with procrastination, in fact, that he gave a TED talk on the topic… And finalised it at the last minute. However, for a self-proclaimed master procrastinator, Tim sure gets a lot done. And thankfully, among the many, many articles he’s written are some antidotes for the serial procrastinator. Tim shares his process for researching and understanding big, complex ideas, and turning them into digestible, entertaining reading. Connect with Tim on Twitter or his website, Wait But Why *** My book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Production Support from Deadset Studios Episode Producer: Liam Riordan Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 8, 202331 min

BEST OF: Matthew Dicks teaches you to think and write like a master storyteller

**BEST OF** If there’s anything I don’t miss about my school days, it’s homework - and I’ll bet you feel the same. So when my new favourite book on storytelling told me I needed to do “homework for life,” I wasn’t exactly pumped. That is, until author Matthew Dicks explained the benefits. Matthew’s the bestselling author of a slew of novels and non-fiction books, he’s written a rock opera, multiple musicals and even a handful of comic books. So when I read his new book in the hopes of upping my own storytelling skills, I knew his homework for life was working for someone! Matthew breaks down the structures, tools and techniques that help him write not just at a prolific pace, but with outstanding quality, too. He explains why being able to tell stories is important for everyone, and teaches you how to get started if you haven’t put pen to paper before. Connect with Matthew on Twitter, Instagram or at his website. Pick up a copy of Storyworthy, or check out Matthew’s newest course to improve your writing. *** My book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a weekly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Production Support from Deadset Studios Episode Producer: Liam Riordan Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 1, 202340 min

BONUS: Have we got work all wrong? Modern work principles with Almanac CEO Adam Nathan

The way we work has never changed quite as much as it did during the pandemic. Sure, you probably knew a couple of people with home offices or flexible hours, but after lockdowns, remote work went from a rarity to the new normal. When everyone was suddenly forced to stay inside, we all realised we could get by with tools like Google Docs and Zoom. But what if we were wrong? Adam Nathan, the co-founder and CEO of Almanac, worries that where we work has changed, but how we work hasn’t caught up yet. We’re using tools created for a different time, he says, and simply updating the tools won’t do the trick. Adam shares Almanac’s ‘modern work principles’, and explains why addressing our workflows and strategies is the key to keeping up with the pace of change. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn, read more about The Modern Work Method, or try out Almanac for yourself *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 25, 202334 min

Why Adam Alter’s to-do list system is so simple

Adam Alter might just have the simplest productivity system of anyone I’ve interviewed. He uses a to-do list app, but it’s barely more advanced than a piece of paper. He values deep work, but he doesn’t build his life around it. So if he’s supposedly doing so little, how’s he getting so much done? And trust me, he’s getting a lot done: Adam’s a Professor of Marketing at NYU’s Stern School of Business and the Robert Stansky Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow. He’s also the author of multiple bestselling books, including Drunk Tank Pink and Irresistible, and most recently, Anatomy of a Breakthrough. Adam breaks down his incredibly simple to-do list system, and explains why the simplicity itself is so important. He also shares his strategies for auditing his productivity and energy, and his approach to objectively documenting his own life. Connect with Adam on his website, LinkedIn or pick up a copy of his latest book, Anatomy of a Breakthrough *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 18, 202328 min

What if you turned into a different person overnight? Interviewing my dad, Martin Imber

Despite living in Australia for his entire life, my dad speaks with a Polish accent. But that’s not all that’s different about him since he suffered a stroke in 2009… Martin Imber always considered himself a logical, “right-brained” person - he was a computer programmer, after all. But since his stroke, he believes he’s become more empathetic, more compassionate. Martin shares what he’s learned about life, love, family and himself since his stroke, as well as the lessons he learned from his own parents, who survived the holocaust. *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 11, 202324 min

Susan Carland on simplicity, discipline and the power of play

If you’re into productivity or life-hacking, you’ve probably come across some pretty unusual tips and tools recently: we’re talking automatic ice baths, full-scale saunas, magic mushroom teas, and a whole lot of multi-hour morning routines. While I love a wild idea as much as the next productivity nerd, I also have a budget! Thankfully, Susan Carland’s favourite time-savers and life-upgraders are as accessible as they come. As long as she’s got a piping hot cup of coffee in her hand when she gets down to work, she’s happy. Susan gives you her favourite, low-key tips for living the good life every day, and shares how her daily prayer ritual helps build self-discipline, while also allowing her to develop a deeper relationship with herself. Connect with Susan on Instagram or listen to the What Happens Next? podcast *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 4, 202330 min

Tom Boyd on life after AFL, making better decisions and working for a purpose

No two careers will ever look exactly the same, but few of them look anything like a professional sporting career. Former AFL player Tom Boyd is the prime example: he’d worked towards the same goal since his early childhood, and after reaching the pinnacle of his game, he retired at the ripe old age of 23. So, what do you do when your career ends before you’re even halfway through your twenties? Tom reflects on his sporting career and shares its most impactful lessons, covering everything from the importance of adequate recovery through to life-changing advice about better decision-making. He also discusses how he’s taking the unique skills and character traits that made him a great football player and leveraging them in his new career as a public speaker and mental health ambassador. Connect with Tom on Instagram, LinkedIn or pick up a copy of his book, Nowhere to Hide *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 27, 202331 min

Katy Milkman wants to leave things better than she found them

What matters most when pursuing a goal? Discipline? Routine? Accountability? All of those are important, sure, but how come nobody ever mentions fun? Economist and Wharton professor Katy Milkman wants to change that: according to research out of the Univeristy of Chicago and Cornell University, people persist in goal pursuit for longer if they can find a way to make the process more enjoyable. Katy gives this advice to her students, but it’s also the guiding force in her own career. Academia is vast and multi-faceted, and Katy knows she can only perform at the highest level if she’s fuelled by passion and joy. Katy also shares advice for speeding up your writing, and explains how one book changed her thinking forever. Connect with Katy on her website or on LinkedIn *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 20, 202323 min

My Favourite Tip: Matthew Dicks - How to craft a great story

The greatest stories inspire, terrify, inform and change us. They might change our lives, or simply help us get through the day. But if we know how central stories are to the human experience, why don’t more of us learn how to craft them more effectively? Matthew Dicks has been writing (and teaching writing) for decades now, and he’s seen the craft of storytelling change many lives in many ways. Most of all, he’s seen just how beneficial it is to tell stories to ourselves. Whether your ultimate goal is to share your stories with the world, or you just want to give better presentations at the office, learning how to craft a great story won’t just give you more influence over others, it’ll give you more influence over yourself. In that spirit, I asked Matthew to help me improve a story I was preparing for a work presentation, and he walked me through his thought process every step of the way. Connect with Matthew on Twitter, Instagram or at his website. Pick up a copy of Storyworthy, or check out Matthew’s newest course if you want to improve your writing. You can find the full interview here: Matthew Dicks teaches you to think and write like a master storyteller *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 13, 20238 min

My Favourite Tip: Nigel Marsh - Identity after 60

When he reached 60, Nigel Marsh realised his most ‘conventionally’ successful days might be behind him… But what does that actually mean? After a long and lucrative career in the commercial sector, Nigel knew the day would come when he’d no longer be able to keep pace with his younger colleagues. He’s had to accept that there comes a time in all of our lives when we need to step back and slow down. But he’s also learning that slowing down is far from a bad thing. Nigel’s gone from running multinational corporations with tens of thousands of employees, to overseeing just one employee - himself. And while it takes humility to accept such a huge change, his new, more independent work life has come with its own perks. Finally free to pursue more of his own interests, and to dedicate more time and attention to the work he’s most passionate about, Nigel’s discovering a new kind of success after 60. Connect with Nigel at his website, or pick up a copy of Smart, Stupid and Sixty You can find the full interview here: Clarity, alignment and momentum with Nigel Marsh *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 6, 20238 min

My Favourite Tip: Wil Anderson - What separates the professionals from the hobbyists

Wil Anderson knows you think your mates are funnier than him, but that doesn’t bother him. After more than two decades dominating the Australian comedy scene, Wil’s learned that his job isn’t just to be funny: his job is to be funny when the red light comes on. Wil recognises that life is hard more often than it’s easy, and nobody performs at their best when things are truly tough. However, what separates the professionals from the hobbyists, he says, is the ability to perform even (and especially) when the conditions aren’t perfect. And since internalising this lesson, Wil’s come full circle on his approach to ‘bad days.’ Now, he relishes difficult times, because they’re an opportunity for him to strengthen his resolve and practice his professionalism. Connect with Wil on Instagram or listen to his podcasts here You can find the full interview here: Wil Anderson’s on-the-fly creative process *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 30, 20235 min

My Favourite Tip: Tim Urban - Does a picture really speak a thousand words?

On his enormously popular blog, Wait But Why, Tim Urban writes about some pretty heavy topics. He’s covered North Korea, the state of American politics and culture, and Elon Musk’s rise to fame, to name just a few. So you might be surprised when you click onto the blog for the first time and see it’s overrun with… stick figure drawings? Tim’s writing style is playful and personable, but his unique illustrations do a lot of the heavy lifting to make his work so eye-catching and so memorable. Whether it’s a graph demonstrating just how few weeks make up a human life, or characters representing our inner demons, Tim’s constantly seeking novel ways to get his point across. Tim explains how he decides when to illustrate versus when to let his words do the talking, and highlights the most common cases where words alone don’t quite cut it. Connect with Tim on Twitter, or his website Wait But Why You can find the full interview here: Tim Urban on seeing the bigger picture and beating procrastination *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 23, 20235 min

My Favourite Tip: Nick McKenzie - An unusual ice breaker

Among great thinkers, the long walk or run is nothing new. Philosophers, artists, novelists and world leaders have long espoused the value of solitude for working through thorny problems. Award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie is no different. Whether he’s stuck in a tough patch of writing, or trying to figure out his next move in a delicate investigation, running alone often leads to the solution. But Nick doesn’t always run alone. In fact, he’s turned running into one of his favourite ways to connect more deeply with his contacts, sources and colleagues. The initial conversations he has with sources can be tense - usually, they’re risking a great deal to help him with his work. So getting together, out of business attire and into sweaty neon workout gear, and going for a short run helps to break the ice and bring guards down on both sides… Connect with Nick on Twitter or on his website. You can find the full interview here: Award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie on death threats, confirmation bias and the power of insecurity *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 16, 20236 min

My Favourite Tip: Matthew Dicks - The most critical ingredient of a great story

Matthew Dicks is a master storyteller, and he’s just as committed to understanding great stories as he is to crafting them himself. The author, school teacher and writing coach has spent years studying stories, trying to figure out why they impact us so deeply, and searching for the principles that underpin the very best of them. His most important finding: stories are about change over time. Whether it’s an historical epic like War and Peace or the recounting of a single conversation, all great stories are about how people change, and why. So, whenever Matthew’s working on a story and it’s not coming together, he asks himself: what’s meant to change? Connect with Matthew on Twitter, Instagram or at his website. Pick up a copy of Storyworthy, or check out Matthew’s newest course if you want to improve your writing. You can find the full interview here: Matthew Dicks teaches you to think and write like a master storyteller *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 9, 20238 min

Mel Silva shares leadership lessons from inside Google

What does it take to lead one of the world’s most creative and innovative companies? Mel Silva’s been with Google for over 16 years, and now as the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, she’s a pivotal part of fostering the company’s world-famous culture. Mel unpacks the key lessons she’s learned in her many roles with the company, including the lessons she’s learned from her coach, and what she’s learned about herself and her leadership style since becoming a mentor for up-and-coming Googlers. Mel also shares her most valuable new working practice, which she calls ‘thinking days,’ and teaches you how to make deep thinking time as effective as possible for you and your organisation. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin Imber Episode Producer: Liam RiordanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 2, 202333 min

My Favourite Tip: Ann Handley - Train your writing muscles every day

You’ve heard it a million times - improving your writing will make you better at just about any job you can think of. But how do you actually improve? How do you hone the craft? Marketing expert and bestselling author Ann Handley dedicates much of her own writing to teaching the craft, and she says the most important component of effective writing is the unique voice of the author. Especially today, when everyone with a social media account is a defacto marketer, and AI writing tools are improving at rapid speed, the ability to communicate with your own unique, unaffected voice is the key skill that makes great writers stand out. So how do you write in your own voice? Well, like anything else, it’s about a whole lot of practice! Ann teaches you how to make time for writing everyday, and how to ensure you have fun doing it. Connect with Ann on Twitter or Instagram or sign up to her newsletter You can find the full interview here: Marketing pioneer Ann Handley shares tools, tactics and attitudes that will make you a better writer *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 26, 20238 min

My Favourite Tip: Melissa Doyle - We are all vital

“We’re all cogs in a wheel,” Melissa Doyle tells her kids. “But we’re all vital…” As one of Australia’s favourite TV presenters, you won’t be surprised to learn Melissa fields a lot of requests for career advice. But at the beginning of her own career, she just wanted to become like the women she admired. She imitated their voices and studied their styles, but quickly realised - she would never truly be like her heroes, because she would always be herself. When she first cried on camera, she was mortified, humiliated by her own “lack of professionalism.” But upon reflection, she understood that her outburst was an honest reflection of who she was… And viewers agreed. Melissa shares how she learned not just to accept her true self, but to tap into it like a superpower. She also shares the advice she leans on when work (or life) isn’t going exactly to plan. Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn or Twitter, or pick up a copy of 15 Seconds of Brave You can find the full interview here: Melissa Doyle shares stories of bravery, and practical tips for a purpose-driven career *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 19, 20235 min

My Favourite Tip: Nigel Marsh - Great coaches ask great questions

Nigel Marsh doesn’t suffer fools - even when they pay him! After an enormously successful career in the commercial sector, Nigel’s now a bestselling author, and the host of the hit podcast, Five of My Life, and a highly sought-after executive coach. But his coaching isn’t a walk in the park… The cornerstone of Nigel’s coaching practice is his unique line of questioning: he’s discovered over the course of his career that most people already know what they need to do, whether it’s in their work or personal lives. So his job as a coach is to help clients get out of their own way, by asking the kinds of questions that will lead them to their own conclusions. Nigel breaks down the types of questions that lead to the most impactful results, and explains his consultancy’s mantra: “Clarity, alignment, momentum.” Connect with Nigel at his website, or pick up a copy of Smart, Stupid and Sixty You can find the full interview here: Clarity, alignment and momentum with Nigel Marsh *** My new book Time Wise is out now. You can grab a copy here. Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin Twitter Instagram If you’re looking for more tips to improve the way you work, I write a fortnightly newsletter that contains three cool things I have discovered that help me work better, which range from interesting research findings through to gadgets I am loving. You can sign up for that at http://howiwork.co Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at [email protected] CREDITS Produced by Inventium Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 12, 20237 min