As a project or program manager, juggling an extensive portfolio while ensuring culture change can often feel overwhelming. How do you lead effectively without getting burned out? You might find yourself putting in long hours, sacrificing weekends, and still questioning whether you’re doing enough. The constant pressure of proving your leadership skills, the fear of missing critical tasks, and the challenge of keeping it all together—it’s a lot. If you’ve been here before, you’re not alone.
In a recent conversation between Gerald Leonard, founder of the Productivity Intelligence Institute, and leadership expert Danny Brassell, these challenges were brought to light. They explored key aspects of leadership, motivation, and personal growth, with a strong emphasis on actionable strategies for busy professionals. Their discussion, rooted in practical insights and real-world examples, is an invaluable resource for those seeking to optimize their time, reduce stress, and lead with impact.
Let’s dive into some of the powerful takeaways from this podcast that will not only help you manage your workload but also shift your mindset toward sustained success.
The Power of Motivation and Leadership
How often do you stop to think about the root of true leadership? What is it that makes certain individuals stand out, not just in times of success but in moments of challenge?
One of the highlights of the podcast is the exploration of the connection between leadership and motivation. Brassell mentions his admiration for historical figures like Alexander the Great, who was deeply influenced by Aristotle. It’s a reminder that the world’s greatest leaders didn’t act in isolation; they were guided by others who had walked the path before them. For those of us managing projects, the same principle applies. We need mentorship, guidance, and constant learning to refine our leadership skills.
What’s fascinating about this discussion is that it pushes us to consider the deeper reasons behind our leadership struggles. Are we truly motivated by the right things? Or are we overwhelmed by the need to prove ourselves at work, leading to burnout?
Finding Motivation in Knowledge: The Elon Musk Example
Ever feel like there’s just too much to learn? We’ve all been there—staring at an endless to-do list, knowing we need to stay ahead in our industry but feeling too stretched thin to focus on growth. Here’s the thing: great leaders never stop learning.
Take Elon Musk, for example. He runs multiple billion-dollar companies and still finds time to read at least one book a day. As mentioned in the podcast, his hunger for knowledge started early—he was bullied as a kid and sought solace in books. His story reminds us that leaders aren’t just born—they are shaped by continuous learning.
Why does this matter? Because as project managers or professionals striving for productivity, knowledge is one of our most powerful tools. Whether it’s reading books on leadership or simply finding time to learn from others in your field, this thirst for knowledge is what sets successful people apart.
The Role of Books in Leadership Development
Here’s a question for you: when was the last time you picked up a book on leadership? And I’m not talking about just reading the latest business bestseller. Brassell brings up a fascinating point in the podcast—some of the best leadership lessons come from children’s books.
Think that sounds strange? Brassell admits he reads up to 10 children’s books a day, often learning more from these simple stories than from adult biographies. Books like “Aesop’s Fables” offer timeless wisdom about human nature and leadership. Before he read an adult biography of Jackie Robinson, Brassell learned about him through children’s books. This initial exposure piqued his interest, leading him to dive deeper into Robinson’s story and his monumental impact, not just on sports but on civil rights and leadership.
Leaders, whether in business or any other sphere, are often those who have a deep understanding of human nature. Books—especially simple, insightful ones—help us connect with these universal truths in ways that traditional business literature often doesn’t.
So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your workload, consider turning to a book. Even if it’s a quick read, the lessons could be transformative.
Transformation: The Key to Personal and Professional Growth
How do we transform ourselves from struggling professionals into effective leaders? Brassell and Leonard touch on the idea of transformation, particularly through the lens of personal growth. One of the most memorable examples is Les Brown’s story. Les grew up in one of the most challenging environments imaginable but overcame his circumstances to become a renowned speaker and motivator.
Brassell highlights a quote from Brown: “Someone else’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.” For many of us, this statement hits home. We often let others’ perceptions—or even our own self-doubt—dictate our actions. But what if we decided that our reality could be different? What if we embraced the idea that we have greatness within us, waiting to be unlocked?
This idea of transformation is crucial for project and program managers. In many ways, the roles we hold require us to constantly evolve. We need to adapt to new challenges, improve our time management, and continue finding ways to lead effectively. Brown’s story reminds us that no matter where we start, we have the power to change our trajectory.
The Importance of Taking Action
One of the most striking points in the podcast is the emphasis on action over inaction. As Brassell points out, President Truman once said, “Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.” Think about that for a moment. How many times have you held back on a decision, waiting for the “perfect” time or the “perfect” plan?
In reality, those who achieve success are the ones who take action. Whether it’s launching a new project, implementing a change in your organization, or simply stepping up to lead, action is what sets leaders apart. You don’t have to be perfect—just start.
This mindset shift can be a game-changer for busy professionals. It’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis, but as the podcast reminds us, the key is to focus on moving forward, even if the path isn’t entirely clear.
Differentiation: Leveraging Your Unique Strengths
What sets you apart as a leader? Are you embracing your uniqueness, or are you trying to fit into a mold of what you think a leader should be?
Brassell’s story about Dennis Rodman illustrates the importance of differentiation. Rodman was known for his wild personality, but what truly made him a legend were his skills on the basketball court—specifically his ability to rebound. While the world often focused on his eccentric behavior, it was his unique ability to excel at his craft that made him stand out.
This lesson is especially relevant for project and program managers. We often get caught up in trying to be like other leaders, adopting the same strategies or management styles. But real success comes from leveraging what makes us unique. Whether it’s a specific skill set, a unique approach to team building, or even a personal passion that drives you, embracing your individuality can be a powerful differentiator in the workplace.
The Cyber Smarties Initiative: Using Technology for Positive Change
In the podcast, Brassell shares an inspiring project he’s involved in: Cyber Smarties. This initiative, which began in Ireland, is designed to teach children how to use social media positively. The platform actively prevents cyberbullying by guiding kids to make kinder choices when communicating online. Incredibly, it has single-handedly eliminated cyberbullying in Ireland and is now being implemented in countries like India, the UAE, and New Zealand.
What does this have to do with leadership or project management? Everything. It’s a brilliant example of how we can use technology and creativity to solve complex problems. As leaders, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable. But by thinking outside the box and leveraging innovative solutions, we can create lasting change.
Embracing Growth and Continuous Learning
So, where do we go from here? How do we apply these lessons in our own lives?
First, it’s important to recognize that growth—both personal and professional—is a lifelong journey. As project managers, we need to continually refine our leadership skills, seek out new knowledge, and embrace transformation.
Brassell closes the podcast with a valuable offer: access to his book “Read, Lead, and Succeed,” along with a five-day reading challenge designed to help parents encourage their kids to read more. But the lessons in these resources extend beyond children. The importance of reading, learning, and applying new knowledge is just as critical for us as leaders.
Wrapping Up: What’s Next for You?
As you reflect on these insights, ask yourself: what’s the next step in your leadership journey? Are you actively seeking out knowledge, like Elon Musk? Are you embracing your unique strengths, like Dennis Rodman? Are you taking action, even if it’s imperfect, as President Truman advised?
If you’ve been struggling to keep it all together—feeling like there’s too much on your plate or wondering if you’ll ever find balance—know that change is possible. Whether through mentorship, continuous learning, or simply taking the first step, you have the power to transform your leadership approach and achieve greater productivity.
Let this podcast serve as a reminder: success isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing the right things, learning continuously, and taking action toward your goals.
**Call to Action**: If you’re ready to take your leadership and productivity to the next level, why not start with a small step? Visit the Productivity Intelligence Institute website, explore their coaching programs, or check out Brassell’s resources to begin your journey of transformation today.
After all, as the podcast reminds us, you don’t have to be perfect to be a leader—you just have to start\
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