Have you ever felt like you’re pushing a boulder uphill? Like no matter how hard you work, there’s always more to do, more to prove, and less time to breathe? If you’re a project or program manager juggling a mountain of responsibilities—or someone who just wants to regain control over your time and mental clarity—this story might be exactly what you need.
In this episode of the Productivity Smarts Podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Emil Henwood, author and speaker, to discuss the remarkable life of Marian Anderson—a name that, for many under 50, might not ring a bell. But her story? It resonates like a timeless symphony of perseverance, emotional resilience, and leadership rooted in purpose.
The Core Problem: Stretched Thin and Out of Sync
Let’s face it. Our best-fit clients are burning out.
They’re ambitious. They care deeply about their work, their families, and their success. But they’re constantly stressed, feeling like they’re dropping the ball somewhere. They work weekends. They second-guess their decisions. They consume blogs and podcasts hunting for that elusive strategy that will finally bring them balance.
And despite spending thousands on tools, coaching, and courses, they still ask:
“Why can’t I get ahead?”
So what does the life of a 20th-century singer have to do with solving this modern challenge?
A Voice That Moved Mountains
Marian Anderson wasn’t just a singer. She was a symbol of grace under fire. As a Black woman in early 20th-century America, she faced systemic barriers so high, most would’ve walked away. But she didn’t.
Instead, she relied on something timeless—principles, emotional resilience, and a crystal-clear sense of purpose.
When asked what gave Marian her strength, Emil shared: “She lived Romans 12:14–21. She overcame through faith, not malice.” Her refusal to return hate with hate wasn’t just moral. It was strategic. It gave her the mental clarity and emotional focus to keep moving forward, even when the world said stop.
Imagine leading a project team with that kind of clarity.
What Project Managers Can Learn from Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson’s productivity wasn’t about to-do lists. It was about alignment—living by principles so strong that distractions, setbacks, and even injustice couldn’t shake her.
Here’s what we can take away:
- Know Your Why – Marian didn’t sing for applause. She sang with a purpose that transcended performance. Define the deeper reason behind your work. This helps you prioritize what really matters.
- Practice Emotional Hygiene – Just like brushing your teeth, emotional clarity needs daily maintenance. Start your day listing five things you’re grateful for. It rewires your brain for resilience.
- Stick to Core Principles – Whether in team conflict or leadership decisions, let your values drive your actions. Emotional reactivity is productivity’s worst enemy.
- Create Mental White Space – Marian found calm in devotion. You might find it in meditation, music, or simply disconnecting for a few minutes. Your brain performs best with breaks.
- Repetition Builds Strength – Write down your goals daily. Reinforcement beats motivation. Create rituals that remind you of your values and intentions.
A Metaphor for Modern Productivity: Be the Duck
Marian’s grace wasn’t weakness. It was control. As Gerald puts it: “Be the duck. Keep paddling below the surface. Let the water roll off your back.”
In a storm of emails, deadlines, and chaos—your calm composure is your competitive edge.
Misconceptions About Productivity
Too many of us think productivity is about doing more. But real productivity is about doing what matters most, with focus and emotional presence.
Let’s debunk a few myths:
- Myth: You need more tools.
- Truth: You need fewer distractions.
- Myth: Hustle means progress.
- Truth: Rested minds think clearer.
- Myth: Burnout is inevitable.
- Truth: Burnout is optional. It’s a sign of misalignment, not weakness.
Counterintuitive Insight: Resilience Beats Speed
Marian Anderson took a year off music after an emotional setback. That pause? It led to her comeback.
What if your path to growth isn’t grinding harder, but stepping back to heal, reflect, and realign?
Neuroscience Behind It All
Studies show that chronic stress impairs your prefrontal cortex—the brain’s command center for planning and decision-making (McEwen & Sapolsky, 1995). Emotional regulation, on the other hand, activates your best cognitive functions.
Gratitude, faith, and purpose are more than feel-good concepts. They boost dopamine, reduce cortisol, and improve focus.
Practical Steps to Build Marian-Level Clarity
- Do a Weekly Time Audit – Where are your hours going? Track, reflect, adjust.
- Create a Morning Ritual – List gratitude, write goals, visualize your success.
- Set Boundaries Like a CEO – Block deep work time. Protect your calendar.
- Repeat Your Principles – Stick your values on your wall. Read them daily.
- Practice Strategic Stillness – Schedule 10-minute silent breaks. Creativity lives in quiet.
The Historical Ripple: How One Person Shapes Many
Gerald shared how Marian’s 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert shaped history. Martin Luther King Jr. heard her performance as a child. Jackie Robinson was indirectly mentored by her resilience. Her voice didn’t just make music—it created movement.
Think about that: What kind of ripple effect could your work create—if done with intention?
For Business Leaders: Culture Starts with Character
Want a culture of productivity in your team? Start with emotional intelligence. Marian didn’t lead teams, but she led movements. She did it by being a lighthouse—unshakable, calm, consistent.
- Model emotional control.
- Recognize the power of art and humanity in leadership.
- Celebrate resilience as much as results.
A Personal Story of Rediscovery
Emil, a former commercial pilot turned historian, was nudged to write about Marian at a cathedral in Philly. That small moment of inspiration turned into a book, and that book is now touching thousands.
This reminds us—your most meaningful work often starts with a whisper. Pay attention.
Activity: Your Marian Moment
Take 15 minutes.
- Write down 3 people who inspire you.
- Reflect on how they handled pressure.
- Ask: What can I emulate starting today?
Then schedule one action this week to align with that insight.
Closing Call to Action
You don’t need to be a saint or a singer to make an impact. You just need clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Ready to work a normal workweek and still thrive? Ready to stop spinning and start aligning?
Start with one principle. One boundary. One action.
And let Marian’s story be your reminder: Grace under pressure is the highest form of productivity.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by project cutbacks and tight deadlines, I’m giving away my top strategies in my podcast below:
Click here to listen to my Productivity Smarts Podcast.
