Small Wins Build Big Motivation
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
Small wins build big motivation, yet leaders often think of them as not being important. What if, in these moments, you were cheating your team of its potential? In today’s episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, we’ll explore how recognizing even small successes can spark energy, confidence, and momentum for your team. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this . Motivational Keynote Speaker, Author, and Broadcaster, Ken Okel, believes in creating memorable meetings. He understands the challenge of change...
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How Leaders Accidentally Create Stress at Work
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
How leaders accidentally create stress at work is something many professionals overlook. In this episode, Ken Okel explains how subtle habits like unclear expectations, rushed communication, and lack of acknowledgment can quietly increase tension on a team. Learn how to replace this kind of accidental stress with clarity, presence, and small moments of appreciation that boost morale and performance. It's all in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this . Motivational Keynote...
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Overplanning Kills Momentum and Slows Leadership Execution
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
How overplanning kills momentum and slows leadership execution is a trap even experienced leaders fall into. And it's easier than you think! In this episode, Ken Okel explains why spending too much time perfecting plans can delay action, drain team energy, and reduce results. Learn practical strategies to create a minimum viable plan, act decisively, and refine as you go to keep projects moving and teams engaged in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this . Motivational...
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When Leaders Struggle to Say No
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
When leaders struggle to say no, it is not about being negative but about being focused. In this episode, Ken Okel explores why so many effective professionals struggle to set boundaries and how saying yes too often can lead to burnout and confusion. Discover how learning to say no with clarity and purpose can protect your time, strengthen your leadership, and improve team performance in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this . Motivational Keynote Speaker, Author, and...
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Why Leaders Overlook Obvious Problems
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
Ever wonder why leaders overlook obvious problems? Even the most experienced managers can overlook critical issues in processes, client work, or team dynamics. In this episode, Ken Okel explains how familiarity, routine, and assumptions can create blind spots. He'll also share actionable strategies like asking better questions, rotating perspectives, and creating simple systems to catch problems early, improve decision-making, and strengthen team performance. It's all in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business...
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Good Leaders Need to Know Their Limits
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
Good leaders need to know their limits because more work doesn’t always mean better results. In this episode, Ken Okel shares how noticing strain in his voice after a busy run of presentations became a reminder that even passionate professionals need boundaries. Learn how recognizing your limits can protect performance, improve work-life balance, and help you lead more sustainably in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this . Motivational Keynote Speaker, Author, and...
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The Pressure to Look Busy
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The pressure to look busy is a trap many leaders fall into without realizing it. Filling your calendar, answering every email, and attending every meeting might make you appear committed. But it often comes at the expense of your true productivity. In this episode, Ken Okel explains why focusing on appearances hurts results. You'll also learn how to shift your attention to high-impact work and more strategic thinking in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this . ...
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Do You Know Your Frequently Asked Questions?
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
In business, you need to know your frequently asked questions. These usually come from your clients, who feel like they are missing an important piece of information. Are you prepared to quickly respond or do you see their frequently asked questions as an annoyance? Learn how to prepare better for what they need in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this . Motivational Keynote Speaker, Author, and Broadcaster, Ken Okel, believes in creating memorable meetings. He understands...
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How Bad Memory Hurts Productivity at Work
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
Bad memory hurts productivity at work, especially when leaders rely too much on recall instead of facts. In this episode, Ken Okel explains how simple lapses, like misjudging the age of a car battery, can translate into costly mistakes in the workplace. Discover why memory can’t always be trusted and how leaders can use practical tools to improve accuracy, timing, and decision-making in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this . Motivational Keynote Speaker, Author, and...
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Ken Okel's Airport Fashion Emergency
2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
My Airport Fashion Emergency story is about having to react to unexpected change. Audiences enjoy reliving my struggle to travel cross-country, during what I thought was going to be an easy journey. Instead, it was full of challenges. While the story is fun, it also helps you step back from your challenges and think about how you could do better. Enjoy this extended episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast. As promised, here's a picture of the clothes that I was forced to buy. And learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this...
info_outlineSmart leaders embrace the chance to play the missing employee game. This simple task can help you better prepare your business for unexpected employee absences.
In life, unexpected things can happen that will take valuable staff members out of your organization for weeks. Will this be a time of productivity or panic? Prepare for the unexpected in this week's episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Learn more about my new book, Get Better! Smart Business Advice From Unexpected Mentors with this link.
Motivational Keynote Speaker, Author, and Broadcaster, Ken Okel, believes in creating memorable meetings. He understands the challenge of change on the job and the need to perform at a high level, every day. He's embraced it and shares his unique career lessons and takeaways with audiences.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you easy to implement tips that will improve your productivity, performance, and profits. For more about Ken, clips of his live speaking presentations and workshops, plus his weekly productivity tips, visit KenOkel.com. And yes, Ken does present virtually, which sometimes makes him look a little taller.
For more than a decade, TV audiences watched Ken on the news. At several stations, they saw him perform as a TV news anchor, a reporter, a weatherman, and even a talk show host.
Ken then moved into the nonprofit world for several adventures. These saw him do everything from running a professional ballet company to organizing more than 100 hurricane relief volunteers.
Get Ken's three part course on improving your performance on the job at: https://www.kenokel.com