Libsyn Directory

252 | Coffee Is For Closers - Revisited

Release Date: 03/21/2025

Art of Consulting Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, Andy discusses the "50-Minute Focus" technique. Throughout the conversation, he sheds light on critical lessons about identifying productivity pitfalls, the significance of adapting dynamic strategies, and leveraging unconventional approaches to foster successful personal and professional habits. From the transformation of time management techniques to the essential role of prioritizing tasks, Andy offers a treasure trove of insights and practical guidance for consultants seeking to excel in their personal and professional...

251 | How to Deal with Communication Challenges

Art of Consulting Podcast

Andy shares his thoughts on how to keep communication on track.

250 | How to Prepare for a Geo-Political Event

Art of Consulting Podcast

In this episode Andy discusses steps you can take to deal with and preprare for potential Geo Political events.

249 | Unmasking Corporate Fraud and Cybersecurity: Real Stories and Practical Tips with Stephanie Forbes

Art of Consulting Podcast

In this compelling episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, Stephanie Forbes brings her expertise to the table, discussing the prevalent and often sophisticated issue of corporate fraud and cybersecurity. Throughout the conversation, we navigate the different ways in which fraud can occur within an organization, the impacts it can have, and the steps that can be taken to prevent it. From harrowing stories of payroll fraud to the intricacies of implementing governance models, Stephanie provides actionable insights to secure the financial and informational assets of companies. Episode Summary: ...

248 | Decoding Consulting Secrets: The Art of Knowledge Transfer

Art of Consulting Podcast

In this episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, hosts Andy and Cat reunite for a rare “together episode” discussing the nuances and importance of knowledge transfer in the consulting space. As consultants from various fields, they explore the idea of consulting as a temporary yet impactful role, emphasizing the value of effectively transitioning their knowledge to clients and the critical role of documentation and interpersonal skills in a consultant’s success. Episode Summary: [00:05] Andy and Cat kick off a special co-hosted episode, reflecting on their individual expert interviews...

247 | Building Out an Expert Position in Consulting - with Mark Amtower

Art of Consulting Podcast

Welcome to another episode of The Art of Consulting, where we delve deep into the strategies and experiences of seasoned professionals in the consulting sphere. Today's guest is none other than Mark Amtower, the founder and partner of Amtower & Company, a firm specializing in marketing to the government. With a career spanning 39 years, Mark has been at the forefront of acknowledging and leveraging the nuances of marketing within the government contracting world. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 - 00:01: Speaker 1 (Host) opens the episode with a greeting to the audience. 00:15 - 00:22: Speaker 2...

246 | The Gift of Recurring Thought - with Katie Weldon

Art of Consulting Podcast

In this insightful episode of The Art of Consulting podcast, we're joined by Coach Katie, also known as Katie Weldon, who not only excels as a business mentor and mindset coach but also shines in the real estate world as Katie the Mortgage Lady. With a rich history of bold decisions and transformative life changes, Katie opens up about her journey and the pivotal moments that led her to adopt a life-changing mindset. 00:13 - Introduction: We welcome Coach Katie to the show, discussing her multifaceted career and the courageous choices that have defined her path, from a drastic relocation to...

245 | Wired Wisdom: Unraveling the Mysteries of Procurement Fraud with Stephanie Forbes Part 2

Art of Consulting Podcast

Join us in a riveting discussion with Stephanie Forbes, a value chain virtuoso with more than two decades of experience overseeing multi-billion dollar projects. Serving as the interim vice chair of Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute, she is frequently sought out for her wealth of knowledge in the supply chain realm. In this episode, Stephanie delves into the complexities of procurement fraud, elucidating its various forms and imparting crucial strategies for preventing such deceptive practices within organizations. 00:13 - Introduction: Kat introduces Stephanie Forbes, an esteemed value...

244 | Wired Wisdom: Unraveling the Mysteries of Procurement Fraud with Stephanie Forbes Part 1

Art of Consulting Podcast

Welcome to a new episode of the Art of Consulting podcast, where we engage in deep discussions with some of the most knowledgeable and insightful professionals in the business world. Today, we are privileged to welcome Ms. Stephanie Forbes back to the show. Recognized as a national expert in value chain management, Stephanie brings over two decades of experience managing multi-billion dollar projects throughout Canada and the United States. Currently serving as interim vice chair of Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute, Stephanie is frequently sought after for her expertise and is known for...

243 | Navigating Success: Pat Kaiser's Trailblazing Journey in Tech Part 2

Art of Consulting Podcast

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Art of Consulting podcast, where we delve into the personal and professional journeys of some of the most inspiring leaders in the industry. In today’s special installment, we are thrilled to welcome Ms. Pat Kaiser, a dynamic leader whose extensive background spans operations, marketing, sales, IT, HR, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions. Join us as we explore Pat’s journey, from her impactful career in consulting to her significant contributions to organizations like Agilus Work Solutions. Along the way, Pat shares invaluable...

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Episode Summary:

Introduction and Reflections from 2020 (00:06 - 00:44): The episode begins with a reflection on previous discussions from 2020 and the changes brought on by COVID-19.
The Impact of Distractions (00:44 - 01:18): The speaker highlights the constant distraction posed by social media and smartphones, and their effect on productivity.
Increased Distractions Over Time (01:18 - 02:00): A discussion on how distractions have become more pervasive over time, despite advancements in app efficiency.
Understanding "Coffee is for Closers" (02:01 - 02:34): The speaker explains the phrase "coffee is for closers" employed as a motivational tool in sales.
Strategies for Maintaining Productivity (02:34 - 03:15): The speaker shares personal strategies for maintaining productivity, such as task lists and prioritization.
The Importance of a Task List (03:15 - 03:50): Emphasizes the role of task lists in proactive work and productivity.
Approach to Task Prioritization (03:50 - 04:23): The speaker shares his approach to task prioritization, considering due dates and personal satisfaction.
Evaluating and Prioritizing Tasks (04:24 - 04:53): Further explanation on task evaluation and prioritization.
Considering Personal Satisfaction in Task Prioritization (04:53 - 05:29): The speaker advises prioritizing tasks that bring personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
Interdependencies in Task Prioritization (05:29 - 06:01): The speaker discusses the role of interdependencies when prioritizing tasks within a team.
The Importance of Task Prioritization (06:02 - 06:31): A reiteration of the importance of prioritizing tasks for a productive day.
Time Boxing Tasks (06:32 - 07:17): The speaker introduces the concept of time boxing tasks to manage workload and time effectively.
Task List Preparation for the Next Day (07:18 - 07:50): Discusses the strategy of preparing a task list for the next day the night before.
Concept of Time Boxing (07:51 - 08:29): The speaker discusses the concept of time boxing, a productivity strategy.
Benefits of Time Boxing (08:31 - 09:06): Emphasizes the benefits of time boxing in managing tasks and time.
Starting With Difficult Tasks (09:07 - 09:43): The speaker advises starting with the most difficult tasks to build momentum and ease into the day.
Benefits of Time Boxing (09:44 - 10:17): The benefits of time boxing, particularly in managing unexpected schedule changes, are discussed.
Reiterating Importance of Prioritization and Time Boxing (10:17 - 10:52): The speaker reiterates the importance of task prioritization and time boxing.
Rewarding Oneself Upon Task Completion (10:53 - 11:37): The speaker emphasizes the importance of rewarding oneself after completing tasks.
Tackling Difficult Tasks First (11:37 - 12:22): Discusses the strategy of tackling difficult tasks first to build momentum and reduce stress.
Importance of Rewarding Oneself (12:23 - 13:02): A reiteration on the importance of self-reward after task completion.
50-Minute Increments for Larger Tasks (13:02 - 13:37): The speaker shares his strategy of working in 50-minute increments for larger tasks.
Benefits of the Speaker's Approach (13:37 - 14:16): Discussion on the personal benefits of the speaker's approach, including better production and momentum.
Risk of Burnout (14:18 - 14:55): Highlights the risk of burnout if one does not reward themselves and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Early Requests for Collaboration (14:56 - 15:28): The speaker discusses the importance of initiating collaborative requests early in the day.
50-Minute Increments for Larger Tasks (15:30 - 16:16): Reiteration of the strategy of breaking up larger tasks into 50-minute increments.
Benefits of the Speaker's Strategies (16:17 - 16:58): The speaker emphasizes the benefits of his strategies, including increased productivity and improved personal life.
Early Requests for Collaboration (16:59 - 17:28): A reiteration of the importance of sending tasks or requests to colleagues early in the day.
Nightly To-Do List Preparation (17:29 - 18:07): The speaker recommends preparing a to-do list the night before for a productive start to the day.
Early Morning Collaboration Requests (18:08 - 18:40): Discusses the benefits of sending collaborative requests first thing in the morning.
50-Minute Increment Time Boxing (18:40 - 19:11): The speaker re-emphasizes the concept of time boxing tasks into 50-minute increments.
Benefits of the Speaker's Strategies (19:12 - 19:45): Reiterates the benefits of the speaker's strategies, including better productivity and momentum.
Benefits of Task Management Strategies (19:46 - 20:23): The speaker reiterates the benefits of his task management strategies, including better productivity and momentum.
Using 50-Minute Increments for Studying (20:23 - 21:04): Shares personal experience of using the 50-minute increment approach while studying for a certification.
Importance of Rewarding Oneself (21:05 - 21:39): Reiterates the importance of rewarding oneself after completing tasks.
Maintaining Momentum and Avoiding Burnout (21:40 - 22:47): Emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum and taking adequate breaks to avoid burnout.
Benefits of the Speaker's Strategies (22:47 - 23:32): The speaker discusses how his strategies have helped him stay productive and manage his workload.
Benefits of the Speaker's Approach (23:32 - 24:06): The speaker emphasizes the benefits of his approach, including better productivity and momentum.
Benefits of the Speaker's Approach (24:07 - 24:43): Reiterates the benefits of the speaker's approach, including better productivity and momentum.
Reflection on Strategies for a Productive Week (24:44 - 25:29): The speaker reflects on how his strategies have contributed to his productivity and satisfaction during the week.
Conclusion and Look Ahead (25:29 - 25:51): The speaker concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to implement his strategies and looks forward to future discussions.

Episode Highlights:

(00:06 - 00:44): The speaker reflects on changes brought on by COVID-19.
(00:44 - 01:18): The speaker discusses the impact of social media and smartphones on productivity.
(02:01 - 02:34): An explanation of the motivational phrase "coffee is for closers" is provided.
(02:34 - 03:15): The speaker shares his strategies for maintaining productivity, such as task lists and prioritization.
(03:50 - 04:23): The speaker's approach to task prioritization based on due dates and personal satisfaction is discussed.
(04:53 - 05:29): The importance of personal satisfaction in task prioritization is highlighted.
(06:32 - 07:17): The speaker introduces time boxing as a strategy to manage workload and time.
(07:18 - 07:50): The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing a task list for the next day.
(08:31 - 09:06): The benefits of time boxing in managing tasks and time are discussed.
(10:53 - 11:37): The speaker emphasizes the importance of rewarding oneself after task completion.
(13:02 - 13:37): The speaker shares his strategy of breaking up larger tasks into 50-minute increments.
(14:18 - 14:55): The speaker highlights the risk of burnout if one does not reward themselves and maintain a work-life balance.
(14:56 - 15:28): The importance of initiating collaborative requests early in the day is discussed.
(16:17 - 16:58): The speaker emphasizes the benefits of his strategies, including better productivity.
(17:29 - 18:07): The speaker recommends preparing a to-do list the night before to kickstart a productive day.
(19:46 - 20:23): The speaker reiterates the benefits of his task management strategies.
(20:23 - 21:04): The speaker shares his experience of using the 50-minute increment approach for studying.
(21:40 - 22:47): The importance of maintaining momentum and taking breaks to avoid burnout is emphasized.
(24:44 - 25:29): The speaker reflects on how his strategies have contributed to a productive week.
(25:29 - 25:51): The speaker concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to implement his strategies.

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