In our work, there’s often pressure to focus on getting results, closing deals, or following scripts that can feel transactional or impersonal. But for those of us who value genuine connection, this approach often feels misaligned, leaving us questioning how we can serve others in a way that’s true to our values and leads to more meaningful impact.

This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Toku McCree, a close friend, coach, and someone who has redefined the way we think about client relationships. Toku’s background as a Zen practitioner and coach led him to develop a unique approach to building connections with clients—one that centers around authenticity, respect, and integrity. His upcoming book, Coaching Beyond Yes and No, dives into the power of a values-driven approach in fostering lasting client relationships.

In this episode, Toku shares his philosophy on creating client relationships that go beyond “yes” or “no.” Instead of relying on tactics or pressure, he shows us how to use openness and sincerity to build trust and deepen connections. Toku’s insights reveal how shifting our perspective can transform the way we interact with clients, leading to more fulfilling and enduring relationships.

Tune in as we explore how to bring our true selves into our work and create client relationships that reflect our deepest values.

• The concept of values-driven client relationships
• Moving beyond transactional sales to create genuine connections
• Toku’s journey from Zen student to transformative coach
• Building trust and authenticity in client interactions
• How to approach client relationships with integrity and respect
• Shifting from sales tactics to values-based conversations
• Overcoming the fear of selling by focusing on service
• Techniques for fostering deeper, lasting client relationships
• Toku’s philosophy on collaborative, life-changing conversations
• Creating meaningful impact through authenticity in coaching

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Toku McCree is a distinguished executive coach, speaker, and writer, celebrated for his one-of-a-kind combination of ancient wisdom and modern psychology. His life journey weaves an extraordinary tapestry of diverse experiences, contributing to a profound understanding of human nature and personal growth.

With a degree in philosophy from George Washington University, to eight years working in the entertainment business alongside record labels and award-winning artists, to over two years dedicated to training as a Zen monk, Toku's multifaceted expertise fuels his approach to coaching. Today, he leverages this unique blend of academic, spiritual, and professional experiences to empower others on their paths of self-discovery and personal growth, making him a leading figure in the field.

• Coaching: ceo.unexecutive.com
• Coaching MBA: coachingmba.co/mastermind

Zen Habits Blog

Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Coaching with Leo

When we aim for perfection in our work, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of anxiety and procrastination. We hesitate to start, or we push ourselves until we’re burned out, afraid that anything less than flawless won’t be good enough.

In this episode, I invite you to reconsider the value of imperfection. I discuss why flaws can make our work more unique and valuable, how imperfection is an inevitable part of challenging projects, and ways to shift from striving for the ideal to embracing the messy process of growth. I also dive into the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, and explore how this mindset can help us work more joyfully and authentically.

Tune in to learn how embracing imperfection can transform the way we approach our work, fostering more flow, joy, and authenticity in every step.

• How perfectionism acts as a protective mechanism
• The impact of fear of failure on motivation and creativity
• Techniques for embracing mistakes and seeing them as growth opportunities
• Understanding the beauty of flaws through the concept of wabi-sabi
• Meditation practices to confront the discomfort of failure
• Shifting from a "right way" mindset to playful exploration in work
• The role of imperfection in learning and creative processes
• Embracing setbacks in long-term habits and projects
• How to cultivate playfulness and heart-centered productivity
• Reframing failure as a natural part of any meaningful journey

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

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Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro

Many people approach productivity by focusing on systems and discipline, trying to push through tasks with force. This approach often leads to burnout and frustration, especially when we don't address the internal resistance that holds us back. We push ourselves harder, only to feel more closed off and disconnected from the work we aim to do.

In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to cultivate an inner state of flow. I explain how being open—filled with curiosity, love, and purpose—can make even the most challenging tasks feel lighter and more fulfilling. I also discuss how a closed state, marked by frustration and resistance, creates obstacles to productivity and how befriending that closed state can unlock new energy and ease.

Join me as we uncover how to transform our inner state to make productivity a natural outcome of openness, helping us bring more presence and purpose to our daily work.

• The distinction between open and closed inner states
• How an open state fosters ease and flow in tasks
• The challenges of working from a closed state
• Befriending our closed state instead of resisting it
• The impact of openness on productivity and energy
• Practical ways to shift toward an open state
• The role of curiosity, compassion, and love in productivity
• How to notice and track your inner state during tasks

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

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Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

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Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro

We often overlook the early warning signs of burnout—subtle hints like exhaustion, irritability, or loss of motivation. Instead, we push forward, believing that powering through will get us to the finish line faster. But ignoring these signs only brings us closer to a breaking point, where recovery becomes much more difficult.

In this episode, we take a closer look at how stress leads to burnout and explore the importance of balancing stress with recovery. I share strategies to help you recognize when you're overloading and depleting yourself, and how to build sustainable recovery practices through mindful self-care. By understanding these warning signs and making intentional adjustments, we can maintain our energy, focus, and long-term resilience.

Tune in to learn how managing your stress load can prevent burnout and lead to greater resilience, productivity, and joy.

• Understanding the warning signs of burnout
• The importance of balancing stress with recovery
• How stress can be beneficial when managed correctly
• Strategies for avoiding burnout before it hits
• Using physical training analogies to recognize overwork
• The role of self-care in maintaining productivity
• How to check in with yourself daily to adjust your stress load
• Building resilience by balancing stress and rest
• Incorporating recovery routines into your year
• Practical ways to recover from stress overload

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

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Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

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We live in a culture that constantly tells us to push harder, achieve more, and stay on top of everything. But this relentless striving often keeps us from the fulfillment we seek. Many of us face anxiety, procrastination, and burnout as we struggle to accept that the key to a more meaningful life lies in embracing our limitations rather than fighting against them.

This week, I’m honored to welcome Oliver Burkeman, bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, as our special guest. Oliver’s work challenges the conventional approach to productivity, urging us to face our inherent human limitations and embrace the concept of finitude. His insights offer a refreshing perspective on how to live with greater intention, focusing on what truly matters rather than constantly striving for control.

In his new book Meditations for Mortals, Oliver goes even deeper into the themes of time, control, and human limitation, offering a counterintuitive yet liberating approach to living well in a finite world. His philosophy encourages us to accept our limits and let go of the need to constantly “do it all.”

In this episode, Oliver walks us through the journey of moving from understanding the constraints of time to taking meaningful action. We dive deep into the concept of finitude—our finite time, energy, and capacity—and explore how surrendering to life’s limitations and letting go of the need for control can lead to a more purposeful, fulfilling life.

Tune in to learn how embracing our limitations can lead to profound freedom, allowing us to live fully within those boundaries and create a life of intentionality, meaning, and true presence.

• Embracing the concept of finitude and human limitations
• How to let go of control and live more intentionally
• The connection between productivity and surrender
• Oliver’s journey from Four Thousand Weeks to Meditations for Mortals
• The role of mindfulness in taking meaningful action
• Why hustle culture leads to burnout and dissatisfaction
• Practical strategies for accepting our finite nature
• The paradox of letting go and achieving more
• Overcoming procrastination and anxiety by facing our limits
• How to align daily actions with what truly matters

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Oliver Burkeman's books include the forthcoming Meditations for Mortals, about embracing limitation and getting around to what counts, along with the New York Times bestseller Four Thousand Weeks and The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking. For many years he wrote a popular column for the Guardian, 'This Column Will Change Your Life'. In his email newsletter 'The Imperfectionist', he writes about productivity, mortality, the power of limits and building a meaningful life in an age of distraction.

• Website: oliverburkeman.com
• New book: Meditations for Mortals
• Book: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

Zen Habits Blog

Fearless Living Academy

Procrastination can feel like an endless battle, one that we keep trying to win through discipline and force. We push ourselves harder, use stricter schedules, or employ rigid systems, only to find ourselves falling back into the same patterns. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that procrastination is simply about lacking motivation or willpower, but the roots run deeper.

In this episode, we explore the true nature of procrastination, examining its roots in fear, uncertainty, and avoidance. I guide you through understanding why we often resist tasks that challenge our sense of self and how this resistance impacts our productivity. By diving into mindful techniques and practical strategies, you’ll discover ways to address the emotions that hold you back and build habits that support your intentions.

Join me as we uncover the power of self-compassion in overcoming procrastination and learn how to turn resistance into a tool for growth and productivity.

• Understanding the roots of procrastination
• The role of fear and uncertainty in triggering procrastination
• How procrastination is linked to self-identity and ego
• Mindful techniques for recognizing and addressing resistance
• The limitations of using discipline and force
• Strategies for breaking tasks into manageable chunks
• The importance of self-compassion
• Building habits that promote consistent action and reduce avoidance
• Accountability techniques to stay focused and motivated
• How to restart with a fresh mindset after a setback

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

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Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

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Distractions are a universal challenge, keeping us from fully committing to the tasks that matter most. Whether it's the pull of social media, a buzzing phone, or even seemingly productive activities like organizing, these distractions often derail our focus and creativity.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the root causes of distractions and explore mindful strategies to counter them. From minimizing digital interruptions to creating a workspace that fosters focus and deep work, I break down actionable steps to help you stay on track. You'll learn how to build a mindful, distraction-free environment, manage your focus with intention, and bring awareness to the moments when you're tempted to stray from your priorities.

Join me as we uncover powerful ways to recognize and manage distractions, helping you cultivate a more productive, focused approach to your work.

• The nature of distractions in modern life
• The impact of environment on focus and productivity
• Techniques for creating a distraction-free workspace
• Strategies to limit digital interruptions
• The importance of setting clear intentions for tasks
• Mindful approaches to managing urges and anxiety
• The role of mindfulness in dealing with distractions
• Identifying hidden distractions in our daily lives
• Prioritizing tasks that align with your long-term goals

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

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Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

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Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro

In a world obsessed with constant productivity, many of us feel pressured to do more and more, often at the expense of our well-being and personal fulfillment. This relentless pursuit can lead us to overlook the deeper, more meaningful aspects of how we spend our time.

This week, I’m thrilled to welcome productivity expert, author, and creator of the TimeCrafting system, Mike Vardy. Mike has spent years helping people shift their focus from traditional productivity to something deeper—what he calls “productiveness.” Through his work, he shows us how to approach time with greater intention, crafting a life that aligns with our values and energy cycles.

In this episode, Mike shares his journey from traditional concepts of productivity to his refined philosophy of time crafting. We explore how theming our days, reflecting on our habits, and embracing constraints can help us cultivate productiveness—a state that balances intention, quality, and flow.

Join us as we dive into the deeper layers of productiveness and learn how to move beyond conventional productivity systems to foster a more intentional, fulfilling way of working and living.

• The shift from productivity to productiveness and why it matters.
• Mike’s TimeCrafting system and how it helps theme our days.
• The importance of aligning work with life’s seasons and personal energy.
• How constraints can foster creativity and intentionality.
• The difference between rigid productivity and flexible productiveness.
• The role of reflection in managing time and making better decisions.
• The evolving relationship between time, work, and personal growth.
• Strategies for building a healthier, more intentional relationship with time.
• How to balance quality and quantity in our daily tasks.
• Moving from task-based productivity to meaningful productiveness.

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Mike Vardy is a seasoned productivity expert, author, and coach dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve their fullest potential. With over 15 years of experience in the field of time management and productivity, he has developed unique insights and practical strategies that resonate with a wide audience. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the balance between quality and quantity, emphasizing the importance of living a purposeful and fulfilling life.

• Website: mikevardy.com
• Podcast: A Productive Conversation (Apple Podcasts | Spotify)
• YouTube channel: @Itsmikevardy
• New book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing Your Productive Potential
• Free book: The Gift of Time
• TimeCrafting: mikevardy.com/kit