Productivity Mastery

Hosted by Stoyan Yankov

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246

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Aug 2026

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About the show

What if you had one place where you can listen to the untold stories of some of the most accomplished and inspiring leaders in the world? In this podcast, productivity & performance coach, Stoyan Yankov, welcomes: 🎙 Unicorn founders & entrepreneurs 🎙 Top-level executives from leading companies 🎙 Best-selling authors & experts 🎙 And many other extraordinary individuals! You will learn their best habits, strategies & mindsets and hear compelling conversations around #performance, #leadership, #entrepreneurship, #PersonalDevelopment & #TeamCulture. Tune in and enjoy the journey!

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September 11, 20261 hr 0 min

Reinventing Your Relationship with Money | Productivity Mastery #246 with Lisa Wetter

🚀 Productivity Mastery #246 In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomes Lisa Wetter, Director of People Experiences at Mentimeter, for an open and thought-provoking conversation about our relationship with money. Check out Lisa's webpage and take a survey about your money beliefs: https://thedewpoint.co/ Lisa has spent roughly 15 years working across HR, People & Culture, and organizational growth. Originally from the United States and now based in Sweden, her own journey across countries, careers, and cultures has shaped the way she thinks about success, security, and money. Over the past several years, Lisa has explored how our beliefs about money influence far more than our bank accounts - from the jobs we choose and the risks we take to the relationships we build and the lives we create. In this episode, Stoyan Yankov and Lisa Wetter explore where our beliefs about money come from and how childhood experiences, family dynamics, culture, and our environment shape the way we spend, save, and think about financial security. They discuss the difference between scarcity and abundance mindsets, why money can become deeply connected to safety and self-worth, and how limiting beliefs can quietly influence some of our biggest life decisions. Lisa also shares her own relationship with saving, risk, and financial security, as well as practical ideas for developing healthier money habits - from automating savings and understanding spending patterns to becoming more intentional about the values behind our financial choices. The conversation goes beyond personal finance to explore a bigger question: **What does success actually mean to you?** Stoyan and Lisa discuss how defining your values, challenging inherited beliefs, and having more honest conversations about money can help you build a relationship with money that supports the life you genuinely want to live. Chapters 00:00 Weather Talk and Cultural Adaptation 03:00 Journey to Sweden and Career Path 05:56 Mentimeter: Culture and People Experience 09:01 The Importance of Money in Life 11:47 Childhood Influences on Money Beliefs 14:46 Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset 18:03 The Energy of Money and Self-Love 20:58 Risk Tolerance and Financial Decisions 24:03 Surroundings and Their Impact on Money Mindset 27:05 Defining Success and Personal Values 31:08 Redefining Success: Personal Perspectives 37:58 Reinventing Relationships with Money 43:22 Healthy Money Habits: Practical Insights 48:54 Transformative Mindsets in Financial Journeys 55:40 The Importance of Conversations About Money Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! --- Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289 Website: https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

August 29, 20261 hr 4 min

LinkedIn’s First CHRO on the Human Advantage in the AI Era | Productivity Mastery #245 with Steve Cadigan

🚀 Productivity Mastery #245 In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomes back to the podcast Steve Cadigan, three years after their first conversation on the show. Steve Cadigan is the originator of the Human Advantage framework and one of the world’s leading voices on workforce strategy in the AI era. As LinkedIn’s first Chief Human Resources Officer, he led the talent push from 400 to 4,000 people in 3.5 years and architected its world-famous company culture. Steve has spent the last 30 years leading talent and culture at F500 companies and today serves on the board of three corporations. He works directly with CEOs and CHROs at scaling organizations who are deploying AI and need a strategy that makes their people more valuable, not less. In this episode, Stoyan Yankov and Steve Cadigan discuss the rapid changes in the workplace driven by AI and the cultural challenges that accompany these shifts. They explore the pressures faced by leaders to adopt AI technologies, the importance of fostering a supportive company culture, and the lessons learned from Cadigan's experience at LinkedIn. The discussion emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their leadership styles, invest in employee growth, and create environments that encourage experimentation and innovation. Steve Cadigan discusses the pressing need for effective leadership development in organizations, the challenges of navigating silos, and the importance of communication in resolving conflicts. He emphasizes the opportunities that arise amidst uncertainty and the essential skills needed for the future job market, particularly in the age of AI. Cadigan also shares personal strategies for managing uncertainty and highlights the value of surrounding oneself with challenging perspectives. Chapters 00:00 The Acceleration of Change in the Workplace 03:09 Cultural Challenges in AI Adoption 06:13 Leadership Pressures and Expectations 09:04 Lessons from LinkedIn's Growth 11:59 Building a Strong Company Culture 14:45 Creating Opportunities for Growth 18:01 Future-Proofing Organizations 21:01 Navigating Leadership Development Challenges 32:11 The Future of Leadership Development 35:10 Navigating Organizational Silos 39:28 The Importance of Communication in Conflict Resolution 43:54 Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty 50:15 Skills for the Future Job Market 54:27 Personal Strategies for Managing Uncertainty Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289 Website: https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

June 29, 20261 hr 5 min

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐄𝐎 | Productivity Mastery #244 with Tim Ringel

🚀 Productivity Mastery #244 In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomes Tim Ringel, Founder & CEO at Meet the People. A company builder at heart, Tim is a serial entrepreneur and start-up investor with a portfolio of over 50 companies mainly in the digital technology space in Europe, the US, and Asia. His pre-IPO investment track record includes well-known names like AirBnB (IPO), Klarna, Spotify (IPO), SpaceX, and many more. Besides his operational passion in the Advertising Industry, Tim is a Director and Advisory Board Member in Late-Stage Venture Capital Fund Adit Ventures, Early Stage Syndicate Venture Fund Transatlantic Venture Partners, as well as his own Family Office. Since 2021, Tim has spent the majority of his operational time as Founder and Global CEO of Meet The People LLC, driving the company’s growth and expansion, as well as the continued development of core capabilities, technology, and platforms. Tim raised $150MM+ from Private Equity in 2021 to build his vision and has since acquired multiple advertising agencies in North America, building a business with 800+ employees working for Brands like Google, Moet Hennessy, IBM, Nespresso, Nike, and many more. His goal is to create a global Advertising Agency Group with a billion-dollar valuation, combining 15+ businesses in North America, Europe, and Asia with more than 1,500+ people. Chapters 00:00 Tim's Entrepreneurship Journey 05:04 Building an Agency: The Art of Collaboration 09:56 Navigating Acquisitions: Finding the Right Fit 15:04 Empowering Creativity: Balancing Structure and Freedom 19:57 Prioritizing Success: The Art of Delegation 24:55 The Future of Work: Adapting to Change 30:09 Meet the People: A Vision for Growth 33:33 Empowering CEOs: The Human Element in Tech 36:05 The Trust Factor: Building Relationships in Business 38:10 The Renaissance of In-Person Connections 40:51 Talent Acquisition: Seizing Opportunities in a Changing Market 47:42 Networking: Authentic Connections Over Structured Approaches 56:15 The Hustle: Building a Business from Scratch 01:01:13 Success by Design: The Importance of Networking Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289 Website: https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

June 23, 20261 hr 0 min

Orchestrating Connection: How to Build Purposeful Communities | Productivity Mastery #243 with David Homan

🚀 Productivity Mastery #243 In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed David Homan, author of the USA Today bestselling book: 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝. Get a copy of his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Orchestrating-Connection-Purposeful-Community-Tribal-ebook/dp/B0FL4KWN5K/ David Homan is the founder and CEO of #OrchestratedConnecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships. He hosts a podcast called 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 focused on developing relationship value, is an active classical composer, and is a proud father of two. From middle-class beginnings as the son of a college professor father and nonprofit-focused mother, he has built a network reaching into the most private and incredible circles globally while maintaining a code of purposeful community building called Orchestrated Connecting. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Homan and Tea Culture 02:59 Orchestrating Connection: The Composer's Approach 06:06 Building a Community of Connectors 08:57 The Importance of Double Opt-In Introductions 12:16 The Evolution of Networking and Community Building 15:08 Creating Value in Networking Events 18:00 Strategies for Effective Networking 21:11 The Power of Vulnerability in Networking 23:58 Authenticity and Trust in Connections 29:58 The Desire for Connection 30:45 Misconceptions in Networking 31:54 The Flawed System of Connections 35:04 Becoming a Super Connector 37:07 Building Trust with High-Value Individuals 39:09 The Power of Gratitude 42:23 Intentional Community Building 44:43 Understanding Connector Archetypes 51:15 Managing Connections Effectively 56:01 Creating a Better World Through Connection Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289 Website: https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

June 11, 20261 hr 9 min

Harmonica: Behind the Scenes of Building The Organic Food Brand | Productivity Mastery #242 with Lubomir Nokov

🚀 Productivity Mastery #242 In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Lubomir Nokov, Cofounder and CEO of one of the most beloved brands in Bulgaria -Harmonica. https://harmonica.bg It all started with a simple question: “Why is it so hard to find real food?” In 2006, Magdalena Maleeva - former world No. 4 tennis player, environmental activist, and entrepreneur - together with her husband, Lubomir Nokov, decided to take action. They founded Harmonica Foods | Organic & B-Corp with a clear mission: to bring back real food, made the right way. Their journey began with organic yogurt - made from milk sourced from small Bulgarian farms, using traditional methods, live cultures, and nothing artificial. From there, Harmonica grew into a brand offering a full range of organic, clean-label foods - from eggs and cheese to chocolate, pretzels, and drinks. Today, Lubomir Nokov leads Harmonica Foods | Organic & B-Corp as CEO, ensuring the company stays true to its values - supporting local farmers, promoting regenerative agriculture, and maintaining the highest EU organic standards. Harmonica products are now available in more than 1 500 stores across Bulgaria and in more than 20 other countries, and the company continuously pushes for sustainable packaging and responsible sourcing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Harmonica and Its Origins 08:49 The Journey of a CEO: Daily Life and Priorities 13:52 Leadership Lessons: Mistakes and Growth 18:30 Building a Strong Team: Hiring and Culture 24:48 Networking and Curiosity: The Key to Connections 30:31 Crisis Management: Navigating Challenges 36:45 Worry Management: Strategies for Entrepreneurs 39:05 Embracing Imperfection and Self-Compassion 42:12 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Struggles and Resilience 44:52 The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Beyond the Highlights 49:00 Product Development: The Art of Quality and Integrity 56:00 Navigating Challenges in Food Production 01:02:01 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Patience and Connection Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289 Website: https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

June 5, 20261 hr 11 min

Why Relational Intelligence (RQ) Will Matter More Than Ever In The Age of AI - Productivity Mastery #241 with Sarah McDevitt

🚀 In episode #241, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Sarah Stone McDevitt, author of "THE ROUND TABLE: how relational intelligence will become your human advantage in the age of AI". Get your copy here: https://shorturl.at/3i5oR Sarah McDevitt is a TEDx speaker, author, and advocate for human-centered leadership in the age of AI. She's currently serving as Sr Director Partner Strategy, Operations & Capabilities at Hubspot. Drawing on her experiences growing up in Ireland, working across business, saas and marketing, and navigating leadership in increasingly digital workplaces, she explores how relational intelligence, empathy, and human connection are becoming the most valuable skills in the AI era. In this conversation, Stoyan and Sarah delve into the concept of relational intelligence (RQ), particularly in the context of AI's rise. They explore how human connection, empathy, and understanding are becoming increasingly vital as technology advances. Sarah shares her personal journey with dyslexia and how it shaped her understanding of communication and relationships. The discussion also touches on the importance of awareness and presence in interactions, the role of neurodiversity in communication styles, and the five signals of relational intelligence that can be developed to enhance interpersonal skills. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Relational Intelligence (RQ) 03:07 The Importance of Human Connection 05:50 Developing Relational Intelligence 09:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Skills 12:01 Understanding Neurodiversity and Communication 14:52 The Five Signals of Relational Intelligence 35:26 The Role of Presence in Communication 39:44 Building Meaningful Connections 43:19 Empathetic Structuring in Organizations 48:05 Understanding Connection Capital 55:23 The Importance of Human Differentiation 01:06:31 Starting Your Journey to Relational Intelligence Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

May 3, 20261 hr 3 min

The Founder Who Chose to Stop Before the Money Ran Out - Productivity Mastery #240 with Marek Kesküll

🚀 In episode #240, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Marek Kesküll, Former Co-founder & CEO at Scorestars. So much talk about success and glorifying entrepreneurship. The reality is much different. Every founder knows it. Despite raising €725K and scaling internationally, Marek and his team made the difficult decision to shut it down before the money ran out. They didn't run out of cash. ❌ They ran out of emotional runway. ✅ Listen to a NO-BS conversation about entrepreneurship, navigating uncertainty and challenges, and having the guts to make the difficult decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Entrepreneurship 03:03 The Journey of Starting a Startup 05:52 Gaining Traction and Early Success 08:59 Challenges in Expansion and Market Understanding 12:01 The Pivot: Adapting to Market Needs 15:04 Fundraising and Investor Relations 18:12 Lessons Learned from Feedback and Iteration 20:54 Reflections on Business Model and Strategy 23:52 The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship 26:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions 33:06 Vision and Strategy: The Road to Success 36:27 The Decision to Shut Down: A Defining Moment 39:32 Navigating Investor Relationships: Communication and Transparency 42:05 The Emotional Roller Coaster of Entrepreneurship 44:19 The Importance of Therapy: Managing Stress and Expectations 49:49 The Power of Community: Support Among Entrepreneurs 56:19 Perseverance in Fundraising: The Path to Success 01:01:52 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Mindset Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

April 15, 20261 hr 5 min

A CEO’s Reflection: How to Thrive in Today's World of Work | Productivity Mastery #239 with Amel Gaily

🚀 In episode #239, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Amel Gaily, CEO at Cuckoo. Amel Gaily is an entrepreneur and CEO of the health technology company Cuckoo Networks. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Amel worked in management positions as CEO of the Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN) and at Nordea. Amel serves on the boards of several different organizations. Amel is also known as the advisor on the Finnish version of the TV show: The Apprentice. Connect with Amel Gaily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelgaily/ And check out the Cuckoo app: https://cuckooworkout.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Challenges 02:58 The Role of AI in Business 06:08 Becoming a CEO: Journey and Motivation 08:53 Navigating Workplace Complexity 12:01 Aligning Teams with Vision 15:10 Effective Communication Strategies 17:48 Creating a Culture of Breaks 21:03 The Importance of Breaks for Productivity 23:48 Implementing Effective Break Strategies 26:57 Building a Supportive Work Environment 29:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook 37:33 Designing Workplace Culture 40:27 The Importance of Breaks and Well-being 43:55 Redefining Work in the Age of AI 46:08 Creating a Fun and Productive Environment 49:41 Energy Management and Work-Life Balance 52:30 Linking Well-being and Performance 54:40 Cultural Insights from Finland 57:34 Lessons from Reality TV: Leadership Insights Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

April 14, 20261 hr 3 min

HR Veteran shares 22+ years of Lessons on Culture Transformation | #238 with David Hanrahan

🚀 In episode #238 , we welcomed David Hanrahan, SVP, People Success at 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 David Hanrahan is coming back to the Productivity Mastery Podcast! His career includes senior roles in HR/People Management, such as 👇 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 (SPV - People Success) 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 (Chief People Officer) 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 (CHRO) 𝐍𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐜. (People & Places) 𝐙𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤 (VP, People) 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 (Director, Human Resources) 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 (Director, Human Resources) 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 (HR Manager) Connect with David on LinkedIn: / davidhanrahan Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:54 Understanding Company Culture 05:58 Markers of a Healthy Culture 09:56 Culture Audits and Assessments 13:10 Aligning Values Post-Acquisition 24:11 Communicating Culture and Values Effectively 30:37 Cultural Sensitivity in Communication 34:56 Empathy Across Cultures 35:25 Protecting Organizational Culture During Growth 39:26 Understanding Candidates Beyond Interviews 42:43 Learning from Leaders and Influencers 46:43 Aligning HR with Business Goals 52:02 Future Skills for HR Leaders 56:23 Staying Updated in a Tech-Driven World 01:00:23 Building Alliances for AI Adoption Enjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing ! __________ Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

March 31, 2026Episode 2371 hr 9 min

The 6 Figure Simplicity: Building a Lifestyle Authority Brand in 2026 - Chris James

🚀 In episode #237, we welcomed Chris James, founder of Content To Clients, who helps coaches, freelancers, and finance professionals attract clients through organic content on Instagram and LinkedIn.With a strong background in B2B sales and marketing, working with brands like FedEx, Subway, and Jack Daniel’s, Chris now focuses on helping people turn their expertise into a client-generating engine.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Productivity Mastery Podcast02:41 Understanding Lifestyle Authority Brand07:55 Reverse Engineering Your Vision10:21 Building Your Personal Brand16:50 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs23:20 Turning Organic Content into Business32:06 The 4C Workflow for LinkedIn Success37:46 Understanding Diverse Communication Preferences41:09 The Importance of Touch Points in Building Trust43:29 Content Creation Strategies and Engagement54:37 Balancing Niche Focus and Authenticity in Content01:05:16 Defining Personal Success and Its Impact on Life01:06:50 Exploring Chris's C2C Program and ResourcesEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast :point_down:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/