Productivity Mastery

Hosted by Stoyan Yankov

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243

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Jun 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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June 11, 20261 hr 9 min

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

🚀 Productivity Mastery #242In this episode, our host Stoyan Yankov welcomed Lubomir Nokov, Cofounder and CEO of one of the most beloved brands in Bulgaria -Harmonica. https://harmonica.bgIt 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Harmonica and Its Origins08:49 The Journey of a CEO: Daily Life and Priorities13:52 Leadership Lessons: Mistakes and Growth18:30 Building a Strong Team: Hiring and Culture24:48 Networking and Curiosity: The Key to Connections30:31 Crisis Management: Navigating Challenges36:45 Worry Management: Strategies for Entrepreneurs39:05 Embracing Imperfection and Self-Compassion42:12 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Struggles and Resilience44:52 The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Beyond the Highlights49:00 Product Development: The Art of Quality and Integrity56:00 Navigating Challenges in Food Production01:02:01 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Patience and ConnectionEnjoy 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/

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/3i5oRSarah 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Relational Intelligence (RQ)03:07 The Importance of Human Connection05:50 Developing Relational Intelligence09:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Skills12:01 Understanding Neurodiversity and Communication14:52 The Five Signals of Relational Intelligence35:26 The Role of Presence in Communication39:44 Building Meaningful Connections43:19 Empathetic Structuring in Organizations48:05 Understanding Connection Capital55:23 The Importance of Human Differentiation01:06:31 Starting Your Journey to Relational IntelligenceEnjoy 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of Entrepreneurship03:03 The Journey of Starting a Startup05:52 Gaining Traction and Early Success08:59 Challenges in Expansion and Market Understanding12:01 The Pivot: Adapting to Market Needs15:04 Fundraising and Investor Relations18:12 Lessons Learned from Feedback and Iteration20:54 Reflections on Business Model and Strategy23:52 The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship26:54 Final Thoughts and Future Directions33:06 Vision and Strategy: The Road to Success36:27 The Decision to Shut Down: A Defining Moment39:32 Navigating Investor Relationships: Communication and Transparency42:05 The Emotional Roller Coaster of Entrepreneurship44:19 The Importance of Therapy: Managing Stress and Expectations49:49 The Power of Community: Support Among Entrepreneurs56:19 Perseverance in Fundraising: The Path to Success01:01:52 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and MindsetEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple 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/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current Challenges02:58 The Role of AI in Business06:08 Becoming a CEO: Journey and Motivation08:53 Navigating Workplace Complexity12:01 Aligning Teams with Vision15:10 Effective Communication Strategies17:48 Creating a Culture of Breaks21:03 The Importance of Breaks for Productivity23:48 Implementing Effective Break Strategies26:57 Building a Supportive Work Environment29:58 Conclusion and Future Outlook37:33 Designing Workplace Culture40:27 The Importance of Breaks and Well-being43:55 Redefining Work in the Age of AI46:08 Creating a Fun and Productive Environment49:41 Energy Management and Work-Life Balance52:30 Linking Well-being and Performance54:40 Cultural Insights from Finland57:34 Lessons from Reality TV: Leadership InsightsEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple 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 Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:54 Understanding Company Culture05:58 Markers of a Healthy Culture09:56 Culture Audits and Assessments13:10 Aligning Values Post-Acquisition24:11 Communicating Culture and Values Effectively30:37 Cultural Sensitivity in Communication34:56 Empathy Across Cultures35:25 Protecting Organizational Culture During Growth39:26 Understanding Candidates Beyond Interviews42:43 Learning from Leaders and Influencers46:43 Aligning HR with Business Goals52:02 Future Skills for HR Leaders56:23 Staying Updated in a Tech-Driven World01:00:23 Building Alliances for AI AdoptionEnjoy 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/

March 24, 2026Episode 2361 hr 1 min

3x Exits & Millions in ARR: Entrepreneurial Lessons by the Startup Warrior: Productivity Mastery #236 with Mikael da Costa

🚀 In episode #236, we welcomed Mikael da Costa, the founder and CEO of WP SEO AI, an AI-powered SEO platform that has scaled to 180 employees and serves over 1,500 companies across Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany.Prior to that, he scaled several companies to EUR millions in annual recurring revenue (ARR), raising funding to fuel their growth, and successfully leading 3 businesses to exits. Throughout his journey, he has been recognized as a finalist for both Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Leader of the Year. He has also been featured on the cover of Myynti & Markkinointi magazine for his work in sales and marketing innovation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Entrepreneurship03:02 The Reality of Entrepreneurship06:00 Challenges and Sacrifices in Entrepreneurship08:48 Building a Business Blueprint11:49 Sales and Market Validation14:33 Productivity and Prioritization Strategies17:40 Books and Lessons Learned30:49 Prioritization and Daily Practices33:13 Building a Core Team35:42 Values and Leadership Principles38:19 Creating a Supportive Culture42:40 Nurturing Relationships and Team Practices48:30 Mindset and Resilience in Entrepreneurship53:40 Navigating Challenges and Maintaining FocusEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to the Productivity Mastery Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

March 17, 2026Episode 2351 hr 4 min

Navigating Change: From Sailing to HR Leadership | Productivity Mastery #235 with Marina Takacs

🚀 In episode #235, we welcomed Marina Takacs, who is a forward-thinking and innovation-driven HR leader with over ten years of experience in the pharmaceutical and IT industries, helping organizations turn transformation into opportunity. She is known for her sensible and human-centered approach to people, focusing on building high-performing teams and shaping cultures where leadership, creativity, and people-centric thinking drive real business impact. In 2026, navigating change effectively is becoming more crucial than ever. - AI Integration and Ethics- Talent Retention and Recruitment- Declining Engagement and Burnout- Hybrid Culture and Communication- Management effectiveness in times of change- Compliance and regulations...These are just some of the topics HR leaders need to deal with. And it requires one to develop an entirely new mindset to succeed. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:46 Sailing and Leadership: Navigating Change05:49 The Evolving Role of HR in Uncertain Times08:48 Building Resilience and Adaptability in Teams12:06 Calm Leadership in Crisis Situations15:09 The Importance of Preparation18:00 Communication and Trust in Organizations20:59 Developing Wartime Leaders23:56 Creating Ownership and Purpose in Teams33:24 Rethinking Job Descriptions35:03 Core Values for Team Success38:42 Embedding Culture in Recruitment42:08 Navigating Burnout and Self-Care45:29 The Role of Ego in Leadership48:03 Sailing as a Leadership Tool52:32 Leading Through Sustained Crisis58:44 Prioritizing in Changing TimesEnjoy 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/

March 15, 2026Episode 2341 hr 13 min

Toxic Culture at Work? Been There, Done That | Productivity Mastery #234 with Martina Georgieva

🚀 In episode #234, we welcomed Dr. Martina Georgieva. Martina Georgieva is a senior HR executive and organizational design specialist. Serving as HR Director for a corporate group comprising over 1,400 employees across more than 20 entities, she has successfully driven enterprise-wide people strategies.Her executive focus centres on change management, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance, and corporate ethics. Dr. Georgieva holds a degree in European and International Law from the University of Trento (Italy) and a PhD examining anti-corruption measures and the role of human resources in building corporate internal control systems. She is a recognized thought leader and regular contributor on executive leadership and comparative labour law for prominent business publications, including Forbes Bulgaria and Manager magazine.In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the term "toxic culture" is often thrown around, but what does it really mean? Many employees find themselves in environments where they feel excluded, undervalued, and demoralized. In this episode, we explore the concept of toxic workplace culture, its implications, and actionable strategies for creating a healthier work environment.Chapters00:00 Cultural Transition: From Italy to Australia01:53 Understanding Toxic Culture08:32 Signs of Toxic Culture13:44 Origins of Toxic Culture18:24 Leadership and Toxicity22:44 The Duality of Leadership25:46 Hidden Toxicity in Organizations27:08 The Reality of Toxic Work Cultures31:58 Empowerment and Responsibility in the Workplace34:46 Cultural Change Starts with Individuals40:33 Creating a Nurturing Work Environment48:43 Defining Values and Behaviors in Organizations56:01 The Importance of Continuous Care in LeadershipEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/

February 23, 2026Episode 23337 min

Becoming a Bookable Speaker | Productivity Mastery #233 with Rajjan El Alaoui

🚀 In episode #233, we welcomed Rajjan El AlaouiRajjan El Alaoui is the Director of Speakers at Athenas NL and the founder of The Speakers & The AI Agency. His job is to recommend and book speakers for events and to manage the whole process. He entered the speakers industry at just 17 years old and has since built more than seven years of hands-on experience as an entrepreneur in the world of talks, live events, and talent development. Listen to this episode and learn: - How Rajjan joined the speaking industry 17- What is a speaker bureau and how it operates- Effective strategies to increase your visibility as a speaker- What makes a speaker bookable over and over again - How to increase your chances of being booked at the most relevant events- What would Rajjan do if he were starting his speaking career todayAnd a lot more. Connect with Rajjan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajjanelalaoui/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Speaking Industry03:08 The Role of a Speaker Bureau05:56 What Makes a Speaker Bookable?09:58 Evaluating Speakers for Events14:42 The Importance of Storytelling20:51 Building a Speaker Profile29:46 Strategies for Finding Speaking Opportunities33:37 Keys to Consistent BookabilityEnjoy listening and #KeepPERFORMing!__________Subscribe to Productivity Mastery Podcast 👇Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DHrGKvqCduaXrEHrHazAR?si=92e8b757ef55433bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productivity-mastery/id1514614289Website:https://stoyanyankov.com/podcast/