Time to Reset

Hosted by Penny Zenker

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Episodes

371

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

In a world full of challenges, complexity, and distractions, Time to Reset is your guide to tackling any obstacle with clarity, focus, and a fresh perspective. Join your host, 2 times #1 best-selling author and international keynote speaker, Penny Zenker. Each episode offers actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and practical insights for time management tips, innovation strategies, leadership lessons, problem-solving, business growth, and more. Take this Time to Reset .

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202619 min

Is AI Making Us Dumb? The Surprising Truth About Critical Thinking, Productivity & Human Intelligence

Is AI making us smarter—or slowly making us dependent on technology?In this episode of the Time to Reset Podcast, Penny Zenker explores one of the most important questions facing leaders, professionals, educators, and organizations today: Is AI making us dumb?After a thought-provoking conversation with executives and HR leaders, Penny dives into both sides of the debate. Some believe AI is reducing creativity, weakening critical thinking, and encouraging people to outsource their judgment. Others see AI as a powerful tool that accelerates learning, boosts productivity, and amplifies human potential.Drawing on research from Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon, and workplace studies involving thousands of employees, Penny reveals why the real question isn't whether AI is making us smarter or dumber—it's how AI is changing the way we think.In this episode, you'll discover:✅ How AI impacts critical thinking and decision-making ✅ The hidden risk of complacency in the age of AI ✅ Why AI can accelerate learning and expertise development ✅ The difference between delegating your thinking and expanding your thinking ✅ How leaders can use AI without sacrificing judgment and discernment ✅ The role of Reset Moments in maintaining clarity and intentional thinking ✅ Why the future belongs to people who know how to think with AI, not just use AIWhether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, educator, knowledge worker, or simply curious about the future of artificial intelligence, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and help you develop a healthier relationship with AI.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

June 5, 202621 min

Reset Your Customer Experience: Why Systems Fail Without Human Connection With Barbara Khozam

What’s broken in customer experience today—and why does it feel harder than ever to get real help? In this episode of Time to Reset, customer experience expert Barbara Khozam reveals why businesses are losing customers despite better technology, faster systems, and more automation than ever before. The problem? We’ve optimized for efficiency—but forgotten how to connect as humans. You’ll learn: Why “processing customers” is hurting your businessThe critical gap between digital experience and human interaction3 overlooked customer touchpoints that make or break loyaltyHow small details (like greetings and follow-ups) create massive impactWhy leadership—not employees—is often the root of poor customer serviceHow to gather meaningful customer feedback (without annoying people) If you’re a business owner, leader, or anyone responsible for customer or client experience, this conversation will help you rethink how you show up—and how your customers feel. Key takeaway:👉 The best customer experience strategy isn’t more technology—it’s better human connection.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

May 29, 202612 min

Inbox Zero Is Dead: What to Do Instead

Is inbox zero actually making you more productive… or just more reactive?In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker challenges one of the biggest productivity myths of the modern workplace: the obsession with clearing your inbox.Penny breaks down why email has become one of the greatest drains on our time, energy, and focus — and why using your inbox to drive your day keeps you stuck in reaction mode instead of focused on what truly matters.She also shares:Why “inbox zero” is an outdated strategyHow AI and modern tools are changing productivityThe mindset shift that creates more clarity and controlWhy your email should never be your task listSimple ways to reduce overwhelm and regain focusPlus, Penny opens up about her experience trying the email tool Superhuman and the surprising lesson it revealed about resistance, flexibility, and adapting to new ways of working.If you’re tired of feeling buried in email and ready to reclaim your focus, this episode is your permission slip to let go of inbox zero for good.#Productivity #InboxZero #TimeToReset #PennyZenker #Focus #EmailManagement #AIProductivity #WorkplaceEfficiency #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetShiftLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

May 22, 202625 min

The Purpose Reckoning: How To Anchor Your Team By Redefining Impact In The Future Workplace With Joshua Evans

What does purpose at work really mean—and why are so many people getting it wrong?In this powerful episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker sits down with bestselling author and workplace behavior expert Joshua M. Evans to challenge conventional thinking around purpose, engagement, and fulfillment in today’s workplace.Together, they unpack why modern work culture has “cheapened” the idea of purpose—and how shallow definitions of success, roles, and productivity are driving disengagement across organizations. With nearly 80% of employees feeling disconnected, this conversation dives deep into what’s missing and how leaders can create meaningful human connection at work.Joshua shares compelling real-world stories—from an Uber driver driven by a personal mission to the hidden emotional impact behind everyday jobs—to illustrate how any role can become purposeful when viewed through the lens of impact rather than tasks.You’ll discover:Why defining work by roles and KPIs leads to disengagementThe difference between transactional work and meaningful contributionHow to create deeper emotional connection within teams and organizationsWhy “human resources” thinking may be hurting company culturePractical ways to reconnect with purpose—no matter your jobIf you’ve ever wondered how to feel more fulfilled at work, improve employee engagement, or lead with greater impact, this episode offers a powerful reset.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

May 15, 202611 min

How to Manage Your Emotions Under Pressure | Shift Your State & Stay Calm

What if the key to better decisions, stronger relationships, and less stress was learning how to manage your emotional state in the moment?In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker explores practical techniques for emotional regulation, shifting your energy, and responding calmly under pressure instead of reacting emotionally.You’ll learn:How to shift your state when feeling stressed, triggered, or overwhelmedWhy awareness is the first step to emotional masterySimple tools to regulate emotions quickly using music, curiosity, reframing, and self-talkHow high performers, athletes, and leaders stay resourceful in difficult momentsWhy slowing down the moment can help you make better decisionsTechniques for managing emotional triggers in work and lifePenny also shares relatable examples from everyday life and popular culture, including lessons inspired by Chris Rock and the TV show Ozark, to demonstrate how composure and emotional control can completely change outcomes.If you’ve ever wondered:How do I stop reacting emotionally?How can I stay calm under pressure?What are the best emotional regulation techniques?How do successful people manage stress and triggers?…this episode is for you.Listen now and learn how to become the “professional noticer” of your emotions so you can reset your mindset, shift your energy, and show up as your best self.#EmotionalIntelligence #Mindset #StressManagement #EmotionalRegulation #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #SelfAwareness #MindsetShift #TimeToReset #PennyZenkerLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

May 8, 202624 min

Stop Learning, Start Applying: The Performance Platform That Turns Learning Into Applied Skill Mastery With Alex Kutsishin

In this episode, we sit down with Alex, co-founder and CEO of Fuel, to explore why traditional learning methods are failing—and what’s replacing them. With information overload at an all-time high, simply consuming knowledge is no longer enough. The real advantage comes from applying what you learn in real time.We dive into the science behind the “forgetting curve,” why most learning management systems don’t work, and how microlearning, AI, and performance-based platforms are reshaping the way we grow, lead, and succeed. Alex shares how Fuel is helping individuals and organizations move from passive learning to active application through bite-sized lessons, expert guidance, and personalized AI coaching.If you’re looking to learn faster, retain more, and actually use what you know—this conversation will change how you think about learning forever.🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why 70% of what you learn disappears within 24 hoursThe difference between knowledge-based learning vs. performance-based learningHow microlearning improves retention and real-world applicationThe role of AI in personalized, scalable learningHow to break through skill plateaus with expert feedbackWhy applying knowledge—not memorizing it—is the key to successWhether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, this episode will help you rethink how you learn—and how you perform.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

May 1, 202611 min

The Clarity Compression Effect: How to Focus on What Matters & Eliminate Overwhelm

Feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck in the weeds of your business or life? In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker introduces a powerful concept: The Clarity Compression Effect.Learn how intentionally limiting your time, energy, or resources can actually create sharper focus, better decisions, and higher productivity. Inspired in part by ideas from Tim Ferriss, Penny shares how constraints can become a catalyst for clarity—not chaos.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why doing more is actually holding you backHow “time compression” forces better prioritiesA simple exercise to identify what truly moves the needleWhat to delegate, eliminate, or redesign in your workflowHow to reclaim your time, energy, and focusWhether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most.🎯 Key Takeaway: Clarity doesn’t come from more time—it comes from better constraints.👉 Grab Penny’s free Clarity Compression exercise: https://clarityfirst.me/compression-effectLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

April 24, 202627 min

Podcasting For Small Business: The Essential Blueprint To Scale Your Authority With Raymond Sidney-Smith

Success in modern entrepreneurship often hinges on your ability to build a "parasocial" bond with your audience, and there is no better medium to achieve this for small businesses than podcasting. Productivity guru and entrepreneur Raymond Sidney-Smith joins the show to share the essential blueprint for launching a show that converts listeners into loyal clients by leveraging the "magic" of audio storytelling.  Ray shares his background in productivity, organization, and entrepreneurship, explaining how his passion for helping small business owners led him to podcasting. The conversation highlights why he believes every business should consider having a podcast—not just as a marketing channel, but as a way to build trust, connect with audiences, and increase visibility. Topics discussed:The unique power of audio storytelling and how it builds strong audience relationshipsDifferent podcast formats (solo, interviews, panels) and when to use themHow podcasting can boost business growth and brand awarenessThe role of AI in streamlining podcast creation and promotionCommon mistakes business owners make when starting a podcastLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

April 17, 202610 min

Clarity First: The Hidden Cost of Cognitive Overload (And How to Reset)

Feeling mentally foggy, overwhelmed, or stretched too thin? You’re not alone—and it’s not a lack of discipline. It’s cognitive overload.In this solo episode of Time to Reset, Penny Zenker breaks down why constant inputs are draining your energy, slowing your decisions, and leading to burnout. More importantly, she shares a simple but powerful framework: aligning your inputs with your outputs.Learn how to: ✔ Audit what’s consuming your attention ✔ Reduce “brain fry” and reclaim your focus ✔ Create a reset rhythm that actually works ✔ Simplify complexity by focusing on what’s nextIt’s not about doing more—it’s about getting clear on what matters most.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/

April 10, 202647 min

The 3 Buckets For LinkedIn Sales Success And AI Prospecting With Brynne Tillman

Are you frustrated by the ever-changing LinkedIn algorithm and feeling like your content isn't reaching your connections? Today, Penny Zenker hits LinkedIn sales expert Brynne Tillman, CEO of Social Sales Link and co-author of The LinkedIn Edge, with the hard questions about what's actually working in today's environment.Brynne breaks down the new rules of the LinkedIn "game" and shares her comprehensive "3 Buckets" framework to turn LinkedIn into a powerful sales tool:Profile Optimization: Moving your profile from a resume to a resource that converts.Content and Engagement: Mastering the 5-point content strategy to compel action and engagement.Prospecting: Implementing a strategic, value-driven process to gain warm market referrals.Plus, learn about the powerful CRISPY™ framework for leveraging AI in prompt writing for pre-call planning and generating high-quality content that guarantees meaningful conversations.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/