Dave Crenshaw's Blog, page 9

The Design Evangelista, Ayse Birsel

Discover how Ayse Birsel embraced her natural talents for problem-solving and creativity to become an award-winning industrial designer, working with major brands like Amazon, Toyota, and IKEA. In this episode, you’ll learn how impactful relationships and mentors can be in your life. Ayse also shares how she uses a life roadmap and views problems as opportunities for a successful, balanced life. Listen to her inspirational story. Then, select one of the actions below to infuse her wisdom into your life today!

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

Create a life roadmap. Sit down and sketch out the highlights from your life. Explore the lessons you’ve learned along the way, and plan out where you want to go next. ACTION: Schedule a date in your calendar to design your life roadmap.Mentorship. There’s significant value in having or being a mentor. Whether you’re being helped, or you’re helping someone else, the relationship created can be life-changing. ACTION: Ask someone you admire in your industry if they’ll be your mentor. If you’re already at a high level, consider being a mentor instead.Adopt an optimistic mindset. Instead of viewing everything as a problem, adjust your mindset and look at them as opportunities. ACTION: If you’re facing a challenging issue right now, ask yourself, “What if this is an opportunity to make something better?”

Guest Resources

You can continue to learn from Ayse Birsel by subscribing to her newsletter. You can also purchase her book, Design the Life You Love.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

Productivity Tips: Finding Your Productive Mindset

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Bonus Episode: Humility & Confidence - The Crenshaw Family

Join my family in this special episode as we discuss the success principle of humility and confidence. Together, my kids and I define the meaning of being humble as accepting feedback with a growth mindset.

We discuss how being confident doesn’t mean always feeling that you know what to do, which may lead to arrogance. Instead, humility and confidence give you the courage to ask more questions and believe in your ability to succeed.

Then, we all share ideas for how to use these principles to be more successful in our daily lives.

Action Principle

Have confidence in reaching your goals. By being confident in your ability to reach a goal, you’ll be more likely to stay on course when things get hard. Be humble enough to ask for advice when you need it. ACTION: Create a vision board of you achieving your goal and keep it where you see it daily.

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

The Million-Copy Bestselling Author, Michael Bungay-Stanier

Learn how Michael Bungay-Stanier became a bestselling author and coach to top executives across the world. In this episode, you’ll discover why Michael believes in standing out and being weird to reach your goals. His unusual choices helped him thrive in many situations, from being selected as Rhodes scholar to self-publishing a book that sold over a million copies. Listen to his story, then choose which action you believe will help you stand out in your journey towards success.

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

Be different. Figure out what makes you unique. Then, use it to make yourself stand out from the crowd.  ACTION: Ask yourself, “How can I differentiate this just a little bit to stand out?”Be more curious. The first answer that comes to mind may not be the right one. Dig deeper. ACTION: When you’re having a tough conversation, ask more questions to get a better understanding.Consider forming a partnership. It can be easier to succeed when you have the right support. A successful partnership can provide the skills you lack and support to keep motivated. ACTION: Ask yourself if there’s a partnership that would help you be more successful and submit a proposal. Set clear expectations upfront. If you’re working with others, always communicate expectations at the beginning. This helps minimize misunderstandings and conflicts in the future. ACTION: Request a meeting to discuss expectations at the start of a partnership and put it in writing. 

Guest Resources

If you’d like to follow Michael Bungay-Stanier, you can subscribe to his podcast, Two Pages. If you’re interested in personal development, visit his page MBS.works. If you’re interested in corporate solutions, visit BoxofCrayons.com. You can find his book, The Coaching Habit, on Amazon.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

A Bold New Approach to Goal Setting

Unique Habits: Be Successful Your Own Way

Free Time Management Course

Thanks to Dave Crenshaw's partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, you can get free access to his full course, Time Management Fundamentals, at DaveGift.com.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

The Ambassador of Underrepresented Women, Octavia Goredema

Learn how Octavia Goredema went from struggling with confidence to being recognized by the Queen of England for her astounding work. Her determined spirit, tenacity, and preparation helped Octavia push through adversity and become an accomplished coach and author for underrepresented women. Discover why she believes her success has grown due to becoming a mother and wife. Then, listen to the recommended actions pulled from her story. Choose one to apply to your own life and take another step closer to balanced success.

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

Don’t be afraid to ask. Push through your fear of rejection. Understand your value and ask for what you want in life. One action you could take: Pick an opportunity you’d like to explore and ask for it.Join a mastermind group. Find a group of like-minded people. People who share similar interests and goals help motivate you. One action you could take: Seek out a group to join or create one with a few people you know and respect.Be a mentor. When you give value, you ultimately learn, as well. A giving mindset leads to success. One action you could take: Offer to help someone else grow in their career by sharing your insights with them.Record accomplishments. Keep an ongoing record of goals you’ve achieved and wins throughout the year, big or small. It’s easy to forget the good moments. One action you could take: Schedule a regular time to record weekly wins, accomplishments, and other good moments. Review this annually for a boost of motivation.

Guest Resources

If you enjoyed Octavia’s story and would like to learn more about her, you can visit  at OctaviaGoredema.com. You can also purchase her book “Prep, Push, Pivot” on Amazon. Follow her on LinkedIn to keep up with her latest projects, as well.

Suggested LinkedIn Learning Courses

How to Ask Productive Questions 

How to Make Work More Meaningful 

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

The Entrepreneurial Dentists, Drs. Saam Zarrabi and Yahya Mansour

Discover how Drs. Saam Zarrabi and Yahya Mansour became leaders in the dental industry by revolutionizing technology and methodology in their field. As successful entrepreneurs, they’ve grown their Rodeo Dental business chain to over 40 locations across the western US and are still growing today! Learn how they built a dental empire through friendship, determination, contrarian mindsets, and a strong aptitude for business. Then, listen to the recommended action steps derived from their shared journey. Choose the one you believe will help move you along your own path to success!

Action Principles  

Pick one to do this week: 

Find a mentor. A good mentor is a powerful tool for success. This person can help you stay motivated and learn new skills. One action you could take: Pick a mentor and offer them something of value first before asking anything in return. Know your weakness. Stop trying to do things you know you’re not good at and outsource it instead. Focus on your strengths. One action you could take: Take Dave’s course, Discovering Your Strengths, to assess both strengths and weaknesses.Create a healthy work-life rhythm. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time and prioritize it. You’ll avoid burnout and maximize productivity, as a result. One action you could take: Schedule work hours and stick to it. When it’s time to quit, stop and go spend time with your family or enjoying a favorite hobby.Be part of a mastermind group. The support of fellow professionals can accelerate your own growth. One action you can take: Research mastermind groups in your field and request to join one that gets your attention.Be reliable. Keep your promises and follow through on commitments. One action you can take: Use your calendar to schedule commitments. This way, you’ll avoid overspending your time.

GUEST RESOURCES

If you’d like to learn more about Drs. Saam Zarrabi and Yahya Mansour, you can follow them on LinkedIn or visit their website, Rodeo Dental. You can also hire Dr. Yahya Mansour to speak at your next event or as a business coach by going to his website, The Dr. Mansour.

SUGGESTED COURSES

Entrepreneurship: Find and Test Your Business Idea- DaveCrenshaw.com/ideaDiscovering Your Strengths - Davecrenshaw.com/strengthsTime Management Fundamentals - Davecrenshaw.com/time

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

The Joyful Systemizer, Jenny Blake - The Dave Crenshaw Success Project

Learn how Jenny Blake used her talent for identifying patterns and simplifying processes to become the expert in career development. In this episode, you’ll discover how she used her gift for systemization to help others. She shares the process, step-by-step, that led her to becoming a bestselling author and host to one of the top career development podcast shows in the country. She breaks down every action she took to fulfill her dream. Join us and find out how you can use Jenny’s simplified systems to reach your goals, find a healthy work-life rhythm, and enjoy your life now!

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

Consume knowledge consistently. Adopting a mindset of continuous learning allows you to grow and be ready for new opportunities. One action you could take: Make a commitment to read one book on a topic you’re interested in each month. Ask more questions. Be more curious! When talking to someone, try to reach beyond the surface by asking more meaningful questions. One action you could take: The next time you’re talking to someone, ask more questions that start with “why, what, or how.”Adopt a helpful mindset. When you learn something new with the intent of helping others, you’ll internalize the information and better understand it. One action you could take: Before you begin learning, ask yourself, “How will this information position me to help others?”Set up experiments. When you experiment on new ideas, with no commitment to the outcome, you’ll begin to see patterns emerge and give you more direction. One action you could take: Choose one experiment to test an idea you have and see where it leads. Be observant. Step back and be an observer of your own life to see what direction you should take next. One action you could take: Observe your life for two weeks, then take note of what energized you and what drained you. Use this information to maximize your time.Plan for free time. When you intentionally work towards having more free time, you’ll reach a more balanced level of success. One action you could take: Ask yourself, “What action can I do today that will free up more time for fun in the future?” Then schedule time to do it. 

Guest Resources

Prepare for your next career move with Jenny’s award-winning book and podcast, The Pivot Method. If you’re looking for systems to simplify your life, you’ll love Jenny’s book and podcast, Free Time. If you’d like to continue learning from Jenny, follow her on LinkedIn.

Suggested Courses

Time Management Fundamentals - Dave Crenshaw on LinkedIn Learning

How to Ask Productive Questions - Dave Crenshaw on LinkedIn Learning

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

The TIME Magazine Kid of the Year, Orion Jean - The Dave Crenshaw Success Project

Join us to hear how Orion Jean is changing lives with his foundation, Race to Kindness. He started out by spreading joy at a local children’s hospital with a $500 prize he won in a writing contest. Then, with his parent’s support, he went on to make an impact larger than he ever imagined. He was named Time’s Kid of the Year, raised funds for over 100,000 families and collected over 500,000 books for children. Find out how he and his family did it and how you can apply those lessons to your own journey for success.

Action Principles  

Pick one to do this week: 

Be optimistic. When you adopt a mindset that “everything’s going to work out,” you’re more likely to be successful. One action you could take: When you feel yourself thinking negatively, stop and look for something positive instead and focus on it.Seek out partnerships. It’s not only okay to get help, it’s encouraged! Strategic partnerships can make a big difference in your success. One action you could take: Research people or companies that have succeeded at what you’re trying to do, and reach out to them for help.Acquire new skills as you go. Learn new skills needed to keep moving forward instead of giving up. One action you could take: Take an online course on a skill you need to reach your goal.Focus on your why. When you know the reason why you’re doing something, it’s easier to push through opposition.  One action you could take: Write your “why” down and place it somewhere you’ll see it regularly.

Guest Resources

If you’d like to join Orion and his family in their mission to spread kindness around the world, you can go to RaceForKindness.com. 

You can find Orion's book, A Kids Book About Leadership, here: https://amzn.to/3U8Xok9

Suggested Courses

Making Big Goals Achievable - Dave Crenshaw on LinkedIn Learning

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Bonus Episode: Gratitude - The Crenshaw Family

Join my family in this special episode as we discuss the success principle of gratitude. This is a lesson shared in a recent episode, “The Refugee Turned Millionaire, Tahani Aburaneh,” on The Dave Crenshaw Success Project. Together, my kids and I break down the importance of being grateful and how it relates to achieving balanced success. Then, we all share ideas for how to be more intentional with gratitude in our daily lives.

Action Principles

Pick one to do this week. 

Practice gratitude consistently. When you’re consistent about being grateful, it’ll become a habit. ACTION: Choose a schedule for expressing gratitude in whatever way you’re comfortable with and commit to it. Express gratitude towards others. When you vocalize your appreciation, it reinforces the mindset of gratitude. ACTION: Tell a friend or family member you’re grateful for their support.Write it down. When you put it in writing, you can use it as a source of motivation on a hard day. ACTION: Start a gratitude journal.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

Success Principles: Gratitude - The Crenshaw Family

Join my family in this special episode as we discuss the success principle of gratitude. This is a lesson shared in a recent episode, “The Refugee Turned Millionaire, Tahani Aburaneh,” on The Dave Crenshaw Success Project. Together, my kids and I break down the importance of being grateful and how it relates to achieving balanced success. Then, we all share ideas for how to be more intentional with gratitude in our daily lives.

Action Principles

Pick one to do this week. 

Practice gratitude consistently. When you’re consistent about being grateful, it’ll become a habit. ACTION: Choose a schedule for expressing gratitude in whatever way you’re comfortable with and commit to it. Express gratitude towards others. When you vocalize your appreciation, it reinforces the mindset of gratitude. ACTION: Tell a friend or family member you’re grateful for their support.Write it down. When you put it in writing, you can use it as a source of motivation on a hard day. ACTION: Start a gratitude journal.

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com

The Strategic Thinker, Dorie Clark - The Dave Crenshaw Success Project

Discover how Dorie Clark took the world by storm by the young age of 14 and later became a world-renowned keynote speaker, consultant, and bestselling author. In this episode, you’ll learn how to get your ideas shared publicly, why making genuine connections is essential, and how to open yourself up to new ideas. She outlines what actions she took to expose herself to new opportunities continuously. She offers specific advice on how to make more genuine connections in life. Dorie also shares her plan of action to help you publicly share your ideas and solidify your reputation as an expert in your field. Learn why you need to think strategically and how to play the long game to live a more balanced, successful life. 

Action Principles 

Pick one to do this week: 

Expose yourself to new, challenging ideas. This will expand your knowledge and possibly lead to new opportunities. ACTION: Read a book on a new, unfamiliar topic.Make genuine connections with others. Increase your desire to connect genuinely with others and grow your network. ACTION: Pick someone you’d like to know more about and ask them specific questions, like what they enjoy doing for fun, to learn more about them. Share your ideas publicly. This gives others something transmissible to share about you and will strengthen your reputation as an expert on the topic. ACTION: Choose your idea and share it publicly, either in an audio, video, or text format. Host an event. Instead of waiting to be invited to an event, BE the host. ACTION: Invite others to join you for an activity.

Guest Resources

You can learn more about Dorie’s newest book, The Long Game, you can find it at dorieclark.com/thelonggame. She has several wonderful courses on LinkedIn Learning, as well. You can also follow Dorie on LinkedIn. 

Suggested Courses

Strategic Thinking - https://www.linkedin.com/learning/strategic-thinking/embrace-the-strategic-thinking-mindset

Time Management Fundamentals - davecrenshaw.com/time

Dave Crenshaw develops productive leaders in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations of every size. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, the most popular of which is The Myth of Multitasking—a time management bestseller. As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. DaveCrenshaw.com