Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life

What if it just took six deep breaths to reset your focus and lower your stress? In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Kevin Connelly, a former human trafficking interventionist, who now helps athletes, therapists, first responders, and addiction professionals reduce anxiety and improve performance using intentional breathing. He calls breathwork a high-performance skill, and overcame his own severe depression and insomnia in just ten days using breathwork. Together, they unpack how breathwork can be used for a competitive edge by people in demanding or high-stress jobs, why it’s a little-known high-performance focus skill, and how short breathing resets throughout your day impact your physiology for a stronger sense of control over your time, confidence, and wellbeing. Kevin explains that “coherent breathing,” which involves equal-length inhales and exhales through the nose, uses the same small-stress principle, known as hormesis, that elite athletes rely on to strengthen the body's…

What if you could lower stress, sharpen focus, and reset your nervous system in less time than it takes to brew a cup of coffee? In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca sits down with Eli Susman, PhD—psychologist, former Harvard researcher, and author of Micropractice—to reveal how science-backed 30-second habits deliver the same cognitive and emotional benefits as hours of traditional meditation. If you struggle with afternoon energy slumps, constant overwhelm, or chronic burnout, adding an hour-long wellness routine to an already packed calendar isn’t the answer. Eli bridges clinical psychology and practical neuroscience to demonstrate how intentional micromoments—from 20 seconds of self-compassionate touch to micro-bursts of movement—can recalibrate your brain on demand, beat decision fatigue, and transform your relationship with time. In this episode, you’ll discover: The 30-Second Reset: How brief micro-habits replicate the mental clarity and vagal tone benefits of long meditation sessions.…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca draws on her background in performance psychology and leadership development to share how a simple shift in assumption can transform both the challenges you face and the way you connect with others. Rebecca explores how our assumptions shape resilience and interpersonal connection, and why shifting to assume that solutions, and support, are already within reach reframes every problem. This isn't about blind optimism, she explains, but a practical mindset framework that lowers stress and opens the door to creativity. If you've ever struggled with chronic overwhelm, self-doubt before presentations, or draining conflict in relationships, this episode offers actionable strategies for instant clarity and calm. Rebecca also covers: How assuming a solution exists, rather than assuming a problem is unsolvable, changes your stress response in the moment Why believing people already like you, rather than needing to win them over, can lower stress and sharpen focus A simple…

How can you create more space in your calendar, protect your energy, and stay productive without burning out? In Part 2 of Rebecca Shaddix’s conversation with Fran Hauser, they explore practical time-management strategies for setting boundaries, avoiding overscheduling, and planning work around your natural energy levels. Fran is the author of the bestselling book “The Myth of the Nice Girl" and the new book “Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour.” She is also a former Fortune 500 President, startup investor and advisor, and owner of Bedford Books. Fran explains how each day moves through three energy rhythms: peak performance, creativity, and restorative time. She shares how to match important tasks to each rhythm instead of forcing yourself to do demanding work when your energy is low. Rebecca and Fran also discuss why hour-by-hour default time blocking can create pressure and contribute to burnout. Fran explains how 10-minute buffers between meetings can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and give you time to reset.…

What if some of your productivity habits are actually wasting your time? In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca Shaddix speaks with Fran Hauser, author of The Myth of the Nice Girl and the forthcoming book Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour. Fran is a former Fortune 500 executive, startup investor and advisor, and owner of Bedford Books. Fran explains how four common habits—people-pleasing, perfectionism, procrastination, and padding—can drain your time and lead to burnout. She also shares how a 20-minute mindset can improve focus, reduce overwhelm, and help you make meaningful progress. Not all procrastination is harmful. A short, intentional thinking break can support creative problem-solving and lead to better ideas. The greater time costs often come from overplanning, adding extra time to tasks, and waiting for perfect conditions. Rebecca and Fran also discuss how to take messy action, manage your inner critic, build confidence, and shorten meetings and work blocks. These practical time-management…

What if your “bad” habits aren’t actually problems you need to fix? What if you can use them to make work and life easier? In Part 2 of their conversation, Rebecca speaks with Amanda Natividad, marketing leader at SparkToro and co-author of the forthcoming book Zero Click Marketing. Amanda grew her Twitter audience from 700 to more than 100,000 followers in just one year. Her career has also taken her from culinary school to startup growth. Amanda explains how she builds her schedule around the way she works best. Her firm 4 p.m. cutoff pushes her to complete important work during her most productive hours. It also keeps work from taking over her evening and causing burnout. She and Rebecca discuss how simple changes to your environment can make family routines easier and reduce daily stress. The main idea is simple: If a pattern keeps emerging, the way to use it to your advantage isn’t always a matter of willpower or discipline. Sometimes, you just need to make small changes to find a system that works with…

How do you protect your focus when your day is full of interruptions, complex tasks, and constant context-switching? Rebecca speaks with Amanda Natividad, marketing leader at SparkToro and co-author of the forthcoming book Zero Click Marketing, who has built an engaged audience across social media platforms and defined brand categories for tech startups. This episode unpacks how Amanda stays focused while building a marketing function, writing a book, hosting a podcast, and parenting, all while managing constant context-switching throughout the day. Amanda shares the tools she uses to stay organized, including low-tech options like a magnetic white board desk pad, and AI-powered tools like Wispr Flow for speech-to-tech transcriptions for emails and social media posts. She also shares the frameworks behind her decision-making process for prioritizing tasks. Amanda explains that prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance, combined with a simple "parking lot" system for capturing stray ideas and errands,…

Why is it so hard to start the habits we want, and stop the ones we don’t, even when what to prioritize? In part 2 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with Mark Talaga, performance coach and host of the Hopelessly Gifted podcast, executive functioning specialist. Mark explains that your brain can’t process negatives, so rather than telling yourself “don’t scroll,” you create an identity as someone who is mindful and focused. If you’ve ever struggled with getting started or stopping a habit, wrestled with shame or self-labels, or felt overwhelmed by simple tasks, this conversation offers process-driven strategies to boost confidence and reduce burnout. What You'll Learn: How replacing unwanted habits with new identity cues vs. relying on prohibition leads to lasting change Why making a system bigger, adding supports and micromoments, beats minimal incremental tweaks The counterintuitive power of positives vs. negatives in executive functioning and habit formation How forced-ranking priorities reveals the…

Why do high-achievers struggle with burnout, procrastination, and follow-through, even when they know exactly what they need to do? In part 1 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with Mark Talaga, licensed professional counselor, speaker, and founder of the Center for Identity Potential, who has helped gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent individuals, families, and organizations decode executive function struggles and reclaim productivity without burnout. Together, they unpack what drives burnout in high-achievers and why viewing exhaustion as a series of executive function glitches can transform how we manage our time and wellbeing. Mark explains that burnout isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem but a sign that specific brain processes, like initiation, sustaining, prioritization, sequencing, and emotional regulation, are working overtime or missing key supports. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling overwhelmed by urgent tasks, losing focus mid-project, or falling into a shame spiral when habits…

This episode of Time Billionaires explores a simple question: how can quick, intentional micromoments reset your focus and creativity, without changing your schedule? Rebecca shares research-backed micro-practices you can use in under two minutes to reset your nervous system, spark new ideas, and reduce overwhelm during the workday. She explains why brief, body-based breaks such as lying down for 60 seconds instead of scrolling your phone can shift your mind out of stress mode and into focus. If you've ever struggled with digital overload, creative blocks, or restless transitions between tasks, this episode offers practical, science-backed rituals you can start using today. Rebecca covers: Why a 60-second floor rest can reset your attention better than a scroll break How turning a desk object into a metaphor can reveal hidden sources of overwhelm Why paying attention to shadows on a walk can spark the same insight as a shower thought How doodling with both hands at once can boost focus and creative thinking…

What if a few minutes of improv could lower your anxiety, sharpen your focus, and help you build stronger relationships before your next meeting? In part 2 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with David Westerlund, an applied improv teacher who has helped professionals across five countries use improv games and techniques to boost confidence, reduce overwhelm, and show up more fully in their work and personal lives. David shares how short, structured “play breaks” built around simple improv games train the exact skills most professionals struggle to develop: active listening, pattern recognition, creative risk-taking, and presence during transitions. He also introduces a framework for planning in uncertain environments that replaces typical forecasting with something far more flexible and useful. If you've ever felt stuck on autopilot between meetings, overwhelmed by digital noise, or too cautious to take creative risks at work, this episode gives you concrete tools you can start using in micromoments…

Did you know that you can do improv without performing? And there’s surprising research about the ways improv exercises actually improve your focus, reduce overwhelm, and help you make better use of the small gaps in your day? In part 1 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with David Westerlund, an applied improv coach with over a decade of experience bringing improv principles to corporate teams, universities, and leaders of all levels, helping them build stronger communication skills, problem-solving, collaboration, and creative momentum. Presence isn't a personality trait, it's a micro-skill you can train. David breaks down how improv principles like "yes, and," noticing offers, and the Seven Things exercise aren't about performance. They're practical tools for reclaiming focus in micromoments, breaking planning analysis paralysis, and showing up more fully in meetings, conversations, and your own day. If you've ever felt stuck overplanning, distracted in back-to-back meetings, or unable to find…

What would you do differently today if you could have a conversation with your future self? According to UCLA Anderson School of Management professor Hal Hershfield, probably a lot. This episode explores practice suggestions to follow through on the intentions we set for ourselves, because willpower alone almost never works consistently enough to be an effective strategy. Hal shares new research on why commitment devices work so well and yet so few people use them, how understanding barriers as external obstacles (rather than personal failures) is the key to making them stick, and what the emerging field of AI digital twins could mean for how we make decisions about time, focus, and the life we're building. If part one was about recognizing the gap between your present and future self, this episode is about what to do about it. What You'll Learn: Why spontaneity has real value, and why over-researching decisions has diminishing returns just like over-planning does. How hot vs. cold states affect…

What if the small moments you're rushing through or scrolling away are actually the ones that determine your long-term focus, wellbeing, and productivity? In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Hal Hershfield, a professor at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, behavioral economics researcher, author of Your Future Self, and host of The Behavioral Divide. His work has been featured in The New York Times and Harvard Business Review. Hal's research reveals how we emotionally distance ourselves from our future selves and make countless small decisions that quietly ripple into long-term satisfaction, wellbeing, and productivity. In this first part of their conversation, Rebecca and Hal unpack how our perception of time shapes both major life choices and everyday focus, and why bridging the gap between our present and future selves is the key to sustainable productivity and happiness. Hal explains that we often treat our future self like a stranger, which drives us toward either revenge…

What if the key to getting more done isn't managing your time better—but managing your energy? In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca sits down with Mollie West Duffy, Head of Learning & Development at Lattice and co-author of Big Feelings and No Hard Feelings, to explore the science of sustainable productivity, burnout prevention, and energy management. Drawing on years of research and experience helping leaders build healthier workplaces, Mollie explains why recovery isn't the opposite of productivity—it's what makes high performance possible. She shares practical strategies for creating more focus, protecting your energy, and building intentional breaks into even the busiest workdays. Whether you're exhausted by back-to-back meetings, struggling to disconnect after work, or feeling constantly busy but never fully recharged, you'll walk away with simple, research-backed practices you can start using immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: How intentional downtime improves focus, creativity, and…

Are you burned out — or just overwhelmed? Most people can't tell the difference, and that's exactly the problem. In part 1 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with Mollie West Duffy, co-author of Big Feelings and No Hard Feelings and organizational consultant at Lattice. Mollie has spent years researching emotional intelligence and workplace psychology, helping individuals and teams understand how emotions drive performance, resilience, and wellbeing. This episode reframes how you think about difficult emotions. Burnout, regret, and overwhelm aren't problems to fix — they're signals worth decoding. Mollie breaks down the three distinct clinical types of burnout (and why treating them the same way doesn't work), explains why regret is one of the most useful emotions for growth, and shares why a single question — "Why is this so hard right now?" — can reveal hidden stressors before they become chronic exhaustion. If you've ever had a simple task feel impossible, struggled to focus despite trying hard, or…

What if the way you talk to yourself is directly shaping your confidence, productivity, and even how you show up at work? In part 2 of this conversation, Rebecca speaks with Jamie Turner: CNN contributor, Emory University professor, and author, whose work on mindset and productivity has been featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Business Insider. He coaches Fortune 500 leaders to improve focus and performance under pressure. They explore how subtle shifts in self-talk, particularly “I am” statements, can influence confidence, decision-making, and overwhelm. Jamie explains how thoughts trigger internal chemical responses in the brain, and how reframing language can help interrupt negative self-talk patterns and improve performance in high-pressure environments. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, burnout, or overthinking decisions, this conversation offers practical frameworks to help you regain focus and direction in everyday micromoments. What You'll Learn: How imposter…

What if managing your time and energy felt less like a constant battle and more like a set of intentional choices that actually boost performance? In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Jamie Turner, performance and leadership expert, CNN contributor, and Emory University professor whose work on flow and presence has been featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Business Insider. He has also helped Fortune 500 leaders improve productivity under pressure. They explore how to stay focused under pressure, reduce overwhelm, and improve productivity by changing how we interpret stress, identity, and performance. Jamie explains why shifting from fixed self-labels to growth-oriented “I am” statements can reshape how the brain responds to challenges, improving confidence, focus, and resilience. They also discuss how detaching from outcomes helps unlock flow states, and why viewing setbacks as temporary “blips” can support better emotional regulation and long-term wellbeing. If…

What if the tiny pauses between your tasks could actually make your day calmer, more focused, and more productive? In this second part of their conversation, Rebecca talks with Dr. Anne Welsh, performance psychologist and researcher, about how small micromoments and intentional choice-making can transform your daily workflow. Drawing on her expertise in autonomy and cognitive bandwidth, Anne shows why closing mental loops and celebrating small wins fuels focus and reduces overwhelm more than endless email scrolling or back-to-back meetings ever could. This conversation is for anyone who struggles with filling every gap with low-value tasks, losing focus between obligations, or feeling trapped in “always-on” hustle culture. Anne shares practical micro-practices to restore control, confidence, and calm throughout your day. What You'll Learn: How the 90-second completion pause builds momentum through tiny wins instead of endless to-do list rumination Why prioritizing autonomy over perfectionism reduces stress…

Do you feel like you're constantly battling your calendar? In this episode, we move beyond basic time management tips to explore the performance psychology of burnout prevention and energy management. Rebecca speaks with Dr. Anne Welsh, a clinical psychologist and executive coach, who helps high-performing professionals navigate ambition and burnout. She shares strategies including coaching a client to negotiate a four-day workweek, which boosted performance and led to a promotion. In the first part of the conversation, they explore moving beyond calendar hacks to intentional time allocation, and why setting psychological boundaries and managing energy gives more control than traditional scheduling tricks. Anne explains that letting go of minute-by-minute optimization, setting “good enough” standards, and scheduling strategic rest or passion-project days enhances focus and creative problem-solving. If you’ve struggled with overwhelm, overworking, or feeling like there’s never enough time, this episode offers…

How can you reduce burnout and improve focus naturally? In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Dr. John La Puma, who pioneered the field of culinary medicine and taught it at Harvard Medical School. As a TED Medicine speaker, a board-certified doctor, chef, and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. La Puma has helped thousands boost their longevity and wellbeing. This episode unpacks why burnout isn’t about motivation or workload but about energy and biology, and why ultra-processing time undermines productivity and satisfaction. John explains that our modern reliance on screens and mental tools misses essential biological inputs, light, motion, air, and micromoments outdoors, to reset neurobiology and build focus. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, screen overwhelm, or the sense that your days vanish in unfulfilling tasks, this conversation offers clear, actionable steps you can take today to reclaim time and enhance wellbeing. What You'll Learn: How morning light improves focus and…

How can you reset your focus, reduce burnout, and improve productivity without changing your entire schedule? In part 1 of this conversation on the Time Billionaires podcast, Rebecca talks with Dr. John La Puma, a physician, professionally trained chef, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and TED speaker. He is a pioneer in culinary medicine and has taught at Harvard University, helping thousands use food, nature, and simple lifestyle changes to improve their health, focus, and overall well-being. In this episode, Rebecca and John break down how small micromoments outdoors and simple indoor environmental changes can restore focus, reduce overwhelm, and improve daily productivity. Something as simple as opening a window in can measurably improve creativity and focus. John explains why burnout is often driven by your environment, not personal failure, and how constant screen exposure contributes to what he calls “ulta-processed time.” He also shares how daylight, time in nature, and reducing screen…

Burnout. Notification overload. Lost focus. If you're a high-performing professional drowning in Slack alerts and back-to-back meetings, this episode is your reset. In this episode of Time Billionaires, host Rebecca Shaddix speaks with Julia Farina, Director of Product Marketing at Calendly, about how she recovered from burnout in under a year by redesigning how she manages notifications, focus time, and energy recovery. Julia and Rebecca break down the neuroscience of reactive vs. focused thinking, and share actionable strategies for deep work, digital boundaries, and micromoment recovery that busy executives and entrepreneurs can implement today. What You'll Learn: How to turn off Slack notifications and batch messages to protect deep work blocks and prevent burnout Why timed focus sprints outperform open-ended work sessions for creativity and cognitive performance How one-minute micro-recovery exercises between meetings reduce overwhelm and restore mental clarity The boundary-setting language that signals…

How do you tackle massive, undefined projects without letting perfectionism paralyze your progress? In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca sits down with Julia Farina, Director of Product Marketing at Calendly, to deconstruct the frameworks that turn "nebulous" projects into manageable wins. Whether you are leading a team at a tech giant or managing your own creative workload, Julia shares how to stop the "perfectionism spiral" and start building time wealth through smarter execution. Rebecca and Julia explore how timed “hashtag bad version” (#badversion) drafts can help you quickly generate ideas without getting stuck in perfectionism. They dive into why adopting a researcher-oriented mindset, where you ask questions first instead of trying to have all the answers, leads to smarter insights and stronger team alignment. They also discuss how focusing on micromoments of work, rather than long marathon sessions, prevents burnout and speeds up feedback loops. Julia highlights the importance of conducting…

What if the biggest threat to your health isn't what you think? In this episode of the Time Billionaires podcast, Dr. Amy Loden Tiffany reveals a shocking truth: lack of movement throughout the day impacts life expectancy more than smoking. As a physician, entrepreneur, and TEDx speaker, Amy shares how high performers can reclaim their time, health, and energy without adding hours to their day. Rebecca and Amy explore why most people don't have a time management problem, they have a priority management problem. From the one-hour weekly calendar audit that changes everything to why micromanagement steals from your future, this conversation is packed with evidence-based strategies for sustainable success. Plus, Amy shares why common early health complications are an untapped predictor of future health, and what everyone should ask their parents about their year days. What You'll Learn: Why lack of movement is more harmful than smoking (and how five minutes of air squats can make a meaningful impact) The…

This episode of Time Billionaires explores a simple but powerful question: why do we feel like we never have enough time, and how can we regain control of it? We explore three words that don’t translate neatly into English: the Icelandic word tíma, the Japanese word boketto, and the (South American) Spanish word vacilando. Understanding these words helps us understand how language shapes the way we experience time, focus, and daily decisions. By naming these experiences, Rebecca explains how we can shift from reactive busyness to more intentional, satisfying use of our time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in constant productivity mode, or unsure where your time is going, this episode breaks down practical ways to rethink your schedule using small, intentional micromoments. Rebecca covers: Why saying “I don’t have time” is often a hidden prioritization decision How boketto (intentional pause and mind-wandering) can improve focus and creativity What vacilando teaches about slowing down and enjoying the…

How do you decide what's too personal to share on LinkedIn, and what makes you more human and relatable? In Part 2 of this conversation on the Time Billionaires podcast, Ashley Faus tackles the delicate balance between authenticity and professionalism, revealing her filtering framework for what goes public versus what stays private. Rebecca and Ashley explore why "the internet is forever" matters for VP-level careers, how COVID accelerated the shift toward showing up as whole humans online, and why saying "everybody gets this wrong" immediately puts people on the defensive. Plus, Ashley shares her controversial advice: just start, with two simple prompts that make posting less scary. What You'll Learn: The "internet is forever" litmus test: Will this post age well if a hiring manager sees it in 5-10 years? How to decide if you're sharing genuine humanity versus reaching for cringe analogies ("here's what my engagement taught me about B2B sales") The red flags that make you sound like "the only authority"…

What if creating content and building genuine connections on LinkedIn didn't require hours of dedicated time? In Part 1 of this conversation on the Time Billionaires podcast, Ashley Faus, Head of Lifecycle Marketing at Atlassian and author of Human Centered Marketing, reveals how she builds her professional presence while literally at the gym, in 5-10 minute micromoments throughout her day. Rebecca and Ashley explore the expansive definition of content (it's not just 20-page ebooks), why commenting is the lowest barrier to entry for building relationships, and how to curate your LinkedIn feed intentionally by following people 1-2 steps ahead of you instead of chasing influencers who are 50 steps ahead. Plus, Ashley shares why you should never show up on LinkedIn the way you'd never show up in real life, by immediately trying to sell something. What You'll Learn: Why content isn't just long-form assets, it's the Slack messages, emails, and comments you already create daily How to shift from creating assets…

What if feeling more connected to the people in your life was as simple as serving the same dinner every Friday night? In Part 2 of this conversation, workplace strategist Erica Keswin reveals how small, repeated moments make connection not just possible, but effortless. From Friday dinner parties with the same menu (less stress, better flow) to opening your blinds as a morning transition ritual, Rebecca and Erica explore how simple rituals remove the friction from showing up for the people and moments that matter. This conversation is for anyone who feels too busy, too disconnected, or too overwhelmed to prioritize connection. Erica shares practical examples of personal rituals that make gathering easier, transitions smoother, and everyday moments more meaningful, whether that's "scruffy hospitality" that welcomes friends without perfection, or small talk that actually builds belonging. Plus, how these same principles create connections at work without requiring a leadership title. What You'll Learn: Why…

What's the difference between a routine and a ritual, and why does it matter? 3x Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author and workplace strategist Erica Keswin shares how simple, intentional rituals—built into the things we already do every day—can create more connection and mindfulness in our daily lives, and also strengthen workplace culture, psychological safety, and performance. Rebecca and Erica explore the impact of and true definition of a ritual, why teams feel disconnected in hybrid work environments, and how even small touchpoints like a morning coffee, weekly family Taco Tuesday night, or consistent cadence of hosting friends for dinner can become powerful rituals when approached mindfully. What You'll Learn: The three-part definition that transforms any routine into a meaningful ritual (and why going beyond practical purpose is the key most people miss) How to identify rituals you're already doing and elevate them by simply naming them The "Three P's" equation that delivers measurable…

What if the secret to better focus isn't blocking out distractions, but locking into what you actually want? In Part 2 of this conversation on the Time Billionaires podcast, performance psychologist Sandy Cohan flips the script on how we think about focus, anxiety, and momentum. Instead of fighting negative thoughts (which only makes them stronger), Sandy reveals why your brain needs "to-dos" not "don't-dos." Rebecca and Sandy explore the power of refilling your glass instead of debating if it's half full or empty, why asking "what if it all works out?" changes everything, and how measuring gains instead of gaps can shift your entire perspective in under five minutes. What You'll Learn: - Why focus is about locking in, not blocking out - How "don't-dos" sabotage your performance (and what to do instead) - The refillable glass mindset: Moving beyond half full or half empty - Why your brain can't process negative commands (the tree branch effect) - The "what if it all works out?" game to counter anxiety - How…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Sandy Cohan, an elite performance mindset coach, global keynote speaker, and two-time bestselling author who has helped Olympic and NHL athletes, CEOs, and high-level performers overcome anxiety and build lasting confidence under pressure. Together, they unpack how to overcome anxiety in high-stakes moments and why real confidence is the result of your belief systems and thought processes, not a goal in and of itself that we can arrive at. Sandy explains that confidence is the visible result, but belief, memory, and past evidence make confidence sustainable. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, performance anxiety, or imposter syndrome, this conversation offers practical tools you can use immediately. Rebecca and Sandy explore: The different thought processes between trying to convince yourself you can succeed vs. reinforcing belief through past wins. How defining success with clarity and specificity reduces anxiety Why vagueness feeds anxiety,…

Are you successful on paper but feel like something's missing? In Part 2 of this conversation on the Time Billionaires podcast, Rebecca continues her discussion with career coach Carlotta Negri Di Sanfront about navigating the "messy middle" of modern careers, when you've achieved traditional success but still feel unfulfilled. Carlotta reveals why the most successful people she coaches have one thing in common: a crystal-clear vision that allows them to say "no" frequently. She shares a simple color-coding exercise that reveals where your time really goes, why doing nothing can be your most productive activity, and how to avoid losing yourself by saying yes to too many opportunities. What You'll Learn: Why successful people still feel like something is missing The power of having a clear vision to set non-negotiables How saying "no" becomes an act of power, not limitation A simple color-coding exercise to audit where your time actually goes Why doing nothing in 5-minute gaps makes you more creative and…

What if the traditional markers of success, job titles, team size, and climbing the corporate ladder, aren't actually what matter most? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation of the Time Billionaires podcast, career coach and former Chief Product Officer Carlotta Negri Di Sanfront shares why ambitious professionals need to unlearn conventional definitions of success and replace them with values-aligned goals. Rebecca and Carlotta explore the gap between what we say we value and how we actually spend our time, the chemical wiring behind risk-taking and bold career moves, and why being satisfied with "good enough" might be the most underrated skill in modern leadership. What You'll Learn: Why job titles and team size don't determine real success A simple exercise to check if your time aligns with your values How to make bold career decisions without fearing irreversible consequences The difference between dopaminergic and "here and now" brain wiring (and what it means for your career choices) Why some people…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Dan MacQueen about the life-altering brain hemorrhage that struck him at twenty-eight, the weeks he spent in a coma, and his long journey through brain injury recovery—learning to walk, talk, and fully re-enter daily life. Dan shares how surviving a traumatic brain injury reshaped his relationship with time, energy, and control. From the moment he adopted the stoic principle “control the controllables” to the daily commitment to keep moving forward one decision at a time, Dan’s story offers a grounded, honest look at resilience after injury. Rebecca and Dan unpack the practical mental tools that helped him rebuild his life after a brain hemorrhage—and how these same strategies can help anyone navigating recovery, burnout, or major life disruption. Together, they explore the psychological cost of rumination and regret, how to distinguish between controllable vs. uncontrollable stressors, and share a simple five-minute exercise for reducing anxiety,…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca sits down with Jake Kennington, founder of Actively Human, to explore how deep work, intentional breaks, and clearer boundaries can help professionals reclaim their time, and their sense of fulfillment. Jake, a former licensed structural engineer, husband, father of four, and executive coach, shares how he helps mid-career professionals overcome burnout, break free from society’s default definition of success, and design a life aligned with their values rather than a “full calendar that leads to an empty life.” Together, Rebecca and Jake unpack: Why deep work habits matter more than working longer hours How setting clear boundaries between work and personal time improves focus and satisfaction The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) and why it works Research shows that breaks are most restorative when they’re different from your main task, including simple resets like standing up, stepping outside, or getting sunlightJake…

Why do capable, experienced people still hesitate to speak up — even when they know what they’re saying is right? In Part 2 of this conversation on Time Billionaires, Rebecca Shaddix and Groundlings improv alum Holly Mandel explore how real confidence is built not through more preparation, perfection, or credentials, but through learning how to take up space before you feel ready. Using principles drawn from improv (but not acting for the sake of performance), this episode breaks down why overthinking is often a stress response, how fear of “getting it wrong” quietly erodes confidence at work, and why waiting to feel confident first almost never works. Instead, Rebecca and Holly unpack how confidence grows through action, presence, and small moments of courage that compound over time. You’ll hear practical, relatable ideas anyone can apply, whether you’re leading a team, contributing in meetings, navigating feedback conversations, or simply trying to trust yourself more in high-pressure moments: Why…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca Shaddix explores how improv training builds better leaders, more creative teams, and faster collaboration with Holly Mandel, an improv professor and corporate trainer who has worked with PwC, IBM, and Pfizer to bring improv principles into their team dynamics. Trained at Los Angeles’s Groundlings Theater, Holly explains why the core improv principle “Yes, And” isn’t about agreement, but about creating momentum and collaboration by acknowledging someone else’s version of reality. Together, Rebecca and Holly unpack how improvisers build trust, interrupt cycles overthinking, and easy ways to unlock creativity, confidence, and adaptability with easy improv warm-ups anyone can do in 5 minutes. This conversation goes beyond “being present.” You’ll learn how: Swapping “but” for “and” subtly rewires trust in meetings and feedback Taking up space before you feel ready builds confidence faster than preparation Low-stakes discomfort (like improv) strengthens decision-making…

In Part 2 of this Time Billionaires conversation, Rebecca continues her discussion with Naomi Midanik, cancer survivor and Founder at Bright Balance Psychotherapy. This episode dives deeper into the misconceptions around workplace burnout and why it's become the "most socially acceptable way to talk about mental health at work." Naomi clarifies the true definition of burnout - emotional exhaustion, cynicism about work, and reduced effectiveness - and explains the critical test: if rest from work doesn't help your symptoms, it's likely not burnout. The conversation explores how high-achieving professionals often misdiagnose themselves, missing underlying factors like hormonal changes, unprocessed trauma, or other mental health conditions that require different treatment approaches. The episode also tackles the trap of overthinking decisions and how our brains try to "outthink" anxiety through endless pros-and-cons lists. Naomi shares the story of Rebecca's coaching breakthrough, where 50 minutes of analysis…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Naomi Midanik, a cancer survivor and Founder at Bright Balance Psychotherapy. As a registered psychotherapist practicing in Ontario, Canada, Naomi brings a unique perspective, having spent 17 years in corporate marketing before transitioning to therapy. Her specialty focuses on professionals, entrepreneurs, and working moms navigating career challenges and workplace burnout. The conversation explores the reality many face: being stuck in a job they hate without the immediate option to quit. Naomi introduces the concept of radical acceptance from dialectical behavior therapy, explaining how to validate your negative feelings about work while simultaneously focusing energy on what you can actually control. She shares practical strategies for making the best of difficult situations, from reframing your commute to managing difficult boss relationships. Timestamps: Opening question about hating your job but making the best of it – 0:00 Introduction to…

Time Billionaires is the podcast for high-performing professionals who know they could be getting more out of life. Whether you're busy doing the things you think you have to do while longing for the things you actually want to do, or simply seeking more intention and groundedness in how you spend your time, this show is for you. If you expect to live another 31 years, you have over a billion seconds left. Hosted by Rebecca Shaddix, Time Billionaires teaches you how to spend that time like the billionaire you already are by transforming those overlooked 90-second to 15-minute "micromoments" throughout your day into purposeful opportunities for more intentional, grounded living. Each 7-15-minute episode combines science-backed insights with practical strategies that busy executives, entrepreneurs, and overwhelmed parents can implement immediately. Through engaging conversations with accomplished professionals, neuroscientists, and behavioral experts, you'll discover how small, intentional choices in your…

Have you ever walked away from a discussion—about work, politics, parenting, or even something small—wondering how two reasonable people could hear the same words and leave with completely different conclusions? After years studying how people interpret ideas, first in public policy, then in marketing, and eventually in her own family, Rebecca noticed a pattern: it’s often not what we’re saying that derails conversations, but the invisible opposite our words quietly introduce. Whether you’re trying to advocate for something you care about, explain a decision at work, or stay connected with people who see the world differently, this episode offers an easy mental shift that can keep the people you’re interacting with engaged, curious, and willing to keep talking. What you'll learn: Different brains naturally scan for different priorities (change vs. stability) How introducing the wrong frame can lose someone before the conversation starts The "Opposite Test": a simple way to strengthen your arguments before…

In Part 2 of this Time Billionaires episode, Rebecca continues her conversation with Oren Shai, Co-Founder of Feeling School, exploring the deeper connections between nervous system regulation, success, and emotional well-being. Oren explains the difference between parasympathetic (rest and digest) and sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system states, offering practical techniques like elevating legs above the heart to quickly access parasympathetic responses. The conversation takes a turn as they discuss how most people misunderstand success, operating from what Oren calls the "coffee and trauma" model, constantly medicating themselves with stimulants while chasing achievements that they believe will finally make them feel complete. Instead, he advocates for redefining success as living authentically, contributing meaningfully, and connecting with others. Timestamps: Understanding parasympathetic vs sympathetic nervous system states – 0:42 Contextual approaches to nervous system regulation – 2:30 The…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Oren Shai, an organizational psychologist, neuroscience-based executive coach, and Co-Founder of Feeling School. Oren teaches his signature methodology to high-achieving leaders, integrating cutting-edge neuroscience with depth and humanity to help them step into their most connected, alive expression of leadership at work and in life. The conversation explores why we fight our natural energy fluctuations instead of working with them. Oren introduces his concept of the "human wave", the natural cycles of energy that everyone experiences throughout the day, week, and seasons. He explains how fighting these cycles creates tension and shame spirals, while recognizing and supporting ourselves through them leads to better performance and well-being. Oren also shares practical somatic tools for resetting during busy workdays, including visual system resets, pattern interrupting techniques, and the importance of giving our nervous systems intentional breaks…

In Part 2 of this Time Billionaires episode, Rebecca continues her conversation with Michael Barber, Chief Marketing Officer at StarTech, diving deeper into career decision-making and the courage required for growth. Michael introduces his powerful "mirror test" for decision-making, asking yourself whether your current choices reflect what you want to see in the mirror, both literally and metaphorically. This framework helps him evaluate everything from daily priorities to major life decisions, ensuring his actions align with his desired outcomes. The conversation explores Michael's unconventional career path of spending only 2-4 years at each position, a strategy that was unusual before 2010 but has accelerated his growth through diverse experiences across different industries and teams. He emphasizes that discomfort is the price of growth and encourages embracing uncomfortable decisions rather than avoiding them. Michael shares his personal framework for knowing when it's time to make a career change: when…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Michael Barber, a Chief Marketing Officer with over 20 years of experience leading marketing teams. Michael's work has been featured in The New York Times and Forbes, and he's known for helping companies grow while ensuring their teams actually enjoy the process. Michael introduces the powerful concept of "micro legacies", the idea that everyday humans can create meaningful impact through small, intentional daily actions rather than comparing themselves to celebrities and influencers. He argues that holding doors, asking genuine questions in meetings, and listening more than talking can collectively make the world a better place through accumulated positive interactions. The conversation explores how time poverty affects our ability to be generous and patient with others, referencing a fascinating study about Good Samaritan volunteers who were three times less likely to help others when they felt rushed. Michael shares his proven "three D's" framework…

We're taught that wanting more makes us selfish, that ambition and desire are at odds with being humble or grateful for what we already have. But what if wanting is actually what makes us human? From childhood, many of us learn to shrink our desires, and be accommodating, humble, and not take up too much space. We confuse contentment with complacency and mistake humility for self-erasure. But research shows that this conditioning often leaves us chasing quick hits of pleasure instead of pursuing what truly fulfills us. In this episode, Rebecca explores why we feel guilty for wanting things, diving into evolutionary psychology and happiness research to reveal the crucial difference between hedonic happiness (instant gratification) and eudaimonic happiness (lasting fulfillment). You'll discover how to balance both types while breaking free from the guilt that keeps you stuck in cycles of short-term comfort at the expense of long-term growth. What you'll learn: Why our hunter-gatherer conditioning makes us…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca continues her conversation with Jo Amato about creating sustainable approaches to managing work and life demands. Jo shares a powerful reframe on work-life balance: giving yourself permission to be "good" at work some weeks while being excellent in your personal life, and vice versa. She reveals why trying to be excellent at everything simultaneously is unsustainable for mental and physical health. The conversation explores practical communication strategies, including Jo's experience with a "red, yellow, green" system at work where team members briefly shared their energy levels at meeting starts, helping colleagues understand capacity and redistribute tasks appropriately. A key insight emerges around shifting from self-critical questioning ("Why can't I get more done?") to curious, compassionate inquiry ("Why am I struggling with this? Oh, I'm doing a lot."). Jo emphasizes that when you name where you are and what you need, you create permission structures for…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Jo Amato, a tech executive with 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Teradata, and Ernst & Young. Jo balances a demanding career with being present for her family and raising three teenagers. Jo shares how she's discovered practical ways to stay grounded and create time in a busy schedule through two key strategies: a daily ritual and smart AI use. The conversation dives deep into Jo's innovative approach to using AI as a "reflection mirror" - moving beyond basic meeting summaries to having AI organize her scattered thoughts and hold up an objective mirror. This practice helps her identify which thoughts serve her goals and which don't, eliminating the internal debate that typically consumes mental energy. Jo explains how this creates a compounding effect similar to investing money: by investing a few minutes with AI upfront, she manufactures 10-15 minutes of time that she can redirect toward reflection or solving problems…

In this episode of Time Billionaires, Rebecca speaks with Kevin Monroe, a gratitude consultant and recognized expert on cultivating hope and gratitude to transform workplace culture. Kevin shares a surprising discovery from his gratitude challenge launched six years ago: when people share gratitude in community rather than individually, the results are exponential, not linear. He explains how his gratitude encounters bring strangers together for just 8-9 minutes, with participants consistently reporting they "arrived as strangers, left as friends" - revealing how quickly people connect when they lower their guard and speak freely about gratitude. The conversation explores the concept that "gratitude delayed is gratitude denied" - the tendency to save gratitude for major life events while missing thousands of everyday opportunities. Kevin challenges listeners to practice "micro-gratitude" for the smallest things, from salt's impact on flavor and health to the thousands of hands that touched items in your…