LearnBytes: Recent Episodes
Samantha Garrett
LearnBytes delivers byte-sized pieces of wisdom so that you can learn how to increase your efficiency and productivity, embrace your natural creativity and lead with impact. LearnBytes is hosted by Samantha Garrett (Vardanega) from Using Technology Better. www.usingtechnologybetter.com and @LearnBytes on Instagram
We work with schools every week that tell us about the growing challenges and numbers of students with learning needs in their classrooms. nd most of us know about the incredible digital tools and strategies that aree out there now, BUT we often miss passing this training and upskilling onto our Teacher Aides and Learning Assistants. Mark and Bex chat with Nic Ward, an LA at an Auckland primary school who knows firsthand the benefits of regular and timely digital training and professional learning and the impact this has on her students.
Show Notes:
- Using Technology Better – upcoming events
https://usingtechnologybetter.com/events/ - Certified Digital Teacher Aide Course 2023
https://utb.fyi/cert-digital-aide - Mote
https://www.mote.com/ - Text Help
https://www.texthelp.com/en-au/products/read-and-write-education/ - Bear IOS and Mac App
https://bear.app/
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
Engaging our students has become a real challenge in a post-COVID, media-filled world. We talk to Jo Mclntyre-Brown about her passion for Steam learning and sustainable enterprise programs. If you’re looking for a way to enrich your classrooms with authentic real-world problem-solving or want to help your teaching team get started with some simple design thinking challenges, here are some ideas to get you started.
Show Notes:
- Manurewa Intermediate School – Youtube Channel
- Using Technology Better – upcoming events
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
How do we keep up with the developments of AI and all the new tools coming our way? Mark and Bex dive into the latest trends and also some concerns we all need to be across as leaders in schools, they explore how our wearable tech can keep us saner, fitter and better in general and they also share a small but meaningful update for the Flip tool that will help facilitate better conversations with your students.
Show Notes:
- Canva
- Opus Clip
- Unesco ChatGPT User Guide for Higher Ed
- AI detector tools - article AI and ChatGPT cheating allegations at Cambridge and Pukekohe High outrage parents of top students
- AI Dilemma presentation Tristan Harris, Aza Raskin
- Kidnapping story in Phoenix US
- Well Being tools - the role that smart watches can play in our overall health
- Flip has comments and now threaded comments https://twitter.com/MicrosoftFlip/status/1653493634581385216
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
When was the last time you had a refresh of the tools, processes and culture of your school’s communication plan? There are so many ways we can be more efficient and build a better team culture. This week Mark and Bex give you a process and some practical tips to overhaul your internal communication practices.
Show Notes:
Future Now Leadership Summit NZ 2023
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
In this episode, we explore the differences between coaching and mentorship. While both are powerful tools for personal and professional growth, they have distinct approaches and outcomes. We dive into the characteristics of each, including the level of structure, guidance, and relationship-building involved. Our guest speakers share their experiences and insights on when coaching or mentorship may be more appropriate and how to best utilise each to achieve your goals. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode will provide valuable insights on which approach may be right for you.
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
Schools are bombarded with an increasingly complex set of needs and responsibilities. As leaders, our response, far too often, is to overload our teams with another meeting. This week Mark and Bex unpack 5 ways to organize your meeting structure and content in ways that optimize efficiency while building a great culture at the same time. In the ‘Making Waves’ segment, Bex shares the challenges of our modern world that can lead to the fear of silence or ‘Sedataphobia.’ She explains how this habit is doing more harm than good and some ways we can lean into the habit of creating mental space.
Check out these resources:
Apps for Collaborative Docs
1. Notion
2. Google Docs
3. Microsoft Word
Apps for surveys and engagement
1. Mentimeter
2. Slido
3. Poll Everywhere
Apps for Mind Mapping
1. Mindmeister
2. Jamboard
3. Miro
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
It’s never been more important than ever for school leaders to take an active part in connecting their families and wider community together. Schools are often the main point of contact for people now and Mark and Bex unpack some practical ways we can bring people together. Mark also shares a digital tool he’s started using that can help leaders and teachers get some organisation out of the chaos of their professional and personal lives.
Check out the resources mentioned in this episode:
- Notion link
- The Better Mindset Podcast Episode 8
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
Have you heard or read about Augmented Reality? If you have, are an educator and don’t really care, this is the episode for you! Paul Hamilton, UTB’s resident AR expert tells us why AR is becoming such an engaging and relevant tool for students and the impact it’s having in so many industries around the world. Bex also shares some practical tips for how she’s overcoming imposter syndrome and the team also share some ideas for how schools can build a closer community through the use of social media.
Check out these resources that we've mentioned in this episode:
-
Future Now Leadership Summit NZ 2023
-
Twitter Account – Paul Hamilton
-
Manurewa Intermediate – Youtube Account example
-
Blog Post – Effective Social Media Policies
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
STEAM Learning can be challenging for teachers when they’re over a single lesson, a week or even a term. How does a teacher continue an authentic, engaging and multi-award winning STEAM project for 5 years? We talk to Myles Webb, a teacher and DP in New Zealand who has some practical advice for schools wanting to make a meaningful impact on their students and community. Mark and Bex dig into ways we can approach teacher burnout with a fresh perspective and Rachel shares some new features inside Canva, the graphics, multi-media tool that teachers can access with a free premium account! Listen to find out how.
Show Notes:
-
utb.fyi/steamleader
-
https://soundluresnz.blogspot.com/
-
Twitter Account – Myles Webb
-
Canva – Education Accounts
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
Every leader, whether you are leading a school or your classroom, has faced those people on your team who cause disruption and lower the overall temperature. We can get trapped in a spiral of avoiding and judging them. Mark and Bex dive into some effective and practical steps for identifying and overcoming, even enhancing your team through the help of these kinds of people and mindset. Richard, one of the UTB trainers, also has his best attempt at convincing severe spreadsheet avoiders why these tools can be an asset in your classroom and schools.
Here are some of the resources we've mentioned in this episode:
- Good to Great – Jim Collins
- UTB Online Excel Courses
- UTB Online Sheets Courses
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
In todays fast actioned, whirlwind of modern life it’s so easy to focus solely on the day to day management of a school. On this episode, we have some insights from a school principal who worked with his leadership team, teachers and school community to not only successfully manage the challenges of the last three years but also create an environment of inspirational change. The team also discuss how your work love languages can make a huge difference to the effectiveness and overall well-being of your, and Jeremy shares some application ideas for teachers using the Google Arts and Culture resource.
Check out the resources we've mentioned today:
- Google Arts and Culture
- The 5 Languages of Appreciation
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
Are you struggling with a lack of student engagement or want a new project to reinvigorate your classroom? On this week’s episode Mark and Bex chat with Conor McHoull from Microsoft NZ about the potential for ESports to act as a powerful engagement tool for your students.
We also discuss about the importance of ‘your why’ and how, in many ways, it is more important that your school’s vision, and Adrian joins us to explore the learning and productivity opportunities AI and tools like ChatGPT can give teachers and leaders in every school and organisation.
Check out the resources we've mentioned in this episode:
ChatGPT Link
Conor McHoull Linkedin
Microsoft Educator Centre – Minecraft Modules
Simon Sinek – Start with WHY
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
There’s nothing more important for schools in this season than looking after the well-being of their teachers and students. Beth Reading, from ‘My Pilates Time,’ joins us in this episode to chat about her journey as a teacher to wellness. Rachel tells us about Nearpod, an online teaching tool that opens new worlds and opportunities for guided or independent learning, and Mark shares a new reading method he’s discovered that helps us store and treasure the things we learn in what we read.
Here are the links or resources that we’ve mentioned today:
- Alex and Books
- Tiago Forte
- My Pilates Time - Access to hundreds of 'On Demand' Pilates classes you can do from home, healthy recipes and access to live online classes each week. Use the coupon code for the discounted price of $12usd per month (no lock in contracts, cancel anytime) Coupon code: specialpricem
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
How do you get your team on the same page, positioned with the right roles and responsibilities and enthusiatic about making things happen? This is what make a great galvaniser and we talk this week with Julia, one of the best at this on our team. We also explore what we can do to connect ourselves with the right people and form our own ‘tribe, ‘ and Paul shows us the teaching potential for Apple’s new ‘Freeform’ app that has been released with the latest IOS and MacOS updates.
Here are the links or resources that we’ve mentioned today:
- Working Genius
- Freeform App Download
- Freeform App News - Apple
Sidenote: Paul does a great demo on what you can do with the new Freeform app and we know that it’s great to SEE it in action. Check out the youtube link to the podcast here to see that demo in action and share it with people you know who would get value from that.
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
This week we unpack just what ‘A Better Mindset’ is; why the title and how it can add value to us and the people we work and live with. Mark and Bex explore the way our world view, perspectives and approach to live can be hard-wired but also a learned behaviour. Kelly gives us some updates to some google tools you’re going to want to check out and the Making Waves segment explores the value of goal setting through a word or theme for the year!
Here are the links or resources that we’ve mentioned today:
- The Working Genius - Patrick Lencioni
- Google Tools for In-Person Learning
- Start with Why - Simon Sinek
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
ChatGPT is one of the biggest technology revelations we have seen in recent times, and we are all wondering how this will impact us. From students and school teachers to businesses and writers, everyone is finding a good use for ChatGPT.
Our UTB team love new and exciting tech, and we are using ChatGPT in many different ways - and along with this, we have found specific questions that need to be answered for our educators. We’ve put together some of the most pressing questions and answers you might have about ChatGPT - because you NEED to know about this new technology!
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
So many of us are thinking about the school year ahead and what we’d like to achieve across the school and in our classrooms. Mike Reading, our founding director and the goal-setting maestro has some great ideas and process tips for getting what you want to achieve to start out on the right footing. We also chat about the best way to start the year with some life-changing habits and James shares a statistics tool that we know you’ll want to be having play with these holidays and weekends.
If you’re after the links or resources that we’ve mentioned today, have a look here:
- Tiny Habits – B.J. Fogg
- Atomic Habits – James Clear
- The 12 Week Year
- Gapminder.org
We post every week and would love to have you keep up with us. If you know someone who would get value from these episodes, hit the share button and let them know. Lastly, if you have questions or anything to share with us, email us at team@usingtechnologybetter.com. You can also contact Bex at bex@usingtechnologybetter.com to find out how you can get free PD in your schools (NZ) or follow us on Instagram at @usingtechnologybetter or on youtube.com/@utb
We’d love to hear from you! See you next week.
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Claire Rogers, Executive Director of Oho to chat about leadership.
In her race against the clock, Claire shares why leaders need to make it safe for the truth to be told. We also hear how she brings curiosity to uncertain situations and uses the wisdom of others to solve complex problems.
You can learn more about Oho at https://weareoho.com/ and connect with them on socials @weareoho.
Links from the episode
Claire’s book recommendation is Turn That Ship Around by David Marquet
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LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently.
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Kerry Anne Nelson, a Workplace Process Architect at Operation Verve.
In her race against the clock, Kerry shares why it’s essential to have everything you need at your fingertips. We also hear how knowing what a good job looks like can help your productivity. When the clock stops, Kerry and Samantha also get a little nerdy about file system design!
You can learn more about Kerry and Operation Verve at https://operationverve.com/ and connect on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Links from the show
Check out Operation Verve’s ‘Filing online for flow’ course at https://operationverve.com/services/verve-courses/ and find all Kerry's book recommendations at https://operationverve.com/services/verve-books/
Our newsletter is packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life!
Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Wesa Chau, thought leader in cultural diversity and leadership from Cultural Intelligence.
In her race against the clock, Wesa shares why leaders need to be flexible when communicating with people from different cultures. We also hear a fascinating take on authenticity!
You can learn more about Wesa and her work at http://www.culturalintelligence.net.au and follow her on Instagram or Twitter @wesachau.
Links from the episode
Wesa’s book recommendation is Strategic Intuition by William Duggan.
Our newsletter is packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life! Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Helen Ebdon, productivity and performance expert from Take 15.
In her race against the clock, Helen shares why you need to get realistic about the time you actually have available! We also hear how her Take 15 program and planner can be the technology circuit breaker you need to get so much more out of your day.
Links from the episode
Helen’s book recommendation is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
You can find more about the Take 15 program at https://www.helenebdon.com.au/take-15/ and connect with Helen on Instagram @take15_helenebdon and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-ebdon-31561a13/
Our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life!
Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Tal Evans, CEO of Majestic Computer Technology, to chat about leadership.
In his race against the clock, Tal shares why it is important to let people learn things for themselves - even if it means failure! We also hear about Tal’s approach to living a life that inspires others to get the most out of themselves.
You can learn more about Tal and Magestic Computer Technology at https://majestic.com.au/ and connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/talevans/).
Our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life! Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com
Samantha is joined by Christine Malm, a mindfulness facilitator, trainer and coach at Mindful Breakthrough.
In her race against the clock, Chrissy shares some fabulous advice for setting boundaries. We also hear tips for integrating mindfulness into our daily lives.
You can learn more about Chrissy’s work at www.mindfulbreakthrough.com and connect with her on LinkedIn and Facebook.
You can also find her meditations on SoundCloud.
Chrissy’s recommendations are the book The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani and the documentary The Connection by Shannon Harvey.
Samantha is joined by Jamie Dahlsen, General Manager for Innovation and Technology at JC Dahlsens Group.
In his race against the clock, Jamie shares why it is so important for leaders to understand how their team thinks, works and responds. We also hear why a good leader needs to know how to orchestrate a solution, rather than solve the problem themselves.
You can learn more about JC Dahlsens Group, the leading materials supplier for builders across a large part of Australia, at https://www.dahlsens.com.au/
Our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life! Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently.
Samantha is joined by Alicia Yusuf, Astrologer and Counselor, to chat about efficiency and productivity.
In her race against the clock, Alicia shares why rest is such an important part of staying efficient and productive. When the clock stops, Alicia generously shares her wisdom on using the Moon Phases to build rest and hgh-energy work into our month.
You can learn more about Alicia and her work at https://aliciayusuf.com/ and connect with her on Instagram @aliciayusuf.astrologer and Facebook.
Alicia’s book recommendation is Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less. You can learn how to add the Moon Phases to your Google Calendar here.
Our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life! Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com
Samantha is joined by Taiss Quartapa, Senior Manager at Accenture, to chat about leadership.
In their race against the clock, Taiss shares why authenticity is an essential quality for leadership. We also hear why they believe strongly in the concept of servant leadership.
You can learn more about Taiss and connect with them on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/taiss/.
Taiss challenges our listeners to find a book on a topic you don’t usually read and expand your general knowledge. Good examples of this are ‘Where Do Camels Belong?: The Story and Science of Invasive Species’ by Ken Thompson, ‘A Movable Feast: Ten Millennia of Food Globalization’ by Kenneth F. Kiple and ‘The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate - Discoveries from a Secret World’ by Peter Wohlleben.
Our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life! Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com
Samantha is joined by Dr. Sarah Ferguson, Director of Breath Repeat, to chat about efficiency and productivity.
In her race against the clock, Sarah shares how working efficiently and productively is about having clarity about what you really need to do each day. We also hear why sleep is such an important part of life.
You can learn more about Sarah and her work at www.breatherepeat.co.nz and connect with her on Instagram @hellobreathrepeat and LinkedIn.
Sarah’s podcast recommendation is the Huberman Lab.
You can find a list of values here on Sarah’s website.
The values course from Sian Jacquet is here.
Our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life! Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter.
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com
Samantha is joined by Evan Spargo, Personal & Performance Coach and Coach Masters Academy Program Director of Australia, to chat about leadership.
In his race against the clock, Evan shares why the most important quality for every leader to have is to empower others. We also hear his approach to dealing with uncertainty - one that involves letting go and trusting!
You can learn more about Evan and his work at www.evanspargo.com and connect with him on Instagram @evanspargo and Facebook.
Evan’s podcast recommendation was Lewis Howes School of Greatness
Our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life! Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently.
Welcome to Season 3 of LearnBytes!
In this episode, Samantha is joined by two guests - Noirin Mosley and Jenny Boymal, Directors of Educate to Elevate and the not for profit Project Optimism.
In their race against the clock, Noirin and Jenny share why just getting started and enjoying the creativity journey is so important. We also hear how creativity involves letting the mind wander and just ‘being’.
You can learn more about Noirin, Jenny and their work at www.educatetoelevate.com.au and www.projectoptimism.com.au.
You can connect with them on Instagram at @spreadoptimismworldwide and Twitter @impact4optimism.
Noirin’s podcast recommendation was the GaryVee Audio Experience.
Our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life! Sign up at https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently.
In this episode, Samantha is joined by Dani Sirotic, a corporate consultant, trainer and coach.
In her race against the clock, Dani shares some fascinating insights into how we express creativity. We also discuss how an emphasis on productivity often comes at the expense of creativity, and why we need to value creative time more.
You can learn more about Dani and her work at https://moolellochange.com and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Links from the episode
Dani’s recommends checking out the TED talk on creativity by Ethan Hawke.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Christy Roberts, a Mindset & Results coach and the Founder of Creating Change.
In her race against the clock, Christy shares how being vulnerable is a key leadership challenge - but one that is well worth embracing. We also hear why Christy believes that uncertainty is good for her!
You can learn more about Christy’s work and her workshops at https://christyrobertscoaching.com/
Links from the episode
Christy’s book recommendation is The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani.
Sign up for our newsletter, packed full with strategies to help you live your most efficient, productive & organised life.
https://utb.fyi/join-newsletter
In this episode Samantha is joined by Cheryle Walker, a consultant, facilitator and instructional designer of LIVE online workshops, webinars and events.
In her race against the clock, Cheryle shares how working efficiently and productively is about synchronising tasks with her mood and energy level.
After the clock stops, she shares a great strategy for dealing with procrastination. It’s one that involves not starting at the beginning!
You can learn more about Cheryle’s work on her website https://cheryleewalker.com/
Connect with Cheryle on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryleewalker), Instagram at @cheryle.e.walker and Twitter @chezzaw
Links from episode
Cheryle’s favourite efficiency and productivity app is Google TasksBoard
Her book recommendation is The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Sam McNeill, an Education Solutions Specialist at Microsoft.
In his race against the clock, Sam shares how is experimenting with ‘book ending’ his week with meeting days. He also highlights the challenge of too many incoming messages, and we exchange strategies for dealing with it.
After the clock stops, the conversation turns to how enforcing time limits for speaking can prevent waffle, lead to clarity of thought and more efficient meetings (yay!).
You can connect with Sam on Twitter @SamuelMcNeill and LinkedIn.
Also check out his blog at https://www.samuelmcneill.com/
Links from episode
Sam’s book recommendation is Range by Daniel Epstein.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Matthew Gordon, the Managing Director technology companies Solution One and Edunet.
In his race against the clock, Matt shares his distinction between efficiency and productivity, and why he believes efficiency is about systems. We also hear why solving problems is about more than just throwing staff at them.
You can connect with Matt on LinkedIn and check out Solution One and Edunet at https://www.solution-one.com.au/ and https://www.edunet.com.au/
Links from episode:
Matt’s book recommendation is ‘Close Calls’ by Stratis Kas.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Dr Julien Leyre, co-founder of the Future of Governance Agency, founder of the Marco Polo Project, member of the Solution for Humanity cooperative, and advisor with the Global Carbon Reward project.
In his race against the clock, Julien shares why working from a cafe has been the #1 thing he has done to improve his productivity. We also hear about Julien’s two ‘modes’ of productivity, and why creative productivity is not just about doing, but also about deciding.
You can learn more about Julien at https://www.julienleyre.com and check out his articles at https://julienleyre.me/. You can also find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienleyre/
Links from episode
The app that Julien recommends is Flux which adjusts the colour of your screen to suit the time of day.
Julien’s book recommendation is The Surprising power of Liberating Structures by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Ingrid Jones, wellbeing coach, speaker, writer and creator of the Diving For Pearls journal process.
In her race against the clock, Ingrid shares how creativity is a process, not an aha moment. We also hear how you can be your own biggest barrier to creativity...and what she does to overcome that!
You can learn more about Ingrid’s Diving For Pearls journal process at https://ingridjanejones.com/ and connect with her on Instagram at @ingridjanejones
Links from the episode
Ingrid’s book recommendation is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Laurinda Moore, the Executive Assistant (EA) to the Chairman of IAG, which is the largest general insurance company in Australia and New Zealand.
In her race against the clock, Laurinda shares how working efficiently and productively is all about work-life integration and flexibility. We also hear how embracing technology (particularly Microsoft OneNote) has supported her in this pursuit.
You can connect with Laurinda on Instagram @ltmoore01 and LinkedIn.
Links from the episode
Laurinda’s book recommendation is The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier and her podcast recommendation is The Open Drive.
You can find a OneNote 30 day challenge course from Using Technology Better here.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Blake Seufert, IT Director at Mckinnon Secondary College and Founder of iNewsletter.
In his race against the clock, Blake shares why he thinks having empathy is the most important quality for every leader to have. We also hear his perspective on leadership as problem solving and why systems thinking is so important.
You can find iNewsletter at https://newsletters.naavi.com/ and connect with Blake on Twitter @blakeseufert.
Links from the episode
Blake’s book recommendations are Drive by Dan Pink and Turn That Ship Around by David Marquet.
He also referred to Russell Ackoff in regards to Systems Thinking.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Natalie Lo, ANZ Google Workspace Specialist at Google.
In her race against the clock, Natalie shares her top tips for using your calendar to improve your productivity. We also hear how she uses ‘No’ as a productivity tool and why focusing on doing a small number of high impact tasks each day is important.
Links from the episode
Natalie’s book recommendations are Essentialism by Greg McKeown and Ikigai by Hector Garcia.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Founder, Visionary & Commander-in-Chief of Using Technology Better (aka, her boss!).
In his race against the clock, Mike shares how he uses the principles of focus, energy and mindset to deal with uncertainty and create success.
We also hear the impact that this has had on Samantha’s confidence in coming to Mike when things go wrong.
Links from the episode
Mike’s book recommendation is anything by John Maxwell.
Mike’s podcast recommendation is the Mind your business podcast.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Kulari Lokuge, the Director at the Knox Innovation Opportunity & Sustainability Centre (KIOSC) at Swinburne University of Technology.
In her race against the clock, Kulari shares why it is so important for leaders to take their people on a journey, while keeping an eye on the long view. We also hear her thoughts on dealing with uncertainty...which has something to do with how you get a round peg into a square hole!
You can connect with Kulari on LinkedIn and learn more KIOSC’s programs for students at https://www.kiosc.vic.edu.au/
Links from the episode
Kulari recommends Rules of Belonging by Fiona Robertson.
Also books by Robin Sharma books, Steven Covey, Dale Carnege and Jack Canfield.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by Dom Puttick, founder and owner of Evolve Fitness & Nutrition.
In her race against the clock, Dom shares how she works smarter, not harder on the administrative side of her business. We also hear how she’s recently found more time in her day and how learning something new every day helps her feel productive.
To wrap up the episode Dom kindly shares some of her tips for how you can be more efficient when working out.
You can connect with Dom on Instagram @dom.dietitian.and.pt or her website https://www.evolvefn.com.au/
Links from the episode
Dom’s book recommendation is Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Her favourite efficiency app is Acuity Scheduling.
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In this episode, Samantha is joined by her colleague Lara Kirk and a special furry guest!
In her race against the clock, Lara shares a beautiful quote on the definition of creativity and why knowing something is guaranteed to succeed would hinder, not help, her creativity.
We also hear how Lara stimulates creative thinking with students and adults by encouraging them to think like designers, creators and inventors.
You can connect with Lara on Twitter @lara_kirk.
Links from the episode
Lara’s podcast recommendations are Stuff You Should Know and The Infinite Monkey Cage
Creativity quote from Osho
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Samantha is joined by Beth Reading, the founder and owner of My Pilates Time.
In her race against the clock, Beth shares how procrastination has been her biggest efficiency and productivity challenge - and how she has overcome it. We also hear why working somewhere free of distractions (and dirty dishes!) is important.
You can connect with Beth and My Pilates Time on Facebook and Instagram. You can sign up for a free 7 day trial of My Pilates Time at mypilatestime.com.
Links from the episode
Beth’s podcast recommendation is Women of Impact with Lisa Bilyeu.
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Samantha is joined by Michelle Bowditch, the founder of Door 20A and a Tech Lover, Educator Connecter & Advocate for Executive Assistants.
In her race against the clock, Michelle shares the 4 things you can do when facing uncertainty or frustration - even with little things like tech problems! We also hear some great podcast recommendations & a handy tip for planning your podcast listening.
You can connect with Michelle and Door 20A on Instagram @door20a, LinkedIn or or Facebook.Links from the episode
Michelle’s podcast recommendations are Marie Forleo - especially the Robert Sharman 5am Club episode and Recharge your Mental Health podcast from Chelsea Pottenger from EQ Minds.
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Samantha is joined by Suan Yeo, Head of Education for Google Australia & New Zealand.
In his race against the clock, Suan shares how his thoughts on how decluttering your life and your mind can influence your efficiency and productivity. We also hear how collaboration, teamwork and knowing when to ask for help have had a big impact on his efficiency and productivity.
Suan takes over the questioning towards the end of the show! Tune in to hear what uninvented product they each think will change the world.
You can connect with Suan via Twitter @suaneu or email - syeo@google.com
Links from the episode
Suan’s book recommendations are
Getting Things Done by David Allen and 'Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up' by Marie Kondo
Link to the podcast I mentioned is Optimal Living Daily episode 1744
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Samantha is joined by Helen Palmer, the creator and founder of SelfUnlimited - a fresh perspective on how to navigate the world of work.
In her race against the clock, Helen shares why we need to be a leader to ourselves. We also hear about how managing perception versus reality and having the wisdom to know when you can’t change something have been her biggest leadership lessons.
You can connect with Self unLimited via their website, blog and monthly newsletter.
Get in touch with Helen at helen@questo.com.au or connect with her on LinkedIn (listen to the episode to learn why you need to send her a personal message when you connect!).
Links from the episode
Helen’s book recommendation is Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer.
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Samantha is joined by Paul Hamilton, UTB’s Apple & Creativity Wizard.
In his race against the clock, Paul shares his definition of creativity and why a fear of judgement is his biggest creativity barrier. We also hear his insight into what we can all tell ourselves in order to overcome this barrier.
You can connect with Paul on Twitter and LinkedIn, and find his book “If I Were A Wizard” here.
Links from the episode:
Paul’s book recommendation is Drive by Dan Pink.
The in3D app lets you scan your body with your phone. You can then export the 3D file and place your scan into games or virtual reality. You will require a phone with a depth camera.
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Samantha is joined by Nick Ginsburg, Executive Assistant, speaker & coach.
In his race against the clock, Nick shares why he sees efficiency and productivity as self care tools. We also hear about what Nick’s biggest efficiency challenge has been, and how addressed it with an ‘hour of power’.
You can learn more about Nick on his website, follow him on Instagram and check out his list of upcoming workshops.
Links from the episode:
Nick recommends these podcasts for EAs (and says there are a lot more amazing ones out there!)
- The Leader Assistant Podcast with Jeremy Burrows
- Assistants Together with Henrietta Barker
His recommended book is anything by Brene Brown.
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LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com
In our very first episode, Samantha is joined by Karla Sanders, the CEO & Founder of bullying prevention charity Sticks ‘n Stones.
In her race against the clock, Karla shares about her mission to unlock the leadership potential every human being has by breaking down the stereotypes of typical leaders. We also hear what she tells herself when facing uncertainty, what her biggest leadership lesson has been and why she'd love to spend an hour with two of the world's most powerful female leaders.
You can learn more about Karla's work with Sticks 'n Stones via their website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Links from the episode:
Karla’s book recommendation: Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
Karla’s podcast recommendation: Unlocking Us by Brene Brown. Specifically the 2-episode special with Harriet Leaner - “I’m Sorry: How To Apologize & Why It Matters”
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LearnBytes is brought to you by Using Technology Better - Tech Training, Delivered Differently. http://www.usingtechnologybetter.com