39| Doing More Isn’t the Answer: Why Simple Wins [with Lisa Bodell]

Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Ever feel like your to-do list never ends? Running from meeting to meeting with no time to think—let alone lead or create? You’re not alone.The problem isn’t you – that you’re not working hard enough. You’re probably stuck in the complexity trap—buried in endless demands, inefficiencies, and busywork that keep you (and your team) from doing what truly matters.To help you simplify and focus on meaningful work, I sat down with Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and bestselling author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company. Lisa has a clear message:💡 The problem isn’t the people—it’s the process of the work.In this episode, we dive into the biggest barriers to your effectiveness—what you can do to cut through the noise and create space for work that actually matters. If you’re ready to escape the complexity trap and start simplifying to make a real impact, this episode is a must-listen.YOU’LL LEARN:How meetings and emails are blocking real improvementWhat defines truly meaningful work—including time to thinkThe connection between innovation and simplification—and how to stay ahead of the curveThe biggest mistakes that make simplification harder (and how to avoid them)The first step to simplifying your work and lifeABOUT MY GUEST:Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and bestselling author of Kill the Company and Why Simple Wins, inspires leaders to transform work to unlock true potential and find deeper fulfillment. With her bold, no-nonsense approach to simplification, Lisa delivers radical insights and actionable tools to fuel extraordinary success.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/39Connect with Lisa Bodell: linkedin.com/in/lisa-bodell-futurethinkRead more about Lisa and her company, FutureThink: futurethink.com Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:09 Why leaders feel overwhelmed—and how to fix it03:51 The illusion of control and why organizing isn’t the same as simplifying04:28 Why doing less can make you more valuable05:09 The daring act of simplifying and not adding to our workload07:26 The cost of valuing others’ time more than your own08:27 Reframing your mindset of deep thinking time09:31 Why we don’t do our best thinking at work09:45 Two ways to start simplifying a chaotic workday11:36 Why meetings with no agenda can be a time waster12:43 How to shift your day so you’re not constantly checking emails14:03 The definition of meaningful work17:02 The link between innovation and simplification18:08 3 Common pitfalls to successfully simplifying one’s work21:19 Why one of the biggest barriers in transformation is leadership24:08 Simplicity as it relates to tools, training, and messaging24:45 How to apply the tool: Kill a stupid rule28:55 Contributing meaningfully and effectively to improve your value29:20 The future of work and how to improve work and life32:14 The best place to start to start simplifying your life Learn more and apply for the November 2026 cohort of my Japan Leadership Experience: https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/