Productivity for How You’re Wired with Ellen Faye  episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 18, 2025 · 1H 4M

Productivity for How You’re Wired with Ellen Faye

from Surfing the Quicksand · host Kathy Vines

This week, Kathy talks with productivity expert, leadership coach, and author Ellen Faye about what it really means to be productive, and why so many of us have been getting it wrong. They unpack the myths of “doing it all,” the shifting expectations of leadership, and how midlife can be a turning point for redefining success and satisfaction. Ellen shares wisdom from her work helping professionals lead more intentionally and compassionately, offering insights that challenge the traditional hustle narrative. Together, she and Kathy explore what happens when we let go of perfectionism, create space for strategic thinking, and learn to trust ourselves again. Whether you’re managing a team, running a household, or simply feeling stuck in the quicksand of “shoulds,” this conversation will help you breathe easier and work smarter, not harder. Key Takeaways Productivity ≠ Busyness - True productivity is about effectiveness, not hours worked. The Pillars of Productivity - Understanding Ellen’s foundational view of productivity helps people chart their own course towards priorities and productivity.  Leading with Your Productivity Style - Ellen shares how a customized approach can help you understand yourself AND how to interact with others when you understand their style.  Boundaries are Leadership - Saying no and creating focus time isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Resources & Mentions Ellen’s “Unlock Your Productivity Style” Quiz https://www.ellenfaye.com  “Productivity for How You’re Wired” is available via in print, ebook, and Audible on Amazon (a 5-star rating!) https://ellenfaye.com/productivity-leadership-books/  Ellen’s coaching services, including a free discovery chat: https://www.ellenfaye.com  Ellen recommended: Kristen Neff: “The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self Compassion” TEDx Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtZBUSplr4  About Ellen Faye Ellen Faye is an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Certified Productivity Leadership Coach, and Certified Professional Organizer & Certified Organizer Coach, and author of the book “Productivity for How You’re Wired.”  From her start as a professional organizer in 2001 in home settings, she quickly evolved into working closely with entrepreneurs and their home-based businesses, not just focusing on their space anymore, but their productivity and success as business leaders. Her business has shifted to focused work with business leaders of all kinds benefit from improved focus, clarity, and productivity.  In addition to her work with clients, Ellen is committed to the organizing and productivity in many ways, including service to NAPO including a term as President, as an instructor with the Coach Approach Training Institute, and shares her gift of strategic planning with boards to help set their vision for the future.  

This week, Kathy talks with productivity expert, leadership coach, and author Ellen Faye about what it really means to be productive, and why so many of us have been getting it wrong. They unpack the myths of “doing it all,” the shifting expectations of leadership, and how midlife can be a turning point for redefining success and satisfaction. Ellen shares wisdom from her work helping professionals lead more intentionally and compassionately, offering insights that challenge the traditional hustle narrative. Together, she and Kathy explore what happens when we let go of perfectionism, create space for strategic thinking, and learn to trust ourselves again. Whether you’re managing a team, running a household, or simply feeling stuck in the quicksand of “shoulds,” this conversation will help you breathe easier and work smarter, not harder. Key Takeaways Productivity ≠ Busyness - True productivity is about effectiveness, not hours worked. The Pillars of Productivity - Understanding Ellen’s foundational view of productivity helps people chart their own course towards priorities and productivity.  Leading with Your Productivity Style - Ellen shares how a customized approach can help you understand yourself AND how to interact with others when you understand their style.  Boundaries are Leadership - Saying no and creating focus time isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Resources & Mentions Ellen’s “Unlock Your Productivity Style” Quiz https://www.ellenfaye.com  “Productivity for How You’re Wired” is available via in print, ebook, and Audible on Amazon (a 5-star rating!) https://ellenfaye.com/productivity-leadership-books/  Ellen’s coaching services, including a free discovery chat: https://www.ellenfaye.com  Ellen recommended: Kristen Neff: “The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self Compassion” TEDx Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtZBUSplr4  About Ellen Faye Ellen Faye is an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Certified Productivity Leadership Coach, and Certified Professional Organizer & Certified Organizer Coach, and author of the book “Productivity for How You’re Wired.”  From her start as a professional organizer in 2001 in home settings, she quickly evolved into working closely with entrepreneurs and their home-based businesses, not just focusing on their space anymore, but their productivity and success as business leaders. Her business has shifted to focused work with business leaders of all kinds benefit from improved focus, clarity, and productivity.  In addition to her work with clients, Ellen is committed to the organizing and productivity in many ways, including service to NAPO including a term as President, as an instructor with the Coach Approach Training Institute, and shares her gift of strategic planning with boards to help set their vision for the future.

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Productivity for How You’re Wired with Ellen Faye

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This week, Kathy talks with productivity expert, leadership coach, and author Ellen Faye about what it really means to be productive, and why so many of us have been getting it wrong. They unpack the myths of “doing it all,” the shifting...

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