Conferences still matter. But the way we design them must change.

With rising costs, economic pressure, and AI reshaping professional development, association leaders can’t afford events that stop at “great content.”

In this episode, Penny Zenker shares:

• Why information is now a commodity
• What Millennials and Gen Z actually expect from events
• How to use real-time feedback and live polling to increase engagement
• A practical framework for embedding accountability into your conference
• How AI can personalize and extend impact long after the event ends

Because the real ROI of a conference isn’t inspiration.

It’s implementation.

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In today's hyper-complex, information-saturated world, the impulse is often to do more. More tasks, more meetings, more data consumption. But what if the path to true success lies in doing less while achieving more? We sat down with Rich Horwath, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and the leading authority on strategic thinking, to uncover the crucial insights that separate successful leaders from those stuck on the activity treadmill. Horwath, Founder of the Strategic Thinking Institute and author of Strategic: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence, argues that relying on AI to think for us is a critical mistake. Instead, leaders must intentionally carve out time to gain the "fuel insights"—learnings that lead to new value.

In this must-read post, learn how to:

• Stop reacting and start acting on your own agenda.
• Implement simple, daily "Reset Practices" to capture one valuable insight a day.
• Use strategic reflection to clarify success and double down on what’s working.
• Leverage your time, talent, and attention for maximum strategic advantage.

Discover why doing less leads to more strategic achievement and how you can develop the mindset required to thrive in a complex world.

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In a world of constant change, uncertainty can feel overwhelming—especially for leaders responsible for guiding others through it. In this solo episode, Penny Zenker shares a powerful reframe: certainty isn’t about predicting outcomes—it’s about anchoring yourself internally.

Drawing from real-world leadership challenges, stress neuroscience, and her proven Reset Mindset, Penny explores how leaders can reduce emotional intensity, regain clarity, and take the next right step, even when the future feels unclear. You’ll learn why logic alone can’t solve emotional overload, how to move out of reactive mode, and how a simple three-step practice—step back, get perspective, and realign—can restore calm, focus, and confidence.

This episode is especially relevant for leaders, executives, HR professionals, coaches, and wellness practitioners navigating cognitive overload, market volatility, and emotional fatigue—both in themselves and their teams.

If you’re looking for practical leadership tools that support both performance and well-being, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and lead with intention—no matter what’s happening around you.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://pennyzenker360.com/positive-productivity-podcast/