Cooltimelife

A World Where Work Can Start Without You - How Agentic-AI will impact your workIn a world where work can start without you, what happens to your role, your career, and your sense of control? This episode explores the rise of Agentic AI: a new generation of artificial intelligence that doesn’t just respond to prompts, but anticipates goals, plans multi-step actions, and executes them before you even ask. We’ll look at how this technology is already reshaping workplaces, the opportunities it opens for career growth, the risks we need to manage, and a real-world case study that shows the future in action.If you have a comment about this podcast or a suggestion for a topic you would like me to discuss, join the conversation on LinkedIn. My ID there is stevenprentice. Or feel free to drop me a line through the contact form at cooltimelife.com, where you’ll find a full listing of our evergreen CoolTimeLife episodes.If you feel you are getting value from this series, please leave a review, and tell just one person a

How to manage your career during an AI revolutionWill AI Take Your Job – Or Make You More Valuable?The fear of artificial intelligence replacing human jobs is real, and it's growing. Think of the meme: “AI won’t take your job, but someone who knows AI will,” uncertainty is everywhere. In this episode I tackle the question head-on: should you be afraid of AI, or should you see it as the biggest career opportunity of your lifetime?AI is not a job terminator so much as a task transformer. Technologies like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity can automate repetitive work, but they also open doors to higher-value, human-driven services. So, what’s the survival strategy? You must work like a wolf: stay sharp, adaptable, and self-reliant. Start with what you already do well and ask how AI can make you better at it. Visit https://cooltimelife.com/wolf to explore strategies, tools, and resources that will keep you relevant, confident, and in demand.If you have a comment about this podcast or a suggestion for a topic you

In the latest episode of the CoolTimeLife podcast, I present a crucial message for anyone navigating today’s high-risk digital world – not just yourself and co-workers, but your family too:: Don’t trust. GAP IT instead. With phishing attacks, social engineering scams, and emotional manipulation on the rise, your best defense isn’t a new antivirus software, it’s your brain. Or more precisely, your ability to pause and think before reacting.Today’s scams are smarter, faster, and more emotionally charged than ever. Cybercriminals know they can’t easily beat modern security software, so instead, they target the weakest link in any system: human beings.The GAP IT technique is a powerful but simple mental habit that can save your identity, your money, and your peace of mind. It stands for “Give it A Pause.” The idea is this: when a message triggers urgency, fear, or outrage—pause. Don’t click. Don’t reply. Think out loud “what’s really going on here?”The GAP IT technique is both a personal skill and a required elem

Night owls have always had it tougher in a workday designed by and made for “morning people.” So why are some people aligned to a later body clock and what does the new normal hold for them? It’s good news.A full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at https://cooltimelife.com. If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprentice

Meetings, whether in person or online, are notorious as time wasters, often plagued by late starts, irrelevant discussions, and a lack of clear outcomes. There’s a better way, which I call the 55-Minute Meeting. This approach offers practical solutions to reclaim productivity, minimize stress, and maximize the effectiveness of meetings, by connecting with people’s motivations and physiology rather than the agenda. I use the analogy of retail pricing strategies, where a slight adjustment (like $19.95 instead of $20) significantly influences consumer behavior. Similarly, a shorter, precise meeting duration – 55 minutes instead of an hour – or even shorter, or even asynchronous – taps into our need for structure, clarity and balance. A full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at https://cooltimelife.com. If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprenticeKeywords:how to make meetings more productive55-minute meeting strategybest practi

In this episode, I dive into an exciting and timely topic: how generative AI is becoming a powerful and innovative tool for boosting human motivation, unleashing creativity, and reducing the fear of failure. It explores how today’s AI tools are not just for coders and tech-savvy professionals—they are emotional allies, collaborators, and motivators for anyone looking to innovate and express themselves. I offer a thought-provoking narrative that looks at the emotional side of creativity, seeking to make the case that the real value of generative AI lies not in replacing human effort, but in enhancing confidence, reducing creative blocks, and providing a safe, judgment-free space for people to try new ideas. Whether it’s writing a song, designing a business plan, or simply exploring new ways of thinking, AI can act as a motivational partner, helping people take that crucial first step. One of the most compelling points made in this episode is that creativity doesn’t always have to start with a blank page. Gener

The Lost Dimension - How Reconnecting with Physical Space Enhances Learning and CommunicationIn an era dominated by video calls and digital communication, we may be overlooking a critical element that enhances learning, creativity, and connection: our interaction with the physical spaces around us. This podcast explores the profound impact of three-dimensional awareness on our ability to learn, communicate, and engage with others. It delves into how the simple, tactile act of using a landline telephone in the past offered a richer, more grounded conversational experience compared to today’s mobile phones and video chats.A full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at https://cooltimelife.com. If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprenticeKey Takeaways:  1. The Lost Art of Tangible Interaction: The transition from landline telephones to mobile devices and video chats has diminished the unique, focused engagement once fostered by f

In this episode, I encourage listeners to dedicate time to comfort as part of their work strategy. By proactively managing client and employee expectations, sharing stories, and reframing change as an opportunity rather than a threat, you can turn fear into trust and satisfaction into loyalty. Whether you’re dealing with customers, employees, or adapting to emerging technologies like Generative AI, comfort is your greatest ally in fostering connections and inspiring confidence.  Tune in to this episode for actionable insights and transformative stories that show how delivering comfort can set you apart in today’s competitive world. For more, visit the episode page at cooltimelife.com/comfort.5 Key Takeaways from the Episode Comfort vs. Satisfaction: Comfort precedes satisfaction in customer relationships. It establishes trust and reduces stress, forming the foundation for lasting loyalty and engagement. The Power of Storytelling: The phrase “let me tell you a story” instantly connects with people, creating a

We all communicate, but we don’t all do it well. The need to send information in small packages, like texting, has taken away a vital component of conversation: conflict. Sounds strange, right? But we learn more when arguments and counterfactual discussions are introduced into our interactions. It strengthens knowledge and relationships. My guest, Douglas Squirrel, is an expert in practising the art of constructive conflict.You can find out more about Douglas Squirrel by visiting https://douglassquirrel.com.A full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at https://cooltimelife.com. If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprentice

AI’s Unmentioned Emissions: Induced Demand, Ergonomic Inflation, and what they might mean for you. There’s no question that AI and generative-AI can do a lot of great things, with more being developed every day. But humans have a terrible knack of falling prey to “induced demand” and “ergonomic inflation,” both of which hold the potential of stealing away all the productivity that AI promised to deliver.If you have a comment about this podcast, feel free to drop me a line through the contact form at https://cooltimelife.com. A full listing of our past CoolTimeLife episodes is available there too. I update the episodes regularly so that the concepts do not get dated. So, check them out and download whatever feels good. If you feel you are getting value from this series, please leave a review, and tell just one person about us, or mention us on social media. And if you want, you can support us on Patreon. Contributions from our listeners allow me and my team to spend more time researching and preparing our podc

Why is it that so many people lose the brilliance and creativity they are born with? Life has a way of pressing peoples' motivations and self confidence down to a tiny fraction of their former selves.This is particularly tragic when you realize just how many times people hear the word "no" as they are growing up. My guest for this episode, Simon T. Bailey wants to give people their ability to be brilliant again. His drive and passion are refreshing and inspiring, and time spent with him will give you the chance to reconnect with your own inner brilliance and resilience.

Much has been written about great leaders, but what happens when a leader starts to poison the well? Some leaders do not have the right people skills, some are only in it for themselves and others actually see a merit in appearing as a saint while ruling through fear and oppression behind closed doors. It only takes one person with one drop of poison to cause enormous and lasting damage to an organization. My guest, Sean Lemson, is an expert in spotting and fixing the poisonous leader problem.Sean’s website is https://motivatedoutcomes.com and his/her/their LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/slemson/.If you have a comment about this podcast, feel free to drop me a line through the contact form at cooltimelife.com. A full listing of our past CoolTimeLife episodes is available there too. I update the episodes regularly so that the concepts do not get dated. So, check them out and download whatever feels good. If you feel you are getting value from this series, please leave a review, and tell just o

An interview with Rebecca AhmedThe most recent State of the Global Workforce Report from the Gallup Organization says that less than one-quarter of the U.S. workforce is engaged at work, and traditional methods to engage workers clearly aren’t working, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining Gen Z workers. Some might say it has always been that way, but it doesn’t need to be, and Rebecca Ahmed is leading the charge to restore energy into work culture.Visit Rebecca at: energeticimpact.comHer book, The Energy of Success, is available everywhere books are sold.                                                                     A full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at CoolTimeLife.com If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprentice

An interview with Drew Jones, PhD.For decades, companies have been spending money on culture and training and have very little to show for it. Why? Because they have been going about it all wrong. They have been ignoring the concept that Drew Jones and others call “the collective brain” which is more organic, a lot easier, and tends to stick a whole lot more easily.Visit Drew Jones at drewjones.co and his company at Experient.work. He is available on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amjonesphd/Drew's book, The Open Culture Handbook: Five Questions to Drive Engagement and Innovation is available wherever books are sold.A full listing of our episodes is available at CoolTimeLife.com.If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit Steve on Patreon at patreon.com/steveprentice 

Far too much of our management practices are based on thinking developed as far back as the 1950s. Lori Mazan says this needs to change, but there are many reasons why it takes so long. Lori is co-founder, president, and chief coaching officer of Sounding Board, Inc., a center for leadership development. She is also author of a new book, Leadership Revolution: The Future of Developing Dynamic Leaders (Wiley, 2023)A full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at CoolTimeLife.com.  If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit Steve on Patreon.

Barbie Brewer has held executive positions at Netflix and GitLab and has been instrumental in establishing successful hybrid work environments at both places. In this interview she talks bout what she learned, how it affected her own life and what she recommends for leaders who are struggling with the concept of hybrid work at their own locations.Her website is https://barbiejane.comA full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at https://CoolTimeLife.com If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprentice

UPDATED January 2023: The Box of Time - Sounds like a science fiction movie, doesn't it? But it's not. At least not here. A box of time is a highly powerful way of influencing people and managing time, simply by managing expectations and giving people an alternative to fearing the unknown. It will allow you to to be left alone to focus, and also get people to show up when you want them to. It will give you some ideas on how to best structure your day and even lighten your load by no longer being the path of least resistance.. As a bonus, you'll even learn a bit about Bonsai trees.More information on our CoolTimeLife series is available at https://cooltimelife.comIf you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprentice

The problem with in-person get-togethers: Whenever events and get-togethers occur, they come up against a big problem – people’s time. We’re just not as available as we used to be, and frankly we don’t always want to go. So, what’s to be done? Are get togethers worth it anymore?A full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at https://CoolTimeLife.com If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprentice

Many high-profile companies these days are reflections of their superstar CEOs – people like Elon Musk and Jamie Dimon. Author Thomas Keil suggests that although they may be good for branding, just like regular rock stars, they can’t truly do it alone.His new book, co-authored with Marianna Zangrillo, is entitled The Next Leadership Team: How to Select, Build, and Optimize Your Top Team, and is available at Amazon and elsewhere.Thomas Keil, D.Sc. (Tech.)Thomas professional aim is to bridge the divide between academia and practice.He is a Full Professor at the University of Zurich, Switzerland where he teaches strategy and international management. Thomas holds a D.Sc. (Tech.) and Lic. Tech. from Helsinki University of Technology and a Dipl. Wirtsch. Ing from TH Darmstadt. Previously he taught at the Schulich School of Business at York University in Canada and at Aalto University in Finland.Thomas’ research focuses on the senior leader’s agenda in multinational corporations, specifically board design, CEO succ

In June 2023, FORTUNE magazine published a piece entitled "Bosses are fed up with remote work for 4 main reasons. Some of them are undeniable." Well, I'm going to deny them.  If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprentice