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

Apply for the Nov 2025 (limited spots remaining) or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://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 Apply for the Nov 2025 or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

Om Podcasten

You’re a leader who knows that people are at the center of an exceptional organizational culture. You're excited to activate a culture of continuous learning – where everyone is capable, confident, and empowered to solve problems and innovate at all levels. This podcast is all about inspiring and equipping you to do that – through the power of learning and leading. Chain of Learning® is where the links of leadership and learning unite. Join your host, Katie Anderson, internationally recognized leadership consultant, award-winning author of “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”, and fellow learning enthusiast, for a journey that will help you master the skills to lead your organization from a traditional culture of “doing” into a vibrant, high-performing organization of continuous learning. Chain of Learning® is the trusted source for purpose-driven leaders and continuous improvement, lean, and agile practitioners seeking positive inspiration, innovative ideas, proven best practices, and actionable strategies to lead transformational change. Tune into each episode to gain the knowledge and skills you need to build a thriving people-centered learning culture, achieve needed business results, and expand your impact, so that you – and your team – can leave a lasting legacy. Subscribe and follow Chain of Learning® today so you never miss an episode! Share this podcast with your friends, fellow leaders, and colleagues, and let’s strengthen our Chain of Learning® – together. Podcast website: ChainOfLearning.com Katie Anderson’s website: KBJAnderson.com Connect with Katie Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/ Read Katie's book: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com