Penny Zenker, The Focusologist | Pt. 1

Inspiring Women with Betty Collins

Let's talk about focus and resilience with our distinguished guest, Penny Zenker, The Focusologist, an internationally acclaimed speaker, business strategy coach, and bestselling author.

Penny shares her transformative journey from a career in accounting and finance into the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. I talk with her about her pivotal “reset moments,” including a profound life change at the age of 19 and the influential “80-20 Rule” she learned, which emphasizes concentrating on the 20% that makes 80% of the difference in our efforts.

Applying the 80/20 Rule to Reset and Refocus:** “What’s that one thing that is gonna be the most important thing, the most impactful thing that’s going to make 80% of the difference?”— Penny Zenker

Penny explains the decision matrix of effort versus impact, a crucial tool for identifying where to focus your energies to maximize impact. We also talk about her strategies for managing overwhelming circumstances, balancing responsibilities across different life stages, and prioritizing tasks effectively.

Inspiring Takeaways

The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)**: Penny Zenker emphasizes how concentrating on the 20% of tasks that produce 80% of the results can significantly enhance productivity and outcome.

Effort vs. Impact Decision Matrix**: This tool helps in identifying tasks that require minimal effort but have maximum impact, aiding in better priority setting.

Reset Moments**: Recognizing moments that require stepping back to reassess and reset goals based on current needs and priorities, as discussed by Penny following a significant personal loss.

Distraction Quiz**: A practical approach to understanding and managing distractions by identifying key areas contributing to inefficiency and stress, leading to more focused work sessions.

Dynamic Reassessment**: Both speakers underscore the importance of continually reassessing and adjusting priorities throughout the day to cope with changing circumstances and ensure focus on what truly matters.

Embracing Change in Process**: Adapting to change as part of daily routines rather than resisting it, which can lead to improved resilience and flexibility in both personal and professional settings.

Inspiring Moments

05:43 Reflect, gain perspective, and realign for focus.

07:02 Control, acceptance, and coping – the focusologist’s approach.

10:12 Took leap into tech, built successful company.

13:24 Hired as chief technology officer, quit.

18:55 Resilience includes letting go, not just powering through.

21:23 Realize false urgency, focus on impact, prioritize.

25:53 Transitioning to a new season of life.

26:21 Book “Reset Mindset” aids in better communication.

31:05 Identify distractions, time-wasters, and stressors for improvement.

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Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative.

Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

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