CoolTimeLife

How staying in the moment will save you online and off. Most people live in reaction mode, constantly responding to emails, pings, and pop-ups. But every reaction costs attention and control. Just like a traveler who touches their wallet after seeing a “Beware of pickpockets” sign, we reveal too much when we react unconsciously. Unfortunately, proactivity isn’t natural. It’s a learned skill. Our brains are wired to react first, think later. But when you shift from reaction to proaction, you regain control of your choices, your time, and even your physiology. Proactive people anticipate. They ask questions. They slow down just enough to steer outcomes instead of being swept along by them. And most importanty, they regain control of their lives. Learn how in this episode. A full listing and descriptions of our episodes is available at https://cooltimelife.com.                                                                            Find out more about Cyber Security Headlines here: https://cisoseries.com/category/podcast/cyber-security-headlines/                                                                            Find out more about the Thales Security Sessions podcast here: https://cpl.thalesgroup.com/podcasts/data-security-sessions Details about my "Bath sponge" episode are available here: https://cooltimelife.com/cooltimelife-episodes/#bath-sponge Links to resources mentioned here can also be found in the show notes or on this episode’s dedicated page, cooltimelife.com/conscious                To support this podcast through Patreon, visit patreon.com/cooltimelife.

A World Where Work Can Start Without You - How Agentic-AI will impact your work In 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 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, preparing, and updating our podcast series, as well as delivering the episodes more frequently. Members get all kinds of useful bonus content, including email Q&As with me as well as resources that I use to teach at universities and organizations around the world. If that feels fair to you, please visit https://patreon.com/cooltimelife. Real Genius Classroom montage (1985) - https://youtu.be/wB1X4o-MV6o?si=4ZbBTFmOr45BIs3p

How to manage your career during an AI revolution Will 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 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 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, preparing, and updating our podcast series, as well as delivering the episodes more frequently. Members get all kinds of useful bonus content, including email Q&As with me as well as resources that I use to teach at universities and organizations around the world. If that feels fair to you, please visit patreon.com/cooltimelife. #AIJobs #FutureOfWork #CareerDevelopment #WorkLikeAWolf #JobSecurity #AIandCareers #ResilienceAtWork #CoolTimeLife SEO Keywords AI job security, AI and careers, future of work, AI replacing jobs, how to adapt to AI, working with AI, AI career change, AI and job market, AI skills for work, AI-proof jobs will AI take my job, jobs safe from AI, jobs AI will replace, AI career opportunities, AI skills training, AI workplace adaptation, work like a wolf, AI career tips, surviving AI disruption, human skills vs AI

In the latest episode of the CoolTimeLife podcast, I present a crucial message for anyone navigating today’s high-risk digital world: 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 element of workplace culture. Teach someone else to GAP IT, especially a colleague or older relative. This habit could stop a scam before it starts, and might just protect someone you care about. 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. You can also check out my YouTube video that supports this episode, as well as others by visiting my YouTube channel. 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, preparing, and updating our podcast series, as well as delivering the episodes more frequently. Members get all kinds of useful bonus content, including email Q&As with me as well as resources that I use to teach at universities and organizations around the world. If that feels fair to you, please visit patreon.com/cooltimelife. Links to resources mentioned here can be found in the show notes or on this episode’s dedicated page, cooltimelife.com/gap-it ___ Key cybersecurity SEO terms included in this episode: phishing, social engineering, zero trust, email scams, robocall fraud, data breach, online safety, critical thinking, and cyber hygiene.

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/steveprentice Keywords: how to make meetings more productive 55-minute meeting strategy best practices for virtual meetings shorter meetings for better engagement how to reduce workplace meeting fatigue effective time management in meetings psychology behind successful meetings time-saving meeting techniques alternatives to traditional office meetings buffer time between meetings productivity

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. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and others can provide prompts, first drafts, and conceptual ideas that give people the courage to keep going. These tools "ignite the spark"—the initial momentum that’s often the hardest part of any creative journey.   The episode also discusses how AI reduces the fear of failure. Since the interaction happens privately on a screen, people are more willing to experiment, iterate, and take risks. This gives AI a surprising and powerful role as a personal motivator, one that doesn’t judge or grade, but simply supports.   I explore how this can have deep implications across all walks of life—from students and professionals to entrepreneurs and artists. Generative AI becomes not just a tool, but a trusted creative collaborator, always ready to listen and offer ideas, no matter the time of day.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or creatively blocked. If you’re curious about how AI can be more than just a technical assistant, and instead become a source of emotional empowerment and creative liberation, this episode is for you.   Tune in to discover how you can turn generative AI into your personal muse.  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 podcast series. If that feels fair to you, please visit https://patreon.com/steveprentice. SEO Keywords and Phrases: Generative AI motivation AI creativity tools Using AI to overcome creative blocks ChatGPT for inspiration How AI helps with creativity AI as emotional support AI collaboration in the workplace Generative AI podcast Creative productivity with AI Personal growth through AI

The Lost Dimension - How Reconnecting with Physical Space Enhances Learning and Communication In 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/steveprentice Key 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 fixed-location conversations. Reconnecting with tangible, physical surroundings can enhance communication and creativity.    2. The Value of Passive Focus:  Activities such as watching an aquarium or playing sports like tennis allow the mind to relax and focus naturally, emphasizing the importance of integrating passive, manageable stimuli into modern technology-driven interactions.    3. Video Chat Limitations:  Video conferencing, while convenient, often lacks the depth of connection and engagement found in in-person meetings or even traditional phone calls. This is largely due to the sterile, two-dimensional nature of video calls.    4. Importance of Shared Spaces in Communication:  Physical surroundings in a shared space enrich conversations and foster creativity. Virtual environments, like Virbela, offer a promising alternative by simulating three-dimensional interaction.    5. Human Connection in Retail and Beyond:  The resurgence of human cashiers and knowledgeable sales assistants in retail highlights the enduring need for personal interaction and the value of contact with three-dimensional, real-world environments. Keywords: - Importance of tangible interaction in communication  - Benefits of passive focus for creativity  - Limitations of video conferencing for engagement  - Virtual environments for three-dimensional communication  - Role of shared spaces in meaningful conversations  - Enhancing remote meetings with virtual reality platforms  - Connection between physical surroundings and creative thinking  - Benefits of human interaction in retail settings  - Reducing video call fatigue with innovative technologies  - Reimagining workplace communication in a digital age 

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 safe, relaxed environment for effective communication.  Proactive Communication: Simple acts like providing updates or setting clear expectations deliver comfort and reassure customers, employees, or clients.  Managing Change Through Comfort: Leaders can ease fears about new technologies like Generative AI by reframing change as an opportunity and emphasizing human adaptability.  Comfort in Leadership: Within organizations, delivering comfort to employees builds engagement, reduces turnover, and fosters a positive culture of trust and respect.  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 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 podcast series. If that feels fair to you, please visit patreon.com/steveprentice. Keywords: - The importance of comfort in customer service relationships  - How to build trust through proactive communication  - The role of storytelling in delivering comfort and trust  - Managing employee fears during technology adoption  - Comfort strategies for building loyal customers  - How to differentiate comfort vs. satisfaction in customer service  - Effective leadership through managing expectations and delivering comfort  - Creating a positive organizational culture with proactive reassurance  - Storytelling techniques for enhancing customer experience  - AI in customer service: addressing fears and creating opportunities

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 podcast series. If that feels fair to you, please visit https://patreon.com/steveprentice.

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 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 podcast series. If that feels fair to you, please visit patreon.com/steveprentice.

An interview with Rebecca Ahmed The 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.com Her 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.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

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.com If you're interested in supporting the CoolTimeLife podcast series, visit https://www.patreon.com/steveprentice

Every week we take some of the most interesting news stories about people, work and life and summarize them. Here’s what we found interesting about the workweek this week: More companies seem to be rejecting the work-from-home model High-flying executives enjoy WFH and a premium commute – but they’re still under scrutiny Feedback is now a bad thing. Welcome to the world of “feedforward.” SalesForce releases Einstein Copilot – a model of how jobs will change with AI Show notes to this episode are available at https://cooltimelife.com If 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