ProductiviTree: Cultivating Efficiency, Harvesting Joy

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Today’s guest has been at the heart of transformation for over 35 years in IT, including nearly three decades at Microsoft, where he now leads Customer Success for AI, Cybersecurity, and Leadership across some of the world’s largest Retail and CPG enterprises. He’s a Microsoft GM, Industry CISO, LinkedIn Top Voice, keynote speaker, and former Vice Mayor who has led mission-critical programs like Navy Flank Speed and USAF CHES, all while championing one core belief: technology doesn’t transform organizations, leaders do. Get ready for a conversation on leadership, cross-functional impact, and clarity in chaos with Nick Palomba
Nick Palomba spent 29 years at Microsoft coordinating teams across functions, time zones, and government agencies. He shares why most cross-functional work fails, when silos are actually smart, and how to get results without the corporate collaboration circus.
Speaker Links
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/nick-palomba-s-newsletter-7164304949038833664/
Recorded Date and Location
Date: 05/02/2026
Guest location: Greater Tampa Bay Area

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.
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Take the New Productivity Test: https://links.santiagotacoronte.com/Productivity-Assessment
Connect with me:
Website: santiagotacoronte.com
LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte
Have questions or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]
Connect with the host:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-tacoronte/
• https://santiagotacoronte.com/

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Leadership is not a promotion, it is a practice you start where you are. In this episode, we break down John Maxwell’s five levels of leadership and connect them to David Graddy’s three phases of leadership growth, so listeners can see exactly how to move from “good employee” to “go-to leader” without waiting for permission. Expect spicy takes on bad managers, late leadership training, and why some “leaders” never grow past positional power, plus concrete steps to increase your influence in the next 30 days.
Speaker Bio
Imagine rising through the ranks of an aerospace giant like Boeing, not by waiting for a promotion, but by leading in the trenches, long before anyone handed you the title. 
That’s David Graddy. With 40 years mastering IT, retail, and leadership across industries, this John Maxwell Certified Trainer and author of Leading in the Trenches reveals the blueprint for anyone to build unstoppable influence.
No fancy degrees required — just empathy, communication, and adaptability to decode any manager, outshine your peers, and become the go-to leader your team needs. From Wichita’s front lines to tomorrow’s AI-powered workplaces, David proves: true leadership isn’t promoted. It’s chosen.
Speaker Links
https://amzn.to/4jGoCey
https://davidgraddy.com/

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.
🟢 Spotify
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟡 Amazon Music
🔴 YouTube
Take the New Productivity Test: https://links.santiagotacoronte.com/Productivity-Assessment
Connect with me:
Website: santiagotacoronte.com
LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte
Have questions or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]
Connect with the host:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-tacoronte/
• https://santiagotacoronte.com/

Send us a text
In this conversation, Tim Beattie discusses the evolving landscape of consulting, emphasizing the need for a shift from traditional models focused on outputs to a more outcome-oriented approach. He highlights the importance of enablement over mere delivery, the pitfalls of the silver bullet mentality, and the necessity of mastering OKRs for effective measurement. Tim also explores the role of AI in enhancing consulting practices and provides insights on crafting effective OKRs and key questions leaders should ask before engaging consultants.

Takeaways
Traditional consulting is broken and needs to evolve.
Focus on outcomes rather than outputs in consulting.
Enablement is more important than delivery in consulting.
The silver bullet mentality leads to dependency on consultants.
Organizations should build internal capabilities instead of relying on external consultants.
OKRs should be regularly reviewed and owned by teams.
Effective OKRs require collaboration and clear ownership.
AI can enhance consulting by amplifying human expertise.
Consultants should leave behind high-performing teams.
Leaders must ask critical questions before signing consulting contracts.

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.
🟢 Spotify
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟡 Amazon Music
🔴 YouTube
Take the New Productivity Test: https://links.santiagotacoronte.com/Productivity-Assessment
Connect with me:
Website: santiagotacoronte.com
LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte
Have questions or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]
Connect with the host:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-tacoronte/
• https://santiagotacoronte.com/

Send us a text
In this episode, we sit down with James Eagle, a data visualization specialist who spent two decades in asset management at HSBC, Fidelity, and Vontobel before co-founding PlotSet. James helped win $41 billion in assets from sovereign wealth funds by making complex data instantly clear, and now creates viral animated visualizations for Visual Capitalist that transform how millions understand the world.
Takeaways
Data visualization is a tool for delivering clarity.
Storytelling is essential in both writing and presenting data.
Laziness in communication leads to ineffective data presentations.
Understanding your audience is crucial for effective visualization.
Static bar charts are often the most effective visualization type.
AI can enhance data visualization but can also spread misinformation.
Every chart should convey a clear message to be valuable.
Emotional engagement is key in data communication.
You can create effective visualizations without coding skills.
Practice framing information to make it relevant to your audience.
Create Your Own Charts: https://plotset.com/
James' Newsletter: Killer Charts Blog: https://killercharts.blog/
Get the Book "From Chaos to Clarity": https://amzn.to/4r9nHpA

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.
🟢 Spotify
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟡 Amazon Music
🔴 YouTube
Take the New Productivity Test: https://links.santiagotacoronte.com/Productivity-Assessment
Connect with me:
Website: santiagotacoronte.com
LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte
Have questions or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]
Connect with the host:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-tacoronte/
• https://santiagotacoronte.com/

Send us a text
Reginald Ferguson talks about how he got started in the fashion industry, influenced by his family and the energy of New York City. He explains how what we wear can affect how others see us at work, and why dressing well matters for credibility and respect. Reginald also examines how ideas about leadership attire are changing, the impact of fast fashion, and why personal style matters. He shares practical advice for anyone looking to improve their wardrobe without sacrificing their sense of style, and he discusses the specific challenges women face in the workplace regarding style and judgment.

Takeaways
Fashion is influenced by personal experiences and upbringing.
New York City serves as a significant backdrop for fashion inspiration.
Dressing well can enhance productivity and credibility.
Leadership attire has evolved; it's not just about suits anymore.
Personal style should be distinct and aspirational.
Fast fashion can be avoided by developing a personal style.
Reinvention of style is a gradual process.
Knowing your dimensions is crucial for making smart clothing choices.
Clothing communicates who you are and affects how others perceive you.
Women face unique challenges in workplace attire and judgment.What’s Your
Real Productivity Score as a Leader? Take the Free Test: https://santiagotacoronte.com/productivity-quiz/

Thanks for listening to ProductiviTree! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share.
🟢 Spotify
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟡 Amazon Music
🔴 YouTube
Take the New Productivity Test: https://links.santiagotacoronte.com/Productivity-Assessment
Connect with me:
Website: santiagotacoronte.com
LinkedIn: Santiago Tacoronte
Have questions or suggestions? Email us at [email protected]
Connect with the host:
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-tacoronte/
• https://santiagotacoronte.com/