How to Stop Meetings from Destroying Your Productivity

How much of your week do you actually spend sitting in meetings? If you're like most people, it's probably way more than you'd like. In fact, I once worked with a company that discovered over 40% of their salary budget was going toward people sitting in conference rooms. Not building products, not serving customers, just meeting. And here's the kicker: most of those meetings didn't even need to happen.Today I'm breaking down the five meeting rules that can help you reclaim your productivity, protect your energy, and finally stop feeling like your calendar is controlling your life. Whether you're the person scheduling meetings or the one drowning in back-to-back calls, this episode will show you how to make meetings work for you instead of against you.In This Episode, I'll Cover:Why meetings cost way more than just time on your calendarThe difference between a manager's schedule and a maker's scheduleFive meeting rules that will transform your productivityHow to tell if you actually need to be in a meetingWhy not being invited to meetings is actually a giftThe Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity ________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

If you've been hearing buzz about Cal Newport's new book "Slow Productivity" and wondering if it's worth your time, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the three core principles of slow productivity and sharing my honest take on how they apply to real life, especially for those of us juggling work and caregiving responsibilities.Cal's framework offers a different approach to the "hustle harder" culture we're all drowning in. Whether you're a consultant, writer, researcher, or anyone whose job involves deep thinking and creating, understanding slow productivity could shift how you approach your workday. Let's dig into what slow productivity really means and how to think about it in the context of your actual life.In This Episode, I'll Cover:The three core principles of slow productivity and how they workWhy conventional time management fails knowledge workers (and everyone else)How to do fewer things without your boss thinking you're slackingThe reality of working at a natural pace when life is unpredictableWhat to consider if you're a primary caregiver reading this bookMy take on obsessing over quality without falling into perfectionismThe Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

If you're a woman who constantly puts everyone else first, this episode is going to hit differently. You know that feeling when you look at your calendar and realize you're not even on it? When every single time slot is filled with obligations to others, and the thought of prioritizing yourself feels selfish or impossible? Today's conversation with Erin Gallagher, author of the new book Hype Women, is going to challenge everything you've been taught about selflessness and what it's costing you.Erin is sharing five powerful shifts that women can make today to start serving themselves first. And here's the truth bomb: when you're constantly being selfless, you're not just robbing yourself. You're robbing everyone around you from experiencing the truest, most present version of who you are. This isn't about adding more to your plate or earning the right to take care of yourself. It's about understanding that prioritizing yourself is the foundation for everything else to work.In This Episode, I'll Cover:The real question to ask yourself: Are you even on your own list?Why changing the order matters more than adding yourself to the calendarHow to communicate your priorities without feeling guilty or defensiveThe universe's test when you start prioritizing yourself (and how to pass it)What happens when your kids see you choosing yourself firstConnect with Erin and purchase her new book Hype Women: www.hypewomen.comThe Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity ________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

Today I'm sitting down with personal transformation strategist Monique Rhodes for a conversation that might surprise you, but one I think every woman juggling multiple responsibilities needs to hear. We're diving deep into what happiness actually is, and why so many of us who seem to "have it all together" still feel empty inside.Monique's story is incredible. She went from attempting suicide at 19 to now living at a "9 out of 10" happiness level almost every single day, and she's helped thousands of people worldwide transform their relationship with joy and fulfillment. She brings a unique blend of neuroscience and soul-centered wisdom that makes this topic both practical and profound. If you've ever wondered why productivity and achievement aren't filling that deeper need for contentment, this conversation will be eye-opening.In This Episode, I'll Cover:What happiness actually looks like (it's not constant joy)The toxic positivity trap and why it's making things worseA neuroscience-backed method for processing emotions in 90 secondsHow we've been conditioned to earn love through our actionsWhy external circumstances don't determine your happinessConnect with Monique:www.moniquerhodes.comwww.instagram.com/moniquerhodesofficialwww.facebook.com/moniquerhodesofficialwww.youtube.com/@MoniqueRhodesOfficialwww.linkedin.com/in/moniquerhodesofficialThe Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity ________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

What if I told you that building a successful business doesn't require working 80-hour weeks or waking up at 4 AM? Today I'm sharing something I've never broken down in this much detail before: the complete six-year journey of building The Pink Bee, including all the messy, real numbers and decisions that got us here.Spoiler alert: I built this business without the overwhelm, without the burnout, and definitely without sacrificing sleep. If you've ever felt like you're failing at running your business or that you can't grow something meaningful without sacrificing your boundaries, I promise this episode will change how you think about what's possible.In This Episode, I'll Cover:The real revenue and profit numbers from 2019 to 2025Key operational decisions that allowed sustainable growthWhy I shut down the most profitable part of my businessHow boundaries and core values guided every major decisionThe five things I attribute to our success trajectoryMentioned in the episode: TOP Operations is now open for enrollment! Learn more at www.megansumrell.com/operationsThe Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity ________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

What I saw on Shark Tank the other week perfectly illustrated the toxic business myths that are burning women out left and right. A college student with impeccable numbers and a highly profitable business didn't land a deal (not because his business wasn't amazing, but because he wasn't "hustling" enough). He was still in school, which meant he wasn't sacrificing everything, and that somehow made him less worthy of investment. Meanwhile, another couple with terrible numbers got a deal because they were broke and sleeping in garages. Friends, we need to talk about this.If you're a woman who's also a caregiver, these lies hit differently. When conventional business wisdom tells you that real entrepreneurs sacrifice everything, work 80-hour weeks, and achieve overnight success, it's sending a subtle message: you can't do this. But here's the truth... those are complete myths, and I'm living proof that there's another way to build a successful business without burning yourself out.In This Episode, I'll Cover:Why the "sacrifice everything" mentality is toxic for women entrepreneursThe overnight success lie that's setting unrealistic expectationsThe two-option growth trap that leads to burnout and plateausHow these myths are causing women to close profitable businessesWhy conventional business advice fails women (especially caregivers)Mentioned in the episode: TOP Operations is now open for enrollment! Learn more at www.megansumrell.com/operationsThe Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

Tired of family meetings that end with eye rolls, groans, and everyone feeling worse than when you started? You're not alone. Most families approach these conversations all wrong, turning them into lecture sessions or crisis management instead of the connection and coordination tools they're meant to be.In this episode, I'm joined by Christy Keating, founder of The Heartful Parent Collective and licensed attorney turned parent coach. Christy shares why most family meetings fail and the mindset shifts that make all the difference. We dive into the biggest misconceptions about family meetings, signs your family could benefit from them, and how to get started without the resistance.In This Episode, We'll Cover:Why traditional family meetings feel like punishment to everyone involvedSigns your family could benefit from regular meetings beyond calendar coordinationHow to introduce the concept to skeptical family membersThe appreciation practice you can start today at your dinner tableWhy every family needs regular communication rhythms (just like workplace teams)Connect with Christy:www.theheartfulparent.comwww.facebook.com/TheHeartfulParentwww.instagram.com/theheartfulparentwww.linkedin.com/in/christy-keating-j-d-a993a3110/The Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity ________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

If you've ever wondered whether time management systems can work for someone with ADHD, this episode is essential listening. The truth is, most productivity advice out there wasn't designed with neurodivergent brains in mind, and that's why so many women with ADHD feel like they're failing at systems that simply weren't built for them.I'm joined by Meghan Brown-Enyia, an ADHD coach and social worker who specializes in helping women with ADHD thrive in their careers. Meghan breaks down what ADHD actually is (and isn't), why traditional productivity methods often backfire, and shares practical strategies that honor how the ADHD brain actually works. Whether you have ADHD yourself, live with someone who does, or work with neurodivergent colleagues, this conversation will transform how you think about productivity and planning.In This Episode, We Cover:What ADHD really is and how it shows up differently in womenWhy "just time block everything" doesn't work for ADHD brainsThe difference between predictable and unpredictable tasksHow to work with time blindness instead of fighting itThe power of giving yourself permission to get distracted (with limits)When outsourcing might be your best productivity toolConnect with Meghan:www.adhdatwork.cowww.instagram.com/adhdatworkThe Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity ________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

Sound familiar? You finish a crazy busy month thinking "next month will be easier," then you flip your calendar page and your heart sinks. Next month looks just as packed, or worse.If you're stuck in this cycle, the problem isn't your weekly planning skills. You're missing the roadmap that actually prevents you from getting overbooked in the first place. Most women think the solution is better daily routines or time-blocking, but that's like trying to fix a leaky roof with a bigger bucket.The real issue? You've never been taught how to do strategic annual planning that integrates your real life with your goals and dreams.In This Episode, I'll Cover:Why "just in time living" keeps you constantly overbookedThe 4 ways annual planning prevents monthly overwhelmHow to stop everything from feeling urgent and importantWhy breathing room and catch-up time aren't the same thingHow to integrate your real life with your goals (so you stop choosing between them)The Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell

My dream for 2026 is to hire something called a household manager, but I honestly knew very little about what that actually meant or how it worked. So naturally, I had to bring on an expert to help me (and you!) figure this whole thing out. Kelly Hubbell, founder of Sage Haus, walked me through everything from what a household manager actually does to the real costs involved. Spoiler alert: it's way more affordable than I thought! If you've ever felt like you need to duplicate yourself, or if you're spending 20+ hours a week just managing one kid's appointments like I did recently, this conversation is going to be a game-changer.Kelly breaks down exactly why this isn't just for wealthy families and how you can start small with just a few hours per week. This is the kind of support that takes over both the mental and physical load that's been weighing you down. I'm actively exploring this for our family, and after this conversation, I think you might be too.In This Episode, I'll Cover:What a household manager actually does and how they differ from cleaners or nanniesReal costs and budget-friendly ways to start with just 6-12 hours per weekHow to navigate partner resistance and privacy concerns when hiring helpThe step-by-step process of finding and vetting the right household managerWhy this solution works for families at every income level and life stageConnect with Kelly + Sage Hausewww.sagehaus.comwww.linkedin.com/in/kellyhubbellwww.instagram.com/mysagehausThe Capacity Confidence Method™ – Free 3-Day Training SeriesStop guessing what you (or your team) can actually get done and start planning with confidence. Learn how to discover your TRUE available time, break down projects the right way, and free up 10+ hours without hiring anyone.www.megansumrell.com/capacity ________________________________💻 Free Training Overwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you? You’re in the right place. Sign up for my free, on-demand training and learn how to take control of your time—no matter what life throws at you. 👉 https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining ________________________________ 📱 Get The Pink Bee App Access planning tools, trainings, and support all in one place. 👉 https://www.onelink.to/qxdcwu ________________________________Thanks for tuning in!Megan 🩷🐝www.megansumrell.comwww.instagram.com/megansumrellwww.youtube.com/@the_pink_beewww.facebook.com/megansumrell