When leaders struggle to say no, it is not about being negative but about being focused. In this episode, Ken Okel explores why so many effective professionals struggle to set boundaries and how saying yes too often can lead to burnout and confusion.
Discover how learning to say no with clarity and purpose can protect your time, strengthen your leadership, and improve team performance in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and why leaders struggle to say no.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

Ever wonder why leaders overlook obvious problems? Even the most experienced managers can overlook critical issues in processes, client work, or team dynamics. 
In this episode, Ken Okel explains how familiarity, routine, and assumptions can create blind spots. He’ll also share actionable strategies like asking better questions, rotating perspectives, and creating simple systems to catch problems early, improve decision-making, and strengthen team performance. It’s all in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and why leaders overlook obvious problems.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

Good leaders need to know their limits because more work doesn’t always mean better results. In this episode, Ken Okel shares how noticing strain in his voice after a busy run of presentations became a reminder that even passionate professionals need boundaries.
Learn how recognizing your limits can protect performance, improve work-life balance, and help you lead more sustainably in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and why good leaders need to know their limits.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

The pressure to look busy is a trap many leaders fall into without realizing it. Filling your calendar, answering every email, and attending every meeting might make you appear committed. But it often comes at the expense of your true productivity. 
In this episode, Ken Okel explains why focusing on appearances hurts results. You’ll also learn how to shift your attention to high-impact work and more strategic thinking in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and how to respond to the pressure to look busy.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

In business, you need to know your frequently asked questions. These usually come from your clients, who feel like they are missing an important piece of information.
Are you prepared to quickly respond or do you see their frequently asked questions as an annoyance? Learn how to prepare better for what they need in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and how to prepare for your frequently asked questions.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

Bad memory hurts productivity at work, especially when leaders rely too much on recall instead of facts. In this episode, Ken Okel explains how simple lapses, like misjudging the age of a car battery, can translate into costly mistakes in the workplace.
Discover why memory can’t always be trusted and how leaders can use practical tools to improve accuracy, timing, and decision-making in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and how bad memory hurts productivity at work.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

My Ken Okel Airport Fashion Emergency story is about having to react to unexpected change. Audiences enjoy reliving my struggle to travel cross-country, during what I thought was going to be an easy journey. Instead, it was full of challenges. 
While the story is fun, it also helps you step back from your challenges and think about how you could do better. Enjoy this extended episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
As promised, here’s a picture of the clothes that I was forced to buy.

Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and what to do if you find yourself in your own version of Ken Okel’s Airport Fashion Emergency story.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

The problem with forced fun at work is that it often backfires. While leaders may think pizza parties, awkward icebreakers, or mandatory team-building boost morale, they can actually create frustration.
True workplace engagement comes from recognition, trust, and a culture people enjoy and not gimmicks. Discover how to make fun at work meaningful and motivating in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and what to do about the problem of forced fun at work.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

Your comfort zone may be the problem if you are an overwhelmed leader. When stress hits, it’s tempting to stick with what feels familiar, like doing tasks yourself, delaying tough decisions, or avoiding change.
But those habits can quietly drain time, energy, and money. Learn how breaking free from your comfort zone helps you lead smarter, delegate better, and grow stronger in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and whether you are making yourself an overwhelmed leader.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

The myth of the open door policy might sound good but being always available can quietly destroy your effectiveness. 
In this episode, you’ll learn how to replace constant interruptions with structured availability, helping you protect your focus while still supporting your team.
Discover why strategic access is smarter than nonstop distractions in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and how to approach your open door policy.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

The power of public recognition at work can transform how your team feels about their contributions. Too often, leaders save praise for closed-door conversations or skip it entirely.
But recognition in front of others creates momentum, builds trust, and sets a powerful example. In this episode, you’ll discover why public praise is one of the simplest leadership tools you can use. Learn how to boost morale and inspire your team in this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and how to use the power of public recognition at work.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

Being a little unreasonable at work can actually be a smart career move. In this episode, Ken Okel explains why pushing back on bad ideas, setting firm boundaries, and challenging outdated thinking can earn you respect and influence.
Discover how to do it without damaging relationships, and why this skill can make you stand out, on this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and whether you should be unreasonable at work.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

Your old school management style may have worked decades ago, but today it could be holding your team back. In this episode, we explore how outdated leadership habits clash with modern workplace realities.
You’ll learn the signs that you’re stuck in the past and how to break free from those patterns. We’ll share strategies to inspire, motivate, and adapt to today’s challenges.
Upgrade your leadership for the 21st century on this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and what to do if your old school management style no longer works for you.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs

You’re doing the work of two people and it’s not sustainable. Does this sound familiar? Whether it’s an unfilled position or responsibilities that just keep landing on your plate, doubling your workload leads to stress, fatigue, and eventual burnout. 
In this episode of The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, discover how to protect your time, prioritize your tasks, and keep your sanity while handling an unfair workload.
Get your copy of Ken’s great new book Get Better! today.

Let’s Make Your Meeting Memorable
As a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit: https://www.kenokel.com/videos/ And sometimes he leads groups in his paper hat exercise, a great way to learn about how your react to an unexpected challenge. More than a meeting…it’s an experience.
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast
The 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast gives you quick leadership tips that you can use on the job or in your business right away. It’s all about making you more effective and what to do if you’re doing the work of two people.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts so you’ll never miss an episode of this podcast. Every week you’ll receive a quick tip designed to change the way you deal with challenges on the job. If you enjoy the 2 Minute Takeaway Podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Just click the image below.

If you like the way Ken thinks you also might enjoy his YouTube channel. While there you can check out clips of some of his professional speaking presentations and his famous Paper Hat team building exercise, which is a great way to improve employee engagement.
Want to Perform Better at Work? Check out these Articles:

* My Airport Fashion Emergency
* Ken Gets Attacked By a Police Dog
* Create Your Employee Backup Plan
* Making Assumptions at Work.
* Why Employees Leave Their Jobs