In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, I sit down with John Suarez, Senior Director of Client Operations at SmartBook Media, to explore what it really means to lead effectively without losing yourself in the process John and I talk about leadership, focus, and the underrated power of saying no plus how to stay productive and human in a fast-paced work environment.We also dive into what makes genuine connections at work so valuable, how to balance effort and attention, and why recording your work sessions might just transform your productivity. In this episode, you’ll hear us talk about: Rethinking leadership and productivity Finding balance between work and personal life Building real, meaningful connections Overcoming imposter syndrome and staying confidentIf you’ve ever wondered how to stay effective and authentic in your career, this conversation is packed with insights you’ll want to revisit. Learn more from John:Check out his book The Marketer’s Manual for Generative AI: Innovate, Automate, Elevate a practical guide to using AI to think smarter, work faster, and create more impact.