We’ve been taught that success means doing more, being more, and having more. But what if the key to leading and living better is actually doing less?

In this episode of Leading You, Julie sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and productivity expert Donna McGeorge to explore her latest book Red Brick Thinking. Donna shares why we’re all addicted to “more” – more meetings, more systems, more commitments – and how this addition bias is fuelling overwhelm and burnout.

Together, they unpack how to recognise your red bricks (the things weighing you down), why subtraction is the real productivity strategy, and how letting go can create space for clarity, creativity, and calm.

If you’ve ever felt buried under too much to do, too much to manage, or too much pressure to perform, this conversation will give you the permission – and practical steps – to simplify.

Key Themes

• Why our instinct is to add, not subtract, when facing problems
• How to identify your personal and professional red bricks
• The emotional, cultural, and structural weights that keep us stuck
• How leaders can model strategic subtraction for their teams
• Why letting go creates the space your future self will thank you for

Episode Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction – Donna’s mission to help leaders work smarter, not harder
03:30 What inspired Red Brick Thinking and the research behind “addition bias”
08:15 How strategic subtraction works in real life
13:20 The emotional, cultural, and structural red bricks we carry
18:45 The unconscious contracts we sign at work and home
24:10 Letting go of obligation and people-pleasing
28:30 How leaders can model red brick thinking for their teams
34:00 Practical steps to start removing your own red bricks
38:45 Donna’s final message – why today’s decisions are gifts to your future self

Links:

Learn more about my upcoming group coaching program here

Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/
Instagram: @juliehydeleads
Website: https://juliehyde.com.au

Connect with Donna:
Website: https://www.donnamcgeorge.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmcgeorge/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnamcgeorge

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