In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Chris Ducker—serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and longtime friend—to talk about his latest book, The Long Haul Leader: 10 Strategies to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Achieve Lasting Success. Chris has spent over two decades building, buying, and selling businesses, while mentoring leaders worldwide.
Our conversation goes beyond business tactics. Chris shares candid stories of burnout, rebuilding, and how energy—not time—is the most valuable asset for sustainable success. From the importance of patience to the role of hobbies in leadership, this episode offers insight into what it really takes to thrive for the long haul.
Six Discussion Points
- Why hustle is a season, not a lifestyle
- The lessons Chris learned from battling burnout—twice
- Why energy is more valuable than time for leaders
- The art of letting go: selling businesses and focusing on what matters
- How patience, adaptability, and presence shape long-term leadership
- Why hobbies and creative outlets are vital to performance and recovery
Three Connection Points
Chris’s story is a reminder that success isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about building sustainability into your life and work. The principles he shares in
The Long Haul Leader apply whether you’re running a company, leading a team, or simply trying to create a healthier balance for yourself.
This episode is sponsored by Nexos.ai. Nexos is the all-in-one secure AI platform for enterprise—bringing workspaces, model access, and governance together under one roof. Try it free for 14 days at
nexos.ai/apc today.
What is A Productive Conversation?
Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation offers insightful discussions on how to craft a life that aligns with your intentions. Each episode dives into the art of time devotion, productiveness, and refining your approach to daily living. Mike invites guests who are thinkers, doers, and creators to share their strategies for working smarter and living more intentionally. From practical tips to deep dives on mindset shifts, this podcast will help you reframe your relationship with time and find balance in a busy world.
Subscribe and join the conversation—because a productive life is more than just getting things done.