How can we do less — but with more intention?

This is the question that opened a recent conversation between Laura and Annyse. What followed was a deeply honest reflection on leadership, productivity, and how we might reimagine our work and lives in a way that aligns with both purpose and possibility.

In a world constantly telling us to go faster and do more, this dialogue offered a much-needed pause.

We Are Not Behind

So many of us live with the quiet (or not-so-quiet) feeling that we’re falling behind. Behind on work, behind on our goals, behind on life. But what if that story isn’t true?

What if we are exactly where we’re meant to be?

What if resting — even just for a moment — is how we begin to see what’s ready to emerge?

Starting with Hopes and Fears

When we think about the future — of our industries, our teams, our lives — hopes and fears often come hand in hand. Speaking them aloud, writing them down, gives us clarity.

It’s not about conquering fear. It’s about dissolving it, gently, to make space for what’s possible.

This is the essence of co-creation: creating not in spite of fear, but with a full awareness of it — and a willingness to move anyway.

Rethinking Productivity

What if the way we define productivity is part of the problem?

The greatest insights sometimes don’t come from working harder — they come when we stop. When we walk away. When we breathe.

When we lead from this space, everything shifts.
Meetings become more intentional.
Conversations become more honest.
Priorities become clearer.

We begin designing meetings not just around what we want to say — but around what others are able to receive, and what we hope to invite back.

The Future of Work Is Human

The pandemic taught us that we can work differently. But will we act on that lesson?

Will we create a culture that values rest and joy — not just relentless output?

Laura and Annyse spoke about a future where we all get to work less, achieve more, and feel more fulfilled doing it. A future where flow, not hustle, becomes our default state.

And this means looking at everything — even how we hire.

Hiring for Co-Creation, Not Just Skills

Are traditional job descriptions still serving us?

What if, instead of listing tasks and requirements, we began with questions like:

• What impact do we want this person to help us create?

• Are they curious, vulnerable, and willing to co-create?

• Will they challenge us in the right ways?

• Are we offering a role that can evolve with them — and with us?

Fulfillment, Laura and Annyse have learned, leads to flow. And flow leads to productivity that doesn’t drain us, but sustains us.

Listening to Water

Finally, they asked:
What would water teach us about leadership?

Water connects. It moves through us and around us. It adapts. It sustains life.
In many ways, it mirrors the leadership we need today — grounded, fluid, nourishing, and wise.

What if we led more like water?
What if we shared more of our own?

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

This reflection isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about asking better questions.
Questions that invite us to slow down, tune in, and reimagine what’s possible — for our industries, our teams, and ourselves.

We’d love to know:
What resonated most with you?
How are you thinking about leadership and work differently these days?

👉 Listen to the full conversation on the podcast:
Meaningful Conversations with Annyse and Laura Gallindo