The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson
The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson
A series focused on small business advice and strategies, by Melinda Emerson, known as "SmallBizLady", discussing various aspects of entrepreneurship and small business management. Get insights from experts about topics relevant to small business owners.
Melinda Emerson
PodcastAI
PodcastAI

How to Increase Productivity as a CEO with Sarah Ohanesian

E343 • Apr 1, 2026 • 15 mins

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Sarah Ohanesian to discuss productivity and the concept of the clarity gap. Sarah shares her journey to understanding productivity and how AI is impacting it. They explore common productivity pitfalls and why high achievers often delay important tasks. Sarah introduces the COAT framework as a tool for overcoming these challenges and emphasizes the importance of choosing the next right thing.

Key Points

  • Recognizing the difference between being busy and being productive is crucial for meaningful progress in business.
  • The clarity gap between strategy and execution is a major contributor to burnout and ineffective work.
  • Breaking down large tasks into smaller, actionable steps can significantly enhance productivity and reduce overwhelm.

Sarah Ohanesian used to wear her "busy badge" with pride until she realized it came with a hefty price: burnout. Now, as a productivity keynote speaker and founder of SO Productive, she’s on a mission to help professionals break free from busyness and do their most important work. A former Chief Marketing Officer, Sarah knows the high-stakes corporate world like the back of her hand, and she’s passionate about teaching others how to ditch overwhelm, focus on what really matters, and reclaim their time. Whether she’s geeking out over task management systems or helping teams embrace their genius zones, Sarah’s approach is always practical, refreshing, and fun. For more information, visit https://www.so-productive.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts
- / -