Productivity Smarts 103 - A Working Man's Guide with Dr. Mark L. Teague, PhD

Productivity Smarts

Ever feel like your problems are too big, too vague, too tangled to tackle? Dr. Mark L. Teague calls it “the blob”—that overwhelming mass of modern challenges we all face.

In this powerful episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Teague, economist, former finance executive, and author of A Working Man’s Guide, to reveal a game-changing approach: frame the problem before you fight it.

Dr. Teague shares the strategy that helped him go from farmhand to PhD and Wall Street leadership: simplify the chaos, break it into components, and work against a frame, not a feeling. We also take a look at his Impact Index—a sharp diagnostic tool to evaluate whether someone’s ambition and capability align—and a deep observation at why building a life of abundant purpose is the ultimate productivity advantage.

Learn how principled thinking, rooted in traditional values, leads not just to success—but to purpose. Let's dive in.

What We Discuss

• [00:00] Introducing Dr. Mark L. Teague, PhD

• [04:01] The 3 core principles that shaped Dr. Teague

• [05:31] Why accepting life’s problems is the first step to real productivity

• [07:44] The power of the Scientific Method: Turning blobs into frames

• [11:06] Samuel Morse and the power of reframing problems

• [13:44] Building resilience in the age of AI, economic shifts, and overwhelm

• [17:07] The Impact Index: How ambition and competence drive real outcomes

• [23:22] Abundant purpose: Why fulfillment beats wealth every time

• [28:02] From managing money to managing meaning: Lessons for entrepreneurs and tradespeople

• [32:52] How values-driven leadership builds lasting business and family success

• [36:22] Holding fast to your North Star: The conversation that matters most

• [39:23] Where to find Dr. Teague and his book

Notable Quotes

• [04:20] “Work hard, be honest, and be respectful. Those three things were expected—and you didn’t deviate.” — Dr. Teague

• [07:44] “Don’t work against the blob. Frame the problem, then work the frame.” — Dr. Teague

• [10:22] “Simplify. That’s the secret to all stress management.” — Dr. Teague

• [17:07] “Capability without ambition makes you dead weight. Ambition without capability makes you dangerous.” — Dr. Teague

• [25:48] “Build your life around the intangibles—and use those same principles to pursue the tangible.” — Dr. Teague

• [35:55] “If you put business before family, you're talking to a fool.” — Dr. Teague

Our Guest

Dr. Mark L. Teague is a former finance executive, PhD economist, entrepreneur, and author of A Working Man’s Guide. With deep roots in traditional values and decades of high-stakes leadership, Dr. Teague brings a fresh, practical perspective to productivity rooted in principle. His book delivers actionable tools and thought-provoking insights for anyone striving to lead a purpose-driven life and career.

Resources

Dr. Mark L. Teague, PhD

• Website - https://aworkingmansguide.com/

• Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/DrMarkLTeague/

• Book: A Working Man's Guide - https://www.amazon.com/Working-Mans-Guide-Strong-Values/dp/B0D9HYRPSP

Productivity Smarts Podcast

• Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

• Website - geraldjleonard.com

• Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

• Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

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