38 | Productivity When You’re Not in Control: Outcomes, Trust & the Not-To-Do List with Edd Parker Artwork

Productivity with Zest

Productivity with Zest (formally Productivity Hacks) – The podcast for busy business owners and professionals who want to get more of the important stuff done....without burning out.

If you’re juggling a never-ending to-do list, constantly feel like there’s not enough time, or just want to make work (and life!) feel lighter and more manageable, you’re in the right place.

I’m Jasmine Clarke, a Productivity Strategist & Business Coach, and I help overwhelmed professionals and business owners create systems that work for them so they can get more done in less time and still have space for what really matters.

Each episode is short, practical, and packed with actionable strategies to help you work smarter, beat procrastination, and find a rhythm that actually feels good. No hustle culture. No rigid routines. Just realistic, effective ways to be productive on your terms.

Hit subscribe and let’s bring more clarity, focus, and zest to your work and life!

All Episodes

Productivity with Zest

38 | Productivity When You’re Not in Control: Outcomes, Trust & the Not-To-Do List with Edd Parker

October 06, 2025 • Jasmine Clarke • Season 2 • Episode 13

What happens to your productivity when the results don’t sit neatly in your own hands?

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend (and brilliant human) Edd Parker, Product Innovation Manager at Christians Against Poverty. Edd has worked everywhere from Tanzania to the UK leading digital transformation projects, but his focus is always on people first, problems second.

Together we dive into:
🍋 Why productivity is about outcomes not outputs (and why your to-do list might be leading you astray).
🍋 How to stay effective when you’re working in a matrix team or relying on people you don’t directly manage.
🍋 The truth that “organisations move at the speed of trust” and what that means for your meetings, handovers, and relationships.
🍋 The power of creating a Not-To-Do List (yes, you read that right!) to protect your focus and stop spinning plates that aren’t yours.
🍋 And of course… what South Park’s underpants gnomes can teach us about productivity (because why not?).

This conversation is packed with practical insights and a good dose of fun, all about keeping your productivity flowing when you’re not the one holding all the strings.

Message me!

Let’s Stay Connected!
Loved this episode? Let’s keep the conversation going - connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Grab Your Freebie: Productivity Mini Fitness Test - How fit is your Productivity? Take the quiz now and take targeted action

If this episode helped you, I’d love it if you could rate it and leave a quick review - it makes a huge difference! Just drop me a note if you do at jasmine@zestproductivity.com so I can say thanks.

🔔 Don’t Miss the Next Episode! Hit Follow and share this with a friend who needs it!