41 | Stop Doing More, Do What Matters: Productivity Lessons from My Dad, Dr John Kirkby CBE 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.

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Productivity with Zest

41 | Stop Doing More, Do What Matters: Productivity Lessons from My Dad, Dr John Kirkby CBE

October 27, 2025 • Jasmine Clarke • Season 2 • Episode 16

In this very special father-and-daughter episode, I sit down with my dad, Dr John Kirkby CBE to talk about productivity, resilience and purpose that lasts a lifetime.

John is the Founder of the Isaiah 61 Movement and Christians Against Poverty, an international charity that’s helped thousands of people break free from debt and find hope again. He’s a three-time Sunday Times Best Leader award winner, Honorary Doctor of Bradford University, been awarded a CBE and one of the most mission-driven people I know.

But this story didn’t start with titles or accolades.

After losing his dad as a teenager, facing financial collapse and the breakdown of his marriage, John was completely lost. Then a friend shared life, faith and Jesus with him and that moment changed everything. Thirty years on, he’s channelled that transformation into work that now helps others rebuild too.

Together we explore:
💡 How “There is a better way” became his lifelong productivity mantra
🚫 Why doing less is often the most productive move you can make
🎯 What it means to live mission-critical only, and how to apply it in your own work
💬 The art of collecting “no’s” and turning them into lessons
💛 Why kindness to yourself might just be the ultimate productivity skill

It’s part masterclass, part heart-to-heart, and packed with perspective for anyone who’s ever tried to juggle ambition, purpose and family life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep going through setbacks, or how to focus on what really matters when life gets noisy, this one’s for you.

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