Innovation sounds good in theory, but most organizations are quietly structured to prevent it.

In this episode of the “Nice Business!” PodcastTM, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard welcome Art Markman, a leading cognitive psychologist whose work focuses on how people think, learn, and create together inside organizations. Drawing from decades of research, teaching, and advisory experience across business, education, and innovation, Art brings a grounded, science-backed perspective to the challenges leaders face every day.

This episode invites leaders to rethink what progress actually looks like and challenges the assumption that speed, optimization, and constant output always lead to growth. It offers a fresh way to view innovation as a strategic decision that begins with allowing thinking, experimentation, and a little discomfort.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet

00:59 – Introducing our guest, Art Markman

02:54 – The hidden conflict between efficiency and innovation

04:17 – Company size, innovation, and unused capacity

07:58 – The value of learning without immediate justification

08:01 – Why innovative employees often look inefficient

11:26 – Separating routine work from innovative work

14:45 – Applying innovation principles in small businesses

16:05 – Creating focused innovation roles on small teams

22:33 – Investing in people

24:01 – Why traditional brainstorming fails

27:07 – Mistake recovery is a leadership skill

32:02 – A structured alternative to brainstorming

34:24 – Profit is not the only number that matters

36:07 – Art’s current work in higher education innovation

39:16 – Where to connect with Art Markman

About Our Guest:
Art Markman is the Annabel Irion Worsham Centennial Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin and a recognized expert on how people think, decide, and work together. He founded the Program in the Human Dimensions of Organizations and has served as Executive Director of the IC2 Institute.Known for translating cognitive science into practical insight, Art focuses on decision making, creativity, and innovation, helping leaders better understand how human behavior shapes organizational success.

Connect with Art Markman:

• Web: http://www.smartthinkingbook.com/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/ArtMarkmanPhD/#
• X: https://x.com/abmarkman
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-markman-93aa6a22/

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

Systems help businesses run smoother while giving people clarity, confidence, and the ability to do their best work.

In this episode of the Nice Business Podcast, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Liz Jenkins, Founder of A Fresh Space, for a practical and insightful conversation about why systems and processes matter more than most leaders realize. Liz shares how her company grew from a solo operation to a 30-person team by documenting knowledge, reducing clutter, and creating procedures that support both employees and clients.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet

00:56 – Introducing our guest, Liz Jenkins of A Fresh Space

02:09 – How clutter affects productivity and mental load

06:19 – Systems are built through trial, feedback, and revision

07:58 – Tools must match how your team works

11:35 – Capturing details through procedures

14:50 – Documenting administrative tasks for continuity

16:33 – Procedures capture institutional knowledge

19:19 – Learning the “why” through doing the process

23:21 – Delegation lets leaders do the work only they can do

27:09 – Help people operate in their zone of genius

34:27 – Clients notice when every detail is handled

37:25 – Every business benefits from documented procedures

38:57 – Improvement requires data, not just feelings

41:13 – “Did we do what we said we would do?”

42:59 – Capturing client preferences for better execution

44:30 – Systems define what, how, and when

45:57 – Where to connect with Liz Jenkins

About Our Guest:
Liz Jenkins is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of A Fresh Space, widely recognized as a leader in the professional organizing industry. She serves as a NAPO National Committee Chair, is a founding member of NAPO Nashville, and is a sought-after national speaker. Liz regularly contributes to major media outlets, magazines, and blogs, sharing her expertise on topics including space and time management, move management, unpacking, decluttering, working with families, and the business of professional organizing.

Known for her clear, practical approach, Liz is passionate about helping people reduce clutter, streamline their environments, and create systems that support productivity and peace of mind.

Connect with Liz Jenkins:

• Web: https://www.afreshspace.com/media/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/afreshspace
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/afreshspace/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-fresh-space/

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

In this episode of the Nice Business Podcast, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Jennie Loev, Founder of JLoev Consulting, for a real conversation about imposter syndrome, confidence, and the messy reality of professional growth. Jennie sheds light on how even accomplished leaders quietly wrestle with self-doubt, why stretching into new roles creates tension, and how acknowledging those feelings can be the first step toward greater competence.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet

00:48 – Welcome to the Nice Business Podcast

01:30 – Introducing our guest, executive coach Jennie Loev

03:08 – What is imposter syndrome?

05:10 – Imposter syndrome can drive motivation

06:52 – Understanding the root of imposter thoughts

08:09 – Normalize and acknowledge

10:39 – Building confidence through learning

20:05 – Do what only you can do

22:13 – How to know when you’ve “overcome” imposter syndrome

23:50 – Celebrate wins to build confidence

28:11 – Unchecked imposter syndrome can cause burnout

29:02 – Shift focus from failures to wins

31:24 – People thrive when valued and trusted

32:30 – Poor reviews can discourage high performers

35:29 – Good feedback inspires growth

37:00 – Intentional leadership builds confidence

39:10 – Connect with Jennie Loev

About Our Guest:
Jennie Loev is the Founder of JLoev Consulting and a dedicated advocate for personal and professional growth. With a background that blends business strategy and psychology, she helps clients navigate challenges, clarify direction, and pursue meaningful success.

Jennie holds an MBA and a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, with professional training in Positive Intelligence, Neuroscience of Coaching, Coaches Rising programs, and Professional in Career Management through the National Society of Career Management. Through thoughtful, personalized coaching, she empowers leaders and professionals to build confidence, embrace growth, and unlock new possibilities in their careers and organizations.

Connect withJennie Loev:

• Web: https://jloevconsulting.com/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/jloevconsulting/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jennieloev/
• X: https://x.com/JennieLoev
• YT: www.youtube.com/@jennieloev5412
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennieloev/

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward