Your Next Chapter—Reimagined with Purpose, Wisdom & Collaboration
  • Home
  • Episodes
    All Episodes 71
    By Category
    Networked Entrepreneurship 23 AI-Augmented Work 9 Relational Branding & Thought Leadership 16 Resilient Transitions & Support 18 Cognitive Vitality & Longevity 9
    By Season
    Season 1 71
  • Reviews
    All Reviews Please Share Your Thoughts
    Rate on Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Rate on Apple Podcasts
    Rate on Spotify podcast player icon Rate on Spotify
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Contact
  • Listen
    Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Apple Podcasts
    Spotify podcast player icon Spotify
    PocketCasts podcast player icon PocketCasts
    Castro podcast player icon Castro
    RSS Feed podcast player icon RSS Feed
  • Search
Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Apple Podcasts Spotify podcast player icon Spotify PocketCasts podcast player icon PocketCasts Castro podcast player icon Castro RSS Feed podcast player icon RSS Feed

Feeling Overwhelmed? Learn How Smarter Note Systems Can Help

Hello ,

This week, we explore the power of smarter note-taking systems with Eliška Šestáková, who shares her strategies for managing complex information. Her insights will streamline your workflow, whether you’re writing, learning new skills, or organising projects. I also revisit a conversation with one of my first podcast guests, Gail Greatorex, as we delve into her remarkable transition from government to consultancy. Stay tuned for how AI and strategy can spark your creative momentum.

From Chaos to Clarity

One of the biggest challenges of working as an independent consultant is juggling client work—research, reports, and document development—while still finding time to market yourself. You’re not just delivering services but also building your brand, which means creating content and sharing your expertise.

How do you manage it all? The answer lies in effective note-taking. As your experience and knowledge grow, staying organised becomes essential. A structured note-taking system streamlines your ideas, making them accessible and actionable—whether writing articles, managing projects, or learning new skills.

Eliška Šestáková, an expert in personal knowledge management, explains how innovative note-taking systems can boost productivity and streamline your work.

Key Themes:

  1. The Power of Note-Taking​
    Eliška emphasizes that note-taking isn’t just about gathering facts; it’s about structuring knowledge to make it usable. Practical notes help you think critically and apply what you’ve learned.
  2. Digital Tools to Enhance Productivity​
    Eliška highlights tools like Roam Research and Logseq, which help professionals connect ideas and quickly retrieve information. These tools are invaluable for organising complex projects and allowing access to crucial insights faster.
  3. Balancing Digital and Paper Systems​
    While digital tools excel at keeping your notes organszed and accessible, Eliška encourages integrating traditional paper systems. The tactile nature of paper sparks creativity, while digital tools provide efficient storage and retrieval. A balanced approach enhances both creativity and productivity.

Actionable Insights:

  • Adopt a Note-Taking System​
    Choose a system that fits your style. Eliška recommends Zettelkasten for managing complex information and simpler methods for daily tasks.
  • Leverage Digital Tools​
    Explore these note-taking apps:
    • Roam Research: Offers bi-directional linking to connect ideas and manage projects.
    • Logseq: Similar to Roam, user-friendly and ideal for beginners.
    • RemNote: Combines note-taking with spaced repetition to enhance knowledge retention.
    • Workflowy: An intuitive outliner with bi-directional linking, perfect for beginners.
  • Combine Paper and Digital Systems​
    Blend both mediums to spark creativity while keeping your notes organised.

Turn Notes Into Action​
Don’t just collect information—use your notes to drive projects forward and maintain your competitive edge.

Eliška’s approach helps professionals streamline workflows by organising and applying knowledge, ensuring you stay at the forefront of your field.

Listen to Eliška Šestáková here https://www.wisepreneurs.au/from-chaos-to-clarity-eliska-sestakova-on-building-smarter-note-systems/​

From Shadows to Strategy: How AI Sparks Creative Momentum

I tend to be compulsive and easily drawn to new ideas, books, apps, and shiny objects. While I’m full of creative energy and aware of what I need to accomplish, I often struggle with taking the next step to turn these ideas into reality.

A T.S. Eliot quote often applies to me:

Between the idea/ And the reality/ Between the motion/ And the act/ Falls the Shadow.

These shadows—doubts, hesitations, and uncertainties—often keep us from turning ideas into action. But I’ve found AI tools like ChatGPT to be more than helpful. Using AI as a coach helps me clarify my thoughts and move forward.

Whether organising my points, generating subheadings, or exploring ideas, AI helps break through the inertia.

Inspired by Peter Compo’s book, The Emergent Approach to Strategy, I used ChatGPT to help me write an aspirational business statement. It didn’t write the statement for me but guided me by asking the right questions and providing clarity.

A recurring challenge I’ve faced is explaining what I do. My long-term clients understand because I work with them regularly, but conveying this to others has been difficult due to my many interests. I’ve now reached a point where I’m clear on my positioning, and I’ll share it in future newsletters.

Ethan Mollick observes that while ChatGPT may not replace the creative process, it certainly enhances and refines it.

This has been my experience, especially as I prepare to speak with Peter Compo about his emergent approach to strategy.

From Government to Consultancy: Gail Greatorex’s Journey in Product Safety

Gail has been my client for several years. When I launched the Wisepreneurs Podcast, she was my first guest. Now, 60 episodes later, I was interested in revisiting her journey and exploring how her business has evolved.

With over two decades of experience in the Australian government, Gail now leads Product Safety Solutions, her consultancy. She ensures that everyday products—from children’s toys to household items—comply with stringent safety standards. Gail advocates for more robust safety measures while working closely with industry associations and government bodies.
​
Episode 61 featuring Gail Greatorex will be out this Friday.
​
Stay curious, stay healthy, and keep thriving. Feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts.

Nigel Rawlins
Wisepreneurs

​​https://wisepreneurs.com.au/​

​Check out all the Wisepreneurs Podcasts​
​https://www.wisepreneurs.au/​​

Listen On

Apple Podcasts podcast player logo
Spotify podcast player logo
PocketCasts podcast player logo
Castro podcast player logo
RSS Feed podcast player logo

Recent Episodes

  • Laetitia Vitaud Networked Entrepreneurship
  • Laurie Smale on Reinvention, Mentorship, and Technology
  • Curating for the Curious: How Tomáš Baránek Picks Books That Matter
  • Redesigning Retirement: Kim Watty on Purpose and Community
  • Thriving in the Age of AI with Filip Drimalka
  • The Power of Prevention: Michal Novotný on Movement and Longevity
  • Mastering Tools and Processes with Anna Burgess Yang
  • Why Sitting Too Long Negates Good Health Habits with Krisna Hanks
  • Personal Kanban: Mapping Success for Independent Professionals with Tonianne DeMaria
  • See all →

Networked Entrepreneurship Episodes

  • Laetitia Vitaud Networked Entrepreneurship
  • Mastering Tools and Processes with Anna Burgess Yang
  • See all →

AI-Augmented Work Episodes

  • Curating for the Curious: How Tomáš Baránek Picks Books That Matter
  • Thriving in the Age of AI with Filip Drimalka
  • See all →

Relational Branding & Thought Leadership Episodes

  • Connected and Confident: Karen Wickre’s Networking Guide for Independent Professionals
  • Breaking the Invisibility Barrier: Danielle Joworski’s Tips for Women in Business
  • See all →

Resilient Transitions & Support Episodes

  • Laurie Smale on Reinvention, Mentorship, and Technology
  • Redesigning Retirement: Kim Watty on Purpose and Community
  • See all →

Cognitive Vitality & Longevity Episodes

  • Curating for the Curious: How Tomáš Baránek Picks Books That Matter
  • The Power of Prevention: Michal Novotný on Movement and Longevity
  • See all →

Browse episodes by category

  • Networked Entrepreneurship 23
  • AI-Augmented Work 9
  • Relational Branding & Thought Leadership 16
  • Resilient Transitions & Support 18
  • Cognitive Vitality & Longevity 9
The Wisepreneurs Podcast for independent professionals 60+ Logo

Reinventing Work for Women 60+
This isn’t retirement—it’s reinvention.
The Wisepreneurs Podcast delivers smart strategies for women 60+ building purposeful, independent careers.

Explore Networked Entrepreneurship, Relational Branding, AI-Augmented Work, Cognitive Vitality, and Resilient Transitions through 67+ episodes (resuming May 2025) and 100+ articles.

🎧 Listen now to transform your experience into a business with clarity, collaboration, and confidence.

  • Wisepreneurs Articles For Independent Professionals
  • Donate
  • Newsletter
  • © 13th Beach Marketing Services Pty Ltd 2025
  • Podcast Website by Podpage