097 "I’m more productive than ever because I slowed down and did this." Gerard Francis [Time Management Success Story]

In this episode of The Time Management Podcast, we meet entrepreneur Gerard Francis, who was drowning in a river of busyness before attending my keynote training, Master Your Time, Boost Your Success. That talk and the Find Your Missing Hour 7-day Challenge he invested in became the turning point that radically improved his time management, personal productivity, and work-life balance.

Discover how small, consistent changes helped Gerard reclaim control of his schedule, transform his leadership, deepen family connections, and achieve more with less stress.

"Your talk was transformational. I was in a fast-flowing river with no control, now I’m starting to take the reins." Gerard Francis

Key takeaways from the Episode:

• Why most entrepreneurs confuse motion with progress—and how Gerard broke that cycle
• How the 7-day time audit revealed hidden time and helped restructure his day
• The impact of implementing the 888 formula (8 hours work, 8 hours sleep, 8 hours for you)
• Simple tools to reduce distractions, including phone habits and energy rituals
• The ripple effect of slowing down on leadership, family dynamics, and productivity
• How Gerard redefined success—without sacrificing performance or growth
• Tips to personalise your own time audit without overcomplicating the process

Testimonial:

"The journey that started at your talk inspired me to think, 'I’ve got to change things.' It lit a fire that’s still burning."

"It’s not just been me, my family, my colleagues, even my kids have all felt the positive ripple effects from the changes I made after your talk."

"I feel so much better. I’m more present at home, more focused at work, and the quality of what I’m doing has improved across the board."

"I’ve actually got more roles on now than before but I’m calmer, more effective, and producing better-quality work since slowing down."

About Gerard Francis

Gerard Francis is the Lighthouse Keeper (Managing Director) of the Colchester based professional services recruitment agency; Lighthouse Personnel Ltd. A busy, father of three family man, Gerard is an active churchgoer who keeps busy on weekend volunteering as a football coach for his son’s football team and with a local youth group.

Passionate about helping individuals on their career journey, Gerard can also be found during the week giving job-seeking talks and workshops at schools, charities and other local organisations.

Resources & Links:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardfrancislhp

Website: https://lighthousepersonnel.co.uk

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ABOUT ABIGAIL BARNES:

Abigail Barnes is the founder & CEO of Success by Design Training, an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker, and corporate trainer on time management and productive wellbeing. She is a qualified coach and creator of the renowned 888 Formula.

In February 2012 at the age of 32 Abigail had a stroke on a work business trip to Boston USA. This was her wakeup call; time is precious and we don’t have any to waste!

Success by Design Training is on a mission to teach 5 million people how to achieve Productive Wellbeing using The 888 Formula by 2030.

Abigail understands human motivation and uses her own near-death experience as a catalyst for change, to inspire, empower and teach others how to maximise their time.

She holds a BA Hons Degree in Business & Marketing Management, a Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, DipM ACIM, a certificate in Neuroscience Professional Development, approved by British Psychological Society and is a qualified coach, approved by the Association for Coaching and the Institute of Leadership & Management, Portsmouth University Business School.

Website: www.successbydesigntraining.com

Email: enquiries@successbydesigntraining.com

Audio Credit: Keith Hare

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Disclaimer: This content does not aim to replace professional medical advice or therapy. Please seek the support you need where necessary. Success by Design Training accepts no liability.