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Productivity Smarts 101 - How to Make Life Simple, Happy, and Successful: The Taoist Way

May 13, 2025

In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard explores the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern productivity with Gerard Wouters, a Taoist therapist and former financial manager whose unorthodox methods heal trauma in just two sessions. With over 28 years of experience, Gerard reveals how Taoist principles—like deciphering setbacks as messages and leading through harmony, not pressure—can transform overwhelm into flow.  

 

From his shocking body-mind therapy breakthroughs to surviving 150 daily calls as a corporate leader, Gerard’s stories prove that real productivity starts with self-awareness, boundaries, and the courage to say "no."  

 

Tune in to discover why managing "people, not numbers" unlocks peak performance—and how to spot the hidden meaning behind life’s obstacles.  

 

What We Discuss

  • [00:02:01] Introduction to Gerard Wouters: Taoist therapist and author  

  • [00:04:41] The body-mind connection: Where trauma hides (shoulders = anger, pelvis = abuse)  

  • [00:07:10] Gerard’s 2-session therapy vs. years of conventional treatment  

  • [00:10:26] Fear vs. danger: Why "spiders vanish when you unlearn fear"  

  • [00:13:06] Taoist flow: How setbacks guide you (flat tire = don’t meet that friend!)  

  • [00:17:22] Leadership hack: The "3-minute rule" for emails/calls  

  • [00:19:12] The power of "no"—why boundaries create respect  

  • [00:23:31] "Stop managing numbers; nurture people": Teams thrive without pressure  

  • [00:26:38] Where to find Gerard’s book and work  

 

Notable Quotes

  • [00:03:46] “The treatment that I developed is absolutely unique and it helps people heal from all kinds of mental issues in two-hour sessions or a two-day workshop.” — Gerard Wouters

  • [00:10:41] “Danger is a reality, but fear is a choice, and that's how it is. You choose if you fear something or not.” — Gerard Wouters

  • [00:22:43] “By saying no, you create respect. We are only human, not robots. You need to set priorities and take care of yourself.” — Gerard Wouters

  • [00:26:38] “Stop guiding and directing based on numbers because you don't work with numbers; you work with people. When people are comfortable and happy in their job, they will produce more automatically without pressure.” — Gerard Wouters

 

Our Guest

Gerard Wouters is a Dutch Taoist therapist, speaker, and former financial manager who blends ancient philosophy with pragmatic healing. His groundbreaking therapy resolves deep trauma in two sessions, and his book, How to Make Life Simple, Happy & Successful, redefines productivity through presence and self-trust. 

 

Resources

 

Gerard Wouters

 

 

Productivity Smarts Podcast

 

Gerald J. Leonard



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