In this episode of What’s on Your Bookshelf, Sam Powell and Denise Russo begin their journey through Marie Kondo’s The Joy at Work and explore how clutter at work affects more than just your desk — it impacts your stress, focus, energy, and even your sense of purpose.
This conversation is about more than tidying. It’s about creating a work life that feels lighter, calmer, and more intentional.
In this episode we discuss:
Why physical clutter at work creates mental clutter too — and how it quietly drains productivity, motivation, and peace.
The surprising connection between messy environments, higher stress, and rising cortisol levels.
How clutter shows up in more than your office — including emails, meetings, papers, and unfinished decisions.
Why creating a tidy, intentional workspace can improve not just performance, but also confidence, self-esteem, and clarity.
A deeper reframe on tidying: it’s not just about neatness — it’s about discovering what kind of work style actually supports the life you want.
One Big Takeaway
A cluttered workspace doesn’t just slow your work.
It can quietly shape your stress, your attention, and the way you feel about your life.
Sometimes the first leadership move is simpler than we think:
Clear the space.
Why This Episode Matters
If work has felt heavy lately, this episode offers a different question:
What if the problem isn’t only the workload…
but the clutter surrounding how you do it?
Coming Next
In the next episode, Sam and Denise dig into why people fall back into clutter — and what it takes to actually create a work environment that stays aligned with what matters most.
📖 Buy the book and come along on the adventure with us.
We’re so excited you’re here and would love to hear from you.
How to reach us:
Denise: LinkedIn | Substack | School of Thoughts LinkedIn
Sam: LinkedIn | Substack | LeadtheGame’s Career Locker Room | Website
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