The future of work isn’t gadgets and gizmos. The future of work is focused work: being able to block out distractions and apply our big, beautiful brains to long projects and abstract tasks. Paul Shirley is no stranger to this challenge. He graduated summa cum laude from Iowa State with a degree in mechanical engineering while helping lead the basketball team to back-to-back Big XII championships. He then went on to a decade-long professional basketball career that put him on 17 different teams, including three in the NBA. He’s since written five books, taught English and creative writing, and started two businesses, including his focused-work incubator, The Process, in Denver.
Paul understands the benefit of focused work. But perhaps more importantly, he’s able to explain focused work through a unique (and entertaining) lens - his own experience as a professional athlete. Sitting down to focus on a blog or a PowerPoint is no different from stepping up to the free throw line in the NBA. There are distractions. There is self-doubt. And it is hard. But there are ways to slay these dragons and those who can do so will be miles ahead of the competition: focused work superheroes who won’t just get more done than the competition. They’ll also be happier, more fulfilled, and can manage long knowledge-work careers.
Paul has done talks, storytelling, and even some stand-up comedy. His speaking superpowers are honesty, vulnerability, humor, and the ability to demystify complicated concepts in simple and direct language.
Paul takes his experience as an NBA player and translates this into how to helping other achieve their goals through the lessons he's learnt.
Paul Shirley discusses strategies for achieving work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being alongside professional commitments.
Paul Shirley emphasises that the future of work isn’t about the latest tech - it’s about mastering focused work. Drawing on his experience as a professional basketball player, author, and entrepreneur, Paul breaks down the mental discipline required to tackle deep, meaningful tasks in a world full of distractions. With honesty, humour, and sharp storytelling, he reveals how the same mindset that conquers the free throw line can transform productivity, fulfilment, and long-term success in knowledge-based careers.
Whether on the basketball court or at the desk, high-performance demands sustained concentration. Paul Shirley breaks down the barriers to deep work, from self-doubt to digital distractions, using his signature mix of humour and hard-earned insights. With practical strategies drawn from both elite sport and creative pursuits, Paul reveals how individuals can train their minds to work with intent, clarity, and endurance—transforming how they approach complex tasks and long-term projects.
Success in the workplace isn’t just about what gets done—it’s about how it’s done. Paul Shirley explores the power of refined, intentional work habits that elevate both efficiency and workplace culture. Drawing from his diverse career in sports, writing, and business, he unpacks the nuances of resilience, adaptability, and professional grace. With sharp storytelling and a fresh perspective, he equips audiences with the mindset and methods to bring composure and excellence to their daily work.
