Why Productivity Is Burning You Out w/ Klaus Kleinfeld | Ep 367

The Futur with Chris Do

The Futur

Design, Self-improvement, Education, Business, Marketing, Arts

5 • 976 Ratings

🗓️ 31 July 2025

⏱️ 52 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, Chris sits down with legendary CEO and leadership thinker Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld for a deep dive into the hidden engine behind long-term success: energy. From running global companies like Siemens and Alcoa to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Klaus shares why burnout is not a badge of honor—and how purpose, mindset, and daily habits are the real levers of performance. This conversation is a masterclass on managing your inner game so you can lead with clarity, stamina, and conviction, no matter the chaos around you. Whether you’re a founder on the brink, a high-achiever running out of steam, or simply someone who wants to lead better and live fuller—this episode is your blueprint. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why energy—not time—is the real asset of high performers ✅ How to avoid burnout while staying ambitious ✅ The mindset reframe that separates fulfilled leaders from exhausted ones ✅ How to tap into purpose (and use it like a laser) ✅ Simple micro-habits to recharge mentally, emotionally, and spiritually Timestamps: (00:04) – From Siemens to Startups: Klaus’s Career Journey (03:50) – Burnout in Founders & Why Energy Is Everything (15:22) – The Inner Game vs. The Outer Game of Leadership (28:40) – The Purpose Principle: “Love It, Change It, or Leave It” (37:15) – Culture, Respect, and Leading Across Borders (45:09) – Sleep, Breathwork & Physical Hacks for High Energy About Klaus Kleinfield: Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld is a founder, global business leader, investor, and author. He’s currently the CEO of K2Elevation, Chairman of KONUX and FERNRIDE, and a board member of GreyOrange, Fero Labs, and NEOM. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Alcoa/Arconic and as CEO of Siemens AG, where he led transformational shifts in both organizations. Klaus has advised U.S. Presidents and international governments, and he’s a member of institutions like the Council on Foreign Relations and the Brookings Institution. His new book "Leading to Thrive" unpacks the mindset, energy systems, and leadership frameworks that drive sustainable success—in business and in life. Check out Klaus Kleinfield: Klaus' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klauskleinfeld/ Klaus' Website: http://leading-to-thrive.com/ Check out Chris Do: Website: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/⁠ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign⁠ Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/⁠ Twitter:⁠https://x.com/thechrisdo⁠ TikTok:⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Threads:⁠https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdo⁠ Zaap: ⁠https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo⁠ Clubhouse:⁠https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo⁠ Behance: ⁠https://www.behance.net/chrisdo⁠ Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/⁠ Courses: ⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠ Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠ Podcasts: ⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/thefuturishere⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere⁠ Youtube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere⁠

Transcript

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0:00.0	In the end, it all comes down to finding your purpose.
0:03.2	Because in the end, you will spend a lot of time in your job.
0:06.9	And I think you should look for something that you truly enjoy.
0:10.2	I have always lived by the principle, even when I didn't have money.
0:13.4	I either love it, I change it, or I leave it.
0:16.4	Hello, my name is Klaus Kleinfeld, and you are listening to the future.
0:22.8	So my guests for today's podcast is Dr. Klaus Klinefeld. I've been given permission to call
0:28.1	him Klaus, so we can keep this on an informal basis. He does a lot of thinking and writing on
0:33.4	the inner game, like the mindset, the belief systems. And I know this from a personal experience.
0:39.1	As much advice as we can give to people, until they unlock this inner parts of them,
0:43.5	they're always stuck and they're held back.
0:45.5	So, Klaus, welcome to the show for people who don't know who you are.
0:49.1	Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background?
0:52.3	Klaus Kleinfeld.
0:53.6	I'm an industrialist by background, worked in many industries, had 20 years with Siemens,
0:59.1	ran Siemens worldwide, and then moved back to the US and became the CEO of Alcoa and
1:06.0	ran that for 10 years and split the company into Alcoa and Arconic.
1:10.0	After that was the first CEO of Neon.
1:12.3	And I also now have a portfolio of different things.
1:14.9	One is a family company in the probiotic space,
1:18.2	as well as the investment company,
1:20.2	an active investment, particularly in the AI,
	...

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