Episode Details

In episode 195, Coffey talks with Diane Allen about achieving flow state at work to maximize productivity, creativity, and fulfillment.

They discuss the definition of flow as an optimal state of mind where people perform and feel their best; the neurological and physiological aspects of flow including the release of performance-enhancing hormones; how the intersection of skill, challenge, and purpose creates entry points into flow; the impact of workplace interruptions on productivity; how individuals can identify their unique flow strategy; the mechanics of creating group flow in teams; practical workplace design elements that support flow states.

Diane will be a keynote speaker at the North Texas SHRM Annual Conference on April 28-29, 2025. You can register for that event at https://ntxshrm.org/event-5716977.

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About our Guest:

Violinist Diane Allen is an international speaker, thought leader, and best-selling author of Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do. She helps leaders and teams activate their flow state, enabling them to navigate disruption, combat burnout, and create thriving cultures where purpose and passion drive peak performance.

Her journey into the transformative power of flow began as a young violinist. Feeling bullet-proof with her New York City violin training, she’d show up to auditions with visions of winning the job of her dreams, but fear would get the better part of her.

After ten years of experimentation, Diane made a breakthrough. By focusing deeply on her musical interpretation, she activated the flow state, an optimal state of mind where fear dissolves, and performance soars beyond one’s imagination.

It only took one fearless audition for Diane to become a 15-year Concertmaster (lead violinist) of the Central Oregon Symphony, a beloved violin teacher for 28 years, and author of the Fingerboard Workbook series for violin, viola, cello and bass.

It was her groundbreaking Flow Strategy™ system that earned her a spot on the TEDxNaperville stage with features on TED, ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.

With the elegance of drawing the bow across her Copper Dragon violin, Diane’s experiential programs blend live musical performance, scientific principles, storytelling, positive psychology, inspiration, and actionable takeaways, empowering people to activate their flow state, be in their genius, and love what they do.

Diane Allen can be reached at:
TEDx/TED Talk
https://dianeallen.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeallenspeaker/
https://www.instagram.com/dianeallenspeaker/
https://www.facebook.com/dianeallenspeaker/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOk_r1n2X2FmbRcoiUhIHQ

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher.

In 1999, he founded I