ATG 268: From Scrap to Steel: How to Turn Wasted Work Into High Value Time

All It Takes Is A Goal

All It Takes Is A Goal
ATG 268: From Scrap to Steel: How to Turn Wasted Work Into High Value Time
Feb 09, 2026 Episode 268
Jon Acuff

81% of people work after dinner, drowning in back to back Zoom meetings where they doodle under the table, only to do real work at night. Sound familiar? In this episode, I sit down with Juliet Funt, author and consultant who helps companies turn scrap time into steel, transforming low value work into high purpose, innovative time. We dive into the signs of toxic culture, why anxious deference to the CEO is a red flag, and how to spot when you're stuck in an unhealthy organization. Juliet shares her unconventional path from growing up as Alan Funt's daughter (yes, from Candid Camera) to discovering the power of white space, taking four years to world school her three boys across 14 countries, and why most executives need therapy. Plus, we tackle the fascinating question: do people change via desire or disaster? Her answer might surprise you. If you've ever felt like you're spending unspeakable amounts of time doing work you hate, this conversation will change how you think about your day.

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Episode Artwork ATG 268: From Scrap to Steel: How to Turn Wasted Work Into High Value Time 1:03:11 Episode Artwork ATG 267: We Wanted to Love Coming to Work Every Day: Building a Business Without Burnout with Patrick Lencioni 48:11 Episode Artwork ATG 266: The Algorithm Is Retraining Your Mind (And Why You Can't Win as a Leader) 1:09:00 Episode Artwork ATG 265: The Algorithm Doesn't Care If They Love You or Hate You: Building a Coffee Empire with Caitlin Campbell 44:18 Episode Artwork ATG 264: Hope Is an Act of Open Rebellion: Why Optimism Is the Secret Weapon of World-Class Performers 1:15:04 Episode Artwork ATG 263: The Hyper-Optimizer's Trap with Dr. James Hewitt 1:06:11 Episode Artwork ATG 262: 50 by 50: The Final 27 Lessons I Learned by Age 50 15:11 Episode Artwork ATG 261: 50 Things That Took Me 50 Years to Learn: Part 3 17:47 Episode Artwork ATG 260: 4 (more) Lessons It Took Me 50 Years to Learn (That Will Change Your Life) 16:39 Episode Artwork ATG 259: 5 Lessons It Took Me 50 Years to Learn (And You Can Steal Right Now) 18:03 Episode Artwork ATG 258: Gift Guide 2025: 11 Hidden Gems You Won't Find Anywhere Else 19:43 Episode Artwork ATG 257: Politicians Are Temporary, Family Is Forever: Your Thanksgiving Survival Guide 14:05 Episode Artwork ATG 256: The 4 Books That Changed My Year (And Why I Read 75 Fewer Books) 18:59 Episode Artwork ATG 255: Stop Being a Success Voyeur 14:16 Episode Artwork ATG 254: Throw Your Bottles: Why the World Needs What You're Afraid to Create 12:33 Episode Artwork ATG 253: Be a Rebel: Why Hope is an Act of Open Rebellion in a World Addicted to Fear 15:00 Episode Artwork ATG 252: The One Word That Will Sextuple Your Success (It's Not What You Think) 16:21 Episode Artwork ATG 251: Marriage, Kids, and Snacks: 3 Soundtracks That Keep Us Sane 18:05 Episode Artwork ATG 250: Hit the Squirrel: 4 More Marriage Secrets That Built Our 7-Figure Life 20:59 Episode Artwork ATG 249: 4 Marriage Secrets That Actually Work (And Changed Our Family) 24:14 Episode Artwork ATG 248: I Did That! The Confidence-Building Exercise That Changes Everything 22:21 Episode Artwork ATG 247: Big Life, Small Worries: The 8 Words That Will Change Everything 13:19 Episode Artwork ATG 246: Mindset Reboot: The First Step to a Remarkable Life 19:58 Episode Artwork ATG 245: Hope Hard, Work Hard: Why Hope Has Become Controversial (And Why You Need It Anyway) 13:23 Episode Artwork ATG 244: Try Again: The Two Words That Stand Between You and Your Biggest Goals 11:47