Work & Leadership
How I Recovered from Vacation in Half the Time: Inbox Rules, Action Items & Copilot Summaries
I took a week off, and if you saw my previous post, I made a real effort to step away this time. I stayed available for escalations, but day-to-day? I let my Inbox Rules and Microsoft Copilot handle it. Coming back from vacation used to feel like a punishment—hundreds of unread emails, missed meetings, and a calendar ready to…
Read MoreWant to Get Smarter? Get Moving.
There’s a fascinating idea that keeps popping up in both neuroscience and high-performance circles:If you want to get smarter, don’t just sit there—move. In a recent article by Jeff Haden for Inc., he breaks down the science behind intelligence and adaptability. The TL;DR? Mental agility isn’t just about what you think—it’s about how you live. It’s one more…
Read MoreNow Is the Time to Build: Why High Standards, AI, and Speed Matter More Than Ever
Marc Andreessen recently unpacked what made Steve Jobs truly different, and it’s a lesson that feels more relevant than ever in the AI era. https://www.inc.com/chris-morris/steve-jobs-genius-came-down-to-1-key-ingredient-marc-andreessen/91212789 Jobs’s genius, Andreessen says, came down to one simple, but bold assumption: Everyone on the team was capable of doing great work. And when you start from that belief, it changes everything.…
Read MoreSoundtracking Productivity: How I’m Using Music to Own My Day
Over the past few months, I’ve shared my approach to reclaiming time, including the power of 168 hours, organizing email into four actionable folders, and leveraging Microsoft Copilot to reduce cognitive overload. But there’s one more piece that has quietly elevated my routine: Music. Not just any music. Not the kind that randomly hums in the…
Read MoreSticky Notes & Strategy: How I Use Post-its for Action Now and a Notepad for Action Later
A simple system to fight distraction, refocus fast, and get things done without the inbox overwhelm. Every productivity system I’ve ever loved shares one common trait: clarity. Whether it’s a revamped Outlook folder setup, a 168-hour weekly time map, or my morning espresso-fueled calendar review, if it helps me see what matters now versus later, I’m in. Lately,…
Read MoreNew Habits, New Half: How to Stay Productive While Working From Home
The year’s halfway over—but your most productive self might just be getting started. We’re officially halfway through the year. For some, like those of us at Microsoft, July marks the start of a brand-new fiscal year—a time to reset, reflect, and refocus. Whether your company is flipping the calendar or not, this is a great…
Read MoreCelebrate the 4th of July + the Moments That Matter
The 4th of July is a celebration of independence and a reminder to pause. To breathe. To laugh with friends. To watch the fireworks without holding your phone up the whole time. To be present—because life moves fast, and if we don’t stop to enjoy it, it will pass us by. We get 168 hours each week.…
Read MoreOne Month In: How Outlook Folders + Microsoft Copilot Transformed My Workflow
About a month ago, I decided to take control of my inbox. I paired a new Outlook folder structure—Action, Read Later, Waiting On, and Archive, with Outlook Rules and Microsoft Copilot. Honestly, that first week felt like I was adding complexity to my already chaotic workflow, too many folders, rules, and decisions. But I gave…
Read MoreWhat’s your daily ritual?Coffee, Calendars, and Craft: How a Daily Ritual Became a Source of Joy (and ROI)What’s your daily ritual?
Let’s talk about coffee, not just as a beverage but as a practice + a pause, a ritual, a spark of curiosity that’s quietly changed my mornings, my mindset, and, yes… even my meetings. For me, coffee isn’t just caffeine. It’s a connection to time, place, people, and myself. Calendar-Controlled Coffee Time It started with a…
Read MoreTime Management Tricks That Actually Work (Because Your Calendar is Lying to You)
Let’s be honest: your calendar isn’t managing your time — it’s just logging everyone else’s priorities. If your day looks like this: Then you’re not bad at time management. You’re just managing time in a world that’s rigged against it. Shift your mindset from “How much can I get done?” to “What’s worth doing?” Before we jump…
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