The Omni Show

Marko Anastasov, a software developer and co-founder of Semaphore and Operately, shares his journey from chaos to clarity in productivity. He discusses his life-changing switch to OmniFocus, highlighting a night-before planning routine and the importance of a focused workday. Marko emphasizes the art of simplicity in task management, opting for a single prioritized goal. He also delves into how negative visualization and effective calendar use inspire his productivity, encouraging listeners to embrace clarity in their workflows.

Jorge Arango, an information architect and author of 'Living in Information,' dives into the art of personal productivity. He shares his journey from using early kGTD scripts to becoming a devoted OmniFocus user. Jorge emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design, warning against over-optimizing, and advocates for simplicity in workflows. By combining tags for contextual filtering with handwritten daily lists for focus, he crafts an efficient system. His insights highlight that every great system begins simple, aligning with Gall's Law.

In this engaging chat, Chris Conti, Chief Innovation Officer at Production Resource Group, shares his journey from theater to high-profile live events like the Super Bowl. He reveals how OmniGraffle has been his secret weapon in creating clear diagrams for complex lighting and audio setups. Chris discusses his unique ‘start-at-the-end’ approach, emphasizing how visuals help streamline production processes. Get insights into his fast-paced strategies for managing extensive setups, and discover the passion and collaboration that fuel his successful career.

Andrea Soro, an Android engineer and dance instructor from Zurich, expertly juggles his creative and technical pursuits. He reveals how he leverages OmniFocus to maintain productivity without over-complicating his systems. Andrea emphasizes the importance of regular reviews and experimenting with workflows. He also discusses the future potential of AI in task management, suggesting it could revolutionize productivity. Tune in for insights on merging personal passions with professional responsibilities while keeping life organized!

Brett Terpstra, a Minnesota-based writer, developer, and podcaster, shares his journey of creative passion and living with bipolar disorder and ADHD. He candidly discusses how these experiences have shaped his innovative career, which includes developing popular tools like Marked and Bunch. Brett explores the intersection of mental health and productivity, emphasizing how checklists and automation with OmniFocus help him thrive. He advocates for open conversations about mental health, fostering community support and understanding.

Christian Young, a UX Designer at the Omni Group, shares his unique journey from customer support to design, emphasizing problem-solving in user experience. He discusses the redesign of OmniFocus 4, tackling significant pain points in mobile task management. The conversation highlights the balance between aesthetics and functionality, particularly with Apple’s liquid glass design. Young also delves into the importance of consistency across platforms and understanding diverse user needs, revealing how emotions play a vital role in productivity tools.

Ken Case, the CEO of Omni Group and a driving force in productivity software, shares insights on the company's ambitious 2025 roadmap. He discusses the transformative effects of their SwiftUI adoption on user experience. The conversation highlights the exciting future of the Liquid Glass design language and its integration across applications. Case also touches on advancements in syncing capabilities for global users and shares upcoming features that enhance workflow in OmniFocus. Tune in for an inspiring glimpse into the future of productivity tools!

Stephen Dolan, CEO of Tuple and expert in pair programming, shares his innovative task management strategies using OmniFocus. He emphasizes the importance of clarity and simplicity in managing professional shifts, while highlighting how automation can streamline workflows. Dolan also discusses integrating AI with OmniFocus to enhance task suggestions and improve efficiency. His reflections remind us that discipline in reviewing tasks can lead to a more focused, effective approach in both personal and professional realms.

Daniel Von Fange, a Senior Engineer at Origin Protocol with 25 years of experience, shares his journey in pursuit of ‘perfect code.’ He discusses how he utilizes OmniGraffle to visualize complex systems and spot hidden bugs, especially within smart contracts. Daniel emphasizes the importance of data visualization for simplifying intricate code structures and preventing costly errors. He also touches on the value of curiosity in data analysis, advocating for immersive experiences that foster deeper insights.

Full transcript and show notes at theomnishow.omnigroup.com In this compelling return to The Omni Show, Jason Atwood—now CEO of Arkus—dives into how two decades of OmniFocus usage continue to shape his leadership, his decision making, and the team culture. Andrew and Jason explore the evolution of productivity tools in the face of AI, what it means to conduct a decade-in-review inside OmniFocus, and how Atwood is future-proofing his organization by embedding GTD & OmniFocus at every level. Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to task management, this episode inspires reflection, alignment, and growth. Plus: the three OmniFocus features Jason can't live without, and how his daughter’s study setup gave him the ultimate productivity parenting win. Some other people, places, and things mentioned: Jason Atwood Arkus The Dip (Seth Godin) GTD for Teams Kairos Cognition Assessments