My Philosophy: Tech Should Remove Work, Not Create It

Before we get into specific tools, it’s worth naming the lens I use to evaluate anything new:

• Does this reduce manual steps?

• Does it integrate cleanly with tools I already use?

• Does it save cognitive energy, not just time?

• Can it replace multiple tools instead of adding another?

If the answer isn’t yes to most of those, it doesn’t make the cut.

Inbox Automation: The Unexpected MVP

I’ll be honest: I was deeply skeptical of AI in my inbox. Like, I don’t need AI reading my emails!

However, after hearing about inbox automation and with the never-ending emails between my own accounts and accounts I have on behalf of my retainer clients in mind, I was quickly persuaded to try Google Studio to do a lot of the heavy lifting.

What I’m doing now:

• AI agents automatically archive emails that don’t need my attention

• Priority messages are flagged

• I receive a clean summary of what actually matters via chat

Instead of scanning dozens of emails, constantly deleting never ending promotions, I have the emails I want quietly waiting for me when I have time for them, and the things that need my attention already on my to-do list and summarized via Google Chat.

From ToDoist to Google Tasks: Choosing Automation Over Loyalty

I’ve used ToDoist for years and loved it. But I finally asked myself a hard question:

Am I keeping this tool because it’s the best option — or because it’s familiar?

I’m switching to Google Tasks for one simple reason: automation.

Tasks can now be created directly from emails without:

• Manually copying anything

• Asking a VA to translate messages into tasks

• Holding “don’t forget” items in my head

Becuase it’s all part of the same platform, Google Studio can interpret my emails and automatically create Google calendar appointments and put things on my task list.

By the way, I’m moving from Zoom to Google Meet for similar reasons. Plus, since I’m already paying for Google Workspace for email/Drive etc, it helps to not need to pay for video conferencing additionally.

The Core Tools Powering My Business

Here’s what’s currently earning its keep in my tech stack:

FunnelGorgeous

My all-in-one backbone:

• Email marketing

• Calendars

• Funnels

• Online courses

• Landing pages

• Invoicing

• Client portals

I seriously recommend and all-in-one.

Canva

Self explanatory. We’re all using it.

ChatGPT (and Gemini)

I use AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement:

• Workshopping copy

• Drafting emails

• Creating summaries

• Clarifying ideas before they hit the page

Loom

Quick videos without meetings. And also I typically use Loom for recording my courses and YouTube videos.

Gamma

My go-to for fast, clean slide decks when I don’t want to start from scratch. Check it out gamma.

Squadcast + Descript

Podcast recording and editing with the bonus that Squadcast is included free with Descript.

Tailwind

Pinterest creation and scheduling without overcomplicating content distribution.

Otter

Automatic meeting notes.

What I Cut (and Why)

Just as important as what I kept is what I let go of:

• Tools that did only one thing without integrating seamlessly into my larger business ecosystem

• Platforms that required constant maintenance

• Anything that relied on me remembering to use it perfectly

If a system only works when you’re at peak energy and focus… it’s not a good system.

The Bigger Goal for 2026

This tech reset isn’t about productivity for productivity’s sake.

It’s about:

• Fewer decisions

• Cleaner workflows

• More creative energy

• Systems that support the business and the life

Calm is designed!

And your tech stack plays a much bigger role than most people realize.