productivity

If you are tired of untangling a chaotic mess of cables while traveling, you will want to hear how I finally simplified my gear with the Anker Prime 100W GaN charger. After adopting my colleague’s advice to ditch bulky laptop bricks, I discovered that this compact GaN-based charger efficiently powers my MacBook Pro and phone simultaneously without overheating, offering a fast and tidy solution for my on-the-go needs.

I explore how my perspective on keeping video enabled during remote meetings has evolved from a rigid stance to a more nuanced approach that balances accountability with practicality. By default, I keep my camera on to maintain focus and presence, but I now make exceptions when mobile or attending large, passive conferences to avoid unnecessary fatigue. This shift allows me to respect others' time while acknowledging the realities of multitasking and different meeting contexts.

Drawing from my two decades on LinkedIn, I explain why verifying your profile adds a crucial layer of trust through a visible badge. I detail the three available verification methods, with a specific focus on the step-by-step process for verifying your identity using a government-issued ID via the LinkedIn app.

I share my reflections on the first month of widespread remote work in Finland, highlighting how the new norm of keeping video on has improved my meeting focus and why I recommend upgrading your webcam. I also discuss how this period has revealed stark contrasts in productivity based on home circumstances and forced a necessary shift toward prioritizing only essential, result-oriented tasks.

I explore the ongoing debate over whether we truly need a physical office, balancing our companies’ diverse spatial needs with the reality of packed schedules and limited productivity gains from commuting. While I’ve tentatively designated Fridays for optional in-person interaction to foster human connection, I highlight the persistent challenge of carving out unstructured time for colleagues to simply hang out amidst a sea of remote meetings.