By day, I work as the Project Management Office Director and Deputy Program Director for a Healthcare IT Government Contract. In my role, I manage the PMO and help to oversee the work of the 60+ people that staff the program.
Due to the nature of my work, I have learned to be very disciplined and specific about organizing and maintaining my calendar, notes, and task lists. my work tools are the result of nearly two decades of trial and error and, for me, have proven nearly fool proof.Â
Notebook: I use the junior-size Circa notebook from Levenger along with a few items from Staples’ Arc line. Paper is Levenger’s Action Method Refill Dot Grid paper for note taking and Arc Task Pads for list making. Agenda is a full calendar year with each week spread over two pages within tabs for each month. Notebook Dividers separate work in progress, one-on-one meetings with each of my direct reports, staffing (recruiting, org chart, etc), volunteer work, and home/personal.
Pens: I prefer Sarasa brand 0.3mm pens (or pen refill inside the Levenger True Writer) in blue ink. This nib size allows for my handwriting to remain neat and precise while the blue ink shows up well against the black ink of printers and photocopiers.
Personal Electronics: Samsung Galaxy S4, iPad Mini, and MacBook Air 11”. Personal meetings and reminders are scheduled using Google calendar while those related to work are handled via Outlook. The backup battery charger I keep on standby is the MyBolt by iEnjoy.
Gear bag:Â During the work week, I typically carry a medium-sized tote that can withstand the rigors of holding a spill-proof travel mug, breakfast &/or lunch, spare shoes (usually packable flats or flip flops), Circa notebook, electronics, wallet, Rx eyeglass & sunglasses, a carryall pouch (for makeup, pens, medicine, headphones, and other small items), and various documents. My holy grail work totes are the Longchamps Les Planetes and the Louis Vuitton Neverfull.
