We are launching a series of talks with productivity and technology luminaries to explore the topic of sustainable productivity together. Sustainable productivity refers to the ability to generate and maintain high levels of efficiency, without causing harm to one's well-being. We talk to experts about finding a balanced approach to productivity, where they achieve their goals in a way that preserves their health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Our first guest, Francesco D’Alessio, stands at the pinnacle of expertise in both productivity and apps. Founder of Tool Finder, a platform for discovering the best productivity apps, and a charismatic host in the Keep Productive Youtube show, Francesco boasts a decade-long journey of dissecting and reviewing a staggering 600+ productivity tools!
Today, we sit down with Francesco to unravel his personal philosophy on productivity, his and must-have apps, and discover the hobbies that serve as his sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Have you heard about the ‘sustainable productivity’ concept (addressing well-being issues and being person-centered when looking at their productivity)? How do you feel about this concept?
Sustainable productivity is so important; this is something we're so keen to embrace at Tool Finder. Finding a productivity tool isn't the key to a healthy productivity process; it is the core foundation. If a building isn't built with this, it will fall at the smallest shudders, the same with your productivity. The key is to build a healthy foundation and layer a tool on top. Being more mindful around your productivity is really important, and listening to your body & mind, - we are big advocates of this.
What is your view on work/life balance and the role of technology in it?
Well, you can’t avoid stress. Working healthy is essential, but pressure towards a common goal is also very important. If you're building something exciting, or maybe even something that will help people, a balance between pushing and relaxing is vital. Sometimes, people go either way, which might not be healthy for developing and learning. Balance is important but can be hard to reach.
To be honest, I've never been fully balanced. I spend quality time with family quality time at work, and I like those to be a separate experience, but sometimes, the two areas intersect.
Do you think AI will transform productivity space? In what way?
AI will alter the way we work. More people will become managers of software, which help them move forward in work. There are two ways it can go. Either we overload people with more work, four-person roles combined into one. Or we allow for more balance. The key is setting up the distance between what is human and what is machine. For productivity apps in general, the main change is that anything you do repetitively will be replaced by AI in 5 years’ time; decisions and your creativity will be the key activities of your working day.
What do you like the most about PDF Expert?
PDF Expert does what it says on the tin: PDF and expert. Ideal for those who are PDF-hungry and want to go deeper. Plus, it is beautifully designed.
Do you have a hobby that helps you stay sane?
I like to box in the gym and keep as healthy as possible. I have 2 kids, so I love to spend time outdoors with them.
What are the 3 apps you can’t live without?
Whoop, Todoist, Photos.
Whoop is a fitness-tracking app that uses physiological data to simultaneously improve your training and fitness.
Todoist is a very popular task manager and to-do list app.
Photos is a native app that helps you to store, browse, and edit photos.
What personal productivity tip would you like to share with our users?
Breathe.
Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders. Also, feel free to share your experience with achieving a balanced approach to productivity with us - DM us on Facebook or Twitter or email us at stories@readdle.com. We are forever inspired by our community of savvy, smart, and hardworking users - and we invite you to join the conversation and exchange experiences.
Meanwhile, check our top articles with productivity tips:
Yevheniia Dychko 
