Kevin Gibbs created something you might use every day.
Before founding workplace software companyQuipand selling it to Salesforce, Gibbs created Google Suggest.
His answers are insightful and self-effacingwere really proud to bring you this installment of How I Work.
I got my first job in technology when I was in middle school, around 1992.
I wasnt writing code, but I was working with a flatbed scanner, scanning documents for a lawyer.
This job really informed my desire to go to college.
What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?
I love my Pixel 2 because I live on my phone.
And I love my Apple TV because…I have two young children.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I should get rid of the desk.
I do all of my work either on my phone or my laptop computer.
My laptop is for high-bandwidth writing and commenting on documents.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
I know Im going to sound like a shill here, but the answer is Quip.
It saves me a tremendous amount of time.
Then for those other eight hours a day called work, I run every aspect of Quip on Quip.
As a CEO, the answer honestly iseveryone.
I rely on each group differently.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
I track my to-do list on aKanban boardin Quip.
The categories are Today, This Week, and Later.
We can each add work or discussion topics to it.
Whats your least favorite thing to do, and how do you deal with it?
Honestly, writing and public speaking.
(This was hard!)
Any endeavor with a larger audience makes me fairly anxious, and I tend to dread it.
Its natural that it would make me nervous, and that I wont do a perfect job!
That helps me remember to cut myself some slack and let go.
Then Im usually able to get into it and enjoy myself.
Public speaking is performance, and I am not a performer by trade.
Its natural that it would make me nervous
How do you recharge?
What do you do when you want to forget about work?
I think I go either high or low: exercise or zoning out.
It really helps me reduce stress and get the positive vibes and endorphins flowing in the morning.
Plus, were living in the golden age of television (Crazy Ex-GirlfriendorPlease Like Me, anyone?).
Whats your favorite side project?
I love to cook and work on projects in the kitchen.
So my favorite side project at the moment is making liqueurs and bitters at home.
What are you currently reading, or whats something youd recommend?
Im a huge science fiction and fantasy genre reader.
I got started when I was 8 or so I havent stopped.
I am currently waitingurgentlyforCixin LiuandPatrick Rothfussto finish their next books.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see ________ answer these same questions.
Does anyone answer this question differently?
I mean, seriously.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Go with your gut.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
