In today’s fast-paced world, technology plays a crucial role in simplifying and enhancing our daily lives. This article explores essential technologies that have become indispensable, backed by insights from industry experts. Discover how these innovations are transforming various aspects of work, home, and personal life, making tasks more efficient and manageable.
- Notion Streamlines Workflow and Communication
- Encrypted Password Manager Ensures Security
- ChatGPT Enhances Productivity and Learning
- Azure Cloud Powers Digital Transformation
- Digital Notebook Fosters Focused Thinking
- Large Screen Boosts Designer Productivity
- IT Asset Management System Enables Global Operations
- Smartphone Revolutionizes Plumbing Business Management
- DevOps Pipeline Orchestrates Software Delivery
- SAP Solution Manager Optimizes Enterprise Architecture
- Shared Family Calendar Coordinates Busy Lives
- Robot Vacuum Automates Home Cleaning
- Oura Ring Tracks Sleep Quality
- AirPods Enhance Daily Activities
- Maps App Revolutionizes Navigation
- Stream Deck Boosts Productivity
- ClickUp Simplifies Business Management
- Google Calendar Organizes Life Efficiently
Notion Streamlines Workflow and Communication
I believe the one piece of technology I absolutely couldn’t live without is Notion. It’s my second brain, my daily dashboard, my project tracker, and my internal wiki, all rolled into one clean, flexible interface.
Every morning starts with a Notion page that pulls in my priority tasks, team updates, and personal notes. I use it to run meetings, document decisions, store client research, and even journal postmortems. It’s not just about staying organized; it’s about staying aligned, especially in a hybrid setup where context can easily get lost.
What makes it indispensable? Modularity and customization without bloat. Unlike tools that force you into their workflow, Notion adapts to how you think. That’s rare. I’ve used it to replace five separate tools: Google Docs, Trello, internal wikis, spreadsheets, and even parts of Slack.
The impact is huge: fewer silos, faster onboarding, and clearer thinking. If you’re running a growing business or managing a distributed team, having one flexible hub like Notion keeps everyone moving in the same direction, even when you’re not in the same room.
Shishir Dubey, Founder & CEO, Chrome QA Lab
Encrypted Password Manager Ensures Security
As the CTO of a cybersecurity consultancy, I rely on my encrypted password manager every single day. It’s the first tool I open in the morning and the last one I close at night. Managing multiple clients and projects means I juggle hundreds of complex passwords for various systems, platforms, and tools. Without an encrypted password manager, keeping all that secure and organized would be impossible.
I’ll share a quick story to show how indispensable it’s become. Last month, while preparing for a client briefing, I needed immediate access to a legacy system we hadn’t used in over a year. I didn’t panic. Within seconds, my password manager securely surfaced the credentials I needed. That seamless access saved time and strengthened my confidence in our operational readiness. When security, efficiency, and scalability are critical, this one tool is a non-negotiable part of my tech arsenal.
Bob Gourley, Chief Technology Officer and Author, The Cyber Threat
ChatGPT Enhances Productivity and Learning
The one piece of technology I genuinely can’t imagine living without is ChatGPT. It has become my always-on co-pilot for work: drafting client emails, summarizing market research, brainstorming campaign angles, and even helping me turn rough notes into polished proposals — all in minutes instead of hours. Because it’s conversational, I can iterate on ideas the same way I would with a colleague, but at any hour of the day; that keeps projects moving forward even when the team is offline. On the personal side, it’s my pocket tutor and organizer: recipe converter, travel planner, code-debugging buddy, and the patient explainer of everything from tax rules to guitar chords. Having this kind of responsive, domain-agnostic expertise at my fingertips lifts a lot of mental load and lets me focus on the creative or strategic parts of life.
A few extra reasons it’s indispensable: it turns scattered information (meeting transcripts, PDFs, web links) into clear action lists in seconds; its multilingual capabilities mean I can draft or translate content for global clients without extra tools; the built-in OCR and data-wrangling tricks save me from manual spreadsheet pain; and it’s privacy-respectful enough that I can safely feed it sensitive drafts when needed. Add in the daily “aha” moments — like uncovering a clever regex, reformatting a presentation outline, or generating a cold-outreach email in my brand voice — and it’s hard to picture a day where ChatGPT doesn’t quietly remove friction from both my business operations and my personal to-do list.
Philip Young, CEO, Bird Digital Marketing Agency UK
Azure Cloud Powers Digital Transformation
If I had to single out one piece of technology that I rely on daily — so much so that it’s practically become an extension of me — it would undoubtedly be my cloud-based solution platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure. For someone deeply entrenched in the world of cloud architecture and digital transformation, Azure has been a game-changer.
It’s fascinating to reflect on how deeply integrated Azure is with my professional life. Being a Software Architect, my day often involves orchestrating several moving parts, and the cloud acts as the backstage crew that keeps the show running smoothly.
Several years ago, when I led the geofencing platform project, leveraging Azure’s spatial data capabilities was not just advantageous; it was crucial. We needed pinpoint accuracy in location tracking and timely automated alerts to enhance operational security. It was Azure that enabled those complex integrations, allowing us to reduce unauthorized vehicle usage significantly. The success of that project solidified my reliance on such cloud solutions, not just as tools but as enablers of innovation.
Interestingly, Azure’s impact is not limited to grand-scale projects; it extends to everyday tasks too. Most of my daily activities, from planning, coding, and even collaborating with teams across different time zones, hinge on the cloud’s ability to provide real-time data access and seamless communication. It’s this reliability and flexibility that make Azure indispensable.
Moreover, there’s something inherently fulfilling about using a technology that I have helped shape and improve through my past roles, like during my tenure at Microsoft where I contributed to the development of the Microsoft Professional Degree program. These experiences have not only refined my understanding of cloud technology but have also reinforced the vital role that continuous learning and adaptation play in technology.
In essence, Azure doesn’t just support my work; it transforms it, allowing me to push boundaries and innovate in areas like IoT and AI/ML, which are central to my professional focus. This symbiotic relationship between cloud technology and my day-to-day life underscores why I cannot imagine a day without it. It’s the silent, yet powerful partner that fuels my pursuit of redefining what’s possible in the tech landscape.
Anandkumar Vedantham, Software Architect
Digital Notebook Fosters Focused Thinking
One piece of technology I now can’t imagine living without is my digital notebook. When it was first gifted to me, I assumed it would end up in a drawer collecting dust. I didn’t see the point of adding another device to the laptop and phone I already use constantly.
But I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s become one of my favorite tools. What makes it so valuable is its support for focused, distraction-free thinking. It’s not connected to the internet in a way that invites interruptions. There are no pings, pop-ups, or tempting email notifications. It feels like writing on paper, but with the added efficiency of converting handwritten notes to text and sharing them instantly with my team.
It’s also incredibly light, with a long battery life, which makes it ideal for client meetings and travel. Compared to a laptop or a stack of paper notes that can easily get misplaced, it’s far more convenient and reliable.
I use it every day for note-taking during meetings, calls with clients and candidates, and for personal tasks like reflection, brainstorming, or storyboarding client presentations. It may not be the flashiest piece of tech I own, but that’s exactly why I value it. It delivers the benefits of digital organization and efficiency, without the distractions that come with most modern devices.
Jon Hill, Chairman & CEO, The Energists
Large Screen Boosts Designer Productivity
As a professional designer, I simply cannot imagine my life without a large, in my case, 32-inch, IPS colour-accurate external screen.
I know people who can work all day on their laptop screens and claim it works fine for them. For me, a big screen boosts my productivity so much that I cannot imagine living without it.
I can split my screen and still have full pages visible to, for example, search for inspiration. And when working in Figma or other software, I have the context of the whole design flow instead of just one screen.
Sometimes it feels like a cheat code when you’re on a video call with someone and you’re able to find something faster than they can in their own design. Or when you’re able to simultaneously keep an overview of the people on the call and the project you’re discussing.
The only downside is that you can’t take the screen everywhere, and without it I feel even worse because I know exactly what I’m missing. It’s like going back from 4K to HD.
The sweet spot I found for myself is 32 inches. I also tried working with a 48″ screen, but that one was already a bit overwhelming.
Jiri Padour, Senior UX/UI Designer, Vefru
IT Asset Management System Enables Global Operations
One piece of technology I use daily that I truly can’t imagine working without is our IT asset management system.
This system gives me complete visibility and control over our entire device fleet from deployment to retrieval.
It helps us track every laptop and piece of equipment in real time, understand where it’s located, who’s using it, and whether it meets our security standards. Whether we’re onboarding a new team member in Singapore or offboarding one in Malaysia, the process is seamless and secure.
What makes it indispensable isn’t just operational efficiency; it’s the confidence it gives us to scale responsibly, stay compliant, and deliver a great employee experience, no matter where in the world our people are.
When you manage IT across countries, you don’t just need tools; you need trust in your systems. And that’s what this provides every single day.
Yuying Deng, CEO, Esevel
Smartphone Revolutionizes Plumbing Business Management
My phone runs everything. I use it before I leave the house and long after I get home. It handles job scheduling, customer messages, supplier orders, quote approvals, and payment processing. No phone calls, apps, and tools let me run the business without being tied to a desk.
I use Jobber for dispatching and invoicing. I send quotes right after site visits. Customers respond faster, and we close more jobs. Google Maps keeps us efficient on the road. No one sits in traffic guessing which route is faster. We track crew locations and cut down drive time.
If a technician runs into a problem on-site, they send me a photo through text or WhatsApp. I respond with instructions or product information. No need for a second visit. That saves time and money. I also use supplier apps to check inventory and place orders while I’m still on the job. No paperwork. No delays.
Every tool on my phone has replaced something else: clipboard, flashlight, calculator, notepad. It’s fast, organized, and always with me. If it goes down, everything slows down. I wouldn’t run a plumbing business without it.
Gary Bregani, Owner, Willowbrook Plumbing & Heating
DevOps Pipeline Orchestrates Software Delivery
Having spent nearly 20 years at the intersection of technology and quality assurance, the one piece of tech I can’t imagine working without is the DevOps pipeline. It’s the quiet engine behind everything we do, helping streamline workflows, uncover bottlenecks, and maintain the rhythm of our engineering efforts.
If a world-class orchestra relies on a metronome to stay in sync, our pipeline plays that same role in software delivery. The pipeline isn’t just a tool. It’s the operational heartbeat. It automates deployments, connects engineering, QA, and operations, and provides real-time visibility that simply wasn’t possible in the earlier, manual phases of my career.
I still remember a recent major release where, instead of chasing status updates or troubleshooting integration issues, the pipeline gave us immediate insights into progress and risks. It allowed us to react faster, make smarter decisions, and deliver without compromising quality, all while improving cross-team collaboration.
More than just speeding things up, this technology shapes how I lead. Whether mentoring engineers or collaborating with senior leadership, the real-time data and analytics offer a 360-degree view of delivery health. It has become a decision-making compass and a shared dashboard for the entire team.
For me, the DevOps pipeline represents more than automation. It reflects a culture of transparency, agility, and trust. It’s not just a tool we use. It’s something we’ve evolved with, and it continues to evolve with us.
Shiva Krishna Kodithyala, Senior Engineering Manager
SAP Solution Manager Optimizes Enterprise Architecture
The single piece of technology I rely on every day and cannot imagine living without is SAP Solution Manager. Having spent over 17 years in enterprise architecture and landscape transformation, I’ve come to appreciate how it integrates seamlessly into my day-to-day workflow.
Each morning, the first thing I do is dive into the incident management dashboards. It’s like having a command center right at my fingertips. The ability to view and address issues proactively before they impact the broader business operations is invaluable. It’s not just about resolving incidents; it’s about ensuring the continuity of critical processes that many Fortune 100 companies depend on.
I recall a particularly challenging period when I was working on a large divestiture project. The task was to ensure business continuity while undergoing a significant transformation of the landscape. It was a complex web of changes, and without structured support, the layers of intricacies could have unraveled rather quickly. The integrated change request management (ChaRM) was indispensable—the proverbial ‘tour de force’ that ensured every change was meticulously tracked and implemented without disrupting the day-to-day operations.
What makes SAP Solution Manager indispensable is its adaptability. Whether handling a large-scale divestiture or refining internal processes, it remains my core tool. There’s an inherent confidence that comes with knowing your tool is “five steps ahead,” anticipating needs before they become issues. It’s a bit like having a seasoned chess partner who not only knows the game but also remembers every move ever made.
Moreover, the experience of integrating this technology at various organizations has shown me its ability to unify IT strategy with business objectives. Recently, during an SAP Solution Manager upgrade at a client site, I witnessed first-hand how the improved technical monitoring brought real-time visibility into the health of their systems. This real-time insight is not just a time-saver—it’s a strategic advantage.
In essence, SAP Solution Manager has been the guardian angel of my IT operations. With its robust capabilities, I can assure the stakeholders that our IT landscape is both secure and agile. This peace of mind is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.
VIVEK BANERJEE, Enterprise Architect – Business Transformation / Landscape Transformation
Shared Family Calendar Coordinates Busy Lives
One piece of technology that I use daily and truly cannot live without is our shared family calendar. As a business owner and mom of two young children, including one with special needs who attends daily therapy appointments, having a centralized, organized view of our week is absolutely essential.
Between work meetings, therapy appointments, childcare coverage, and all the little in-between moments that come with running a household, this calendar keeps everything and everyone aligned. Whether it’s coordinating a babysitter, my husband, or extended family who help out, the shared calendar ensures no detail gets missed.
It may seem like a simple tool, but for our family, the shared calendar brings structure and clarity to a very full schedule. It helps me move between roles — entrepreneur, advocate, caregiver, wife, and mom — with more peace of mind and less mental load. And that makes it completely indispensable.
Rebecca Paxton, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, My Front Porch
Robot Vacuum Automates Home Cleaning
My husband and I are busy professionals, and neither of us particularly likes housework. That’s why I absolutely love my robot vacuum cleaner, which keeps our house clean automatically! I have the iRobot Roomba j7+ with the self-emptying Clean Base, and it’s a total game-changer. I’ve programmed it to clean my front hall every day at noon when we’re at work and the kids are at school, and at 9 pm when we are done with coming and going for the day. The front hall is where everyone tracks in dirt, leaves, and salt in the winter.
One evening last fall, a guest came in with muddy boots, and after we sat down for dinner, I just discreetly tapped the app — and by the time we finished dinner, the front hall was clean. What makes it even better is that it empties itself into a larger bin that I only need to remember to clean out once a week. It’s like having a tiny, diligent housekeeper who never complains. A lot of tech hypes us up and makes us work more — this simply gives me a little leisure and a cleaner house.
Julia Rueschemeyer, Attorney, Attorney Julia Rueschemeyer Divorce Mediation
Oura Ring Tracks Sleep Quality
I’m addicted to using my Oura ring for health data tracking. I primarily use it for monitoring my sleep. Previously, if I felt tired in the middle of the day, it was unclear whether I needed to eat, drink water, sleep more, or address other factors. Now, I have an objective measure of my sleep quality. In some cases, it serves as a signal to either return to bed or to sleep earlier that night.
Neel Somani, Founder, Eclipse Laboratories Inc.
AirPods Enhance Daily Activities
My AirPods are, hands down, the one piece of technology I use every single day and couldn’t imagine living without. I’ve got them in when I’m working, cooking, or going for a run; they basically never leave my side. They let me take calls, listen to music or podcasts, and block out distractions no matter where I am. They’re the one gadget that makes everything else in my day smoother and way more enjoyable.
Raphael Larouche, Founder & SEO Specialist, seomontreal.io
Maps App Revolutionizes Navigation
The Maps functionality on my phone is just indispensable. We talk a lot about “the old days,” but the old days of finding directions pale in comparison to what we’re able to accomplish with GPS direction apps today. And aside from giving me accurate directions updated in real-time, I’ve found that my Maps app allows me to also find new places to go that I might not have found otherwise — the discoverability aspect of these map apps is an underrated, but much appreciated, plus.
Gerald Fry, Marketing Manager & Multimedia Production, TYKMA Electrox
Stream Deck Boosts Productivity
For me, it has to be the Elgato Stream Deck, and believe it or not, it’s not for streaming; it’s for productivity. Every button on it is fully customizable to perform any task.
Do you have several scripts you need to copy and paste? Set up buttons that are assigned to those scripts.
Or how about working in PowerPoint for presentations? Set up full navigational buttons on the Stream Deck.
The best part is that you can create profiles for different tasks, so you are not limited by the number of buttons you have at all.
Elijah Cole, Computer Technician, My Computer Works
ClickUp Simplifies Business Management
I use ClickUp every day and can’t imagine life without it. I spend my days ensuring that everything aligns with our company goals by managing teams and overseeing projects. ClickUp makes managing these duties and ensuring success easy.
I can track due dates, work on multiple projects, and collaborate with different departments in one place. Real-time updates and task management keep everyone in sync, and I can monitor progress without switching platforms. It’s also flexible, so I can create project boards and procedures for my marketing and product development teams.
ClickUp simplifies and helps me remember everything, from simple tasks to large projects to client presentations. It integrates even better with Google products and Outlook, which helps me stay on track and save time. In short, it’s a valuable tool that makes running your business easier and more efficient every day.
Gianluca Ferruggia, General Manager, DesignRush
Google Calendar Organizes Life Efficiently
Honestly? Google Calendar.
If it’s not in there, it doesn’t exist. Meetings, deadlines, dentist appointments — all gone without it. It’s probably not the headline-worthy answer, but it holds my entire life together in little colored boxes. That’s power.
Mateusz Mucha, Founder, CEO, Omni Calculator