In an effort to explore the talent in our community, Devanooga is doing a “How I Work” series of articles akin to the series Lifehacker produced in the 2010s. If you would like to be a part of the series, submit a PR with the questions answered or contact one of our moderators.

Name

Jake Brown

Devanooga username

jake

Occupation

Project Manager

Location

Chattanooga, TN

Current daily computer

16” M1 Pro MacBook Pro 16gb 1tb

Current mobile device

iPhone 13 Pro Max

One word that best describes how I work:

Cooperative

What apps, software, and/or tools can’t you live without?

Microsoft OneNote - Free and cross platform, including on the web. Super intuitive layout and organization.Shortcuts for iOS and Mac - Shortcuts enable all sorts of IFTTT-like functionality on Apple devices with a visual programming language.ZeroTier - lightweight and open source software defined networking (SDN) platform. Effectively a secure virtual network interface added to all your devices that share a virtual subnet. Like Hamachi but not awful. So simple and useful!

What is your best time-saving shortcut?

You can order off the catering menu from your favorite restaurant for low effort meal prep

What is your workspace setup like?

16” MacBook34” 2k BENQ monitorDell Thunderbolt 4 DockLogi MX Keys for MacLogi Mx Master for MacI honestly only use my desk for meetings or heads-down work, and prefer to be on my couch, patio, or at a local restaurant/coffee shop.

Jake's Workspace

Favorite or must-have gear in your workspace?

Not talked about yet: AirPods or any noise cancelling headphones.

What do you listen to while you work?

Vaporwave More

What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? What’s your secret?

Communicating technical topics to non-technical people:

  1. Be patient, people can have a lot of emotions bound up in their lack of confidence with technology.
  2. Always assume positive intent. Ceaseless professionalism and deescalation are my priority.
  3. Ask lots of questions. Try and develop an internal picture of their understanding before offering an extensive explanation. This will help you meet them where they are, and turn a lesson into a conversation.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Happiness equals reality minus shifting expectations.”

What is some advice you would give to yourself earlier in your career?

Start a blog and document your projects publicly. Advice I have now finally started to follow!