The Omni Show

Yong-Yeol (YY) Ahn, a UVA data science professor known for network science and info spread research, joins to talk productivity. He discusses avoiding shiny-object temptation and evolving a system that actually gets used. Learn how he captures ideas in OmniFocus, uses TaskPaper templates and scripts, and leverages AI agents to automate inbox processing and scale work across many projects.

Trevor Foley, a 20‑plus year operations and program management pro who helped build ad experiences at Hulu, talks productivity and OmniFocus. He explains how GTD led him to a “hub and spoke” decision system. He shares a simple, long-running family calendar setup and warns about the trap of endlessly redesigning your workflow.

Ken Case, CEO of The Omni Group, leads product strategy and roadmap decisions. He discusses OmniLynx linking across apps, Apple Intelligence with on-device privacy, Liquid Glass UI design, OmniGraffle 8 modernization, universal purchases across platforms, regional data centers to speed sync, and Kanban-style boards coming to OmniFocus.

Jim Mitchell, Director of Salesforce Applications at Vizio and long-time OmniFocus user, explains his simple, low-friction workflow. He covers task capture, morning planning routines, and custom perspectives. He also discusses integrating OmniFocus with Obsidian and his calendar, using automations, and relying on repeating tasks to reduce mental load.

Sal Soghoian, automation expert who builds Omni Automation plugins, demos private, offline automation and Apple onboard intelligence integrations. Ken Case, co-founder and CEO of The Omni Group, explains a modernized, cross-platform Outliner with Vision Pro support and Omni Links. They showcase Omni Links for precise navigation, plugins calling local AI, and workflows that turn outlines into living systems.

Ivan Weiss, President and COO of elite | studio e, dives into how he balances high-stakes executive responsibilities with calm productivity. He shares his unexpected journey into the Apple ecosystem and how OmniFocus became central to his life. From morning rituals to a systematic approach separating work from personal tasks, Ivan emphasizes simplicity and clarity. He advises against over-complicating systems and highlights the importance of recognizing overload. With a focus on calm, he showcases how effective routines can lead to better decision-making.

Khe Hy, founder of LaTour AI Consultancy and former Wall Street director, emphasizes prioritizing aliveness over efficiency. He discusses how his focus shifted from checkboxes to designing a richer life after 35. Khe reveals his unique use of OmniFocus as a personal CRM, managing bills, networking, and health with its Review feature. He warns against productivity as escapism and highlights AI's role as an amplifying tool, all while stressing the importance of human connection in a tech-driven world.

Marko Anastasov, a software developer and co-founder of Semaphore and Operately, shares his journey from chaos to clarity in productivity. He discusses his life-changing switch to OmniFocus, highlighting a night-before planning routine and the importance of a focused workday. Marko emphasizes the art of simplicity in task management, opting for a single prioritized goal. He also delves into how negative visualization and effective calendar use inspire his productivity, encouraging listeners to embrace clarity in their workflows.

Jorge Arango, an information architect and author of 'Living in Information,' dives into the art of personal productivity. He shares his journey from using early kGTD scripts to becoming a devoted OmniFocus user. Jorge emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design, warning against over-optimizing, and advocates for simplicity in workflows. By combining tags for contextual filtering with handwritten daily lists for focus, he crafts an efficient system. His insights highlight that every great system begins simple, aligning with Gall's Law.

In this engaging chat, Chris Conti, Chief Innovation Officer at Production Resource Group, shares his journey from theater to high-profile live events like the Super Bowl. He reveals how OmniGraffle has been his secret weapon in creating clear diagrams for complex lighting and audio setups. Chris discusses his unique ‘start-at-the-end’ approach, emphasizing how visuals help streamline production processes. Get insights into his fast-paced strategies for managing extensive setups, and discover the passion and collaboration that fuel his successful career.