Zappos Labs is a bit like an R&D group exploring the future of Zappos.
That could include crazy retail related experiments or new potential lines of business for us.
What apps, software, or tools can’t you live without?
For workEvernote, Slack, and Livescribe are the top of my list in terms of productivity helpers.
Twitter and Instagram for social connectedness.
AndClash of Clansfor mindless fun.
Out of curiosity, is there any particular reason you use Apple products?
(People are always asking me why our interviewees all use Apple!)
I was a Palm Pre user for two years.
I loved that thing (except when I hated it because it didn’t really work well).
I really want to get a smart phone with a stylus like theGalaxy Note.
One of my favorite devices of all time was my Palm VII in college.
I miss that thing.
What’s your workspace setup like?
In San Francisco, I work out of our over-sized San Francisco Zappos Labs office.
I also spend a lot of time in Las Vegas.
What’s your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
Using Evernoteas my memory and source of quick responses.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
I think I’ve tried them all and fail at using any of the consistently.
A to-do list app that I stick with is probably my dream/killer app.
Most of my to-dos are scattered in Evernote and Livescribe post its and notebooks.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
MyLivescribe penis ALMOST in “can’t live without it” status… but not quite yet.
It has a few things that annoy me still.
But it’s probably closest.
How does the Livescribe pen fit into your workflow?
I’m a big note taker in meetings.
I have a terrible memory so I need to jot stuff down.
It’s why I want a phone with a stylus.
Looks less rude when I’m capturing notes in a conversation with someone (maybe).
Will Young and Product Manager Adam Goldstein.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
What do you listen to while you work?
Most of the time it’sMorning Inspiration Hip Hop on SongzaorHipster BBQ on Pandora.
What are you currently reading?
And I’m wrapping up a little easy reading fiction withThe Fire Seekers.
Kind of like Da Vinci Code meets Spy Kids.
Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?
Extrovert except I don’t love going up to introduce myself to people.
That just feels awkward.
What’s your sleep routine like?
I’ve tried to stop working and emailing into the night like many of us do.
Instead, I try and spend the evenings with my wife and friends.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see _________ answer these same questions.
Because she is a lovable hippie luddite and I think it would be hilarious to see her tackle these.
So what do you think your mom’s best life hack would be?
Don’t give a shit about anything.
It works really well for her.
Hippies :)
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Work related: The advice to not care about titles.
Just find and do what you love and good things will happen.
In general, and I know it’s a huge clichebut life is short don’t waste it.
As we get older, we hear more and more stories of losing loved ones for various reasons.
Don’t let that happen with regret.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
you’ve got the option to read a hundred hacks on trying to tame your inbox.
Spoiler alert: you probably can’t (like me).
And that makes me sad.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?Email Andy.
