Author: Marc Ragsdale

Why gamification in productivity software is overrated

Gamification has long been pitched as the solution to workplace engagement problems. The idea is simple: if work feels more like a game—complete with points, badges, and leaderboards—people will be more motivated to perform. But in reality, gamification in productivity software is often unnecessary, distracting, and misaligned with real work objectives. Instead of artificially trying […]

The simple path to a balanced life

In this blog, I strip life down to its essentials, revealing a simple but powerful formula for a fulfilling life: be useful, live within your means, and focus on your own path. I explore how usefulness—not just in work but in all areas of life—attracts opportunity and rewards. I highlight the dangers of financial overreach, […]

The sterile prison of the modern west

Walk through any major city in the modern West, and you’ll be greeted by an explosion of color. Digital billboards flash brilliant neon hues. Storefronts pop with playful pastels. Cafés and shopping districts are bathed in warm, inviting tones. Even the parks are manicured to perfection, each blade of grass standing obediently in line. It […]

Sharing the surplus: how AI’s efficiency gains could reshape workplaces

I reflect on the transformative role of AI in supervisory duties, enabling efficiency and freeing resources like never before. I explore the implications of this surplus, questioning how businesses might distribute the gains—whether through optimizing workforce structures, enhancing employee well-being, or driving higher profits. Ultimately, I consider how societal pressures might push companies toward models […]

Just-in-time product design: the art of strategic decision-making

In the fast-paced world of small teams and agile product development, there’s an underrated approach to making critical decisions that often looks like procrastination but is, in fact, a strategic advantage. I call it “Just-In-Time Product Design.” This concept borrows its name from “just-in-time compiling” in computer science, where code is optimized and executed at […]

Reclaiming wellbeing for holistic workplace productivity

I argue that wellbeing belongs to everyone and resists ownership by any single group or ideology. It exists on a spectrum, from individual to organizational concern, with both ends offering valuable insights. By respecting this diversity and avoiding blame, we can foster collaboration and reclaim wellbeing as a shared principle. This balanced perspective ensures that […]

Holistic productivity: a framework for balancing performance and wellbeing

Productivity is straightforward to measure and share, but wellbeing is deeply personal and cannot be standardized without risks like privacy breaches and trust erosion. Leaders must balance these dynamics by tracking team productivity transparently while holding themselves accountable for their own wellbeing. Using tools and self-reflection, they can model healthy behaviors, fostering a culture of […]

The digital body and communication

The shift to asynchronous, digital-first communication will transform work, with “digital bodies” augmenting productivity by managing interactions and tasks. These virtual extensions will amplify our presence and foster flexibility, reshaping workplace culture. The result is a future of work that blends human creativity and digital tools for greater holistic productivity. As we continue the digital […]

The future of work: more time for what matters

I explore the profound shift in how we work, as digital tools redefine both productivity and human connection. Through Kaamfu, I’ve witnessed the power of a 100% virtual workplace, where autonomy and flexibility allow people to focus on meaningful work while reclaiming time for what matters most. This transformation proves that work can complement life, […]