Workspace · 13 — Execution & Growth · Your Workspace

Build the workspace like it matters.

Most founders run the organization from a kitchen table, a spare room, or a car between site visits. You don't need a fancy office. You need a setup that keeps your neck, wrists, and eyes from breaking down during grant season, and a system that keeps the work from swallowing you. This list stays short on purpose.

Who this is for

Founders and EDs working from home, coaches between sessions, and anyone doing long writing and budget days at a laptop.

How to use this list

Start with the laptop stand plus an external keyboard and mouse; that fixes most posture problems. Add the rest only if the problem is still there. Camera, mic, and light live in the Show Up Well guide.

Gear · Ergonomics

Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand

Rain Design

Best for: Raising your laptop to eye level

A solid aluminum stand that lifts your laptop screen to a healthier height. Pair it with an external keyboard and mouse.

Put it to workSet the top of your screen at or slightly below eye level.
Check it on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon in a new tab

Gear · Keyboard

Logitech MX Keys S Keyboard

Logitech

Best for: Long writing sessions

A low-profile wireless keyboard that can switch between devices. Comfortable for the volume of writing that grant season demands.

Put it to workPair it with your laptop and phone so you can answer texts without leaving the keyboard.
Check it on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon in a new tab

Gear · Mouse

Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse

Logitech

Best for: Spreadsheets and budgets

A wireless ergonomic mouse with fast scrolling. When you live in budgets and grant portals, the scroll wheel alone earns its place.

Put it to workMap a side button to 'back' so moving through grant portals is one click.
Check it on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon in a new tab

Gear · Ergonomics

Ergotron LX Monitor Arm

Ergotron

Best for: Freeing desk space and fixing posture

A desk-mounted monitor arm for screens up to 34 inches. Gets the monitor to the right height and gives you your desk back.

Put it to workMeasure your desk thickness before you order, then set the screen an arm's length away.
Check it on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon in a new tab

Gear · Monitor light

BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2

BenQ

Best for: Late-night work without eye strain

A monitor light bar that lights your desk without glare on the screen. Founders do a lot of work after the program day ends.

Put it to workUse it instead of the overhead light for evening writing sessions.
Check it on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon in a new tab

Book · Paperback

Getting Things Done

David Allen

Best for: A system for everything on your plate

The gear is the easy part. Allen's capture-clarify-organize system is how a founder keeps programs, board, funders, and family from colliding.

Put it to workDo one full 'mind sweep': write down every open loop. Then decide the next action on each.
Check it on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon in a new tab

Questions founders ask

What should I buy first for a home office?

A laptop stand with an external keyboard and mouse. Raising the screen to eye level is the cheapest fix for neck and shoulder strain.

Do I need all of this?

No. This is a menu ordered by impact. Stop when the problem is solved. For calls and video, see the Show Up Well guide.

Building an organization? Score it against all 28 items on THE BUILD LIST™. Read how I choose what goes on the shelf.