Her backstory
Annmarie co-founded Greane Tree Technology, a software development firm managing projects for publishing powerhouses, social media startups, academic institutions, national nonprofits, and government agencies. She is proud of the company’s NYS-certified, Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) status and currently serves as president. She is also the CEO and a co-founder of AlbanyCanCode, a workforce development nonprofit organization that helps local people find work opportunities in the regional software development industry.
She has received several awards for her innovative work and commitment to the local community, including being named a New York State Woman of Distinction by Senator Neil Breslin in 2016 and a 2018 Disruptor by Albany Business Review. She serves on the board of directors of the Commission on Economic Opportunity, the Capital Region Chamber and WMHT.
How do you master your to-do list?
Like many of us, I have a never-ending to-do list. People often ask me: How are you able to accomplish it all? They are typically in awe (and sometimes so am I!) as I not only run Greane Tree Technology and manage another 30-year software product company I also co-founded AlbanyCanCode, a nonprofit providing workforce training courses for tech professionals and K-12 coding programs. On top of all that—and most importantly—I am a mom to the most incredible and energetic 5-year old boy. So, how in the world do I master my overwhelming to-do list.
Here are two of Annmarie's secrets:
1. Learn to ignore what isn’t important.
Yes, IGNORE. The real name of this technique is detailed by author Rory Vaden in the book: “Procrastinate on Purpose.” And even though I’ve never read the book, a friend described it to me and I realized I've been doing it my entire career. The practice is this: Ignore, Delegate, Procrastinate and Schedule–in that order. We think we need to respond to every email we get every day. We don't. It’s important to develop the skill to ignore the things that aren’t a priority (add no real value toward what you are trying to accomplish). Then, you delegate what others can help you with, you wait on things that don’t need to be done in the next 24 hours, and you schedule the important things that remain. I encourage you to try it! (Read the book for more detail.)
2. Meditate.
This one is a little bit of a paradox. How could sitting still for 10 (or even 5) minutes a day help increase your productivity? The trick is this: When we clear our minds of the noise, we make room for what’s important to come into focus. I've been meditating for close to 18 years and I am so happy I’ve made it a priority. Each day I take the time to sit quietly listening to my breath or some other meditation guide (I like the 10% Happier: Meditation iPhone app right now) and without fail I’m able to have a more focused and productive day.
Connect with Annmarie on LinkedIn.
