Getting Things Done

184: Writing the Newsletter Tech Executives Read, with Ben Thompson

Cortex, 21 October 2026. The book comes up at 23 min 41 sec in.

Ben Thompson mentions having referenced Getting Things Done by David Allen in a recent Stratechery article, and describes subsequently speaking with Allen. He notes that despite Allen's executive-facing image, he has a non-traditional background (black belt in karate). Thompson explains the book is fundamentally about flow state and 'mind like water,' and says that is why it has always resonated deeply with him — directly shaping his highly structured schedule designed to keep his mind clear for writing.

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