David Allen

Author of Getting Things Done (2001), the productivity methodology that became a global movement. Known as the GTD system, it has been adopted by millions and has influenced how knowledge workers at every level organize their attention and commitments. Allen has also consulted with major organizations on leadership, focus, and workflow.

Connection

Joel Anderson organized two small workshops where David Allen was a speaker — one in Utrecht, one in Eindhoven. They have also had lunch together.

Why Herbert Would Be Delighted

The connection is charmingly unexpected: Herbert's philosopher son has hosted a productivity guru at workshops in the Netherlands. GTD's emphasis on clearing the mind and capturing commitments has an almost contemplative dimension — not entirely foreign to a theologian interested in care of the self.