I’m Dominique Leca, Co-Founder Of Sparrow, And This Is How I Work

It’s no secret that we’ve loved Mac email client Sparrow since the beginning. Its minimalist design and ability to play so well with Gmail immediately won us over. Google acquired Sparrow last year, taking co-founder Dominique Leca with it. We stole a few minutes out of Dom’s schedule to find out his favourite gadgets, best workday tunes and most-loved inspirations.

Location: Paris, France
Current gig: Product Manager at Google
Current mobile device: iPhone 5
Current computer: 13-inch MacBook Air
One word that best describes how you work: burst

What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?

Spotify, a Big Jambox and Google Maps.

Pictured right: Dom’s iPhone homescreen.

What’s your workspace like?

It’s pretty simple — classic sitting desk with my MBA and a pair of cheap headphones.

What’s your best time-saving trick?

I’m trying as much as I can to restrict myself from using apps on my phone. I try to stick to the phone, SMS and Maps app, but it appears it’s not that simple.

What’s your favourite to-do list manager?

I don’t use any. iPhone’s Notes or Mail does the job in case of emergency.

Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without?

A good book. I highly recommend Present Shock by Douglas Rushkoff.

What everyday thing are you better at than anyone else? What’s your secret?

Being annoying. My secret is that I have no social awareness at all.

What do you listen to while you work?

Spotify playlists from friends. Right now I’m listening to Flavorites from Guillaume Galuz. There’s more than 1500 tracks there, and I’m constantly discovering good stuff that I never would have found.

Pictured right: Another of Dom’s favourites “gadgets”, a 1962 Fender Telecaster Reissue.

Fill in the blank: I’d love to see _____ answer these same questions.

Charlie Sheen.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Never think you have time.”

Is there anything else you want to add?

If you’re into software design, watch/read all of Bret Victor’s presentations.
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We’ve asked a handful of heroes, experts and flat-out productive people to share their shortcuts, workspaces and routines. Every week we’ll feature a new guest and the gadgets, apps, tips and tricks that keep them going. Want to suggest someone we should feature or questions we should ask? Let us know.