Productivity Class
TOP RATED
231 Have Dabbled
Education
Saya’s first conversation with her now husband was about their love of spreadsheets. A Huffington Post article called her “Chicago’s productivity-guru” and she was included in the Gmail Genius series. If you’ve ever felt “There has to be a better way” or like a hamster in a hamster wheel, this session is for you. From email and To Do Lists to shopping and travel, she makes life’s mundane yet necessary tasks easier and more enjoyable. This class is not about learning the ins and outs of specific tools, but about someone else narrowing the overwhelming field of options and presenting her best-practices and favorites for you to choose which you’d like to learn on a deeper level.
Big picture philosophies and nitty-gritty specifics when it comes to:
Saya has run a successful business since 2004, filled with event curation, keeping track of and adhering to deadlines, wrangling thousands of people, being laid-back yet professional, traveling the frugal path, and wearing many hats, which she has managed to do while keeping her sanity and with a smile on her face. It can be done.
A laptop/tablet is VERY useful but not mandatory. Note-taking materials strongly suggested, there is A LOT of info covered. Lunch/snack for yourself if you feel you'll get hungry (eating during class a-ok!).
All ages welcome
Cancellation Policy
Blissfully self-employed for the past eleven years (after getting fired) and one of Brazen Careerist' s Top Twenty Young Professionals to Watch, Saya has discovered how to turn her love of creating community, challenging herself and those around her, and enjoying life to its fullest into her “job.” Via her company Mac & Cheese Productions, she helps others (and herself) live a Life of Yes. Mac & Cheese is good for anyone looking for personal development through fun, comfortable, unique methods and a supportive, diverse, and inspiring community.
My experience in Saya's class was extremely informative and resourceful. She really digs into what is efficient in digital and analog life. She also has a great energy and makes the class extremely fun! If you're looking to save time, organize your email and make networking easier this is a great class to take!
My experience in Saya's class was extremely informative and resourceful. She really digs into what is efficient in digital and analog life. She also has a great energy and makes the class extremely fun! If you're looking to save time, organize your email and make networking easier this is a great class to take!
All I can say is WOW! Saya covered so much useful information that I've already started putting into practice. I'll definitely take more of her classes in the future! Outstanding!!
All I can say is WOW! Saya covered so much useful information that I've already started putting into practice. I'll definitely take more of her classes in the future! Outstanding!!
Great class! I left wanting more! Received so many helpful & useful tips on how to make my personal and professional life more efficient. Thank you, Saya, for sharing your pearls of productivity wisdom!
Great class! I left wanting more! Received so many helpful & useful tips on how to make my personal and professional life more efficient. Thank you, Saya, for sharing your pearls of productivity wisdom!
This was a tremendous class. Saya Hillman covers so much material in an easy to understand format. It's so clear and so beautiful in its simplicity. I learned everything from managing email to To Do lists to databases to spreadsheets to scheduling to managing reading material to security tools to YOU NAME IT. The amount of information is deep and intense, but all easy to follow and she provides you resources to fall back on once the class is over. Well worth your time. It will definitely make you more efficient and productive.
This was a tremendous class. Saya Hillman covers so much material in an easy to understand format. It's so clear and so beautiful in its simplicity. I learned everything from managing email to To Do lists to databases to spreadsheets to scheduling to managing reading material to security tools to YOU NAME IT. The amount of information is deep and intense, but all easy to follow and she provides you resources to fall back on once the class is over. Well worth your time. It will definitely make you more efficient and productive.
This class was so incredibly useful. I am a solo entrepreneur who works from home and is trying to do a million different tasks as I build my business. I know that I can be more efficient in my systems - and this class showed countless ways that I can be just that.
I am not very technically inclined and am sometimes skeptical or even scared of technology that I haven't used. I was introduced to so many helpful tools in this class that I can't wait to utilize.
Four hours might sound like a long time for this topic, but it absolutely flew by. I was actually bummed when class was over because I wanted to learn more.
I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to get more done with greater ease.
This class was so incredibly useful. I am a solo entrepreneur who works from home and is trying to do a million different tasks as I build my business. I know that I can be more efficient in my systems - and this class showed countless ways that I can be just that.
I am not very technically inclined and am sometimes skeptical or even scared of technology that I haven't used. I was introduced to so many helpful tools in this class that I can't wait to utilize.
Four hours might sound like a long time for this topic, but it absolutely flew by. I was actually bummed when class was over because I wanted to learn more.
I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to get more done with greater ease.
It was super informative and engaging. Very well organized of course.
It was a nice set up and the tea and mini Luna bars were a nice touch.
Tons of info, pay attention!!!
It was super informative and engaging. Very well organized of course.
It was a nice set up and the tea and mini Luna bars were a nice touch.
Tons of info, pay attention!!!
Great class! Saya is very friendly and efficient and covered a lot of different tools and apps to help you save time. I love that most of what she recommended were free apps (some with paid upgrades), and she also talked about systems and concepts that could apply with or without the specified tool.
The Mac and Cheese studio is also super comfortable and cozy. I took this class on a Saturday and stayed at home that night to start implementing some of the tools I was excited about. I'd definitely recommend this class if you are an app- or tech-leaning person (or want to be more of one!)
Great class! Saya is very friendly and efficient and covered a lot of different tools and apps to help you save time. I love that most of what she recommended were free apps (some with paid upgrades), and she also talked about systems and concepts that could apply with or without the specified tool.
The Mac and Cheese studio is also super comfortable and cozy. I took this class on a Saturday and stayed at home that night to start implementing some of the tools I was excited about. I'd definitely recommend this class if you are an app- or tech-leaning person (or want to be more of one!)
Extremely helpful breakdown of an often overwhelming topic – tons of useful/actionable takeaways (apps, extensions, #lifehacks) combined with great overview of concepts behind productivity (time, energy, focus)
Extremely helpful breakdown of an often overwhelming topic – tons of useful/actionable takeaways (apps, extensions, #lifehacks) combined with great overview of concepts behind productivity (time, energy, focus)
This was a very informative class. I immediately started applying some of the concepts covered in the class and have benefited greatly.
This was a very informative class. I immediately started applying some of the concepts covered in the class and have benefited greatly.
I thought I was organized. SAYA IS ORGANIZED. She breaks down her system of the best apps, tools and tricks in this incredibly productivity hack class. I'm already implementing nearly all of the recommended tools and have streamlined my productivity, increased my efficiency and eliminated time-wasters from my every day. Loved this class and Saya. Highly recommended! :)
I thought I was organized. SAYA IS ORGANIZED. She breaks down her system of the best apps, tools and tricks in this incredibly productivity hack class. I'm already implementing nearly all of the recommended tools and have streamlined my productivity, increased my efficiency and eliminated time-wasters from my every day. Loved this class and Saya. Highly recommended! :)
I consider myself pretty organized already, but felt my skills needed updating. This class was PERFECT! Saya just took me to a whole new level of organized AND efficient. I will be implementing so many things. This was Four hours jam-packed full of information on everything from finances to social media to email to security. This is not a 'sit down and learn how to do all this stuff' class, but a 'learn what's out there and how it can help make your life better' class. It's all up to you to get it done. Saya's philosophy is all about maximizing Fun time, so much of what she showed is not only easy, but quick quick! Love that.
I consider myself pretty organized already, but felt my skills needed updating. This class was PERFECT! Saya just took me to a whole new level of organized AND efficient. I will be implementing so many things. This was Four hours jam-packed full of information on everything from finances to social media to email to security. This is not a 'sit down and learn how to do all this stuff' class, but a 'learn what's out there and how it can help make your life better' class. It's all up to you to get it done. Saya's philosophy is all about maximizing Fun time, so much of what she showed is not only easy, but quick quick! Love that.
I'm starting my own consulting business and this class was exactly what I needed. I feel equipped with tools and techniques to remain productive and get myself out of being overwhelmed!
I'm starting my own consulting business and this class was exactly what I needed. I feel equipped with tools and techniques to remain productive and get myself out of being overwhelmed!
Lots of tech-based tips. You have to remember, these are things that help her. So the specific program may not help you, but the concept might. I've already come back and streamlined 4 things I do regularly. Glad I went!
Lots of tech-based tips. You have to remember, these are things that help her. So the specific program may not help you, but the concept might. I've already come back and streamlined 4 things I do regularly. Glad I went!
This class was the best use of my time. I learned so much in four hours that I can start implementing right away to make my life more streamlined. I feel more organized already.
This class was the best use of my time. I learned so much in four hours that I can start implementing right away to make my life more streamlined. I feel more organized already.
Absolutely fantastic class. Would recommend it to anyone isn't convinced they are already a productivity rockstar, which is most anyone.
Absolutely fantastic class. Would recommend it to anyone isn't convinced they are already a productivity rockstar, which is most anyone.
Lenard a lot. Some of it was things I already knew, but the new information was definitely helpful!
Lenard a lot. Some of it was things I already knew, but the new information was definitely helpful!
My brain is still spinning with all of the amazing information Saya shared. I had been using some of the apps she taught us about, but I had not been using them to their full functionality. I liked how everything she shared was so we could focus on the task at hand.
My brain is still spinning with all of the amazing information Saya shared. I had been using some of the apps she taught us about, but I had not been using them to their full functionality. I liked how everything she shared was so we could focus on the task at hand.
In the first couple of minutes Saya told us how we could organize the resources she would share for easier access later. I knew then this would be a great class. My head almost exploded from the wealth of apps, sites and tips she gave us. But as she cautioned us, I'm picking one or two at a time to weave into my life. They're already making a world of difference.
In the first couple of minutes Saya told us how we could organize the resources she would share for easier access later. I knew then this would be a great class. My head almost exploded from the wealth of apps, sites and tips she gave us. But as she cautioned us, I'm picking one or two at a time to weave into my life. They're already making a world of difference.
Excellent class! Learned a ton of helpful tips for electronic organization and productivity!
Excellent class! Learned a ton of helpful tips for electronic organization and productivity!
If you've ever wondered how to clean up your email, use technology as a supportive tool to help you be organized, efficient, work smarter, and have more fun while getting things done, then TAKE THIS WORKSHOP! Saya is AMAZING and this workshop is worth far more than the cost! And, if you like meeting new people and learning about trying new things/exploring the city/changing your career/reimagining your life, I cannot recommend Saya's Mac and Cheese Productions events! I've been to several, and all are top notch. Saya is a rockstar!
If you've ever wondered how to clean up your email, use technology as a supportive tool to help you be organized, efficient, work smarter, and have more fun while getting things done, then TAKE THIS WORKSHOP! Saya is AMAZING and this workshop is worth far more than the cost! And, if you like meeting new people and learning about trying new things/exploring the city/changing your career/reimagining your life, I cannot recommend Saya's Mac and Cheese Productions events! I've been to several, and all are top notch. Saya is a rockstar!
Saya Hillman's class on Productivity was top notch! She took what could have been several weeks of material and was able to condense it into a very informative and eye opening four hour course. I walk away with a number of new tools that I am implementing right away. Totally recommend this course!
Saya Hillman's class on Productivity was top notch! She took what could have been several weeks of material and was able to condense it into a very informative and eye opening four hour course. I walk away with a number of new tools that I am implementing right away. Totally recommend this course!
Do it. Even if you only learn one thing, do it. Saya is a productivity master. I thought that a lot of the information she shared was perhaps not so useful for my work situation. However, after getting to work on Monday (class was the Saturday prior), I realized how relevant so much of it is. Do you have those days that just breeze by? Days where every minute really counts? In this class, you will learn about tools that will give you those minutes.
Do it. Even if you only learn one thing, do it. Saya is a productivity master. I thought that a lot of the information she shared was perhaps not so useful for my work situation. However, after getting to work on Monday (class was the Saturday prior), I realized how relevant so much of it is. Do you have those days that just breeze by? Days where every minute really counts? In this class, you will learn about tools that will give you those minutes.
Great class! Loads and loads of amazing resources that Saya uses. She discusses not only what the tool does, but gives very specific examples of how she uses them. Helped me to envision the possibilities for my own use. She also provided examples of tools that do the same thing as the ones she uses, and with an explanation of either why she doesn't use them or that she hasn't tried them. For paid tools, (not too many) she generally provided a free alternative if she knew of one. The 4 hours flew by and was almost not enough time to go through everything. And the bonus is that it is in Saya's home, so it is comfy and relaxed without the sterile environment of so many other locations. It's a happy place with a great vibe. Highly recommend this class!
Great class! Loads and loads of amazing resources that Saya uses. She discusses not only what the tool does, but gives very specific examples of how she uses them. Helped me to envision the possibilities for my own use. She also provided examples of tools that do the same thing as the ones she uses, and with an explanation of either why she doesn't use them or that she hasn't tried them. For paid tools, (not too many) she generally provided a free alternative if she knew of one. The 4 hours flew by and was almost not enough time to go through everything. And the bonus is that it is in Saya's home, so it is comfy and relaxed without the sterile environment of so many other locations. It's a happy place with a great vibe. Highly recommend this class!
The day of the class was a beautiful sunny Saturday summer day, and for a moment I regretted scheduling myself to take a class all morning. However, I'm glad I attended! I often am frustrated by how much time I end up wasting because my digital life is as disorganized and cluttered as my analog life (scraps of paper with to-do lists, hunting through my flooded email inbox for specific emails, etc). We learned about specific apps, Chrome extensions, programs and other tools that streamline one's life online. I found these tools to be very useful and immediately applicable. I do wish we had more time to cover strategies for prioritizing tasks throughout the day or week, as I know I tend to be all over the place doing things, but not actually getting anything done! In the end, I came away from the class feeling refreshed and inspired to apply what I learned and I'm already seeing results: less stress! Saya is a very effective and experienced teacher, and I highly recommend any of her classes and events!
The day of the class was a beautiful sunny Saturday summer day, and for a moment I regretted scheduling myself to take a class all morning. However, I'm glad I attended! I often am frustrated by how much time I end up wasting because my digital life is as disorganized and cluttered as my analog life (scraps of paper with to-do lists, hunting through my flooded email inbox for specific emails, etc). We learned about specific apps, Chrome extensions, programs and other tools that streamline one's life online. I found these tools to be very useful and immediately applicable. I do wish we had more time to cover strategies for prioritizing tasks throughout the day or week, as I know I tend to be all over the place doing things, but not actually getting anything done! In the end, I came away from the class feeling refreshed and inspired to apply what I learned and I'm already seeing results: less stress! Saya is a very effective and experienced teacher, and I highly recommend any of her classes and events!
This class is super helpful! It was a little different than I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised and I'm looking forward to practicing and implementing some of the things I learned.
Thanks so much, Saya!
This class is super helpful! It was a little different than I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised and I'm looking forward to practicing and implementing some of the things I learned.
Thanks so much, Saya!
Saya is so knowledgable on tips, tricks, & apps to save time. I left full of ideas and things to try to make my life more efficient using the latest technology!
Saya is so knowledgable on tips, tricks, & apps to save time. I left full of ideas and things to try to make my life more efficient using the latest technology!
The class content was very interesting and I like the suggestions on how to make technology work better for you.
The class content was very interesting and I like the suggestions on how to make technology work better for you.
Great way to learn about the many tools that can be used to organize our day to day and find a better work-play balance. Absolutely recommend.
Great way to learn about the many tools that can be used to organize our day to day and find a better work-play balance. Absolutely recommend.
I am find that I have more to do than time to do it. I become overwhelmed and anxious sometimes and just shut down, because I can't possibly know what to do first.
I am find that I have more to do than time to do it. I become overwhelmed and anxious sometimes and just shut down, because I can't possibly know what to do first.
This class is really great if you want a really general overview of a ton of different apps and extensions and technology. I didn't know there were apps that would keep all my passwords in one place. Now I do! I still don't know *how* to use Evernote or Asana effectively or maximize the tools they offer. But I know they both exist! If you want to know what is out there, this is the class for you. If you want to know how to use any of them efficiently, that isn't the intention of this class.
This class is really great if you want a really general overview of a ton of different apps and extensions and technology. I didn't know there were apps that would keep all my passwords in one place. Now I do! I still don't know *how* to use Evernote or Asana effectively or maximize the tools they offer. But I know they both exist! If you want to know what is out there, this is the class for you. If you want to know how to use any of them efficiently, that isn't the intention of this class.