When you run a business that lives at the intersection of community, coaching, and content, your tech stack matters—a lot. I’m always testing new tools, refining my systems, and keeping my workspace as joyful and efficient as possible.
With a team of three—each of us living in different states—having the right tools in place to collaborate, communicate, and stay aligned is essential.
If you’ve ever wondered what I use to manage everything from client communication to podcast production, here’s a peek inside my current digital toolbox—what’s working, what’s evolving, and what I’m still figuring out.
Note: A few links below are affiliate links. I only share what I truly use and love.
Storage & Project Management:
- Google Drive: Cloud-based file storage and sharing. Still my go-to, though juggling two accounts has its moments.
- Asana: A project management tool that helps organize tasks and workflows. After a long search, we found a hub where all the moving parts live.
- Zapier: Automation is key. Zapier automates tasks by connecting different apps and services.
Communication & Messaging:
- Slack: A messaging platform for teams and collaborative workspaces. Reliable and solid.
- Zoom: Video conferencing tool for virtual meetings and calls. Still wins over Microsoft Teams.
- Zoom Webinar: An add-on for hosting large-scale virtual events and webinars. Effective, but it is pricey.
- Schej: A group scheduling tool that simplifies finding meeting times. I enjoy this way more than Doodle!
- Acuity: Online appointment scheduling software. Scheduling made simple, and I’m into it.
- Calendly: Just starting to test this out as another option for scheduling. Stay tuned!
These tools don’t just keep my team connected—they also power the behind-the-scenes logistics for the NASPA Western Regional Conference (WRC) and three other digital communities I support, including MarComm Barbie on Slack. From community events to coaching sessions, communication is at the heart of it all.
Design & Decks:
- Canva: A user-friendly graphic design platform, and my creative playground. I have designers build templates directly here.
- Google Slides: A cloud-based presentation tool that’s part of Google Workspace. Paired with Canva? A dream. I’m enjoying it way more than Keynote.
- Creative Market: An online marketplace for design templates and assets. I’ve purchased templates to use on Canva, and have liked what I’ve found so far!
Website & Online Presence:
- WordPress + Elementor: A website builder and design plugin for customizable layouts. It’s getting a bit outdated, but still functional for now.
- WooCommerce: An e-commerce plugin for WordPress to sell products and services. I integrate it with my site for online offerings.
- SiteGround: Big thumbs up. I like this much better than Bluehost.
- Newoldstamp Generator: Brings a little extra polish to my email signature.
Email & CRM:
- Google Workspace: Gmail and productivity tools for business use. Clean, simple, no complaints.
- MailChimp: A platform for email marketing and audience management. In my experience, it’s just OK.
- Asana as a CRM: We use Asana to track relationships and touchpoints, content strategy, and calendaring. It works for now, but HubSpot is my longer-term goal.
Social, Content Tools, and AI:
- Buffer Premium + Asana: My current social media system. Buffer handles social media scheduling; Asana manages planning and workflows.
- ChatGPT: Always exploring what’s next with AI! ChatGPT helps with brainstorming, writing, and ideation.
- Gemini: Another great AI tool that I use for content ideation.
- CapCut + iMovie: Video editing apps that are easy to use and quick.
- Teachery: Course platform that holds the Digital Community Cohort, Student Social Media Academy and Supervisor Toolkit
Podcasting:
- Libsyn: Podcast hosting service with distribution tools. It does the job.
- Riverside: A remote recording platform for podcasts and video content. This one I LOVE. Great for high-quality recordings, especially with guests. Plus, you can export clips for your socials.
- Audacity: I’ve been thankful to work with pod producers now, but if I ever need to edit audio, this is my go-to.
Hardware:
- Mic: Shure SM7B – I love the sound quality, but it’s big. Sometimes I worry it looks aggressive on Zoom calls.
- Mixer: Volt 2 – A surprisingly essential gift I didn’t know I needed. If you want your fancy mic to actually work, you’ll need one of these.
- Headphones:
- Bose QuietComfort – Honestly, I wear these even when I’m not on a call… just to enjoy a little silence.
- Apple AirPods Pro 4 – Always nearby.
- Desktop: iMac Pro 2017 – A hand-me-down, but it still gets the job done!
- Second Screen: Samsung – Great for multi-tasking.
- Mouse: Logi MX Master 3 – Love. Smooth, ergonomic, and way better than a basic trackpad.
- Camera: Logi MX Brio HD 4k – Arguably too fancy, but I’m not mad about it.
- Light: Logi Litra Glow – Absolutely love the multiple settings it has!
- Keyboard: Logi MX Keys S – Guess I’m a full-on Logi girlie
- Keyboard Stand: Klearlook Compact Keyboard Stand – A little thing that makes a big difference.
- Desk: Uplift L-Shaped Standing Desk – Pricey but worth it! It reminds me I should probably stand up once in a while.
- Phone: iPhone 15 Pro
- Phone Cover + Magnet Pop: Yes. And yes again. Because a good grip is non-negotiable.
Odds & Ends:
- 1Password: A secure password manager. Because no one has time to reset passwords 10 times a week!
- Community Platforms (paid and free): I’ve explored it all for managing online communities because each platform offers something a little different depending on the vibe I want to create:
- Mighty Networks (paid): Used for AHECC (Association of Higher Education Consultants & Coaches). A clean, customizable space for intentional connection and professional development.
- Discord: Home for the Digital Community Cohort and the Student Social Media Academy. Perfect for real-time engagement and casual, student-centered conversation.
- Slack: Where MarComm Barbie lives. It’s great for quick updates, resource sharing, and staying connected as an informal yet powerful network.
- Facebook Groups: Still a useful option for connecting with executives and individuals interested in digital community building, especially those already active on the platform.
- Exploring: Substack for deeper dives and newsletter-style publishing, and expanding Zoom use for team needs.
Your tech stack should work for you—not the other way around. Some of these tools I’ve been using for years, others I’m still dating before committing. If you’re a fellow coach, consultant, creator, or community builder, I’d love to hear what’s in your digital toolbox. I’m always on the lookout for what’s new (or just new to me)!
