Kirk Fernandes, founder of Merit, a platform providing tech mentorship for under-networked individuals, discusses his approach to productivity and work as a startup CEO. He emphasizes the importance of asking "How will this increase the odds of success?" when evaluating ideas, and relies on tools like Grain and Journey to streamline processes. His daily routine involves scheduling tasks and meetings, using Google Calendar to manage reminders and tasks, and minimizing notifications. Fernandes values being present in the moment, finding happiness in work, and prioritizing transparency in his team's workflow. He uses Notion for project management, shares calendars with his team, and employs email templates to manage messages efficiently. Despite struggling with tracking DMs, he advocates for using tools to streamline communication. As a founder, Fernandes values having a good desk setup with plenty of light and space to think, and recommends reading narratives and stories about innovative companies like Masters of Doom and Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.