The reMarkable Paper Pro is an excellent tool for executives who spend time in planning meetings, board sessions, and strategy offsites. Its larger screen and distraction-free design make it particularly well suited for deep thinking and structured note taking.
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If you’re already using a reMarkable 2 (or a long time EffectivExec reader), much of this will feel familiar. But the larger format of the Paper Pro makes it especially useful for reviewing presentations and sketching strategy frameworks.
Why the reMarkable Paper Pro works well for strategy work
The reMarkable Paper Pro provides more screen real estate than the reMarkable 2, which makes a real difference when you are:
- Reviewing full page board decks
- Sketching out multi-step initiatives
- Mapping organizational changes
- Writing longer planning notes
In my experience, the biggest benefit is not the size alone. It is the lack of distraction. When I bring a laptop into a strategy session, there is always the temptation to check email. With the reMarkable, that simply is not part of the workflow.
Business strategy planning workflow on the reMarkable 2 or reMarkable Paper Pro
Preparing for a strategy session
Before attending a quarterly planning meeting or annual offsite, I create a dedicated notebook for that event.
I typically structure it like this:
Page 1: Objectives of the session
Page 2: Key metrics or constraints
Page 3: Open strategic questions
Remaining pages: Freeform notes and frameworks
If there is a pre-read deck, I upload the PDF in advance. That allows me to annotate slides directly instead of printing them or flipping between devices.
Because everything syncs through reMarkable Connect, the notes are available later on my laptop or phone if needed.
Sketching frameworks during live discussion
Strategy discussions are rarely linear. Conversations move between markets, talent, capital allocation, and risk.
I often dedicate a few pages in the notebook to drawing:
- Competitive positioning grids
- New market entry timelines
- Org structure changes
- Revenue or cost scenarios
The writing experience is responsive enough that it feels natural to sketch in real time. If I need a clean version later, I duplicate the page and refine it. I also often take pages out of a board deck, convert them to PDF, and then mark them up on my reMarkable.
For consultants facilitating sessions, this can also be useful when summarizing what a group just agreed on.
Capturing decisions and follow ups
In longer strategy meetings, it is easy to leave with a lot of ideas but little clarity on what actually changed.
I keep one page near the end of the notebook titled “Decisions and Follow Ups.”
During the session, I only write:
- Clear decisions that were made
- Owners for next steps
- Deadlines if they were discussed
- Open risks that need monitoring
On the flight home or later that evening, I review this single page first. It usually forms the basis for the executive summary or follow up email. Lately, I’ve been transforming this list into an actively managed tool in Monday.com
Using the Paper Pro as a conversation tool
I have also found that the reMarkable can become part of the conversation itself, similar to an expert interview.
If I sketch a simple framework while someone is speaking, I can turn the tablet slightly and let others see it. The screen is easy on the eyes and does not feel like a barrier in the way a laptop sometimes does.
In smaller boardrooms or executive team settings, this creates a more collaborative feel.
Separating strategy from operational noise
One of the biggest challenges for executives is protecting time for deep thinking.
Slack messages, email, and operational updates can easily dominate your attention. Using the reMarkable Paper Pro as a dedicated strategy device helps create separation between daily execution and long term planning.
When I open that notebook, I am not checking messages. I am thinking about the business.
That boundary has real value.
Accessories that support executive use
If you are planning to use your reMarkable in frequent meetings or travel between offices, I recommend:
- A stylus with an eraser for quick corrections (like the V-Pen EMR)
- A slim but protective folio case (Paper Pro cases or reMarkable 2 cases)
- A few spare nibs in your briefcase
A reliable setup ensures you can focus on the content of the session rather than the tools.
Final thoughts
The reMarkable Paper Pro is not a replacement for your laptop. It is a complement to it.
For executives who spend meaningful time in planning sessions, board reviews, and strategic discussions, it can become the primary device for capturing thinking clearly and without distraction.
