I ran across this story (paywall link) about the morning routines of tech billionaire CEOs. It was interesting but not that thorough, so I did additional research. Here’s what I found, and even though I’m far from a billionaire, I’ll share my morning recipe for success, too.
Jeff Bezos (Amazon): Likes to “putter” in the morning, reading newspapers and having coffee with his wife-to-be — no phones allowed! Then, breakfast with his kids. Jeff likes “breakfast octopus.” Oh, and he says his brain is most alert at 10 a.m., so that’s when holds his most important meetings of the day.
Sam Altman (OpenAI): He likes a big shot of espresso as soon as he gets up, followed by a fast for about 15 hours — no breakfast. While catching up on emails, he uses a full-spectrum LED light for 15 minutes to make him more alert. Altman doesn’t hold meetings in the mornings, preferring afternoons. I saw one of his two $27 million McLaren F1s parked outside the Rosewood Hotel in Montecito. It must’ve been an exception, as he was having Sunday brunch.
Evan Spiegel (Snapchat): He wakes up at 5 a.m. for “Evan time,” which includes alone time, checking emails and enjoying a shot of double espresso. This is followed by 45 minutes at the gym or Kriya meditation. He also reads the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times. His wife says he likes morning exfoliating masks, too. Relatable.
Mark Zuckerberg (Meta): Zuck begins his day around 8 a.m. by checking Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp on his phone, a habit he acknowledges isn’t ideal. He’s giving up running for practicing jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. He likes to wear similar outfits daily so he can focus his mental energy on more significant decisions.
Bob Iger (Disney): He wakes up at 4:15 a.m. and immediately works out alone on a Versaclimber in a dark room with a TV on mute. He doesn’t like distractions and doesn’t even check his phone until his workout is done. He gets to work at 6:30 a.m. and is usually the first person in the office, turning on lights and making coffee.
Tim Cook (Apple): Tim wakes up between 3:45 and 5:00 a.m. and reads about 700 emails from customers and employees for an hour. Then, he heads to the gym for an hour. Morning workouts are pretty common for CEOs; it sure helps me focus.
Peter Warwick (Scholastic): He wakes up between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. and reads the news (the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Financial Times). Then, he takes a long walk with his wife, followed by a walk to work, picking up an avocado toast and skinny latte on the way. Yes, every day.
Kim Komando (WestStar Multimedia Entertainment): I’m up by 6 a.m. I say my prayers, check my emails and get in some steps. No coffee for me — I drink my concoction of passion fruit with green tea, iced. After, I mix egg whites, a little milk, tomatoes and super spinach in a bread pan, top it with low-fat feta cheese, and bake it for 25 minutes at 375 degrees. It cooks while I’m getting dressed. Then, I’m out the door with lunch in hand, heading to the studios.
Is there a perfect routine?
Well, we know CEOs love coffee, emails and working out. Are those the secrets to success? Probably not, but there’s definitely a theme. It’s all about being intentional and setting the tone for success.
Anyways, I’ve gotta jet. My daily morning poolside masseuse is waiting. 😏
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