Daily Practices That Successful Leaders Share

Business Insider's 'Power Hours' series takes an inside look at the day-to-day lives of top executives and influencers. By asking influential figures a straightforward question—how they truly spend their days—we discovered an array of insightful routines.

After compiling and analyzing months' worth of interviews using ChatGPT, common themes emerged that provide a fascinating glimpse into the habits of high achievers.

These individuals craft their days with clear intention, emphasizing structured beginnings and endings. Their style is not about squeezing the most into every hour but making wise choices within those hours. Here are the nine prominent behaviors they share.

1. Morning Protection: A Top Priority

Despite briefly checking her emails, leader Stacey Kennedy values her morning routine. Her day kickstarts at 6:30 a.m. with a mindful walk, followed by yoga before arriving at work by 8 a.m. Other executives echo her sentiments, ensuring their mornings remain untainted by the digital world, even if a quick glance at the phone is unavoidable.

Strategic Use of Early Hours

Leaders like Tori Dunlap and Meredith Whittaker enhance early hours with wellness activities such as circadian walks and yoga, weaving in personal interests like music and technology updates.

2. The Day Isn't Run by Emails

Carter Reum and Mark Cuban avoid allowing emails to dictate their agenda. They both prioritize organizing tasks before diving into their inboxes, preventing them from becoming reactive to demands.

Controlling the Inbox

Cuban famously manages his emails meticulously to sidestep unnecessary meetings, preferring autonomous management of his correspondence.

3. Beverage Traditions as a Day Starter

Kickstarting the day with a customary beverage serves more than just a caffeine fix for many. Kennedy and David Risher both emphasize the importance of their coffee rituals, not just as a stimulant but as a signal that the day has begun.

Connecting Over Coffee

For some, like Mark Rivers, communal coffee times foster connections within their teams, illustrating that the drink ritual can also serve a social purpose.

4. Emphasizing Protein in Diets

A consistent theme is the intake of protein-rich foods, keeping leaders energistic. Justin Nedelman, for instance, opts for a high-protein meal when he breakfasts, ensuring he fuels up effectively.

Balancing Nutritional Needs

With leaders like Will Ahmed favoring eggs, their choices underscore the shift towards protein for sustaining energy and mental sharpness.

5. Exercise for Enhanced Clarity

Physical activity is non-negotiable for many, enhancing clarity and decision-making. Kevin O'Leary's long cycling sessions are testament to the mental benefits of exercise.

Exercise as a Mental Boost

Others like Jimmy Spithill and Brooks maintain rigorous fitness routines to sharpen their focus and maintain emotional balance.

6. Meditative Practices Ground Their Day

Rather than feeling burdened by tasks, meditation offers a daily anchor for these leaders. Ahmed incorporates meditative breathing into his routine, while others intertwine spiritual practices to find clarity.

A Diverse Approach to Meditation

Faith-based or not, each leader tailors meditation to personal needs, finding a balance that supports their goals.

7. Purposeful Ambulates

Walking isn't merely a leisure activity—it's integrated into their work life. Risher, for instance, schedules walks to foster direct communication with team members.

Walking with Intent

For leaders like Ahmed, walking facilitates meetings, ensuring productivity extends beyond the desk.

8. Meetings with precision and strategy

To avoid pointless meetings, leaders implement strategic planning by batching and grouping discussions, with Emily Fontaine and Jiang exemplifying this approach.

Efficient Meeting Schedules

Kennedy takes this further by setting long-term schedules, minimizing disruptions.

9. Nighttime Signals End of Workday

Executing a simple, offline ritual helps unwind after work. Whether through reading, journaling, or structured nightly routines, these habits help shift away from work concerns.

Winding Down with Intention

Such routines not only wrap up the day but prepare the mind for rest, ensuring leaders can rejuvenate for the following day.