Daily Life of Beyond Yoga's CEO: A Habitual Morning Hiker and Food Enthusiast

My journey in the retail world began during my college years, working on the retail floor. I dedicated almost 30 years to Gap Inc., during which I balanced raising four children with building flourishing global brands. One significant milestone was turning Athleta into a powerful billion-dollar name from $250 million.

In 2022, I took on a new challenge at Levi Strauss & Co., steering the Beyond Yoga brand, which harmonizes perfectly with my interests in wellness, happiness, and community spirit.

This insight into my daily routine is part of Business Insider's Power Hours series, showcasing how influential business leaders organize their day. Feel free to explore more stories through the series or connect with Lauryn Haas to share your routine.

Mornings: Begin with Coffee and Exercise

My day kicks off around 6 a.m., starting with a coffee, whether made by my husband or myself. After a quick scan of emails and news, I allocate time for some form of physical activity. My routines aren't fixed—I like variety.

In the Bay Area, I often head out for a hike straight from my doorstep, immersed in nature. In Los Angeles, my routine varies between outdoor power walking and using the gym in my apartment building. Throughout the week, I mix strength exercises and cardio, while weekends are reserved for yoga or Pilates.

7:30 a.m.: Preparing for the Day

After a shower and getting dressed, my breakfast usually consists of Greek yogurt topped with organic berries. On Tuesdays, which are usually travel days, I start even earlier at 4:45 a.m. to catch a flight to LA for a few days, where I have a convenient apartment.

9 a.m.: Office Arrival and Meetings

I typically start my office day at 9 a.m., using the early hours to set the day's direction. Tuesdays begin with a status meeting to discuss recent learnings, trends, and necessary changes to maintain pace and clarity within the team.

Since we handle all aspects of product creation and production, ensuring our materials are exceptional in beauty, strength, and versatility is crucial. Our products function as well in rugged outdoor environments as they do in urban settings.

12:30 p.m.: Lunch and Recharging

I have a strong preference for routine foods, typically starting with a protein-centric breakfast and a salad for lunch. In LA, options near the office are limited, so delivery or a trip to the store, where I'm a regular, is the norm.

1:30 p.m.: Focused Work and Key Discussions

Afternoons are devoted to productive work sessions. Our company operates on a quarterly review cycle where meetings may run multiple days, deciding on next year's samples, agreeing on designs, and making pivotal investment determinations.

Additionally, I may participate in creative meetings to evaluate campaigns or strategic discussions concerning real estate and store expansion, with rapid decisions often being necessary.

3 p.m.: Managing Unexpected Challenges

Unexpected issues are a regular part of my day, ranging from business crises to personal matters. Effective leadership requires adaptability—remaining composed and focused even when facing surprises.

5 p.m.: Store Visits

I often conclude my workday by visiting a store to see new initiatives firsthand. Fridays are particularly important for me to spend in our stores, where I connect with teams, gather direct consumer feedback, and observe product displays.

Evening Routine and Rest

I ensure my evenings wrap up by 6-7 p.m., a practice rooted in my commitment to family dinners when my children were younger, which I maintain today. Balancing work and personal time is crucial—whether it involves a business dinner or a home-cooked meal, I unwind with my husband, a good book, or a favorite show.

Proper sleep is a priority, and I aim for eight hours to sustain the energy necessary for leading a growing brand. It’s essential to love what you do and work with those who inspire you. After years in retail, my passion remains firm.