As the leader of a company, you are there to set an example, to lead and inspire a team of individuals to achieve a series of business goals. But, how do these business leaders go about their daily routine?
Aalya: I usually have a 9am start to ensure a balanced work-life schedule. The food industry rarely starts before that so it allows for a 7:30am-8am morning wake up call.
WHAT DO YOU TYPICALLY HAVE FOR BREAKFAST?
Linnea: Coffee, hummus, rice cakes, banana, green smoothie.
Aalya: Just a soy caramel latte to last me till lunch.
WHAT IS THE REST OF YOUR MORNING ROUTINE BEFORE YOU START WORK?
Aalya: A set of yoga spinal stretches to start my day.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO AT THE START OF YOUR WORKING DAY?
Linnea: I start by reviewing my to-do-list and diary so I have a good hold and understanding of my tasks and what needs to be achieved that day.
Aalya: A priority list is created and followed, while meetings and calls are set. It is important to keep this somewhat flexible should anything unexpected arise. After that, Linnea and I tackle our individual tasks and then come together for collaborative work when required.
HOW DO YOU PRIORITISE YOUR DAY’S WORK?
Aalya: I prioritise largely based on the strategic nature of the opportunity/task at hand and the level of effort required. Time lapse between when the task was first established or identified also plays a role into prioritisation. Essentially, I really dislike procrastination.
DO YOU PLAN MEETINGS OR ARE THEY A WASTE OF TIME?
Linnea: As a sales person meetings are the most important way to sell. This can be face to face or over the phone. Many of our clients are international and therefore meetings/phone calls are pivotal to establish the first point of contact. Meetings in person are a good to have if a client is based in the UK, however, in this modern time, Skype meetings can establish a personal touch just as well as face-to-face traditional meetings.
DO YOU HAVE A WORKING LUNCH OR IS IT GOOD TO TAKE A BREAK?
Aalya: This really depends on the day, our workload and time of year. Typically we take a healthy lunch break during which we work out with a quick game of tennis followed by a work lunch.
WHEN DOES YOUR WORKING DAY FINISH?
Linnea: This varies from day to day but can be anywhere between 5:30pm-6:30pm. However, as a business owner, work can crop up at any time of day or night and some things just cannot be avoided.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE NEXT DAY’S WORK?
Linnea: This largely depends on updating the current day’s task list to ensure a new and improved priority list is created for the next day. I also tend to review weeks in advance, to create specific strategic sales days depending on the channel focus for the week/day.
FAVOURITE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY?
Aalya: Laptop, Iphone X, JBL Bluetooth Speakers and Barclays Pinsentry .
HOW DO YOU SWITCH OFF?
Aalya: A meditation session, sauna or workout session can be excellent ways to shut off. Social plans in the evening are also a healthy way to focus attention outside of work.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
Aalya: Repetition, resilience and ensure all moves are strategic and self-protective.
