Even top CEOs check their phones first thing in the morning—but here's where it gets controversial: they're not just scrolling through social media or texting friends. These are the apps business executives are reaching for, and they're not your average apps. From health and wellness to business strategy, these leaders are using technology to set themselves up for success. But here's the part most people miss: it's not just about staying connected; it's about staying ahead of the curve. So, let's dive into the morning routines of these power players and explore the apps that help them conquer the day. But be warned: this isn't your typical 'check your email' routine. It's a strategic dance through the digital world, and you're about to get a front-row seat.
The morning routine of a CEO can be as varied as the CEO themselves. While some might start their day with a cold plunge or an early morning run, many top executives begin their day just like the rest of us: by checking their phones. But here's the twist: these aren't just random scrolls through social media or texts to friends. These CEOs are using their phones to set the tone for a productive and successful day.
Take, for example, Lyft CEO David Risher. His morning routine involves checking the ŌURA app to see how he slept, a habit shared by the smart ring company's CEO, Tom Hale. This focus on sleep data is a common thread among these executives, as they aim to optimize their health and energy levels. But it's not just about personal health; it's about business too.
Jordan Goldstein, co-CEO of global architecture firm Gensler, takes a different approach. He spends his early morning running through all his messaging platforms, filtering through urgent matters and deciding which issues can wait until breakfast. This strategic approach to communication is a key part of his leadership style.
And it's not just the tech and architecture worlds that are represented. Executives from a wide range of companies, including Salesforce, Visa, Amazon, Zillow, and American Express, are all reaching for their phones in the morning. But what are they checking?
Well, it turns out they're checking a lot of the same things. LinkedIn, Slack, and email are popular choices, as they provide a quick update on the day's events and help set the agenda for the workday ahead. But it's not just about work; these leaders are also tuning into wellness platforms to optimize their health and stay informed on current events.
Take Shibani Ahuja, senior vice president of enterprise IT strategy at Salesforce. Her first app of the morning is the weather, as it gives her a sense of how her day will go. "How's my hair gonna behave?" she jokes, but it's a clever way to stay prepared for any challenges that may arise.
Frank Cooper III, chief marketing officer at Visa, is another LinkedIn enthusiast. Despite his efforts to stay unplugged in the morning, he can't resist checking the app daily. "I try not to check my phone when I wake up, but I’m addicted to LinkedIn, actually," he told Fortune.
And it's not just about personal health and networking. These CEOs are also focused on their physical well-being. John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy, checks his phone's sleep app each morning to see how he slept. Similarly, Danny Renach, cofounder and chief chess officer at Chess.com, and Dana Settle, cofounder and managing partner at Greycroft, both check Slack right after waking up.
But it's not just about personal health and networking. These CEOs are also focused on staying informed about the world around them. Radhakrishnan Ravi, chief information officer at American Express, thumbs through the New York Times app every morning for his daily dose of news. And Nicholas Stevens, vice president of AI at Zillow, checks a technical AI news source to stay ahead of the curve.
And let's not forget about the emails. While many workers dread checking their inboxes, some executives go straight to their unreads each morning. Brian Vecci, chief technology officer at Varonis Field, checks Outlook first thing, and Tanvi Patel, general manager and vice president at Amazon Pharmacy, uses the Mail app to prioritize her day.
