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What's Your Innovative Approach to Personal Productivity?

What's Your Innovative Approach to Personal Productivity?

Discover innovative approaches to personal productivity that are revolutionizing the way leaders work. This article delves into expert insights on maximizing efficiency, from time-boxing techniques to strategic rest and energy-based scheduling. Learn how top executives are leveraging these methods to amplify their impact and streamline decision-making processes.

  • Timebox Like a Netflix Showrunner
  • Calendar as Strategic Roadmap
  • Strategic Rest Enhances Leadership Effectiveness
  • Context Blocking Maximizes Mental Efficiency
  • Deep Work Blocks Amplify Executive Impact
  • Decision Batching Improves Consistency and Quality
  • Deep Work Sprints Boost CEO Productivity
  • No-Progress Day Uncovers Strategic Insights
  • Themed Days Transform Quarterly Planning
  • Energy-Based Scheduling Optimizes Leadership
  • Time Blocking with Flexibility Enhances Focus
  • Custom GPTs Sharpen CEO Decision-Making
  • Silence Notifications to Reclaim Attention
  • Theme Days Foster Strategic Thinking
  • Daily Reset Habit Transforms Executive Productivity
  • Meditation Aligns Heart and Mind for Success
  • Power of 3 Checklist Balances Priorities
  • Cloud Collaboration Breaks Down Team Barriers
  • Focus Containers Protect Strategic Thinking Time
  • Theme-Based Days Streamline Multiple Brands
  • Time Blocks and Family Integration Maximize Productivity
  • 3-Minute Rule Kickstarts Deep Work Sessions
  • Theme-Based Time Blocking Boosts Focus
  • Theme Blocking Transforms LAXcar Leadership
  • Focused Attention Saves Time on Deliverables

Timebox Like a Netflix Showrunner

I Timebox Like a Netflix Showrunner

"Episode timeboxing" is a method I use to boost my productivity, and it's a game-changer. I treat my workday like a lineup of TV episodes. Just like a show on a schedule, each task has a set start and finish time, so there are no cliffhangers because I move on after a task gets completed.

The thing about this method is that it forces me to focus. If I only have 30 minutes to "air" a strategy session, there's no time for reruns (a.k.a. overthinking). It's fun, visual, and surprisingly effective. To reset my brain, I even use little sound effects between tasks, just like when scenes change.

Timeboxing is backed by research and is used by Bill Gates and Elon Musk, two of the world's most productive people. What's great about it is that it keeps the day flowing and it cuts decision fatigue.

Calendar as Strategic Roadmap

One innovative approach I've taken to personal productivity is treating my calendar like a product roadmap—blocking time weekly not just for meetings, but for deep work, strategy, and internal reflection. I categorize time by function (execution, thinking, reviewing, planning) and protect blocks as I would a key deliverable.

This structure ensures I'm not just reacting to tasks but proactively steering the business. It's had a major impact on focus, decision quality, and how I support my team. As an executive, productivity isn't about doing more—it's about making space to think clearly and act deliberately.

Strategic Rest Enhances Leadership Effectiveness

One innovative approach I've embraced is strategic rest, not just as a wellness practice but as a leadership imperative. Early in my executive journey, I believed productivity was fueled by constant motion. However, I came to understand that meaningful leadership is not about doing more; it is about doing what matters most with clarity and intention.

Strategic rest is the intentional pause that allows leaders to nurture creativity, assess priorities, and make space for what truly drives results. I began structuring time for this purpose, using a process I call the NAP Framework for Leadership. Rather than pushing through exhaustion, I choose to pause with purpose. That shift helped me become a more thoughtful decision-maker and a more grounded leader.

The most surprising impact was cultural. As I practiced strategic rest, it gave my team permission to prioritize well-being and focus. We saw stronger collaboration, more innovation, and a healthier work rhythm that actually improved performance.

Strategic rest changed how I lead, grow, and support others. It is not a luxury. Strategic rest is a core leadership strategy.

Dr. Erin Wilson
Dr. Erin WilsonCEO & Principal Consultant, Design Ideal Consulting

Context Blocking Maximizes Mental Efficiency

One productivity approach that has transformed my effectiveness as CEO at Fulfill.com is implementing what I call "context blocking." Instead of traditional time blocking, I organize my schedule around similar contexts – grouping all vendor meetings on Tuesdays, customer conversations on Wednesdays, and internal team sessions on Thursdays.

This approach stems directly from my experience running a 3PL before founding Fulfill.com. In logistics, batching similar activities maximizes throughput – whether it's processing similar SKUs or optimizing delivery routes. I realized my brain operates similarly.

Context blocking eliminates the cognitive load of constantly switching between different mindsets. When I'm focused on customer acquisition all day, I stay in that strategic lane rather than pivoting between sales calls, warehouse operations, and investor updates within hours. My mental "pick path" becomes efficient.

I've seen this dramatically improve our team's productivity too. Our account managers who match eCommerce brands with 3PLs now handle 30% more clients with higher satisfaction scores since adopting similar methods.

The key is being disciplined about it. I use my calendar as non-negotiable architecture, protect deep work blocks with "do not disturb" settings, and communicate boundaries clearly. Just as we help eCommerce brands find the right fulfillment fit, I've found the right productivity system that leverages my industry expertise.

This approach has freed mental bandwidth for strategic thinking while ensuring operational excellence – the balance every logistics executive strives for. The result? Better decisions, less burnout, and ultimately, a better service connecting eCommerce businesses with their ideal 3PL partners.

Deep Work Blocks Amplify Executive Impact

One innovative approach I've taken to personal productivity that has had a massive positive impact is time-blocking with an emphasis on deep work. It's all about scheduling uninterrupted, focused blocks of time where I do nothing but the highest-leverage tasks. As an executive, there's a constant flow of meetings, emails, and distractions, but I've found that protecting chunks of time for deep, focused work is a game-changer.

Importantly, I turn off all distractions during my deep work time: no phones, no emails, no Slack messages. I also use the "two-minute rule" in reverse: if a task can be done in two minutes or less, I do it right away so it doesn't stack up. This keeps my mind clear and my to-do list manageable.

What this approach does is allow me to be extremely efficient in shorter bursts, while also giving me the recovery time to keep coming back at full speed.

As an executive, managing my energy and focus is a lot more valuable than just managing my time. This method has amplified my productivity, made me feel more in control, and ultimately, it's helped me drive the business forward faster and with more clarity.

Decision Batching Improves Consistency and Quality

I've implemented what I call "decision batching windows" -- 90-minute blocks three times weekly where I make all similar decisions together, regardless of their urgency level.

Previously, I'd evaluate each decision request as it arrived, which fragmented my thinking and led to inconsistent approaches. Now I group all hiring decisions into Tuesday mornings, strategic or investment decisions into Thursday afternoons, and policy exceptions into Friday mornings.

This simple change produced unexpected benefits beyond time savings. Most notably, our decision quality improved substantially because I could see patterns across similar choices. For example, when reviewing six hiring requests simultaneously rather than spread over a week, I identified inconsistencies in how we were evaluating technical versus cultural fit.

My advice: Group your decisions by type rather than urgency whenever possible. The contextual awareness gained from seeing similar choices side-by-side improves both speed and quality of decision-making.

As CEO of inDinero, I've found that decision consistency matters more than decision speed for building organizational trust, and batching similar decisions is the most practical way to achieve it.

Deep Work Sprints Boost CEO Productivity

As the Founder and CEO of Nerdigital.com, one innovative approach I've taken to personal productivity is implementing "Deep Work Sprints" combined with proactive time-blocking. As an executive, distractions are constant--Slack messages, emails, and back-to-back meetings can easily consume the day, leaving little room for high-impact work. I knew I had to take control of my schedule rather than letting it control me.

I started by identifying my peak productivity hours, which for me are early mornings. During these hours, I schedule uninterrupted deep work sessions where I focus solely on strategic thinking, problem-solving, or high-value tasks--no meetings, no emails, no distractions. To enforce this, I set my status to "Do Not Disturb," disable notifications, and even have a standing agreement with my team that unless it's urgent, they should wait until after my sprint.

The impact has been incredible. By consistently dedicating focused time to key initiatives, I've been able to make faster, clearer decisions and drive real progress on projects that require deep thinking. This method also allows me to be fully present in meetings and more available to my team during the rest of the day, rather than feeling like I'm always playing catch-up.

To maintain consistency, I pair deep work sprints with aggressive time-blocking. Instead of letting my calendar fill up reactively, I schedule everything in advance--including thinking time, creative brainstorming, and even breaks. This prevents my day from being consumed by low-priority tasks and ensures I'm making time for what truly moves the needle.

For other business leaders looking to optimize productivity, my advice is to guard your time like your most valuable asset. Carve out space for deep work, communicate your boundaries to your team, and be intentional about how you structure your day. When you create an environment where focused work is prioritized, the results will show in both efficiency and overall business growth.

Max Shak
Max ShakFounder/CEO, nerDigital

No-Progress Day Uncovers Strategic Insights

One unconventional thing that has massively boosted my productivity as an executive? I schedule one "no-progress" day every month.

That's right. A whole day where I'm not allowed to make progress.

No pushing tasks forward. No crossing items off my list. No check-ins, no building, no writing. It's a full day of just sitting with the open loops—thinking, rethinking, journaling, and questioning assumptions I haven't had time to question.

Sounds unproductive, right? But here's the twist: most of my bad decisions come from moving too fast on plans I didn't spend enough time interrogating. And as a founder, those rushed calls can take weeks to unwind—wrong hires, misprioritized features, the works.

Giving myself a "no-progress day" forces me to exit execution mode and actually see the blind spots. I've caught strategic flaws that would have cost us months. I've realized I was solving for the wrong user entirely. I've scrapped polished features that, once I stepped back, didn't make sense for where the product was headed.

It's not glamorous. There's no dopamine hit. But the ROI on one day of deep pause has often been higher than a week of hustle.

Themed Days Transform Quarterly Planning

One innovative approach I've taken is designing themed days--assigning specific days to coaching, strategy, content creation, or team development. This structure transformed our quarterly planning process from a three-week marathon into a focused four-day sprint, with measurably better outcomes. I also build in a weekly "CEO Reset Hour" to reflect, recalibrate, and reconnect with my bigger vision; this practice helped me identify and eliminate two major organizational bottlenecks last quarter alone. Walking meetings, especially on our rooftop deck, have become a favorite way to spark fresh ideas and deeper conversations--our rebrand concept that increased engagement by 37% emerged during one of these walks. For me, productivity isn't about doing more--it's about being deliberate with what matters most, which has translated to 22% year-over-year growth while actually reducing our collective working hours.

Allison Dunn
Allison DunnCEO, Head Business & Executive Coach, Deliberate Directions

Energy-Based Scheduling Optimizes Leadership

This answer may not be what most might expect, which is, of course, the popular (and still important) concept of leveraging AI and technology. This is more of an approach which, in my experience, most leaders don't consider--so for many, it might be a new and powerful shift in thinking.

I took a hard, honest look at how I was spending my time day-to-day and evaluated each task on two levels. First: Is this task truly moving the needle? If not, could someone else on my team--given the right guidance--handle it just as effectively? Delegating the right responsibilities allowed me to free up time for higher-level strategic work that actually drives growth.

Second, I evaluated each task based on how it affected me personally. Does this give me energy and a sense of purpose, or does it drain me? I also paid attention to when during the day I'm most effective at certain types of work. I discovered that my focus and creativity peak in the morning--perfect for strategy and deep work--while my energy for social interaction, sales, and client engagement hits its stride in the early afternoon, especially after a workout.

Now, I structure my entire day around these insights. I block time on my calendar based on the type of task and when I'm at my best to tackle it. I live and die by that calendar--and I make sure it includes personal time to recharge, too.

This intentional, energy-based approach to time management has completely transformed my productivity. It's helped me operate more effectively as a leader, and it's empowered my team to grow by taking ownership of tasks I used to hold onto unnecessarily.

Time Blocking with Flexibility Enhances Focus

One innovative approach I've taken to personal productivity as an executive is adopting a "time blocking" method combined with deep work sessions--with a twist. Instead of just scheduling time for meetings and tasks, I block out chunks of my day for focused, undistracted work on specific priorities.

For example, in the morning, I might block off 2 hours for "strategic thinking" where I tackle high-level decisions and long-term planning without checking emails or hopping on calls. Then, in the afternoon, I have another block for "team collaboration" or "client-facing tasks." By protecting these periods for deep work, I'm able to make progress on complex issues without getting lost in constant interruptions.

The twist? I integrate flexibility within the structure--if something urgent comes up, I can shift blocks around, but I ensure there's always a set time each week for the more demanding mental tasks.

This approach has helped me not only stay on top of multiple projects but also give myself the mental space to innovate and think strategically, which can often get squeezed out in the day-to-day. Plus, it forces me to prioritize better and ensures I'm not just reactive, but proactive.

It's been a game-changer in managing my energy and focus, and I highly recommend it to anyone juggling multiple leadership roles.

Custom GPTs Sharpen CEO Decision-Making

How I Stay Sane (and Smart) as a Startup-Focused CEO

Being the CEO of a blockchain and AI development agency is... let's call it "multi-dimensional." One hour, I'm discussing long-term strategy; the next, I'm reviewing a proposal, examining an agreement draft, or rewriting a slide deck. And since we work with startups, long-term planning often means "next quarter if we're lucky."

To stay effective (and sane), I use a set of my own GPTs almost every day. Not as a gimmick, but as an actual partner in thinking.

I brainstorm with them. I validate product ideas. I ask for better copywriting (after teaching my style of writing). I ask them to challenge my assumptions before I pitch a new idea to the team... It's like having a sharp, unbiased sounding board that doesn't get tired of my 11 PM "quick thoughts."

It doesn't replace my team. It makes me a better teammate. It helps me get to clarity faster, so I can show up to meetings with sharper ideas - and fewer open tabs in my head. In a fast-moving business, AI helps me slow down mentally, so I can speed up where it counts.

No, it's not perfect. But neither is a busy CEO. And together? We're getting a lot of sh*t done.

Silence Notifications to Reclaim Attention

Silence is golden - especially when it comes to my phone.

One of the most productive decisions I made as a business owner was switching off all non-essential notifications. No pings, no buzzes, no dopamine loops dragging me into WhatsApp or Slack every two minutes. I took back control of my attention, and suddenly the day stopped feeling like one long interruption.

I also block out "deep work" windows where I go off-grid. No meetings, no emails - just proper thinking time. It's amazing how much you can get done when you're not being constantly hijacked by other people's priorities. That space to focus has made me sharper, faster, and far more present when I do plug back in.

The innovation? It's old-school. Less tech, more boundaries. Turns out, quiet is a power move.

Theme Days Foster Strategic Thinking

One approach that's worked wonders for me is what I call "theme days." During my time at Deloitte, my calendar often looked like a game of Tetris, with meeting blocks scattered across topics. It left little room for deep thinking, and I caught myself firefighting more than strategizing. When I joined Spectup, I knew I couldn't afford to run the company this way. So now, I dedicate specific days to specific types of tasks - one day for strategy, another for team development, and a day for client deep dives. It's not foolproof, but it's helped me focus and make real progress in areas that need my attention.

One time, during a "strategy day," I came up with the idea to expand Spectup's investor network by offering more robust commercial diligence services. This wouldn't have surfaced if I were bouncing between conversations about pitch deck designs and growth strategy all day. It's also helped the team - they know which day is best to pitch new ideas or discuss challenges. Of course, there are exceptions (startups love throwing curveballs), but having a framework keeps me grounded. Productivity isn't about squeezing the most into each day; it's about making sure the important stuff actually happens, and theme days have been my compass.

Niclas Schlopsna
Niclas SchlopsnaManaging Consultant and CEO, spectup

Daily Reset Habit Transforms Executive Productivity

How One Small Habit Supercharged My Executive Productivity

As a business leader, my days used to feel like a whirlwind of meetings, decisions, and to-do lists that never seemed to end. I was constantly busy, yet I didn't always feel productive. Sound familiar? I knew something had to shift. So I decided to experiment with one simple but powerful idea: The Daily Reset.

It's not a fancy app. It's not a 5 AM miracle routine. It's just ten quiet minutes, every afternoon, where I step away from my desk--no emails, no calls, no distractions--and reset.

Here's how it works:

Every day around 2:30 PM, I stop what I'm doing. I grab a notebook and jot down three quick things:

1. What's gone well so far today?

2. What still needs my focus?

3. What one thing will move the dial most this afternoon?

That's it. No overthinking. No perfection. Just clarity.

This small act does something extraordinary--it clears mental clutter. It helps me course-correct if I've been pulled into too much reactive work. And it brings me back to intentional, focused action.

Since adopting this habit, I've noticed a big shift.

I make sharper decisions. I leave work feeling more accomplished. And surprisingly, I feel less stressed, even on the busiest days. It's like pressing a mental 'refresh' button.

What started as an experiment quickly became non-negotiable. I even encourage my senior team to try it. Some now do their own version--a quick walk, a breathing break, a short journal entry. The form doesn't matter. The pause does.

In leadership, we're often told to go faster. Push harder. But sometimes, the most innovative move is to slow down--just enough to refocus and reset.

This one small habit? It's transformed how I lead, how I think, and how I show up for my team.

So if you're feeling the pressure mount, try this: take ten quiet minutes. Every day. No agenda, just awareness. You'll be amazed at the clarity that follows.

Let's stop glorifying burnout and start redefining what productivity really means.

Because when we lead with clarity, focus, and intention, we don't just get more done--we get the right things done. And that's where the real impact lives.

Meditation Aligns Heart and Mind for Success

One of the most innovative approaches I've taken to personal productivity as an executive is the integration of a dedicated daily meditation practice. This practice has been transformative, allowing me to align my heart and mind in a way that optimizes my focus, clarity, and overall productivity.

As an executive, the demands of my various roles--whether as an attorney, author, coach, or speaker--can sometimes feel overwhelming. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily tasks, meetings, and deadlines, which can lead to burnout and inefficiency. However, I found that by committing to a daily meditation practice, I could center myself and manage these demands with greater ease.

Meditation has allowed me to develop authentic heart-mind coherence, which is the alignment between my thoughts, emotions, and actions. When my heart and mind are in sync, I am able to approach challenges with clarity, rather than react impulsively out of stress or frustration. This internal alignment has been crucial in enhancing my decision-making, problem-solving, and overall productivity. It helps me stay focused on my long-term vision, without getting distracted by immediate pressures or external noise.

Through this practice, I've learned to prioritize what truly matters and make more intentional, effective choices. Meditation has given me the space to tune into my intuition, helping me navigate complex situations with a calm and centered approach. It's also taught me the value of slowing down to speed up. Rather than rushing through tasks, I now give myself the mental space to reflect and approach each one with mindfulness and purpose. This shift has led to better time management, clearer communication, and improved relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners.

Furthermore, this daily practice has had a ripple effect on my personal life. By creating a routine that fosters mental clarity and emotional balance, I'm able to show up as my best self both professionally and personally. The improved energy, focus, and resilience I've gained from meditation have made a profound difference in my work as an executive and in my overall effectiveness as a leader.

In short, meditation has become my secret weapon for personal productivity. It's an innovative and powerful tool that not only helps me stay grounded but also drives my success in multiple areas of my career.

Power of 3 Checklist Balances Priorities

One game-changing strategy that has truly transformed how I handle both my professional responsibilities and personal growth is my own "Power of 3 Checklist." This simple yet effective tool breaks down my daily tasks into three clear categories: mission-critical tasks, personal wants, and self-care. This method keeps me balanced, ensuring I'm not just completing business tasks but also taking time for my own development and well-being.

The checklist includes three mission-critical tasks that are essential for our company's success, three personal wants that help me grow personally and professionally, and three self-care activities to ensure I'm looking after my mental and physical health. This approach helps me effectively prioritize my day, focusing on what really moves the needle in my work and life. You can take a closer look at how I designed this checklist here: https://payhip.com/b/JVXGN

What I love about this strategy is that it not only boosts my productivity but also ensures I'm investing in myself. It prevents burnout by balancing professional duties with activities that feed my soul and passion. It has become an essential part of managing the demanding role of an executive while also nurturing the personal aspects that enrich my life.

This approach has really been a game-changer, offering the perfect mix of discipline and flexibility, ensuring every day is productive yet fulfilling on multiple levels.

Natasha Nurse
Natasha NurseNeurodivergent Innovator, Dressing Room 8

Cloud Collaboration Breaks Down Team Barriers

During the hectic days of our company's first major expansion, we faced a constant struggle to keep everyone aligned. What truly changed our trajectory was adopting a cloud-based collaborative document system.

I remember a particular week when a product launch hinged on rapid decisions, and the old routine of passing files around nearly cost us a key client. There were frantic phone calls and too many versions of the same document.

With the new system, everyone was suddenly on the same page, quite literally. Updates appeared instantly, and team members across time zones could contribute without scheduling endless catch-ups. I saw quieter colleagues voice their suggestions in comments, where they might have stayed silent in meetings.

Seeing how this tool broke down walls between teams taught me a crucial lesson: technology should bring people together, not complicate processes.

Focus Containers Protect Strategic Thinking Time

I create "focus containers"—dedicated 90-minute blocks throughout the week where I go completely offline, eliminate all distractions, and tackle one high-leverage task. No multitasking, no Slack, no email—just deep, intentional work that moves the business forward—whether it's mapping a new framework, writing sales copy, or refining brand strategy.

As an executive, it's easy to get caught in reactive mode, constantly responding to everyone else's priorities. These containers protect my energy and give me space to think strategically instead of operating in the weeds. They've been a game-changer for staying aligned with the bigger vision while still getting the real work done.

Kristin Marquet
Kristin MarquetFounder & Creative Director, Marquet Media

Theme-Based Days Streamline Multiple Brands

One simple but game-changing habit I've adopted is "theme-based days." As a business leader managing multiple brands like Write Right, Estorytellers, and others, switching mental gears constantly was draining my productivity.

So, I started assigning themes to specific days—Mondays for strategy and vision, Tuesdays for client calls, Wednesdays for content review, and so on. This structure reduced decision fatigue and helped me dive deeper into each area without feeling scattered.

The result? Fewer distractions, more intentional work, and better output. It also gave my team clarity on when to approach me for what, making everything flow more smoothly. It's not revolutionary, but it's been a huge win for my sanity and focus.

Time Blocks and Family Integration Maximize Productivity

To maximize my productivity and family time, I start by setting recurring time blocks for all my tasks and batching similar activities together. This approach has saved me anywhere from 5 to 20 hours each week. I also minimize the time spent on scheduling and rescheduling by establishing a set routine, as I know many people waste valuable time on repeated planning and organizing. Having recurring tasks helps me reduce stress and streamline my schedule.

When I spend quality time with my family, I make it a point to leave my phone at home. This simple step allows me to focus on being present and avoid distractions from work. I also try to integrate my daughter into events and activities whenever possible; this not only helps her learn and grow but also creates rich shared experiences and lasting memories.

Finally, I've developed a transition routine to wrap up work and shift into family time. This helps me put work aside and be fully present, both physically and emotionally. I prioritize listening, engaging, asking about their day, and incorporating playtime for more meaningful interactions.

Kelly Roach
Kelly RoachFounder & CEO of Kelly Roach International, Kelly Roach International

3-Minute Rule Kickstarts Deep Work Sessions

The 3-Minute Rule That Rescued My Focus

The "3-Minute Rule" is one unconventional approach I've adopted to help me kickstart deep work. Before starting any major task, I take three minutes to write down exactly what success looks like for just that session. The goal is only for the next 90 minutes, not the entire project.

This approach forces my brain to switch from being reactive to intentional in my actions. It's like giving my brain a GPS route before hitting the road so there's no wasted motion. A study by the American Psychological Association shows that mental clutter and context switching can reduce our productivity by up to 40%.

It's tempting to underestimate the simplicity of this approach, but it has turned unclear to-do lists into hyperfocused tools. I swear by it because it starts my day with clarity, 180 seconds at a time.

Theme-Based Time Blocking Boosts Focus

One innovative approach that has had a noticeable impact on my productivity as an executive is what I call "theme-based time blocking." Instead of attempting to multitask across everything every day, I assign specific themes or categories of work to specific days or blocks of time throughout the week. For example, Mondays are for strategy and planning, Tuesdays for team check-ins and problem-solving, Wednesdays for marketing and creative review, and so on. While it might sound simple, the clarity it brings is powerful.

This method helps me stay mentally aligned with the kind of decisions or thinking each day requires. I'm not bouncing between big-picture strategy and small operational details in the same hour. That shift alone has reduced cognitive fatigue and made deep work much more achievable. I'm able to give each area of the business the attention it deserves—without feeling constantly pulled in every direction.

What surprised me most was how it positively affected the team as well. They started anticipating when to bring up certain topics based on the day's theme, which made meetings more focused and reduced the number of ad hoc interruptions. It created a rhythm—not just for me, but for the entire leadership workflow. If you're an executive juggling too many responsibilities, carving out structured focus time like this can be the difference between reacting and leading.

Theme Blocking Transforms LAXcar Leadership

Running LAXcar - particularly during peak demand periods like award season and big corporate events - requires serious time management. An approach that has had a huge effect on my output is a strategy I've dubbed "theme blocking".

Rather than micromanaging in hour-by-hour increments, I designate themes on certain days. I have the same five or six things every week, where Mondays are for refining operations and dispatch, Tuesdays are for marketing and growth, Wednesdays are for partnerships and relationship-building, and so on. It takes away decision fatigue and keeps me focused. For instance, I don't set any sales or marketing meetings on a Monday - I know Monday's the day I'm deep into backend logistics and staffing performance.

Since implementing this model, I've been more present in each business area, and it's also facilitated delegation for me. It also keeps my energy in line with the type of thinking that's required of each area - creative work one day, analytical focus another. That may seem simple, but it has transformed my leadership.

Arsen Misakyan
Arsen MisakyanCEO and Founder, LAXcar

Focused Attention Saves Time on Deliverables

While multitasking is part of my norm, there are scheduled activities that can be executed more efficiently. When I need to meet writing deadlines, I ask myself how much time I'll really need versus how much time I think I'll need. If one blocks off an hour on the calendar to complete a deliverable, they may end up taking the whole time, thinking it's expected of them. The same task can often be completed in 25 minutes with focused attention and without distractions. This saves time, allowing one to move on to another commitment.

Sometimes blocking off 'anticipated time' misleads a person to pace themselves to fill up the whole time block for the sake of it, lacking a justifiable purpose. Pay attention to how time is applied during the day because it can't be bought back, deferred for later, nor traded for anything of better value.

Sasha Laghonh
Sasha LaghonhFounder & Sr. Advisor to C-Suite & Entrepreneurs, Sasha Talks

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