A Day in the Life of a CEO at IRR Investments
Jessica, CEO at IRR Investments, describes a typical day as a dynamic blend of early morning urgent email checks, "never ending job" of parenting, and self-care strategies like exercise and meditation to maintain "a hundred percent capacity." The workday itself is a mix of client meetings, managing businesses, and working remotely, even from "the volleyball court," demonstrating the constant demands and flexibility required, while emphasizing the importance of self-education and acknowledging the blurring lines between work and personal life inherent in business ownership.
Executive/Leadership, Stress Management, Work-Life Integration, Self-Care, Time Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jessica Thumati
CEO
IRR Investments
University of Arizona
N/A
Business & Related, Finance, Accounting
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Finance
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Jessica's day starts early, highlighting the demanding nature of entrepreneurship and the need for strong time management skills.
2. She emphasizes self-care, incorporating exercise and meditation into her routine to manage stress and maintain productivity; this is a key takeaway for students interested in work-life balance.
3. Jessica's commitment to continuous learning through reading business and self-development books showcases the importance of ongoing education in her field for students to emulate.
Transcript
What does a day in the life of a business owner look like?
My day usually starts around five or five-thirty in the morning. I check for any urgent emails or immediate issues that need addressing, whether for my own businesses or for clients. Then, I focus on what's most important.
After that, I switch to my "never-ending job that pays nothing"—being a mom. I get my kids ready for school and take them. If my day isn't too hectic, I try to carve out about 45 minutes to an hour for myself to work out. This helps me clear my head.
Making time for self-care, like working out about four times a week, is crucial for managing stress. It allows me to refuel so I can be more effective in everything else I do. Being depleted makes it hard to operate at full capacity.
After my workout, I'm back to work, which can involve being at my physical businesses, in meetings with clients, or on phone calls. I also try to sneak in a 10- to 15-minute meditation during the day to stay grounded.
In the afternoon, I shift back into mom mode. I become a "mom uber driver," taking my kids to their activities. I often work from the car or their activity locations, so I've taken many calls from the volleyball court or soccer field.
Once home, it's dinnertime, spending time with my kids, helping with homework, and getting them to bed. Before I truly wind down, I check for any urgent tasks that need attention.
I try to read at night, which I believe is important for self-education. While sometimes I read for fun, I mostly focus on business or self-development books. Then, I turn off the lights and prepare to do it all again.
Weekends are similar, though a bit scaled back. As a business owner, I essentially work seven days a week. I recently realized I spent half my vacation day working, which is a trade-off for the benefits and positives of owning a business. It's definitely different from being an employee with paid time off. Taking time for yourself to avoid burnout is really, really important.
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