We gathered a few women in Nashville who seem to have the secret for success. Perhaps it’s their tenacity, smarts and integrity. Or maybe, it’s their morning routines. In case the latter just so happens to be true, we asked them to share how they spend the precious (even if brief) moments before jumping into their day. Just like us, these presidents, CEOs, founders, elected officials and leaders start the day with coffee and a news report — or most of them do, at least.
Although routine, their morning schedules are inspiring. Tidbits about how they start their day can motivate us — and hopefully you — to think about how we start ours. Whether you’re a CEO or are simply aspiring to be, treasure the moments you have to yourself each morning. Read on to see how these women do just that.
Linda Roberts
President & CEO of Therapy Systems, Inc.
“I literally open the view to outside, check the weather, praying for sun. Then I turn on the local news, stumble into the kitchen and start the Keurig for the first of two cups of coffee. Then back to my computer for a minimum of 2-3 hours, where I accomplish most of the days actual “work product.” It is not unusual to have a repair person walk into the house to see me in my nightgown and no makeup plus extremely bad hair! Then up to the treadmill for 20-30 minutes. Next, the shower, and I am ready in 20 minutes flat. Do I sound boring?”
Linda Roberts is the President and CEO of Therapy Systems, Inc. and the visionary behind Private Edition and The Cosmetic Market.
Anne Brown
Owner of The Arts Company
“A dose of ‘Morning Joe’ plus a lot of regular coffee, savoring every word in the New York Times, checking for emails, making lists for the work day and entering a few observations in a journal.”
Anne Brown recently celebrated the 20-year anniversary of The Arts Company, which she opened in 1996. Read more about her here.
Sharon K. Roberson
President & CEO of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee
“I have had a variation of the same routine for most of my professional career. The first thing I do in the morning is check emails or voicemails (depending on the era), my daily schedule and the weather. I do this in bed. When you exercise outdoors, tracking the weather is essential! Then I drink a big glass of water and either go to the gym or run outside. I do this six times a week, even when I’m traveling. I eat yogurt most weekday mornings. I like the kind with some honey or nuts. I also drink more water all morning when getting dressed and listening to news, as relayed from my husband. I use good moisturizers all over — tons of it! My dress depends on what is planned for the day. I wear whatever will take me from morning until evening. St. John suits are my go-to outfits.”
Sharon K. Roberson is President and CEO of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. Also, Sharon is a past recipient of the YWCA’s Academy for Women of Achievement award. Image: YWCA
Ceri Hoover
Founder of Ceri Hoover
“After my son is dressed, fed and off to school, I read through my emails and create my list for the day. Then, it’s off to workout for 30-60 minutes. Next, I meditate for 10 minutes! It has made an enormous change in my life. It has given me clarity and allows me to handle the roller coaster a designer tends to ride every day.”
Ceri Hoover recently opened her flagship store in 12South. Read about it here.
Dr. Candice McQueen
Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education
“On ‘normal’ days and weeks, I get up at 5 a.m. I run three weekday mornings a week and on the weekend. On the two weekday mornings I don’t run, I work or read for an hour before getting ready, or I go into the office early and do the same (around 6 a.m.). After getting ready, I eat breakfast with my husband and kids while scanning the news — The Tennessean and The Wall Street Journal usually — before kissing everyone goodbye for work and school. My husband and I are also doing the last-minute schedule ‘check’ and communication to make sure we know who needs to be where and when. While in the car, I occasionally have calls on the way to work but always try to listen to uplifting, positive music by Christian artists to start my day. I do have many days that are not ‘normal’ as I may need to be in another part of the state very early for a meeting, event or school visit. On these days, I can be leaving downtown with other department staff as early as 4 a.m.”
Dr. Candice McQueen was sworn in as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education in January of 2015, and during her first year in office, she led a statewide effort to create a new strategic plan and vision called Tennessee Succeeds. Additionally, she was appointed to serve on the national board for the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and as a commissioner for Education Commission of the States (ECS). Read more here. Image: Ashley Hylbert
The Reverend Becca Stevens
CNN Hero and founder of Thistle Farms
“I love the quiet of mornings in anticipation of sunrise. I tend to lean towards the east hoping for a clear view of the moment when grey softens into lavender. I drink a cup of green tea, write for an hour and then wake up the rest of my house. I try to light incense to jump start a litany for prayer requests and frequent an 8 a.m. yoga class at Yoga Harmony. I’m much less productive at night.”
Becca Stevens has many titles: author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur, founder and president of Thistle Farms. She was named a “Champion of Change” by the White House and more recently named a 2016 CNN Hero. Image: Becca Stevens
Katy Varney
Partner at MP&F Public Relations
“Since simply getting out of bed and deciding what to wear can be major challenges, I try to keep the rest of the routine simple. Exercise, one cup of coffee and reading the paper are my only requirements. Breakfast is dry cereal in a cup eaten in the car. Somehow I still manage to be late to work almost every day.”
Katy Varney worked on Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign, worked on the staff for Ned McWherter and worked with Megan Barry on her mayoral campaign. She became partner at MP&F in 1993. Image: Nashville Business Journal
Sue Joyce
Founder of Turkish-T
“My favorite morning routine consist of a glass of water, a cup of the bullet coffee, a banana and a handful of nuts on my way out the door for an hour walk with girlfriends. Not sure what bullet coffee is? Just ask Kathleen Keen from Kerrville, Texas. She turned this Nashville girl onto this savory Texas treasure. Back by 8 a.m., where I check emails before taking a shower. Equally as enjoyable is a no-walk day, where I spend 30 minutes sitting, pondering and enjoying the quiet of the morning before the day’s routine begins again.”
Sue’s company, Turkish T, has grown to be a nationally recognized brand. Her creativity and business savvy is an inspiration to us all. Read more here. Image: Mary Craven Photography
Thank you for these wonderful women for sharing their morning routines with us!
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