Welcome to The 6 a.m. CFO, where finance chiefs share how they jump-start their days and engage with the tasks that are in front of them.
Today, Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital CFO Jessica McClain shares her morning routine.
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MORNING ROUTINE
Weekday wake-up time: I wake up every day at 6 a.m.
Morning beverage choice: Vanilla Latte… Iced!
Any non-work-related morning activities?: My husband and I have busy mornings. We have two young children, so our mornings are spent getting them dressed, fed and out the door to school.
Workday start time: It depends on whether I am working from home or going into the office. On remote days, I start work around 8:30 a.m., and on in-office days, I start around 9 a.m.
How I usually spend the first hour of my day: I start my day with reading the Wall Street Journal on the app. I then review my to-do list for the day to see what tasks need to be accomplished that day. Lastly, I review emails received from the previous workday.
Time I send out my first email: My first email is usually sent out within an hour of starting work.
Best advice for writing an effective email: First, determine whether it should be an email or if a different form of communication is more suitable. Also, be mindful of who is on the email.
First dashboard I review: During Girl Scout cookie season, I review the cookie sales data first.
How I structure my morning meetings: My first meeting of the day does not start before 9 a.m. I start by checking in with those in the meeting and before jumping into the business of the day.
Mid-morning snack of choice: I usually don’t snack in the mornings; I go from breakfast to lunch.
What was a recent morning that didn’t go as planned, and how did you adjust? Usually, a sick child can change an entire day. Earlier this year, my oldest child was sick twice in a couple of weeks. I had to adjust my schedule or my work location to be home to take care of her. Such is life.
INSPIRATION AND LEADERSHIP
Favorite quote or mantra: Great things don’t come from comfort zones.
Favorite leadership lesson: When I got promoted to manager at Grant Thornton, we received the book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith. The book explains the behaviors that helped you succeed in the past might actually hold you back as you become a leader.
To succeed at higher levels, you need more than technical skills. You also need emotional intelligence, active listening, and the humility to accept feedback. I learned that true growth happens when you are ready to let go of habits that helped you before but do not help you as a leader now.
Most inspirational person in your life: My mother. She taught me what it meant to have a goal and achieve it, no matter the obstacles.
Something important to know about me that you wouldn’t know from my business bio: I am a huge Washington Commanders fan. My husband and I have been season ticket holders for a few years, and we travel to an away game every year to see the team play. I bleed burgundy and gold! #HTTC
Favorite number: 14 — it’s the day of my birthday!
Most noteworthy items in my workspace I enjoy wall art and decor that has positive quotes. I also like to take notes in a paper notebook, and all my notebook covers have positive quotes and affirmations.
Do you have a pet, and are they with you right now? I have a 10-year-old American Bully. No, this old girl sleeps all day on her dog pillow!
Most influential/famous person you’ve ever met: Doug Williams. I grew up watching the Washington Redskins and Doug Williams is a history maker as the first black quarterback to win a Superbowl. It was an amazing experience meeting him, and he graciously took a photo with my family. I cannot wait until my kids are old enough to understand they took a picture with a legend!
The year, make and model of your first car: A 1992 Toyota Corolla.
Favorite app on my phone that is not related to business: Spotify. I can listen to my favorite podcasts and stream music.
