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, the CFO Alliance’s CEO and founder, Nick Araco Jr., shares advice for writing effective emails, the importance of being conscious of your team’s unique schedules and the importance of starting the day with insights instead of updates.
Be sure to check out the entire 6 a.m. CFO series, and if you’d like to be featured in a future post, please email us here.
The CFO Alliance
- A community for finance leaders that offers access to peer collaboration, insights and best practices.
- Year founded: 2008
- Size: A community of over 9,000 finance professionals
MORNING ROUTINE
Weekday wake-up time: When people ask me what time I wake up, I officially tell them 5:50 a.m. local time… for now! At this rate, I’ll be rising with the sun — or well before it — in no time. Seems like my personal alarm clock and I have an ongoing race to see who can start the day earlier.
Morning beverage choice: I keep things simple — energy drink in hand, every morning, without fail. People often wonder why, given that I’m already naturally high-energy. But hey, when you’re up at 5:50 a.m., a little extra boost never hurts Besides, it’s all about consistency, right?
Non-work-related morning activities: Every morning starts with a non-negotiable routine with my dog Miller. We head outside for a quick chat (yep, one-on-one time!) and a run around the yard. It’s our way of kicking off the day with a little play and fresh air, plus he gets a treat and a well-deserved pet. No matter what the day has in store, this ritual always starts things off with a smile.
Workday start time: My workday officially kicks off at 7 a.m. sharp. It’s when I dive into the day’s priorities, fresh from my morning routine with Miller and an energy drink in hand. Starting early lets me stay ahead of the curve and make the most out of each day. That said, coffee catch ups and team calls are always welcome!
How I usually spend the first hour of my day: My first hour is all about setting a focused, energized tone for the day. Without fail, I start with two things: a coffee catch up with my long-time business partner, Greg Wood and then diving into the Wall Street Journal. Both are essential for me — they spark ideas, keep me connected and get both my mind and heart fired up for the day ahead.
When I send out my first email: My first email usually goes out early. I’m big on starting the day efficiently and making sure I’m connecting with my team in a way that keeps us all moving forward. But as a CEO and business leader, I’m also conscious of everyone’s unique schedules and responsibilities. That’s why every email from me includes this note at the bottom: “I understand your work hours may not be the same as mine. Please do not feel obligated to respond to my message outside your normal working hours.” It’s a small way to keep communication flexible and respectful for everyone.
Best advice for writing an effective email: My top advice for writing effective emails centers on three core principles — get to the point quickly, be respectful of time and always include a call to action.
First dashboard I review: The first dashboard I check each morning is the member feed for the CFO Alliance community. Reviewing this feed is essential because it gives me a real-time pulse on what’s top of mind for finance leaders across industries. From questions and discussions to shared insights and challenges, the member feed reveals where our members are focusing their energy, what they need, and how we can better support their goals.
Starting the day here keeps me connected to the core of our community and helps me prioritize resources and initiatives that matter most to members. It’s a powerful way to stay in tune with what’s happening on the ground and make sure we’re providing the right tools, insights, and connections.
How I structure my morning meetings: I do my best to try to start with insights, not updates. Instead of going through routine status updates, I try to encourage team members to bring insights, new connections they made or challenges they’re currently facing to the discussions, and I do that myself too. This approach invites dialogue, as team members can discuss solutions, ask questions, and share ideas. I try to set a few minutes for each participant to quickly share their biggest advancements, wins, concerns, or questions — personal and/or professional.
Tell us about a recent morning that didn’t go as planned and how you adjusted. It involved a delayed flight to a CFO Alliance roundtable. At first, the frustration starts to build — I’m thinking about everything I need to get done and how this is throwing off my whole schedule. But over the years, I’ve learned to use those moments to reset. Instead of focusing on the delay, I’ll take a deep breath, pull out my phone and check in with family members, friends and the team to reset what matters most. I find that trying my best to turn that frustration into a more productive moment makes all the difference.
In the end, things always work themselves out, and I try to remind myself that time spent worrying is just lost energy. Adjusting my mindset in those moments has become second nature — it’s about seeing opportunities where things seem out of my control.
INSPIRATION AND LEADERSHIP
Favorite quote or mantra: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
This quote resonates with me because of the focus on perseverance, adaptability and continuous growth. It aligns with my commitment and passion to connect people, drive action, and foster a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities to improve and evolve.
Favorite leadership lesson: When it comes to leadership and career growth, I believe strongly in treating careers like a lattice, not a ladder. In today’s world, leadership and success aren’t just about climbing straight up; they’re about navigating different paths, seeking new opportunities, and making lateral moves that expand your experience and network.
For me, the lattice approach is about flexibility and adaptability. It’s not just about moving up —it’s about moving across, learning from different functions and working alongside a diverse group of people. Leadership isn’t a one-way street, and the more we embrace that mindset, the more we can build well-rounded careers and organizations.”
Something important to know about me that you wouldn’t know from my business bio: I have a twin sister — Angela Araco. Angela and I share a close bond, and it’s been a unique experience growing up with someone who has always been by my side, both personally and professionally. While our careers have taken different paths, I’ve always valued the way our perspectives and strengths complement each other. Angela is a talented leader in her own right, and it’s been amazing to watch how we’ve both shaped our individual journeys while maintaining that strong connection.
Favorite number: My favorite number is 7. It’s considered a symbol of completeness, intuition and success — qualities I value in both leadership and life. Whether it’s the right number of key relationships to nurture or a sign of good fortune, 7 resonates with my approach to building connections and leading with purpose. Plus, it’s often associated with balance, something I strive for in both my personal and professional life.
Most noteworthy items in my workspace: The framed keepsake of the shirt I wore, the runner bib and the medal I earned from running the Chicago Marathon with my business partner, Greg Wood, hold a special place in my office because it represents both personal achievement and the power of collaboration.
Running a marathon is not just a physical challenge but a test of perseverance, discipline and pushing beyond perceived limits — qualities that align directly with my approach to leadership and business. The fact that I completed the marathon with Greg, a long-time business partner, makes it even more meaningful. It symbolizes the strength of our partnership and the shared commitment to reaching goals, no matter how tough the journey may seem.
Do you have a pet, and are they with you right now? We have two Havanese dogs named Miller and Macey, and they are waiting for my Jeep to come down our street!
Favorite app not related to business: Based on usage and enjoyment it’s Instagram. The visual nature of Instagram allows me to see what others are up to, discover new interests and is simply a quick escape. I enjoy the creativity it fosters in both sharing my own experiences and exploring the content of others. Plus, it’s a perfect balance to my otherwise fast-paced, work-focused day. My Instagram is @nickaracojr.
The year, make, and model of your first car: It was a Chrysler K-Car — a true classic in its own right and definitely not what anyone would call cool at the time, but it was my first. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was practical and served its purpose perfectly. I was a teenager, so it wasn’t exactly the car I dreamed of driving, but I came to appreciate its reliability. It was easy to maintain, and despite its “boxy” shape, it was a solid, dependable ride.
One of my favorite memories is driving it with many friends – likely above the intended seating capacity, as it was the type of car that could fit a group of us comfortably, even if it didn’t win any speed contests! It’s funny now to look back and think about how that car taught me a lot about making the best of what you have — and learning to appreciate the simple things. Plus, it’s a good story to tell — an early reminder that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.
Most influential person you’ve ever met: As a former competitive rower, I love meeting athletes across sports, leagues and markets and have the pleasure of meeting many former accomplished athletes. I am a member of The Post, an exclusive community of high-performing individuals, many of whom have backgrounds in sports. Thanks to its founder, Christian Ponder, this network creates an environment where elite athletes and professionals like me from various industries come together to push each other forward.
Most inspirational person in your life: My wife and three children are the most influential people in my life because they ground me and provide a sense of purpose that transcends any professional achievement. They’ve always supported me through every challenge, reminding me of the importance of balance between work and life. As my children have grown into young adults, they continue to inspire me with their resilience, creativity, and unique perspectives on the world.
My wife, Colleen Araco, as my partner, has been my anchor, guiding me with her wisdom and unconditional support. Together, they are my true north, constantly reminding me of what truly matters and keeping me focused on the bigger picture in both my personal and professional life.
