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, Workday’s CFO, Zane Rowe, shares his morning routine, the concept of a personal “board of directors” and his favorite app.
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Workday
- An enterprise platform that helps organizations manage their people and money.
- Year founded: March 2005
- Number of employees: More than 19,900
- Annual revenue: $7.26B in FY24
Normal workday morning routine: I’ve recently started working out in the morning versus in the evening, so I get up early and prioritize going to the gym whenever I can.
I reward myself with a cup of coffee and egg whites immediately after (my go-to), and then, typically I head off to the office.
Tell us about a recent morning where things didn’t go according to plan: Things usually go to plan, although there have been times when my phone has lit up really early and I’ve had to drop everything. Living on the West Coast means I’m often impacted by an early morning surprise.
How do you structure your first few hours after you log on at work? What do you prioritize? I try to schedule the first 30 minutes to set the tone for a successful day and catch up on calls, respond to the first batch of emails, read the morning headlines and review the pressing items on my schedule. Since I’m typically in back-to-back meetings most of the day, I try to prioritize whatever bigger initiatives we’re working on early in the day as well.
Despite busy schedules, I always make sure to engage with my teams whenever they need me throughout the day. I’m a big believer that trust and teamwork go a long way.
LEADERSHIP AND INSPIRATION
Favorite quote or mantra: “The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you miss all you are traveling for.” I keep this on my desk as a reminder to myself!
Favorite leadership lesson: I’ve always liked the concept of a personal “board of directors,” a close circle of advisers who can help you navigate professional challenges. Every one of us should look for mentors in our personal and professional lives and lean into the guidance they have to offer.
I’ve also always admired the Steve Jobs story about painting the other side of the fence; look it up if you don’t know it!
Something important to know about you that you wouldn’t know from your business bio: I really enjoy partnerships, teamwork and having the opportunity to interact with a variety of people across the business, which is often a misconception about people in finance — it’s not just about numbers!
The last job you did at your company fell outside your traditional scope of work: I was asked to be interim CEO while at VMware, which kept me busy.
What is one way you have learned to manage work-induced stress? Working out definitely helps, as well as using Therabody SmartGoggles, which relaxes your eyes and allows your heart rate to drop. I also typically end my day listening to the Daily Calm on the Calm app.
Favorite number: 100 — we tend to add “percent” after it and use it in many ways at work, as in I agree…, I’ll give it…, we need to deliver… etc.
The most noteworthy items in your workspace: In addition to my monitor, a McLaren F-1 model car. I’m a huge F-1 fan and car enthusiast, and the model reminds me to get outside periodically and enjoy life! Other than a cup of coffee, the rest of my desk is usually clear so I can focus.
Do you have a pet sitting in your office right now? Yes, when at home I’m typically joined by Echo, my Bernese Mountain dog, who reminds me when it’s time for a walk or time to be fed!
Favorite phone app that is unrelated to work: Ren is a cool app that provides news alerts for your contacts. I’m not on social media much, so this helps me keep up with and reach out to my friends and colleagues. This is closely followed by Google Maps, to help me navigate Bay Area traffic!
The most important book you’ve recently read: Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. I’ve been reading a number of books to keep a balance in life, with a goal of having a healthier lifestyle.
