Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Chief Executive
What chief executives actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a chief executive?
Review overnight results. From there, the day usually includes set strategy and goals, build the leadership team, and approve budgets. Long hours, frequent travel and evening events are common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a chief executive working full time.
- Review overnight results.
- Meet the leadership team.
- Call a major customer.
- Review an acquisition proposal.
- Lunch with an investor.
- Prepare the board presentation.
- Speak at an all-hands meeting.
Where chief executives work
Chief executives work in offices and travel often to meet customers, investors and staff.
Hours and schedule
Long hours, frequent travel and evening events are common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set strategy and goals
- Build the leadership team
- Approve budgets
- Report to the board
- Represent the organization publicly
- Make major decisions
- Shape company culture
Tools you’ll use every day
- Financial dashboards
- Board portals
- ERP reports
- CRM data
- Presentation software
- Video conferencing
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Top pay
- Shape a whole organization
- Big influence
- Varied work
What’s hard
- Very long hours
- High pressure
- Public accountability
- Job security depends on results
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like making big decisions
- I can handle pressure
- I enjoy leading leaders
- I’m comfortable with finance
- I want to shape an organization
- I can work long hours
Not sure? Take the free Chief Executive fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Set a culture of workplace safety
- Ensure legal and ethical compliance
- Protect data and privacy
- Plan for crises