Business Insider recently spoke with our CEO, Bess Freedman, on her daily work from home routine during COVID-19. Bess shared, "I created this routine where I get up every day and I do these rituals. It's kept me positive. It's kept me focused. You have to do it if you're going to be able to survive this successfully." See her typical day's schedule below and read the full article here.
6:30 a.m.
Shower.
Coffee.
Meditate for 10 mins so I can center myself for what lies ahead.
Listen to an uplifting podcast. I love Oprah's "SuperSoul" and Sam Harris' "Making Sense." These get my mind going and offer a sense of calm and inspiration. If I need to laugh, I listen to Howard Stern.
Then I read the newspapers, NYT, WSJ, and daily business updates online.
8 a.m.
At 8 a.m. every morning, I have a conference call with the entire Brown Harris Stevens executive staff for a daily check-in. It sets a good tone for the day.
9 a.m.
By 9 a.m., I am reading emails and returning phone calls.
11:45 a.m.
At 11:45 a.m., we have companywide conference calls or webinars, depending on the day. It's important to keep everyone connected and informed. We talk about everything from state of the market and how to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic to social-media best practices and health and wellness tips. We also send updates to our agents on our new digital playbook and "virtual tour" guides so agents can keep their businesses afloat even in these challenging times.
After that, it's a quick break for lunch, then back to calls with agents, Hall Willkie (the company president) and the other executives from our offices in Palm Beach, Miami, and the Hamptons.
I make it a priority to take an hour break to exercise. This includes the seven-minute app and jumping rope. I encourage all of my agents and staff to take time out to exercise, whether it's a walk or yoga or something a little more intense. It's a great way to beat cabin fever and keep your endorphins up — and we all need that during this time.
6 p.m.
I have teenagers home right now, so we try to vary activities. The other day, we baked cookies and played a board game. At night, we take turns and each pick a movie.
My daughter, who is 17 and going to Berklee next year for singing, serenades me, which always makes my heart happy.
I have a group chat with my mahjong group, and we send each other funny videos and uplifting information. We are even participating in a Zoom conference.
I go to bed after my calls are done (including checking in with my mother and brother) and try to get as much rest as possible, which is important to stay healthy and focused. The next day begins again at 6:30 a.m.
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