My Working Day – Jim Shaw – CEO & Founder of Shaw & Co

As the leader of a company, you are there to set an example, to lead and inspire a team of individuals to achieve a series of business goals. But how do these business leaders go about their daily routine? Business Leader spoke to Jim Shaw – CEO & Founder of Shaw & Co, about his working day.

What time do you usually wake up?

Normally between 5:30am and 6:00am. It’s my 4 and 6 year old children that wake me up at that time – I’d much rather sleep a little longer.

What do you typically have for breakfast?

First thing I do in the morning is reach for the coffee! I was given a proper coffee machine for my birthday about three years ago, it changed my life. After that it’s a slice of toast.

What’s the rest of your morning routine before you start work?

I’d love to say something about an inspirational run along the coast or similar, but its focused on getting the children ready for school and doing the drop off. In addition to the 4 and 6 year old, we also have a new baby, so its all hands on deck.

How do you prioritise your work?

In corporate finance its often difficult to differentiate the important from the urgent. You have to get todays deals done but you also need to be looking 9 to 12 months down the line. You have to step back from the inbox regularly to keep perspective.

Do you plan meetings, or are they a waste of time?

You have to question those meetings that get into your diary without agenda or purpose. However, sometimes clients and employees just need time to talk. It’s about reassurance and relationship building, not always efficiency and output.

Do you have a working lunch, or is it good to take a break?

It’s good to take a break but it’s rarely practical. If I get to eat it’s a bonus. I’ll take that. I am working to make more time in my day, but leading a growing business that’s a challenge.

When does your working day finish?

I’ll always do my best to get home for bedtime, I like to see the little ones and help with baths and story time. So I normally wrap up in the office before 6:15pm, luckily the commute is very short. It depends what is on, but if needs be I’ll then go to my home office to finish up the day.

How do you prepare for your next day’s work?

Normally several days in advance to be honest. Most days involve client meetings that need many hours of preparation from the team. You can’t be looking at tomorrow. You have to be looking at this time next week.

What’s your favourite piece of technology?

Anything computer and data related. It still amazes me to think what we can achieve now thanks to computers that we couldn’t 15 years ago. The iPhone was only launched in 2007. Mind blowing really.

How do you switch off?

I love to sail, either dinghy or yacht racing (someone else’s yacht to be clear). I’ve done that since I was little. Then I have my AC Cobra replica that keeps me busy. Always something to fix or tinker with and on the rare occasion its actually working – it’s great to drive.

The best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Make time for your children now, blink and you will miss them.