My Working Day – Jordan Palmer – Co-founder of Lixir

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 Jordan Palmer, Co-founder of premium tonic water and mixer brand Lixir, about his working day.

What time do you wake up?

Usually between 7.30-8 am depending on what I am doing that morning. I used to think you needed to be up pre-6 am every day to live a productive work life but that’s really not the case at all! I work in the drinks industry where events and meetings can sometimes finish later in the day, so I’m mindful of not burning the candle at both ends!

What do you typically have for breakfast?

Always coffee. I’ll often skip breakfast in the week but if I’m working from home I’ll usually have eggs and toast – I’m not a massive fan of cold or sweet things in the morning!

What is the rest of your morning routine?

I’d love to say I have a flawless morning routine but I am still figuring out and learning what works best for me (some days I also have a terrible routine, am running late and don’t get much done!). I’ll always have a quick check of notifications on my phone (bad habit!), have a shower and get dressed, followed by a coffee. I usually keep things simple and start the day by writing down three tasks I need to complete by the end of that day – it means I don’t lose track of the day and even if I achieve nothing else outside of those tasks, I still know I’ve been productive.

What is the first thing you do at the start of your working day?

I’d have already checked my calendar before leaving the house and know my three tasks, so by the time I get to work it’s a quick hello with anyone in the office that day and then I’m usually straight on the laptop.

How do you prioritise your day’s work?

I feel like a broken record now but again I try to keep this simple! All work I have on at any one time will have its own deadline and either be high or low priority, so I’ll prioritise work based on that. I also usually keep any emails or internal calls with the team to the morning, so the afternoons are clear for meetings or cracking on with other work.

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

Of course! Meetings are a great asset. We have recurring weekly calls by department and with the whole team to make sure everything is moving in the right direction and we’re aligned as a business. Two tips I learned over lockdown to prevent ‘zoom fatigue’ but apply to in-person meetings too – 1) Make sure you leave a gap between each one to have a break and refocus, and 2) ask yourself if you REALLY need a meeting for this discussion or whether an email would suffice…

Do you have a working lunch or do you take a break?

I’ll usually try and take a break over lunch to recharge and catch up with the team, although I’m all for a working lunch when it’s at any of my favourite restaurants!

When does your working day finish?

It often depends but I usually like to be out of the office no later than 5.30 pm. I really value a healthy work-life balance, and I need my downtime to re-charge.

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

My diary usually starts to fill up a week in advance so my next day is often prepared before the evening prior – I don’t usually have to consciously prepare anything unless it’s a trip away.

What’s your favourite piece of technology?

Isn’t it iPhone for everyone?! If I can have two pieces though I’d include a pair of AirPods as well – I don’t leave the house without them!

How do you switch off?

No matter what I’m doing, Lixir can always drift into my conscious mind but I can normally easily ‘switch off’ when I’m on holiday, out for dinner, playing golf or immersed in a good psychological thriller on Netflix! I find leaving my phone in another room when I’m at home often helps (out of sight, out of mind!). Also, sleeping with my phone in another room has been a game-changer for my sleep – give it a try!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Now that’s a question! I’ve been fortunate to receive quite a lot of good advice from good people (that’s been some great advice in itself – surround yourself with good people!). But the first rule in Jordans Petersons’ 12 Rules of Life, “Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back” always sticks with me whenever I’m in a challenging situation (both in work and personally). I guess the phrase will have a slightly different meaning to everyone, but it reminds me to stay strong, composed and to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.