My Working Day – Lorraine Lewis – CEO of The Lewis Foundation UK
Story by
September 15, 2023
As the leader of a company, you are there to set an example and 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? We spoke to Lorraine Lewis, CEO of The Lewis Foundation UK, about her working day.
What time do you wake up?
I am an early bird so I usually wake up around 5.30am -5.45am. I usually spend around 15 minutes journalling and then 15 minutes reading a book.
What do you typically have for breakfast?
My first thing in the morning is HUEL usually the banana or salted caramel, which sets me up nicely for the morning.
What is the rest of your morning routine?
Starting the day with fitness is something I enjoy for some me time for thinking and working on my health. Three times a week I go to Spin and the other two days ballet barre. Then would head back home and get ready for the day. My working day usually starts around 9am/10am.
What is the first thing you do at the start of your working day?
My work is so varied from meeting corporate partners and hospital staff at all levels, interacting with the community and speaking to patients in cancer wards. I have to have a clear plan of action and that is how I start my week and each day. At the start of each week I have a plan of what I intend to do each day. Then each evening I review where I am to see if I am on track, then make a plan of action for the following.
So I will start the day looking at this so I have a clear focus on my plan ahead. This is something I implemented this year so I don’t cram my schedule full which had previously stopped me from having time for myself, family, and friends and doing the things I enjoy when not working.
How do you prioritise your day’s work?
Due to having a plan of action, I can scale in order of importance what is a priority and focus on that first. As long as I get the priority work done, I am happy! Anything else can be rolled out later into the week or the following week.
Do you plan meetings or are they a waste of time?
I have spent too many years doing meetings that were a waste of time. I am now very intentional with my time so I find my meetings productive. Meetings, for me, in the week, are dedicated to Tuesdays and Thursdays, going in with a clear plan and agenda ahead of the meeting so we know what is being discussed.
This enables me to keep on track and not letting meetings overrun. I like the feeling have leaving meetings now knowing progress has been made and a clear plan of action in place.
Do you have a working lunch or do you take a break?
I am trying to get better and not having a working lunch, whether that is going out for a walk and getting some fresh air or physically sitting in a different location away from my desk to have lunch. I am getting better but still not quite there yet! I am working on it.
When does your working day finish?
Around 6pm/7pm unless there is a charity event or our monthly trustee meeting which is usually scheduled after working hours to ensure every attends.
How do you prepare for the next day’s work?
Have answered above.
What’s your favourite piece of technology?
It has to be my phone the fact that you can do everything you need now on your phone from listening to my podcasts, listening to music, social media and keeping in contact.
How do you switch off?
It involves putting my phone away so I can be fully present and relax, with no distractions. My switch-off time generally involves reading & writing, going for a walk and being outdoors especially if the sun is shining. Also spending time with my husband Lee, family and friends – which usually involves good food and wine.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
When I doubt whether I should do something, I am always reminded of this quote “What if I fail, but darling what if you fly.” There has been so many times where I would not try something because of what people may say or because I don’t have the experience.
Often it works and then you realise it was not that bad after all. On the occasions where it did not work, at least you know that and you can move forward. This quote always reminds in those moments, anything is possible and it could work. It is better to have tried and failed, than not trying at all.
