CEO Intern Cast Diary

           One of the biggest lessons we’re beginning to understand and incorporate into our lives is the necessity of balance in order to plan and succeed. After a long day at the office on Monday, some members of the team unwound by performing an extended concert on Rock Band late into the night. As always, the morning comes quick, and work always starts quicker. As I look around our marble conference table, rather our combined executive desk, I see worn faces and even a “power-napping” comrade. A long night of “rockin” doesn’t mix well with a long day’s work.

            When I was young, I would always ask my Dad how he could leave his head office in Kenya for weeks at a time to visit us. “But don’t you have to work like all the other Dads,” I questioned sitting on his shoulders. “As you grow older son,” he replied, now holding me in front of him. “You’ll understand what separates the successful businessmen from the rest.”

As the years passed, and I delved deeper into my emerging business career, my father’s advice materialized. However, managing my time only proved crucial when I became overburdened by assignments…

Not anymore. From the moment we awake at 6:30 am until the late hours at night, every hour of day must be carefully organized and managed. As a CEO, absolutely anything can arise with or without a moment’s notice. In order to be successful, you must accept or learn to accept, this work style and lifestyle. At first every section of our day became overrun by clutter, responsibility, and disorganization. Although our days remain very similar, we have become or are beginning to acclimate and almost welcome this flexible environment.