Welcome to The 6 a.m. CFO, where finance chiefs share how they jump-start their days and engage with the tasks that are in front of them.

Today, Paycor’s Adam Ante explains the need for prioritization during the workday, the family tradition he shares with his sons, and the importance of having an authentic leadership style.

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Paycor

• A human capital management software whose platform helps modernize people management, including recruitment, onboarding, development, payment, and retention.
• Founded: 1990
• Size: About 2300 employees
• Annual revenue: $429 million as of June 30, 2022, or fiscal year 2022

MORNING ROUTINE

Weekday wake-up time and the first thing I like to do: I like to wake up around 5:45 a.m. during the week. I start with a pre-workout drink with some caffeine and pray on the way to the gym. I tend to focus on weights and mix in HIIT sessions and some running.

Coffee, tea, or other morning beverage choice? After the gym, I like to start with a whey protein shake. Right now I’m drinking a Chocolate Whey Protein by Optimum Nutrition.

After that, it’s straight to Starbucks Pike Place until lunch. No sugar or cream; only black!

Workday start time: Typically target 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at my home office, but I may have already sent a few emails or made a call to connect with the other early risers on something important for the day.

How I usually spend the first hour of my day: Prioritization is critical for me because I can let myself get sucked into too many issues. So, I keep a running list of all of my key priorities and of course, focus on the most urgent and important items first.

I try to look for items where others need something from me in order to move their work or make a decision. That way, I can get my thoughts or feedback out and they aren’t waiting on me all day.

Time I send out my first email: If I check my email before the gym, the notes might be flying by 6 a.m., but more often I try to hold back until I sit down at my desk.

Best advice for writing an effective email: Business writing is not a mystery novel, so say what you’re trying to say, upfront. Keep it concise and to the point.

And if you need a decision or for someone to take action, be sure that it is super clear.

More recently, I’ve even thrown my emails into a generative AI model and asked if the note is clear and for a summary to ensure I hit the right tone.

First dashboard I review: There are a couple of things I like to check in the morning to kick off the day, including daily business metrics, industry news, and broader market news. We have a handful of PowerBI dashboards with key metrics on pipeline, portfolio, and service metrics. 

Then I’ll check out HCM-specific industry news, and then I’ll check the WSJ and Bloomberg for broader market news or headlines I need to dig into.

How I structure my morning meetings: I definitely feel the most productive in the morning. So I try to focus on the most important items, topics I need to think about, notes I need to write, or collaborative work.

More and more lately, I’m trying to avoid meetings and keep more free time on my calendar where I can manage my priorities more effectively.

Mid-morning snack of choice: If I need a quick snack in the morning, I try to keep it light with maybe a piece of toast, like Dave’s Killer Bread, with a little jelly or peanut butter.

If I need a little more, maybe some non-fat Greek yogurt.

INSPIRATION AND LEADERSHIP

Favorite quote or mantra: “Motivation is fickle.

“It comes and goes. It is unreliable and when you are counting on motivation to get your goals accomplished, you will likely fall short.

“Don’t expect to be motivated every day to get out there and make things happen. You won’t be. Don’t count on motivation. Count on discipline.” — Jocko Willink

Favorite leadership lesson: When I first started in the CFO role, I was really anxious and felt I needed to prove myself to my peers and to my team. I drove really hard, day and night, and tried to show up as extra tough, which translated to more of a jerk than I realized.

You can definitely push hard on everyone in bursts to accomplish things, but when you lead for a long period, over multiple years, you really need to be authentic in your style, because you’re going to have to show up over and over again.

Not showing up with my authentic style was extremely draining and didn’t allow me to build real relationships. I needed to trust in myself, build strong relationships with my peers, and develop my authentic style. Eventually, I became more consistent in how I lead, and I’ve never enjoyed the work more.

Something important to know about me that you wouldn’t know from my business bio: I’m super intentional with my family. I’ve coached each of my three boys across a ton of sports, and now I’m coaching baseball for my youngest son.

My boys also get to pick a trip when they turn 13 for just them and my wife and me. My oldest son picked NYC, my middle son picked Winter Park, Colorado, and my youngest son is still TBD.

And my middle son and I just spent a week in Montana with The New Frontier Ministries, which is a Christian ministry focused on identity, mission, community, and code. Amazing trip.

What was the last job you did at your company that fell outside your traditional scope of work? I’m not sure what the traditional scope of work entails anymore, but I get to be involved in a ton of different areas and work with a lot of great folks across the business.

Lots of connecting with customers, generative AI, DE&I, cybersecurity, real estate, lead generation, and sponsorships — so many interesting topics outside of traditional finance.

Can you share one way in which you have learned to manage work-induced stress: If I’m honest with myself, I sort of enjoy the stress.

But, I’ve found when I get away from workouts and prayer, I become much more agitated at work and with my family. So, I try to keep my morning routine and workout, or rock climb and be active outside as best I can; even when I’m traveling.

Favorite number (and why): 30. It’s my youngest son’s jersey right now!

Most noteworthy items in my workspace: Lots of cool deal trophies for various acquisitions, capital raises, and projects.

It’s probably between a great bottle of Woodford Reserve Bourbon with an engraving for the Paycor HCM IPO from July 2021, or a Lego set of Paycor Stadium I received from my family! Both amazing projects to be a part of.

Do you have a pet sitting in your office right now: New puppy coming soon!

Favorite app on my phone that is not related to business: Probably Ultimate Guitar, which has tablature for tons of songs to play the guitar.

I picked up the guitar in college and I’ve probably forgotten more songs than I remember at this point, but it’s still fun to learn new songs.

When do you take time for learning/reading: I really like to read earlier in the morning, and definitely on the weekends.

Saturday mornings and vacations are great places for me to disconnect and spend time reading. I tend to hold off later in the day for calls and catching up on emails.