Welcome to our new series, the 6 a.m CFO where CFOs share how they jump-start their days and engage with the tasks that are in front of them. In this series, CFOs share when they start their mornings, begin their workday, and, of course, their caffeine of choice. They also share best practices on how they structure their mornings for maximum productivity and lessons in leadership. (We also ask their favorite numbers because why not.) 

Today, Grossman Burn Centers CFO Roy Pasco shares what has changed his perspective on time management, the action figures on his desk that keep him cheerful, and his favorite number (hint: it’s from a basketball jersey).

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Weekday wake-up time and the first thing I like to do (workout, meditate, etc.): I wake up at 6 a.m. and the first thing I do is check the stock market and current news. Then I either run on the treadmill or get on my indoor bike for an hour for my exercise.  

Time I send out my first email: 7:30 a.m.

Workday start time: 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Coffee, tea, or other morning beverage choice?: I prefer coffee in the morning. Specifically the K-cup Starbucks Verdana Blend Coffee. 

First dashboard I review: I check bank electronic funds transfers (EFTs), daily/weekly cash flow, and accounts payable aging.

How I usually spend the first hour of my day: I spend my first hour checking my emails and listing my daily tasks/projects on my so-called “Daily T-Bar.” I list all work-related tasks on the left side and personal-related tasks on the right side. It’s an effective strategy for me to prioritize the tasks that need to be done first.

How I structure my morning meetings: I prioritize management meetings in the morning, usually around 9 or 10 a.m. before our individual schedules become hectic during the day. Meetings with co-workers and vendors are usually scheduled in the afternoon.  

Mid-morning snack of choice: Muscle Milk Protein shake and/or Magic Flakes Crackers.

Best advice for writing an effective email: Email should be precise and straight to the point. Make sure it’s clear or comprehensible. It saves both parties time and effort to reach a shared understanding.

Most noteworthy items in my workspace: I do have a KAWS and The Joker action figures on my desk. They give my workstation an animated vibe, which keeps me cheerful and lively throughout the day.

Favorite quote or mantra:  These are the quotes that I live by. From Kobe Bryant: “May you always remember to enjoy the road, especially when it’s a hard one.” 

Another is from Jack Dorsey: “Expect the unexpected and whenever possible, be the unexpected.”

Something important to know about me that you wouldn’t know from my business bio: I am a Triathlete and a proud member of 3P Tri-Team. I finished my first Ironman 70.3 race last year. This year, I will be racing in Ironman Sacramento. I can say that training for a triathlon has changed my perspective on time management and goal setting. Nothing is unattainable if you have your mind set on achieving it. I was able to apply what I learned in training, as far as discipline and prioritization, to my daily work responsibilities. 

Favorite number: The number 15. It has always been my basketball jersey number. It was also the jersey number of my favorite NBA player Carmelo Anthony during his college and early NBA years.

Favorite leadership lesson: Leadership is not just about the job title and being in control. It is about building relationships and inspiring others to work towards a common goal. 

Favorite app on my phone that is not related to business: My apple music app where I play Incubus songs over and over. Also, the Strava app to keep up with my friends and teammates on their fitness activities.

When do you take time for learning/reading?: Any free time I have or when I’m all alone without distractions. Mostly early in the morning.