Where do you do your best thinking? Bloomberg News asked a range of professionals this question — from CEOs of global companies to an author, a painter and a scientist — and got a range of answers. Early in the morning, late at night, in the shower, at a desk: The optimal time for creative thought was as individual as the work these leaders do.
Does jazz music, aromatherapy or complete silence contribute to your creative business planning? Let us know your own routines in the comments below.
The consumer product czar
“In the morning around 7, after sorting through various issues via email, I often opt for a hot aromatherapy shower. It helps relax my mind, and I’ve had some of my greatest epiphanies during this time.”
—Mark Rosenzweig, chief executive officer, Euro-Pro
The restaurant mogul
“My strongest ideas come when I’m in my house late at night, between 11 and 1. I always have jazz or country music playing in the background, and I often find myself at my stand-up desk or sketching on a large whiteboard, developing ideas I can flesh out with my team the next day.”
—Kevin Reddy, chairman and CEO, Noodles & Co.
The writer
“Every morning I tell myself to just start writing, and the rest is automatic. I wear noise-canceling headphones, mostly to block the sound of my own talking. I use an app called Freedom to shut off the Internet. But I’ll sometimes do an hour of work, after my son goes to bed, with a glass of wine, no earplugs, and my husband nearby. Often that is when it goes best.”