logo
Get Out Of Your Inbox: Four Tactics To Buy Back Your Time

Get Out Of Your Inbox: Four Tactics To Buy Back Your Time

Forbes7 days ago
Ginni Saraswati is an entrepreneur, award-winning media personality, CEO of Ginni Media and cofounder of Metro Podcast Studio.
CEOs regularly report that time management is their greatest challenge. Take, for example, email, which can be a time-sucker and not nearly as productive as we think. A 2016 Harvard study found that email usage was regularly to blame for workflow interruptions and extended workdays.
In today's hyper-connected business environment, the average executive spends approximately 28% of their workweek managing emails. This digital deluge doesn't just consume time; it fragments attention, disrupts strategic thinking and creates a perpetual cycle of reactivity rather than proactivity.
The Email Blackhole
How do we get sucked into navigating so much email traffic? One reason is that CEOs are endlessly copied on email threads. Teams often feel email is the easiest way to keep leadership in the loop. Leaders feel pressure to respond because it signals recognition, and ignoring an email can give the impression that they're either ignoring, not reading or being rude.
When the majority of issues covered in emails don't directly involve the recipient, it's easy to get drawn into the operational weeds. It should also be noted that bad habits can start from leadership, and emails from the CEO sent at night, on weekends or on holidays can set unhealthy norms and spark a chain of unnecessary communication. From there, it becomes easy for everyone in an organization to fall into bad communication habits.
The Myth Of Inbox Zero
While productivity gurus champion "inbox zero" as the gold standard, this pursuit often comes at a considerable cost. The relentless pressure to clear the inbox can lead to an unhealthy relationship with work communications and diminished presence in other areas of your business and personal life.
This obsession has created unrealistic expectations, making people feel like they're on call both in and outside of the workplace. It's time to start questioning whether this standard really serves us, or if it perpetuates the type of workplace culture that inevitably leads to burnout.
Email As A Strategic Tool, Not A Default Channel
One critical shift involves recognizing when email is the appropriate medium for communication and when it isn't. We've normalized using email for everything from quick confirmations to delicate negotiations. This creates a mountain of inefficiency, especially when there are simpler ways to handle things. Before starting what might turn into a lengthy email thread, ask yourself, "Is a call better in this case?"
The trend to cut back on meetings might also have pushed us too far. We've turned so many meetings into emails that now it's the emails that have become the problem. Some reverse engineering might be in order. It's time to recognize that some email threads could have been a single five-minute meeting instead.
Setting Boundaries And Managing Expectations
Establishing clear parameters around email availability has become increasingly important. Many executives have found success incorporating status indicators into their email signatures. For example, "I check email twice daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. For urgent matters, please contact..."
However, such boundaries are only effective when consistently enforced. The internal commitment must match the external communication—a disconnect that many leaders struggle with. The real challenge is to honor the boundaries we create for ourselves. Over time, firm boundary habits will stick, sending a message to your team and your personal connections that you mean what you say.
Four Practical Tactics For Email Management
There are several proven strategies for maintaining control over your inbox, rather than letting it control you:
1. Implement email-free zones. Designate specific times, particularly during high-cognitive performance hours, when email notifications are turned off.
2. Utilize the "NNTR" technique. Adding "no need to reply" to appropriate messages eliminates unnecessary back-and-forth exchanges.
3. Leverage AI and delegation. Digital tools like email assistants can filter, prioritize and even draft responses to routine communications, freeing up time for more strategic tasks.
4. Practice intentional batching. Process emails in dedicated blocks rather than continuous monitoring, allowing for deeper focus during non-email periods.
The True Measure Of Success
As business pressure mounts and AI capabilities expand, the temptation to remain continuously connected grows stronger. Yet the difference between successful, not-enough-hours-in-the-day executives and truly exceptional leaders with ample downtime often lies in their ability to protect their attention. As Warren Buffett once said, "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything."
The most effective email management strategy is minimizing the inbox's centrality to daily operations. Thinking more strategically about how we communicate allows us to work with more intention, carve out time for rest and reclaim significant portions of the workday for the deep thinking and strategic planning that truly drive business growth.
Greater productivity comes not through doing more, but through focusing attention on what genuinely matters.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

RNR Q2 Deep Dive: Property Catastrophe Growth and Fee Income Drive Performance
RNR Q2 Deep Dive: Property Catastrophe Growth and Fee Income Drive Performance

Yahoo

time6 hours ago

  • Yahoo

RNR Q2 Deep Dive: Property Catastrophe Growth and Fee Income Drive Performance

Reinsurance provider RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR) beat Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 13.4% year on year to $3.21 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $12.29 per share was 25.7% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy RNR? Find out in our full research report (it's free). RenaissanceRe (RNR) Q2 CY2025 Highlights: Revenue: $3.21 billion vs analyst estimates of $2.95 billion (13.4% year-on-year growth, 8.7% beat) Adjusted EPS: $12.29 vs analyst estimates of $9.78 (25.7% beat) Market Capitalization: $11.54 billion StockStory's Take RenaissanceRe delivered a solid second quarter, outperforming Wall Street's expectations for both revenue and adjusted earnings per share. Management attributed this performance to the company's diversified underwriting portfolio, improved investment returns, and a recovery in fee income from its capital partners business. CEO Kevin O'Donnell emphasized that growth in tangible book value per share and robust operating return on equity were achieved despite recent catastrophe events and active share repurchases. The quarter also benefited from favorable reserve development across multiple accident years, with CFO Bob Qutub noting strong underwriting income and the successful execution of midyear property catastrophe renewals. Looking ahead, RenaissanceRe's outlook is built on continued discipline in underwriting, stable investment income, and the ability to deploy capital in attractive segments, particularly property catastrophe reinsurance. Management believes that the current market environment—characterized by healthy returns and stable pricing—will persist into 2026, barring unforeseen major loss events. O'Donnell stated, "We believe we can continue to preserve our margin and find opportunities to deploy capital," while also highlighting the company's flexible approach to capital management and its readiness to adjust strategies as market conditions evolve. Key Insights from Management's Remarks Management pointed to a combination of underwriting discipline, investment leverage, and capital partner fee recovery as key contributors to Q2's financial results and ongoing profitability. Underwriting portfolio diversification: RenaissanceRe has expanded its underwriting platform, allowing it to address a broad range of risk problems and secure terms above market rates, especially in U.S. property catastrophe reinsurance. Fee income normalization: The capital partners segment, which generates management and performance fees from third-party investor capital, rebounded after last quarter's wildfire-related deferrals, contributing $95 million in Q2 and adding a stable earnings stream. Investment leverage and returns: The company's larger, longer-duration reserve base—now $19 billion—enables greater investment income, particularly as interest rates remain elevated. Net investment income was highlighted as a persistent and growing component of profitability. Strategic capital deployment: Management reported $1.7 billion of new limit deployed into property catastrophe so far this year, with a focus on Florida and California where RenaissanceRe was able to write 80% of Florida premium at private terms above market rates. Casualty and specialty adjustments: The company continues to reduce exposure in general liability, cutting it by 30% over the past year, while maintaining a cautious approach amid elevated trend in casualty lines. Specialty and credit lines remained stable and profitable. Drivers of Future Performance RenaissanceRe expects future performance to hinge on disciplined underwriting in property catastrophe, continued fee income, and prudent capital management. Property catastrophe portfolio positioning: Management plans to maintain its focus on U.S. property catastrophe reinsurance, leveraging its scale and long-standing client relationships to secure above-market terms. The portfolio is expected to remain both sizable and profitable, assuming no material change in catastrophe activity. Fee income and investment stability: The capital partners business is set to continue providing stable fee income, while the company's investment strategy—emphasizing yield and duration flexibility—should support consistent returns if interest rates stay elevated. Management guided to similar fee levels in upcoming quarters, barring significant loss events. Casualty and specialty risk management: RenaissanceRe is monitoring elevated trends in casualty claims and remains conservative in growing exposure within these lines. Any deterioration in claims or pricing could prompt further adjustments, but management believes current rate adequacy will hold through next year. Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will watch for (1) the pace and profitability of property catastrophe portfolio growth amid hurricane season, (2) continued recovery and stability in fee income from capital partner vehicles, and (3) any adjustments in casualty and specialty lines as claims trends and pricing evolve. Developments in investment returns and capital management, such as additional share repurchases, will also be monitored. RenaissanceRe currently trades at $238.91, in line with $237.45 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Our Favorite Stocks Right Now When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2024, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that's already erased most losses. Don't let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

Castine Unveils Transformative RMS Upgrade, Redefining Research Management for Asset Managers
Castine Unveils Transformative RMS Upgrade, Redefining Research Management for Asset Managers

Business Wire

time12 hours ago

  • Business Wire

Castine Unveils Transformative RMS Upgrade, Redefining Research Management for Asset Managers

RIDGEWOOD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Castine unveiled a major upgrade to its Research Management System, introducing reimagined functionality and the addition of over 100 million financial instrument data elements to its library. 'We're creating a living, breathing ecosystem where every datapoint contributes to a broader intelligence network,' said Robin Hodgkins Share The current RMS system is used globally by asset managers to organize, tag, and extract value from both internally generated research as well as content received from hundreds of brokers and research providers. The system became part of Castine's offering following its recent acquisition of Paris-based ResearchPool. The RMS enhancements include an expanded central repository with full integration into Microsoft Office, enabling users to tag and catalog documents at the point of creation, significantly boosting the efficiency and accuracy of repository-wide searches. Personalized Intelligence at Scale Perhaps most revolutionary is the RMS's ability to reflect each user's unique research methodology, business rules and relationship network. Instead of requiring professionals to conform to rigid software structures, the RMS now adapts to their individual workflows, serving as a digital extension of their analytical process. The platform's newly introduced fund holdings views and interactive corporate hierarchy diagrams deliver unprecedented transparency into complex financial structures. Users can now seamlessly visualize end-to-end parent-subsidiary connections with intuitive clarity that reshapes the investment decision-making process. 'We're moved beyond simply managing research, we're creating a living, breathing ecosystem where every datapoint contributes to a broader intelligence network,' said Robin Hodgkins, President of Castine Consulting LLC. 'With these new capabilities, and our expanded data library, Castine RMS is now positioned as the 'command center' for next-generation research operations.' The development and rollout of the upgraded RMS were a collaborative effort across teams in France, Portugal, and Argentina. 'This has been a true team achievement, showcasing the strengths of our long-standing group and the expanded capabilities we now offer as part of the Castine family,' said Castine Director Pedro Fernandes, former President of ResearchPool who led the design and architecture of the RMS suite. The enhanced platform will be available to clients beginning September 1st. About Castine Castine is a global leader in commission management and research solutions, with over 30 years of experience supporting CSA and research programs. Castine serves more than 500 asset managers and brokers and 2000+ research provider. Offices in the United Kingdom, Europe, Argentina, and the United States.

Snowflake Stock Is on Fire. But Can the Momentum Last?
Snowflake Stock Is on Fire. But Can the Momentum Last?

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Snowflake Stock Is on Fire. But Can the Momentum Last?

Key Points Management is investing aggressively in key growth opportunities. Investors love Snowflake's emphasis on AI. The stock's valuation is questionable. 10 stocks we like better than Snowflake › With artificial intelligence (AI) seeming to be one of the major investing themes of 2025, it's no surprise that AI and data platform specialist Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW) has seen its shares soar this year. As of this writing, the stock is up nearly 40% year to date. This is far ahead of the S&P 500's rise of about 7%. Investors love the tech company's increased focus on AI and its rapid revenue growth. But have investor expectations risen too high? After all, the company is still reporting massive quarterly losses, even as its market capitalization sits at about $72 billion. A true growth stock To be fair, Snowflake's losses are intentional. As Snowflake CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy stated during the company's most recent earnings call (the first quarter of fiscal 2026), Snowflake is investing "aggressively in growth." Just as is the case with most growth stocks, today's investments are about the future. "We are building our strength in executing with urgency and focus to capture the opportunities ahead and sustain durable momentum," the CEO added. As long as the company continues growing rapidly, investors will likely be forgiving when it comes to losses. After all, Wall Street hopes Snowflake can grow at high rates for years to come. Fiscal first-quarter product revenue, which rose 26% year over year to nearly $1 billion, was notable. Importantly, the growth rate was far higher than what management had guided for. Going into the quarter, the company had stated that it expected product revenue to increase 21% to 22% year over year. The big difference in Snowflake's reported growth and management's guidance is likely one reason the stock has done so well this year. Importantly, management believes the AI and data platform company's business momentum will remain strong in fiscal Q2. The company's guidance was significantly more upbeat this time around, with management forecasting 25% year-over-year revenue growth for the period. Show me the money While it's great to see Snowflake's revenue growing rapidly and management guiding for more of the same in fiscal Q2, investors shouldn't ignore the company's disappointing bottom line. The company's net loss is moving in the wrong direction. First of all, Snowflake's fiscal first-quarter net loss was $430 million -- much worse than its $318 million loss in the year-ago quarter. Even worse, however, is how Snowflake's net loss is shaping up as a percentage of revenue. The loss amounted to 41% of revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, up from 38% of revenue in the year-ago period. Until Snowflake's losses begin to improve rapidly, measured as a percentage of sales, investors have the right to be concerned about the sustainability of the tech company's business model. Snowflake's lack of operational leverage to date, therefore, makes the tech stock one worth avoiding for now. Simply put: Shares look overvalued. Sure, it's possible that the stock's momentum persists and investors who don't buy the stock today miss out. But given how significant Snowflake's losses are relative to its substantial market capitalization of about $72 billion at the time of this writing, it makes sense to hope for a significant pullback in the stock price before taking a position in this growth story. Of course, investors might want to consider paying up for Snowflake's premium valuation if the company begins to demonstrate consistent and clear operating leverage. If the company can pull this off, shares could continue to rise faster than the S&P 500. But this is a big if. Unless this occurs, investors should remind themselves that it's perfectly fine to admire a business while avoiding the stock. Price matters. Unfortunately, this growth stock is priced for perfection, even as its bottom line is moving in the wrong direction. Should you buy stock in Snowflake right now? Before you buy stock in Snowflake, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Snowflake wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $665,092!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,050,477!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,055% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Daniel Sparks and his clients have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Snowflake. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Snowflake Stock Is on Fire. But Can the Momentum Last? was originally published by The Motley Fool

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store