Executives share top strategies for managing email inboxes

An analysis of 100 interviews with CEOs, founders, and investors reveals several common strategies used to manage high volumes of email and prevent it from becoming a distraction.

Key habits identified include setting priorities before opening an inbox to avoid being purely reactive. For example, Carter Reum of M13 establishes tactical tasks and priorities before checking messages, while Claudia Romo Edelman focuses on her 'big rocks' or most important daily accomplishments. Other executives, such as former Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, incorporate morning routines like meditation or reading before engaging with digital communications.

Another common strategy is scheduling specific time blocks for email rather than checking it continuously. Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff, for instance, transitioned from checking email first thing in the morning to utilizing dedicated 30-minute blocks for reading and responding.