Shannon Hennessy, the CEO of Habit Burger, emphasizes the importance of personal well-being and confidence in her leadership style. In a recent interview with Business Insider, Hennessy outlined her daily routine, which blends professional responsibilities with personal commitments to fitness and family.
Hennessy, who took the helm at Habit Burger in March 2022 after serving as CFO for KFC’s Global Division, prioritizes her health and family time to ensure she remains effective in her role. “Invest in your own confidence,” she advises as one of her key pieces of career advice.
Morning Rituals and Exercise
Hennessy starts her day at around 5:30 a.m., often waking just before her alarm. She prepares her coffee the night before to enjoy a quiet moment before the day begins. “I protect my sleep as if it were one of my core KPIs,” she states, highlighting her commitment to rest.
Physical activity is integral to her routine. Each week, she schedules workouts in advance, which include two Orangetheory classes and outdoor strength boot camps. Hennessy monitors her health with the Oura Ring, particularly focusing on her sleep and recovery. “Exercise regulates my energy so I can show up as my best self,” she explains, emphasizing that her goal is not competitive but rather to maintain personal well-being.
Breakfast and Work Life
After her workouts, Hennessy prepares breakfast for her family, often opting for high-protein meals. Her dietary focus has shifted this year, increasing her protein target from 100g to 120g daily, while also being mindful of fiber intake.
By 8:30 a.m., she arrives at the office, energized and ready to engage with her team. Hennessy relies heavily on her assistant, Katie, who she describes as a vital “pulse check” on the company’s culture. Her day is filled with meetings, restaurant visits, and collaboration on projects aimed at revitalizing the Habit Burger brand.
Part of her recent initiatives includes “market glow-ups,” where she enhances restaurant locations with updated signage and improved visibility, ensuring each outlet reflects the local community’s character.
Afternoons and Inspiration
Lunch is typically a quick affair for Hennessy, often a protein-packed salad. The afternoons are dedicated to brainstorming sessions, social media content creation, and culinary innovation. She seeks inspiration from various sources, including industry podcasts and business literature, believing that ideas can emerge from unexpected places.
“I look for questions we’re not being asked, like how to become a Gen Z ‘first-choice’ employer,” she notes, underscoring her commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.
Evenings are reserved for family, with her husband often taking the lead in preparing meals. Hennessy values this time together, which she believes is crucial for maintaining balance in her life. She aims to be in bed by 9 p.m., prioritizing sleep as essential for her performance and well-being.
In her role as CEO of Habit Burger, Hennessy exemplifies how personal health, family commitments, and professional responsibilities can coexist harmoniously. Her approach highlights a growing recognition in the corporate world that personal well-being is fundamental to effective leadership and sustained business success.
