Cookie CEO shares productivity strategy

Loren Castle, the 41-year-old CEO of Sweet Loren's cookies, shared her daily routine and key productivity strategy. After overcoming cancer at age 22, health and happiness became her priorities, leading her to found Sweet Loren's in 2011, focusing on better-for-you indulgence. The company, which now has 35 employees and generates millions in annual sales, became a national brand in 2016. Castle starts her day at 6:30 a.m. with her three children, ensuring she is fully present before her workday begins at 9 a.m. Her primary productivity tool is 'calendar stacking,' scheduling calls and emails back-to-back to maximize efficiency, while reserving afternoons for creative and strategic tasks. She also incorporates a non-negotiable one-hour workout around 10 a.m. for physical and mental well-being. Castle finishes her workday at 5 p.m. to focus on family, cooking, and activities like bike rides and dance parties. She winds down by 10:30 or 11 p.m. after a final email check and planning for the next day.