DBusiness Magazine
Capitol Returns
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s tenure as Michigan’s elected leader has been marked by an elastic lockdown of the state economy, a steady stream of political attacks, and an autocratic management style. Combined, it’s led to thousands of job losses and business closings since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Illustrations by Jason Raish
In an inaugural address, every elected president, governor, or mayor seeks to offer a list of their numerous goals while detailing a first-term agenda. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ran on a promise to “fix the damn roads,” vowed bipartisan cooperation, and committed to dealing with a host of other issues in her first State of the State address in February 2019.
For a man
whose business is Zen, it’s anything but stress-free managing a billion-dollar company with 175 employees and more than 2 million subscribers. We spoke to Michael Acton Smith, the cofounder and co-CEO of the company behind the meditation app Calm, about his nighttime routine, the power of doodling, and other ways he soothes his mind.
8:00 a.m.
CLEAR YOUR HEAD
Unlike the Steve Jobses of the world, Michael Acton Smith, 46, begins most days by setting an alarm for 8:00 a.m. “I know there’s a lot of people in the 5:00 a.m. Club,” he says. “Comparatively, I’m just a late riser.” And instead of checking his texts or news alerts, he places his iPhone on airplane mode for 30 minutes. “The first thing most people do is reach for their phone. Instead, I try and meditate. I try to clear my mind, focus on my breathing, and center myself. It’s a joyful part of my morning.”