A Day within the Lifetime of Fortune 500 CEO Dan Amos of Aflac

• Dan Amos, the CEO of Aflac, shares his day by day routine balancing world operations.
• Amos emphasizes the significance of work-life steadiness and being accessible 24/7.
• Aflac’s success is tied to sturdy ties with Japan, which makes up 70% of its enterprise.

This as-told-to essay is predicated on a dialog with Dan Amos, the CEO of Aflac Included, about his day by day routine in Columbus, Georgia. It has been edited for size and readability.

I began my profession at Aflac Included as a gross sales consultant in 1973 and spent 10 years in gross sales. I grew to become the corporate’s high salesperson.

I ultimately rose by way of the ranks to carry a number of management positions, together with president in 1983, chief working officer in 1987, chief government in 1990, and chairman of the board in 2001. I have been the CEO for 35 years, which places me among the many high 5 present longest-serving Fortune 500 CEOs.

My main position is listening to and connecting with individuals — prospects, shareholders, establishments, the neighborhood, and my staff. Work-life steadiness is important, however in my place, I’ve to be accessible across the clock.

This is what a typical day in my life seems to be like.

6:30 a.m. — My day begins early with calls to Japan

I am up by 6:30 a.m. and have my first assembly with our crew in Japan by 7 a.m. Because of the 13-hour or 14-hour time distinction, we alternate holding calls early within the morning or late night. Working with Japan, which accounts for 70% of our enterprise, has taught me the worth of listening and thorough preparation.

Our colleagues’ consideration to element has improved our decision-making course of and strengthened our world operations, making these ties a cornerstone of our success.

7 a.m. — A fast breakfast and a brief commute

After wrapping up my assembly, I seize a fast breakfast and drive to the workplace, which is simply 5 minutes away.

By 7:30 a.m., I am at my desk and prepared for the day’s agenda.

7:30 a.m. — My workplace displays our firm’s world id and values

My workplace has a number of particular issues that imply loads to me. In fact, there is a particular Aflac duck on my desk, a ravishing Japanese silk display screen from the 1700s, and many household pictures as a result of that issues most.

8 a.m. — A health care provider’s-office type to maintain my door open for emergencies

Whereas I’ve scheduled appointments, my direct stories can come upstairs to see me if surprising points come up. They might wait slightly, however it will not be lengthy.

As soon as my conferences are over, I apply “administration by wandering round.” I will drop in on crew members and verify on tasks. I’ve discovered that it is higher to remain accessible and engaged however nonetheless give leaders the liberty to make choices inside the guardrails we have set.

12:30 p.m. — Lunch at my desk and the occasional Southern consolation meals

I normally eat lunch within the workplace whereas catching up on the markets and studying enterprise information.

Being a Southern boy, I grew up consuming easy nation meals. Some days, I will go to a close-by restaurant referred to as Nation’s Barbecue. I’ve recognized the proprietor endlessly, and my favourite meal is their barbecue hen.

Afternoon — Model constructing and disaster administration

The slowest a part of my day is normally between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., after my calls and morning conferences. That is once I work on technique and big-picture points that drive the corporate.

Over my 35 years as CEO, the most important change has been how rapidly I reply to points, because of how fast-paced life has turn out to be with fashionable know-how.

My dad advised me a very long time in the past that you simply earn your cash not on a day-to-day foundation however on particular days when you’ve got main points. When issues occur, crucial factor is to behave rapidly and never panic.

For instance, when Gilbert Gottfried, the previous voice of our Aflac duck, made inappropriate feedback concerning the tsunami in Japan in 2011, I needed to act quick. Inside half-hour, we pulled all his commercials within the US and terminated his contract.

6 p.m. — Wrapping up and spending high quality time at residence with my spouse, Kathelen

I go away the workplace by 6 p.m. to have dinner and spend high quality time with my spouse. Whereas I often work within the evenings, I am lucky to have a supportive spouse who understands when work calls.

Earlier than videoconferencing and cellphones, I traveled to Japan each different month and stayed late on the workplace day by day.

Now, my schedule is extra structured — I’ve weekly Sunday night time calls to start out Japan’s workweek, journey there 4 occasions a yr, and take calls round 8 p.m. each different night time except there’s an emergency. This setup lets me be efficient at work so I can give attention to creating extra significant moments with household.

Midnight — bedtime

After a protracted day, I unwind by watching TV however normally go to sleep in my chair round midnight.