Executive Coach Recommends No Meetings on Monday Mornings and Friday Afternoons

Raleigh-based executive coach Shane Arthur recommends that busy executives and business owners protect the first hour of every Monday and the final hour of every Friday from meetings. He cautions against the popular practice of working on Sundays, believing a relaxed Monday start—coffee, journal and laptop—helps build a smoother week. Arthur uses his own schedule as a model, noting that family duties and personal recharge are essential before jumping into client calls.

He tells clients to extend this practice to their teams, creating a ripple effect of protected time. The coach also stresses that limiting meetings allows focus on the most important tasks, leading to a more organized 35-hour workweek rather than a rushed 45-hour one. He highlights the broader benefit of better work-life integration for families and personal well-being.