Early Morning Routine of Kevin Rhodes at Extreme Networks: Insights into His Daily Beginnings
Welcome to our 6 a.m. series, where we delve into the daily routines of finance chiefs. Today, we're chatting with Kevin Rhodes, CFO of Extreme Networks, about how he rolls out of bed and tackles the day's challenges.
Extreme Networks is a powerhouse in the AI-native cloud networking business, with a crew of 2,700 employees and a whopping $1.1B in annual revenue. Now, let's get into Kevin's morning routine!
Can you walk us through your typical workday morning routine? Any morning boosters? I usually rise between 6 and 6:15 AM, and the first thing I do is check any overnight emails. Then, I descend to the kitchen to brew some caffeinated goodness – coffee is essential when you're dealing with numbers all day! Next, I catch up on the day's news to stay on top of market developments, business transactions, and innovative tech trends.
Afterward, I hop in the shower and spend some mental energy planning my day, setting priorities, and pondering my crucial actions. I usually wait till around 7:30 AM to hit the gym, but some days I opt for a more relaxed morning.
Tell us about a morning that didn't go as planned and how you adjusted? A recent hiccup happened when the new administration announced an increase in global tariffs. I swiftly assembled our operations team and soon after, our executive team, to noodle on strategy and scenario plan. We dove deep into the issue, asking tough questions and shaping plans for various possibilities. Our aim was to prepare ourselves for whatever lay ahead.
How do you structure your first few hours after you log in at work? Just like many of us, I spend about 80-90% of my day in meetings. So, I make it a point to log in early to strategize, review my daily schedule, and list any questions I might have.
I'm a big proponent of agendas and pre-reading materials for meetings. If you ever found yourself thinking, "this call could have been an email", you're on the money! My advice is to condense as much of the meeting as possible into an email, so you can use the actual meeting time for more fruitful discussions.
Do you have any favorite quotes or mantras for inspiration and leadership? Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, "The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upwards in the night." I believe hard work, honesty, and focus are the keys to success. And my personal mantra? Never give up!
For effective leadership, be mindful of the ripple effects of your decisions and how they impact behavior. Treat each thought as something you might say, turn words into actions, actions into behaviors, and your behaviors into habits. The habits you cultivate will determine your character and, ultimately, your destiny.
Lastly, adopt a positive, constructive mindset—we are all products of our thoughts. Focus on the positives, and you'll most likely see growth. But if you're constantly fixated on the negatives, you may never reach your potential.
Get to Know Kevin Rhodes Better
I'm a data analytics junkie! I love finding innovative ways to improve business efficiency, drive process improvement, and shape our big-picture strategy through data and predictive analytics.
Recently, I've been taking on new roles outside of my traditional scope, such as playing DJ during company events or serving as a party host. I enjoy connecting with customers and employees alike.
To manage work-induced stress, I exercise regularly, play tennis, and work from home when I can to ensure a better work-life balance.
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[1] Source for more information on Kevin Rhodes
- Despite rising early, Kevin Rhodes, CFO of Extreme Networks, a $1.1B AI-native cloud networking business with 2,700 employees, starts his day by checking overnight emails.
- Kevin Rhodes opts for a cup of coffee to fuel his day, as he deals with numbers all day.
- After his morning ritual, Rhodes keeps himself updated with market trends, business transactions, and tech innovations through the day's news.
- On an unusual morning, Kevin Rhodes adjusted to the global tariff increase by swiftly assembling teams to strategize and plan for various scenarios, aiming to prepare for the future.
- In the first few hours of work, Kevin Rhodes logs in early, strategizes, reviews his daily schedule, and lists questions, emphasizing the importance of efficient meetings.
- As a leader, Kevin Rhodes follows Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's quote, focusing on hard work, honesty, and focus, and advised adopting a positive mindset for effective leadership.
- Kevin Rhodes is known for a data analytics junkie who enjoys connecting with Extreme Networks' employees and customers, and manages work-induced stress by exercising, playing tennis, and working from home.
