This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kristin Patrick, the CMO at Marc Jacobs, about her daily routine in New York City. It’s been edited for length and clarity.
I’ve never really been one to color inside the lines. My career has spanned the fashion, beauty, entertainment, and consumer goods industries.
At PepsiCo, I built a content studio, produced films like “Uncle Drew” with Lionsgate, sparked music connections with artists like Diplo, and developed a World Cup program that combined sports and fashion.
At Gap, I helped launch Project (RED). At Playboy, I expanded into China and shifted the business beyond publishing.
Business Insider’s Power Hours series gives readers an inside look at how powerful leaders in business structure their workday. See more stories from the series here, or reach out to editor Lauryn Haas to share your daily routine.
I started at Marc Jacobs in 2024 in my current role as the chief marketing officer and chief digital officer. I’m part of the team steering a global reboot with digital and storytelling at the center.
Here’s what a day in my life is like.
6:30 a.m. — I start the day by taking in information
I wake up and reach for my phone first — I skim The Information, Rest of World, and Highsnobiety.
I enjoy toggling between hard business intelligence, global tech, financial shifts, and cultural trendspotting. It’s like triangulating where the world is headed.
Then, I always check my horoscope. I’m a Gemini.
7 a.m. — Coffee and music get me going
I always start my day with strong coffee and music instead of breakfast. I make coffee at home. I’m Massachusetts born and bred, and we love our Dunkin’. My favorite is Dunkin’ vanilla flavored.
I believe music sets your tone for the day. Right now, I’m toggling between SZA, Charli XCX, and a little bit of Burna Boy — sometimes I let the Spotify algorithm decide. I’m drawn to whatever feels current and alive.
Before leaving for work, I do some Wim Hof breathing exercises.
8 a.m. — Walking to work
I walk whenever I can. Walking through New York City is a masterclass in spotting culture and style. It’s where I notice trends, from streetwear to the subtle details of how people occupy their morning commute.
If I’m in LA, I walk into my home office and get on Zoom.
9 a.m. — There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ day
One hour, I might be reviewing campaign creative, the next, I’m working through financial models for e-commerce growth, and then discussing CRM segmentation. That mix of art and commerce is what fuels me.
11 a.m. — Combining creativity with business
The part of my role that takes the most focus is balancing creativity with business discipline.
The toughest part is the constant need to anticipate and stay ahead of cultural trends, rather than react to them — but that’s also where the magic is. I get energized by the tension between creativity, data, and timing.
It’s one thing to design a beautiful collection or campaign; another is to ensure it drives EBITDA. Living in both worlds simultaneously requires energy, but it’s where transformation occurs.
1 p.m. — Lunch and check-in with my daughter
Marc Jacobs
For lunch, I grab something fast and close to the office. We’re located in SoHo, so there are some great options to choose from — Balthazar is a regular go-to.
Then I always see how my daughter’s day is going. She’s in college and probably doesn’t love the consistency as much as I do, but for me, it’s a non-negotiable. It keeps me grounded, no matter what’s happening at work.
2:30 p.m. — Productivity focus
I’ll never be a color-coded-calendar executive, so my hack is to embrace it. I run my day in sprints: short, intense bursts of focus, then a reset. It’s chaos with structure, but it works for me.
I also live by the three-line rule with emails: If it takes more than three lines, I’d rather jump on a quick call to keep everything moving.
3 p.m. — A quick sugar hit and a dog walk
Marc Jacobs
The e-commerce team has a gumball machine, and when I need an afternoon pick-me-up, I drop in. I appreciate that they share with me.
I work in a dog-friendly office, and sometimes I babysit my daughter’s dog, Beatrice. Beatrice and I go for quick walk breaks. It really gives me a respite from the day and offers me perspective.
I come back feeling refreshed.
5 p.m. — Finishing the day strongly
One thing I’m consistent about is making sure I end every day with perspective: did I build something, learn something, and laugh at something? If yes, the day was a success.
6 p.m. — Exercise is my meditation
After work, I attend Pilates or spin classes to recenter and reenergize.
Dinner at home is ideal, but in my world, consistency is rare. I often have plans to enjoy eating out with friends or my daughter. My favorite cuisine is Italian. If I’m at home, I’ll throw together a protein-based meal.
When I’m travelling, it’s hard to stay consistent
I’ve traveled extensively throughout my career, and somehow, my biggest roles always seem to be in cities other than the one where I live.
Travel can disrupt routines, but I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability. It doesn’t derail me, it inspires me.
Walking the streets of a new city tells you more about what’s next in fashion and culture than any deck ever will.
10 p.m. — I wind down with a digital scroll
TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest are my top three social media platforms. I need to know what’s going on at all times before I go to sleep.
