Shannon Hennessy, the CEO of Habit Burger, prioritizes a structured daily routine to maintain balance in her personal and professional life. In an interview with Business Insider, Hennessy shared insights into her morning rituals, fitness commitments, and the importance of family time, all of which contribute to her effectiveness as a leader in the fast-food industry.
Joining Habit Burger in March 2022 after serving as Chief Financial Officer for KFC’s Global Division, Hennessy now oversees a brand within the Yum! Brands portfolio, which includes notable names like Taco Bell and KFC. Her immediate focus upon entering the company was to safeguard the core values of Habit Burger, particularly its signature open-flame cooking and commitment to quality, while also enhancing the economic performance of each restaurant.
A Morning Routine Focused on Health and Energy
Hennessy starts her day around 5:30 a.m., often waking just before her alarm. She emphasizes the importance of sleep, treating it as a key performance indicator of her health. To streamline her mornings, she prepares her coffee station the night before, allowing her to enjoy a quiet moment before the day begins.
Her fitness regime is meticulously planned each week, incorporating a mix of workouts, including two classes at Orangetheory and outdoor strength boot camps when possible. Hennessy tracks her recovery and sleep quality using an Oura Ring, adjusting her workouts based on her body’s needs rather than adhering strictly to a set routine. “Exercise, for me, regulates energy so I can show up as my best self,” she explained.
Post-workout, she focuses on nutrition, preparing high-protein breakfasts for her family, often consisting of egg-and-vegetable wraps made in advance. This year, she increased her protein intake goal from 100 grams to 120 grams daily, acknowledging the common deficiencies in many diets.
Engagement at Work and Inspiration from Everywhere
By 8:30 a.m., Hennessy is at the office, fueled by coffee and ready to engage with her team. Her assistant, Katie, plays a crucial role in maintaining the office culture, providing insights that help Hennessy stay connected to the team’s dynamics.
Much of her work involves direct interaction with both employees and customers, gathering feedback and insights to drive improvements. Recently, she has been focused on enhancing restaurant visibility and aesthetics through tailored upgrades rather than a uniform approach across locations.
Lunch is often a quick affair, consisting of a salad with protein or sampling new menu items in the test kitchen. The afternoons are filled with brainstorming sessions that may include filming content for social media or collaborating with the innovation team on seasonal menu items. Hennessy emphasizes the need for continuous inspiration, drawing ideas from various sources, including podcasts and business literature.
“I’m always listening for questions we’re not being asked,” she noted, highlighting her commitment to understanding employee sentiments and improving the workplace environment.
As her workday concludes around 5 p.m., Hennessy transitions to family time, where her husband takes the lead in preparing dinner. She values these evenings, which are dedicated to her teenage children, resisting the urge to engage with work matters during this time.
By 9 p.m., she aims to be in bed, reviewing her sleep trends from the Oura Ring and enjoying some light reading. Sleep is a non-negotiable priority for her, as she recognizes the impact of rest on her performance and patience.
Hennessy’s structured approach to her daily routine underlines a commitment to both personal well-being and professional excellence. By blending her responsibilities as a CEO with her roles as a mother and partner, she exemplifies how careful planning and prioritization can lead to success in both the corporate and personal realms.
