Why Beyoncé Is an Essential Part of This Executive Coach and CEO's Mornings

What's the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning? A well-rounded morning routine sets the tone for the day and gets you prepped—both mentally and physically—before you dive into a packed schedule filled with emails, chores, happy hours, workouts, and more. Our series Morning Person profiles those who have mastered the art of the morning routine.

Tune in every week here and on our Instagram to learn exactly how the pros get it all done before the sun comes up, from their go-to breakfasts to their a.m. workouts.

If you don’t know Dr. Akilah Cadet. MPH's name yet, you will soon. As the self-described "Olivia Pope of diversity,” Cadet is on a mission to educate and empower people to be the agents of change in the workplace so that more women and people of color can rise to the top. Her company Change Cadet provides executive coaching and strategic planning, among other services that support anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.

These days, Cadet's work schedule is always in motion, jam-packed with meetings, workshops, and coaching sessions every day. In order to set her day up for success, the CEO and executive coach relies on her morning routine essentials—Beyoncé and walks with her dog, Marley, included.

Keep scrolling to how Cadet gets ready to tackle a productive workday.

5:30 A.M.

Beyoncé wakes me up. Yes, seriously. My alarm clock is the Homecoming version of "Countdown." I was at weekend one of Beychella (Coachella to some) to see her live, and let me tell you, it gets me going!

I immediately check emails and social media, as that is one of the few times of my day where things are quiet and I am not needed. It also allows me to think and reflect on my morning Instagram post and connect with my followers. Even though social media is not my thing, people learning and unlearning are, and starting my day with them is an honor.

6:15 A.M.

Marley takes me for a walk. I love my little guy. Walks with him are my favorite part of the day. He is just so excited about a tree or bush, and it is contagious. He is also the most stylish dog I know. (He gets it from his mama.)

6:30 A.M.

Once Marley is fed, then I make my tea. I never liked coffee. I am just high on life as I like to say. Nothing like a comforting cup of tea to start my day. Anything from black or herbal tea to chai is in my cup. Oh, and that cup celebrates Beyoncé. Breakfast is buttery toast or Eggo waffles.

7 A.M.

Time for physical therapy! I live with chronic pain/illness and invisible disability. My body thinks it is having a heart attack every single day. In addition to pain on my left side, I also have weakness from time to time on that side, too. It’s why I have a salty, buttery breakfast—to keep my blood pressure up for my special heart (cardiologist approved) and one of the reasons why my shirt says "keep being amazing." Not even my heart can stop me.

7:45 A.M.

On a good day, I have 15 minutes to get dressed. Luckily, I keep my routine very simple. I’ve never been a makeup person, and I have great skin (thanks mom), so Fenty Shimmer Skinsticks highlighter, Garnier Anti-Puff Eye Roller, and Glossier Lash Slick mascara help me shine for the day.

8 A.M.

The meetings begin. I work East Coast and West Coast hours, so some days, my meetings start at 7 a.m. I am in anywhere from six to 10 meetings, talks, interviews, workshops, or coaching sessions a day. It’s a lot, but I love it!

9 A.M.

Tea happens throughout the morning for me. It provides me comfort among really heavy work. My mugs also send messages on Zoom, and I love that for everyone.

9:50 A.M.

I make sure I have at least 10 minutes between each meeting to take care of me. Sometimes, I check emails, check social media, but most of the time, I say mantra. I am constantly reconnecting with the purpose of the work that I do to assure each meeting I am excited just like the last.

10:50 A.M.

Still in meetings, but I throw on some Fenty Gloss Bomb lip gloss to keep shining (literally and figuratively). I tell myself throughout the day to keep being amazing and hope that you know you are amazing, too!