Meetings can either be a catalyst for action—or a drain on time and energy. The difference? Structure and mindset. Drawing from the habits of high-performing CEOs, we’ve distilled the best meeting practices into a system any team can adopt. Here’s how you can elevate your meeting culture—starting today.

Let’s explore…

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1. Start with first principles

Inspired by Jensen Huang (NVIDIA)
Ask: “What do we know for sure?” Strip down assumptions before ideating.
Why it works: Uncovers root causes, surfaces facts, and invites fresh thinking.
Use this for: Strategy sessions, campaigns, or when problem-solving complex issues.

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2. Pressure-test ideas

Inspired by Abigail Johnson (Fidelity)
Assign a “devil’s advocate” in meetings. Require every proposal to be backed by data and challenged from another angle.
Why it works: Identifies weak points before you invest in the idea.
Use this for: Launch plans, market expansion, campaign concepts.

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3. Timebox the agenda

Inspired by Tim Cook (Apple)
Cap meetings at 30 minutes. If a topic has no clear owner or decision-point, cut it.
Why it works: Keeps meetings focused, efficient, and leaves space for deep work.
Use this for: Weekly check-ins, tactical syncs, project updates.

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4. Put the customer in the room

Inspired by Lisa Su (AMD)
Frame every topic around a customer insight, need, or problem. Start with a user story or data point.
Why it works: Keeps priorities aligned with real-world needs.
Use this for: Marketing strategy, product positioning, branding.

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5. Lock in a 48-Hour action

Inspired by Sundar Pichai (Google)
At the end of each meeting, agree on one owner, one task, and a due date (within 48h). Schedule a follow-up.
Why it works: Turns discussion into execution.
Use this for: Campaign alignment, creative feedback, internal hand-offs.

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6. Anchor on one metric

Inspired by Safra Catz (Oracle)
Start each meeting with the one number that matters most. Use it to frame decisions and align the team.
Why it works: Provides clarity and creates shared ownership.
Use this for: Performance reviews, growth tracking, goal-setting meetings.

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7. Listen long, decide fast

Inspired by Satya Nadella (Microsoft)
Let others speak first. Summarize what’s been said. Make a clear decision.
Why it works: Fosters trust while keeping momentum.
Use this for: Leadership meetings, feedback discussions, team retrospectives.

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Market Team Meeting Template

Day/Time: Every Monday at 09:00
Duration: 30 minutes max
Attendees: Market team, Sales liaison, Product liaison
Facilitator: Team leader – or rotating (assigned weekly)

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1. Kickoff & focus metric (3 min)

• “This week’s key number:” (e.g. leads generated, ad CTR, campaign signups)

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2. Customer-in-the-room insight (3 min)

• One user insight or story from last week (feedback, case study, quote)

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3. Project check-in (10 min)

• Each project lead shares:
  • Status (1 sentence)
  • Blockers (if any)
  • 48-hour next action + owner

(Moderator notes all 48-hour actions in shared doc)

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4. Campaign review or new idea (10 min)

• Present new campaign or issue
• Assign “devil’s advocate” for feedback
• Pressure-test with data
• Timebox discussion to 7 mins
• Assign 48-hour next step

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5. Decide & close (4 min)

• Recap of decisions made
• Confirm all 48-hour actions + owners
• Quick round: “What’s one thing we’ll do better next week?”

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✅ Meeting Outcome:

• Clear ownership
• Measurable next steps
• One shared number that drives team focus
• A culture of curiosity, accountability, and execution