Association Lifestyle: A Day in the Life of Trevor S. Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP
, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP
2023-2024 Chair of the TSAE Board of Directors
Executive Director/CEO, American Mensa
IT’S NO SECRET that the life of an association executive can be hectic, no matter what role you hold within the organization. I’m regularly asked how I do it all in my various roles. Whether it’s as Executive Director/CEO of American Mensa and the Mensa Foundation, volunteering as Chair of TSAE and within ASAE, or assisting various associations with strategy development. For me, it’s about finding balance within the chaos and creating structure and patterns that allow me to be successful.
In attempting to outline a typical day in my life, whether at the office or on the road, I find that there isn’t anything typical about any day. Instead, each day is filled with a combination of meetings, emails, and various projects and deadlines I have going on. No matter what each day holds, I approach each day to aid me in staying focused and on task. Here is my daily approach.
6:00-8:00 a.m. – I spend a little time scrolling social media after waking up. I then check email to clean up any spam and bulk messages. I tend to scan legitimate emails to ensure that nothing needs immediate focus before preparing for my day.
8:00-9:00 a.m. – After arriving at the office, I use the first hour of my day to check my schedule. I note any scheduled meetings and what I may need to prepare for those meetings. I address essential emails that I can quickly knock out. I also check our various metrics to see how critical items are performing.
9:00 a.m.-noon – I will have a combination of meetings, various projects that need my attention, and emails that require more investigation and response.
Noon-1:00 p.m. – While I make sure to each lunch, it’s also a time to follow up on various industry publications, blogs, and volunteer commitments. This past year, as TSAE Chair, I’ve spent many of my lunches working on follow-up items for the board and staff.
1:00-4:00 p.m. – I will continue to have a combination of meetings, various projects that need my attention, and emails that require more investigation and response. I recognize that afternoons are more challenging for me to focus on for long periods. I attempt to use that time on meetings and smaller detailed projects.
4:00-5:00 p.m. – As I wind down my day, I reflect on the day’s events. What did I get to, what still needs to be done, what’s coming up, etc.? I use my calendar to begin to prep for the following day. All these things help clear my mind and be ready to hit the ground the next day.
Evenings – While I monitor email and Slack for urgent items, I try to avoid doing work most evenings to have time for myself and my husband to recharge and relax. Sometimes, I have to schedule something in the evening, but I limit these for my well-being.
