# Productivity secrets from a global consulting firm leader How to structure your day and maintain work-life balance in a leadership position - **Source:** [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-11 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c2f033dd-dffb-4e41-9903-85ff760d3092 ## Leadership journey in consulting David Hatcher has worked in the consulting industry since the 1990s. After stints at EY and Accenture, he joined Baringa in 2012. Elected managing partner in 2016, he holds CEO-equivalent responsibilities. While his background focused on energy sector, he now prioritizes AI topics. Leads the firm with offices across 16 global cities. ## Morning routine: Movement and discipline Waking at 6am, Hatcher trains with a personal trainer several mornings weekly. Other days, he takes the 6:50am train to central London, reading Financial Times during commute. Squeezes weekly calls with Australian team into tight time windows. Always stops for Pret a Manger cappuccino before office - his non-negotiable morning ritual. ## Office structure and management strategies Spending 80% of his day in meetings, Hatcher handles everything from 30-minute catch-ups to half-day strategy sessions. Topics range from company strategy, branding, risks to employee development. Works from office 13 out of 14 days, valuing spontaneous interactions. Only works remotely one day every two weeks. ## Lunchtime productivity hack Prefers working lunches at his desk with simple meals like sushi or salad. When weather permits, conducts walking meetings in nearby St. James's Park. This serves dual purpose: incorporating movement and clarifying afternoon priorities. Has become his signature productivity strategy on non-rainy London days. ## Energy sector focus and global expansion Baringa's energy market work centers on transition and decarbonization. Rapidly scaling in US, Asia, Europe and Australia markets. Building brand recognition and attracting top talent in new regions remain key priorities. Climate change impacts have been on their agenda for years. ## Leadership philosophy and team focus Hatcher considers self-interest over team welfare as biggest obstacle. Lives by philosophy: 'Look after people around you, good things will follow.' Values office time for organic team interactions. Makes client engagement non-negotiable daily priority, whether with prospects or existing clients. ## Evening rituals for work-life balance Leaves office between 6:30-7pm, watching 'brain-neutral' YouTube videos like physicist Brian Cox's during commute. Attends two work dinners weekly with clients or senior colleagues. Prioritizes family meals or conversations with wife. Strict about 10:30pm bedtime, having learned importance of sleep through past struggles. ## Golden rules for productivity Three principles from Hatcher's routine: 1) Spread movement throughout day (training, walking meetings), 2) Create space for spontaneous interactions, 3) Maintain work-life boundaries (neutral content, sleep discipline). Proves that even leading global consulting firm requires personal discipline and team focus for success. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.businessinsider.com/david-hatcher-baringa-managing-partner-daily-routine-2026-7 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._