The Calendar Audit That Changed Everything

This morning, I did something I should have done months ago.

I opened my calendar and asked myself a question most leaders avoid: "Am I managing my time, or is my time managing me?"

The answer was uncomfortable. But growth lives in discomfort.

I thought to myself—between the weekly syncs, the alignment check-ins, the status updates—where was the space for actual strategic thinking? Where was the time for the 10,000-foot view that only a founder can provide?

So I made a decision. I canceled 11 standing meetings. Just like that.

I know what you're thinking. "Brent, won't that create gaps? What about accountability?"

Here's what I've learned: True leaders don't fill time. They protect it.

Those meetings? They were a crutch. My team was bringing me problems instead of solutions because I'd created a culture of dependency without realizing it. By always being available, I was teaching them to wait for me instead of stepping into ownership.

If they only knew how much I want them to succeed without me in every room.

So we're restructuring ownership across the organization. Empowering ICs to drive outcomes. Trusting directors to make decisions. Giving people the opportunity to rise—or not.

And me? I'm protecting my mornings for deep work. Strategic planning. The kind of thinking that moves companies from good to exceptional. The work that only the person carrying the vision can do.

Some people might see this as stepping back. I see it as stepping up.

My calendar now has white space. Intentional space. Space for the kind of long-term thinking that will define our next chapter.

Leadership isn't about being in every meeting. It's about creating an environment where meetings can happen without you.

Question for fellow leaders: When was the last time you audited your calendar—not just for efficiency, but for alignment with your highest value work?

Grateful for the journey. Proud of this team's upcoming growth.

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