Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur, leads a meticulously structured day revolving around his email inbox. He receives around 700 emails daily and uses three phones to keep up. “I’d rather get 700 to 1,000 emails than sit in long, boring meetings,” he explained.
Cuban’s preference for email stems from its efficiency and accessibility. “It’s asynchronous. I can write or respond any time, from anywhere in the world.
That makes things much easier,” he said. He also values the ability to search emails from years ago, noting, “I have emails going back to the ’90s.”
For organization, Cuban uses various folders and segregates emails into different accounts. He aims to keep his unread emails under 20, using them as a tickler file for important tasks.
Despite the high volume, Cuban has never hired an assistant to manage his inbox.
Cuban’s efficient email management
“That just slows things down,” he declared.
His commitment to email began in the 1980s when he mandated all his employees to have an email address. Cuban admits finding time away from his inbox challenging, even on vacation. “For a full day or longer, only in extraordinary situations like a special event for a family member,” he said about disconnecting.
Achieving Inbox Zero is a goal Cuban finds unattainable. However, he does get his unread emails under 10 occasionally, which helps him track his to-do list. While open to using AI for typing suggestions, he prefers to add a personal touch to his longer messages.
Cuban’s email habits have not gone unnoticed. His colleagues and business partners often comment on his tendency to respond at all hours, reflecting his belief that handling emails promptly is more efficient than letting them pile up. This slice of Mark Cuban’s life shines a light on how time management and productivity can be uniquely tailored to suit individual preferences and work styles.