How Yuka CEO Julie Chapon Reclaims Her Day in New York

Chapon’s approach to leadership is defined by radical prioritization. By politely declining 80% of incoming emails, she maintains focus on the company’s yearly road map rather than succumbing to administrative churn. This discipline extends to her physical environment; she chose an office just 15 minutes away from her Brooklyn home to ensure her commute remains a time for mental clarity rather than a source of stress. Her mornings are reserved for her children, and she avoids checking digital devices until she arrives at her coworking space, where she prioritizes creative work before the day’s inevitable meetings begin.

Her habits reflect a deliberate resistance to American workplace norms, particularly regarding the midday break. While many New York professionals eat at their desks, Chapon insists on a two-hour lunch break at least twice a week. She often spends this time at the gym or sharing a meal with her team, viewing the downtime as essential for personal health and team cohesion. By balancing a rigorous training schedule—including preparation for an upcoming trek around Mont Blanc—with a commitment to being fully present for her two children in the evenings, she has moved away from the grueling, around-the-clock work style she maintained during Yuka’s early years in France.