Shishir Mehrotra, CEO of Superhuman, has developed a meticulous productivity system to manage his expanding AI-powered productivity tools empire. Superhuman is a suite of four AI productivity tools, including Grammarly, which recently underwent a corporate rebrand under the Superhuman umbrella. Mehrotra, who juggles multiple responsibilities including board seats at Walmart and Spotify, writing a book on company rituals, and family life, relies on a proven time management framework to stay focused.
The CEO uses a productivity method developed by Intercom cofounder Des Traynor, who is also an investor in Coda and Superhuman Mail. Traynor’s 2019 viral framework argues that emails represent “what others think you should work on,” to-do lists show “what you think you should work on,” and calendars reveal “what you actually work on.” The framework highlights how these three areas are often misaligned, causing people to prioritize others’ demands over their own strategic goals.
Mehrotra has been using Traynor’s four-step time management guide “religiously” for four to five years. The process begins with clearing his inbox, followed by reorganizing his calendar with dedicated time blocks for each task. The third step involves sticking to that schedule, and the final step is reflecting on time spent and making adjustments for the next cycle.
The Superhuman CEO calculates an “alignment score” every week, measuring the overlap between his email, calendar, and to-do list. He tracks what percentage of his time is spent on his to-do list priorities. Mehrotra considers 50% alignment to be a strong week, meaning half his time was spent on his own priorities. He notes that without this framework, that number would drop to around 20%. He considers aiming for 100% “impractical” and “impossible” given the unpredictable nature of executive responsibilities.
Mehrotra describes himself as a “zero inboxer,” receiving hundreds of emails daily and using Superhuman Mail’s “Inbox Zero Streaks” feature to track consecutive weeks of achieving inbox zero. He compares it to maintaining a clean desk, stating he “can’t think straight” with unprocessed messages lingering. This doesn’t mean immediate responses, but rather proper categorization and removal from the inbox.
Key Quotes
Giving yourself a weekly success score doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s been an insane productivity hack for me because it gives visibility into my work AND gives me something to improve upon
Mehrotra wrote this in a LinkedIn post about his time management method, emphasizing the importance of measurable productivity metrics for continuous improvement in managing his AI tools company.
If I spend 50% of my time on things that were on my to-do list, then that’s a pretty good week for me
The Superhuman CEO explains his realistic productivity target, acknowledging that even with AI productivity tools, half of executive time will inevitably be spent on reactive tasks rather than strategic priorities.
It’s like the equivalent of a clean desk. I can’t think straight if I think there are things that might be sitting there that I need to think about
Mehrotra describes his “zero inbox” philosophy, explaining why he uses Superhuman Mail’s features to maintain inbox zero despite receiving hundreds of emails daily while running his AI productivity company.
Our Take
What’s particularly revealing here is the gap between AI productivity promises and reality. Even the CEO of a major AI productivity tools company—someone with access to the best tools and support staff—considers 50% alignment a “good week.” This suggests that AI productivity tools are enhancers, not miracle workers. The consolidation of Grammarly under Superhuman signals a maturation of the AI productivity market, where integrated suites may offer more value than fragmented point solutions. Mehrotra’s transparency about his methods also serves as effective marketing—he’s essentially a living case study for his products. The focus on measurement and iteration reflects a data-driven approach that’s becoming standard in AI-assisted work environments, where quantifying productivity gains is essential for justifying AI tool investments.
Why This Matters
This story is significant for the AI productivity tools industry as it showcases how leaders in the space practice what they preach. Mehrotra’s hands-on use of productivity frameworks demonstrates the real-world application of AI-powered tools like those in the Superhuman suite. The Grammarly rebrand under Superhuman signals consolidation in the AI productivity space, suggesting a trend toward comprehensive AI tool ecosystems rather than standalone applications.
The emphasis on time management and alignment reflects broader concerns about productivity in an era of AI-assisted work. As AI tools proliferate, the challenge isn’t just adopting technology but integrating it effectively into workflows. Mehrotra’s 50% alignment target acknowledges a crucial reality: even with advanced AI tools, executives must balance strategic priorities with reactive demands. This insight is valuable for businesses implementing AI productivity solutions, setting realistic expectations about efficiency gains. The story also highlights how AI tool executives are becoming thought leaders in workplace productivity, influencing how millions of workers structure their days and measure success.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/superhumanceo-productivity-guide-manage-life-2026-1