Routines + Rituals: Gabrielle Gambrell, Chief Communications Officer For Hachette Book Group
For Gabrielle Gambrell, success begins each morning with gratitude. Before diving into the demands of leading communications for one of the world’s largest publishing houses, the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of Hachette Book Group starts her day by giving thanks to God, centering herself in joy, and speaking affirmations over her children. It’s a ritual that grounds her in what matters most before the meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities of corporate life take hold.
Her career has spanned media, higher education, tech, and now publishing, but Gabrielle’s guiding principles remain the same: protect time for renewal, stay anchored in faith, and remember that titles and accomplishments come second to being a present wife, mother, and friend. Whether it’s quarterly vacations to recharge, brunches with her “besties,” or moments of solitude, she prioritizes balance so she can bring her best self to both her personal life and the boardroom.
Her Agenda spoke with Gabrielle about her daily routines and rituals, offering a glimpse into the daily practices that contribute to her success.
Her Agenda: What does your morning routine look like, and how does it set the tone for your day?
Gabrielle Gambrell: The first thing that I do when I wake up is give thanks to God and take a moment to be grateful – for life, my family, to have another chance to be better and for living my dreams authentically (which took a while to get to this point). It makes a tremendous difference for me when I make gratefulness my first focused thought of the day. These thoughts bring me joy and serve as a positive kickstart. Then, I wake up my children and get them ready for school, speaking life into them with words of affirmation, praying with and for them. Then I quickly pack lunches, snacks, etc. I chat with my husband about our schedules for the day (even though it’s all on our calendars!) before heading out for the office, all while juggling my iPad, laptop, cell phone, and whichever book I’m reading now.
Her Agenda: What’s one non-negotiable habit or ritual that has had the biggest impact on your success?
Gabrielle Gambrell: My nonnegotiable is alone time – where I do something that brings me joy for a set amount of time, such as a spa appointment, or going to the hair or nail salon. I also try my best to schedule time with friends and family, having brunch with my besties (away from family), or intentionally catching up on the phone with family and friends.
It’s important to have downtime, to not think about work every second of the day and be around people who make you feel good and make you smile – success is all about recharging. Rejuvenation allows me to reenergize and show up to work renewed. I take vacation at least once a quarter, which allows me to return home ready for business. I’m always thinking about my next vacation.
Her Agenda: How do you stay focused and productive while balancing multiple responsibilities?
Gabrielle Gambrell: My faith centers and balances me. I stay focused by remembering why I do the things I do, constantly reminding myself who I am and whose I am. I appreciate reminders of what’s important, whether it’s attending my son’s karate tournament or my daughter’s ballet recital or accompanying my husband to a work event where he’s being acknowledged — all these things remind me of what’s important and bring me happiness through one-on-one time with my husband and kids. I am humbly a wife and mother before being a senior executive.
Her Agenda: What’s a challenge you’ve faced in your journey, and how did your routines or mindset help you overcome it?
Gabrielle Gambrell: In the past, I struggled to stay authentic when a company’s values and mission didn’t align with my own personal mission. I work very hard and take a lot of pride in my work, and that’s a reminder to work with people you’re proud of, do work you’re proud of, and work in corporate settings that are empowering, affirming, and not the contrary.
Her Agenda: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that has shaped how you approach your goals?
Gabrielle Gambrell: The best piece of advice I received was to hold on to who I am and whose I am as a child of God — something my late grandmother would always remind me of. She was the most impactful person in my life. Her legacy lives on through me. She was born in 1912, and was immensely successful throughout her life, earning countless degrees and academic accolades.
I was raised by my late godmother, a senior executive who worked very hard. Unfortunately, at the young age of 55, she died from a heart attack after a period of her life when she was enduring immense stress at work. One way that I honor her life and legacy is by remembering that work will continue on with or without you, and the company will move forward. Do your best, it will be enough.
Her Agenda: How do you handle the emotional load of being in a high-impact position while balancing your personal life?
Gabrielle Gambrell: I’m a woman of faith, so another part of my morning routine as I’m getting ready is listening to and worshiping to gospel music. I pray often, and it helps to ground me. I’ve worked in plenty of high-pressure environments in the media industry. Some things that would intimidate others are exciting to me – a sensitive issue or crisis communications incident may unnerve others, but I view them as an opportunity to showcase my strengths and brilliance.
Her Agenda: If you could give one piece of advice to women striving to achieve success on their own terms, what would it be?
Gabrielle Gambrell: One piece of advice I would give is to do the work. Progress is not instantaneous; you might have to put in hours, years, or even decades to get to where you want to be. I’m very honored to be in the position I am today, but this is 20 years in the making. Looking back, I earned some of my earliest leadership positions in childhood like being line leader in elementary school, raising my hand first to volunteer for leadership opportunities in middle school and high school. I was editor in chief for the Pacific Palisades Charter High School’s newspaper, the Tide Line. While there, I also taught the class and was responsible for grading my peers, making some very weighty decisions that impacted their futures. I became a college professor at 22 and have since taught at some of the greatest universities in the world (Go Iona Gaels). I put in the work and took advantage of leadership opportunities that came my way—all of which prepared me for today.
Do you have a daily ritual or routine that helps you thrive? We’re spotlighting the habits that power ambitious women, and we want to hear from you. If you’re interested in being featured in our Routines & Rituals series, fill out this survey.
