Michael Stout's List: Business English

• He usually rises at about 7 a.m. ("My favorite time of the day -- with prospects of new adventures and possibilities") and begins with a decent workout.

  "I exercise for 90 minutes with a personal trainer -- 45 minutes of aerobics and 45 minutes of weights. It's become a daily ritual, and there's no doubt it helps my mind as well as my body," Armani says.

  "If I don't do it in the morning, my energy levels and concentration lower considerably during the day."

  With his fitness levels balanced, it's off to work.

  After zipping through press clippings of interest, he meets with a small group of associates who help him design his collections.
• Armani's working day can differ depending on appointments, and although design takes up the bulk of his time, other duties -- such as a fashion week in Milan -- may also need his attention.

• He tries to spend more time vacationing with friends and family, especially on his luxury boat the Mariu, which he finds so calming that he always returns to work "inspired."

  And when not traveling with family, Armani says he has the luxury of spending time with relatives during his 10-12 hour-work days, as some are employed by the company.
• "I generally stop at the Nobu Bar in Milan most evenings at 7:30 p.m. for a drink," he says.

2 more annotations...