What Does a CEO’s Office Really Look Like?

Productive people know one thing for sure — your environment matters. Just take a look at the world’s most successful CEOs. Whether they’re walking into sleek corner offices or setting up shop in non-traditional spaces, one thing is consistent: they take their workspace seriously. After all, many million-dollar deals were made on desks that inspired creativity, collaboration, and confidence.

Let’s take a closer look at how some of the world’s most influential CEOs set up their workspaces — and how you can draw inspiration from them to create your own productive haven.

Craig Newmark: Clean and Clutter-Free

The co-founder of Craigslist prefers a minimalist approach. Much like his website, Craig Newmark’s desk is clear of distractions and unnecessary décor. Everything that doesn't belong on his desk gets removed — fast. The result? A clutter-free environment that helps him stay laser-focused.

Takeaway: Less really can be more. Keep your desk tidy and only surround yourself with tools that serve a purpose.

Arianna Huffington: Open, Comfortable, and Full of Books

Founder of the Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, opts for a warm and welcoming workspace. According to a LinkedIn interview, her office features a clear glass wall and is filled with books — creating an atmosphere of inspiration and transparency.

Takeaway: Surround yourself with items that bring you joy and reflect your passions. Your environment should energize and inspire you.

Kevin Chou: Open Office, Open Communication

Kevin Chou, CEO and co-founder of Kabam, believes in staying connected with his team. He works from the same floor as his employees, embracing the open office concept. Behind him, you'll see standing desks, yoga balls, and ergonomic chairs — all supporting movement and collaboration.

Takeaway: A transparent workspace promotes a culture of openness and teamwork.

Richard Branson: Anywhere That Feels Right

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, challenges the norm. For him, work can happen anywhere — a quiet corner, a cozy lounge, or even outdoors. He believes that some of the best ideas come not from formal meetings but from spontaneous conversations and relaxed environments.

Takeaway: A flexible mindset can lead to breakthrough moments. Don’t feel confined to one space — find where you think best.

Michael Fertik: Standing for Productivity

Reputation.com CEO Michael Fertik is a vocal advocate for standing desks. He’s found that standing encourages spontaneous conversations with team members and improves collaboration. In his own words, "my colleagues are nearly four times as likely to approach me when I’m standing."

Takeaway: Your posture and workspace setup can invite communication and enhance accessibility.

John Abell: Standing and Simplifying

Reuters columnist John Abell also supports the standing desk lifestyle. He has proudly shared photos of his minimalist workstation and believes the open floor plan makes his workday feel more freeing.

Takeaway: An ergonomic, open setup can promote both physical well-being and mental clarity.

Lou Adler: The Virtual Office Advantage

CEO of The Adler Group, Lou Adler embraces a modern approach: the virtual office. His LinkedIn presence reflects a fully digital workflow, eliminating the need for physical clutter or even a physical office.

Takeaway: Remote work, when done right, can offer just as much productivity — sometimes more — than a traditional office.

Bruce Kasanoff: Less is More

Founder of Sense of the Future, Bruce Kasanoff works from a sleek glass-top desk adorned with greenery. For him, simplicity breeds creativity. The plants not only add visual interest but also create a calming workspace.

Takeaway: Your desk should reflect your personality and priorities. Adding a touch of nature can reduce stress and boost focus.

Ilya Pozin: Collaboration is Key

Ciplex founder Ilya Pozin believes in building a collaborative space. His open office allows for free-flowing conversations and teamwork, with ample room for breakout sessions and independent work.

Takeaway: Being around motivated, like-minded people can supercharge productivity. Design your space with both collaboration and solitude in mind.

Mark Zuckerberg: One of the Team

Despite his success, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg doesn’t have a separate office. He works alongside his team in an open, community-like environment, complete with flexible furniture, bean bags, and lounge spaces.

Takeaway: Sometimes the best work happens when you remove barriers. A shared workspace can foster innovation and inclusivity.

Colin Shaw: Sky-High Productivity

Beyond Philosophy CEO Colin Shaw takes unconventional to a whole new level — literally. According to his LinkedIn posts, he often works from airplanes, finding the in-flight environment perfect for deep focus and uninterrupted productivity.

Takeaway: You don’t need to be in an office to be effective. Success is about finding the right conditions that help you thrive.

Final Thoughts

Workspaces are as diverse as the people who use them. Whether you thrive in a minimalistic setup, an open office with natural light, or a standing-desk layout in your living room, the key is to make your environment work for you. These CEOs didn’t follow one formula — they designed workspaces that reflect their unique personalities, preferences, and goals.

So what does your ideal workspace look like? Don’t be afraid to break the mold. Use these insights as inspiration to create a setup that fuels your productivity and supports your success — wherever you are.