Gap's CEO has 3 rules for cutting down on meetings — and asking if he's on the invite list breaks one of them
Business Insider
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mark Breitbard, CEO of Gap’s global brand, has shared his three rules for cutting down on inefficient meetings, emphasizing the importance of questioning default meetings, keeping invite lists tight, and ending discussions on time or early. Since returning to lead Gap in 2020, Breitbard has focused on streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, with meetings often being a key area for improvement. He advocates for critically evaluating recurring meetings that lack a clear purpose and advises against overly large gatherings where participants may not have a defined role.
Breitbard’s second rule centers on maintaining a concise invite list, warning that asking if someone is supposed to be in a meeting signals unnecessary attendance. His third habit involves ending meetings promptly once objectives are met, often wrapping up discussions 24 minutes into a scheduled 30-minute slot. This approach ensures productivity and respect for everyone’s time. Breitbard’s methods align with broader trends among business leaders aiming to reduce excessive meeting schedules.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, the push to minimize meeting time has gained urgency, with executives like Snowflake’s Sridhar Ramaswamy and Instagram’s Adam Mosseri also implementing similar strategies. These leaders prioritize short, purpose-driven meetings and encourage employees to decline unnecessary discussions that could disrupt focus or productivity. By rethinking how meetings are structured and managed, businesses can foster a more results-oriented culture.
This shift in meeting management reflects a growing recognition of the importance of efficiency in modern workspaces. Leaders like Breitbard are setting an example by challenging default practices and advocating for streamlined communication, ultimately helping teams stay focused on achieving their goals without unnecessary distractions. For business readers, these strategies offer valuable insights into optimizing workflows and enhancing productivity within their own organizations.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/20/2026