In a world where work-life balance is often touted as the ultimate goal, Andrew Feldman, the cofounder and CEO of the $8.1 billion AI chip company Cerebras, has a different perspective that challenges the prevailing narrative. On a recent episode of the 20VC podcast, he stated, “This notion that somehow you can achieve greatness, you can build something extraordinary by working 38 hours a week and having work-life balance, that is mind-boggling to me.” His comments highlight a stark contrast between traditional views on working hours and the expectations of visionary leaders.
Across the U.S., many workers are advocating for shorter workweeks and better work-life integration. In contrast, founders and CEOs of multi-billion dollar enterprises, such as Google cofounder Sergey Brin and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary, continue to endorse a relentless ‘grindset’ culture. Feldman asserts that the individuals who will achieve the next ‘unicorn’ startup or redefine industry standards are those who commit to more than the typical workweek.
“You can have a great life. You can do many really good things, and there are lots of paths to happiness,” Feldman elaborates, but emphasizes, “the path to build something new out of nothing, and make it great, isn’t part-time work.” He contends that true innovation requires an all-consuming dedication that often crosses the boundaries of a standard workweek, challenging the notion of balance.
The Myth of Work-Life Balance—and the 60-Hour ‘Sweet Spot’
Several leading executives are dismantling the myth of work-life balance altogether. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan has declared that “there’s no way” to achieve harmony between work and life; instead, he promotes an integrated view where “work is life, life is work.” This sentiment echoes the words of former U.S. President Barack Obama, who pointed out that excellence sometimes demands a singular focus. Moreover, LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman cautioned that aspiring founders must be prepared to sacrifice leisure activities, such as binge-watching Netflix, to succeed.
“If I ever hear a founder talking about, ‘This is how I have a balanced life,’ they’re not committed to winning,” Hoffman remarked during a Stanford University class on entrepreneurship in 2014. He argues that the most exceptional founders are those wholly immersed in their ventures. This sentiment peaks the curiosity of budding entrepreneurs, prompting them to consider where they draw the line between work and relaxation.
While there is a growing conversation around the dangers of extreme work hours—some in Silicon Valley are even rejecting the 100-hour workweek—there remains a consensus that a mere nine-to-five routine won’t propel individuals toward significant career advancements. For instance, Khozema Shipchandler, CEO of $17 billion business Twilio, only allocates eight hours on Saturdays to step away from work-related thoughts. He shared that “every one of us has to make certain work-life choices,” and while pursuing personal interests is essential, he has yet to encounter a peer without a similarly intense schedule.
Renowned tennis champion Serena Williams reinforced this perspective, stating that entrepreneurs need to “show up 28 hours out of 24” each day. Even O’Leary has suggested that founders should strive for “25 hours a day, seven days a week, forever.” Although these sentiments might seem exaggerated, they underline a principle: persistence is crucial in the journey toward entrepreneurial success.
Sergey Brin, not one to shy away from straightforwardness, stated that “60 hours a week is the sweet spot of productivity.” Despite the rigid nature of such a claim, workplace experts agree that it transcends mere hours worked; it’s about commitment and the willingness to go the extra mile. Dan Kaplan, co-head of the CHRO practice at ZRG Partners, pointed out that the real lesson for young professionals is that getting ahead is highly unlikely within a standard 40-hour week. “Part of the danger of the comment [about] the 60-hour workweek is it’s actually not about 60. It’s about working extra until the work is done,” he elaborated.
The overarching theme among leaders in the business world is the importance of dedication over mere hours logged. Feldman states emphatically, “It’s not about logging hours. It’s about being passionate and being consumed by the work.” Creativity, innovation, and the drive to make a significant impact are the cornerstones of true success in today’s competitive landscape.
