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‘You’re not a hero, you’re a liability’: Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary warns Gen Z founders to stop glorifying hustle culture
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-02 16:55
Core Insights - Gen Z founders are facing a dilemma between maintaining mental health and achieving work-life balance while pursuing success [1] - Kevin O'Leary advises against the glorification of extreme work hours, emphasizing the importance of self-care [2][3] - A shift in perspective among business leaders is noted, with an increasing emphasis on work-life balance [5] Group 1: Work Culture and Expectations - The 996 work schedule, which involves working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week, has been outlawed in China but is being glorified in Silicon Valley [2] - AI startup Rilla is reportedly encouraging candidates to work over 70 hours a week, reflecting a trend of longer work hours [2] Group 2: Health and Productivity - O'Leary highlights that neglecting sleep and health is detrimental to productivity and investor confidence [3][6] - Chronic stress and "toxic productivity" can lead to serious health issues, including anxiety and depression, as noted by Harvard Medical School [6] Group 3: Changing Perspectives Among Leaders - There is a notable shift among business leaders towards promoting a healthier work-life balance, with examples of CEOs taking breaks to recharge [5] - O'Leary's previous advice encouraged extreme work hours, but he now emphasizes the need for balance and self-care for sustainable success [4]