AI CEO Calls 38-Hour Workweek Success a ‘Mind-Boggling’ Belief
In a recent episode of the 20VC podcast, Andrew Feldman, CEO of Cerebras, articulated his disbelief in the success of a 38-hour workweek. Cerebras, a prominent $8.1 billion AI chip company, emphasizes the need for intense dedication in entrepreneurship. Feldman stated, “This notion that you can build something extraordinary by working 38 hours a week is mind-boggling.” He argued that while employees can indeed find happiness within a 40-hour workweek, those looking to innovate and create groundbreaking products must commit more time.
Challenging the Work-Life Balance Myth
Feldman is not alone in his sentiments. He joins a cadre of business leaders questioning the validity of work-life balance. Google’s cofounder Sergey Brin and Kevin O’Leary, a notable Shark Tank investor, share similar views. They suggest that true success demands more than just the conventional workweek.
Eric Yuan, CEO of Zoom, has remarked that “work is life, life is work,” dismissing the idea of balance. Additionally, Barack Obama has noted that excelling at any endeavor requires unwavering focus at times. This perspective resonates with LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, who has previously stated that founders must fully dedicate themselves to succeed.
Exploring Work Hours and Productivity
As the debate over the ideal workweek continues, many leaders suggest that a nine-to-five schedule is insufficient for rapid career growth. Twilio’s CEO, Khozema Shipchandler, allocates just a few hours on weekends to disconnect from work. He noted that there needs to be a conscious decision on work-life balance, however, he has yet to meet peers who don’t share similar work habits.
- Serena Williams emphasized the extreme dedication required by entrepreneurs, suggesting they must “show up 28 hours out of 24 daily.”
- Kevin O’Leary advised founders to abandon the notion of balance, indicating a relentless work schedule.
Interestingly, Brin suggested that a 60-hour workweek is a productivity sweet spot, with experts asserting that success often lies in the effort put in beyond standard hours. Dan Kaplan from ZRG Partners affirmed, “If you want to get ahead, you’re not going to get there with 40 hours a week.”
Feldman adds nuance to the discussion, indicating that there isn’t a fixed number of hours that guarantee success. He emphasizes the importance of passion and commitment rather than merely tracking logged hours. “It’s about being consumed by the work and driven to change the world,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
The conversation surrounding work schedules continues to evolve, particularly as leaders prepare for events like the Fortune Global Forum in October 2025. This invitation-only gathering will once again shine a light on how global leaders view business success in an ever-changing landscape.
